Chapter 74

**Bright and sunny, with birds singing and flowers fragrant.**

Wang Ju said with a grin, "Congratulations on your promotion, Master. Should I prepare a gift for you?"

Zhang Zai’s three-year probationary period was up, to be precise, it was three years and three months, but who cared about those three months? He was then appointed as the Signatory of Weizhou, which was a special post, along with an official position.

This was all thanks to Wang Ju.

The book *Hengqu Dialogues* sold quite well. Not only were the scholars curious, but the book was also a bit cheap, and the abacus mnemonic also attracted a lot of attention. The Zhu family printed three editions, selling over three thousand copies.

This print run was quite remarkable for the time.

The book might have even reached the capital. Zhang Zai was already famous, and this added to his reputation. He was indeed a learned man. Then, looking at Zhang Zai’s political achievements, they were also impressive. Therefore, he was promoted to the rank of Chenghe Doctor, a sixth-grade official.

This meant that Zhang Zai’s salary and benefits doubled.

Zhang Zai was also happy, so he immediately bought a horse.

"Looking for a beating."

Wang Ju, still grinning, was not afraid.

"By the way, I called you here for another reason. Master Cheng deliberately wrote a letter to me, suggesting that you return to Yanzhou Prefecture School to study for a few more months, then take the autumn examination this year."

"Go to Yanzhou Prefecture School?"

"You have studied with me for over two years, and I have nothing more to teach you. Moreover, the autumn examination is approaching, and you need to review and refresh your knowledge, not learn new things. Actually, whether you go to Weizhou Prefecture School with me or Yanzhou Prefecture School, it’s the same."

"Why did Master Cheng have this idea?"

"Master Cheng is seventy-six years old. Although the court values his talents and keeps him in Yanzhou, his time in office is limited. In Yanzhou, he has built roads, fortified the city, and prepared for military affairs, achieving remarkable political results. What he lacks is cultural and educational achievements. Therefore, he wants you to enter Yanzhou Prefecture School, take the examination, and see if you can be named at the Donghua Gate next year. If so, Master Cheng will have no regrets in Yanzhou."

In other prefectures, passing the examination and becoming a Jinshi (advanced scholar) would be a political achievement, but it wouldn’t be that significant.

Yanzhou is different. If Yanzhou produces a Jinshi for the first time, it would be a sensation.

Wang Ju was still very worried: "Master, will Master Cheng try to trip me up in the examination?"

"Nonsense, what kind of person is Master Cheng? Does he bear grudges?"

"What do you think, Master?"

Zhang Zai picked up his teacup, sipped some tea, and looked out the window. Outside, a few sparrows were chirping in the trees, and San Niu and Jin Gui were lying on the ground watching ants, seemingly telling a nonsensical story.

There was no word for "fairy tale" at the time, but Wang Ju often told fairy tales to Er Niu and San Niu, who then told them to his son. Although it was nonsense, it was quite interesting to listen to.

Finally, Zhang Zai said, "Didn’t I tell you? The examination is approaching, and you must review and refresh your knowledge. It’s not about how much you have learned, but whether you can remember what you have learned. Don’t underestimate it. Many candidates can’t think of answers during the exam but remember them immediately after. This is because they are not familiar enough with the material."

This was what was called "reviewing" in later times. But for Zhang Zai to propose it in this era was quite remarkable.

"Therefore, it doesn’t matter where you go. You decide."

In terms of friendship, Zhang Zai supported Wang Ju going to Yanzhou. After all, Wen Yanbo had highly regarded him, and out of affection, Master Cheng was also quite favorable towards him. He could take the opportunity to repay him.

But in terms of personal feelings, Zhang Zai was somewhat reluctant, so he said this in the end.

"How can Master Cheng be sure I can be named at the Donghua Gate?"

"Is there ever a certainty in this world? But if you have a good chance, you should try."

Wang Ju pondered.

The benefits of staying with his teacher were obvious. Was it really necessary to review and refresh his knowledge? He still had things he didn’t understand. Especially in this unfortunate era, texts had no punctuation, and sentences had to be parsed. One extra or missing punctuation mark, a period or a question mark, could completely change the meaning of the concise classical Chinese.

Who would he ask in Yanzhou Prefecture School?

He could ask the old candidates, and there were answers, but would those answers be accurate? Moreover, with Zhang Zai’s support, the chief examiner would likely give him some face.

But Yanzhou was where he had grown up, and there was new paper. If he went to Weizhou, it would be too far, and communication would be less convenient. If Master Cheng hadn’t invited him, Wang Ju would definitely have gone to Weizhou with Zhang Zai. But since Master Cheng had invited him, Wang Ju was somewhat hesitant.

After much thought, Wang Ju finally made up his mind: "If Master Cheng doesn’t make it difficult for me, I will return to Yanzhou."

"Very well. I have a few more things to say. If you become the安抚使 (pacification commissioner) of the Four Border Regions, will you do better than Fan Gong, Wen Gong, Pang Gong, and Han Gong?"

"In what aspect, Master? Civil affairs, military affairs?"

"Military affairs."

Wang Ju understood. It seemed that Zhang Zai, seeing his victory at Wangjiazhai, thought he had a talent for military affairs. After so many years, his teacher was still a hawk.

"Master, I can’t guarantee it, and besides, will the court grant me such a position?"

"If that day comes, you should try your best. The army has suffered repeated defeats, and morale is low. This has led to a lack of ambition and misconduct, forcing the court to continuously increase troops, resulting in severe financial burdens and suffering for the people. This has become the greatest problem of our dynasty."

If he could win a few glorious battles, the Western Xia would be subdued and dare not invade. Then, fewer troops would be needed in Shaanxi, and morale would improve, creating a virtuous cycle.

Wang Ju smiled bitterly in his heart. Teacher, it’s not that simple. Without changing the system, even if the Hehuang region is reclaimed, the Northern Song will still fall.

But this was his teacher’s hope, so Wang Ju nodded and said, "If that day comes, I will do my best."

"Remember what you once told me: the knife does not kill; the person holding the knife does. Even in killing, there is a difference between killing the good and the evil. You have many thoughts, and I don’t object to that. You are ambitious, and I don’t object to that either, but remember one thing: keep your heart upright." Zhang Zai repeated the word "upright."

"Disciple remembers," Wang Ju said, sitting up straight.

"Stay calm during the exam. If you panic, you won’t be able to perform even if you have learned a lot. Calm your mind first, then think carefully before writing your answers."

Zhang Zai was sharing his exam-taking experience. Wang Ju wanted to laugh but had to pretend to listen attentively.

Guo Shi brought in tea and asked, "Sir, has this little guy made up his mind?"

"He is going back to Yanzhou."

Guo Shi extended her slender fingers and tapped Wang Ju’s head: "What’s this? Growing up, your wings are getting hard, and you want to fly?"

Of course, this was a joke.

"Wang Ju, do you remember what I said when you became my disciple?"

"Disciple remembers."

"Ren (benevolence)."

"Yi (righteousness)."

"Li (propriety)."

"Zhi (wisdom)."

"Xin (integrity)."

"Wen (warmth)."

"Liáng (goodness)."

"Gong (respect)."

"Jian (frugality)."

"Rang (yielding)."

"Zhong (loyalty)."

"Xiao (filial piety)."

"Yong (courage)."

"Qian (humility)."

"Lian (integrity)."

"A gentleman is warm and gentle, like jade."

Wang Ju said this and bowed three times respectfully.

...

"San Lang, Wang Ju is returning to Yanzhou and will soon enter the prefecture school," Li Wan Yuan said, patting You Tao’s shoulder.

Yanzhou’s education was backward, so the prefecture school was almost like a remedial class. Some students became bookworms, while others became ruffians. There were nearly two hundred students, but most of the time, less than half attended classes. Some students could study for four or five years, like You Tao and Li Wan Yuan. You Tao had even gotten married, and it seemed he wouldn’t graduate until his wife had a child.

"Really?" A few students nearby asked.

The current Wang Ju was no longer the Wang Ju of two years ago. He was quite famous, and whether he was a worm or a dragon would be revealed in the next year’s three exams. If he passed, it would be the day he transformed from a worm to a dragon. If he didn’t, he would just be a slightly famous scholar.

"Where is he? Take us to him," You Tao said.

Wang Ju was moving.

The Zhu and Li families invited him to stay with them, but Wang Ju declined and bought a two-story house. The house was a bit remote, but the price was cheap, only about two hundred guan. In fact, Wang Ju was not very confident.

He wasn’t worried about the preliminary examination unless Master Cheng really wanted to trip him up. The provincial and palace examinations were more uncertain. Even if he passed, he would have to see if he was in the fourth or fifth class. If so, it would be better to re-take the exam like Zhang Dun. Otherwise, he would end up like Wang Shao, waiting for an official post and getting impatient, and then wandering to Hezhou. Therefore, he needed a place to stay.

The Zhu and Li families thought he had principles and didn’t force him, so they sent many servants to help. The house was quickly cleaned, and his belongings were moved in.

This was not a rented house but truly Wang Ju’s home. Er Niu and San Niu were happily running around on the wooden balcony upstairs, and Wang Ju was making tea for everyone.

Qin Shi suddenly asked, "Wang Ju, you are seventeen this year, right?"

"Yes." Unconsciously, Wang Ju realized he had been in the Song Dynasty for more than four years.

"Fei Er is also of marriageable age. I think it’s time for you to get married."