Chapter 45

Yue Heng looked at the four high-ranking officials in front of him, neither humble nor arrogant, and faced them calmly.

He was now a genuine second-level student, even qualified to serve as a junior instructor at the county academy. There was no need for him to be servile, and his status had risen significantly.

"Which two talismans in the Divine Palace are yours?" Cui Shilang's eyes were sharp as he asked directly.

This question touched on a sensitive point. Yue Heng thought for a moment and probed, "Can the student not answer?"

Cui Shilang was clearly taken aback, somewhat angry, but still tried to control himself: "You can, but your rapid promotion to the second level is probably something you didn't expect. Your experience in cultivating in the Divine Palace and nurturing talismans is certainly not as rich as ours, who have been immersed in it for decades. Don't you want to exchange cultivation insights with us four examiners?"

Su Xunjian and Qi Daren secretly laughed, while at the same time, they were extremely eager, hoping that Yue Heng would be intimidated by Cui Shilang and reveal some secrets.

However, Wen Zhangyuan's attitude had changed. He had thought carefully about the jesting among the examiners about recruiting Yue Heng as a son-in-law. Yue Heng was indeed talented and loyal, though his family was poor, he could still be a good son-in-law.

So if Cui Shilang were to deceive other new students, Wen Zhangyuan would not say anything, but now that it was Yue Heng, he felt a sense of aversion. He decided to risk offending the other three to protect Yue Heng once, and would act at the right time.

Yue Heng was not a fool. His first reaction to everything was to question it. Cui Shilang's words were clearly meant to scare new students who knew nothing. He would not fall for it easily.

The "Life" talisman was a secret he had never told anyone. Second-level Spirit Master Min Xuhuai had once hinted at its rarity and importance, so he was even more reluctant to tell others.

But if he didn't say something today, he might not get through this.

After a moment's thought, Yue Heng went along with it: "The student indeed has many things he doesn't understand. If the four teachers are willing to impart knowledge, the student will be extremely grateful!"

Everyone was speechless again. Cui Shilang, instead of getting angry, laughed. Everyone said Yue Heng was clever and had a unique way of thinking, and he had finally seen the truth.

"Teaching is not impossible, but a doctor must first understand the patient's condition and identify the root cause before prescribing the right medicine. Cultivation is a profound and extensive field, and we must tailor our teaching to each individual."

Cui Shilang's eyes narrowed. His words were grand and righteous, and he believed the other three examiners would support him. Who wouldn't want to advance further?

"Cui Daren, I am not very talented, but in the past twenty years, I have focused on teaching. I have taught four third-level scholars, over twenty second-level students, and countless first-level students. Why don't we keep Yue Heng at the Hong County Academy for a few days so we can teach him thoroughly and help him stabilize his Divine Palace, avoiding unnecessary detours?"

Wen Zhangyuan's sudden words surprised everyone.

Wasn't it agreed to send this troublemaker away quickly? Why was he now gently persuading him to stay? Qi Xianling gave him an unhappy look.

Su Xunjian was also taken aback. Cui Shilang had clearly stated that he would take Yue Heng to Qicheng after the results were announced, which was an order, not a suggestion.

Now, Wen Zhangyuan was suggesting that Yue Heng stay to help stabilize his Divine Palace, which was indirectly defying the order of the Qijun Literary Department.

Cui Shilang, puzzled, suddenly realized something. Looking at Wen Zhangyuan's anxious eyes, he suddenly laughed, "Well, well! With such a skilled doctor here, we ordinary doctors probably won't have the chance to diagnose."

Wen Zhangyuan's face turned red, "Cui Daren, you are too kind..."

Qi Xianling and Su Xunjian also suddenly understood. Wen Zhangyuan's defense of Yue Heng had a hint of "father-in-law helping son-in-law." As fellow literary examiners, they couldn't push Yue Heng too hard. It would be better to stop here and discuss privately later, perhaps offering other benefits in exchange for information.

Cui Shilang waved his hand, "Yue Heng, I have a second matter to discuss with you. After the re-examination, you are now a second-level student. The Hong County Academy is not the best place for you to further your studies. I will take you to the Qicheng County Academy tomorrow. If you have family, they can come with you. The Qijun Literary Department will provide you with accommodation and servants."

Yue Heng respectfully replied, "My parents passed away long ago, and I am alone. I don't need a large house or servants. I know that external temptations can easily corrupt one's literary heart, and the time for studying is precious. Everything I have achieved today has been hard-earned. I only wish for a quiet place to study, and that would be enough."

Look at this diligent and ambitious young man. A single dormitory, a large canteen, and access to the county academy library would be enough to make such a talented youth quietly become a handsome man, without causing trouble for the Qijun Literary Department or making excessive demands. How obedient!

"To understand this at such a young age is already quite remarkable. I was going to use Xunzi's 'Encouragement to Study' to advise you, but it seems we were overthinking it." Cui Shilang was full of surprise, and the other three examiners were very satisfied.

Yue Heng said solemnly, "Xunzi's 'Encouragement to Study' is a significant and profound text. I remember the lines 'Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles; without accumulating small streams, one cannot form a river or sea.' 'A swift horse can leap, but not ten steps; a slow horse can travel ten times, and the key is persistence.' I will certainly adhere to the principles of perseverance and continuous learning. I believe that self-discipline is essential for good character, and only through diligence can one achieve success and set lofty goals. I remind myself of this every day and will never forget it!"

Everyone was solemn. Xunzi's 'Encouragement to Study' is the first text in the 'Child Scholar Canon.' Every new child scholar receives guidance from their teachers after entering the academy, but many still do not fully understand the profound ideas in this text.

However, Yue Heng not only remembered the famous lines but could also combine them with the current environment to offer his unique insights, which was truly remarkable!

"Self-discipline, integrity, diligence, and specialization! Your words deeply resonate with me!"

"If this were to be widely publicized, it might become a timeless phrase. This young man has a bright future..."

"How fortunate and how regretful, that Hong County has such a genius, and I didn't discover him earlier?"

Everyone sighed, and their views of Yue Heng changed dramatically. This once-dusty pearl now shone brightly, how could they not be deeply moved?

Cui Shilang smiled, "The trip to Qicheng is settled. The third matter to discuss is that, according to tradition, after the re-examination, the county government will host a grand celebration banquet tonight. Outstanding scholars, warriors, and craftsmen, as well as representatives from noble families and sects, will attend. As the top child scholar, you must not be absent."

Yue Heng was puzzled. It was just a banquet, why did he need to discuss it? Could it be...

Sure enough, Cui Shilang added, "The banquet will include singing, sword practice, skill exchanges, and poetry and prose evaluations. However, your 'Early Spring' from the spring examination is a 'resonant text,' and only five people in Hong County, including me, know about it. The Literary Department has issued a ban on its dissemination, so you cannot recite it. You need to prepare another piece."

Yue Heng breathed a sigh of relief. He was not afraid of reciting poetry; good articles came to him easily.

"Additionally, 'The Ballad of Mulan' and 'Who Says Women Are Inferior to Men' are not banned by the Literary Department. I suggest that Qi Xianling arrange a musician to assist you, and you should prepare carefully. You will surely shine at the banquet."

"Cui Daren's suggestion is excellent. I also see the benefits. The celebration banquet will be attended by Hong County officials and their families, as well as fellow students, singers, musicians, high-ranking military officials, and representatives from noble families and sects. A war poem and a lingering melody will certainly make everyone look at you differently. Those who benefit may even see you as a valuable person. Moreover, these two pieces will help you connect with everyone, especially women."

"I hear that the candidates call you a 'friend of women'? Yue Gongzi, you will surely have a bright future and enjoy great fortune!"

"Ha ha!"

Yue Heng was blushing, feeling embarrassed. The term "friend of women" made him feel cold. Wasn't that what the comedian who always said, "I miss you, dear audience," was called?

"Yue Heng, as the top child scholar, you should be more cautious with your poetry. If you are not prepared to recite your spring examination poem, I have a recent poem that, while not resonant, is still a good piece. I can give it to you."

Wen Zhangyuan was really anxious. These officials were praising Yue Heng as a "friend of women" and predicting his bright future, and he couldn't afford to offend any of them. He could only protect Yue Heng this way, showing his care for him.

Yue Heng quickly waved his hands, politely declining, "No, no, no, I dare not claim Wen Daren's work as my own..."

Su Xunjian laughed, "Wen Daren, you are at it again. How do you know Yue Heng doesn't have other good poems? This 'father-in-law helping son-in-law' is going too far!"

Wen Zhangyuan was speechless, wanting to argue but unable to. Yue Heng knew they were joking and was not offended.

Everyone laughed, and after a while, everything was arranged. Next, they needed to erase everyone's memory of "Chang Wu."

The Illusory Spirit Array had drained the energy of the Yanshan Stone, but Cui Shilang and Su Xunjian had brought a remedy from the Qijun Literary Department.

They placed a Fuxi Wenpan with secret inscriptions on the control disk at the center of the array. Cui Shilang used the Fuxi Star to communicate with the Literary Department, activating the Fuxi Wenpan. The vast talent energy temporarily replaced the Yanshan Stone, controlling the Illusory Spirit Array again.

"Chang Wu is the most astonishing memory of my life!"

"If I can recover this sealed memory in the future, I will cherish it and savor it!"

Qi Xianling and Wen Zhangyuan sighed deeply, watching as Cui Shilang activated the Illusory Spirit Array, its light piercing the sky and enveloping the entire county academy.

The light of the Fuxi Star illuminated, and the Fuxi Wenpan activated the specific array of the Illusory Spirit Array. The memories of "Chang Wu" were erased from the minds of the 3,000 students and dozens of examiners!

After the event, as the top child scholar, Yue Heng naturally received many compliments and invitations from his fellow students.

At the entrance of the county academy, he received many invitations from candidates, either to attend various poetry gatherings or join clubs, all of which he politely declined.

Qi Xianling was efficient and quickly arranged a beast-soul carriage, with Shi Buzhang leading the way to the most prosperous commercial street in Hong County, to find the most famous musician in Hong County.

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