Who Said a Study Servant Can’t Win the Imperial Exam?

Cui Xian went to the courtyard to wash up.

Cui Xuan and Cui Yu, the siblings, also got up right after him.

As they ate breakfast, the three of them wore identical expressions of satisfaction on their faces-

It was delicious!

After the meal.

Led by Cui Boshan and Cui Zhongyuan, Cui Yu and Cui Xian carried their book chests and headed out to school.

Old Cui still felt uneasy and reminded them, “Remember to give the shuxiu¹ to the Teacher, and be careful on the road.”

“Got it, Grandmother.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The four of them stepped out of the house.

Each father carried a large basket of shuxiu-filled with celery, lotus seeds, red beans, dates, longan, and dried meat.

Even though the Pei Family had specially invited Cui Xian to study and was willing to subsidize his living expenses by Five Taels a month, the shuxiu was still necessary!

The gift must be given; it’s a sign of respect for the Teacher.

The morning sun was just rising, and the air was still slightly cool.

The Cui family left Zhongjing Lane, and after walking east for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they arrived at the entrance of Funiu Alley.

“Here they come!”

“Xian, you finally made it.”

“Hurry up, hurry up, that old geezer Wu Qinglan has moved the school time up by half an hour recently.”

“If you’re late, you’ll get the ruler, it’s just insane!”

Pei Jian, Gao Qi, Zhuang Jin, and Li Heyu, the four older brothers, complained with sour faces.

Usually, they wouldn’t care much about this.

They were too lazy to go to school anyway.

But now, they were determined to study well with Xian!

Upon hearing this, Cui Xian and the others quickened their pace towards the Pei clan school.

Inside the clan school.

The students all wore bitter expressions, looking listless.

Teacher Wu held the Ruler and scolded, “Look at your current state, no spirit at all, how will you pass the imperial examination in the future!”

“Moreover, I have clearly taught you how to compose poetry!”

“But all of you watched ‘Ode to the Goose’ lose to a crooked poem without reacting, yet you dare to complain about Cui Xian showing off.”

“It truly infuriates me!”

Upon hearing the Teacher’s words, the students looked embarrassed.

They couldn’t be blamed; Zhao Yaozu’s ‘Ode to New Bamboo’ did seem quite impressive at first glance!

At this moment.

Someone suddenly shouted, “Cui Xian is here!”

Everyone in the clan school turned around in unison, looking eagerly towards the door.

Finally, he was back.

Recently, the entire clan school, no, all of Nanyang had been fervently discussing him!

Teacher Wu, who had been scowling moments ago, suddenly brightened up, his face breaking into a smile full of wrinkles.

The students in the clan school were dumbfounded.

Oh my, this old stick-in-the-mud can actually smile!

“Cui Xian, good child, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Teacher Wu was so excited that he came over to greet him.

Seeing the shuxiu brought by the Cui family, he couldn’t stop smiling, “So thoughtful, bringing a gift for your Teacher.”

Receiving the student’s shuxiu officially made him their Teacher.

Teacher Wu wasn’t concerned about the shuxiu itself.

What mattered to him was being the opening teacher for a prodigy.

If you don’t believe it, go ask around; for a prodigy like Cui Xian, the great Confucians would definitely be vying to take him as a disciple.

It’s just that the child is still young, so for now, it’s a stroke of luck for Wu Qinglan!

Seeing Teacher Wu’s overly welcoming demeanor, Pei Jian and the others couldn’t help but chuckle. Cui Zhongyuan and Cui Boshan also felt the urge to laugh, but as they were there in the capacity of guardians, they held back with great effort.

Once Wu Qinglan had accepted the shuxiu, Cui Yu and Cui Xian respectfully bowed to the Teacher, thus completing the formalities. Wu Qinglan briefly inquired about Cui Yu’s academic progress and then assigned him to the ‘junior class.’ As for Cui Xian, he was placed in the ‘middle class,’ directly alongside his older peers.

This realization wiped the smiles off Pei Jian and the others’ faces. They recalled the earlier scene where Xian effortlessly mastered and recited lessons perfectly, and their scalps began to tingle at the thought. Meanwhile, the rest of the clan school hadn’t yet grasped the impending arrival of such a formidable prodigy.

Gathered around Cui Xian, everyone eagerly entered the classroom. Faces were lit with excitement, and the gazes directed at Cui Xian were filled with admiration, curiosity, and awe. At eight years old, he was already writing storybooks, composing poetry, and gaining fame throughout Nanyang County Town. He was, in essence, an ancient version of a ‘child star.’

Before Teacher Wu arrived for the lesson, the students enthusiastically engaged with Cui Xian. One said, “Brother Xian, I brought some dried meat. It’s really tasty. Would you like to try it?” Another chimed in, “Brother Xian, that ‘Ode to the Goose’ was truly catchy. I’m genuinely impressed!” Yet another added, “Brother Xian, I’ve also written a poem. Let’s find some time to compare notes.”

Of course, this last suggestion was met with a chorus of playful boos from the others. Surrounded by new classmates, Cui Xian found his desk piled high with various snacks and gifts, momentarily unsure of whom to thank first. The new classmates were so welcoming!

This wasn’t Cui Xian’s first visit to the clan school, but this time felt entirely different. He was no longer a mere study servant; he was a student in the classroom, and the most dazzling one at that!

When Wu Qinglan entered the classroom, this was the scene he witnessed. Far from being upset, he jovially remarked, “It seems our new classmate is quite popular.” The other students burst into laughter. Pei Jian proudly wrapped an arm around his junior brother’s shoulder, grinning widely, “Naturally!”

However, their laughter soon faded. Teacher Wu announced, “Today, we won’t be holding a lesson. With new students joining us, it’s the perfect time to outline the upcoming coursework.”

“First, upon arriving at the clan school each morning, students must fluently recite the previous day’s lessons five times. Then, memorize three new poems. Once memorized, read today’s assigned text thirty times, divided into two sections, before lunch.”

What? The students could hardly believe their ears. Old Wu, if you want to starve us, just say so!

“Second, after lunch, read for an hour. After reading, submit a written piece for the Teacher’s evaluation, to determine its quality for rewards or penalties.”

“Third, every evening, recount two stories of loyalty and diligence, which students must memorize for spontaneous quizzes.”

“Fourth, on the first and fifteenth of each month, review the previous fortnight’s lessons and conduct exams, with rewards and penalties accordingly.”

“Fifth, students who perform exceptionally will receive a reward ticket, exempting them from one penalty. Diligence or laziness in coursework will also be rewarded or penalized.”

“Sixth, students who consistently excel will have their achievements recorded. Upon reaching ten points, they will receive paper and pen as a reward.”

Teacher Wu quickly outlined these new ‘rules.’

Teacher Wu ignored the lamenting crowd below and asked, “Any questions?”

Pei Jian raised his hand indignantly, “Yes, why does everything you say seem to target me?”

Zhuang Jin and the other two felt the same unease.

Wu Qinglan pretended not to hear and did not respond.

Another student cautiously asked, “May I ask, Teacher, which books are included in the recitations?”

This time, Wu Qinglan thought for a moment and replied, “Classics, history, law, and mathematics are all included, with emphasis on The Four Books and Five Classics, historical records, and literary collections.”

“The Four Books, ‘The Classic of Filial Piety,’ ‘Elementary Learning,’ annotated versions of The Five Classics, ‘The Rites of Zhou,’ ‘The Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial,’ The Three Commentaries, ‘Discourses of the States,’ National Policy, ‘The Nature and Principle,’ ‘Selections of Refined Literature,’ ‘Eight Masters’ Essays,’ and ‘The True Essence of Literature,’ among others.”

“‘Imperial Edicts’ and legal codes should also be appropriately explored.”

The student sat down, pale-faced, feeling as though the sky had fallen.

The entire school was filled with the sound of gasping.

Wu Qinglan must be out of his mind!

Only Cui Xian listened to the long list of books with anticipation.

To tackle the imperial examination, one must conquer these texts!

Even in his past life as a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature, he couldn’t claim mastery over so many subjects.

Especially with topics like legal codes and historical records, he needed to reacquaint himself.

Fortunately, Cui Xian was not lacking the courage to start anew!

Faced with protests and wails, Teacher Wu said, “Alright, since no one has any objections, we’ll settle it like this and start implementing it tomorrow.”

The students gritted their teeth, dozens of eyes glaring at him fiercely.

Do we look like we have no objections?

After assigning the coursework, Wu Qinglan called Cui Xian out alone and smiled kindly, “Don’t worry, I know you’ve just begun formal studies and your foundation is still shallow. I’ll give you ten reward tickets first. If you encounter any penalties, use them to offset.”

Pei Jian, secretly eavesdropping on their conversation: ?

This is favoritism, pure and simple!

Old Wu is heartless!

Cui Xian held the ten reward tickets Wu Qinglan handed him, his expression peculiar.

Before he could speak, Teacher Wu whispered again, “Also, perform well this month and try to compose another poem.”

“According to reliable sources, the Lord Magistrate will be visiting our clan school within the next month.”

Well, well!

Turns out ancient times had their own version of ‘political showmanship’!

Upon hearing this, Cui Xian’s eyes lit up.

If his reputation as a Prodigy could receive official endorsement, then his path to the imperial examination would be secure!

Footnote: