Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam? - Chapter 55 - County Magistrate Shocked: This Child Will Surely Achieve Greatness
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- Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam?
- Chapter 55 - County Magistrate Shocked: This Child Will Surely Achieve Greatness
Cui Xian walked home with a cheerful smile on his face. Behind him, the summer sunset painted the sky, and the breeze still carried the lingering heat of the day.
Today, Cui Yu was left behind by the Teacher, and the four clueless brothers were in the same predicament. Thus, Cui Xian was the only one who could leave school early.
In a few days, Cui Xian considered giving his brothers and Cui Yu some extra tutoring. But for now, it wasn’t the right time. He knew when to act and what to do.
Speaking of acting-he wondered if the government official from yesterday had managed to accomplish his task. Cui Xian had a feeling that the man would come looking for him again. One reason was the Mohoulo figurine. The other was, naturally, to seek advice on ‘office survival skills.’
That’s why Cui Xian had deliberately pretended to be ‘lost’ yesterday, so the official would escort him home, leaving a ‘contact method’ behind.
Cui Xian’s intuition was spot on. As he walked home from school, Magistrate Ye, dressed in casual attire, stealthily made his way to Zhongjing Lane, where the Cui Family resided.
It was quite bizarre. A dignified County Magistrate learning political maneuvers from an eight-year-old child. Ye Huaifeng himself found it unbelievable. On one hand, he thought the child’s words were mere coincidence. On the other hand, he suspected the child might truly have some skills. Torn between doubt and belief, Magistrate Ye finally swallowed his pride and came seeking advice once more.
Cui Xian had often wondered how Ye Huaifeng, with no background, no credentials, and no experience, could be parachuted into a leadership position. The truth was, he excelled at ‘taking exams.’ Scoring well in the exams, he became an Imperial Scholar and was assigned to an official position.
Before taking office, Ye Huaifeng was full of ambition. After taking office, he was disheartened. This is the ordeal that every scholar faces when stepping out of the ivory tower into society. But Ye Huaifeng started high, so his ordeal was harsher than others.
Outside the Cui Family’s gate on Zhongjing Lane, Ye Huaifeng paced back and forth, hesitating to knock. What would he say once the door opened? That the child’s methods were impressive and he wanted to learn more? And… was he also coveting the Mohoulo figurine? Just thinking about it was embarrassing.
As Ye Huaifeng hesitated, the door creaked open. Old Cui peeked out, looking curiously at the unfamiliar young man. “Who are you?”
Ye Huaifeng awkwardly replied, “I… I’m looking for… the clever and handsome child from your family.”
He felt even more embarrassed, not even knowing the child’s name and yet boldly visiting!
Old Cui chuckled upon hearing this, “Ah, you’re Xian-Ge’er’s friend. Come in, he’s not back from school yet.”
Oh.
Ye Huaifeng entered the courtyard, feeling a bit awkward. The house was clean, and he could faintly hear the sound of two men reading. It seemed to be a scholarly family, which explained why the child named Xian-Ge’er was so insightful.
Thinking of this, Magistrate Ye suddenly felt confident. He began to act reserved, feeling capable once more. After all, if there was one thing he excelled at, it was reading! Perhaps he could even offer the child some guidance.
Ye Huaifeng, once hailed as a prodigy by the neighboring villages, had a knack for calligraphy, painting, and poetry from a young age. He even published storybooks in his youth to help support his family.
At this moment, Old Cui noticed Ye Huaifeng’s reserved demeanor and thoughtfully handed him a storybook. “This storybook is quite popular lately. If you’re bored, you might enjoy it.”
Ye Huaifeng took a closer look and exclaimed, “Isn’t this ‘The Legend of Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit’!”
He was surprised. “Elder, do you also enjoy reading storybooks?”
Unexpectedly, Old Cui waved her hands with a smile, saying something that left Ye Huaifeng stunned: “No, no, I can’t read. How could I understand storybooks?”
“This storybook was written by my grandson, Xian-Ge’er.”
What? Ye Huaifeng’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t help but raise his voice, “Your grandson, he’s the author of ‘Rainbow Cat’?”
Xian-Ge’er… Cui Xian! The eight-year-old genius prodigy who hasn’t even begun formal studies yet, but narrated ‘Rainbow Cat’!
Oh my goodness! It’s him!
Ye Huaifeng was so fond of ‘Rainbow Cat’ that he was thrilled, feeling like a fan meeting an idol.
He murmured, “No wonder, no wonder he has the Hero Rainbow Cat Mohoulo figurine.”
Mohoulo figurine?
Hearing this, Old Cui became interested. Her family was planning to start a Mohoulo figurine business, and this person seemed quite intrigued, perfect for a ‘customer interest’ survey.
Thus, Old Cui went inside and brought out a basket. “Yes, yes, it’s Mohoulo. Look, it’s like this, one sells for… 50, um, 30 wen. Would you buy it?”
She felt 30 wen was too expensive, so she was quite uncertain as she spoke.
But Magistrate Ye’s eyes lit up upon seeing the basket of Mohoulo figurines.
Lifelike, exquisitely crafted!
The Seven Heroes collection of Mohoulo figurines!
He had been longing for them for days, unable to find them, yet the Cui Family had a whole basket!
And only 30 wen?!
Magistrate Ye rushed over, eyes blazing, “No, no, 30 wen is too little. I say, sell them for 200 wen!”
Old Cui shook her head, thinking who would willingly pay 200 wen for a clay doll.
At this moment, Magistrate Ye suddenly noticed a stack of booklets in the basket.
He instinctively picked one up and was taken aback.
The booklet depicted various iconic scenes from ‘Rainbow Cat,’ drawn with remarkable skill and artistry.
Old Cui chuckled, “This is my grandson Xian-Ge’er drawing for fun.”
Magistrate Ye was captivated, flipping through the pages.
Then, another shock!
Old Cui squinted, “This should be Xian-Ge’er’s calligraphy practice. He just began formal studies, and the Teacher praised his handwriting.”
Is ‘good’ the only word to describe this?
And he just began formal studies, yet produced such spirited writing?
Heavens!
Ye Huaifeng’s hands trembled as he continued to flip through.
Upon seeing the ‘Ode to the Goose’ poem, he looked at Old Cui in disbelief and tentatively asked, “This ‘Ode to the Goose’ wouldn’t also be…”
‘Ode to the Goose’ had caused Zhao Zhi to lose face.
The entire Yamen was silent on the matter, leaving Magistrate Ye completely unaware of the recent buzz surrounding the poem. This also highlighted how thoroughly sidelined he was in his position.
Under Ye Huaifeng’s astonished gaze, Old Cui beamed with pride, “Yes, this poem was written by my grandson too.”
Good heavens!
Ye Huaifeng was so stunned he was speechless.
What was he thinking when he first came in?
Offering to guide Cui Xian in his studies, boasting of his own talents in writing storybooks, painting, calligraphy, and poetry?
But Cui Xian, he’s only eight!
He created “Rainbow Cat” before even beginning formal studies.
How long has it been since “Rainbow Cat” was published?
He’s begun his studies.
And then he crafted such exquisite artwork!
Produced such elegant and lively calligraphy!
Composed such catchy poetry!
What kind of prodigy is this, heavens above!
More importantly,
He understands ‘political maneuvering’!
Yes, now Ye Huaifeng was certain that what Cui Xian taught him yesterday was no coincidence. The boy truly had talent!
To think there exists such a young, yet extraordinary genius in this world!
This child is destined for greatness!
Reflecting on this, Ye Huaifeng felt none of his earlier arrogance or reserve.
After all, when he was eight, he was still playing with mud!
Even now, in his twenties, as a County Magistrate, he was mired in political struggles, barely able to protect himself.
But now, Ye Huaifeng saw a glimmer of hope for breaking free: learning some real wisdom from Cui Xian!
At this moment,
Cui Xian cheerfully pushed open the door and walked in, “Grandmother, Mother, Father, I’m back.”
Ye Huaifeng turned sharply.
Old Cui pointed at Ye Huaifeng, smiling, “Xian-Ge’er, this man says he’s your friend, came to our home looking for you.”
Cui Xian saw Ye Huaifeng and, though not surprised, feigned confusion, “Huh? My friend? I don’t know him.”
Old Cui’s expression changed immediately.
Ye Huaifeng quickly forced a smile, hastily explaining, “I do know him, I do!”
To think, a dignified Magistrate acting so eager, it was quite embarrassing.
Luckily, no one knew his secret identity, hehe!