Chapter 37: Maintaining Relationships

After hearing the prompt, the others felt as frustrated as if they were scratching their heads in vain. The question was so obscure that its intent was entirely incomprehensible.

Master Zhou smiled slightly. "Tell us, how did you approach this topic?"

Zhu An glared at Master Zhou with dissatisfaction before speaking slowly: "The 'Three Hundred Poems' are the chapters of Odes and Eulogies, weaving morality and encompassing all phenomena..."

When he first received the topic, his mind had gone blank. After a brief moment of thought, he had chosen to break the topic by praising the *Three Hundred Poems*. He believed his use of classical references to extol the virtues of the sages was impeccable, and he had written a lengthy, flawless essay. Yet, to his shock, he had failed!

Master Zhou shook his head after listening. "If I were you, I would have broken the topic using the 'Wei Zheng' chapter of the *Analects*: 'The Master said, "The *Three Hundred Poems* can be covered by one phrase: 'Think no evil.'"' I would have answered: 'The sage’s restriction of the *Poems* as a form of instruction is nothing more than to ensure the heart finds its rectitude...'"

"While both approaches revolve around praising the virtues of the sages through the *Three Hundred Poems*, the core of the question lies in the didactic intent of 'encouraging good and punishing evil,' rather than the *Poems* themselves."

Zhu An was suddenly enlightened. He had thought of that specific line in the *Analects* at the time, but it had never occurred to him to use it as an entry point. A look of frustration crossed his face, and he sat in silence. The others were also struck by the realization; if they had been in his shoes, they likely would have done the same.

Seeing the new student deflated, Master Zhou felt a sense of satisfaction. He turned to the others: "Today’s lesson is meant to warn you. Only by building a solid foundation can you achieve mastery and travel further on this path. Examination questions are drawn from the Four Books and Five Classics. The Four Books alone contain about 170,000 characters. How can you expect to identify the source of a question the moment you see it?"

"Only by memorizing the Four Books and Five Classics until you can recite them backward will you understand the origin and profound meaning of a topic the moment you see it, allowing you to approach the essay with composure."

"We will discuss how to break down topics later. For now, you will follow me and diligently build your foundation."

Wang Xuezhu felt his scalp tingle; this was far more difficult than the college entrance exams of his past life. He would need to put in two hundred percent of his effort to carve out a place for himself here.

Master Zhou’s use of Zhu An as an example proved highly effective. For the rest of the day, no one fidgeted in class; everyone was earnest and industrious. Once the master left, the atmosphere in the classroom relaxed instantly, and Zheng Guangyuan and the others glanced toward the back. Zhu An was sitting there with a sour expression, clearly in a foul mood.

Lu Dasheng sniffled and sidled up to Wang Xuezhu. "Choudan, how do you know the new guy? Why is he your 'defeated opponent'?"

His voice was not low, and the entire room went quiet. Wang Xuezhu looked back to see Zhu An staring at him, threatening him with his gaze.

"I don't know him; we've just met," Wang Xuezhu replied, leaving it at that. He felt a bit guilty; the master hadn't mentioned the incident with the matching couplets, and now that it had finally blown over, he didn't want to bring it up again. Furthermore, his brother’s apprenticeship at the Crane Pavilion was secured through Zhu An’s influence, and he didn't want to offend him too deeply.

Hearing that Wang Xuezhu wasn't boasting about the matter, Zhu An’s expression softened slightly.

Lu Dasheng felt hurt upon hearing this. "Choudan, aren't we the best of friends? How could you have secrets with that kid?"

"First of all," Wang Xuezhu retorted, "since when were we the 'best of friends'? And secondly, I’m not close to him."

Zhu An looked at Lu Dasheng with disdain. "Little fatty, why are you acting like a gossiping housewife?"

Lu Dasheng turned to him. "None of your business!"

"You—"

"Alright, alright, don't be angry. We’re all classmates! My name is Zheng Guangyuan, I just turned eight after the New Year. I hope we can all get along." Zheng Guangyuan laughed as he interrupted the argument.

One does not strike a smiling face. Although Zhu An was unhappy, he didn't want to alienate all his classmates on the first day. "As long as you don't provoke me, I generally won't get angry," Zhu An huffed. Although he didn't apologize, his attitude softened significantly.

Wang Xuezhu looked at him with a touch of contempt. "It’s just failing an exam! If you can't do it this time, just try again next time. You’re only ten and already eligible for the prefectural exam—you’re already far ahead of most people. To be upset over such a small matter is just petty."

Zhu An looked at him with some surprise. Although the tone wasn't overtly complimentary, he caught the note of genuine acknowledgment. Recognition from a rival was always gratifying, and his mood suddenly didn't seem so bad.

He feigned seriousness. "I wasn't really aiming my temper at you all today..." Having just failed the exam back home, he had been immediately urged by his father to return to Baishan County. Upon arriving, he received no comfort and was instead forced into this school, made to learn from a scholar he originally looked down upon—it was no wonder he was in a bad mood.

Lu Dasheng sniffed. "You still shouldn't take your bad mood out on others. We aren't your servants."

Once Zhu An had calmed down, he felt ashamed. He lifted his chin, unable to bring himself to apologize directly. "How about this: I’ll play host today. After school, I’ll treat you all to a meal at the Crane Pavilion, how’s that?"

Xia Qianli and Zheng Guangyuan exchanged glances. "There’s no need to be so polite; you didn't really do anything to us..."

"Let’s go! Why wouldn't we?" Lu Dasheng said excitedly. "He’s got money to spare, so let’s take him for everything he’s worth! That’s the Crane Pavilion—one of the best restaurants in the county. My father loves going there, and I hear they even have storytellers!"

Lu Dasheng rarely had the chance to go there, so he wasn't about to give up the opportunity, urging the others to go. At their age, no matter how hard they studied, they still had a desire to play. Encouraged by Lu Dasheng, the others agreed half-heartedly. As soon as school ended, they headed together toward the Crane Pavilion.

Upon arrival, Manager Qiu greeted them personally. Zhu An waved his hand and commanded familiarly, "Give us a private room on the third floor, and bring out all the house specialties. I’m hosting my classmates today."

He had come to a realization. Master Zhou’s scholarship seemed decent, and he might end up studying here for a long time. It wouldn't do to have poor relations with his classmates; they might even be future colleagues! In the officialdom, aside from kin and friends, relationships among former schoolmates were the closest. He needed to maintain these ties. Even at his young age, Zhu An was already thinking about the future. He was confident that he would eventually pass the exams and become an official.

Manager Qiu followed his orders, and the food was soon served. Considering their age, he only provided a pot of tea.

Zhu An raised a cup of tea and said heartily, "I was a bit abrupt today. I offer this tea in place of wine to apologize to you all!" As he spoke, he looked pointedly at Wang Xuezhu. He wasn't sure about the others' talents, but he had a good feeling about this one.

Noticing his gaze, Wang Xuezhu readily raised his cup and drank it down. "Let's let bygones be bygones. From now on, we're brothers!"

Come to think of it, he was the one who had come out on top.