Chapter 54: Everyone Has Their Own Hardships

Considering their mood, Master Zhou did not assign them any coursework during the waiting period for the exam results.

Upon hearing this, Bai Yan excitedly approached Wang Xuezhou and the others. "How about I take you all out for a proper stroll?"

Zhao Xing and Qi Xian were reluctant, worried about the expenses.

Zheng Guangyuan and Xia Qianli, however, wanted to go out and have some fun.

With differing opinions, their gazes naturally turned to Wang Xuezhou.

After some thought, he spoke, "Since we have embarked on the imperial examination path, how can we only bury our heads in books? I've heard that in the provincial exams, they test current affairs essays. Suppose the examiners ask us to write an article on improving the local economy based on local conditions, but we are clueless about even the grain and vegetable prices—how could we begin to write?"

Bai Yan slapped his thigh, mimicking the elder Bai’s mannerisms. "Brother Wang is truly wise!"

Zhao Xing and Qi Xian’s expressions grew serious upon hearing this and quickly changed their minds. "We'll go!"

Zheng Guangyuan and Xia Qianli also set aside their playful thoughts.

"Then let's go to the Mountain and Water Pavilion. I've reserved a private room there. We can enjoy tea and listen to storytelling, and at the same time, catch up on the latest news!"

Bai Yan was immensely pleased. Usually, his classmates looked down on him for his rough demeanor, deeming it unrefined and refusing to accompany him.

It was rare to find peers who didn’t disdain him, so he happily called for the steward to prepare the carriage.

Wang Xuezhou summoned Axe, and the group headed straight to the Mountain and Water Pavilion.

Scholars most cherished elegant pursuits, and the Mountain and Water Pavilion’s serene and refined setting attracted many scholars to drink tea and chat.

Just standing at the entrance, one could hear the lively debates of the scholars inside.

Upon entering, the warm and vibrant atmosphere momentarily took everyone aback.

However, thanks to Bai Yan’s prior reservation, they were led upstairs to the second floor by a waiter, sparing them from crowding in the main hall downstairs.

Everyone took their seats, but Axe stood in the corner, refusing to sit. Bai Yan was accustomed to this; Qi Xian and the others made no remarks.

Wang Xuezhou directly took him by the hand and seated him. "If it weren’t for you, we might have been beheaded by now. Sit!"

Axe tugged at his sleeve, unable to refuse, and sat down awkwardly.

Bai Yan expertly ordered pastries and tea, then explained, "Originally, the Mountain and Water Pavilion had mediocre business and wasn’t even ranked in the prefectural city. But two years ago, they somehow found a storyteller who recited tales of mortals, immortals, and demons—so captivating that business suddenly boomed. Now, it’s packed every day."

Zheng Guangyuan and Xia Qianli, initially curious, immediately glanced at Wang Xuezhou and chuckled, "Could that storyteller be from ‘The Distinction Between Immortals and Mortals’?"

Bai Yan’s eyes brightened. "You know it?"

He pondered a moment before realizing, "Bai County isn’t far from Huaiqing Prefecture, so it makes sense you know it. It’s exactly this book! I don’t know why the author is so slow; it’s been three months, and the next chapter hasn’t been released! It’s driving me crazy—I’ve worn out the previous volumes flipping through them, still waiting for the next."

What? There were serialized stories?

The others involuntarily looked at Wang Xuezhou.

Wang Xuezhou received a share from the Crane Residence; even he was unaware of the storytelling venture. "How many volumes of ‘The Distinction Between Immortals and Mortals’ have come out?"

"Three volumes so far, and everyone’s waiting for the fourth!"

"Brother Bai, do you know which bookstore sells this?"

"I’ve bought it, of course I know—Donglin Bookstore."

Wang Xuezhou silently noted the bookstore’s name.

"Do you know why the prefectural exam suddenly included legal questions this time?"

Hearing this topic discussed downstairs, the group’s attention immediately sharpened.

"Just to make things harder, what else? Since it’s not the final exam, I suppose the question setters didn’t know what else to ask."

"Wrong! Completely wrong! Your understanding is shallow. You must know every move from above carries deep meaning."

"Hmph. What deep meaning could that be?"

"You don’t know? The emperor is old and has gradually transferred power to the Crown Prince in recent years. A few months ago, the Crown Prince was appointed to the Court of Judicial Review. He is said to advocate ‘governing the country by law,’ setting an example from the top down. So, the prefectural exam included legal questions."

"Does that mean there will be more such questions in the future?"

"That’s uncertain. The proportion of legal questions might increase..."

Wang Xuezhou twitched the corner of his mouth.

Governing by law?

For those in power, law is but a façade.

The Three Bonds and Five Relationships, the Four Books and Five Classics, and moral ethics can only restrain ordinary people.

This has always been the case in every era.

Yet, for those at the top, rule by law at least maintains an appearance of fairness, justice, and propriety, aiding social stability.

Bai Yan couldn’t help but scratch his head again. "No way! The Four Books and Five Classics are already torment enough. Do we have to memorize laws too?"

Qi Xian, seeing Bai Yan’s expression, couldn’t help but say, "Brother Bai, your family is well-off. If it gets too tough, you could inherit the family business and avoid this hardship."

Bai Yan sighed deeply, "It’s precisely because of my family’s status that my father insists I pursue the imperial exams. At least I want to pass as a licentiate."

A licentiate not only gains exemption from labor and taxes but can also protect the family, making their assets safer.

Qi Xian gave a bitter smile. "Everyone has their own difficulties."

The waiter brought over pastries and tea, and Bai Yan immediately invited everyone to try.

Downstairs, the topic had shifted to recent military movements.

Some said the garrison troops were conducting anti-bandit campaigns, hence the increased activity.

Others claimed it was preparation for border warfare, with troops drilling and training.

All sorts of rumors circulated. The group listened for a while until the storyteller took the stage, and the hall quieted.

Wang Xuezhou listened carefully and realized it was indeed the story from ‘The Distinction Between Immortals and Mortals.’

He hadn’t expected not only the story but also the book to be sold in the prefectural city’s teahouses.

According to Bai Yan, this had been going on for at least a year, yet neither the Crane Residence nor Zhu An had mentioned it to him, nor had he received any share of the profits...

He frowned; collaborations always put him at a disadvantage.

The five days flew by swiftly, and soon it was the day of the results.

Early in the morning, Wang Xuezhou rose to practice the Five Animal Frolics and saw Bai Yan already exercising weightlifting shirtless, his bulging muscles stirring a hint of envy.

Before the others were awake, Elder Bai, unable to wait, hurried over to urge everyone to go see the results.

"Master Zhou, I was so anxious that I didn’t sleep all night. Why don’t we go to a tavern near the Examination Hall to eat while we wait? I’ve already arranged for a strong servant to wait at the Examination Hall’s gate. As soon as there’s news, he’ll notify us immediately."

Elder Bai’s eyes were dark and puffy, clearly sleepless.

"Thank you for your efforts."