Ya She

Chapter 40 Yu Wengzhong

Kaifeng University, 1057 AD
The area around the northeast corner of the Zhuque Gate in the inner city of Kaifeng was the most bustling and prosperous place in Tokyo. Because the Cai River flows through it, it forms an elegant river bend.

Caihewan is a very prosperous place, with all kinds of shops and buildings everywhere. What's even more unique is that it also has the Imperial Examination Hall, the Imperial Academy, the Imperial College, the Music Bureau, the Hospital, the Brothel, and the Gambling House. People from all walks of life, from the highest to the lowest, are all crammed into this one area. Its unique scenery makes it the most famous place in the eastward expansion.

Wang Junmin, who had just turned twenty, walked slowly out of the solemn and dignified academy on the south bank of Caihe Bay with his classmate and friend Chu Yushi, and slowly blended into the bustling crowd of Caihe Bay under the moonlight.

Wang Junmin entered the Imperial Academy at the age of seventeen, becoming a student in this highest institution of learning. Of course, if it weren't for the Qingli Reforms launched by Fan Zhongyan twelve years ago, which established the Xiqing Academy, he might still be studying hard somewhere.

The Imperial Academy had dormitories; as long as tuition was paid, food and lodging were provided. Having endured three years of hardship at the academy, this was the first time Wang Junmin had been dragged out to properly stroll through the renowned Caihe Bay. He was immediately overwhelmed by the bustling, throngs of people, like pearls reflected in the water. Among the crowd, he could see many others wearing the same white, round-necked, wide-sleeved robes—the uniform of the Imperial Academy students. Wang Junmin, with his sharp eyes, noticed several students brazenly heading towards brothels in their robes, and couldn't help but feel embarrassed for them, wishing he could exchange his own white robe for theirs.

But he also knew that such was the way of the world, and that poignant tales of talented men and beautiful women still circulated among the common people. Most of those anonymous authors were his classmates.

"Lord Kang, what are you thinking about?" Chu Yushi had already walked several steps when he realized that the person beside him had not followed, so he turned around to call out.

"Oh, Hefu, it's just that the upper dormitory exam is tomorrow, is it really appropriate for us to be out strolling around now?"

Wang Junmin and Chu Yushi were the closest of friends; they were not only from the same hometown but also roommates.

"You've gone crazy from studying. Getting some fresh air will help you perform better tomorrow!" Chu Yushi patted his shoulder with her folding fan, looking completely unconcerned.

Wang Junmin hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't bear to spoil his friend's fun, so he followed.

The Imperial Academy was divided into three dormitories: the Outer Dormitory, the Inner Dormitory, and the Upper Dormitory. New students entered the Outer Dormitory and, after passing monthly private examinations and an annual public examination, were further assessed by the academic officials based on their conduct. Those who passed were promoted to the Inner Dormitory, becoming Inner Dormitory students. Inner Dormitory students took an examination every two years, with the best advancing to the Upper Dormitory. Upper Dormitory students could participate in the annual examinations every two years, requiring excellent grades in various assessments to become top-tier Upper Dormitory students, thus receiving official appointments. If any subject received a mediocre grade, they became middle-tier Upper Dormitory students, exempt from the Ministry of Rites examination. The next lowest grade was lower-tier Upper Dormitory students, exempt from the provincial examination.

It can be said that within the Imperial Academy, the outer dormitories, inner dormitories, and upper dormitories directly divided the students into three classes: superior, middle, and inferior. Moreover, not just anyone could enter the upper dormitories. The students of the upper dormitories were almost at the very top of the Imperial Academy's pyramid. They naturally had the best academic officials and instructors, the best dormitories, and the best study rooms. Within the Imperial Academy, they were always arrogant and disdainful.

The white fine cloth robe worn by students of the Imperial Academy was a long men's gown with a horizontal band at the hem. It was simple in design, appearing no different from the robes worn by ordinary scholars, except for a faint dark piping over the black hem. Everyone in the capital city knew that only students of the Imperial Academy could wear this piping robe, and the subtle color distinguished their rank.

Wang Junmin looked down at the indigo trim on the hem of his shirt. He thought to himself that he had previously worn ultramarine, and now he wore indigo. He hoped that soon he could change it to a dark blue that looked understated but represented the glory of sacrificing oneself for the country.

Lost in thought, Wang Junmin didn't notice the stares from passersby. Both he and his companion were strikingly handsome and tall, and their attire—the official robes of the Imperial Academy representing the inner quarters—made them extremely conspicuous. Most students at the Imperial Academy were sons of officials, or top scholars recommended from various regions. Entering the inner quarters, though not yet the upper quarters, was considered a significant step towards entering the imperial court. Therefore, as they walked down the street, they frequently attracted envious or jealous glances.

Wang Junmin followed Chu Yushi through countless alleys and lanes, and only when she realized that the surroundings had become quiet did she notice that they had arrived in a very secluded alley. However, they were still clearly near Caihewan, because the noisy shouts of "adding a burial and giving birth" could be clearly heard not far away.

This interchange also has many shops, mostly selling antiques and calligraphy and paintings. Because this industry has a strict rule of "not observing things under the lamplight," they all close after nightfall, making it quite lively during the day. But what's the point of coming here when all the shops are closed?
Just as Wang Junmin was about to ask a question, he saw a lantern lit in front of an antique shop. He only had time to see the words "Ya She" on the shop's signboard by the dim light of the lantern before Chu Yushi pulled him through the shop's door.

Before he could even get a good look at the shop's furnishings, Wang Junmin was already catching a whiff of a refreshing fragrance—sweet but not cloying, cleansing and cleansing his soul, instantly lifting his spirits. This antique shop was truly luxurious; although he didn't know what kind of incense it was, it was definitely not cheap.

Wang Junmin subconsciously touched the money pouch at his waist. His father was merely a minor judge in Kaifeng Prefecture, living on a meager salary and having to bribe his way through various circles; supporting his studies at the Imperial Academy was already a struggle. Not to mention, he had three younger brothers who were still growing up, so he had to be frugal. Because he was determined not to buy anything, Wang Junmin was able to calmly appreciate the antiques in the shop, marveling at them as he looked.

The shop is elegantly and pleasantly decorated, with all kinds of antiques displayed just right. There is no mercenary feeling of waiting for a price to be paid. Instead, it feels like entering the hall of a wealthy family. Every antique looks gorgeous, precious, and priceless.

Unlike Wang Junmin, Chu Yushi didn't have the leisure to browse. He immediately rushed to the area where stationery and antiques were displayed and began picking and choosing. Apart from some jade pendants and fans, most of the students at the Imperial Academy liked these everyday stationery items. Moreover, antique shops often had some stationery items used by scholars, and no one knew whether they were genuine or not. However, they could be bought before the exams as a good omen to ensure success in every subject. In Chu Yushi's opinion, this was much more effective than studying before the exams.

"Shopkeeper! Is that white jade brush washer with cloud patterns that Li Bai used, the one I saw this afternoon, still there?" Chu Yushi hurriedly pulled out the silver notes from his pocket. "I've brought enough money this time!"

Wang Junmin was at a loss for words. Although the shop looked quite nice, with its antique charm and the antiques it sold were very old, the idea of ​​a brush washer used by the poet Li Bai was just too outrageous. However, he knew his friend's temperament and that he couldn't persuade him otherwise. In any case, the Chu Yu family was wealthy and didn't care about such a small expense.

Even so, Wang Junmin couldn't develop a liking for the owner of the antique shop. After the owner came out from the inner room, he looked away, no longer paying attention to the bargaining, and casually glanced at the display shelves next to him.

But his gaze was suddenly drawn to a jade figure in the corner. Curious, he walked over and discovered that it was a jade figure no bigger than a thumb.

Jade Weng Zhong is an ornament used to ward off evil spirits. Weng Zhong originally referred to Ruan Weng Zhong, a strongman during the reign of Qin Shi Huang. Legend says he possessed immense strength and extraordinary martial prowess. Qin Shi Huang ordered Ruan Weng Zhong to guard Lintao, where he intimidated the Xiongnu. After Ruan Weng Zhong's death, Qin Shi Huang cast a bronze statue in his honor and placed it outside the Sima Gate of Xianyang Palace. When the Xiongnu came to Xianyang to pay homage, they saw the statue from afar and mistook it for the real Ruan Weng Zhong, daring not to approach.

Later generations cast Weng Zhong figures into bronze or carved stone figures and placed them in front of palaces, temples, and tombs to ward off evil spirits. Gradually, stone figures began to wear jade Weng Zhong figures for warding off evil. Jade Weng Zhong figures, along with the compass pendant and the Gangmao (a type of jade ornament), were very popular in the Han Dynasty and were collectively known as the Three Treasures for Warding Off Evil.

Confucius said, "I do not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits." Wang Junmin did not believe in these things, but he found the white jade Weng Zhong sculpture to be extremely simple and elegant, so he couldn't help but reach out and pick it up to examine it closely.

This jade figure of a young man is carved in the Han Dynasty style using the "Han Eight Cuts" technique, exhibiting a simple yet refined style. A few simple cuts sculpt a youthful face, the jade possessing a lustrous sheen and a captivating, vigorous strength. The perforation on this jade figure is in the shape of a "人" (ren, meaning human) character, running from the top of the head to the abdomen, then splitting into two branches extending from the sides of the waist. A red tasseled cord, also in the shape of a "人," runs from the head down to the sides of the waist and is tied in a knot, allowing the figure to stand upright when hung. This "人" shaped perforation is a clear hallmark of Han Dynasty jade figures.

Wang Junmin caressed the jade statue with great affection. It was probably very old. Although the tassel was brand new, there were several cracks on the body of the jade statue and blood-like stains. It looked like the blood left by the jade statue, giving it an indescribable eeriness.

"Oh my, Lord Kang, what are you looking at?" Chu Yushi, who had already bought the brush washer, came over with a brocade box in his arms. As soon as he saw the jade Weng Zhong in Wang Junmin's hand, he exclaimed loudly.

"What's wrong?" Wang Junmin frowned, his gaze falling on the boss who had followed him. He was shocked by the man's extraordinary demeanor. This man was dressed in ancient Qin and Han dynasty attire, a wide-sleeved, tight-fitting robe with a black straight hem that elegantly draped to his feet, further accentuating his handsome features. He looked like a refined figure straight out of an ancient painting. Such scholarly elegance surpassed even that of a Taichang Doctor in the Imperial Academy, let alone the fact that he hadn't tied his hair up, indicating he was still in his early twenties.

"This jade statue is said to bring bad luck!" Chu Yushi said exaggeratedly. "Do you know Zhang Shizheng? He's the one who's been competing with you for the position of Inner Academy Instructor. A while ago, he didn't believe in bad luck and bought this jade statue. He's been having a string of bad luck ever since, and you even lost the position. In the end, he had to return the jade statue."

The position of Inner Dormitory Instructor is filled by the most outstanding students in the Inner Dormitory, who tutor other Inner Dormitory students when the regular school officials are unavailable. Wang Junmin only enrolled because the Inner Dormitory Instructor would receive a monthly stipend, and he never paid attention to who was competing with him. However, he did remember Zhang Shizheng, since there were only a few truly outstanding students in the Inner Dormitory, all of whom were considered candidates for the Wounded Dormitory. Even if Wang Junmin was oblivious to worldly affairs, he would know who they were.

But that wasn't the point. Ignoring Chu Yushi's advice, Wang Junmin waved his hand at the silent shopkeeper and asked, "How much for this jade Weng Zhong?"

The shop owner smiled faintly and said, "Your friends all say that this jade statue will bring bad luck, why do you still want to buy it?"

"Is it really going to bring bad luck?" Wang Junmin frowned. He originally thought that since the shop owner could exaggerate the origin of an ordinary-looking brush washer as if it had been used by the poet Li Bai, he would be eager to sell the jade figure and make up all sorts of bizarre stories about its origin.

The shopkeeper didn't answer his question directly, but slowly said, "Jade is originally stone, formed by gathering the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and then carefully carved into ornaments by craftsmen. Jade artifacts that have protected their owners from disasters often have cracks or even break because their spiritual energy is exhausted. Jade has a spirit, but conversely, it also has evil nature. Broken jade can easily attract bad things."

He didn't say that the jade statue would bring bad luck, but every word he wrote hinted at it.

Wang Junmin looked down at the jade Weng Zhong in his hand. He knew that the cracks on the Weng Zhong were not natural stone patterns on the jade itself, but real cracks, and even the coloring had penetrated very deeply.

But what if you really like something? The connection between jade and its owner is also a matter of fate. In this shop filled with valuable antiques, his gaze swept across the room and he immediately fell in love with it. He just wanted to possess it, as if it was destined to be his.

"How much does this jade Weng Zhong cost?" Wang Junmin began to ponder how much money he could use. After becoming the Inner Academy Instructor, he received a subsidy.

The shopkeeper smiled slightly and casually said, "Since you want it, take it. Just treat it well, and if you really get tired of it, don't throw it away."

Wang Junmin thanked him happily and immediately hung the jade pendant on his waist, feeling that coming out tonight was definitely the right decision.

After leaving the Silent House, Chu Yushi couldn't help but complain a few times, saying that the Jade Wengzhong was very strange and that he should be careful.

But Wang Junmin didn't care at all. If you like something, you should like everything about it.

Whether it's an advantage or a disadvantage.

The next day, Wang Junmin felt good about the exam in the upper dormitory. After handing in his paper, he knew he was sure to get into the upper dormitory. On the other hand, Chu Yushi was slumped over the table, sighing and clearly lacking confidence.

Wang Junmin pondered his life plan. He entered the Imperial Academy's upper dormitory this year, and he would definitely not be able to graduate in one year, meaning he would miss this year's imperial examination. Fortunately, the examinations were held every two years, so he could wait for the next one two years later.

As Wang Junmin was tidying up his writing implements on his desk, he sensed someone stop in front of him. Looking up, he saw Zhang Shizheng. The latter was staring at Wang Junmin's waist with an uncertain expression, clearly recognizing the jade figurine as well.

Although the two were competitors, they had never spoken. Wang Junmin didn't know how to greet him, and Zhang Shizheng didn't linger either, giving him a deep look before turning and leaving.

"Kanghou, are you alright? Did you do well on the exam today?" Chu Yushi walked over and asked with concern. After seeing that her friend's expression was normal, she was relieved and said, "It's good that nothing unexpected happened. Sigh, why did you have to be so foolish as to take a fancy to this jade statue?"

"How did you answer?" Wang Junmin knew that his friend loved to ramble on, and if he didn't change the subject, he probably wouldn't stop talking for a quarter of an hour.

"Who knows?" Chu Yushi sighed, tapping her palm with her folding fan, and said dejectedly, "Forget it, if I can't get into the upper dormitory, I'll go home and study medicine. You know, I love reading medical books the most..."

Wang Junmin patted him on the shoulder, also feeling helpless; everyone truly has their own destiny.

Not long after, the list of students promoted from the inner dormitory to the upper dormitory was posted. Wang Junmin was indeed admitted as an upper dormitory student, but Chu Yushi's name did not appear on the list. Wang Junmin also noticed that Zhang Shizheng's name was right next to his, indicating that the academic officials had similar opinions of the two of them.

Moving into the upper dormitory was a step closer to his plan, and Wang Junmin was naturally delighted. However, parting ways with his friend Chu Yushi dampened his joy somewhat. Chu Yushi, on the other hand, didn't seem to care, saying that his family wanted him to continue studying at the Imperial Academy, and his dream of studying medicine was once again postponed.

Each student in the upper dormitory had their own private room. With fewer distractions, Wang Junmin, now wearing a dark blue embroidered robe, studied even harder and was showing signs of becoming the top student in his cohort. However, he rarely socialized with other students in the upper dormitory, and his reputation was not as good as Zhang Shizheng's.

Wang Junmin didn't care. In his spare time, he would at most go out for tea with Chu Yushi, or go home to visit his parents and younger brothers. He didn't even compete with Zhang Shizheng for the position of the upper academy instructor. He was completely immersed in the classics and historical texts, almost forgetting himself. In the blink of an eye, more than a year had passed, and the biennial upper academy evaluation was approaching.

It's important to understand that the examiners who graded the papers in the Imperial Academy were all high-ranking officials in the court. Performing well on the papers and leaving a good impression on them would be a tremendous advantage when taking the upcoming imperial examinations. There was an unspoken understanding among the students of the Imperial Academy that the Imperial Academy's examinations held before the main imperial examinations were essentially mini-examinations; those who achieved a ranking in these examinations, as long as they didn't exploit the system, were guaranteed a place on the official list in the main imperial examinations.

Wang Junmin worked even harder, studying diligently in his study room every night until the very end.

That night, after finishing an article, he rubbed his dry eyes and habitually stroked the jade statue he was about to see with his aching right hand.

This had become an unconscious action for him. Ever since he bought the jade figurine, it had never left his side. Whenever his fingers touched the smooth, lustrous texture of the jade, his restless and tired mood would immediately calm down. It was as if, no matter how late he studied, there was always someone with him.

Wang Junmin closed his eyes and traced the engravings on the jade ornament with his fingertips. How could such a fine jade ornament be falsely accused of bringing bad luck to its owner? In fact, since he started wearing the jade ornament, he had successfully entered the upper academy, and his father's official position, while not exactly high, was enough to support the family. His life could be considered smooth sailing.

Lost in thought, Wang Junmin, who hadn't had a proper rest for several days, fell asleep until a sharp pain suddenly shot through his right arm.

"Ah! Cough cough!" Wang Junmin woke up with a start, only to find himself in a sea of ​​fire. The pain that had just jolted him awake was from the flames licking at his right sleeve. He frantically patted his body, rolling on the ground to extinguish the flames. The pain in his right arm and the intense heat, as if he were in hell's lava, brought him back to reality, making him realize this was not a dream. He tried to shout, but the thick smoke choked him, and he soon felt like he was suffocating.

How could this happen? He only took a short nap, how could he wake up to be burned alive?
Is he still dreaming?

As his consciousness gradually faded, Wang Junmin vaguely sensed someone desperately trying to pull him out of the house, but the person's strength was too weak, and he was truly moving like a snail.

Who could it be? Could it be a classmate from the study? But he remembered that he was the only one who stayed up late studying in the study.

Wang Junmin felt weak and powerless, like a burden. He opened his mouth to tell the other person to leave him alone, but before he could utter a word, he was plunged into darkness.

"Oh dear, Marquis Kang, you should take it easy. The registrar of the Imperial Academy isn't going to hold you responsible anymore. Just focus on recovering from your injury." Chu Yushi looked at Wang Junmin, who was resting in bed, with lingering fear. Such a huge fire, and his friend had only injured his right arm. He had truly escaped death.

However, seeing his lifeless expression, Chu Yushi sighed and comforted him, "Your right arm was burned. Although it didn't damage any bones or tendons, you can't participate in the upper-class assessment and next month's imperial examination. Don't worry about it. You're still young. You'll have another chance in two years!"

"It's all my fault." Wang Junmin closed his eyes, his voice hoarse from inhaling so much smoke. He didn't really care about missing the exam; once someone has struggled on the brink of death, they naturally become less concerned about other things. Although the registrar who had just visited him jokingly said that they could finally take this opportunity to rebuild the dormitory, Wang Junmin was still filled with remorse for almost causing a disaster. He subconsciously clutched the jade statue placed beside his pillow.

Knowing him well, Chu Yushi's eyes darted around, and he said in a serious voice, "Actually, Lord Kang, I always feel that something is strange about this matter. You were the only one in the study at the time. If the fire was caused by the oil lamp on your desk, how could you have only injured your right arm? It would have been charred long ago."

"Am I alone?" Wang Junmin was taken aback and quickly asked, "I remember someone rescued me. What happened to that person?"

"Ah? You mean Zhang Shizheng? He's fine. I heard he found you at the school gate when he rushed in; you just had some singed hair and a bit of your robe." Chu Yushi's words were full of suspicion. "Lord Kang, don't blame me for being suspicious, but there's only one spot for the top-tier student, and only you have the talent to compete with Zhang Shizheng. Could it be that he sabotaged you? To make you injured and unable to participate in the assessment, or at least to shock and disturb your peace of mind. Later, seeing the fire was serious, he rushed in to save you? Otherwise, how could he just happen to be there in the middle of the night?"

"At the door? Not next to the table?" Wang Junmin was stunned for a moment before realizing that his friend was enthusiastically discussing conspiracy theories. He couldn't help but gently scold him, "Hefu, don't talk nonsense. This time, we owe a lot to Brother Zhang. I will go and thank him after I recover."

Chu Yushi chuckled awkwardly, his gaze falling on Wang Junmin's left hand. He exclaimed in surprise, "I know! It must be this jade Weng Zhong that's causing you so much bad luck! You'd better throw it away!"

Wang Junmin's left hand trembled, then he smiled awkwardly and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? I'm tired. You should go study too. The inner dormitory exam is in the next few days."

After seeing Chu Yushi off, Wang Junmin did not rest, but instead looked down at the jade Weng Zhong in his hand.

Perhaps it was the distance from where he rolled on the ground in the sea of ​​fire, or perhaps it was because he couldn't withstand the high temperature from being so close to the flames, but the cracks on the jade statue increased. Those stains, so similar to fresh blood, made the jade statue look even more wretched.

He truly loved this jade figure; he could even remember how many cracks it originally had and where they were, with his eyes closed. His fingertips traced the scarred jade figure before Wang Junmin fastened it back to his belt.

In the annual dormitory evaluation, Zhang Shizheng received a top rating.

Wang Junmin had always wanted to thank Zhang Shizheng in person for saving his life, but he was afraid it would affect his studies, so he waited until after the imperial examination was over before bringing a gift to Zhang's residence to pay his respects.

In fact, Zhang Shizheng's dormitory was right across from his, but this was the first time Wang Junmin had ever knocked on the door.

When Zhang Shizheng opened the door, Wang Junmin saw him packing his things. It didn't seem like he was going home for a temporary stay; instead, he was putting stacks of books from the bookshelf into boxes.

"You're... moving out?" Wang Junmin asked subconsciously, then recalled Zhang Shizheng's handwriting and smiled, "Congratulations, Brother Buyi! You're sure to pass the imperial examination with flying colors this time!" Packing so carefully meant either he had failed the exam and was no longer going to the Imperial Academy, or he had done so well that he wouldn't need to study anymore. Although Wang Junmin wasn't good with words, he naturally didn't think Zhang Shizheng had done poorly on the exam.

"What a joke! How could a top student like me do poorly on the exam?" Wang Junmin's face fell at the thought that he couldn't even attend the exam, but he still mustered his spirits and sincerely thanked him: "I am so grateful for Brother Buyi's help that day. I was afraid of troubling you too much the past few days, so I came to express my gratitude today." He then handed over the gift.

Zhang Shizheng naturally declined, saying politely, "Saving people is my duty. Even if it were someone else inside, I would still save them. There's no need for you to do that, Lord Kang. Besides, when I found you, you were already at the door. It was just a small favor for me."

"At the entrance?" Wang Junmin was stunned. Chu Yushi had mentioned this to him before, but he thought his friend had misremembered and hadn't paid much attention. But now that the person involved had brought it up again, Wang Junmin had no choice but to believe it.

Was that person hallucinating in the fire? The registrar hadn't mentioned any other injured people; in such a blaze, if anyone else had tried to rescue him, they would surely have been burned as well. Wang Junmin suppressed his doubts and insisted that Zhang Shizheng accept the gifts. Actually, they were all scholars, and what they gave wasn't gold or silver, but several rare books that Wang Junmin had specially acquired. They weren't particularly valuable, but they were priceless.

Unable to refuse, Zhang Shizheng reluctantly accepted. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the jade statue on Wang Junmin's waist and sighed casually, "Lord Kang, don't think I'm being nosy, but I wore this jade statue for a while out of superstition, and it really brought me a lot of bad luck. Once, I was almost hit by a startled carriage on the street. If the carriage hadn't been tripped by a stone and fallen to the ground first, I might have had my neck broken by that mad horse."

As Zhang Shizheng spoke, he was still shaken and clearly terrified: "Although you have barely escaped with your life, you have ultimately missed this imperial examination. In the past, there was one examination every year during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and one every two years during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. In the future, it may even be one every three years or even longer."

Wang Junmin pursed his lips, unsure of what to say. Just then, other classmates came to visit. Zhang Shizheng was the most popular student at the Imperial Academy, and Wang Junmin felt he couldn't fit into their circle, so he simply took his leave.

After seeing Chu Yushi off, Wang Junmin did not rest, but instead looked down at the jade Weng Zhong in his hand.

Perhaps because he rolled on the ground in the sea of ​​fire, or perhaps because he was close to the unbearable high temperature of the flames, the cracks on the jade statue increased, and the blood-like stains made the jade statue look even more wretched.

He truly loved this jade figure; he could even remember how many cracks it originally had and where they were, with his eyes closed. His fingertips traced the scarred jade figure, but Wang Junmin still fastened it back onto his belt.

In the annual dormitory evaluation, Zhang Shizheng received a top-notch rating.

Wang Junmin had always wanted to thank Zhang Shizheng in person for saving the people, but he was afraid it would affect his studies, so he waited until after the imperial examinations were over before bringing gifts to Zhang's residence for a visit.

In fact, Zhang Shizheng's dormitory was right across from his, but this was the first time Wang Junmin had ever knocked on the door.

When Zhang Shizheng opened the door, Wang Junmin saw him packing his things. It didn't seem like he was going home for a temporary stay; instead, he was putting stacks of books from the bookshelf into boxes.

"You're... moving out?" Wang Junmin asked instinctively, then, recalling Zhang Shizheng's handwriting, he smiled and said, "Congratulations, Brother Buyi! You're sure to pass the imperial examination with flying colors!" Packing so carefully meant either he had failed the exam, or he wouldn't be going to the Imperial Academy anymore, or he had done exceptionally well and wouldn't need to study there anymore. Although Wang Junmin wasn't good with words, he naturally didn't think Zhang Shizheng had done poorly on the exam.

"What a joke! How could a top student like me do poorly on the exam?" Wang Junmin's face fell at the thought that he couldn't even attend the exam, but he still mustered his spirits and sincerely thanked him: "I am so grateful for Brother Buyi's help that day. I was afraid of troubling you too much the past few days, so I came to express my gratitude today." He then handed over the gift.

Zhang Shizheng naturally declined, saying politely, "Saving people is my duty. Even if it were someone else inside, I would still save them. There's no need for you to do that, Lord Kang. Besides, when I found you, you were already at the door. I was just raising my hand."

"At the entrance?" Wang Junmin was stunned. Chu Yushi had mentioned this to him before, but he thought his friend had misremembered and hadn't paid much attention. But now that the person involved had brought it up again, Wang Junmin had no choice but to believe it.

Could that person have been hallucinating in the fire? The registrar didn't mention any other injured people. In such a blaze, if someone else had tried to rescue him, they would surely have been burned as well.

Wang Junmin suppressed his doubts and insisted that Zhang Shizheng accept the gifts. In fact, they were all scholars, and what they gave was not gold or silver, but several rare books that Wang Junmin had specially acquired. They were not particularly valuable, but they were things that money could not buy.

Zhang Shizheng declined but was reluctant to accept, so he had no choice but to accept it. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the jade Weng Zhong on Wang Junmin's waist and said casually, "Lord Kang, don't think I'm being nosy, but I wore this jade Weng Zhong for a while out of superstition, and it really brought me a lot of bad luck. Once, I was almost hit by a startled carriage on the street. If the horse hadn't tripped over a stone and fallen to the ground first, I might have had my neck broken by that mad horse."

As Zhang Shizheng spoke, he was still in shock and clearly terrified: "Although you have been lucky enough to escape with your life, you have ultimately failed this imperial examination. In the past, there was one examination every year during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and one every two years during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. In the future, it may even be one every three years or longer."

Wang Junmin pursed his lips, unsure of what to say. Just then, other classmates came to visit. Zhang Shizheng was the most popular student at the Imperial Academy, but Wang Junmin felt he couldn't fit into their circle, so he simply took his leave.

Back in his room, Wang Junmin touched the jade pendant at his waist. As his fingers touched the scars on it, Zhang Shizheng's words flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a little depressed.

With the jade statue so badly damaged, it's probably not suitable to wear it every day.

With a final, tender touch, Wang Junmin placed the jade figure into a lacquer box beside him, completely unaware that the once lustrous jade figure had instantly lost its luster…

When the results of the subsequent imperial examination were announced, Zhang Shizheng passed with top honors, but he did not become the top scholar (状元). His senior, Liu Hui, took first place.

This 27-year-old senior student was a legend in the Imperial Academy. His writing was ornate and full of allusions, making him a popular figure and a renowned scholar in the capital several years ago. However, Ouyang Xiu, the examiner in charge of the previous imperial examination, deeply abhorred this frivolous style and advocated for a simple and unpretentious writing style. It is said that during that examination, Ouyang Xiu reviewed the papers, which were naturally anonymous, but he immediately recognized Liu Hui's writing style and criticized it from beginning to end with his vermilion pen. Liu Hui, who failed the examination, resolutely resigned from the Imperial Academy, returned to his hometown to study diligently, and experienced the hardships of ordinary people. His writing became increasingly sincere and simple, and finally, this year, he was highly praised by the imperial examiner Ouyang Xiu and won first place.

Wang Junmin obtained a copy of the top scholar's essay from someone else, studied it repeatedly, and even he felt ashamed of his own inferiority.

Chu Yushi's performance in the imperial examinations wasn't ideal, so he withdrew from the Imperial Academy and went home to study medicine. Everyone thought he was foolish, but Wang Junmin secretly envied him.

Finding something you're interested in and sticking to it is, in a way, quite remarkable.

Wang Junmin focused intently on his studies, becoming even more diligent. However, this time he didn't just memorize; instead, he visited as many places as possible in addition to reviewing his texts. The Xunzi's *Treatise on the Effects of Confucianism* states: "Hearing something but not seeing it, though one is learned, will inevitably lead to error; seeing something but not knowing it, though one is knowledgeable, will inevitably lead to delusion; knowing something but not practicing it, though one is honest, will only lead to poverty." He gradually came to understand the words in the book through his own actions, not merely by interpreting them literally.

Two years passed in the blink of an eye. This time, Wang Junmin was the only student to be rated as the top student in the upper dormitory. Then, the imperial examination of the sixth year of Jiayou (1891) arrived amidst everyone's anticipation.

At twenty-five, Wang Junmin was considered quite old at the Imperial Academy. If he failed the imperial examination this year, he would have to drop out and become a minor clerk, or remain as a lowly academic official or registrar, receiving a meager salary. His younger brothers were growing up, and their expenses were increasing; he couldn't afford to add to their burden. Besides, he had been using his studies as an excuse not to marry, likely because his family couldn't afford the bride price.

While packing up his exam supplies, Wang Junmin opened the lacquer box and saw the jade Weng Zhong that he hadn't seen for a long time. After playing with it in his hand for a while, he finally took it out and put it back into the stationery lacquer box.

As Wang Junmin had predicted, the imperial examination went smoothly. When he finished the exam, he knew that he should be on the list of successful candidates. As for his ranking, that was really up to fate.

After sleeping soundly for two days in his dormitory, Wang Junmin went out to go home before the list of successful candidates for the palace examination was announced. However, as he left, he suddenly felt that everyone who passed by him was subtly pointing and whispering about him. He had always been a loner and naturally didn't care about others' opinions. But almost every student he encountered in the Imperial Academy looked at him with strange eyes, and he couldn't help but slow his pace with suspicion. Gradually, the whispers reached his ears.

"Rumor has it that Wang Junmin is the top scorer in his undergraduate program!"

"Perhaps, Wang Kanghou is the top student in the Imperial Academy's upper dormitory!"

"That doesn't make sense... The list of successful candidates hasn't even been released yet, and these rumors are already spreading everywhere. I think there are probably people who don't want him to pass the exam."

"That's true. If the examiner wants to avoid suspicion, he might think that Senior Wang is deliberately trying to create hype for himself, and he might actually reject him!"

"That's right! The examiner for this year's Xin Chou imperial examination is Lord Wang Anshi, who despises those who seek fame and fortune. Someone is going to be in big trouble this time!"

Hearing those words of envy, disgust, or sarcasm, Wang Junmin felt as if he had been punched in the back of the head. His mind went blank, and he almost lost the strength to stand up.

He gritted his teeth to avoid embarrassing himself in front of others, and reluctantly turned around and walked back to his room step by step.

After sitting blankly at his desk for a long time, feeling cold all over, Wang Junmin finally raised his hand to wipe his face and found that his palms were wet. He couldn't tell whether it was sweat from his cheeks or his palms.

He understood the saying, "A mediocre person is never envied." But the problem definitely lay with him; otherwise, why would rumors only circulate about him and not about others?

Two years ago, in the previous subject, Zhang Shizheng was in a similar situation to him now, but no one would try to trip him up.

So... it all came to nothing... In this situation, a normal person wouldn't let him pass the imperial examination, right?
The immense pressure that had been building up inside him for years finally erupted, and Wang Junmin was practically gambling everything on this imperial examination. Was all his nearly twenty years of hard study going to be for nothing? Perhaps it was just his imagination, but the noise outside seemed even louder, making him dizzy.

Overwhelmed by his mental breakdown, he could no longer contain his resentment. He rose and swept the writing implements and antique objects off the table, creating a series of clinking and crackling sounds that abruptly silenced the murmurs outside.

Wang Junmin slumped back into his chair, panting heavily. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar jade figure of an old man spinning and sliding in front of him.

When people are vulnerable, they often subconsciously want to blame fate. Wang Junmin immediately thought of the bad luck rumors surrounding the jade statue, and then he remembered that nothing had happened to him in the past two years, except when he put it in his stationery box during the scientific expedition, and now… and now this…

Although I know this matter has nothing to do with Yu Wengzhong, if everyone could always remain rational, the concept of shifting blame would not exist.

Wang Junmin bent down, picked up the jade Weng Zhong from the ground, and smashed it against the wall as if to vent his anger. But when his palm touched the smooth and delicate jade, that long-forgotten touch immediately brought him back to his senses.

He took a deep breath, slowly opened his five fingers, and looked down at the jade statue lying quietly in his palm.

The tassel on the jade statue was dirty and bore charred burn marks. He hadn't thought to replace it since the fire. Wang Junmin fondly stroked the jade statue, feeling the originally cold jade gradually warm to his body temperature.

Perhaps because it had just fallen to the ground, the cracks in his memory had widened a few more. Wang Junmin sighed softly, his turbulent emotions finally calming down. He picked up the stationery box, put the jade figurine back inside, and then looked around at the scattered items.

Well then, he should leave. Staying here would only make him look bad. The officials would probably feel uncomfortable seeing him. He should wait until the results are announced before saying goodbye.

What a pity... that the registrar had such high hopes for him...

After sheepishly packing his bags, Wang Junmin returned home under the watchful eyes of everyone, shut himself in, refused visitors, and went to sleep. He drifted off into a daze for several days. On the day the results were announced, he listened to the constant announcements of good news, firecrackers, and gongs along the street, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. He didn't know how much time had passed when suddenly he heard a burst of firecrackers at his courtyard gate. Someone was shouting congratulations towards his gate: "You passed! You passed! Young Master, you passed!"

Everything happened too suddenly. By the time Wang Junmin came to his senses, he had already finished the palace examination, paraded through the streets, and drunk wine. He didn't know how many days had passed.

"Lord Kang, you're finally awake?" Chu Yushi teased, finding his friend quite amusing. However, putting himself in his friend's shoes, if he were in such a position of glory today, his performance probably wouldn't have been much better.

"I...I really became the top scholar?" Wang Junmin was still somewhat incredulous, but in his vague memories, he recalled expressing his gratitude in the main hall, picking famous flowers in a renowned garden as the third-ranked scholar alongside two other young men who had passed the imperial examination, and attending the third-ranked scholar banquet at the Apricot Garden. The scenes of clinking glasses and lively conversation were like blurry images, making it difficult for him, still hungover from drinking, to piece them together.

"Yes, yes, yes, the first place is the top scholar, what else could it be but the champion? Wang Kuishou!" Chu Yushi handed over a bowl of freshly brewed hangover soup, smiling as he looked at the newly appointed champion. "This time we really owe a lot to Mr. Linchuan. If it weren't for his appreciation of your writing and his strong recommendation, this champion title would probably be in danger."

Wang Junmin drank the slightly bitter hangover soup in one gulp, and his headache eased a little. Mr. Linchuan was none other than Lord Wang Anshi. Still harboring resentment because of the rumors circulating before the exam, Wang Junmin frowned and said, "Doesn't this put Mr. Linchuan in a difficult position?"

"It's alright, Lord Kang, you are truly talented. Someone deliberately spread rumors to harm you before, but now it seems like fate has ordained it, and it will become a celebrated story," Chu Yushi said dismissively. His gaze fell upon the open stationery box beside him, where he saw the jade figure that had left such a deep impression on him. He couldn't help but say with displeasure, "Lord Kang, why do you still keep this jade figure? You were almost burned to death, and then almost killed by rumors. You were just one step away from proving your innocence. Scholars value their reputation and life above all else. You almost lost both. Isn't that misfortune brought on by this jade figure? I think it's best to bear it."

"..." Wang Junmin held his head, not fully awake yet. He had heard his friend's voice, but his mind was still a bit sluggish, and he couldn't understand it. After a long while, he stammered, "Maybe... we should just return it to the antique shop owner..."

"Why give it back to him? Are you just letting this jade statue continue to harm people? Forget it, if you can't bear to throw it away, I'll throw it away for you." Chu Yushi deftly picked up the jade statue, determined to free his friend from the shadow of misfortune.

"This..." Wang Junmin paused, wanting to call out to his friend, and couldn't help but ask himself, did he really not have any intention of giving away this jade Weng Zhong? Admit it, in fact, he also felt that he was plagued by bad luck, but he just didn't want to abandon that jade Weng Zhong with his own hands, and didn't want to be the bad guy.

So he watched quietly as his friend walked out of the room, and slowly closed his eyes.

Yes, he should be the new top scorer.

After a good night's sleep, when he opened his eyes again, his life would be completely different from before.

Chu Yushi actually wanted to smash the jade statue directly, but he was also afraid that the evil jade ornament would haunt him, so after leaving the Wang family, he found a corner of an alley and casually threw the jade statue away.

Not long after Chu Yushi left humming a song, a man dressed in a black robe from the Qin and Han dynasties stopped here, bent down and picked up the jade Weng Zhong.

He gently brushed away the dust from the jade figurine, looked at the new cracks on it, and sighed deeply.

“Foolish child, you shield others from disaster, yet you are mistaken for an ominous creature. What a cruel fate you have to suffer…” The man seemed to be speaking to the jade statue, or perhaps he was muttering to himself. After a moment, he suddenly looked up at a certain spot at the alley entrance.

No one is empty.

Was he just overthinking it?

AD 2013

"Ouch! We almost got caught spying by our former boss!" The doctor gasped for breath. Having just gone through a space trip, he simply lay down on the floor of the Silent Shop, his head still spinning.

"Luckily, the compass arrived in time." Lu Zigang's situation wasn't much better, but he still stood up and grabbed two bottles of mineral water.

The doctor got up, took the bottle, and gulped down several mouthfuls before regaining his energy. He chuckled and said, "A boss dressed in ancient costume? This is the first time I've ever seen one. Last time we traveled to the Tang Dynasty, we didn't see a boss at all."

"Be careful in the future. The boss always remembers things. If he has a memory of us, history might take a different turn, and we would be in big trouble," Lu Zigang warned patiently.

"I know, I know," the doctor replied casually. To him, the missing boss was the real boss; the ancient boss had no memory of him and wasn't exactly his friend. "By the way, what was that boss holding just now?"

Lu Zigang had excellent eyesight. After recalling for a moment, he said, "It should be that jade Weng Zhong."

"Yu Wengzhong?"

"Yes, I remember when I was in the Silent Shop in my past life, the owner once talked to me about it. That jade Weng Zhong was originally a protective amulet that Emperor Wu of Han wore with him. It was passed down through the ages. Although it was full of cracks, it was not like ordinary jade ornaments that would be possessed by evil spirits. It could still protect its owner from misfortune."

Lu Zigang took a sip of water and then sighed, "But unfortunately, everyone who owned that jade ornament believed it brought them bad luck. The shopkeeper would always explain beforehand that jade with cracks would attract evil spirits, but everyone who said they didn't care would always abandon it. That's how people are; they can never see the truth. Judging from the clothes of the people on the street, it should be the mid-Northern Song Dynasty. The owner of the jade ornament at that time must have been a top scholar. After his death, he was falsely accused of having an improper relationship with a courtesan and then abandoning her. In the end, he was haunted by vengeful ghosts, lost his life, and his reputation was ruined. It's such a pity that the jade ornament caused so many cracks for him."

Back then, Lu Zigang was the world's top jade carver, so he naturally loved jade. Whenever he recalled that jade figure covered in scars, Lu Zigang couldn't help but be affected by the resentment from his past life, and his tone was full of indignation.

"Huh? Why doesn't the boss tell the truth to the customers?" the doctor asked, puzzled.

Lu Zigang immediately looked at him like he was an idiot: "Selling a piece of broken jade, and then using all your silver tongue to say that this jade can ward off disaster, don't you think I'm a swindler? Only a fool would believe that."

The doctor said he believed it, and excitedly stood up and looked around: "Where is it? This jade figurine is such a wonderful thing! I want one too!"

Lu Zigang tightened the bottle cap, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips, and said calmly, "Who knows! Maybe it's somewhere in the Silent Shop...maybe it's still wandering among different people..."

(End of this chapter)