Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 83: Exam Over, Future Uncertain

The provincial examination consisted of three sessions, each lasting three days. The entire examination process was extremely demanding, and those who were physically weak would find it difficult to persevere.

However, none of this posed a problem for Chen Jin.

From the very first round, after reviewing the questions, I felt confident.

My diligent study on the first floor of the library over the past two months has yielded remarkable results.

To others, including Chen Shounian, most believed that Chen Jin was cramming at the last minute, but the effort Chen Jin put in was beyond imagination. Especially with the blessing of his extraordinary spiritual power, a month's work was enough for others to accomplish in a year.

Two months is equivalent to two years, which is enough to accomplish a lot of work.

He devoured all the key books listed by Chen Shounian, memorizing them thoroughly. In addition, he read through many other classic texts, notes, and interpretations of articles.

Extensive reading, coupled with practice with mock exams, provides the foundation for confidence in the exam room.

Of course, there is no standard answer to writing an essay. Whether the viewpoint expressed aligns with the examiner's meaning and conforms to the superior's wishes is also quite important.

Throughout history, there have been countless examples of writers who wrote eloquent essays but ultimately failed to gain admission to the imperial examinations.

Take, for example, Chen Xuejie, the prodigy of the Chen family. He passed the county-level examination at the age of twelve, and then took the provincial-level examination. He failed twice, but finally passed on his third attempt and came in first place: the top scholar.

This is because when one is young, their viewpoints and arguments are not mature enough and appear weak, thus they are not selected.

However, having a clear mind, logical thinking, fluent writing, and beautiful handwriting naturally increases one's chances of passing the imperial examination.

There is no doubt about this.

The Imperial Examination Hall was extremely strict in its searches for smuggled or contraband items; not even a single piece of paper was allowed to be brought into the examination hall, and food and other necessities were provided by the government.

The food was quite bland.

The main reason is to take into account the students' stomachs. If they eat greasy food, they might get an upset stomach, which would be terrible.

Since receiving Chen Shounian's support, Chen Jin has been eating exotic beast meat and medicinal cuisine every day. He has become picky about food and can't live without meat.

But in extraordinary times, just be patient for a few days.

Time flew by, and on this day, after the last exam, the gates of the examination hall opened, and all the candidates filed out.

Once outside, everyone felt a sense of joy, as if they had "seen the light of day again," and a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders.

However, some people, after going outside, fell to the ground and wailed, pounding the ground with their hands until they bled.

They probably didn't perform well on the spot, their essays weren't well written, and they knew they would fail.

At this point, they could no longer suppress their frustration and disappointment and wanted to vent it all out.

If I want to take the exam again, it will be three years later.

How many three-year periods are there in a lifetime?
Time has passed, and I am ashamed to return home and face my fellow villagers.

Moreover, these people are no longer young.

Take this year's nearly 10,000 test takers as an example. The majority are in their thirties and forties, and there are far fewer in their early twenties than in their fifties.

Age is an important measure of potential and prospects; once you reach a certain age, you can see the end of your life.

Like Chen Hesheng, who had taken the exam every year without fail in previous years, until now, at his current age, he has finally given up on the idea.

As the examinees dispersed, the sound of mournful weeping stirred their empathy, and they felt a deep sense of sorrow.

Shi Qifeng arrived early in his carriage to wait.

The families of other Chen family members were similarly lined up, with horse-drawn carriages lining up in a magnificent display.

Once they had met the person, they returned to their ancestral home in a grand procession.

Due to their different social statuses, Chen Jin found it difficult and unnecessary to associate with them. Once on the carriage, it moved slowly. From the end of the exam to the announcement of the results, about half a month would pass; during this waiting time, he could travel around Gaozhou Prefecture.

To be honest, after being in the city for so long, I've mainly been going between Old Clothes Alley and Denggaolou, occasionally visiting Chen Shounian, but I've hardly ever been to other places.

Shi Qifeng's activity area was even narrower, basically limited to the Old Clothes Alley.

In any case, daily needs can be met within the alleyway, so there's no need to go outside.

The one that can be called truly free is Crow Xiao Ci.

But in reality, it's not free either.

The city is vast, full of hidden talents and volatile energy, making it unsafe for a small, demonic bird like it. Rushing in would easily make it prey.

They were either captured or shot dead.

So it thought it was better to stay quietly in the villa, since it didn't need to go out to gather intelligence.

Chen Jin regularly fed them the finest meat from exotic beasts, and they lived a very comfortable life, gaining more than a pound from the nourishment.

When I returned to the old clothes alley, it was already dusk, and wisps of smoke were rising from the chimneys.

"Brother Shi, you've brought the young master back."

At the alley entrance, a woman stood there, like a wife waiting for her husband to return, and smiled at Shi Qifeng.

Shi Qifeng coughed lightly, replied with an "Mm," and drove the carriage away.

Seeing this, Chen Jin blinked and suddenly said, "Old Shi, I remember this woman. She seems to be a widow named Chun San Niang."

Shi Qifeng quickly replied, "Yes."

"So you two are together?"

"No, I am innocent with her."

Chen Jin chuckled: "There's always trouble around a widow's door. You seem to often go to her house to buy tofu to eat."

Shi Qifeng argued, "That's because the tofu she made was smooth and delicious, it really was tasty."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "The tofu is good, and the person looks good too. Moreover, it's obvious that she's interested in you; she's been giving you flirty glances."

Shi Qifeng blushed: "That's because a few times when it was windy and rainy, I happened to be there and went to her house to help repair the roof and such. Over time, we became quite familiar with each other. Alas, she's only thirty years old, while I'm already this old and disabled. I'm not good enough for her."

Chen Jin said, "As long as we treat each other with sincerity and our feelings are mutual, what's wrong with being a good match? Besides, you've already flirted with her several times, what are you still being coy about? Are you afraid I'll object?"

Shi Qifeng hurriedly asked, "So, young master, you have no objections?"

Chen Jin chuckled: "This is a major life event for you, why would I have an opinion? Actually, I've long thought you should find a wife, preferably someone considerate and caring, so that you can have a better life."

"Third Sister is very caring and speaks gently."

"That's good."

Shi Qifeng sighed, "I never thought about starting a family before, nor did I dare to. But after I followed you, young master, and came to the city to live here, I don't know why, but suddenly I wanted to settle down and have a home."

Chen Jin nodded slightly: "It's only natural for a weary bird to long for its nest. That's good, you'll have a place to stay now, and you won't have to wander around with me anymore."

Shi Qifeng said urgently, "Young master, even if I get married and start a family, I will still be your coachman."

Chen Jin remained noncommittal: "My future is also uncertain right now."

Shi Qifeng's attitude was firm: "Even if you fail the exam, I will follow you back to Maoxian... Bah, look at my mouth! You are a man of great talent and will surely pass the exam on your first try and be listed among the successful candidates."

(End of this chapter)