Words Strategize for the World

Xuezheng Study Room.

"This year is truly a blessing for the scholars; finally, one of our students has become a scholar."

"No, no. We're old friends, don't say things like that again."

"Alright, I won't say anymore. But at least a refined scholar has emerged this year, which brings me honor as the prefect. I've long heard that Scholar Qu has the ability to recognize talent; what do you think of this young man?"

"This child has a limitless future."

"Oh, why do you say that?"

"Born into a humble family, yet neither humble nor arrogant; receiving the company of refined scholars, neither elated nor saddened; encountering false accusations, yet remaining calm and composed; from this, one can see that this young man is destined for greatness. However, what I admire most is his statement: 'Even a humble family can produce a noble person.' This shows that he possesses profound wisdom, and therefore I am certain that his future is limitless."

"Mr. Qu is indeed very perceptive; I am no match for him. In that case, I'd better mentor him!"

"Hahaha... I think Prefect Liu has his own plans!"

"Hahaha... Qu Yashi's insight is brilliant."

After bathing and changing his clothes behind the county school, Fang Wei went to the study of the school's headmaster.

Before I could even knock, I heard two people laughing loudly inside the study.

"Could it be that someone else has become a refined scholar?" Fang Wei wondered, knocking on the study door.

"Come in."

Upon entering the study, Fang Wei saw the two elderly men sitting opposite each other, drinking tea. He quickly bowed and paid his respects, saying, "This humble student greets my two teachers."

"Hmm, indeed a handsome man, not bad, not bad. Come, come and sit down." The old man on the left invited Fang Wei to sit to his left.

Fang Wei bowed again and then sat down at the table.

"Come, have some tea, let me introduce you. This is Qu Yashi from Zhongyuan Prefecture, you've met him before. As for me, I am the Prefectural Magistrate of this prefecture."

After the old man on the left finished speaking, Fang Wei was about to bow again when Qu Yashi stopped him.

"No need for formalities. Today you have become a scholar, and in the future you will be my student. You must study hard and never be arrogant or complacent."

"The students understand."

Fang Wei stayed with Qu Yashi and the prefect until someone came to report that the selection was complete.

After hearing the servant's report, the prefect said, "Alright, Fang Wei, you may go back now. You have become a newly appointed scholar, and I will send someone to the village tomorrow to announce the good news. From now on, you will be a scholar with a bright future, so you must work hard and make more contributions to the court."

"The students understand and will certainly live up to expectations."

"That's good. Now that you've become a scholar, you must go to the academy to learn rhythmic movements in three days. Prepare yourself as soon as possible."

"The student understands."

As Fang Wei was about to leave, Qu Yashi handed him a jade pendant and instructed him, "Three days later, when you arrive at the academy, come directly to me, and I will make the arrangements."

"I understand." After saying that, Fang Wei took the jade pendant and left the study.

As I came out of the county school, I saw Fang Yue and Zhao Tong waiting not far away.

Fang Wei hurried over to Fang Yue and Zhao Tong and noticed that Fang Yue looked unwell. Fang Wei knew that he had become a scholar while Fang Yue had not been selected, so she must be feeling down.

"Fang Yue, Zhao Tong, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Upon hearing Fang Wei's words, Zhao Tong punched Fang Wei in the chest, laughing loudly, "What do you mean 'waiting long'? What do you mean 'waiting long'?"

Fang Yueqiang roused himself and said with a smile, "It's the happiest thing for us that you've become a scholar. What's with the talk of waiting?"

"Yes, I understand. You two are my best brothers. Believe me, now that I've become a scholar, I will certainly live up to your expectations." Fang Wei was a transmigrator and understood how insignificant one person's power was. Now that he had two trustworthy people by his side, he naturally had to win them over.

Fang Wei extended his palm and said, "From this day forward, the three of us will be closer than brothers, even if we are not blood brothers. Come, let us not forget each other when we become rich and powerful."

Fang Yue and Zhao Tong exchanged a glance, then clasped hands with Fang Wei, and the three of them said together, "If we become rich and powerful, let's not forget each other; if we become rich and powerful, let's not forget each other..."

Just then, Qu Yashi and the Prefectural Magistrate also came out of the Prefectural School. The two old men were very pleased to see the three of them holding hands.

"Master Qu, you are absolutely right. This child is so young, yet he already knows how to win people's hearts. He truly has a bright future."

"Hahaha..." Qu Yashi laughed without saying a word.

The prefectural magistrate saw Qu Yashi laughing loudly, so he also burst into laughter.

After shaking hands with Fang Yue and Zhao Tong, Fang Wei began his return journey to Jushui Village. On the way back, Fang Wei clearly sensed that the relationship between the three had taken a significant step forward.

Fang Yue's mood improved, and she chatted and laughed all the way.

By the time they arrived at Jushui Village, it was already dark, and the three of them went home separately.

Fang Wei was inexplicably happy to be facing her mother; perhaps it was a way of sharing.

No matter how old a person is, they are always willing to share the best things with their loved ones. In this world, although Fang Wei is a time traveler, he only has one family.

Fang Wei walked to the door and said happily, "Mother, I'm back."

Fang Wei's mother, who was cooking, turned around and smiled when she heard Fang Wei's voice, saying, "Yes, Xiao Wei is back. Take a rest. Dinner will be ready soon, and we'll eat in a bit."

"Mother, I have become a gentleman."

"What did you say?" the mother asked in disbelief.

"Mother, on this day of rhythm, I have become the only refined scholar in Ningping County."

"Really? You've really become a refined scholar?" Fang's mother was overjoyed upon hearing Fang Wei's words. She not only shed tears but also dropped the things in her hands without even noticing.

"Yes, Mother, I have truly become a refined gentleman."

Upon hearing Fang Wei's confirmation again, Fang's mother covered her face and wept. Fang Wei knew in his heart that these were tears of joy.

The mothers in this world were very hardworking. When Fang Wei was 3 years old, her father went out to work and never returned. When Fang Wei was 4 years old, a stranger passed through Jushui Village and brought her mother the devastating news that her father had died.

From then on, Fang Wei's mother raised him alone.

Fang Wei felt heartbroken just thinking about it.

"Mother, don't cry. I've become a scholar, and our family will definitely have a good life from now on."

The mother, weeping, kept nodding...

The next day, Fang Wei got up early to read as usual.

Although he has become a refined scholar, Fang Wei currently does not know how to cultivate rhythm and can only learn the knowledge of this world on his own.

After breakfast, Fang Yue and Zhao Tong found Fang Wei, and the three of them went out to herd cattle again.

In fact, Fang Wei really enjoys his current life, herding cattle and reading books; it's quite nice.

From childhood to adulthood, Fang Wei did not have any lofty ambitions; he simply followed in the footsteps of his parents and grandfather.

Even if one has many ideas, they cannot escape the path paved by one's parents and grandparents.

Thinking of his parents and grandparents, Fang Wei felt very sad, but since he had already transmigrated, he could only pray for their safety and health.

Fang Wei hadn't figured out how to proceed after transmigrating. If he could do some great things and leave his mark on history, that would certainly be good.

Men's pursuits are simple: either be extremely wealthy, or be remembered in history, or be extremely powerful, or have beautiful women in their arms. If they can have all four, that would be even better.

Fang Wei felt ashamed of his thoughts, but this time travel gave him endless possibilities.

The world of literati, the refined scholars, the awe-inspiring power—all of this is wonderful.

"Fang Wei, Fang Wei..."

Suddenly, Fang Wei heard someone calling him. He looked up and saw Liu Erjin from the village entrance running towards them. Liu Erjin was named by his father because he had just drunk two jin of liquor when he was born.

Fang Wei thought that Liu Erjin's sudden appearance must mean something was up.

Fang Wei then quickly ran towards Liu Erjin.

"Fang Wei, your home..." Liu Erjin was panting heavily from running too fast, and his words were incoherent.

"What happened to my house?" Fang Wei asked anxiously.

"Your house, your house, your house is being extorted for rent by Wang Erba from Shaogangyi..."

Upon hearing this, Fang Wei roughly understood what was going on, so he abandoned Liu Erjin and ran back.