Chapter Twenty-Nine: Entrance Examination

Three days later

Lingnan is humid and often rainy, yet its early mornings are especially delightful. A few rays of sunshine filtered through the paper-covered holes of the window, casting columns of light into the room. The morning air was exceptionally fresh, carrying a hint of Lingnan’s unique bamboo fragrance, invigorating the spirit.

Li Sanjian, rising early, glanced with satisfaction at the sleeping Douya, whose slumber was sweet and peaceful. Bathed in the morning light, he held a copy of “The Analects,” reading as he copied passages.

“When at home, a student should be filial; when away, respectful. Be cautious and trustworthy, love all people, and draw close to those who are virtuous. If there is strength left after carrying out these duties, then study literature.”

Li Sanjian read aloud softly as he wrote on paper. In this world, books such as “The Book of Songs,” “The Book of Documents,” “The Book of Changes,” “The Record of Rites,” “The Rites of Zhou,” “The Analects,” and “Mencius” are essential for any scholar to study thoroughly and master. The basic curriculum taught at the lowest level of the Song official academies—county schools—consisted mainly of these works, along with some history, codes, and writings of other philosophers.

So far, Li Sanjian had not yet been admitted to the official academy, but he did not lose heart. Whenever he had time, he would read and practice calligraphy, never letting the opportunity slip away.

In fact, Li Sanjian found himself increasingly interested in these works. Why hadn’t he noticed before how fascinating they were? He thought as he copied, especially “The Analects,” a true classic of the Confucian school, worthy of being called the cornerstone of the Five Classics and the throat of the Six Arts.

However, what troubled Li Sanjian was the lack of punctuation in the books, which made reading dizzying and exhausting. Perhaps other more refined books had simple markings, but the few books he possessed were roughly printed, their characters crowded together, making reading a strenuous task.

This was one reason Li Sanjian copied while reading. On his copies, he added punctuation, not daring to mark the originals. The books he had received from Su Shi were precious, and he couldn’t bring himself to scribble on them.

“Govern by laws, regulate by punishments, and the people will avoid shame. Govern by virtue, regulate by rites, and the people will have a sense of shame and correct themselves… Brother!”

Hmm? Just as Li Sanjian was reading with enthusiasm, a call of “Brother” came from behind. He thought it was his own echo, but turning around, he saw that Douya had awakened.

“Douya, you’re awake?” Li Sanjian quickly got up and gently guided Douya back under the covers with a smile. “Are you missing your father and mother?”

“Brother, how did you know?” Douya blinked her big eyes in confusion.

“Because you kept calling for them in your sleep,” Li Sanjian shook his head gently. “Do you still remember what your father and mother look like?”

At this moment, Li Sanjian felt even more tender affection for Douya. Separated from her parents since childhood, she could only reunite with them in her dreams.

“Brother…” Douya didn’t answer, and a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

“There, don’t cry. That was my fault, bringing up sad memories. Douya, are you hungry?” Li Sanjian quickly comforted her.

The doctor’s medicine was truly miraculous. After three doses, Douya was out of danger, and by the third day, mostly recovered. However, she had slept almost continuously for three days, eating little during that time.

“Mm…” Douya nodded, her little head nearly burrowing beneath the blanket, leaving only her sparkling eyes visible.

Li Sanjian smiled and walked to the door. “Shankui, prepare some porridge.”

“Yes, Master,” replied Shankui, who was chopping firewood at the entrance.

“Brother… you’re so good,” Douya suddenly said to Li Sanjian.

Li Sanjian was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, “Since I’m good, you must listen to what I say, right?”

“Mm, Douya always listens to brother,” Douya nodded.

“In that case, let’s take your medicine first, shall we?” Li Sanjian continued.

“Brother, the medicine is so bitter,” Douya said with a pout when she drank the medicine.

Li Sanjian laughed, “Good medicine tastes bitter but cures the illness. If you don’t take it, how will you get well?”

He then picked up the herbal decoction Shankui had just brought in and watched Douya drink it all, one sip at a time.

“Master, the porridge is ready,” Shankui said, holding a bowl with both giant hands, almost obscuring the bowl entirely.

Li Sanjian nodded and took the porridge.

For these few days, it was Shankui who had prepared both medicine and porridge. It must have been hard on him, Li Sanjian thought to himself.

“Shankui, how is your calligraphy practice?” After Douya finished her porridge, Li Sanjian asked.

Shankui nodded.

Shankui did not know Chinese characters, so Li Sanjian took every opportunity to teach him. He had a martial arts manual gifted by Yao Yu, but without learning the characters, Shankui could not study martial arts. Thus, whenever there was time, Li Sanjian taught him to read and write.

Though Shankui appeared honest and simple, he was not slow-witted; he learned remarkably quickly, almost mastering each lesson as soon as it was taught.

“Mm.” Li Sanjian took out the book Yao Yu had given him and pointed to the characters. “These two mean ‘fierce tiger.’ This sentence says, ‘The fierce tiger descends the mountain, probing with its claws, its roar echoing through the mountain waist.’ The next is, ‘With a bounding leap, it leaves the cliff for the valley, and wild beasts scatter everywhere...’”

The book contained both text and illustrations, which Li Sanjian could comprehend. Though he understood, his slight build prevented him from practicing most techniques, but some methods for strengthening the body could be useful.

Shankui seemed to have a talent for such things; he picked up the moves almost instantly. Yet, relying on a single book to become a martial arts master was impossible. Li Sanjian resolved to find him a good teacher in the future.

Shankui bent his robust frame, listening attentively to Li Sanjian’s explanations. Meanwhile, Douya, now more energetic after her porridge, leaned on the bedside, curiously watching her two brothers as they demonstrated moves.

The medicine pot still steamed gently in the room.

It was a scene of warmth, the three of them truly like a family in that moment.

“Is student Li Sanjian here?” At that instant, a slightly aged voice interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.

“Ah? It’s you…” Li Sanjian heard someone call his name and went to the door, where he saw the man who had “extorted” him a few days earlier—the county school’s gatekeeper.

In truth, this old man was a long-serving clerk at the county academy, having worked there for over twenty years.

“You may enter the academy now… but…” The clerk hesitated at this crucial moment.

Li Sanjian’s heart leaped with joy, and he immediately counted out ten copper coins, handing them to the clerk. The old saying goes, “Once bitten, twice shy,” or “Familiarity breeds understanding,” so Li Sanjian understood his meaning at once.

Another saying, “The King of Hell is easy to see, but the little devils are hard to deal with,” applied; once again, Li Sanjian had been “mulcted” by the old clerk.

The old man took the coins, tucking them into his sleeve, his face breaking into a broad smile. “But before entering, you must pass the entrance examination.”

“What is the entrance exam?” Li Sanjian asked.

“The entrance exam is just an entrance exam,” the clerk replied.

“Oh, but what will the exam cover? Please enlighten me,” Li Sanjian pressed.

“Nothing more than things like the ‘Hundred Family Surnames,’ the ‘Thousand Character Classic,’ and so on. Pass the test, and you may enroll,” the clerk responded.

Li Sanjian breathed a sigh of relief. Having studied under Su Shi for over a year, he could recite the “Thousand Character Classic” and “Hundred Family Surnames” backwards and forwards.

Since it was only an entrance exam, it shouldn’t be too difficult, he thought to himself.

What he couldn’t understand was why the county school officials had refused him entry before, but now suddenly allowed it. He pondered this mystery but did not press further. After thanking the clerk, he prepared to attend the entrance exam the following day. But first, he needed suitable attire.

If he continued to wear the worn Li family clothing to the academy, he would likely be chased out again. Li Sanjian shook his head and smiled wryly.

...

Inside a clothing shop in the city of Lingshan, a pair entered—one large, one small. Upon entering, both were fascinated by the colorful array of garments.

“What are you looking at? Go on, get out and play somewhere else.” The shop assistant, seeing Li Sanjian and his companion in tattered clothes and both young in age, was inclined to ignore them, but they only drew closer, prompting his impatient reprimand.

“We’re here to buy clothes,” Li Sanjian, accustomed to the scorn caused by his shabby attire, replied calmly, not bothering to argue with the assistant.

“Oh, what are you looking for?” The assistant, seeing a potential sale, refrained from further expulsion, though his expression remained contemptuous, convinced they could not afford finer clothing like silk and brocade.

Sure enough, Li Sanjian pointed to some cotton garments. “How much are these?”

“Three hundred coins each,” the assistant replied.

Li Sanjian shook his head, inwardly clicking his tongue. Why were ordinary clothes so expensive?

In truth, three hundred coins for a cotton garment wasn’t exorbitant, but for Li Sanjian, it was painfully costly.

He reluctantly instructed Shankui to bring out two strings of coins, buying two sets of clothes for himself and Shankui.

Li Sanjian chose two gray long robes. Each of Shankui’s garments was two hundred coins more expensive, since his tall, sturdy frame required the largest sizes to cover his skin.

Extra-large sizes naturally used much more fabric…

“How about those over there?” Li Sanjian pointed to the silk and satin garments.

“Anywhere from two strings to several hundred strings,” the assistant replied with a roll of his eyes. He still doubted they could afford such things, but seeing the money, he answered, though impatiently.

He wanted them gone quickly, so he could boast to the manager about wringing two strings of coins from two paupers—a great accomplishment for him.

“Pick two small ones,” Li Sanjian said with a blank expression.

A dog’s eyes see only wealth, he thought with frustration. Must the poor always suffer such scorn and coldness?

This assistant acted as if he had an affliction of rolling his eyes—one after another.

Li Sanjian couldn’t bear to buy fine clothes for himself or Shankui, but Douya was still young and had just recovered from illness. If she wore cotton outer garments in Lingnan’s humid heat, she might fall ill again. So Li Sanjian bought her two beautiful silk garments, both pretty and cool to wear.