Huang Zilan asked in a peculiar manner, “Why are you handing out invitations to those children? There are other talented scholars in this county. Wouldn’t it be better for you to engage in conversation with them?”

“I’ve seen the scene here… If I were to seek their assistance, I might not receive a favorable response.” Liao Tingyu replied.

“But, regardless, they are all on the same academic level as you. They are scholars who gained admission in their thirties, forties, or even fifties or sixties. Who would dare to look down on you in their presence? Who would dare to do so?”

Huang Zilan felt that during a study tour, it was natural to build friendships with one’s peers rather than engaging with those who hadn’t progressed as far. This would set him apart from the others.

Liao Tingyu understood Huang Zilan’s concerns, “It’s alright. I came here solely to explore the cultural scenery. The teacher mentioned that during a study tour, you learn how to interact with others and develop a refined disposition. This study tour is simply to enrich my own knowledge. I don’t need to form strong connections with those people. I only need to find the path I wish to pursue in the future.” Liao Tingyu explained.

It was only then that Huang Zilan grasped the true purpose of those scholars’ study tours. It appeared that the scholars had spent a decade studying and acquiring knowledge, but they had become disconnected from reality.

“I was mistaken in my thinking, but we still need to be cautious when handling other people. Your words, as such, are equivalent to offending them. Most of the scholars in the county have lost their way after making money.”

“Even if we sever ties with them, what can they do? Would they resort to violence? Scholars have their own ways to resolve matters, relying on the power of words. Ultimately, it’s about who gains the most recognition. Everyone is a scholar, so who would they fear? Plus, we won’t be here permanently; we’ll be leaving in a few days.”

Huang Zilan followed this line of thought and realized that he didn’t need to worry so much. After all, businessmen and scholars were different. The shrewdness of businessmen was deeply ingrained in his mind, causing him to anticipate the worst outcome in various situations.

“By the way, would you like to accompany me to the gathering tomorrow?” Liao Tingyu asked.

“I won’t attend. It’s primarily your affair, and I feel like this place is quite strict on gers and women. When we walk on the streets, it seems like a large number of people gawk at us as if they’ve seen something unusual.” Huang Zilan didn’t have much fondness for this place.

However, this was a common occurrence in many locations. He planned to prepare some supplies and disguise himself as a man the next day to move around more inconspicuously.

“That’s true. We didn’t consider many things when we set out,” Liao Tingyu agreed, not enjoying the attention like he was a giant panda.

“You’ve barely left the town, and I haven’t been away for several years. Besides, when I traveled with Dad, I was young, so people didn’t pay much attention. They didn’t anticipate us being from so far away.”

“Yes!” Liao Tingyu said, “Transportation is just too inconvenient.”

.

While Liao Tingyu had received directions, the path to Baihua Valley was still unclear. He inquired with the store’s waiter, but the description was too vague. He worried about how to reach the destination, but to his surprise, his colleagues were kind and came to pick him up in the inn.

He even brought a carriage himself. Looking at the aged horse, Liao Tingyu felt envious.@@novelbin@@

“Where did you get this horse?” Liao Tingyu asked.

“Sir, my father brought it back after his retirement,” Zhan Zhan hurriedly interjected to curry favor.

“Can a horse be brought back from the battlefield?” Liao Tingyu looked enviously at the horse, but it was unfortunate that it was too old to ride.

In fact, there were horses at the school, and with only two horses at the large Qingshan Academy, he had only ridden them and never experienced the feeling of galloping on a horse.

Zhan Zhan immediately explained, “My father practiced martial arts on the battlefield. When the general asked him what he wanted, he asked for the horse. Originally, he couldn’t have it, but the horse was already disabled and couldn’t be used in battle, so they gave it to me.”

“Even if it’s disabled, it’s still a horse! I guess your family is the luckiest in the county.” Liao Tingyu remarked.

Zhan Zhan nodded proudly. Originally, his family was the only one in the entire county with a horse, although it was an old horse. He was, after all, still a horse.

“Sir, please board the carriage. Baihua Valley is still some distance away, and we have all the necessary items prepared. We can go there to enjoy the flowers and have a drink.” Zhan Zhan urged Liao Tingyu to get on the carriage.

The others did not follow. After all, the old horse couldn’t bear the weight of so many people, so they sat in the bullock cart behind.

Baihua Valley lived up to its name. While the flower species here might not be very rare, thousands of flowers were in full bloom. When there was fog, it turned into an earthly paradise.

‘I should have come with Zilan. Oh well, I’ll wait until tomorrow and the day after to visit.’ Liao Tingyu thought.

Several young people of similar age sat together, chatting and drinking, with no one mentioning the topic of the imperial examination.

They had discussed it at length the day before and decided to focus on building good relationships first before discussing other matters.

Liao Tingyu didn’t mind. He had his own purpose, and despite thinking that this place was quite backward, it still had its unique charm.

“I remember my teacher mentioning that Senior Haonian Qingning visited here decades ago and left behind authentic artifacts. I wonder where I can see them.” Liao Tingyu directly steered the conversation in that direction.

“Oh… Master Qingning, I know about this. His original works are quite precious, so a few elders stored all his belongings in the library. They are accessible to all the county’s students.” Xu Tai said.

“I see. I’ll go take a look when I have the time,” Liao Tingyu said.

For a moment, everyone fell silent, and the atmosphere grew quite awkward.

Several young people wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say. Liao Tingyu noticed that they avoided discussing the matter and shifted their focus to the beautiful scenery. After all, he had something weighing on his mind.

Chen Fei realized that this might be the last chance and took the initiative, saying, “Sir, we’d like to seek your advice on the imperial examination. Can you provide us with some guidance?”

Liao Tingyu could tell from their expressions what was happening.

Zhan Zhan hurriedly explained, “We have teacher to guide our studies. But they have imparted knowledge and didn’t teach other aspects. Our preparations for the examination must be done by ourselves. Those who passed the examination rarely willing to meet us and shared their experience. It would be an opportunity for a lifetime to have one scholar sharing with us. Our Huai’an County is in dire need for talented scholars now.”

“In that case, doesn’t the county magistrate care?” Liao Tingyu was quite surprised. These talents were linked to his political achievements, and he should be concerned about their promotion, right?

“He doesn’t care. The county magistrate is like most scholar here, he became the county magistrate when he was already over forty, and now he’s over sixty.” Chen Fei explained.

Liao Tingyu understood, “He has lived quite a long life!”

This led to a moment of awkward laughter among the group.

Liao Tingyu said, “Let’s focus on the matter at hand. This is no secret; I’ll share my examination experience with you. What do you think?”

“We hope to change our county’s situation. After you posted your message, we knew this was finally our turning point.”

Liao Tingyu was flattered, but he wasn’t a savior. “Don’t put me on a pedestal. I could only help you with my share of experience for the examination. Do you have paper and pen to take notes?

Xu Zhou took out the pen and paper he had with him, looking at Liao Tingyu with anticipation.

Liao Tingyu didn’t act pompous. “What you need to focus on are the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as political theory and military strategy. The Four Books and Five Classics are examined first for one day, followed by a day each for political theory and military strategy. There are three questions on political theory, mainly related to governance. The most crucial aspect is how you present your answers. It’s best to have your unique style, and the presentation must be neat and clean. Each exam consists of three sheets of paper, and you can’t just scribble randomly. Examiners can tell if you’ve been careless with your writing. Be cautious and avoid using sensitive words…”

Liao Tingyu spoke eloquently, while Xu Zhou diligently wrote everything down, and the others tried to remember these valuable insights.

Liao Tingyu observed the earnest demeanor of the group and proceeded to share some of the hidden rules of the examination room.

“In truth, the saying that money can grease the wheels is quite accurate. When you enter the examination room, it’s possible to offer some money to the proctors to ensure your baggage remains intact, so the food you bring won’t turn into a heap of crumbs. There’s water available in the examination room, but it’s still a good idea to offer a bit of money to ensure the water you drink is clean… Additionally, keep an eye on the weather. The examination room has been neglected for a long time, and it’s not uncommon for it to be pouring outside and experiencing light rain inside.”

This revelation widened the eyes of the group. They realized there were many intricacies within the examination room, and without Liao-xiucai’s guidance, they might have encountered numerous obstacles and hardships.

“Thank you, kind sir, for your valuable advice. We won’t forget your generosity, and we will cherish this knowledge.” Several people touched a few pages of thin paper as if they had discovered a treasure.

Liao Tingyu graciously acknowledged their gratitude with a smile, “It’s getting late. You all should head back, and I’ll do the same.”

“I apologize for keeping you so long today. I originally wanted to invite you to join us for a meal at the restaurant, but it seems there’s no time for that now. If the opportunity arises, we’d like to express our gratitude in person.”

“Until we meet again if fate allows! I’ll be staying here for a few more days, and if the chance arises, I might request you to be my tour guide again. I rarely come across such a wonderful place.” Liao Tingyu said.

“Alright, and the four of us are most familiar with this area. We can offer a comprehensive service for dining, entertainment, and more.”

“As for entertainment, I have a wife at home.” Liao Tingyu said with a smile.