It had been since before the provincial examinations the last time they visited the County School; now, returning, it was already late autumn. As the group walked in, acquaintances stepped forward to greet them. Those who didn't know them, but were aware that Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng had both passed the juren examination, watched them from the sidelines with a mixture of envy and jealousy. After all, these two had only just passed the exam, and they were younger than many of the unsuccessful older scholars. It was hard not to admit defeat in the face of such talent. The onlookers then silently resolved to redouble their own efforts.

Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng paid little mind to these gazes, walking with practiced composure. It was Li Yuntai and Liu Hao, accompanying them, who felt a touch embarrassed. Everyone’s attention was fixed on Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng, with some even whispering about how the two younger men had succeeded while many older scholars had failed. Although the speakers believed their voices were low, a few stray comments reached the ears of the group, causing Liu Hao and Li Yuntai’s faces to flush with awkwardness.

Fortunately, Wang Qingchen noticed the situation shortly after and addressed his companions. “Zhao Cheng and I need to call upon the Headmaster, so we won’t be going the same way as you two.”

Liu Hao and Li Yuntai were already finding the constant scrutiny unbearable, so Wang Qingchen’s suggestion was precisely what they wanted. Without hesitation, they readily agreed and quickly headed off in another direction.

Zhao Cheng had also overheard the murmuring. Had Wang Qingchen not proposed the separation, Zhao Cheng would have suggested it himself; walking together while enduring such gossip was inherently awkward.

Now that Liu Hao and Li Yuntai were gone, the remaining pair would also experience less embarrassment. Only after watching the other two depart did Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng turn toward the Headmaster’s residence.

The visit Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng paid the Headmaster was not only due to their new juren status—a point of honor for the County School, thus requiring an introduction to the Headmaster—but also because the Headmaster was a former jinshi who could offer academic guidance, perhaps even sharing insights regarding the upcoming Metropolitan Examination.

Wang Qingchen himself was not particularly keen on the Headmaster’s instruction. Whether he would even participate in the Metropolitan Examination was still undecided, and internally, his inclination leaned more toward not participating, meaning he had little expectation for guidance. However, it would sound strange for any scholar who had just passed the juren exam to express disinterest in the Metropolitan Examination. Therefore, Wang Qingchen adopted an outward appearance, mirroring Zhao Cheng’s eagerness to receive the Headmaster’s tutelage, thus avoiding curious questions and saving considerable trouble.

And so, that day, the Headmaster of the County School was greeted by two pairs of eager eyes. This Headmaster was a man of profound learning, but crucially, he was warm-hearted, never refusing or hiding his knowledge when it came to mentoring his juniors. He had once held an official post in the capital but was suppressed by political rivals, leading him to grow disillusioned as his ambitions remained unrealized. He eventually resigned from official life. Yet, the Headmaster's desire to serve the nation remained; if he could not achieve it in the bureaucracy, perhaps he could by cultivating the next generation to fulfill those roles. Thus, after leaving officialdom, he had remained here ever since.

After observing Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng, the Headmaster began by asking them about their reflections on the provincial examinations or any specific uncertainties they encountered. Only then did he address their queries and offer personal experiences from his own time taking the Metropolitan Examination.

Wang Qingchen, who had held low expectations, felt as though he had been instantly elevated to a different plane after hearing the Headmaster speak. Hearing this esteemed scholar explain matters allowed listeners to immediately grasp the nuances; it was enlightening, revealing the true nature of things. This experience not only imparted greater knowledge to Wang Qingchen but also made him acutely aware of his own shortcomings. Previously, he could rely on the accumulated learning from his past life to advance rapidly and effortlessly in this current one. After listening to the Headmaster’s exposition, Wang Qingchen deeply realized how much more he had to learn—many concepts lay beyond the grasp of his superficial prior understanding. Perhaps his previous insights were only marginally deeper than the surface level. While this difference might not be apparent immediately, or might even make him seem more learned and intelligent than others in the short term, over time, his pace would falter, and the quality of his learning would significantly decline.

Wang Qingchen looked genuinely ashamed; clearly, he had oversimplified many matters. In truth, many things should have been obvious. Ancient scholars were not intellectually inferior to those of his past life. Yet, out of so many competitors, only a handful managed to pass the jinshi examination over three years—how could such a small group be anything less than exceptional? And yet, he had been casually considering whether or not to even attempt the Metropolitan Examination, failing to realize that even if he participated, he would likely just become cannon fodder.

In contrast to Wang Qingchen’s evident shame, Zhao Cheng listened intently, nodding frequently and engaging the Headmaster in discussion. The Headmaster was highly satisfied, noting that every question or doubt Zhao Cheng raised hit the core of the issue, believing this young man would advance far in the civil service examinations. Observing Wang Qingchen’s remorseful expression, the Headmaster nodded again, interpreting it as a sign that Wang Qingchen had recognized his own insufficiencies. In the Headmaster's view, for Wang Qingchen to see his weaknesses was commendable; many men go their whole lives without achieving such self-awareness. Recognizing one’s flaws suggested an open-minded individual, capable of absorbing advice or criticism—a man of impeccable character. Should someone like this govern a region, its people would surely prosper.

Consequently, while guiding Zhao Cheng, the Headmaster paid close attention to Wang Qingchen, frequently drawing him into their dialogue.

Wang Qingchen, deep in self-reproach and introspection, failed to notice the Headmaster’s deliberate efforts to loop him into the conversation. He only responded to the Headmaster’s direct questions by speaking whatever was currently on his mind without excessive filtering.

The Headmaster, upon hearing Wang Qingchen's responses, nodded repeatedly. These answers were immensely pleasing: unconstrained by rigid textual interpretation, free from pedantry, and displaying flexible, adaptable thought. This solidified the Headmaster's resolve to cultivate Wang Qingchen diligently.

Wang Qingchen certainly did not anticipate that his replies would earn the Headmaster’s high regard. At that moment, he was resolving that he must visit the Headmaster frequently; he needed to reorganize much of what he thought he knew. Even if he decided against the Metropolitan Examination, he still needed to honor his juren title. Meanwhile, the Headmaster was contemplating how to ensure Wang Qingchen returned often. If the young man didn't initiate visits, how could he mentor him? Should he initiate the invitation himself?

Just as the Headmaster hesitated, Wang Qingchen, having already made up his mind, spoke first: “Headmaster, I have a presumptuous request, and I hope you will not fault me for it.”

The Headmaster had been pondering how to steer the conversation toward this very topic. Seeing Wang Qingchen take the initiative delighted him. “Speak your mind. If it is within my capabilities, I shall not refuse.”

Wang Qingchen looked slightly embarrassed. “I fear I am being rather abrupt. After listening to your discourse today, Headmaster, I realize how much of my previous learning has been in vain. Therefore, I hope to regularly benefit from your guidance in the future. I sincerely ask for your permission.”

After speaking, Wang Qingchen bowed deeply.

The Headmaster had been trying to steer the conversation in this direction, but he never expected Wang Qingchen to voice such a request so directly. This request not only aligned perfectly with the Headmaster’s desires but also preserved his dignity. How could the Headmaster be anything but pleased?

“Where does that sentiment come from? Since you are a student of this County School, it is my duty to instruct you, is it not? In the future, if you have any confusion, feel free to seek me out!” The Headmaster stroked his fine beard.

Wang Qingchen was overjoyed by the Headmaster’s straightforward acceptance. “To receive your guidance, Headmaster, is my utmost honor. I vow not to disappoint you!”

Hearing this, the Headmaster nodded with even greater satisfaction.

Zhao Cheng, standing by, also delicately expressed his desire for the Headmaster’s mentorship now that the request had been granted. The Headmaster readily agreed, recognizing that Zhao Cheng was a rare intellect, and mentoring him would be a precious opportunity for himself as well.

Only then did Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng depart with satisfied expressions. After leaving the Headmaster’s courtyard, they did not seek out Liu Hao and Li Yuntai but instead went directly to the library to find the books the Headmaster had just mentioned. They reasoned that if the Headmaster held these specific texts in such high regard, reading them would undoubtedly be profoundly beneficial. Consequently, they spent the remainder of the day immersed in the library.