Among the four seasons and eight festivals, eight of the solar terms are mandatory examinations: Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice.
Depending on the circumstances of each county, at least twelve solar terms will be examined, while the most stringent upper-level counties or upper-level prefectures will test all twenty-four solar terms.
The formal assessment consists of three parts: 'Harvest in the Jurisdiction', 'Moral Evaluation', and 'Ability Evaluation', collectively referred to as 'Winter Assessment'.
Afterward, there will be another 'Temple Examination'; passing this will allow one to 'Enter the Officialdom' and join the Fortune Dynasty system.
The 'Ability Evaluation' in the Winter Assessment, determined by the twenty-four solar terms, carries significant weight.
If one fails to be recommended, they cannot participate in the Temple Examination.
Officials aspiring for formal status will not miss any opportunity for the Ability Evaluation.
Xue Wenzhong's first lecture upon returning to Huai Liu Courtyard attracted a large number of officials seeking to visit.
"Old Xue, are you well?"
The old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head smiled and replied, "I am fine now."
"Teacher, I have a hundred-year-old Rehmannia root here; please accept it."
"Your kindness is appreciated, but take it back."
"Old Xue..."
Not only the officials under Xue Wenzhong's command but also those from other courtyards came to visit.
It was not out of goodwill but to attend the lecture.
The last two Small Heat assessments were set by Chen Shijie, and this time for Beginning of Autumn and the next, it would be Xue Wenzhong's turn.
"Xue Agricultural Affairs Bureau, for the Beginning of Autumn assessment, you won't set any tricky questions like Lord Chen, will you? If we have another 'Grain Bird Natural Disaster', it seems no one from Gu County will pass this year."
"Indeed, how could there be cuckoo birds in the South?"
A bold official asked this, prompting a burst of laughter.
If it were another Agricultural Affairs Bureau head, officials would hardly dare to joke like this, but Xue Wenzhong was known as a good-natured person, with a gentle temperament, creating a pleasant atmosphere for lectures, allowing officials to joke freely.
The old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head said, "Do you all want to know what the Beginning of Autumn assessment will cover?"
"Yes, Old Agricultural Affairs Bureau, please tell us!" The crowd craned their necks and perked up their ears.
Xue Wenzhong smiled slightly: "On the day of Beginning of Autumn, you will naturally know."
"Oh..."
Another round of laughter erupted below.
Though it was trivial talk, Zhao Xing enjoyed this atmosphere. He had attended lectures in other courtyards, which were either stern and serious or too profound to understand, only spoken by a few who could comprehend at the highest level, making it quite unfriendly.
Looking at Xue Wenzhong's rosy complexion, it seemed he had not been affected by his recent illness at all, which eased Zhao Xing's mind, though a trace of lingering worry remained on his brow, as if he harbored some concerns.
After the lecture in the front courtyard, Zhao Xing entered the back courtyard for additional practice as usual.
Seeing Zhao Xing still carrying something, Xue Wenzhong's expression turned displeased: "Why are you also learning to give gifts?"
Zhao Xing placed the three tied ducks into the poultry shed in the back courtyard: "This is not a gift; Teacher, you forgot, I previously practiced the Rehmannia Scarecrow and scared one of your ducks away. I brought this back for you."
Xue Wenzhong pointed and asked, "Then why are there three?"
Zhao Xing replied seriously: "Naturally, this duck wandered around for a few days, found a companion, and even had another one. I have a kind heart and couldn't bear to separate the family, so after consulting the ducks, I brought them all back."
Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but chuckle at Zhao Xing's serious nonsense, laughingly scolding, "Nonsense!"
This laughter was an implicit approval; he could see that Zhao Xing was trying to cheer him up. It was not the kind of flattery between superiors and subordinates, but rather a concern between teacher and student.
Zhao Xing also sensed that Xue Wenzhong's attitude had changed somewhat since his return.
Whether in casual conversation or teaching, the feeling he conveyed was that his identity as a teacher outweighed that of a superior.
This was a good phenomenon; as for what had happened before, the old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head did not mention it, and Zhao Xing would not pry, to avoid touching on painful matters.
"Beginning of Autumn marks the start of autumn; although it is still hot, the Yang Qi gradually recedes and the Yin Qi gradually increases. It is a transition from the dominance of Yang to the dominance of Yin, as crops shift from flourishing growth to maturity."
"Rainfall and climate will begin to decline, and crops will be affected by this."
"The Four Agricultural Books once stated: 'Autumn is when the Yin Qi begins to descend, hence all things harvest'."
As practice was about to conclude, the old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head suddenly spoke this passage.
Zhao Xing was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and took his leave.
On the way home, he pondered the old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head's words.
"Xue Wenzhong mentioned the maturity of crops three times; it seems the Beginning of Autumn assessment is related to plant cultivation."
"It looks like I need to practice cultivation spells more in the coming days."
Upon returning home, it was already past mealtime. Zhao Ruide was nowhere to be seen, and Madam Cai, seeing this glutton return, naturally wore a displeased expression and went straight inside.
Zhao Xing paid no mind and went to the kitchen to find something to eat, while Zhao Zheng ran out from his mother's room, excitedly helping his elder brother serve rice and dishes.
"Elder brother, I practiced martial arts today for two hours, and father praised me!" Zhao Zheng looked at Zhao Xing with eager anticipation.
"Good, keep up the effort." Zhao Xing replied perfunctorily and began to eat.
After a few bites, he noticed the taste was somewhat off: "Why does this meal not taste as good as last night's?"
Zhao Zheng replied, "How could it be, elder brother? This is last night's meal."
Zhao Xing: "..."
Zhao Zheng continued, "Mother said you are a glutton who can eat anything and has a big appetite, so she saved a little for you... she never praised me like that."
"..."
Alright, thank you for me to your mother.
Zhao Xing sniffed; surprisingly, it hadn't spoiled in the hot weather, though the taste was a bit off, so he ignored it and wolfed it down with his eyes closed.
"Elder brother, what is a glutton? Have you ever seen a ghost? I heard that those who can use spells can see ghosts and even summon deities, just like the officiants in the Temple of Divinity."
Zhao Zheng buzzed around him like a hundred thousand whys, chattering incessantly.
"You'll understand when you grow up. Now, clean up these dishes and go play."
"Oh..."
After sending off his little brother, Zhao Xing returned to his room to draw talismans, practicing the Guiding Talisman and Soul Calming Talisman. Over the past month, his proficiency had improved significantly, but there was still no news from the Grand Dream Academy.
"It seems I need to make significant progress to reap benefits from this." Although he once again returned empty-handed from the treasure mountain, Zhao Xing was not anxious; he still had hundreds of years to explore.
Recalling the old Agricultural Affairs Bureau head's reminder from earlier in the day, Zhao Xing pulled out three books from the cabinet.
"The Compendium of Materia Medica, Great View of Wood, and Outline of All Things; these are all books for identifying plants. The Beginning of Autumn assessment may require them, so I should review them."
"The court transmits laws, and various classics contain miraculous effects. Although they are not as powerful as those in the Temple of Divinity, they can still lead to insights into spells."
"I hope to acquire a few useful passive spells."
Lighting the oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to read carefully.
(End of Chapter)