The ratings for those who performed too strongly or too weakly were uncontroversial. However, when it came to Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, some disputes arose. Both chose nearly fifty Second Level plants.
First, looking at the basic scores, which included Second Level middle-grade and low-grade plants, the survival rate was surprisingly only eighty percent, with thirty percent failing to reach maturity. While none had died, this data was somewhat weak for their performance.
Next, examining the scoring points, which pertained to Second Level upper-grade plants, Wen Nanxing selected two types of Second Level upper-grade plants: the 'Qixing Flower' and the 'Liguo Sapling.' Both had very high medicinal value. Wen Nanxing cultivated four plants, but only one of each was fully mature, reaching optimal medicinal value.
Xiao Ze's Second Level middle and lower-grade plants had data similar to Wen Nanxing's. His Second Level upper-grade plants, 'Hanbing Lotus' and 'Kudi Ginseng,' had only one more mature plant than Wen Nanxing.
Their performances were certainly sufficient for the A-list, but the disagreement lay in whether they should be rated A or A-. Among the eight officials evaluating, three felt that neither should be rated A, at most A-. They argued that since they had not fully matured all their plants, their performance did not match their Gathered Essence Fourth Level capabilities.
The other four believed that the scoring standards should be uniform and not vary by person; since Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had no dead seedlings and had mature plants across Second Level middle, lower, and upper grades, they should be rated A.
With the disagreement, the main decision-making power rested in Chen Shijie's hands.
"Lord Chen, how should we rate them?" a clerk from the county office quietly asked.
Both Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing felt somewhat anxious. They truly hadn't expected to perform poorly. Looking at Li Chengfeng, who had chosen equally challenging plants, how had he managed to have all of his mature?
In their current situation, the A-list rating could go either way. Since there was a dispute, it depended on Lord Chen Shijie's thoughts.
Chen Shijie pondered for a moment and looked at the two: "I will ask you both, during these four days and three nights of assessment, did you notice anything unusual?"
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances and then shook their heads: "No."
Hearing this, Pang Yuan and Tang Wanchun sighed inwardly, knowing that an A rating was impossible this time. However, it wasn't entirely their fault; Zhao Xing was too cunning. He took from others at will, while for these two experts, he boiled them like frogs in warm water, slowly stealing from them.
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze now believed it was their own poor performance, not realizing there were other factors at play.
Chen Shijie nodded upon hearing their response: "The plants you cultivated were all difficult off-season varieties, so you can be rated A. However, your vigilance was too poor, leading to incomplete maturity, so let's settle for A-."
"Understood." The clerk immediately recorded the decision.
Huh? Poor vigilance? What kind of evaluation was that?
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were somewhat baffled. However, once Chen Shijie walked away, Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan finally revealed the truth to their students: "You two are truly too dull; you didn't even realize you were tricked by the Earth Vein Comprehensive Origin! Go back and reflect on this!"
Earth Vein Comprehensive Origin? Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances, their expressions changing drastically.
Someone had actually used the Earth Advantage Sect's techniques and stealthily stolen their earth power and vital Qi?
"Who would use it against us... Ah, could it be him?!" Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze looked at the expanse of golden color, suddenly realizing and feeling regretful.
"Zhao Xing, using Gathered Essence Second Level, cultivated five types of mature Second Level plants totaling 100, including 20 Second Level upper-grade Golden Bamboo. He is both courageous and strategic, rated A!"
This time, Chen Shijie didn't even ask anyone beside him and directly addressed the county officials. The admiration in his eyes was unmistakable, even showing a hint of impatience.
Gao Linong felt somewhat displeased because the evaluation of Zhao Xing as courageous and strategic clearly referred to his performance in competing with Zong Shichang, who happened to be his prized student.
Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan also felt uneasy, as Zhao Xing's 'strategy' was about their own prized students, who still hadn't realized it even after the assessment ended. Wasn't that infuriating?
However, aside from personal feelings, the three indeed felt that Zhao Xing deserved this evaluation and even hoped he would be under their command.
"Thank you, esteemed officials." Zhao Xing cupped his hands in salute to the officials who came for the inspection.
Logically, the inspection should continue, but Chen Shijie did not leave. He instructed the other deputy officials to confirm the remaining B-list and C-list ratings and kept Zhao Xing behind with Xue Wenzhong.
Zhao Xing was unsure of the meaning behind this, but it felt embarrassing for the leader to take the initiative to speak; he had to ask: "Teacher, Lord Chen, is there anything else you need?"
Xue Wenzhong spoke up: "The qualifications for the imperial temple assessment are determined by the quotas from each county, which the prefecture then verifies for participation."
"Each prefecture and county has an uncertain quota. To give the prepared officials a better chance of passing, each year the county office will collectively invest and allocate some resources from the treasury to provide to the officials who perform outstandingly. This applies not only to my Agricultural Affairs Bureau but also to the Heavenly Crafts Workshop, Weaving Workshop, Martial Arts Division, and the Agricultural Affairs Bureau."
Zhao Xing nodded; he certainly knew this.
The Great Zhou's founding emperor's principle of 'gathering all talents under one roof' was not just talk but was directly written into the laws.
The "Tribute Officials Law" mentioned: "All officials and students from various departments, based on their skills and arts, will be selected and allocated resources monthly as rewards."
In simpler terms, it meant there were 'scholarships' and 'financial aid.'
Skills, arts, and crafts referred to various aspects of evaluation, while officials referred to students in official academies and societies established by the court, as well as officials like Zhao Xing.
The difference was that students could receive both 'financial aid' and scholarships, while officials could only receive scholarships, since officials had jobs; even if they were poor, they shouldn't be unable to afford food, right?
The selection process was relatively strict. Logically, having achieved A twice, he shouldn't be eligible for such resources, but now seeing Xue Wenzhong's meaning, it seemed that Lord Chen wanted to help him fight for it?
Sure enough, Chen Shijie continued: "Old Xue mentioned that your Gathered Essence is relatively late. If you wish to pass the winter assessment and the temple assessment, your resource usage must keep up. I heard your family isn't particularly wealthy, so if you could obtain a 'tribute' quota, perhaps your cultivation could progress faster."
Zhao Xing listened quietly.
"Logically, you've only achieved A twice, so you don't have the qualification for tribute. But I believe you are a person of great potential, and it would be a pity if you were not selected."
"Therefore, I have decided to apply for a tribute quota for you. In addition, I will also provide you with some additional resources for your cultivation, until your temple assessment is completed."
Chen Shijie's words were very direct, without any airs. He didn't refer to himself as 'this official' but simply as 'I,' showing how much he appreciated Zhao Xing.
Upon hearing such good news, Zhao Xing felt there was no reason not to accept it. Although he remained calm internally, he put on a show of gratitude, after all, this Chen Shijie was his angel investor!
He immediately bowed deeply: "Thank you, Teacher and Lord Chen, for your generous support. I will remember this for life and will repay you day and night!"
Chen Shijie smiled slightly upon hearing this, helping Zhao Xing straighten up from his bow.
This investment was secured!
(End of Chapter)