Chapter 66: A Conversation with Yun Qin

“My good friend Li Su—he was the top scholar in both the county and the prefectural exams,” Lin Ze said, his voice tinged with pride.

Yun Qin became all the more intrigued by Li Su; he himself had claimed both county and prefectural honors as well.

“Is this Young Master Li here now?” Yun Qin asked urgently, his face alive with a thirst for knowledge.

Lin Ze and Qin Ming exchanged glances—perhaps debating with someone of such high scholarly caliber would help Su’s progress. They had noticed that Su sometimes seemed troubled; while they didn’t know the specifics, they could guess he was encountering difficulties in his essays. But with their own limited abilities, they could do little to help him.

Lin Ze promptly stood up. “He’s in his room. I’ll call him out.”

He strode off toward Li Su’s quarters. Inside, Li Su was practicing calligraphy—a pursuit that calmed the mind and cultivated the spirit. Truth be told, he preferred calligraphy over essay writing.

At that moment, Li Su was indeed frustrated; his essays and poetry seemed to have reached a bottleneck—he felt no clear progress, though he knew he still had room to grow and was far from the pinnacle. Over the past year, he had improved greatly in both essays and poetry, composing everything himself for the county and prefectural exams. He had a master who was an authority in essays, and his mind held a treasury of poetry spanning five thousand years of Chinese history.

In terms of resources, he already had access to far more than most scholars. His diligence and ability to learn were second to none.

Moreover, in matters of learning, there is no highest peak—only ever higher. No one can reach the ultimate limit of knowledge.

After deliberating, Li Su resolved to read even more books, and since the scholars arriving for the academy exam were likely to be accomplished, he might as well go out and socialize. Anyone who could make it this far couldn’t be mediocre, and forging connections among scholars now might one day prove useful in officialdom.

Previously, he had chosen not to network, since self-study yielded rapid progress and maximizing his time for personal growth was far more beneficial than debates with others. For the sake of maximizing time and benefit, he had put off making acquaintances, focusing solely on himself.

He put down his brush and admired his calligraphy—hard work had paid off, and his script was noticeably more refined.

Lin Ze knocked at the door, his voice anxious, “Su, Su!”

Li Su placed his brush on the stand. “Come in yourself.”

Lin Ze pushed the door open, excitement in his tone, “Su, Young Master Yun is here; he wants to discuss scholarly matters with you.”

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“Yun Qin?” Li Su immediately thought of the Yun Qin his master had mentioned.

Lin Ze asked in surprise, “You know him?”

Li Su nodded slightly. “I’ve heard of him, never met him. But how did he find his way here?” Could Yun Qin know of his existence?

“He’s staying next door and learned we’re here for the exams, so he came over,” Lin Ze said, not concealing anything.

Li Su mused that it might just be a coincidence; but whether it was or not, he’d find out upon meeting.

“Let’s go meet him.” He had just been thinking of socializing, and here was someone delivered to his door. If even his master thought well of him, Li Su’s eyes brightened.

Lin Ze and Li Su walked out together. When Yun Qin saw Li Su, a flash of astonishment crossed his eyes.

From what he’d gathered, this Young Master Li was from a farming family in a remote county. He had expected a simple, rustic figure to emerge from such a place.

But the reality was quite different. Though Li Su’s attire was plain, his bearing was distinguished—no less than the scions of the capital. In fact, there was an aristocratic air about him that Yun Qin felt surpassed his own.

Suppressing his surprise, Yun Qin rose and cupped his hands in greeting. “I am Yun Qin. I’ve heard Young Master Li was top scholar in both the county and prefecture exams—your talent must be extraordinary. Now that I see you, your reputation is well deserved.”

“You flatter me, Young Master Yun. I’ve heard you also excelled in both county and prefectural exams; with such talent, your future is surely bright,” Li Su replied, exchanging polite compliments.

Li Su gestured for Yun Qin to sit, and Yun Qin returned the gesture; both sat down. Yun Qin was surprised to learn that Li Su had heard of him.

Li Su, seeing Yun Qin’s attitude, realized the latter was unaware of his connection to his master. Li Su took the seat opposite Yun Qin.

After a few more mutual compliments, their relationship grew closer, and they moved to the main topic. Both were eager to discuss scholarly matters and improve themselves.

Their conversation was thoroughly enjoyable; each recognized the other’s exceptional intellect.

The others watched the two converse happily. Though they couldn’t really join in, listening to such learned men debate was a rare opportunity, and they listened intently.

Li Su and Yun Qin were delighted by their exchange; Li Su felt as though his meridians had been cleared, his mind flowing freely.

Yun Qin was even more shocked—this time, the coveted triple crown might not be his after all. Judging by Li Su’s display of learning, he was not inferior in the least.

But Yun Qin felt no envy, only admiration.

In the world of civil examinations, the capable take their place. It was not certain he would lose to Li Su; and even if he didn’t claim the top spot, befriending such a scholar was a gain in itself.

In the path of the imperial exams, mindset was crucial. If one only felt fear and worry upon encountering extraordinary talent, he would never achieve great heights. Yun Qin understood this well.

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Since everyone got along so well, they agreed to dine together that evening.

Walking at the front, Yun Qin asked curiously, “Brother, have you apprenticed yourself to a master?” If not, with Li Su’s abilities, many learned scholars in the capital would vie to take him as a pupil.

After their conversation, Yun Qin and Li Su now addressed each other as “virtuous brother.” Yun Qin had just turned fifteen after his birthday; Li Su would be sixteen after his own, a few months older.

Li Su nodded. “I do have a master.”

Yun Qin felt a pang of regret—how unfortunate.

In his view, Li Su’s hometown lacked truly outstanding scholars; Li Su had likely apprenticed himself to a certified scholar or provincial graduate, but for someone at Li Su’s level, such a master could hardly help him now.

Yun Qin had hoped that if Li Su was still uncommitted, he could recommend a master.

“My master is quite formidable,” Li Su said, noticing Yun Qin’s expression and feeling compelled to defend his teacher.

“May I ask, brother, your master’s esteemed name?” Yun Qin asked; if he were truly formidable, Yun Qin ought to know him. He was familiar with the most renowned scholars in the land.

This question stumped Li Su. He only knew his master’s surname was Sheng, or perhaps the name contained the character Sheng, but he had never learned his master’s full name. His master had never mentioned it, and Li Su had never thought it important enough to ask.

But admitting he didn’t know his master’s name—wouldn’t that make him seem an unfilial disciple?

As Li Su pondered, Yun Qin assumed he was merely trying to protect his master’s reputation, thinking his master was a little-known figure and Li Su feared Yun Qin wouldn’t recognize the name.

Yun Qin quickly changed the subject. “Having a master is good.”

“You haven’t apprenticed yourself, brother?” Li Su asked. He had assumed that someone like Yun Qin would be eagerly sought after by masters everywhere, but perhaps he had underestimated the world’s scholars.

Li Su reflected that his own abilities might not be so extraordinary after all—perhaps his previous surroundings had been too small, and he was merely a frog at the bottom of a well.

No wonder his master never praised him; it turned out he truly wasn’t that exceptional.

Li Su resolved to work even harder, lest he fall short of his goals.