Literary Renown Does Not Enter the Military School

"Oh? What do you mean?" Qiu Yan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

In the Great Rui Dynasty, the examiners for the provincial Provincial Examinations were usually decided in May or June. The two or three months before the Autumn Examinations were a period of intense preparation for many candidates.

Candidates often need to learn about the examiners' experiences, study their articles, and figure out their preferences. Only in this way can they be targeted in their answers when they enter the examination room. Otherwise, no matter how well the article is written, it will be useless if it does not meet the examiner's expectations.

However, the examiners for the Autumn Examination imperial examinations in Jiannan Circuit have been delayed. Initially, there were rumors that it was Qi Zhengyuan, but the rumors changed. Qiu Yan initially found this strange, but now that Pan Xiang, a key figure in the New Party, has been parachuted in as the commander-in-chief, he has a better understanding of the situation and knows that it involves an exchange of interests.

Sure enough, Sun Xingming then said, "Although Qi Zhengyuan is famous for his water management, he also has some background in Historians' School, having studied under Ma Yang for a period of time."

"Qi Zhengyuan is a disciple of Chancellor Ma?" Upon hearing this, Qiu Yan immediately understood the meaning behind Sun Xingming's words.

Sun Xingming nodded and said, "That's right. This time, Pan Xiang came to accumulate merits, intending to use the pacification of the Marshfolk as a breakthrough to rectify the officialdom of Jiannan Circuit, and thus lay a good foundation for the implementation of the reform. However, the opposing side was not idle either, and they won a spot as an examiner." After speaking, he gave Qiu Yan a deep look.

"Lord Qi's praise of you means your becoming a Juren (successful candidate in the provincial examination) is a done deal, but don't even think about becoming a Jieyuan (top scholar in the provincial examination). If Qi Zhengyuan were to appoint you as the Jieyuan, it would likely stir up a lot of gossip and cause a huge uproar."

Qiu Yan paused for a moment, then finally laughed and said, "Is the court about to engage in factional strife? The Imperial Examinations are a matter of national importance, yet they're being used to fight for power. Even the appointment and removal of examiners almost caused delays. If this continues, I'm afraid we'll be severely weakened before any external enemies even make a move."

"Be careful what you say!" Sun Xingming's expression changed drastically. He got up, closed the doors and windows, and said earnestly, "I know you are unwilling. After achieving something in your studies, who doesn't want to become famous? But some things cannot be said out loud. You see through many things, but you can't say them outright, otherwise you won't be able to hold your official position securely."

"I have learned a great deal."

Qiu Yan lowered his head, adopting a humble and receptive demeanor, but he sensed chains of Karma binding his body. He couldn't help but sigh, "What an Ambition Karma! This is forcing me to defy the officialdom. But this avatar of mine is meant to experience the myriad aspects of human life, so why should I compromise my principles and tarnish my Divine Sense?"

Upon realizing this, the chains of Karma on his body immediately began to churn and subtly boil.

Qiu Yan composed himself and said, "The Imperial Examinations is indeed beyond my control. Once you enter the examination hall, you can only give it your all; the rest is up to fate. However, I have come here to tell you something."

"Hmm? What is it?" Seeing that Qiu Yan recovered so quickly, Sun Xingming nodded to himself. Hearing what the other party said, he remembered that it was the other party who took the initiative to come to his door today.

"It's quite a coincidence that this happened. I learned about the transfer of garrison soldiers from Master Zhang, which made me worried..."

Next, he recounted the invasion of the Marshfolk and the infiltration of the Barbarians, using a speculative tone.

While it was described as speculation, Qiu Yan had actually obtained concrete intelligence and had even planted several "insiders" within the ranks. He was intimately familiar with the movements of both sides, and with his carefully crafted explanations, he presented a convincing account, almost as if he were pontificating on the overall situation in the southwest.

Although he intended to inform Wen Anguo of the matter, Qiu Yan naturally would not go to the prefect's door himself. Firstly, with the Provincial Examination approaching, it was neither reasonable nor legal to visit the prefect at this time. Secondly, although Qiu Yan was Xiucai, he was still insignificant compared to the prefect of a prefecture. A person of low status has little influence, and no matter how reasonable his words were, others would not easily believe them.

Moreover, the matter Qiu Yan mentioned involves official documents, so even if the prefect treats him differently, he still won't easily issue an order.

But Sun Xingming was different. He was the prefect's advisor and legal clerk, serving as his strategist and confidant. It was ideal to have him relay messages.

However, after Qiu Yan finished speaking, Sun Xingming frowned and praised him a couple of times, but then said, "The most important matters of the state are sacrifice and war. You can consider the habits and movements of the Marshfolk, which shows that you are quick-witted and see further than ordinary people. But after all, you are not in that position, so your thinking is still too simple and one-sided."

He then briefly described the situation of the Marshfolk, saying, "The Marshfolk are a disorganized bunch. Their tribes have been at war for years, filled with hatred for each other, making it difficult for them to truly unite. Even if they take advantage of the chaos, it's only a small force. The surrounding military towns only need to send a portion of their troops to pacify them."

At this point, Sun Xingming turned to the situation of the Barbarians: "The Yongping Army and the Barbarians have been fighting continuously and are on guard against each other. They will not really be negligent. Moreover, since the split, the Barbarians have successively established several Zanpu (kings), and now their main force is in the north, fighting with Great Rui for Hexi and Longyou. How could they be distracted by other matters?"

He seemed afraid of discouraging Qiu Yan, so after saying all that, he smiled and said, "However, your concerns are indeed valid. I will report this to the prefect at some time."

That's what they said, but Sun Xingming clearly didn't take the matter seriously.

"In the end, I am still just a nobody with little influence. In their eyes, I am merely a scholar with some knowledge, while this Sun Xingming has been a clerk for over a decade and knows the situation in the southwest like the back of his hand. How could he change his mind just because of a few words from me? If I didn't know about the plans of the Marshfolk and the Barbarians, based solely on their analysis, I would not only have a deep understanding of the situation in the southwest but also have all my Original Edition worries dispelled. Unfortunately, reality often contradicts common sense, and they just do things in ways you can't imagine, catching you completely off guard."

Shaking his head inwardly, Qiu Yan knew that further words would be of no use. After all, he could not reveal the secrets of his Divine Ability, nor could he provide concrete evidence. In Sun Xingming's view, it was merely one-sided testimony.

Finally, Qiu Yan could only find an opportunity to influence Sun Xingming with his life story, deepen his impression, and ensure that the other party would report to the prefect. He then wrote another piece of calligraphy and took his leave.

"Unfortunately, my reputation is limited to calligraphy. If I had also made achievements in military affairs, and said such things, even if the other party was very familiar with the Marshfolk, they would have to think twice and treat me with great care. Life is full of helplessness, which is also a characteristic of Human Path. Even when we have the upper hand, we are hindered by various factors and cannot use it."

Walking along the road, Qiu Yan still felt regret. His reputation was growing, and he could collect the thoughts entrusted to him every moment. Some of these thoughts were given to his main body to enrich the Fire Seeds of Human Path, while others were intercepted to enhance the popular prestige and authority of his scholar avatar.

However, this reputation is all in literature, mostly related to calligraphy. In the eyes of others, he is a newly emerging master calligrapher. If he expresses his opinions on the art of calligraphy, he will naturally attract attention. But if he goes beyond this realm, others may not necessarily accept his views.

"However, border conflicts are ultimately Human Path disputes. The Heart Demon Clone is alright; it's a collection of negative emotions and faintly carries an aura of Karmic Sin, so there's no need to fear it. But the true god should not get involved. If too much Karma gets involved, and his Divine Path advancement is dragged down, he will inevitably gradually sink into depravity. This matter still needs to be handled by the scholar avatar, which can be considered a response to the karma of his Ambition Karma."

As Qiu Yan's research into the Divine Path deepened, his understanding of the power of Karma and effect became more comprehensive. He realized that gods and living beings belonged to two different realms and it was not advisable to interfere too much. Even ordinary cultivators could easily become tainted by Karma and effect and Karmic Sins if they interfered in mortal affairs, let alone gods.

"However, relying solely on a scholar and his Heart Demons is fine for dealing with one or two enemies, but when it comes to changes in power, external forces are needed. Otherwise, no matter how capable one is at killing, what can one do? Can one slaughter all the Marshfolk? If that were the case, not to mention anything else, the Karmic Sins involved alone would cause one's soul to sink into depravity, one's mind to be in turmoil, and one to be unable to condense a divine soul for the rest of one's life!"

With this in mind, Qiu Yan returned to the Liu Household's old house and began to make plans.

For the next month or so, things were calm, but Qiu Yan knew that the plans of the Marshfolk and the Barbarians were about to be completed. During this time, he also dreamt of the Prefect, but due to the Dragon Court's Fortune and the Official Qi, he could only give a slight hint, making Wen Anguo pay some attention. However, the Prefect could not dabble in military power after all, and as long as Pan Xiang did not agree, it would be difficult to change the situation.

Pan Xiang had his own plans and believed he had everything under control, so how could he possibly be persuaded by Wen Anguo's few words?

On the other hand, the Pan Household, bearing the title of disciples of a sage, had a previous Karma entanglement, which Qiu Yan could still interfere with using his Divine Ability. However, now that Pan Zhi is insane and Pan Xiang holds official and military positions, they are shrouded in the Dragon Court's Fortune and possess Official Qi, making them resistant to all evil. It would be too difficult for them to do anything underhanded.

Time passed slowly, and the date of the Marshfolk's uprising drew closer. Qiu Yan knew very well what the other side was waiting for.

That day, he put down the book he was reading and organized his thoughts.

"In the end, I am still outnumbered and outmatched. The power a mere Xiucai wield is limited. I have tried many methods these past few days, but to no avail. There are only a few days left until the Provincial Examination. If I don't get Pan Xiang to change his mind during this time, it will be too late."

Having made up his mind, Qiu Yan tidied himself up and went out again. The neighbors along the way greeted him respectfully, and Qiu Yan returned their greetings one by one.

Soon, the gate of the Pan Household came into view.

After knocking on the door, a servant came and Qiu Yan was led into the main hall, where he sat down to wait.

"My second young master has been busy with military affairs lately and has neglected his duties," the servant standing by said apologetically.

"It's alright," Qiu Yan replied. "Actually, besides the calligraphy we agreed on, I have another request: I hope to borrow some books from your esteemed Book Repository."

"This..." The servant hesitated for a moment, "Please wait a moment, young master, I'll go and ask for instructions." With that, he left.

Not long after, the servant returned.

"Young Master Qiu, my second young master said that with the Provincial Examination approaching, it is certainly not a problem for you to borrow books."

"Thank you very much then."

After thanking him, Qiu Yan followed the servant to the entrance of the library. His heart was pounding, and the Masters Section Bookshelf in his mind seemed eager to be explored, echoing the deepest parts of the library.

"Since life alone cannot withstand the Dragon Court's Fortune and Official Qi, why not use the Pan Household's heritage as a starting point to break through from within!"

At the same time, the innermost wall of the Book Repository trembled slightly.

The walls of this building are painted with murals depicting a school where Sages sit high, preaching and teaching.