The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

The Eight Solar Terms, including Start of Spring, Spring Equinox, Start of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Start of Winter, and Winter Solstice, are all mandatory exams. Depending on the conditions of different counties and prefectures, the minimum number of tests is twelve, while in the more demanding top-rank counties or prefectures, all twenty-four solar terms might be tested.

The three major requirements for official promotion are Harvest Results, Moral Conduct Evaluation, and Ability Assessment, which together form the comprehensive Winter Evaluation. Afterward, there is one more examination, the Temple Exam, and those who pass will be "appointed" and enter the system of the fortune-based dynasty.

The Ability Assessment in the Winter Evaluation is based on the twenty-four solar terms and holds significant weight. If this is not passed, there will be no recommendation for the temple exam, meaning participation is not allowed.

Any official aspiring to be promoted won't miss any of the ability assessments.

Upon Xue Wenzhong's return to Huailiu Courtyard for his first lecture, a large number of officials came to check on him.

"Master Xue, are you well?"

The old Shennong smiled and replied, "I'm much better now."

"Teacher, I have here a hundred-year-old Dihuang Essence. Please accept it."

"Your kindness is appreciated, but take it back."

"Master Xue…"

It wasn't only Xue Wenzhong's subordinates who came to visit; officials from other courtyards also arrived. They weren't all out of pure goodwill; most of them were there to attend his lecture.

This was because the previous Start of Summer and Summer Solstice exams had been created by Chen Shijie, and now it was time for Xue Wenzhong to handle the upcoming Start of Autumn and the next exam.

"Master Xue, for the Start of Autumn exam, you won't give us any tricky questions like Lord Chen, will you? Another disaster scenario like the Grain-Eating Bird Calamity, and there wouldn't be anyone left in Gucheng who could pass!"

"Exactly! We don't even have grain-eating birds in the south!"

One bold official joked, causing the group to burst into laughter.

If this had been any other Shennong, few would have dared to joke in such a manner. However, Xue Wenzhong was known for being a kind-hearted and gentle man, making the atmosphere during his lectures quite relaxed, encouraging such playful exchanges.

The old Shennong smiled and said, "You're all curious about the Start of Autumn exam?"

"Yes, Master Xue, could you give us a hint?" The crowd craned their necks, their ears perked up.

Xue Wenzhong smiled slightly, "You will find out on the day of the Start of Autumn."

"Aww…"

The crowd laughed again.

Though his response seemed like idle talk, Zhao Xing enjoyed the atmosphere. He had attended lectures in other courtyards, and they were either overly formal or too difficult to understand, as if they were only catering to a select few who could grasp the material. It felt very unwelcoming.

Looking at Xue Wenzhong, who appeared vibrant and healthy, seemingly unaffected by his recent illness, Zhao Xing was relieved. However, he noticed a lingering sadness in the old Shennong's expression, suggesting there was still something weighing on his mind.

After the lecture in the front yard, Zhao Xing went to the back for his routine solo training.

Seeing him holding something in his hand, Xue Wenzhong's expression turned slightly displeased. "Are you also trying to give me a gift?"

Zhao Xing placed three tied-up ducks into the backyard's poultry coop. "This isn't a gift, teacher. You forgot that when I was practicing the Moving Straw Puppet, one of your ducks flew away. I caught it and brought it back."

Xue Wenzhong pointed and asked, "Then why are there three?"

Zhao Xing replied seriously, "After roaming outside for a few days, it found a companion and even had a baby. I couldn't bear to break up the family, so I asked the ducks for their opinion and brought the whole family back."

Hearing Zhao Xing's nonsense spoken so earnestly, Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but chuckle and said with a smile, "Nonsense!"

His smile was a tacit approval. He could tell that Zhao Xing wasn't trying to curry favor but was genuinely trying to cheer him up. It was the concern of a student for his teacher, rather than the flattery of a subordinate toward a superior.

Zhao Xing also sensed that Xue Wenzhong's attitude had shifted since his return.

Whether it was in casual conversation or formal teaching, the old Shennong now seemed to prioritize his role as a teacher over his role as a superior.

This was a positive change. As for what had happened before, if Xue Wenzhong didn't want to mention it, Zhao Xing wouldn't pry. He didn't want to touch on anything that might upset the old man.

"Start of Autumn marks the beginning of the autumn season. Although it's still hot, the Yang energy begins to recede, and Yin energy starts to grow. It's the turning point from the peak of Yang to the gradual dominance of Yin, and the crops shift from thriving growth toward ripening."

"Rainfall and temperature will also begin to decrease, which will affect the crops."

"The Four Farming Books mention: 'Autumn is when Yin energy descends, and thus all things begin to be harvested.'"

As training was about to end, the old Shennong suddenly shared this insight.

Zhao Xing was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and took his leave.

On his way home, he mulled over the old Shennong's words.

"Xue Wenzhong mentioned the ripening of crops in every sentence. It seems the Start of Autumn exam will be related to plant cultivation."

"Looks like I'll need to practice the Nurture Spell more in the coming days."

When he arrived home, it was already past mealtime. Zhao Ruide was nowhere to be seen, and Madam Cai, as expected, had a sour expression when she saw him come home. She went straight into her room.

Zhao Xing didn't mind and went to the kitchen to find some food. It was Zhao Zheng who eagerly ran out of his mother's room to help his older brother set the table.

"Big brother, I practiced martial arts today for two whole hours, and Father even praised me!" Zhao Zheng said, looking expectantly at Zhao Xing.

"Good. Keep it up," Zhao Xing responded half-heartedly as he continued to eat.

After a few bites, he noticed something off with the food. "Why doesn't this taste as good as last night's?"

Zhao Zheng replied, "How could that be, big brother? This is from last night."

Zhao Xing: "…"

Zhao Zheng continued, "Mother said you're like a 'food-wasting ghost,' able to eat anything and with a huge appetite. So she saved you some… she's never praised me like that."

"…"

Alright, I'll thank your mother for her kindness.

Zhao Xing smelled the food. Even though it was a hot day, it hadn't gone bad—just tasted a bit off. He didn't care anymore and shut his eyes as he wolfed it down.

"Big brother, what's a 'food-wasting ghost'? Have you ever seen a ghost? I've heard that those who practice magic can see ghosts and even summon gods, like the priests at the temple."

Zhao Zheng, like a child full of endless questions, kept chattering away.

"You'll understand when you grow up. Now go clean up the table and go play."

"Okay…"

After sending off his younger brother, Zhao Xing went back to his room to practice drawing talismans. Over the past month, his skill with Guiding Talismans and Soul-Calming Talismans had greatly improved, but the Grand Dream Academy was still as silent as ever.

"It seems I'll need significant progress before I can gain any benefits from it." Though his visits to the treasure trove had been fruitless so far, Zhao Xing was in no rush. He still had hundreds of years ahead to unlock its secrets.

Recalling the old Shennong's reminder from earlier, Zhao Xing pulled three books from his shelf.

"The Herbal Classic, A Grand View of Trees, and The Compendium of All Living Things. These books are all about identifying plants. They'll likely be useful for the Start of Autumn exam, so I should review them."

"Each book handed down by the court contains mystical powers. While they may not be as potent as the temple's methods, one can still gain insights from them."

"Hopefully, I can pick up a few useful passive skills."

Lighting an oil lamp, Zhao Xing began to study the texts carefully.