The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

The ratings of those who performed too well or too poorly were uncontroversial.

However, when it came to Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, some controversy arose.

Both had chosen around fifty second-tier plants.

First, looking at the base score, which refers to the second-tier intermediate and low-quality plants, the survival rate was only eighty percent, with thirty percent failing to reach maturity.

Although there were no dead plants, this data was somewhat weak for their performance.

Next, considering the score for higher-quality plants, i.e., second-tier high-quality plants.

Wen Nanxing selected two types of second-tier high-quality plants: 'Seven-Star Flower' and 'Li Fruit Tree.'

Both had very high medicinal value.

Wen Nanxing grew four of each type, but only one of each was fully mature with optimal medicinal value.

Xiao Ze's second-tier intermediate and low-quality plants were similar in data to Wen Nanxing's.

His second-tier high-quality plants, 'Frost Lotus' and 'Bitter Earth Ginseng,' were just one plant more mature than Wen Nanxing's.

The performance of both was certainly sufficient for an A rank.

The disagreement lay in whether they should be rated as A+.

Among the eight reviewing officials, three felt that the two should not be rated A+, but rather A, at most.

This was because they did not achieve full maturity of all plants, and their performance did not match their fourth-tier cultivation ability.

The other four felt that the rating standards should be consistent and not vary by individual; Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze did not have any dead seedlings, and all tiers of second-tier plants were mature, so they deserved an A+.

The final decision rested mainly with Chen Shijie.

"Lord Chen, how should the ratings be decided?" the clerks from the county office asked quietly.

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were also somewhat anxious.

They truly did not expect their performance to be subpar. They looked at Li Chengfeng, who had chosen similarly challenging plants, yet all of his plants were mature.

Their situation left them unsure whether they would be rated A+ or A. With the dispute, it depended on Chen Shijie's judgment.

Chen Shijie pondered for a moment and then looked at the two: "I ask you both, during these four days and three nights of the examination, did you notice anything unusual?"

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances and then shook their heads: "No."

Pang Yuan and Tang Wanchun sighed inwardly, knowing that an A+ rating was now impossible.

But it was not their fault; Zhao Xing was too cunning.

For others, he would take and give freely, but for these two experts, he had used a slow and stealthy approach.

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze now thought their performance was the issue and did not consider other factors.

Chen Shijie nodded upon hearing this: "The plants you grew are all difficult out-of-season varieties, so an A+ rating is appropriate. However, due to poor vigilance leading to incomplete maturity, it will be rated as A."

"Yes." The clerks promptly recorded this.

Hmm? Poor vigilance? What kind of evaluation is that?

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were puzzled.

But once Chen Shijie walked away, Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan revealed the truth to their students: "You two are too dull; you didn't even realize you were tricked by the Earth Vein Consolidation! Reflect on this properly when you return!"

Earth Vein Consolidation? Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing exchanged a look, and their faces changed.

Someone had actually used the Earth Vein Consolidation spell, and stealthily drained their earth power and vitality?

"Who would use this on us… Ah, could it be him?!" Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing looked at the golden-colored area and suddenly realized, feeling deeply frustrated.

"Zhao Xing, with second-tier cultivation, successfully matured five kinds of second-tier plants totaling 100, including 20 second-tier high-quality Diamond Bamboos. He is both courageous and strategic, rated as A+!"

Chen Shijie made the announcement without consulting anyone, directly addressing the county office staff.

His admiration was unhidden, even showing an impatient eagerness.

Gao Linong felt a bit displeased because the 'courageous and strategic' evaluation obviously referred to Zhao Xing's performance against Zong Shichang, who was his proud pupil.

Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan were also unhappy because Zhao Xing's 'strategy' had outperformed their proud students. They were still unaware of this by the end, which was quite frustrating.

However, aside from personal feelings, the three genuinely felt Zhao Xing deserved this evaluation and even wished he were under their command.

"Thank you, esteemed officials." Zhao Xing bowed to the officials who came for the inspection.

Typically, the inspection would continue, but Chen Shijie did not leave. He had the other officers confirm the remaining B and C ranks and kept Zhao Xing behind with Xue Wenzhong.

Zhao Xing did not understand the reason but felt it was undignified to ask directly. He needed to initiate the conversation himself: "Teacher, Lord Chen, do you have any further instructions?"

Xue Wenzhong spoke: "The Imperial Court's temple examination qualification is determined by the quota from each county, which is then approved by the prefecture."

"Each prefecture and county has an uncertain quota. To give the preparatory officials a better chance, each year the county office will collectively fund and allocate resources to departments that perform outstandingly. This applies not only to the Shennong Division but also to the Tiangong Workshop, Weaving Workshop, Martial Arts Department, and the Censor's Office."

Zhao Xing nodded, fully aware of this.

The Great Zhou's motto, 'All talents enter its embrace,' was not just words but written into the laws.

The "Tribute Official Law" mentioned: "All officials of various departments, based on their skills and achievements, are selected and rewarded monthly with stipends and allowances."

In simpler terms, there are 'scholarships' and 'financial aid.'

Skills and achievements refer to various evaluation aspects, while officials include students from the official academies and officers like Zhao Xing.

The difference is that students can receive both 'financial aid' and scholarships, while officials only receive scholarships because they already have jobs. Even if poor, they should still manage to eat.

Selection is relatively strict. Even though Zhao Xing had been rated A+ twice, he might not receive such resources. But from Xue Wenzhong's words, it seemed that Chen Shijie was going to help him.

Indeed, Chen Shijie then said: "Xue Lao mentioned that you are relatively new to the fourth-tier cultivation. If you wish to participate in the winter assessment and temple examination, you need to match the resources accordingly. I heard that your family is not particularly wealthy. If you could get a 'tribute' quota, perhaps your cultivation could progress faster."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

"Normally, you've only been rated A+ twice, so you do not qualify for a tribute. But I believe you are a promising talent, and it would be a pity if you were eliminated."

"So I've decided to apply for a tribute quota for you. Additionally, I'll coordinate with your teacher to provide extra support for your cultivation until the temple examination ends."

Chen Shijie spoke directly and informally, referring to himself as 'I' rather than 'this official,' indicating his high regard.

Hearing such good news, Zhao Xing naturally accepted gratefully, maintaining calm internally but showing great respect outwardly, for Chen Shijie was his angel investor!

He immediately performed a grand bow: "Thank you, Teacher and Lord Chen, for your generous support. I will never forget it and will certainly repay your kindness day and night!"

Chen Shijie smiled slightly and helped Zhao Xing up.

This investment was secured!