Chapter 33: The Assessment Ends, and the On-the-Spot Ratings Begin

The news of Zong Shichang’s defeat inevitably spread throughout the examination grounds. Although no one had a clear view of exactly what transpired, the celestial phenomena of summoning lightning and churning sand and stone could not be concealed. Furthermore, while the fellow had been perfectly fine when he headed toward Zhao Xing, he had limped back. If they hadn’t come to blows, he surely wouldn’t have fallen into a well, would he?

"First, Huang Tao and his two companions were defeated, and now Young Master Zong has gone over and suffered a loss as well. It seems Zhao Xing is all but guaranteed a spot on the Grade A list."

"Another formidable competitor has emerged this year. Sigh, why couldn't it be me?"

"Zhao 'Grade A' might just become Zhao 'Second Grade A' after this."

"If things go well, he might be addressed as Magistrate Zhao by next year."

"To hold office in a single leap, gaining both fortune and status—I am truly envious."

"..."

Zong Shichang’s challenge solidified the impression that Zhao Xing was "not to be trifled with." Consequently, for the next two days, no one dared to pull the tiger’s whiskers. Unbeknownst to them, everyone had quietly placed Zhao Xing in the same tier as Wen Nanxing, Li Chengfeng, and the others.

On the ninth day of August, the final day of the Start of Autumn examination arrived. Zhao Xing emerged from the golden bamboo forest and waited quietly for the examination to conclude.

"A Grade A-Plus rating should be beyond doubt this time."

Because the effect of the Earth Vein Synthesis had been unexpectedly effective, after cultivating the "Green Vine," "Adamantine Bamboo," and "Fragrant Lotus," Zhao Xing had selected two more plants, both of which were second-tier intermediate quality. Had time permitted, he would have even liked to experiment with the third-tier Heavenly Origin Pear Tree.

He had enjoyed himself, but those around him had suffered. For three consecutive nights, Zhao Xing had utilized the Earth Vein Synthesis, causing the progress of the surrounding plants to slow down. Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had only managed to bring a single second-tier superior plant to maturity by the very last day.

Zhao Xing cast a glance at his proficiency.

[Earth Vein Synthesis: Primary-tier Spell]
[Progress: 768/9999]
[Effect: Draws upon the power of the earth veins to integrate terrestrial vitality.]

"During the second and third nights of casting Earth Vein Synthesis, my proficiency surged. This spell is nearing its first transformation," Zhao Xing noted with satisfaction.

As time passed, although the others did not understand what was happening, they became more focused in their casting, carefully locking down their vitality and instinctively resisting the influence of the Earth Vein Synthesis. With this resistance, his proficiency grew even faster. Zhao Xing could clearly perceive how to manipulate the spell, and thus, within a mere three days, his Earth Vein Synthesis was on the verge of entering the ranks of first-transformation spells.

***

"The hour of the Rooster has arrived. The Start of Autumn examination is over. All officials, cease casting."

Chen Shijie’s voice echoed through the Hundred Herb Garden. Suddenly, wails of lament rose from within the garden.

"What? It’s over already?"

"My Heavenly Spirit Flower was about to mature! I was only an hour away!"

"It’s finished? I wonder if I can make it onto the Grade B list."

"How nerve-wracking."

As the announcement echoed, the clouds over the planting zones vanished one after another; the wind ceased and the rain dispersed. In their place, a larger white cloud blanketed the entire Hundred Herb Garden—this was the "Cloud Carriage" spell cast by Chen Shijie. Everyone discovered they could no longer cast spells like Cloud Carriage, Rain-Making, or Wind-Raising; all their vitality was being drawn up toward the clouds in the sky.

"A Cloud Domain? Chen Shijie truly has some skill. He lives up to his reputation as a former Military Agriculture Officer," Zhao Xing remarked, looking up at the sky and nodding in acknowledgment.

Chen Shijie’s cloud manipulation had completely transcended the scope of a primary-tier spell; it could be called a [Cloud Domain]. Beneath his cloud layer, only Chen Shijie could cast meteorological spells. If it were just that, it would be fine, as normal cloud domains could achieve this. But Zhao Xing realized that Chen Shijie’s domain also suppressed other spells. For instance, his own Earth Vein Synthesis collapsed the moment Chen Shijie’s voice rang out, unable to be maintained any longer.

Under the Cloud Domain, everything was under his control, even the vitality itself. Even if the officials tried to cast cultivation spells, they could not reach the plants; all the energy would drift toward the sky. Thus, when he said the exam was over, it was truly over; you couldn't cast a spell even if you wanted to.

"No wonder he could become a chief official in his thirties. He certainly has his ways."

Zhao Xing remained motionless, waiting quietly for the personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture to verify the results. Xue Wenzhong had set the questions, but the verifier was Chen Shijie, the Chief of the Ministry of Agriculture, accompanied by deputy officers like Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, as well as two supervisors and recording clerks from the county office.

The inspection proceeded from the west, moving north, then through the east and south, before returning to the western entrance. The examinees in the planting zones waited anxiously.

The first to be inspected was Li Chengfeng.

"Five second-tier superior Purple Fire Orchids, brought from seedling to maturity. The fragrance is mellow and lingering, and the medicinal value has reached an excellent level."

"Twelve second-tier intermediate Nectar Fruit trees, brought from seedling to maturity. They have blossomed and fruited, the fruits are plump, sweet, and refreshing to the senses. The effect is excellent."

Chen Shijie nodded at Li Chengfeng and then said to the others nearby, "I intend to grade him A-Plus. What does everyone think?"

In the evaluation process, one had to consult the other Ninth-Rank agriculture officials. No one expressed opposition, as Li Chengfeng was indeed exceptional and deserved the A-Plus rating.

"This subordinate agrees."
"This subordinate also agrees."

With unanimous approval, Li Chengfeng received the A-Plus rating. The county clerk immediately registered it, including Chen Shijie’s remarks.

"Thank you, my lords," Li Chengfeng bowed in gratitude, then left the examination ground with a composed air to wait on the perimeter.

For someone like Li Chengfeng, the grade was obvious at a glance, as there was no room for debate; it was a straightforward A-Plus. As for those whose plants had died, the logic was the same. Chen Shijie would walk over and say only one thing: "Less than one in ten seedlings survived. You are a mediocre official!"

This evaluation was also recorded, as these junior officials were not mere students; they were already part of the auxiliary bureaucracy. They had the potential to become officials in the future. Chen Shijie had given them the option to withdraw; if they had withdrawn in time without wasting seedlings, it would at most mean no grade, and they could retake the exam later. But those who knew they lacked the ability yet held onto wishful thinking, wasting time in the examination hall, would receive his "mediocre official" evaluation. If you lack self-awareness now and only waste a few seedlings, what would happen if you were fortunate enough to govern a region later? Wouldn't the common people suffer under someone like you? So many people relied on the fields for their livelihood!

"Wuu-wuu~" The official who received this evaluation burst into tears and fled, covering his face.

The other officials were unperturbed; they all knew that Master Chen despised fools and would show no mercy if he encountered one. This minor official essentially had no hope of becoming a full-time appointee. However, such cases were in the minority. Most officials chose plants they were confident they could grow, avoiding extreme situations. Even with the influence of the Earth Vein Synthesis, if you chose an ordinary first-tier inferior plant, with spell reinforcement, you could at least ensure half of them survived.

"Three second-tier inferior, Grade B-Intermediate."
"One second-tier inferior, Grade C-Plus."
"Twelve first-tier inferior, one first-tier intermediate, Grade C-Intermediate."
"..."

After stopping and starting, the majority of the inspections were completed, and they finally arrived at the spots of Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and Zhao Xing.