The Martial Arts Academy entrance exam consisted of five subjects in the humanities and four in the martial arts. It might seem that the humanities were more important than the martial arts, but in reality, the martial arts exam, though one subject less, carried far greater weight. It's important to remember that the humanities were added to the Martial Arts Academy entrance exam during the reign of Emperor Taizong; Emperor Taizu, when he first established the academy, only had four martial arts subjects.
As the Sui Dynasty grew stronger and its foundation became more stable, the emperor gradually increased his emphasis on scholars. The Sui Dynasty was founded on military strength, but ultimately, governance relied on scholars. A country ruled by warriors would likely become increasingly chaotic. When Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, his first act was to establish a rule that the Martial Arts Academy entrance exam must include humanities subjects. Although this was quite controversial at the time, Emperor Taizong insisted on his decision despite opposition.
Thus, Li Xiao's outstanding performance in all nine subjects led to his remarkable achievement.
Later, Emperor Taizong's foresight was truly admirable. If the Martial Arts Academy only recruits pure warriors, it will be a bad thing for the Sui Dynasty's army and even the very foundation of the nation. Those with profound cultivation are not necessarily generals, and a fierce general who can charge into battle and take the head of a general as easily as taking candy from a bag is ultimately just a fierce general, not a commander-in-chief.
The Sui Dynasty has never lacked fierce generals.
However, even though the civil service examinations have been accepted, the Martial Arts Academy still prioritizes martial arts scores. For example, Fang Jie's five excellent civil service subjects are definitely not as valuable as four excellent martial arts subjects, or even three excellent ones. No matter how good one's civil service is, if one performs poorly in the martial arts examinations, at best one can only hold a clerical position. Although there is a fundamental difference between military and court civil service positions, it is still a great pity to join the army but not be able to lead troops.
Five excellent civil service subjects are also highly questionable. If His Majesty hadn't cherished Fang Jie's talent and single-handedly supported him, Fang Jie would have been lucky to get three high scores in the civil service examinations. Knowing this, Fang Jie took the martial arts examination extremely seriously.
Before arriving at the Martial Arts Academy, Fang Jie had come from Changchun Garden. The emperor's words at the end of their conversation the previous night made Fang Jie even more cautious.
"I've seen you twice because I know you have some skill. But what you've shown so far isn't enough to impress me. If you want a bright future, get a few more excellent scores in tomorrow's martial arts examination and show me. I'm never stingy with rewards; if you have the ability, take more from me."
These words were not without a hint of provocation, but they also clearly told Fang Jie that if he demonstrated his skills and satisfied the emperor, he would definitely give him an important position.
How could Fang Jie miss such an opportunity?
Having come to this world and this era, he couldn't simply adopt a "what will be, will be" attitude.
The seemingly foolish boy lying on the ground outside the earthen city wall of the martial arts arena, laughing loudly, had at least proven himself in the martial arts examination. He paid no heed to the disdainful or resentful glances from the aristocratic scions; he simply reveled in his further achievement. Being envied—wasn't that a form of success?
The martial arts exam consisted of four subjects. The first two should actually be considered one, but the results were counted as two separate exams. Earning two more excellent grades would guarantee his admission to the Martial Arts Academy. If seven excellent grades couldn't guarantee his entry, then there was no justice in the world.
After resting on the ground for about half an hour, the professor from the Martial Arts Academy, standing on the earthen city wall, announced the preparations for the third exam.
The third exam was horsemanship and archery.
The Martial Arts Academy's warhorses were all in the training ground, a spacious and flat area sufficient for the candidates to showcase their riding and archery skills. Regardless of whether they had recovered from the exhaustion of the first two exams, the candidates knew they no longer had the right to remain lying on the ground. Unless they wanted to give up now, but as Sui people, their inherent pride would prevent them from making such a choice.
Failure is acceptable, but giving up is not.
Having almost recovered, Zhang Kuang stood up, reached out and pulled Fang Jie aside, laughing, "I told you before the exam, all of us military candidates are watching you. Since His Majesty allowed those of us in uniform to participate in the Martial Arts Academy exam, not a single soldier has made it into the top three for three consecutive years. Not even one soldier has made it into the top ten. While it's not exactly a disgrace, it's still unsettling."
He pulled Fang Jie up, patted him on the shoulder, and smiled, "Try harder, the brothers are all watching you!"
"I'm a typical person who's content with a little wealth."
Fang Jie smiled and said, "Don't put such a heavy burden of bringing honor to the military on my shoulders, I can't handle it."
"At this point, who else can I put the burden on if not you?"
"Instead of putting a burden on me, you might as well put some money on me. Speaking of which, money gives me absolutely more motivation." "It's a bigger burden than a responsibility."
Zhang Kuang rolled his eyes at him, then looked at the soldiers preparing for the exam and said with some emotion, "Actually, including myself, which military-trained candidate doesn't want to be the hero in everyone's eyes? Who doesn't want to be an outstanding individual admired by all? Who doesn't want to squeeze into the top three and be written into the records of the Martial Arts Academy, bringing glory to their ancestors and leaving their mark on history? But now we all know that we actually have no chance to fulfill our dreams. You can."
"Fortunately, you can, otherwise how could we feel comfortable?"
Fang Jie looked at the training ground, shrugged helplessly, and said, "Okay, although I don't want to be pretentious... the next exam is archery, but my horse is still in the city."
Just as he finished speaking, Fang Jie saw Qiu Yu, the beautiful female professor from the Martial Arts Academy, leading her crimson horse slowly walking towards them from a distance. Zhang Kuang couldn't help but laugh, staring at Fang Jie's face and saying, "Handsome young man, being good-looking really does have its uses! If you can win over the examiners before you even finish the exam, that'll be the real deal that makes us brothers admire you!"
"Get lost!"
Fang Jie laughed and cursed, brushing the dust off his clothes as he walked towards Qiu Yu.
"Thank you, sir!"
Fang Jie first bowed, then took the reins from Qiu Yu. The crimson horse seemed a little uncomfortable with this woman with white eyes, appearing somewhat uneasy. But when it saw Fang Jie, it was clearly excited.
"Well done."
Qiu Yu nodded to Fang Jie, then, noticing Fang Jie's somewhat haggard expression, suddenly smiled and said, "I'll be the examiner later. Now, I'm giving you a chance to bribe me. Don't be stingy; ask for the biggest deal you can get. You should know that bribing me won't be cheap."
Fang Jie remained silent for a while before tentatively saying, "There's a stall selling hot soup noodles and steamed buns near my house. It's not bad."
Qiu Yu rolled his eyes at him and turned to leave. Fang Jie gave an awkward smile and scratched his head. After walking four or five steps, the beautiful female professor didn't turn around or stop, but her gentle voice drifted over: "Tomorrow morning."
"Okay!"
Fang Jie nodded vigorously, grinning foolishly.
...
...
Fang Jie had been searching everywhere while preparing for the archery competition. In fact, he had been searching ever since he arrived at the martial arts academy this morning. He was looking for Xiang Qingniu, the man who never forgot to boast, yet was timid and even fearful like a quail in front of women. Xiang Qingniu had claimed to be one of the examiners for this year's Martial Arts Academy entrance exams.
The liberal arts exams were over; only two martial arts exams remained.
The chubby boy was still nowhere to be seen. Fang Jie even suspected he was lying again. Before meeting Shen Qingshan, Fang Jie hadn't really thought Xiang Qingniu was a significant figure. When Shen Qingshan mentioned that Xiang Qingniu had asked the old Taoist priest Xiao Zhenren to send people to find him, Fang Jie was genuinely surprised. Xiang Qingniu was nothing like a reclusive master; Fang Jie would rather believe Daquan was a powerful Taoist than believe a single word Xiang Qingniu said.
If Xiang Qingniu had written it, Fang Jie wouldn't even believe the commas.
Later, Fang Jie believed him, but Xiang Qingniu didn't come.
At least, he hadn't appeared in Fang Jie's sight yet. Therefore, Fang Jie was certain that Xiang Qingniu was not at the training ground. Knowing that shameless scoundrel's nature, if he were there, he would have already come to show off to Fang Jie.
Fang Jie couldn't find him, so he was somewhat worried.
For Xiang Qingniu to not come to the training ground, for missing an opportunity to gloat in front of him, was certainly no small matter. And it wasn't just Xiang Qingniu; Fang Jie hadn't seen a single person in a Taoist robe in the training ground today. Since Master Xiao of Qing Le Mountain was here on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor to observe the ceremony, why wasn't he here?
Fang Jie's worry stemmed from a vague suspicion in his mind.
Watching the examinees receive their warhorses and gather at the training ground, Fang Jie shook his head, clearing his somewhat chaotic thoughts. He stroked the crimson horse's neck a few times and smiled, saying, "Ready?"
The crimson horse ignored him, its head lowered as if it wanted to find some tender grass to eat on the bare training ground. However, it was clearly disappointed and therefore somewhat disdainful of such a grand scene. In a horse's eyes, many people and horses are no match for many fresh, juicy blades of grass.
Outside Chang'an City lies Shenquan Mountain, where the world-renowned Shenquan Manor is located. Shenquan Manor is famous for its exceptionally fine wine; even the wine served at the Emperor's banquets is supplied by Shenquan Manor. Shenquan Mountain is not particularly tall or majestic; from a distance, it resembles Wolf's Breath Mountain west of Fangu City.
From a distance, Shenquan Mountain's curves are gentle. When people think of mountains, their first impression is often one of grandeur and rugged beauty, rarely considering that mountains can also possess a graceful side. Shenquan Mountain is a prime example of a mountain with graceful beauty.
Shenquan Mountain is not far from the martial arts training ground; a round trip on horseback takes less than an hour.
When the martial arts arena was built, most of the timber and stone used to construct the earthen walls and mounds were transported from Shenquan Mountain. Even the sizable forest within the arena was transplanted from the mountain, consuming a vast amount of manpower and resources.
Shenquan Manor is located halfway up Shenquan Mountain, said to have been built during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Sui Dynasty. It was built by a descendant of a general who had rendered meritorious service in establishing the dynasty. This general's descendant had no interest in officialdom but preferred brewing wine. Over a hundred years later, his descendants no longer held any titles, but the name Shenquan Manor remained exceptionally renowned.
The wine pool is located at the deepest part of Shenquan Manor, essentially a huge cave. The cave entrance is small, but the interior is spacious, and the temperature is ideal for storing wine. The treasure of Shenquan Manor consists of several jars of wine that have been stored for decades, hidden in this cave. Originally full, the jars are now more than half full—not because someone stole any, but because the wine is said to have become so viscous that it can be drawn into threads. Even before entering the wine pool, the aroma of the wine was intoxicating.
Just as Fang Jie was preparing for the archery competition, two very unusual people appeared outside the wine pool at Shenquan Manor.
One was a chubby young man in a black Taoist robe. His round face was as white as a freshly steamed bun, making everyone want to pinch his cheeks.
The other was a high priest in a bright red Taoist robe, with what appeared to be a crack on his forehead. His age was indiscernible, but his features were sharply defined, as if carved by a knife.
Throughout the entire Great Sui Taoist sect, only three people were qualified to wear a pure black Taoist robe. One was Master Xiao of the Yi Qi Temple on Qing Le Mountain, another was Master Zhang of the San Qing Temple on Wudang Mountain, and the third, naturally, was the unreliable chubby Taoist, Xiang Qingniu.
"Is this it?"
Xiang Qingniu looked at the cave and slightly turned his head to ask the red-robed high priest standing beside him.
Crane Cry Daoist, in charge of punishments at the One Qi Temple, was usually intimidating with his cold and aloof demeanor. Coupled with his noble status as a high priest, he naturally possessed an imposing aura. However, before Xiang Qingniu, this arrogant and somewhat rigid high priest was remarkably humble and respectful.
"Reporting to Junior Uncle, this should be it."
Xiang Qingniu grunted, took a few steps forward, cleared his throat, and loudly proclaimed, "Listen up, you bald monks inside! You're surrounded. Resistance is pointless. Come out and confess; you might receive a lighter sentence and have a change of heart. I'll count to one, and if you don't surrender, I'll unleash the dogs!"
"Uh… Junior Uncle, isn't one too few?"
"Idiot, can't I count backwards from ten?"
"Nephew is slow-witted…"
"Damn it, do you think I'm talking nonsense?!"
"One!"
Xiang Qingniu wasn't speaking to Crane Cry Daoist, but to the cave. He turned around, hooked his finger, and said angrily, "If I don't unleash the dogs, do you really think I'm just bluffing?"
Behind him, a dozen or so young Daoist disciples, each leading a very powerful mastiff, came forward. The mastiffs were extremely ferocious, and although the young Taoist disciples all possessed cultivation, they were clearly struggling to control them.
"Let them in, let them all in!"
Xiang Qingniu curled his lip and said, "Bald monks are most afraid of dogs, that's what my second senior brother said back then!"