Chapter Thirty-Four: The Academy

Two months later, Li Jie had finished studying the introductory primers, including the *Thousand Character Classic*, the *Three Character Classic*, and the *Hundred Family Surnames*, under the tutelage of Scholar Qian. Scholar Qian was no longer surprised by Li Jie’s learning speed, having been stunned countless times during this period. While he was exceptionally pleased with Li Jie as a student, he knew his own academic limitations; he was not particularly adept at the specialized essay writing required for the civil service examinations. Having passed the entry-level exam—commonly known as becoming a *xiucai* (licentiate)—only at the age of forty-seven, he realized Li Jie would eventually need to attend a proper academy.

"Pingzhi, you have basically mastered the content of all the introductory texts. I fear I can no longer teach you," Scholar Qian said, setting down his book with a sigh.

"Master, I have benefited greatly from your guidance. Why do you say that?" Li Jie asked, somewhat puzzled.

"I informed your father recently that your foundational studies are complete. I am not particularly skilled in the art of essay composition. Continuing to teach you the Four Books and Five Classics would be a disservice to your future. I have advised your father to find you a better academy, and once that is settled, I shall cease my instruction."

After speaking, Scholar Qian pursed his lips as if wanting to say more, but after a long pause, he simply let out a heavy sigh.

"I hope that in the future... ah! I hope that when you finally place on the imperial examination list, you will still remember me, your humble teacher. You are likely the most promising student I have ever taught."

Without waiting for Li Jie’s reply, he turned and walked away. Watching his retreating, lonely figure, Li Jie reflected that although Scholar Qian might not have been the most brilliant educator, his character was undeniably upright. Originally, the contract for Li Jie’s primary instruction was for one year, with Lin Zhennan paying three taels of silver per month. Seeing how quickly Li Jie was progressing, Lin Zhennan had intended to pay the full thirty-six taels regardless of when the term ended, but Scholar Qian had refused.

"If it is not earned through my own labor, I shall not take even a single hair."

Learning of this, Li Jie’s impression of Scholar Qian changed. Even a small person has their own integrity. Though Scholar Qian’s scholarship might have been limited, his character was precious. He held a balance in his heart and adhered to his own principles, disdaining to act in ways that violated them. Such a person was truly worthy of the title "Teacher."

For a scholar to participate in the imperial examinations, the first step is to master the classics and the art of essay writing. One must pass the county examination, then the prefectural examination, and finally the academic examination. Passing these grants the status of a formal scholar—a *xiucai*.

A *xiucai* only possesses the qualification to take the provincial examination, known as the "Autumn Harvest," held every three years in the eighth month. Those who pass the provincial examination are titled *juren*. Becoming a *juren* marks the initial entry into the ruling class, granting special privileges such as tax exemptions and the right to remain standing in the presence of officials. *Juren* are also eligible for lower-level government appointments, though these positions are typically minor and offer little future prospect.

To win the initial approval of Lin Zhennan, Li Jie needed to attain the status of *xiucai* within five years by passing the county, prefectural, and academic examinations. The content of the Ming Dynasty’s examinations was based on the Four Books (*Analects*, *Great Learning*, *Doctrine of the Mean*, and *Mencius*) and the Five Classics (*I Ching*, *Book of Documents*, *Book of Songs*, *Spring and Autumn Annals*, and *Book of Rites*).

The Four Books were studied using Zhu Xi’s *Collected Commentaries*. The *I Ching* relied on Cheng Yi’s *Commentary* and Zhu Xi’s *Original Meaning*; the *Book of Documents* on Cai Chen’s *Commentary* and ancient annotations; the *Book of Songs* on Zhu Xi’s *Collected Transmissions*; the *Spring and Autumn Annals* on the three commentaries of Zuo, Gongyang, and Guliang, as well as Hu Anguo’s notes; and the *Book of Rites*, lacking a single authoritative text, was studied primarily through ancient annotations. While the Ming Dynasty’s "eight-legged essay" system has been viewed with mixed feelings by later generations, it was clearly well-suited to the ruling needs of the court at that time.

The next day.

"Pingzhi, after much inquiry, I have selected two academies for you. One is run by a Scholar Li, who is quite famous locally. He is thirty-two this year and is rumored to be a certain candidate for the *juren* title in the next provincial examination. He is very proficient in the art of essay composition for the civil service," Lin Zhennan said slowly.

"And the other?"

"The other is Scholar Zhou, who is fifty-two. His academy has produced many *xiucai* and even two *juren*. He has great insight into teaching, and many families send their children to his academy."

Li Jie ultimately chose Scholar Zhou. He reasoned that someone like Scholar Li, who still harbored ambitions for the imperial exams, would likely have little time for teaching once he began preparing for the provincial exams. Conversely, Scholar Zhou, having already set aside his own examination ambitions, would surely be more dedicated to his students.

Scholar Zhou’s academy was located outside the city, far from the bustle. After winding past a hillside, one could see the academy nestled near a tributary of the Min River, surrounded by mountains and water. Willow trees lined the outer walls. From time to time, students carrying book boxes could be seen traveling in groups, most between eight and ten years old; someone as young as Li Jie was quite rare.

"This compound has three courtyards. The first two are for the academy. The first courtyard is where new students receive instruction, the second is for those preparing for the imperial examinations, and the third serves as the dining hall and quarters for the servants accompanying the students," Lin Zhennan introduced as they entered.

After being announced, they soon met their host.

Scholar Zhou was in his early fifties, of medium build with a thin face. Though his face bore many wrinkles, his eyes were bright and piercing. His chin featured a neatly groomed beard, and he wore a simple blue robe, exuding an air of elegance.

Scholar Zhou nodded slightly, observing Li Jie. After exchanging pleasantries with Lin Zhennan, he led them to a side chamber—a small reception room where he usually entertained visiting scholars.

One could faintly hear the sound of recitation from the surrounding rooms. In the chamber, Lin Zhennan and Scholar Zhou spoke in hushed tones. This was unnatural for Lin Zhennan, who was accustomed to speaking with a booming voice; lowering his tone to converse with a scholar was difficult for him, but for the sake of his son’s education, he endured it.

About a quarter of an hour later, their discussion concluded.

Scholar Zhou conducted a preliminary assessment of Li Jie, asking questions that spanned both introductory primers and current events. Seeing that Li Jie, despite his tender age, could answer every question fluently and with clear logic, he was very satisfied. The stern expression on his face softened into a smile.

Following the assessment, Li Jie first paid his respects to the shrine of Confucius, kneeling nine times, and then knelt three times to Scholar Zhou. After these rituals, he presented the tuition fee, and Scholar Zhou formally accepted him as a student.

The academy’s rules required students to arrive by 9:00 AM and remain until 3:00 PM.

In the time that followed, Li Jie would rise at the first light of dawn to practice his stance training for an hour. After washing and eating, he would be escorted by a servant to school. Upon returning in the afternoon, he would practice martial arts for another hour, and after dinner, he would study and practice calligraphy. A fine hand in calligraphy was indispensable for the imperial examinations, much like a score for the presentation of a paper today.