Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 56 Breaking the situation

"I'm tired of hearing those old, tired articles. But you, young man, are able to find a spark of inspiration in these classic texts."

Instructor Lin turned to his colleague and said with emotion, "We usually talk about self-discipline and think of it as asceticism. But after hearing 'self-discipline leads to life' today, I realize that the classics are not all shackles."

At this moment, those scions of noble families who had initially looked down on them all showed expressions of shame.

Their eloquent language, which they were so proud of, seemed so pale and powerless in the face of Lu Chuan's insights into life.

Zhang Ruo sat in the audience, her mouth agape wide enough to fit a duck egg.

Although he didn't quite understand the profound philosophical arguments, he could see the admiration in the eyes of those important figures.

At the next gathering, although Lu Chuan returned to his corner seat, that spot became the focus of everyone's attention.

Curious glances frequently fell upon them, as people tried to figure out who this boy, who had impressed Instructor Lin, was.

Master Zhao sat in the crowd, his hand holding the teacup trembling slightly.

He suppressed the excitement in his heart, turned to his colleague beside him and said in a low voice with a smile, "This child usually likes to ponder practical knowledge at the academy, I'm sorry to have made you all laugh."

Although his tone was humble, his ramrod-straight posture betrayed his current high spirits.

The atmosphere on the second day of the assessment was much more tense than the first day's calligraphy and interpretation of the classics, and it entered the most grueling phase of "interpretation and questioning of the classics".

Those who have made it to this round are already the most outstanding talents from various private schools.

The examination methods also became extremely rigorous: the examiner would give a passage of scripture, and the student would have to explain it in public and then answer a series of questions from the examiner.

When it was Lu Chuan's turn, the examiner was an instructor surnamed Chang, who was strict in his studies and valued the demeanor of scholars the most.

He flipped through the roster in his hand, glanced up at Lu Chuan, and slowly posed the question:

The Analects of Confucius, in the chapter "Yong Ye," states: "When substance prevails over refinement, it becomes rustic; when refinement prevails over substance, it becomes pedantic." Lu Chuan, tell me, for people like us, how should we choose between "substance" and "refinement"?

Upon hearing this question, many students in the classroom secretly gasped.

This question seems basic, but it is actually very profound.

For these children from farming families or impoverished backgrounds, "substance" is their true nature, while "refinement" is merely embellishment.

If you answer off-topic, you'll either appear crude and uncultured, or you'll appear frivolous and hypocritical.

Lu Chuan stood in the center of the field, feeling the gazes directed at him from all around.

He showed no sign of unease, simply straightening his sleeves calmly, bowing respectfully upwards, his voice clear and steady:

"In my opinion, sir, substance and form are not mutually exclusive enemies, but rather like two wheels of a cart, neither of which can be dispensed with."

He paused briefly, then calmly continued, “‘Substance’ refers to a person’s original heart and simple conduct; ‘Literature’ refers to the rites and laws of sages and the refinement of classics. If a student only knows how to read books without remembering his original heart, he will easily fall into the superficiality of ‘history’ and exaggerate the facts; if he only keeps his original heart but does not know how to cultivate his writing skills, he will become crude and uncouth, and unable to bear the weight of great righteousness.”

Instructor Chang raised an eyebrow, a sharp glint in his eyes, and then pressed on with the question:

"That's easy to say. But most students today come from impoverished backgrounds and are full of 'wildness.' Even if they study hard for years, they are merely wearing the skin of scholars. If what you say is true, will these people from humble backgrounds never be able to achieve that 'refined and cultured' state of moderation in their entire lives?"

This question is extremely pointed, and even carries a hint of disrespect towards students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Lu Chuan raised his head, looking directly at Instructor Chang, neither humble nor arrogant, his voice becoming even more resolute:

"I disagree. Although one's origins may be simple and unadorned, it is not an excuse for being uncultured. The true purpose of studying is to carve out 'culture' from this simple and unadorned jade with the wisdom of sages, stroke by stroke. 'Refined and cultured' is about seeking the word 'transformation'."

He paused, then continued, “Substance is like the root of a medicine, and style is like its fragrance. Only when the roots of a medicine are deep can its fragrance be rich and genuine. Although we come from farming families, as long as we are sincere and engrave every word of the classics into our bones, we can grind away our arrogance and retain our most resilient nature. In this way, substance will not diminish style, and style will not obscure substance; this is the mark of a true gentleman.”

These words not only directly refuted discrimination based on one's background, but also cleverly compared reading to carving jade, with impeccable logic and a natural, powerful style.

Instructor Chang paused slightly as he stroked his beard, and a glint of light suddenly flashed in his usually calm eyes.

"What a fine description of 'quality like medicinal roots, writing like medicinal fragrance'!" He laughed loudly, no longer asking any further questions, but instead directly drawing a striking red circle under Lu Chuan's name on the list with a vermilion pen.

The final day of the literary gathering was a test of impromptu writing skills, known as "quick-written essays."

This is not only a test of literary talent, but also a test of composure.

The topic was revealed on the spot, requiring participants to write a logically rigorous and insightful essay on the interpretation of the scriptures within one and a half incense sticks' time.

When the examiner hung the wooden plaque with the questions written on it high, a suppressed gasp rang out in the hall.

The title was: "A gentleman does not seek to be full when he eats, nor does he seek comfort when he dwells."

This question comes from the Analects, Book 1, Chapter 1. On the surface, it talks about being poor, but in reality, it talks about the "focus" of a scholar.

This topic is somewhat alien to these pampered city students; while for those from poor families who are determined to escape rural life through education, it is extremely difficult to explain the sage's pursuit of "not seeking food or comfort" without falling into hypocritical clichés.

The room fell into a deathly silence, with only the urgent sound of grinding ink remaining.

Lu Chuan looked at the ten words, his gaze slightly sharpening.

Instead of rushing to write like others, he closed his eyes and pondered.

Zhu Xi's commentary flashed through my mind: "Do not seek comfort and ease, be diligent in your work and cautious in your speech, and seek guidance from those who possess the Way to correct your mistakes."

He opened his eyes, his gaze now devoid of emotion. He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote the first sentence directly on the paper:

"What people value lies in their aspirations, not their physical appearance. It is human nature to be well-fed and clothed; but the direction of a virtuous person is where the Way lies."

His pen scratched away, and his thoughts flowed forth like seeds breaking through the soil.

He did not engage in empty talk about lofty ideals, but wrote: Scholars are not detached from worldly affairs, but when they have a grander "Dao" in their hearts, such as the rise and fall of their families and the interests of the people, then the desire for food and the comfort of their dwelling naturally become secondary.

As the last bit of incense ash fell, Lu Chuan put down his brush and gently blew the ink dry.

The three-day literary gathering came to a close, with several veteran instructors conducting closed-door deliberations.

Half an hour later, the main gate of the county school slowly opened.

Chief Examiner Chang, holding the roster, walked steadily up to the high platform.

His gaze swept across the dark crowd below, finally settling on the young man in the blue robe.