“I’ve heard there are quite a few rich kids in the Chongzhou Academy. Since I’ll be staying there for two months, I’d better think hard about how to get my hands on some silver. Otherwise, I’ll really be living on nothing but air for two months. Not that I mind, but my stomach would probably rebel. Master says the richer a man is, the easier he is to fool—rare words of wisdom from him.”

　　William Carter muttered to himself all the way down Mount Micang, then briskly walked along the post road that ran just below the mountain toward Shuzhou City. It was early June, but fortunately the day was still young—the sun had only just climbed over the distant peak of Mount Qingcheng, so it didn’t feel hot at all.

　　Aside from a few caravans setting out early, there weren’t many travelers on the post road. William Carter jogged along, but his running was different from ordinary people—his steps were light, each stride half a zhang, as if he were descending a staircase. This was a lightness skill he’d developed himself over years of climbing up and down the stone steps of Mount Micang. He’d even given it a terribly tacky name—“Descending the Mountain.” Even his master had praised it once, saying it was truly excellent for going downhill.

　　Before long, Shuzhou City came into view. The massive city walls, built from huge blue stones, stood over two zhang high, encircling the entire city like a giant blue beast.

　　Shuzhou City had always been a major stronghold in Sichuan, but in recent years, Dayuan and the surrounding countries hadn’t started any wars lightly. Especially after Nanzhao submitted and peace was made with the Western Regions, the city had lost some of its martial atmosphere. Still, from the two rows of soldiers with swords at the gate and the long spears faintly visible atop the city tower, it was clear Shuzhou City was not to be underestimated.

　　William Carter crossed the stone bridge over the moat with practiced ease, greeted the sword-bearing soldiers like old friends, and entered the city. Shuzhou City had over ten thousand households—not quite a metropolis like Chang’an with its million residents, but it could certainly be called a small city.

　　Once inside, William Carter walked along, grinning and greeting everyone he met—whether peddlers, porters, or scholars—as if he knew them all.

　　“Mrs. Bolton, off to the temple so early? The Bodhisattva will surely remember your kindness, and you’ll have a big, healthy son next year. Hey, Mrs. Bolton, don’t pinch my face! If you ruin it, there’s nowhere to get it fixed.”

　　“Hey, Mr. Thompson, out of Widow Liu’s place so early? If Auntie finds out…”

　　“Heh, Mr. Thompson, we’re like family, right? Treat me to breakfast? Sure, but what about lunch…”

　　“Haha, Mr. Thompson, you really are generous. I didn’t see a thing this morning. If I see Auntie, I’ll be sure to praise your unwavering loyalty.”

　　……

　　All these years living on the mountain, he and his master hadn’t survived on meditation alone. Whenever his master returned from wandering, it was up to him to come down the mountain and scrounge up food and drink—not just for himself, but to bring some back for his master as well.

　　At first glance, it seemed fair enough. But at William Carter’s age, though he had a good-looking face, he didn’t have his master’s air of an immortal after a bit of grooming. He had to avoid doing anything truly wrong, and still keep both of them fed—he’d suffered plenty for it over the years.

　　Begging for food and drink was a real skill. Thanks to his sweet tongue, William Carter had won the affection of the whole city—not only feeding himself, but his master too. The people of Shuzhou were honest and kind, always willing to give the little Daoist a bite to eat. The Mr. and Mrs. Thompson who’d watched him grow up treated him like their own child.

　　After scoring a free breakfast, William Carter tossed the four copper coins in his hand as he left the bun shop and headed south—Chongzhou Academy was in the southern part of the city. Inside the bun shop, a portly, well-dressed man in his forties watched William Carter’s departing figure with a smile, not the least bit angry—more like a father watching his mischievous child.

　　“Sigh, times really are tough. I just hope those well-read young gentlemen don’t all turn into sly foxes. That wouldn’t be good at all.” Standing at the gate of Chongzhou Academy, William Carter stared wide-eyed, as if looking at a treasure trove.

Chapter Two: The Academy Has a Little Goblin

　　Chongzhou Academy was built by the southern lake of Shuzhou City, with over a hundred study halls. White walls and blue tiles complemented each other, tall ancient trees stood among the buildings, lush and verdant, creating a unique atmosphere.

　　As the largest academy in Shuzhou City, Chongzhou Academy was one of the top academies even in Jiannan Circuit. It was said to have a history of five hundred years—longer than the Dayuan dynasty itself.

　　Dayuan had been founded for over three hundred years, with fifteen circuits and three hundred and twenty prefectures; Jiannan Circuit alone had more than forty prefectures. In these three centuries, Chongzhou Academy had produced one top scholar, four third-place scholars, and hundreds of successful candidates in the imperial exams—truly a cradle of talent, earning it a distinguished place among the many academies of Dayuan.

　　Standing before the academy’s main gate, William Carter looked up at the plaque inscribed by the emperor himself. The calligraphy was vigorous, the strokes like a dragon in flight. Just by looking at the characters, one could imagine the commanding presence of the man who sat atop the throne.

　　Chongzhou Academy was no stranger to William Carter, since his master was on good terms with the academy’s head, Mr. Bennett. As his master put it, “In all of Shuzhou City, only Old Bennett can piss in the same pot as me.”

　　To this day, William Carter still couldn’t figure out how Mr. Bennett—a man who was treated as an honored guest even at the military governor’s residence—had become such a close friend of his own master, a slovenly old Daoist who loved to scam food and drink.