Volume One: Qingshan Trial

Chapter One: The Small Town

Qingshan Town was originally an ordinary town nestled halfway up a mountain, rarely visited by outsiders. But now, because of the Qi Kingdom’s scholar examination, it had become bustling and lively.

“Next, candidate from Fenghua County, Brian Carter.” The proctor read from the list.

Brian Carter, whose name was called, stepped out of the line and handed over his wooden sword and bundle.

Immediately, two assistants took the bundle, untied it, and carefully inspected its contents.

“Clothes, two sets, compliant.”

“Medicine pouch, one bag, compliant.”

“Paper tokens, one stack, compliant.”

“Money…” When they checked the money pouch, one of them weighed it in his hand and couldn’t help showing a surprised expression. “Less than five taels.”

A few soft chuckles immediately came from behind Brian Carter. Although the voices were kept low, he could vaguely hear words like pauper and bumpkin.

“As long as it doesn’t exceed the limit, any amount is compliant.” The proctor showed no reaction, as if he had seen many similar scenes. “Press your fingerprint here and cross the bridge.”

After doing as instructed, Brian Carter cupped his hands and crossed the small suspension bridge connecting the inside and outside of the town.

Only now did he truly enter the “examination site.”

The candidates ahead of him had already started running through the streets.

Looks like they’re thinking the same as me, Brian Carter thought to himself. When arriving in an unfamiliar place, the first thing to do is to get familiar with the surroundings to better handle the upcoming exam.

Half an hour later, after touring the small town, he finally had a general understanding of the “examination site.”

This town was much smaller than he had imagined. Rather than a town, calling it a village would be more accurate.

It was remote, backed by mountains, surrounded by ravines, and the only connection to the outside world was a suspension bridge made of hemp rope and wooden planks.

The surrounding vegetation was lush and verdant, with towering trees as far as the eye could see. Walking along the road, one could smell the fresh scent of damp earth. In another era, this isolated settlement would undoubtedly be considered a scenic spot by some, perfect as a nature getaway. But at this moment, isolation meant poverty and backwardness.

Four crisscrossing dirt roads roughly divided the town into a grid. There were fewer than thirty houses, most of them single-story cottages with thatched roofs, and some even showed signs of years of abandonment. Clearly, its scale was shrinking with the passage of time.

Only the center of the grid looked somewhat like a real town; at least there were two-story brick buildings along the road, as well as an inn and a teahouse.

Naturally, this was also the liveliest area of Qingshan Town.

“Excuse me, brother,” someone suddenly patted Brian Carter on the shoulder, “are you also from Fenghua County?”

Brian Carter turned around and saw a slightly chubby young man about his age, smiling broadly at him, with a hint of hope in his eyes.

“That’s right. And you are…?”

“Hey, fellow townsman, fellow townsman.” The other seemed relieved. “My name is William Grant. I was just two or three spots behind you in line and happened to hear the proctor’s questions.”

“I see.”

Seeing Brian Carter raise his eyebrows, William Grant quickly waved his hand. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with only bringing half a pouch of money. After all, not everyone is from a big family. It’s just those sect disciples who act all high and mighty and like to look down on others. Honestly, I can’t stand them either.”

“By the way, how about we go inside and chat over some tea?” He glanced at the teahouse. “Let me treat you this time.”

Is he just being friendly, or does he have an ulterior motive? Since he had nothing else to do, Brian Carter agreed, curious about what the other was up to.

They found an empty table by the window on the second floor. William Grant skillfully ordered a pot of green tea, a plate of boiled peanuts, and a dish of sliced pig’s ear—clearly, he was a regular at such places.

It all seemed quite ordinary, but Brian Carter knew this was far from the norm for common folk. In this era, anyone who could afford to eat out must have some spare money at home.

At least, he had never eaten out before.

This could be considered experiencing life from another angle.

“No need to be polite,” William Grant gestured for him to help himself. “If you want anything else, just let me know.”

“This is plenty.” Brian Carter poured himself a cup of tea. “Money is limited, so it’s best to save it. Who knows how long this exam will last.”

“True.” At the mention of the exam, William Grant’s expression visibly dimmed. “I heard the acceptance rate for the scholar exam isn’t low, but there’s a big difference in the quality of the positions. If you’re rated as lower class, it’s better not to be selected at all—those are life-risking jobs. It’s just… sigh, you and I are both from commoner families. How can we compare to those elite disciples from noble families?”