Chapter 461 - 268: Spring-like Melody, Entering the Pavilion with Couplets

Deer Feast?

Su Mu’s heart stirred slightly at the mention of it. He wasn’t particularly interested in such gatherings, nowhere near as much as he was intrigued by the Four Family Duels. Besides, the Deer Feast was held by the Donglai County Mansion for students about to partake in the autumn examinations.

Autumn examinations, held once every three years, were the first of the three-tier ancient imperial examinations known as the provincial exams. Only those scholars who passed the annual county exams were eligible to take part in them.

Passing the autumn examinations made one a scholar, qualifying them for officialdom, with the top scorer known as the "Jieyuan" or First Scholar.

Among the three levels of the imperial exams, the provincial exams were the most fiercely contested, akin to crossing a single-log bridge with thousands of soldiers and horses. The well-known tale of "Fan Jin Becoming a Scholar" is set in the autumn exam, and often just ranking as a scholar could alter the destiny of one’s entire family.

The following spring brought the metropolitan exams, for which successful candidates were titled Gongshi, with the top scorer known as "Huiyuan".

Then, within the same year, came the palace exams presided over by the emperor to determine the scholarly rankings, with the top three achievers being the Zhuangyuan (Champion), Bangyan (Second Place), and Tanhua (Third Place).

The legendary attainment of the "Triple First" referred to securing first place in the provincial, metropolitan, and palace exams, thus joining Jieyuan, Huiyuan, and Zhuangyuan under one title.

From the Tang to the Qing Dynasty, there have been only sixteen people in history who achieved the "Triple First". If one counts the county, city, and county exams leading up to the autumn exams as the "Small Triple First", it would make it the "Six-Fold First", of which history records only two individuals.

These were Huang Guan of the Ming Dynasty and Qian Qi of the Qing Dynasty.

On forums from a past life, discussions were frequent about the significance and status of the ancient imperial exams, with most people acknowledging that a scholar was nearly equivalent to the rank of deputy county head.

Although Su Mu wasn’t impressed with bookworms, he maintained a curiosity about ancient scholars who emerged victorious from such competition. These individuals must have exceptional abilities, and witnessing them firsthand would offer insight.

Moreover, Su Mu was curious to see if every scholar indeed possessed the Destiny of Great Yan.

Earlier, he assumed that only scholars could be invited to the Deer Feast, but upon hearing Lin Xue’s words, it seemed that ordinary people could also participate.

With the structure of the imperial examination system flashing in his mind, Su Mu feigned confusion and asked.

"Could ordinary people also participate in the Deer Feast?"

"Naturally, they cannot, but if they pass the county mansion’s tests, they might have a chance..." Lin Xue chuckled softly, "The Deer Feast is set at Qingyue Tower in the northern city. Three days ago, a couplet was posted outside Qingyue Tower. Those who can respond to it may enter the tower to celebrate."

"However, once inside, to ascend the tower and celebrate with the scholars during the Deer Feast, additional tests set by the county mansion must be passed. In previous years, these tests often involve composing poetry on the spot, judged by the academic officials for literary talent and Literary Qi."

Upon hearing Qingyue Tower, Su Mu’s heart fluttered once more, knowing that one of Donglai’s three great arts, unparalleled in music, resided in Qingyue Tower.

Yet hearing of the couplet challenge made Su Mu furrow his brow slightly, recalling the young beggar who once sold him a couplet at the Shuangbai Poetry Gathering.

"Forget about celebrating at the top of the tower... just buying a couplet to enter is enough."

Su Mu thought to himself, having made up his mind, he inquired about the couplet.

"Miss Lin Xue, I’ve been keeping to myself lately and am unaware of the couplet at Qingfeng Tower?"

Lin Xue immediately ground some ink, picked up a brush and wrote swiftly. Soon, a couplet appeared vividly on the paper: Before Qingyue Tower, a guest rides the cloud to test the sword.

"Thank you, Miss."

Just as Su Mu accepted the couplet and was about to leave, Lin Xue hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Cheng, there might be something good for you."

"Something good?"

"I wonder if Mr. Cheng has crafted a Qi and Blood Pill?"

Instead of answering directly, Lin Xue posed a question.

Su Mu pondered briefly, not surprised that Lin Xue discerned his intent to craft a Qi and Blood Pill. A Grade-Entering Elixir is no ordinary pill, and even if someone spies the list of ingredients, they wouldn’t be able to reconstruct the Pill Formula.

The proportion of each ingredient, the refining methods, the control of the flame, and many other factors, often leave no margin for error. Su Mu wasn’t worried about this.

However, Su Mu did not immediately agree, but instead shook his head and said, "I’m not skilled in alchemy. A friend merely requested that I purchase the ingredients on their behalf. What’s this good thing Miss Lin Xue mentioned?"

Lin Xue looked into Su Mu’s eyes, pondering for a moment.

"If Mr. Cheng’s friend can craft a Seventh Grade Qi and Blood Pill, it would indeed be an opportunity. Recently, a distinguished guest wished for me to introduce an alchemist through the Pill Cauldron Pavilion, so I thought of Mr. Cheng... What do you think?"

After listening, Su Mu was somewhat astonished. Lin Xue mentioned someone seeking the introduction of an alchemist through the Pill Cauldron Pavilion, but why would they not directly commission a seasoned alchemist from the Pavilion but specifically seek out him, a newcomer in alchemy?

Opportunities don’t fall from the sky, and there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

"My friend is new to the area and has only recently begun learning alchemy; they likely won’t catch that distinguished guest’s eye."

Lin Xue, being perceptive, naturally noticed Su Mu’s inner doubts.

"Perhaps it could be an opportunity. I can introduce your friend, and if there are questions, both parties can discuss in detail when meeting."

Su Mu considered that this indeed presented an opportunity; if the other party were genuinely commissioning alchemy, they would surely provide materials and a Pill Formula, allowing him to gain a free Pill Formula, earn money, and improve his alchemy skill all at once.

According to the rules for alchemists, all costs incurred, whether successful or not, are covered by the commissioner.

Su Mu didn’t outright refuse, and feigned interest. Seeing Su Mu’s change in expression, Lin Xue seized the chance, "If Mr. Cheng’s friend is interested, meet in three days at the hour in the East City Qingye Tea House. You have one hour."

"Alright, I’ll let them know."