Chapter Eighteen: First Snow

"Your handwriting is quite good. Still a bit immature, though. The ideas are promising, but they too are a little unrefined. As for your fundamentals, they're lacking by a fair margin," Master Lu stroked his beard and offered his measured critique.

"Ideas? Fundamentals?" Liu Ping was startled by these words. The wisdom of the elders was sharp indeed; the teacher's comments struck right to the heart of the matter.

"Yes. I’ve brought over the second through fifth place exam papers for you to take a look at." Master Lu handed him a thick stack of papers, which Liu Ping quickly accepted.

"Examine them closely. In truth, there is still quite a gap between you and the others. If your handwriting, accuracy, and originality hadn’t far surpassed theirs, your first place would have been in jeopardy." Lu did not spare him: "Especially the fifth place. If not for a single error, he would have taken first this time. I read his essay—he has the makings of a future scholar of the highest rank. Even I would not dare underestimate him."

Liu Ping was shocked to hear this and hurriedly flipped through the exam papers. As he read, his earlier pride in taking first place quickly faded, replaced by awe and a sense of being humbled.

What he had thought was flawless and exemplary was, in comparison to these, clearly lacking by a wide margin.

He could hardly imagine such a difference could exist.

The gap with the second, third, and fourth places was not so great, but compared to the fifth, it was vast. Each word of that essay was a pearl, insightful beyond measure, opening Liu Ping’s eyes to new ways of understanding, analyzing, and referencing.

This person was truly a genius! Liu Ping also knew the rules of the autumn exams—one mistake in the essay, and one was disqualified with no recourse. This person had made a single error, yet still made the list, and did so in the first tier. That said much about how highly the examiners regarded his work.

"Who wrote such a masterful essay?" Liu Ping’s heart leapt, and he quickly looked at the name: three elegant characters—Zhu Yingtai.

"It’s him!" He was startled, feeling a little ashamed. He remembered having previously critiqued Zhu Yingtai with an air of superiority, only to now realize the other's abilities far exceeded his own. He felt almost too embarrassed to face it.

Seeing the changing expressions on Liu Ping’s face, Master Lu knew his lesson had landed. To a young man, words might go unheeded, but showing him the facts would allow him to clearly sense the gap. Of course, someone truly arrogant would feel nothing, but if that were the case, Master Lu would have been sorely disappointed.

As for this student, Master Lu was quite satisfied. His fundamentals and use of references in his essays were not as solid as the others', but his handwriting and originality were unmatched. That was why he was chosen as the top candidate—not because of any connection to Master Lu. Even if he was Lu's own student, favoritism alone would not have secured him first place.

Most importantly, Liu Ping was only thirteen. A young prodigy, brimming with talent and originality, in no way inferior to the likes of Zhu Yingtai.

"Your student is enlightened!" Liu Ping bowed deeply to Master Lu. If not for this timely guidance, his arrogance and impatience might have taken root and grown unchecked, with who knows what consequences. Now, recognizing his true level, he had found his direction anew—an invaluable turning point.

"I’ve heard about your new poetry—perhaps it’s better called your inspired lines," Master Lu said, sipping his tea. "Fragrance of plum blossoms comes only from bitter cold. Since you understand this, you should realize what I mean: you have yet to endure much hardship or devote yourself to exhaustive study. Naturally, you cannot yet stand out above all. You must continue to work hard."

"Your student takes your teachings to heart!" Liu Ping once again bowed deeply.

"As long as you understand this. Here are recommendation letters for you and Wang Hong. Go study diligently at the Enlightenment Academy for a year or two, then—" Master Lu handed over two letters.

Liu Ping now fully grasped the significance of the Enlightenment Academy. Its history stretched as long as that of the Grand Xia Dynasty itself. It had produced eight top scholars, eleven second-place laureates, eighteen third-place, and countless other scholars. Entering it meant gaining powerful connections and credentials. Every year, countless scholars fought for admission.

Even the prefect had spoken of "recommending" Liu Ping and Wang Hong. Such recommendations were the privilege of those with sufficient status and connections, and Master Lu was certainly qualified.

He accepted the recommendation letters, exchanged a few more words, and then took his leave.

Outside, Wang Hong and the others were not waiting at the door but sitting quietly in the reception hall. Liu Ping joined them, waving the recommendation letter. Wang Hong’s face lit up with joy. "With these, you and I can both attend Enlightenment Academy next year. How lucky we are!"

After resting for half a day, they set out for Qinxian County the next morning.

Two days later, Liu Ping and Liu Yue returned to their village. The villagers all turned out to greet them, beating drums, lighting firecrackers, and praising Liu Ping as a literary star descended from the heavens for winning top honors in the scholar’s exam.

Liu Ping greeted everyone in turn. Even those who had once been dismissive were now exceedingly respectful.

One hunter, nearly kneeling to beg forgiveness, caught Liu Ping’s eye. Wasn’t this the very first person he’d met in this world, back when he’d first arrived? Naturally, Liu Ping bore him no grudge; in truth, the man had meant no real harm. Liu Ping said he’d forgotten the matter, and the hunter thanked him profusely, moved to tears.

Back home, looking at the almost unrecognizably improved house, Liu Ping felt the profound impact of his elevated status.

"Father, this is the deed to eighty acres of good land, rewarded by the authorities for my top score," Liu Ping said, producing the deed. "Also, the government will send a monthly stipend. Not a fortune, but enough for daily needs. It’s best to hire people to tend the land, so you and mother won’t need to labor so much in your old age."

His mother smiled. "My son has truly grown—he’s matured so much since he left."

"You flatter me, Mother," Liu Ping replied with a smile.

Becoming a scholar had transformed their lives, but he knew this was only the beginning. He still had to become a provincial graduate, then a metropolitan graduate—he could not stop here.

His father nodded. "I’ll take care of it. Just focus on your studies. Last time you had to study at the Wang family out of necessity. This time I’ve bought many books for you."

"Thank you, Father!" Liu Ping replied.

The days slipped by, soon bringing winter and the first snow of the year.

He left his study and stepped into the courtyard, breathing a cloud of white into the cold air. Looking up at the thick clouds and falling snowflakes, listening to the wind, he reached out to catch a snowflake and watched it melt in his palm, feeling suddenly moved. "Time really does pass so quickly," he murmured.

"Look! It’s snowing!" Liu Yue’s voice called out. She was bundled so thoroughly in her winter clothes that only her adorable face peeked out.

"Yes, it’s snowing," Liu Ping replied, then suddenly remembered something. He left home and made his way to the hollow tree where Bai Zhi lived. Seeing the jade on his wrist flash, he smiled, knowing she would soon appear.

Sure enough, a small white fox emerged and, rubbing its eyes with its front paws in an almost human manner, said, "Young Master, what are you doing? I’m about to go into hibernation."

"I thought foxes didn’t hibernate?" Liu Ping asked in surprise. "It's getting colder, and with the snow falling, I thought I’d bring you home to stay with us. Now that you can take human form, your demonic aura should be less noticeable. It should be fine."

Bai Zhi replied, "But I’m not just any fox. My siblings and I always hibernate when it's this cold. We sleep right through to spring! I won’t go to your house. It’s more comfortable and safer to sleep here."

Liu Ping laughed at her words. "In that case, sleep well. Take care."

"Goodbye, Young Master."

He turned to leave as the snow fell thicker and the wind howled. But for Liu Ping, now preparing to face his trial by yang-fire, it was nothing. He was soon home again.

Lunch was hotpot. Charcoal burned below, and a great pot bubbled with all kinds of ingredients, sending up mouthwatering aromas. In winter, vegetables were scarce—mostly cabbage—but there was plenty of meat: mountain game, beef, mutton, pork, tripe, and tongue.

The servant woman, Aunt Wu, was sent home by Liu Ping’s mother to spend the festival with her family. No doubt she too was enjoying a lively hotpot with her loved ones.

After feasting, Liu Ping patted his full stomach and glanced outside. Snow had already piled up thickly.

"This is quite a snowfall," he remarked, and indeed, it continued all through the night and into the next morning.

Opening the door, he saw the snow was now a full foot deep.

"Isn’t this a snow disaster?" his mother said with some worry. "It’ll be hard for the villagers to get out now… sigh…"

"A timely snow promises a good harvest!" Liu Ping interrupted with a smile, easing her concern.

His father nodded. "That’s right, a timely snow brings a good year. It’s a good omen."

"Really?" His mother finally smiled.

Meanwhile, Liu Yue had already begun building a snowman. Liu Ping laughed and joined her.

Rolling a snowball the size of a fist along the ground, it quickly grew into a massive one over a meter high. He placed the smaller snowball Liu Yue had made on top, added branches for arms, and their snowman was finished.

But Liu Yue gave her verdict with complete honesty: "It’s really ugly!"

Liu Ping was speechless.

Seeing her brother’s expression, Liu Yue burst out laughing.

"It’s not bad… Hm? The snow’s starting again. Let’s go inside."

"Okay."

Their hands were red from the cold, so they sat beside the brazier, stretching out their hands to feel the warmth. Soon, they were no longer cold.

They looked at each other and shared a smile, understanding each other perfectly.