Great Nation, Small Freshness (Imperial Examination) - Chapter 24

24: Battle of Wits

Guo Teng felt that Qin Fanghe had gone mad with the desire to show off.

Hadn’t he heard what the county magistrate had said? This policy had clearly been implemented before, but the foolish commoners could not comprehend the court’s profound intentions, which forced it to be suspended. The people were still the same people, unchanged. Even if tried again, what difference would the result make?

Magistrate Zhou did not stop them.

This was a good opportunity to see what they were capable of.

Qin Fanghe turned his head and met Guo Teng’s gaze.

He was a full fifteen years younger than Guo Teng, and in terms of physique and strength, he was no match—a typical gap between an adult and a minor.

But it didn’t matter, he had his brain.

Cultured people never killed with brute force.

Qin Fanghe paced a couple of steps and said unhurriedly, “You and I are both scholars. In the future, if we are fortunate enough to receive the emperor’s grace and serve as parental officials for a region like Magistrate Zhou, would Brother Guo still think the same?”

Guo Teng deliberately lifted his chin, adopting a condescending posture. “Naturally.”

The lowly commoners were nothing more than weeds in spring—pull one crop, and another grows. Weeds, after all, could never comprehend.

After a pause, he added, “It must be that Brother Qin is young and does not yet know how to act according to one’s abilities or adapt flexibly.”

He very much enjoyed this height difference, it gave him a sense of crushing the other from another level.

Qin Fanghe let out a sneer.

Those words were mocking him for being young and inexperienced, only knowing how to talk on paper and make naive assumptions.

His studies were mediocre, but he had mastered the sarcastic tone of scholars to perfection.

No wonder he was only second place.

“May I ask Brother Guo, what is the duty of a local official?” Qin Fanghe suddenly asked.

He understood people like Guo Teng all too well: lording it over others. Even if you traced their ancestry back three generations, they were tillers of the soil. Once they gained scholarly honors, they considered themselves different from ordinary folk, treating them as worthless.

Tragically, in this era—and perhaps not just this era—such people formed the vast majority among officials.

“Does Brother Qin not even know this? Naturally, it is to serve the court above and educate the people below, so as not to waste one’s learning.” Guo Teng cupped his hands toward the direction of the capital, his face full of righteous solemnity.

Xu Xingzu noticed the change in Qin Fanghe’s expression and felt a thud in his heart, vaguely sensing something amiss.

Idiot.

Qin Fanghe immediately let out a cold laugh, his tone shifting abruptly from calm to sharp, like an arrow released from the string, unstoppable. “So you do know about educating the people, yet you keep calling them stubborn and unteachable. If everyone were born knowing everything, what use would there be for you and me?!

To hold a position is to fulfill its duties, to eat the emperor’s salary is to be loyal in his service. You are more than a full cycle older than I—yet you don’t even understand this basic principle?

Knowing the people are stubborn and hard to teach, one should guide them with utmost care. How can you so easily abandon them, discarding them like worn-out shoes! The ruler is the boat, the common people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but water can also overturn it. Under heaven, all are water. If all officials above and below act like you—ignoring matters at the slightest inconvenience—would that not be utterly ruining the country?! Where would that place His Majesty’s benevolent policies? Where would it place diligent officials like Magistrate Zhou? Where would it place the people’s love and support?”

The moment Guo Teng answered his question, he was doomed to lose.

A scholar’s mouth could slay anyone under heaven. Verbal battles in officialdom and academia were common, with a long tradition of debate since ancient times. But debate had its techniques, the most important was not to let the opponent lead you by the nose. In simple terms, never answer directly what the other asks—that way, you remain forever on the defensive, unable to seize the initiative.

If Guo Teng had real cunning and depth, he should have countered with a question when Qin Fanghe asked, or changed the topic entirely—that might have given him a slim chance.

But clearly, he missed it.

Qin Fanghe’s speech was rapid, and he deliberately guided the direction of the debate. From the start, Guo Teng was pulled into his rhythm, with no time to think.

Only when the final triple “Where would that place…?” slammed into his face did Guo Teng suddenly awaken, his face changing drastically as he tried to retort.

The onlookers like Xu Xingzu and others drew in cold breaths, finally realizing that this young top examinee was far from the innocent and harmless appearance he projected. For a moment, they were shaken to their cores.

At this point, he was like a young beast hunting, baring its claws for the first time—drawing no blood would not satisfy it.

Perhaps Guo Teng had started with mere jealousy, but he never expected to kick an iron plate. Now, with the huge hat of “disrespecting the court” buckled onto him, no matter how eloquent he was, today he would be flayed if not killed.

Strike while the iron is hot, momentum wanes twice, exhausts thrice. Qin Fanghe knew well the trouble of not uprooting the grass, so he had no intention of giving Guo Teng a chance to recover.

Talk of smiling and forgiving enmities? All nonsense.

The most vindictive in the world were scholars. Their debate had long transcended ordinary jealousy and personal grudge, rising to irreconcilable political differences. In the future, as officials, they could only be in opposing factions—until one perished.

This man was arrogant outwardly and cruel inwardly, unfit for great responsibility. Since that was the case, why not eliminate the threat in its infancy now?

In everyone’s eyes, Qin Fanghe was fired up with passion. He stepped forward, quickly approaching Guo Teng, pointing at his nose and berating him: “Damaging His Majesty’s reputation—this is disloyal and unfilial, treating the people as weeds—this is unkind and unrighteous. Scoundrels like you, disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unrighteous, even now shirk responsibility and distort the truth to the emperor’s ears, preventing the common people from receiving imperial grace and beneficence. In the future, if you become officials, you will be corrupt, as clerks, tyrannical. You will only tarnish the sacred reputation and harm the people! How dare you bark madly in public! Begone at once!”

In principle, today was a joyous occasion, disputes should not arise openly. But scholars since ancient times valued integrity. If one always yielded, others would not admire your good temper or restraint—instead, they would see you as weak and bullyable, incapable of great things.

Today, Guo Teng had openly challenged him, practically riding on his face. If Qin Fanghe did not strike back forcefully, others would look down on him, and the title of top examinee would be tarnished.

So, he went all out.

Disloyal, unfilial, unkind, unrighteous… Before even gaining honors, to be accused thus was vicious and poisonous. Guo Teng felt as if struck on the head by a burly man, his vision darkening, blood surging. He wanted to curse back but was thrown into chaos, unable to find where to begin.

Victory was decided. Continuing would only overdo it. Magistrate Zhou and the other officials had watched the entire exchange and formed their judgments. Only then did he speak: “Enough. You are all future pillars of the court. Debate is debate, but do not let it harm personal relations or harmony.”

At this moment, his thoughts churned, and his gaze toward Qin Fanghe was rather complex.

Magistrate Zhou had always known Qin Fanghe was clever, but he hadn’t expected this level of cleverness.

No—not just clever, but bold, resolute, and decisive. In mere moments, this boy had trampled a prospective scholar underfoot. If he hadn’t interrupted, Guo Teng would carry the stigma of unkind, unrighteous, disloyal, and unfilial for life—ruined.

Was it too aggressive?

For a fleeting moment, Magistrate Zhou wondered that.

Guo Teng was indeed sly and detestable, but Qin Fanghe’s move was aimed at destroying him…

But soon, Magistrate Zhou dismissed the thought himself.

If no one offends me, I offend no one. Qin Fanghe was young, orphaned, and famous early—naturally, some would resent him. Without killing the chicken to scare the monkeys, everyone would see him as easy prey, and he would lose all face.

If the top examinee personally selected by this official faltered, where would this official’s face go?

Young and hot-blooded—that was how the young should be. If a boy in his teens were as lifeless as rotten wood, he would be wary instead… Wasn’t he himself explosive when young?

Thinking this, Magistrate Zhou felt more dislike for Guo Teng.

When bullying a dog, consider its master. You’ve lived so long in vain—did you not think who insisted on making Qin Fanghe top examinee?! Did all your books go into a dog’s belly?

Guo Teng’s face turned purple with rage, his rationality hanging by a thread. He nearly exploded in curses when Magistrate Zhou’s words blocked him, leaving him choked and in pain.

With the parental official crudely ending it, no matter how many grievances he had—a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand—he had to stop here.

“Yes…”

Guo Teng clenched his teeth, responding in stifled humiliation.

Magistrate Zhou then gave Qin Fanghe a meaningful look.

Enough already. We’re all from the same county, his ruined reputation does you no good.

Zhang County’s scholarly atmosphere was weak, talents scarce—it was hard to produce even these few each year. Don’t ruin the second place right off the bat.

Receiving the signal, Qin Fanghe instantly sheathed his claws, politely saluting Guo Teng evenly. “Brother Guo, I concede.”

A gesture nominally for peace, but truly for intimidation, dealt Guo Teng a second blow. “…”

Aaaah, I’ll kill you!

Qin Fanghe didn’t care what he thought.

If you’re hurt, go heal!

Not convinced? Fight again!

Today, Guo Teng’s loss was deserved—or rather, from the moment he opposed Qin Fanghe, he was doomed.

At first glance, it seemed he was challenging Qin Fanghe, but he never considered who stood behind him.

From the pre-year banquet, Qin Fanghe had been testing his guesses step by step, probing Magistrate Zhou’s preferences. If not top in the first round, he would adjust immediately in the second—until he bet right.

The other examinees who stayed silent might not all agree with Guo Teng, but they couldn’t read Magistrate Zhou’s mind and didn’t want to confront the second place directly, so they shrank back.

But when an official spoke, there was never a wasted word.

If not already inclined, why would Magistrate Zhou single out crop rotation at the banquet? Since he mentioned it, he surely wanted a certain answer—support or opposition.

Further: No official likes being opposed.

If Magistrate Zhou disagreed, he wouldn’t have made Qin Fanghe top from the start—these people had no right to oppose!

Guo Teng might have some petty cleverness, but not much.

So he lost—utterly.

But victory and defeat are common in war. One or two failures aren’t bad, the key is analyzing each deeply, turning it into nourishment for rapid growth.

If Guo Teng couldn’t figure out where he went wrong this time, today was just the beginning.

However, Magistrate Zhou’s next action left the still-fuming Guo Teng burning with shame and anger, wishing to ascend to heaven in rage.

After everyone returned to their seats, Magistrate Zhou surprisingly looked at Qin Fanghe again, smiling warmly. “I see from your words that you have more to say. Moreover, you wrote that essay, so you must have ideas. Why not speak them directly for us to hear?”

Only upon hearing this did Guo Teng, Xu Xingzu, and the others change color, finally catching on.

Magistrate Zhou was clearly favoring that Qin Fanghe!

Then their earlier open opposition…

Thinking of this possibility, Xu Xingzu felt disaster looming, his hands turning cold.

He instinctively reviewed his earlier words repeatedly in his mind, confirming they were tactful and not overly extreme, then felt slightly relieved.

Bad news: He had wasted a golden opportunity to shine.

Good news: He hadn’t caused a major blunder!

Whew, whew.

At least with that self-important fool Guo Teng taking the brunt, no one would think of him first.

There was still a chance to make amends!

Qin Fanghe was prepared for this. Seeing the situation, he knew he had bet correctly. Without hesitation, he rose and saluted. “Thank you for your esteem, my lord. With the lords’ indulgence, this student will boldly speak.”

Magistrate Zhou smiled again. “Speak freely.”

Qin Fanghe said, “When my late father was alive, he also used the rotation method. It indeed benefited soil fertility, with yields increasing rather than decreasing after several cycles. But in the end, it could not be sustained.”

At first, hearing only the front, Magistrate Zhou smiled and nodded slightly, thinking this scholar indeed discerned better than common folk, knowing to promote state policy. But then it sharply turned.

“Oh? If yields increased rather than decreased, why could it not be sustained?”

“If I may explain, my lord. From what my father said and what this student has seen with his own eyes, there are three reasons.

First, His Majesty is wise and sagely, the realm is at peace, and the people live well. Naturally, they want better food and can afford it. Who would want to eat bean rice every day? Planting beans is not like planting wheat—the latter, even if unsold, can all be kept for personal use, simple and convenient without much hassle. But soybeans are different.”

The youth’s voice was clear and resonant, like jade beads falling on tiles, his appearance pure and bright, like moonlight spilling down. Though clad in plain cotton robes, it could not hide his graceful bearing—every gesture exuding the elegance of a noble scholar, utterly pleasing to the eye.

These words were too pleasant to hear.

Though essentially pointing out local officials’ shortcomings, it first affirmed the court’s strategy and officials’ efforts, stating that under their protection, people lived in peace and could pursue higher, better needs.

Magistrate Zhou and the other officials listened without discomfort, nodding in agreement.

It made sense.

Eating only beans caused bloating and discomfort. Given the choice, who wouldn’t prefer more white steamed buns? Only a fool would choose otherwise.

At this point, it was no longer mere appreciation for a fine essay, the other was clearly able to discuss policy with sitting officials.

Magistrate Zhou couldn’t help feeling a surge of talent-loving intent.

Eloquent, daring, and substantive! Even if this boy failed higher exams, he would pull him in as an advisor.

Perfect for real work—far superior to ordinary scholars!

It wasn’t favoritism, anyone would feel the same!

Look at the sullen, plain-faced Guo Teng, then at the vibrant, radiant Qin Fanghe—Magistrate Zhou instantly judged the difference.

Incomparable, truly incomparable—in both inner and outer qualities…

Before Magistrate Zhou could speak, the official in charge of agriculture said, “Eating only beans is naturally bad, but the court’s intent was not that. Beans can be pressed for oil or made into tofu. After harvest, selling them to shops—wouldn’t that be wonderful? Fertilizing fields and earning extra money.”

They just couldn’t understand why the people wouldn’t do it despite the benefits.

It didn’t make sense!

Ultimately, it was the age-old problem of policies not reaching the grassroots.

Qin Fanghe looked at that official. “You are correct, my lord. The court’s intent is naturally good. However… this leads to the second reason this student mentioned.

To sell the beans for money involves another trade: commerce. But different trades are worlds apart. The people’s profession is farming—one word difference, yet heavens apart…”

Farming was simple for the people—just bury your head and work. But suddenly requiring them to take on merchants’ roles was like driving ducks onto a perch.

“Selling”—easy to say. When to sell? How? To whom? At what price? No one managed it!

Everything left for the people to figure out themselves—how could they possibly do it?

Those who could would have long gone into trade and gotten rich—who would still farm?

Originally, harvesting wheat was straightforward. Now, so many extra steps—tiring, and inevitably exploited by middlemen for profit differences. The future looked bleak—who would want it?

“Third,” seeing Magistrate Zhou and others thoughtful and not stopping him, Qin Fanghe pressed on. “The third is what this student debated earlier: educating the people.”

Magistrate Zhou grew interested again. “Oh? How so?”

“The peo…” Qin Fanghe’s voice cracked like a duck’s—clearly from speaking too much earlier.

Magistrate Zhou led the good-natured laughter, waving to a servant. “Bring hot tea for young Master Qin to soothe his throat before continuing.”

Qin Fanghe was indeed parched and accepted it graciously, downing it in one go.

“Thank you for the tea, my lord,” he smacked his lips, seeming a bit embarrassed. He hesitated. “My lord, could this student… have another bowl?”

That was all?

Not enough!

The officials laughed louder, and even the scholars who hadn’t joined the debate smiled, sweeping away the tense atmosphere.

Moments ago, Qin Fanghe had been imposing, routing Guo Teng without mercy, and insightful on agriculture, speaking eloquently. Everyone had nearly forgotten his age. Now seeing him so lively, they awoke as from a dream—oh, he’s still just a child!

Magistrate Zhou laughed heartily and even told the servant, “Give him the teapot.”

Qin Fanghe didn’t stand on ceremony, pouring and drinking himself, downing three cups in a row before stopping.

Quenched, he reorganized his thoughts and swiftly switched roles. “The people have limited vision and short sight—this is fact. They only know to follow the crowd blindly, how could they plan long-term? For example, in farming: if someone profits from soybeans one year, the next year everyone rushes to plant them. But scarcity makes value—too much supply, prices drop. With profiteers manipulating and deliberately suppressing prices, it worsens.

With no money in hand, who would plant again? Thus, the policy fails.

Qin Fanghe looked at Magistrate Zhou, eyes burning. Finally, he stated the key point: “For smooth implementation, the government must participate fully throughout.”

Economic operations need market flexibility, but in this environment, government control is essential.

Previously, the government had participated, but not in the right places.

To put it bluntly, the lowest masses lacked big-picture vision and risk resistance. One bad year could starve a family.

In such conditions, who dared take risks?

Empty slogans were useless!

No matter how delicious the promised pie, it didn’t fill bellies!

Thus, the court must back it—government control throughout, ensuring fair grain prices without harming farmers. This was an iron law from countless later experiences.

Since they excelled at following trends and blind obedience, the government should utilize that: show them the results of proper rotation, teach until they learn, then let go.

Qin Fanghe himself had risen from the bottom, involved multiple times in poverty alleviation. He knew new policies started with people like babbling infants—knowing nothing, needing everything broken down, hand-fed, hand-taught.

Specifically for rotation: which village or town plants what this year, no mistakes.

Most crucially: not just manage planting, but harvesting. After harvest, help sell the beans!

Only when money truly reached the people’s hands, when they tasted the sweetness, would they do it themselves without urging. How then could the new policy fail?