Traveling Through Ancient Times to Be a Teacher - Chapter 38

Shopkeeper Lu’s idea of traveling to other towns to set up a stall never came to pass—but that didn’t stop students from flocking to Ping’an Town in droves.

Group after group arrived, and Shopkeeper Lu was so delighted he looked ready to buy firecrackers just to celebrate.

People couldn’t help wondering what kind of sorcery this little town possessed. 

First, it bewitched all the women with hairpins and novels, and now even the men of their households were throwing themselves at its gates for books.

Meanwhile, the man responsible for all this, Chu Ci, remained completely indifferent. He was still as strict as ever, drilling Zhang Wenhai and Fang Jinyang daily.

The county examination was fast approaching, and Chu Ci refused to let them grow careless.
He knew too well the anxiety that came with exams. So every time they studied for a long stretch, he’d drag them outside for a walk in the garden—to loosen their bodies and minds a little.

Spring came early in Yuanshan County. Though the air was still crisp, the buds had already started to sprout. The faint green shimmered on the branches, soothing the eyes.

Unfortunately, Chu Ci was the only one who appreciated the view. The other two always insisted on hurrying back to their books.

He itched to grab them by the collar and yell, Do you even realize how good you have it? In my time, students didn’t even know what P.E. class was once they hit senior year! You finally get a chance to stretch and still don’t cherish it?

But on the surface, Chu Ci only smiled calmly and led them back inside.

Zhang Wenhai, convinced he’d pass this year with Chu Ci’s guidance, studied harder than ever—often burning the midnight oil. 

Fang Jinyang, worried about his health, decided to “train his endurance” by joining him.

Soon, both looked like walking corpses—dark circles, hollow eyes, barely functioning.

Chu Ci finally snapped. “Today is a rest day! You two are forbidden from studying. If I find you in the study again, you’ll face the consequences tomorrow.”

Leaving that warning, he carried his own books back to his room, leaving the two speechless.

“Perhaps Brother Chu worries we’re overworking,” Wenhai murmured. “But with the exam only ten days away, how could I rest easy?”

He was still full of restless energy, ready to fight ten more nights. 

Fang Jinyang, though half-understanding Chu Ci’s concern, also thought: Who doesn’t cram like this before exams?

When word came back that they hadn’t left their rooms, Chu Ci smirked. He whispered something to a servant and returned to his reading.

“Heh. Let’s see if they’re still smiling tomorrow.”

That night, the two continued studying until nearly dawn before collapsing in exhaustion. Jinyang stayed over at Zhang Wenhai’s house again—too late to walk home.

But before they could even settle into deep sleep—BANG, BANG, BANG!

A pounding at the door jolted Wenhai awake.

Groggy and half-blind, he grumbled, pulling the blanket tighter. But the knocking didn’t stop.

Wait—no, it was right outside his door!

Furious, he leapt up, threw on his robe, and stormed to the door, ready to kill whoever dared disturb him.

The door swung open to reveal Xiao Chengzi, his servant, bowing anxiously. “Master, you’re finally awake! Hurry! I’ll pack your things—you just put on your robe!”

Wenhai froze. “What day is it? Buddha’s birthday? Confucius’ anniversary?”

Before he could protest, Xiao Chengzi was pushing him along, bundle in hand.

It was still pitch-black; Wenhai couldn’t see a thing. After several turns, they arrived at a dimly lit gate—where two silhouettes waited.

It was Fang Jinyang and his servant Shitou.

“Jinyang? What’s happening?”

“I don’t know…” Fang Jinyang yawned, barely keeping his eyes open.

Before either could ask more, a loud voice rang out from the courtyard:

“The county exam gates are open—let the fish leap over the dragon gate!”

The county exam?!

Both men shot upright, adrenaline killing their drowsiness.

The red gates creaked open, revealing two burly attendants who promptly grabbed their baskets for inspection.

Xiao Chengzi and Shitou watched sympathetically, bowed, and withdrew—clearly in on the setup.

After checking their belongings, the guards frisked them briefly and ushered them through a narrow fenced passageway.

Ahead, an announcer called out:

“Student of Ping’an Town, Zhang Wenhai—guarantor: Chu Ci, licentiate of Changxi Village!”

“Student of Yong’an Town, Fang Jinyang —guarantor: Chu Ci, licentiate of Changxi Village!”

It was the “guarantor declaration”, a real exam procedure—proof that the examinees weren’t impostors or criminals.

By now, both men were completely baffled—until they entered the courtyard and saw Chu Ci, seated at the top, expression solemn.

Realization hit them like lightning.

So this was what he meant by “tomorrow’s task.”

Zhang Wenhai forced a grin and was about to speak when a servant beside Chu Ci barked, “Silence! No idle talk inside the examination hall!”

The two shut their mouths at once.

They were pushed into separate cubicles—exactly like real county exam booths. Even the moldy, damp smell was perfectly recreated.

Chu Ci, sitting in the examiner’s seat, didn’t even glance at them. Only when dawn broke did he gesture for the servants to begin.

“The imperial exam path is long and arduous,” he intoned. “Only through diligence and endurance can one attain mastery.”

Then followed a series of monotonous speeches from the “chief examiner,” “vice examiner,” and “licentiate representative”—all carefully scripted by Chu Ci.

By the end, both candidates were on the verge of fainting.

The test began at mao hour (around 5 a.m.) and would end at shen hour (4 p.m.)—a full eight hours.

They were each given three sheets of plain draft paper and five ruled pages for the final copy—exactly matching county exam specifications.

Chu Ci lounged comfortably on the examiner’s dais, wrapped in a fur robe, holding a hand-warmer, sipping tea, and eating snacks as the two struggled below.

He’d even had Xiao Chengzi prepare standard rations for them—a few steamed buns and a bamboo flask of water.

Everything was run by the book.

His intention was clear: without a mock exam, these two would’ve continued cramming until they collapsed for real. Better to have them faint now than during the real thing.

Sure enough, not long after noon, Fang Jinyang keeled over.

Chu Ci coldly instructed the attendants to carry him out and treat him, then turned his gaze toward Zhang Wenhai.

Wenhai’s heart trembled. He was barely hanging on himself—having slept barely an hour the night before. His eyes burned, his vision blurred, and the lines of text swam on the page.

Biting his lip, he pinched his thigh hard to stay awake and forced himself to write—but within an hour, his brush slipped from his fingers.

He too was carried out, fast asleep before he hit the cot.

They didn’t wake until the next morning.

They hadn’t eaten during the test, but after that long sleep, they actually felt much better—nearly recovering all the rest they’d lost.

Returning to the study, they found Chu Ci gone. On his usual seat lay a single sheet of paper:

“Your mock exam papers have been graded. I’ll be in the county today. Use the time wisely.”

When they looked at their exam sheets—covered in red corrections and commentary—they almost cried. 

The massacre was complete.

On the third day of the second month, Master Qin returned to the county academy.

Chu Ci brought along his recent essays and poems, leaving before dawn to catch the carriage into town.

The academy gates were already open, students sweeping and cleaning. Official return day was set for the eighth, but many eager scholars had come early.

Inside Master Qin’s courtyard, Madam Qin was sweeping. 

Chu Ci quickly set down his New Year gifts on the stone table, took the broom from her hands, and began helping.

“Ah, Ci, you’re here? Go see your teacher—he’s in the study with Master Zhu,” she said gently. “I can handle this.”

“It’s a disciple’s duty to help where he can. Husband and wife are one—helping you is helping my teacher.” He smiled. “The gifts are just a small token of respect; I hope you won’t refuse them.”

“You’re too thoughtful,” she chided softly. “We don’t lack anything here. Better save your silver for yourself. Your teacher will rest easier knowing you’re not spending recklessly.”

She knew well how hard Chu Ci’s life had been. In the past, he’d been too proud to accept help, eating plain vegetables rather than come for a proper meal. Now, seeing his confidence and ease, she was genuinely relieved.

“In the past, my offerings were meager, and you and Master always returned the favor. Now that I can stand on my own feet, it would be rude not to bring anything,” Chu Ci replied with a grin. “I’m afraid you’ll be seeing too much of me in the future.”

Madam Qin laughed, her eyes soft, and began sorting the gifts.

After tidying the courtyard, Chu Ci washed his hands at the stone basin, adjusted his robes, and approached the study. He knocked lightly.

Inside, voices ceased. A moment later came Master Qin’s calm voice: “Come in.”

Chu Ci entered, bowed deeply. “Greetings, Master. Greetings, Master Zhu. Forgive the interruption.”

“No interruption,” Master Qin said, motioning for him to sit. “We were just discussing you.”

Chu Ci blinked.

“Your disaster relief proposal earned great merit,” Master Qin continued. “The northern blizzard has passed, and because of timely action, casualties were far fewer than usual. Reconstruction is proceeding well. Your commendation should arrive any day now.”

“So it was he who submitted that proposal?” Master Zhu exclaimed, impressed. “Brother Qin, you truly have a discerning eye—what an exceptional student!”

Qin waved a hand modestly, though pride gleamed in his eyes. “You flatter me. The boy’s talented, but still green—pure luck this time.”

Master Zhu’s lips twitched with envy, but he managed a smile and a few words of praise before excusing himself.

As soon as he left, Qin’s demeanor snapped back to that of a stern instructor. “Did you bring your assignments?”

“Yes, Master.” Chu Ci immediately presented his neatly written essays and poems.