Du Shi Kun, courtesy name Meng Zhou, a former Minister of Rites, hailed from the Du family of Yuyao. He was the top scholar in the fourth year of Xingde and a renowned prodigy and talent.
Before the original host entered the court, he had already resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown. However, his literary fame still echoed in the capital.
The original host had heard of his reputation but had never met him in person. As the original host had also achieved the top scholar title at a young age, some people had compared her to this equally young scholar.
However, after reading the writings of Master Du, the original host understood that she could not compare herself to him.
She never expected that a librarian at Maolin Academy would know such an influential figure. And it was truly unexpected that she, who was currently unknown, would have the opportunity to study under him.
However, this matter was not yet settled. Since Lin Yan had learned of Master Du's identity, she was determined to secure this opportunity.
In the subsequent examination, Lin Yan utilized all her knowledge and abilities.
Master Du tested her on everything from the Four Books and Five Classics to arithmetic and hydraulics, and from astronomy and geography to agriculture and carpentry.
His questions covered a wide range of subjects. The accompanying Master Zhao also interjected a few comments. Seeing Lin Yan's extensive knowledge and her ability to articulate beyond mere recitation, he also became interested.
Time slipped away in their question-and-answer exchange until lunchtime, when the steward entered to inquire. It was then that they realized how much time had passed.
"Let's have them stay for lunch. After the meal, write a policy essay for me to read. You should have learned how to write policy essays by now," Master Du said, remembering that the young person before him was merely a Tong Sheng, and might not have learned certain literary forms yet.
"This student has already learned it in the academy," Lin Yan secretly wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. This master was truly knowledgeable and learned; she had almost been stumped by him.
However, there were some questions he asked that she genuinely didn't know, and she honestly admitted her lack of knowledge.
Looking at their expressions, she believed she had passed the test.
Lin Yan did not dine with the two masters. The steward set up a table for her in a side hall.
In the main hall, the two masters were also having lunch. They paid no strict adherence to the principle of silence during meals, but their conversation centered on Lin Yan, who was dining in the side hall.
"No wonder Dong Lin recommended this kid to you," Master Zhao said, with a hint of envy in his voice.
"He's not necessarily my disciple yet, just a mere Tong Sheng," although his words carried a tone of disdain, the satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable.
Master Zhao knew his old friend well and could see his contentment. His current words were merely a pretense.
"If you're not satisfied, then hand this disciple over to me," Master Zhao had said it casually at first, but after saying it, he thought it wasn't a bad idea.
"I find this kid quite good, and presentable. It would be quite good if he truly became my disciple."
"Why would you, an idle prince, take on a disciple? Furthermore, a scholar from a humble background like him would only seek to change his family's fortunes and bring glory to his ancestors. Becoming your disciple would mean cutting off his official career. He's not that foolish."
Although Master Du knew his friend was joking, he seemed genuinely to have developed the idea later, which made him a little anxious.
However, he understood that Guang Lin was a prince. Although he was considered idle, he still drew the attention of those in higher positions. Even associating with friends like them required him to hide his identity.
He had resigned from his post, but even so, he had to be cautious in his interactions.
"That's not necessarily true. Becoming my disciple, while it might present some obstacles to an official career, would make his path in the imperial examinations much easier."
Master Zhao found his old friend amusing and continued to tease him.
"He won't agree."
"Then when do you plan to take him as a disciple? I can stay here for a few more days, and can serve as your witness."
"You might not be able to wait that long. My disciple, Du Meng Zhou, must at least be a Xiu Cai. To become my disciple, he must first achieve the top rank in the examination for us to discuss it."
"You truly are something!" Master Zhao shook his head and chuckled.
"What about me? He's the one begging to be my disciple, not I wanting to take him. Of course, he has to meet my requirements."
"Aren't you afraid that this almost-disciple will slip away? I've heard that the principal of Maolin Academy is also very fond of taking disciples."
"If he runs away, then it's his misfortune. There are plenty of people who want to be my student!"
"Alright, alright. I know that you, Du Meng Zhou, have a great reputation."
After lunch, a servant led Lin Yan to rest.
At the beginning of the Wei Shi hour, a servant came to summon Lin Yan to the study.
Master Du was already waiting there. He presented the questions he had prepared to Lin Yan.
Upon receiving the questions, Lin Yan discovered it was a compound question. The two lines were from the Spring and Autumn Annals, and it inquired about strategies for governing the country.
Lin Yan excused herself and began to ponder.
Master Du and Master Zheng continued their game of chess, paying no attention to Lin Yan's work.
Lin Yan, while thinking, also ground ink. After a quarter of an hour of contemplation, she began to write.
Having experienced many worlds, Lin Yan had many ideas regarding statecraft. However, Lin Yan had to avoid writing anything that might be too advanced.
Besides that, she also had to pay attention to her word choice and sentence construction, which were her weaker points. Therefore, after settling on her ideas, she diligently worked to express them in more eloquent language.
After drafting, she took a fresh sheet of paper to transcribe her work. After transcribing, she reviewed her essay for any errors or omissions before picking it up and presenting it to Master Du.
"Your calligraphy is good. Are you imitating Yan Tie?" Master Zhao praised her.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, yes," Lin Yan did not know Master Zhao's identity, but he must be of high status, and the surname Zhao was the imperial surname. Even if this Master Zhao was not of the royal family, his status would not be simple.
"It's very good for someone your age to write like this."
"It still lacks a bit of finesse. The flow of the brushstrokes lacks smoothness," Master Du could not stand Master Zhao's praise of Lin Yan.
"Your Excellency speaks the truth," Lin Yan was very humble.
Master Du suddenly felt as if he were bullying this young child. He stopped picking on her and began to read Lin Yan's essay.
After reading one page, he passed it to the eagerly waiting Master Zhao. Soon, both of them had finished reading Lin Yan's essay.
"The intent is very fresh, and the viewpoints are also novel, but the use of allusions is too stiff," Master Du immediately spotted the article's weakness.
"Master speaks wisely."
"However, for someone of your age, to be able to write such an essay is still very good. It's just that you haven't written enough. Doing more practice questions will suffice. Your current level is sufficient for the Prefectural and Academy examinations."
Master Zhao's attitude was much gentler compared to Master Du.