Chapter 107: One Hand Can Beat Ten
Five days later, Qin Mu arrived at Jiangling Commandery. Jiangling Commandery was far more prosperous than the county towns he had seen along the way. The entire city was built almost entirely over a river. This river was not the Yong River, but the Jin River, which is why Jiangling was also called Jinling.
The Jin River's currents were swift, its waters spreading like a sea. Originally, Jiangling Commandery was built on an oasis amidst the vast river waters. However, as boats came and went, it grew increasingly prosperous and crowded, so the city was expanded with large-scale construction.
At that time, the Prefect of Jiangling Commandery was none other than the current Imperial Preceptor. Even then, he was a brilliant and talented powerhouse, displaying extraordinary skill. He gathered many master craftsmen and countless cultivators, driving deep stone pillars into the river. Each pillar was a hundred zhang long, totaling over three thousand eight hundred pillars. The tops of the pillars were still thirty zhang above the water, allowing large ships to pass underneath and floodwaters to flow through unimpeded.
The Imperial Preceptor of the Yan Kang Dynasty, along with those master craftsmen and cultivators, paved the way with giant stones, stabilized the area with their abilities, and expanded Jiangling City. It was a massive project, with tens of thousands of cultivators laboring there for ten years before the new city was completed.
Beneath the new city were some skylights for illumination, used for drainage during heavy rain. There were also some docks built under the city, connected by ropes and pulleys.
Along the city's edges were docks of various sizes, where passing ships often moored to load and unload cargo.
It was so prosperous that it was also called the Little Capital, which drew criticism from scholar-officials at the time. They claimed the Prefect of Jiangling Commandery was suspected of rebellion, that the newly built Jiangling City had cut off the empire's dragon vein, and urged the emperor to execute him.
Others said the Prefect had built a dragon's head on the Jin River, plotting treason.
After completing this feat, the Imperial Preceptor of the Yan Kang Dynasty was summoned to the capital. Many thought the emperor would kill him, but unexpectedly, the then Crown Prince Yan Feng greatly admired him. Crown Prince Yan Feng was a man of great talent and bold vision. After ascending the throne, he repeatedly promoted the Imperial Preceptor, soon elevating him to the position of National Preceptor.
Qin Mu had heard these anecdotes from the boatman, not knowing if they were true or false. However, the Imperial Preceptor's talent and Emperor Yan Feng's ability to recognize and employ talent made him admire both men.
Traveling with him on the boat were some scholars from Jiangling Commandery, some from poor families and some from wealthy, noble households. Qin Mu inquired and learned that most of them were from the elementary schools and higher schools of Jiangling Commandery, all fellow disciples.
Qin Mu was surprised and asked about the elementary and higher schools of Jiangling Commandery, thus learning the reason.
The elementary and higher schools were established by the Imperial Preceptor and had been promoted nationwide.
The Imperial Preceptor said to Emperor Yan Feng: "At the age of eight, from the sons of kings and dukes down to the children of commoners, all should enter elementary school. There, they are taught guidance techniques, etiquette, the proper conduct of advancing and retreating, rites and music, archery and charioteering, writing and mathematics, cultivation, and foundation building. Observe their talents, teach according to their aptitude, awaken their spirit embryos, and break through their divine hideouts. Then, select the talented to enter higher school."
The Imperial Preceptor also said to Emperor Yan Feng: "At the age of fifteen, from the emperor's eldest son and other sons, down to the legitimate sons of dukes, ministers, high officials, and primary officials, as well as the outstanding youth among the common people, all should enter higher school. There, they are taught the ways of divine abilities, swordsmanship, rectifying the mind, cultivating oneself, and governing others, mastering the ancient and modern knowledge of divine abilities and academics. The scholars of higher schools are all students of the Son of Heaven, needing no attachment to sects. Over time, the scourge of sects can be eliminated." ①
The Imperial Preceptor further said: "Upon graduating from higher school, one may enter the Imperial Academy. The scholars of the Imperial Academy are taught the ways of serving as officials and generals, delving deeply into the Dao and methods, and governing the world. Then, the four seas will be at peace, and the Son of Heaven can rest easy."
Qin Mu sighed with emotion. With the Imperial Preceptor governing education like this, how could the nation not prosper?
The living space of the Yan Kang Dynasty's sects was squeezed by the elementary and higher schools. With no room to survive, it was no wonder they rebelled.
On the boat, Qin Mu took out the "Book of Calculations" he had bought in Jiangling City, studying it carefully while using a charcoal pen to write down equations and formulas on paper.
Suddenly, a plump scholar asked, "Brother Qin, are you also going to the capital to take the imperial examinations?"
Qin Mu nodded and smiled, "Yes. I plan to go to the capital to seek a future. Brother Wei, are you also going to take the exams?"
The plump scholar, named Wei Yong, nodded and smiled, "Gaining merit and entering the Imperial Academy to read extensively is my lifelong wish!"
Another scholar laughed, "Brother Wei, the Imperial Academy of the empire is not so easy to enter. You are only fourteen, still an elementary school scholar. You can't enter the Imperial Academy!"
Wei Yong sneered, "So what if you're a higher school scholar? That doesn't mean you can beat me and Brother Qin!"
The many scholars burst into laughter.
Qin Mu also smiled. Most of the scholars on the boat with him were going to the capital to take the exams, hoping to enter the Imperial Academy.
The higher schools in Jiangling taught only basic swordsmanship and spells, with a narrow scope. But the Imperial Academy in the capital housed a million volumes, encompassing everything. Almost all the techniques and divine abilities of the various sects in Yan Kang were gathered there. It could be said to be the empire's highest institution of learning!
Entering the Imperial Academy was very difficult. Scholars from higher schools across the country fought tooth and nail to get in. As for elementary school scholars going to the capital, they usually aimed to enter the higher schools there. For an elementary school scholar to enter the Imperial Academy was even harder, unless they were exceptionally outstanding, in which case they might be admitted on special merit. Every year, only a handful of elementary school scholars passed the assessments to enter the Imperial Academy.
The boatman steered the boat toward the opposite shore.
Qin Mu noticed that the boat used a strange furnace. There was a flame in the furnace, and when medicinal stones were thrown in, the spiritual energy within the stones could drive the gears above the furnace to rotate. The gears then turned a large paddle wheel, like a waterwheel, propelling the boat forward.
The boatman only needed to steer the rudder to control the direction.
Qin Mu marveled. Where in the Great Ruins could one see such strange and wonderful things?
Before long, the boat reached the shore. He disembarked with the many scholars and, after walking a short distance, arrived at the carriage and horse market.
Qin Mu looked around, even more curious. Here, they rented and sold land boats, flying chariots, cranes, earth dragons, and several multi-story ships ready to depart, emitting thick smoke mixed with sparks of fire.
"Brother Qin, over here!"
Wei Yong stood beneath a multi-story ship, waving to him. The ship had lowered its gangplank, and some scholars were boarding.
Qin Mu walked over, looked up at the multi-story ship, and showed surprise. Wei Yong was a natural extrovert and laughed, "Land boats are too bumpy, flying chariots are too expensive, and cranes and earth dragons are exposed to the wind and sun. A multi-story ship is more comfortable to ride, though it's a bit slower. But the Imperial Academy selection is still a while away, so we might as well take a ship to the capital."
Qin Mu agreed and asked, "What's the price?"
Wei Yong pulled out a jug of wine and laughed, "You're dressed better than me, and you're worried about the price? Fox girl, I bought you a jug of wine."
Fox Ling'er was both surprised and delighted. She stood upright, thanked him formally, and then took the jug.
Qin Mu went to the ship's captain to pay the fare. The fare from Jiangling to the capital was ten Da Feng coins, which wasn't too expensive. After all, Qin Mu had been spending freely over the past five days. He had no concept of the value of a Da Feng coin, only knowing that when he gave one coin for meals and lodging, the other party would be grinning from ear to ear.
The two of them and the fox boarded the ship. Before long, the multi-story ship was fully booked. A pharmacist and his apprentice activated the ship's furnace, converting the medicinal power into magical energy to supply the bronze beast sculpture at the stern. The bronze beast's mouth immediately spewed intense flames. The multi-story ship slowly rose into the air, slowly turned direction mid-air, unfurled its sails, and left Jiangling, heading north.
On the multi-story ship, each passenger had their own room. The ship also provided meals, so they only needed to spend the next few days on board.
Qin Mu stood on the ship and looked down. The ship rose higher and higher, gradually gaining speed. Jiangling City below grew smaller and smaller, but he could still see flying chariots, birds, and airships occasionally flying out of the city toward other cities. On the river, boats came and went, a lively scene.
"The Yan Kang Dynasty is truly a wondrous place."
Qin Mu admired inwardly: "Ling Yuxiu said that the Dao and divine abilities of Yan Kang are changing with each passing day. Now it seems that's indeed the case."
He could see that the Yan Kang Dynasty was applying Dao and divine abilities to every corner of life. The clothing, food, shelter, and transportation of ordinary people were gradually being changed. This was very similar to the Way of the Sage mentioned in the "Great Cultivation Demon Scripture."
The Way of the Sage lies only in the daily use of the people. The Yan Kang Dynasty was doing quite well.
He suddenly had a strange thought: "Could the Imperial Preceptor of Yan Kang also be a member of my Demon Sect?"
Some scholars on the ship were practicing martial arts, and their cultivation and strength were quite impressive. What surprised Qin Mu, however, was that they were all practicing the same martial arts, spells, and swordsmanship.
Qin Mu was puzzled: "Practicing the same spells and swordsmanship—wouldn't that make it easy for others to find their weaknesses?"
In his view, although martial artists were at the foundation-building stage, broad learning was also part of the foundation. Most scholars practiced the same martial arts, the same spells, and the same swordsmanship. This would make it very easy for others to exploit their flaws.
"With martial artists like this, I could beat ten of them with one hand." Qin Mu shook his head inwardly and continued studying the "Book of Calculations." The printed "Book of Calculations" of the Yan Kang Dynasty consisted of ten volumes, which he had already finished reading. He had also organized quite a few equations and formulas on paper.
At night, Qin Mu came from his room to the deck, looked up at the stars in the sky, used equations to deduce, and recorded calculations on paper.
The multi-story ship sailed for four days, gradually approaching the capital. Most of the scholars on board were going to the capital for the first time, unable to hide their excitement. They leaned over the ship's railing and looked outward. Suddenly, a violent jolt came. The ship tilted in the air, and several scholars, not holding on firmly, fell off the ship.
These people hadn't cultivated flying divine abilities and let out long screams that echoed for a long time—the ship was flying too high, and they would take a while to hit the ground.
Qin Mu frowned. His legs were like two spears nailed to the ship. With one hand, he held the drunken Fox Ling'er, and with the other, he grabbed the equally drunken Wei Yong, preventing them from being thrown off the ship.
At that moment, loud laughter came from outside the ship. An unimaginably huge python opened its mouth, full of hooked teeth, bit the ship's stern, and was tearing at it with force!
The people on the ship were startled. The ship's stern had already been bitten off by the giant python. Scholars standing near the stern fell off the ship one after another, and a few were swallowed by the python!
On the flat head of the giant python stood a person. He wore a flowery robe, applied rouge and powder, and looked very effeminate, but he was a seductive man. He was excitedly watching the panicked crowd on the ship.
Note ①: These passages are adapted from Zhu Xi of the Song Dynasty, with slight modifications by Zhai Zhu. The terms "elementary school" and "higher school" existed in ancient times. The names were likely established around the 1st century BCE, in the Western Han Dynasty. The "Da Dai Li Ji" records: "In ancient times, at the age of eight, one would go out to a school outside the home, learning minor arts and practicing minor etiquette." "At the age of fifteen, one would enter higher school, learning major arts and practicing major etiquette." The "Xiao Dai Li Ji: Wang Zhi" says: "The elementary school is to the south of the palace, and the higher school is in the suburbs." In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the "Bai Hu Tong" states: "One enters elementary school at eight and higher school at fifteen."