Chapter 30: The Grace of Mentorship

“Excellent poem!” Magistrate Tang rose to his feet, repeatedly applauding in admiration.

The two local gentry, Zhang and Zhou, were equally impressed.

Magistrate Tang even paced over to Fan Jin, unable to contain his excitement.

“Ha ha, I’ve always said you were not meant to remain a subordinate forever!”

“Jin, the verses you just recited already reveal signs of a meteoric rise; before long, you will ascend straight to the highest ranks.”

“Truly a cause for celebration, congratulations indeed!”

Zhang and Zhou also offered their earnest compliments.

Fan Jin shook his head slightly. “True artistry is innate; such exquisite lines come by chance. It’s nothing more than a humble attempt from a student, just a mere accompaniment to the wine.”

“Come, let us drink this cup to the full.”

Saying this, Fan Jin raised his cup in invitation.

In exchanges like these, sincerity flows with the wine in their glasses.

Magistrate Tang rolled up his sleeves, his spirit soaring. “Here!” he exclaimed.

With that, the men clinked their cups together, a lively toast amid the mingling of wine and good cheer.

Zhang Jingzhai swallowed the fiery drink, let out a long breath, and patted Fan Jin’s shoulder teasingly. “Usually, Sir Shi is modest beyond measure, but today I’ve truly witnessed what it means to be a ‘wild scholar’!”

In a certain sense, Fan Jin’s poem indeed revealed a touch of wild abandon.

Yet, such a temperament, both in personality and governance, cannot thrive in isolation. Reputation is something to be cultivated.

Smooth diplomacy is admirable, but without sharp edges, one cannot endure.

For instance, before crossing over, Fan Jin had already earned a reputation as a ‘rough fellow’ in private circles, even reaching the ears of some prominent officials.

He could chat amiably with wealthy merchants, converse with humble farmers on the mountain, and when faced with injustice, boldly confront the provincial government and demand accountability for transportation funds...

Through these interactions, though he earned a reputation as a difficult man, it shielded him from countless hidden attacks.

Anyone who wished to provoke him had to carefully weigh the consequences.

Having decided to ‘rekindle youthful boldness,’ Fan Jin spoke with resolute spirit, “This is no drunken boast. When it comes to the classical style, I can claim some standing to uphold my name. However, my mother, wife, and children are all elderly or frail, and with the capital so far away and the journey perilous...”

Before he finished, Gentry Zhang eagerly volunteered, “Brother, why trouble yourself? Though I am but a humble man with only a small patch of land in Nanhai County, I have some standing and will not let your parents or family be wronged. Sir Shi, you need only focus on your future; there will be no concerns behind you.”

Turning to Magistrate Tang, he added, “If Sir Shi still has doubts, Uncle Tang could write a letter. I’m sure the Nanhai magistrate will see to matters properly, no need to worry.”

Magistrate Tang nodded and quickly asked, “I heard you plan to take the spring imperial examination. Is your luggage and funds all in order?”

Fan Jin declined modestly, “All is ready.”

Tang gave no reply but made a gesture to his attendant, who promptly withdrew.

“Next year’s grand examination awaits. Jin, you must hasten to the capital and compete in the spring imperial exam. To have your name on the Dragon List would do justice to your lifelong studies!”

Just then, the attendant returned carrying a parcel.

Putting down his chopsticks, Magistrate Tang lightly tapped the package with his left hand and smiled. “This contains two hundred taels of silver and two sets of winter pelts sent from Liaodong. The nineteenth of this month is an auspicious day. Brother, you may purchase passage by boat westward.”

“When you soar to great heights and we meet again next winter... Brother, would that not be a joyous occasion?”

By the end, Magistrate Tang spoke to Fan Jin as an equal, no longer maintaining the formal airs of county magistrate and student—clearly acknowledging Fan Jin’s talent.

“Impossible, impossible...” Fan Jin demurred at first but could not refuse such generosity and accepted the gift, treasuring the kindness in his heart.

He was no Jia Yucun, ungrateful and treacherous, who fled with money and repaid kindness with enmity.

To recall, Jia Yucun once accepted fifty taels of silver from Zhen Shiyin, yet the very next day he abandoned all manners, hastily took the money, and ran, claiming scholars focus on principles, not fate, perhaps fearing Zhen would demand the money back.

Fifty taels was no small sum. When Granny Liu received twenty taels from the Jia household, she not only resolved immediate hardships but also bought over a dozen acres of good land—testament to the silver’s immense purchasing power.

In reality, ordinary folks rarely used silver; most transactions were in copper coins. A peasant’s lifetime toil barely saved enough silver after food and drink.

Jia Yucun encountered many benefactors in his life but, without exception, repaid their kindness with betrayal.

Such conduct was truly despicable.

“Then I shall accept it shamelessly,” Fan Jin said with a smile.

Magistrate Tang stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Though you studied under Master Zhou, the capital is unfamiliar ground. Even if you succeed in the exam, the road to office is fraught with difficulties.”

Gentry Zhang felt this deeply.

He had resigned after serving as a county magistrate not from disgust with official life, but because he lacked connections to maneuver favors.

His earlier flattery of Magistrate Tang stemmed from rumors of Tang’s influential backing. Yet Tang had always responded coolly, and Zhang soon gave up hope.

Now, sensing Tang’s deeper meaning, Zhang was filled with mixed emotions.

Fan Jin, however, noticed nothing unusual. He nodded thoughtfully, a strange expression crossing his face as a thought struck him: “Could it be that Magistrate Tang has connections in the Ministry of Personnel?”

Though the Ministry of Rites oversaw the imperial examinations, the Ministry of Personnel controlled all appointments, promotions, and transfers.

Master Zhou was indeed powerful, but at most he could ensure Fan Jin a reputation among the capital’s great scholars; his influence did not extend to the Ministry of Personnel or official selections.

Though exam rankings mattered, there were always those ranked lower who secured more prestigious, influential offices.

Some posts may seem high but are mere sinecures.

One need only consider Zhao Dehan, a man of modest rank but great power—not an uncommon phenomenon.

Magistrate Tang smiled mysteriously, then glanced at Gentry Zhang and Gentry Zhou.

Both men were shrewd and understood that the following conversation was confidential, unsuitable for their ears.

Zhang Jingzhai hastily stood and pulled Zhou aside, laughing, “The two of us lack the stamina for more drink. We’ll take a walk in the garden to sober up and enjoy the moon. Please excuse us.”

With that, they left discreetly.