Shennong Dao Master

The performance of those who performed exceptionally well or exceptionally poorly had no disputes regarding their ratings.

However, when it came to Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, there arose some controversy.

Both chose about fifty Second Order plants.

Firstly, looking at the basic scores, the Second Order Middle Grade and Lower Grade plants had a survival rate of only eighty percent, with thirty percent not reaching maturity.

Though none died, this data indicated a rather weak performance for them.

Next, considering the scores for superior plants, the Second Order Top Grade plants.

Wen Nanxing chose two kinds of Second Order Top Grade plants , the 'Seven-star Flower' and the 'Leaving Fruit Tree'.

Both had very high medicinal value.

Wen Nanxing cultivated four plants, but only one of each reached complete maturity, achieving the best medicinal value.

Xiao Ze's Second Order Middle Grade and Lower Grade plants had similar data to Wen Nanxing's.

He planted the Second Order Top Grade 'Ice Cold Lotus' and 'Bitter Earth Ginseng', and only had one more mature plant than Wen Nanxing's.

The performance of both certainly merited inclusion on the A-rank list.

However, the disagreement lay in whether they should be rated Upper A-rank.

Among the eight officials evaluating, with Chen Shijie abstaining from expressing his opinion, three thought these two shouldn't be rated Upper A-rank, at most deserving Middle A-rank.

They reasoned that because not all plants reached maturity, the performance did not match their Gathering Essence Fourth Rank capabilities.

On the other hand, four others believed the evaluation standards should be consistent and not vary by individual. Since Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had no plant deaths and matured Lower, Middle, and Top Grade Second Order plants, they should be ranked Upper A-rank.

With this division, the final decision lay chiefly with Chen Shijie.

"Mr. Chen, how should we rate them?" a Wenfang clerk softly inquired.

Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing were also a bit anxious.

They hadn't expected their performance to falter. Looking at Li Chengfeng, who faced similar difficulties, how had he managed to mature all his plants?

Given their current situation, their ranking on the A-rank list was uncertain, and the dissenting opinion meant it depended on Chen Shijie's final decision.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Shijie looked at the two of them, "I ask you two, during these four days and three nights of examination, did you notice anything unusual?"

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze glanced at each other, then shook their heads, "No."

Pang Yuan and Tang Wanchun sighed inwardly upon hearing this, realizing that Upper A-rank was unattainable this time.

However, it wasn't their fault. Zhao Xing was too cunning.

For others, he ruthlessly took what he wanted, but for these two experts, he slowly boiled them like frogs in warm water, gradually stealing from them.

This left Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze believing their failures were due to their own underperformance, without considering other factors.

Chen Shijie nodded at their answer, "Both of you cultivated difficult off-season plants, deserving of an A-rank. But your lack of vigilance led to incomplete maturity, so it will be Middle A-rank."

"Understood," the Wenfang clerk immediately recorded.

Hmm? Lack of vigilance? What kind of assessment was that?

Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were puzzled.

When Chen Shijie walked away and Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan, who had fallen behind, finally revealed the truth to their students, "You two are so oblivious, not even realizing you've been tricked with Earth Vein Comprehensive Element! Go back and reflect on this thoroughly!"

Earth Vein Comprehensive Element? Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged shocked glances.

Someone had used the Earth Advantage Sect's magic to steal their Earth Power and Primordial Energy without them noticing?

"Who would do this to us… ah, could it be him?" Looking towards a certain golden figure, Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze finally realized, feeling extremely annoyed.

......

"Zhao Xing, with Gathering Essence Second Rank, cultivated a total of 100 mature Second Order plants across five types, including 20 Second Order Top Grade Vajra Bamboos. Displaying both courage and strategy, rated Upper A-rank!"

This time, Chen Shijie did not consult anyone and directly addressed the county government officials.

The admiration in his eyes was undisguised, and he seemed almost eager.

Gao Linong felt somewhat displeased because Zhao Xing's evaluation of both courage and strategy clearly referenced his conflict with Zong Shichang, who was Gao Linong's prized disciple.

Even Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan felt sour, as Zhao Xing's "strategy" pertained to their proud disciples, who hadn't even realized they were outmatched until the end. How infuriating!

Nonetheless, aside from personal feelings, all three also believed Zhao Xing deserved this evaluation and even wished he were under their tutelage.

"Thank you, sirs." Zhao Xing made the customary gesture of respect towards the officials who had come to evaluate.

Originally, the evaluation should have continued, but Chen Shijie stayed behind, delegating the rest of the B-rank and C-rank evaluations to the other vice officers, keeping Zhao Xing back with Xue Wenzhong.

Zhao Xing was unsure of their intentions, but it wouldn't be appropriate for the leader to speak up first. He had to ask, "Teacher, Mr. Chen, is there something more?"

Xue Wenzhong responded, "For the court's Temple Examination qualifications, each county nominates candidates, which are then confirmed at the district level for a chance to participate."

"The number of spots allotted per district and county varies. To increase the chances for prospective candidates to pass, the county government annually pools funds to allocate resources to outstanding officials from various departments. This includes our Minister of Agriculture Supervision, the Heavenly Workshop, the Weaving Workshop, the Military Class Room, and the Ministry of Justice."

Zhao Xing nodded in understanding.

Great Zhou's Grand Ancestor's decree to gather all talents into the empire was not just lip service; it was codified in the law.

The Tribute Officer Law stipulates: "All departmental students and officials, evaluated on their mastery and accomplishments, allocated quotas, shall be given monthly allowances and stationery as encouragement."

Simply put, it meant both "scholarship" and "financial aid".

The terms Law, Mastery, Accomplishments, and Craft refer to multiple evaluation aspects, and departmental students and officials denote scholars from official academies and societies established by the court, as well as officials like Zhao Xing.

The difference being scholars could receive both "financial aid" and scholarships, whereas officials only got scholarships since they had jobs and presumably enough to live on.

The selection process was stringent. Generally, achieving Upper A-rank twice would not qualify one for such resources, but with Xue Wenzhong's implication, it seemed Mr. Chen wanted to help Zhao Xing out.

As expected, Chen Shijie continued, "Xue Lao mentioned you started Gathering Essence late. For winter ratings and the Temple Examination, you need consistent resources. I heard your family isn't wealthy, and obtaining a 'tribute' spot could expedite your cultivation."

Zhao Xing listened quietly.

"Technically, with only two Upper A-rank achievements, you wouldn't qualify for tribute. However, I see great potential in you, and it would be a shame if you missed out."

"Therefore, I decided to apply for a tribute spot for you and, along with your teacher, provide additional resources for your cultivation until the Temple Examination concludes."

Chen Shijie spoke candidly, without airs, using "I" instead of "this official," indicating his high regard.

Facing such favor, Zhao Xing maintained composure but expressed appropriate gratitude, since Chen Shijie essentially became his angel investor.

He immediately performed a grand salute, "Thank you, Teacher and Mr. Chen, for your profound kindness. Xing will never forget this and shall tirelessly repay it!"

Chen Shijie smiled slightly and helped Zhao Xing up with both hands.

This investment was solid!