For those who performed too strongly or too weakly, there was no controversy in their ratings.
However, when it came to Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze, some controversy arose.
Both of them chose around fifty second-grade plants.
Looking at their basic scores first, which were for Medium Grade and Low Grade second-grade plants, their survival rate was surprisingly only 80%, and 30% of those failed to reach maturity.
While none of them died, this data was somewhat weak for their performance.
Next, looking at their bonus points, which were for High Grade second-grade plants.
Wen Nanxing chose two types of High Grade second-grade plants: 'Seven-Star Flower' and 'Li Fruit Sapling'.
Both have very high medicinal value.
Wen Nanxing planted four of each, but only one of each fully matured and reached its optimal medicinal value.
Xiao Ze's data for Medium Grade and Low Grade second-grade plants was similar to Wen Nanxing's.
He planted High Grade second-grade 'Cold Ice Lotus' and 'Bitter Earth Ginseng', and only one more of his matured compared to Wen Nanxing.
Their performance was certainly good enough for the 'A-list' rating.
The disagreement was whether they should be rated 'A-plus'.
Out of 8 participating officials, and before Chen Shijie expressed his opinion, three felt that these two should not be rated 'A-plus', at most 'A-minus'.
This was because they failed to fully mature all the plants, and their performance did not match their ability as fourth-stage Gathering Origin cultivators.
The other four officials believed that the scoring standard should be unified and not vary from person to person; since Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze had no dead seedlings and had mature Low, Medium, and High Grade second-grade plants, they should be given 'A-plus'.
With the disagreement, the main decision-making power rested with Chen Shijie.
“Lord Chen, how should we determine their grades?” a clerk from the county yamen's literary office asked softly.
Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing were also somewhat anxious.
They really hadn't expected to perform so poorly; looking at Li Chengfeng, the difficulty he chose was also significant, so how did all of his plants mature?
In their current situation, their 'A-list' rating could go either way, and since there was a disagreement, it depended on the opinion of Chen Shijie, the chief official.
Chen Shijie pondered for a moment, then looked at the two: “Let me ask you two, during these four days and three nights of assessment, did you notice anything amiss?”
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze exchanged glances, then shook their heads: “No.”
Upon hearing this, Pang Yuan and Tang Wanchun sighed in their hearts, knowing that an 'A-plus' was impossible this time.
However, they couldn't blame them; Zhao Xing was too insidious.
He took whatever he wanted from others, but for these two masters, he used the 'boiling a frog slowly' method, slowly stealing from them.
This made Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze believe that they had simply performed poorly, without considering any other reasons.
Chen Shijie nodded upon hearing this: “The plants you both cultivated were all difficult, off-season varieties, qualifying you for an 'A' rating. However, your lack of vigilance led to the inability to fully mature them, so you shall receive an 'A-minus'.”
“Yes,” the literary clerk immediately recorded.
Hmm? Lack of vigilance? What kind of evaluation is that?
Wen Nanxing and Xiao Ze were a bit confused.
But only after Chen Shijie had walked away, Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan, who were lagging behind, revealed the truth to their students: “You two are truly too obtuse, you didn't even realize you were tricked by someone using the Earth Vein Comprehensive Origin Spell! Go back and reflect properly!”
Earth Vein Comprehensive Origin? Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing exchanged glances, their expressions immediately changing.
Someone had actually used a Spell from the Geomancy faction, and had unknowingly stolen their earth power and Origin Qi?
“Who would use it against us… ah, could it be him?!” Xiao Ze and Wen Nanxing looked at that golden expanse, suddenly realizing and filled with remorse.
“Zhao Xing, as a second-stage Gathering Origin cultivator, successfully cultivated 100 second-grade plants of five different varieties, including 20 High Grade second-grade Vajra Bamboos. He is both brave and resourceful, rated 'A-plus'!”
This time, Chen Shijie didn't even ask those around him, speaking directly to the county yamen officials.
His admiration was undisguised, even showing a hint of eagerness.
Gao Linong felt a bit displeased, because Zhao Xing's 'brave and resourceful' evaluation clearly referred to his performance in contending with Zong Shichang, and Zong Shichang happened to be his star disciple.
Tang Wanchun and Pang Yuan also felt a sour taste in their mouths, because Zhao Xing's 'resourcefulness' was directed at their two star disciples, and these two hadn't even realized it until the end. Wouldn't that be infuriating?
However, putting aside personal feelings, the three of them genuinely felt that Zhao Xing deserved this evaluation, and even wished that Zhao Xing was under their command.
“Thank you, esteemed sirs, for your hard work.” Zhao Xing, as per custom, cupped his hands to the officials who came to inspect.
Logically, the inspection should continue, but Chen Shijie didn't leave. He sent the other deputies to confirm the remaining 'B-list' and 'C-list' ratings, and together with Xue Wenzhong, he kept Zhao Xing behind.
Zhao Xing didn't know what this meant, but it would be a loss of Face for a leader to speak first, so he had to ask himself: “Teacher, Lord Chen, do you have any further instructions?”
Xue Wenzhong said: “The court's Temple Examination qualification is determined by the quotas submitted by each county and then approved by the prefecture before one has a chance to participate.”
“The quota for each prefecture and county is not fixed. To give prospective officials a better chance of passing, the county yamen jointly funds and allocates resources from the treasury each year to outstanding officials from various departments. This applies not only to our Department of Agriculture but also to the Heavenly Craft Workshop, Weaving Workshop, Martial Arts Class, Department of Justice, and other departments, all treated equally.”
Zhao Xing nodded; he naturally knew this.
Grand Ancestor of Great Zhou's motto, 'All heroes of the world shall be gathered into his urn,' was not just empty words but directly written into law.
The 'Tribute Official Law' stated: “All students and officials of various departments, based on their legal studies, professions, classics, and arts, shall be selected for quotas, and monthly stipends for lamp oil, ink, and paper shall be provided as rewards.”
In simple terms, there were 'scholarships' and 'poverty subsidies'.
Law, profession, classics, and arts refer to multiple aspects of evaluation, while students and officials refer to students in official academies and societies established by the court, as well as officials like Zhao Xing.
The difference is that students can receive both 'poverty subsidies' and scholarships, while officials only receive 'scholarships', because officials have jobs, and no matter how poor you are, you wouldn't be unable to afford food, right?
The selection was relatively strict. Logically, with two 'A-plus' ratings, he shouldn't be receiving such resources, but now, seeing Xue Wenzhong's implication, perhaps Lord Chen was going to help him contend for it?
Sure enough, Chen Shijie immediately followed up: “Elder Xue said that your Gathering Origin cultivation started late. If you wish to pass the Winter Assessment and Temple Examination, your resource expenditure must keep up. I heard your family isn't particularly wealthy, so if you can obtain a 'Tribute Recipient' quota, perhaps your cultivation can progress faster.”
Zhao Xing listened quietly.
“Logically, with only two 'A-plus' ratings, you don't yet qualify as a Tribute Recipient. But I believe you are a promising talent, and it would be a pity if you were to be overlooked.”
“Therefore, I have decided to apply for a Tribute Recipient quota for you. In addition, your teacher and I will jointly provide you with some additional cultivation expenses until your Temple Examination concludes.”
Chen Shijie spoke very directly and without airs; he didn't even refer to himself as 'this official' to Zhao Xing, but simply 'I', showing how much he admired him.
Upon hearing that good fortune was at his doorstep, Zhao Xing had no reason not to accept it. Although he remained calm internally, he put on a very good show externally, after all, this Chen Shijie was his angel investor!
He immediately performed a grand bow: “Thank you, Teacher and Lord Chen, for your profound kindness in recreating me. Xing will never forget it and will strive to repay you day and night!”
Chen Shijie smiled slightly upon hearing this, and with both hands, helped up the bowing Zhao Xing.
This investment was a sure thing!