Seven days flew by in a blink. Today, the Capital Interview Team arrived at Spirit Martial Town. Many had stayed awake all night. The moment deciding their fate was near.
Madam Jiang was unusually quiet last night. As the lady of Jiang Mansion, she knew priorities. A grand reception for the Capital guests was essential. She couldn’t afford to offend them. They might pin a crime on her with no recourse.
Thus, Jiang Zicheng slept soundly. He rose early today. First, he’d visit the town office to meet Yi Aimin. Then, he’d find Master Scholar.
By rank, Master Scholar was Spirit Martial Town’s highest official. Her presence was vital for welcoming the Capital Interview Team.
As Jiang Zicheng got up, he gazed at his dearest wife with gratitude. He kissed her forehead. “You’re still the best.”
Naturally, Madam Jiang was awake. His sudden kiss stunned her. She froze, unable to move. Only after he left did she relax.
“This old fool,” Madam Jiang muttered. “At his age, still playing romantic.” But inside, she was overjoyed.
At the town office, nearly everyone was up. Welcoming the Capital Interview Team was their top duty. Constables lined up. Yi Aimin would soon meet Jiang Zicheng. Meanwhile, young master Yi Xiuran was the town’s focal point for today’s event.
“Father, Mother, your son pays his respects,” Yi Xiuran said. He’d arrived early at Yi Aimin’s home to greet them.
“Come here, let Mother see,” Madam Yi said. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“I slept well,” Yi Xiuran nodded. The Capital Interview mattered deeply, but he stayed rational. He avoided sleepless nights. “I had Aunt Liu brew a sleep-inducing soup yesterday, just in case.”
“Hmm, good. I’ve tried her remedy too; it works,” Yi Aimin nodded. “You and your mother eat breakfast. Your Uncle Jiang and I will visit Master Scholar. We arranged it yesterday—she invited us for breakfast.”
“I understand.”
“Don’t pressure yourself. Just do your best,” Yi Aimin said, patting Xiuran’s shoulder. “I believe in you.”
Yi Aimin knew Xiuran saw him as a role model. Xiuran’s wish to join the Five Armies Camp likely came from Yi Aimin’s own youth there. By following his path, Xiuran would inherit his will.
“Master, Town Chief Jiang has arrived.”
“Good, I’ll be right there,” Yi Aimin replied. After a few more words to Xiuran, he left. It was early, so he and Jiang Zicheng walked. Master Scholar lived near the academy, close to the town office.
Though early, Spirit Martial Town’s streets buzzed louder than usual.
Many were out. Some Jiang Zicheng and Yi Aimin recognized; others not. All were Capital Interview candidates. They rose early to peak condition.
“I see dark circles on many kids. They didn’t sleep last night. How about Xiuran?”
“He slept. Aunt Liu brewed him sleep soup. You’ve had it too.”
“I remember. It works well. So Xiuran will be in the best shape today.”
“ThirdSister’s Meng Qi should be fine too. Xiuran said they’ve trained together. At the academy, he’s often first, she second. We know them best—no worries,” Yi Aimin smiled. “Huoer would’ve been fine too, but you never wanted him in the Capital.”
As they spoke, they reached Master Scholar’s home. It was modest—a true sage hiding in the city. That was her way.
“So, Town Chief, you won’t send Huoer to the Capital,” Master Scholar said with regret. “What a waste of his barehanded cannon-crafting skill.”
“He has no heart for it,” Jiang Zicheng sighed. “If he wanted to go, I’d support him. My wife and I tried persuading him many times—no luck. The Capital’s grand, full of opportunities. Spirit Martial Town is too small to nurture a child’s future.”
“I share that regret for Huoer,” Master Scholar said, stroking his grizzled beard. “But never mind. He’s wild at heart, loves freedom. Staying here or traveling suits him well.”
Each has their own path. Master Scholar wouldn’t deny Jiang Huoer his choice. He admired that free life too, but longing alone wasn’t enough. Worldly ties weighed too heavily.
“Xiuran entering the Five Armies Camp is certain. Don’t worry, Aimin,” Master Scholar assured. Yi Xiuran was the academy’s star pupil. In the final lesson, she’d declared his chances excellent. This wasn’t baseless—it was her conclusion from his performance. Those from the Crown Prince Manor were sharp judges, and Master Scholar, being from there, was no exception.
“Aimin knows,” Yi Aimin replied respectfully.
“Hmm.” Master Scholar nodded.
Her breakfast was simple fare. The plainer the meal, the fresher one felt all day. Her vibrant classroom energy came from this and daily exercise.
After eating, the three discussed scholarly matters. Though Jiang Zicheng and Yi Aimin were officials, they were erudite. Master Scholar enjoyed their company—they were unique.
They often debated Jie Jin’s Yongle Encyclopedia. Its vast content was endless to explore. Talks would drift deep into the night unnoticed.
But today, Master Scholar set an hourglass before starting. She wouldn’t miss welcoming the Capital Interview Team.
“Time’s up. Let’s go,” she said. She rinsed her mouth with tea and stood.
Jiang Zicheng and Yi Aimin rose immediately, following her.
Constables from the town office waited at Spirit Martial Town’s entrance. Interview candidates and nearly all townsfolk had gathered. Thanks to the constables keeping order, the scene stayed calm.
