Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 81 - 82: Cherishing Talent

She knew Ma Xiaocao. In Zhao Family Village, he was the kind everyone avoided, almost like a ghost; when passing him by on the road, she wouldn’t even give him a glance. Yet now, even the big families had to tread carefully when dealing with him.

"What are you waiting for? The old master told us to go over and greet him. After all, we’re from the same village—maybe we can build up some connections!"

Zhao Qing patted Zhao Xinghua’s hand and, seeing her reluctance, immediately understood, feeling even more disgusted inside.

Over the years, she’d brought Zhao Xinghua out with her often and met many prominent families. Some of them had expressed interest in taking her as a concubine, but the girl was far too ambitious and dismissed them all, dead set on worming her way into the Xun Family.

But what kind of woman hasn’t Xun Zimo played around with?

He had absolutely no interest in Zhao Xinghua.

In the past, Zhao Xinghua was still young and not in a rush, but things changed suddenly—the Chen Family lost their business, and even Zhao Qing started getting shunned by the powerful Lin Family. If it weren’t for Chen Lin, who had become a Child Scholar, things might’ve been even worse.

Zhao Xinghua had realized the awkwardness of her position and tried to pick one of the stronger families who had wanted her as a concubine before, but time had passed and now none were interested in her anymore.

She wanted to keep looking, but felt she’d lose out too badly. Hesitating like that brought her to where she was now.

If this were before, Zhao Qing would’ve taken tough measures long ago. But after the whole mess with Zhao Hu and Lu Chang’sheng, she’d gotten much more restrained and managed to hold back her dissatisfaction, putting up with Zhao Xinghua living off the family for free.

The bit of silver coins didn’t matter much; she just hoped she wouldn’t misjudge people over such a tiny sum!

However, now, it seemed she was running out of patience. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"You’ll be thirty by the end of the year. If you don’t find someone soon, you might as well just move back to the village!"

Zhao Xinghua was a little flustered, but not because she was afraid of Zhao Qing—she was worried about her age.

A woman should marry young. At her age, even as a concubine, she had no real advantage.

But—

She adjusted her hair, causing her chest to jiggle slightly, making a group of scholars nearby nearly unable to tear their eyes away.

"Aunt, what do you think about Lu Haozi?"

She asked.

Zhao Qing frowned, but then her expression softened. "Are you thinking of going back to him?"

"Come on, Aunt—I’m just reigniting an old flame." Zhao Xinghua rolled her eyes.

Zhao Qing thought for a moment. "Lu Haozi is Lu Chang’sheng’s older brother. Even if he’s not capable, with Chang’sheng’s character, he’d never treat him badly. If you marry into the Lu Family, it’s not on par with a noble family like the Xun Mansion, but it’s more than enough compared to a family like the Lin Family!"

"The only problem is your past behavior—the Lu Family might not be willing to accept you!"

Had it been her son, Zhao Qing would’ve gone all in and shown the other party how serious she was about it.

Zhao Xinghua clearly understood this, but didn’t care. "Lu Haozi is a pushover compared to those big families—his countryside roots are still showing!"

With that, not waiting for Zhao Qing to step forward, she headed straight toward Lu Haozi.

"Haozi!"

When she drew near, Zhao Xinghua called out, but didn’t see Mr. Chen nearby, whose expression had suddenly darkened.

Lu Haozi hadn’t noticed much himself—he was simple-minded and used to being called by his old name. He was about to respond. Looking back, he froze.

Then, with a sour expression, he walked away.

Leaving Zhao Xinghua in the crowd, looking puzzled, as even the admiring glances around her turned sour.

She didn’t know that while others could call him "Haozi," she herself couldn’t; what Lu Haozi and his father had endured back then was something this man had carved deep into his heart.

······

"The Martial Artist Institute stands out in Jixia Academy. Dean Hong Yuan’s status is equal to the Mountain Master—sometimes, his power is even greater!"

All of this came down to Hong Yuan’s strength.

The True Qi Realm has a wide range: the strong can fight off a thousand enemies, the weak, a hundred.

The difference is huge.

As for Dean Hong Yuan, he’s a standout in the True Qi Realm. Even if he hasn’t reached the point of being a match for a thousand, he’s very close.

Someone like him, who knows nothing of military strategy, could still attain the rank of Seventh Grade General. Hong Yuan, coming from the Martial Artist Institute, has an impeccable background as a martial official—his status is as solid as a Fourth Grade official.

Lu Chang’sheng entered Jixia Academy.

The guard at the gate reminded him, "Sir, you can use the other entrance. Don’t go near the exam hall on the left!"

"Got it!"

The hall on the left was where the Child Examination and Imperial Examination were held. The Advanced Scholar Examination had several stages—exams in each prefecture, then in Jinghua Prefecture, and finally the palace exam.

Standing behind the door, Lu Chang’sheng looked at the two paths. The left led to officialdom; the right, to the martial path.

"Can’t go left, huh? Guess that’s fate."

Soon, he reached the Martial Artist Institute. At that moment, lots of people had already gathered at the biggest training field.

Mostly nobles, and their families.

Families could come to observe, but only if their background was strong enough. As a Ninth Grade official, Lu Chang’sheng didn’t have that privilege.

The assessment focused on Pile Skill and martial arts.

Military strategy would be tested, but only as a minor part.

"The Martial Artist Institute values killing prowess. Everyone achieves success mainly on the battlefield. Military strategy only matters later, for those rising past Seventh Grade."

"So, as long as your Pile Skill is at Great Success and your martial arts pass, you’re good."

Lu Chang’sheng headed toward the equipment room—he needed to prepare in advance.

"He’s here too! Looks like he’s still not giving up."

On the field, Instructor Qu noticed Lu Chang’sheng’s silhouette and shook his head.

"Instructor Qu—is that Scholar Lu you’re talking about?" asked another instructor from the Martial Artist Institute nearby.

Instructor Qu nodded, looking deeply disappointed.

"Just look at him—he’s got a bright future in officialdom, but he insists on banging his head against the wall here at the Martial Artist Institute."

"I’m sure Scholar Lu has his reasons. Don’t let it bother you, Instructor Qu," the other instructor chuckled.

He thought to himself: Qu always speaks his mind, while others in his position, no matter how annoyed, would never say so out loud—no need to offend anyone.

"Still, I think this time Instructor Qu might finally get his wish," the Martial Artist Institute instructor suddenly said.

"What do you mean?"

Instructor Qu glanced over in confusion, but the other just shook his head and whispered, "There might be changes to today’s assessment. With Scholar Lu’s root bone, not only is there no guarantee he’ll pass—there’s real danger. If you really care about the guy, you should go talk to him."

He wouldn’t say more than that.

Instructor Qu grew anxious and rushed toward Lu Chang’sheng’s position. It didn’t take long for him to find Lu Chang’sheng in the equipment room, familiarizing himself with the weapons.

"You shouldn’t take the assessment this time!" Instructor Qu said directly.

All these years, anytime he read Lu Chang’sheng’s essays left at the Literary Academy, he’d gained more respect for his talent. After nine years of collecting them, it had reached a breaking point. Now, knowing from a fellow instructor that the assessment might be dangerous, he couldn’t hold back and rushed here.

"Instructor Qu? What do you mean by that?" Lu Chang’sheng asked in confusion.