Let's not forget that Lian Mu had just passed the imperial examination at the tender age of early twenties, only a few years older than the surrounding scholars, yet his knowledge and awareness were worlds apart. They bore no resemblance to those of a person who had just participated in the exams. I fear that even if given another decade or two, the surrounding scholars would still not reach Lian Mu's level.
Great ministers and generals are heaven-sent—a blessing not sought but encountered.
Feng Lianian's heart was filled with mixed emotions; he wanted people to be good, but not too good, which was quite the contradiction.
Before coming here, he knew the person had talent; otherwise, the shrewd old Minister of Rites wouldn't have taken notice. He had resolved to take him as a disciple and had thoroughly discussed it with Minister Fan, but he had not anticipated that the person would be far better than he imagined, so much so that he had lost all thoughts of doing so.
