Inside the Chief's mansion, the amassing gathering felt the air grow tight with anticipation. Eldenwood's elders gathered around a long, well-worn table, lantern lights playing across their faces and illuminating caution and suspicion with curiosity. The chief himself, Xiao Wei, sat at the head of the table and watched implacably at this new presence in his home.
The messenger of the lord of the state, in ceremonial robes embroidered with silver threads and the insignia of the house, carried a sealed scroll in his hand. The demeanor of the messenger was serious and stern with formal expression, voice steady, and clear as when speaking to the elders.
Honoured Chief Wei, the elders of Eldenwood, he started by running down to salute. "I bring the message of his Lordship, Lord Zhang-the ruler who governs this state in the name of His Emperor. I have carried a message that may hold considerable importance about the Academy exams this year.".
He unrolled the scroll and held it up before him. His words reverberated in the grand hall with a crisp sound of authority, echoing against the pillars and curtains. "By order of Lord Zhang, Protector of the Realm, it is decreed that the state convoy will attend the subsequent Academy exams to witness the talents and progress of the young cultivators. His Lordship wishes personally to see the future of our youth, in order to encourage their vigor and prosperity within this land."
A murmur spread through the council of elders. Lord Zhang himself, interested in Eldenwood? In all the years the Academy exams had held, not once had the lord shown a sparrow's interest to visit, let alone send a convoy.
Undeterred by the murmurs, the messenger continued to say: "His Lordship expects proper arrangements to be made to honor the presence of his convoy. The exams will proceed according to schedule but with extra formality and attention to detail in all proceedings.".
He looked down at Chief Wei as his eyes honed in expectantly. "These are the words of Lord Zhang. He is not a person to be disobeyed, and Eldenwood is to ensure that everything for his incoming convoy is ready when he comes.".
Chief Wei nodded gravely, his voice calm but resonating with depth. "Our village will ensure every preparation for the necessary is met," he said quietly, imbued with conviction. "We will receive this convoy with all the honors that position commands under Lord Zhang.".
Then, the messenger bowed respectfully and he retreated because the elder wanted to think on his thoughts.
Elder Kang was a cautious man, and his face was often lined with a deep frown. "But why now? In all the years of the Academy exams, Lord Zhang has never so much as inquired about our village, let alone shown interest in our students. What could have changed?
Elder chen, the healer of the village, nodded thoughtfully. Her voice was soft but probing. "Truly. No one can deny that our lord has much to see to in the capital and the larger cities of the state. For him to detail a convoy to Eldenwood. there must be more to this than the exams.".
Elder Sheng, whose soldiering days had schooled him to be skeptical of things, interrupted with a serious face. "Perhaps Lord Zhang is looking for something more than raw talent in our youths. In fact, rumors have been circulating about stirring inside the borderlands. He is probably here to measure the might of his lands, beginning with the emerging generations.".
Elder wise with almost a spiritual intuition, Madam Lin-the seamstress to the village shook her head. "Or perhaps he wants a gesture of loyalty," she whispered. "A chance to remind us that even here in Eldenwood we are watched. Our duty to the lord and state not forgotten.".
Chief Wei scans the room with a resolute eye. "Sooner or later, it makes scant difference to our duty-whatever his lordship's intentions and plans may be. The Academy exams fall at a sensitive juncture for our village and our children. We will tend to it with all honors and preparation.".
The old men would grow quiet, absorbing his words, but in minds, questions hung and doubts brewed. But the chief's calm flowed like a balm, lending a sense of purpose to each of them. Eldenwood would do as it always had: prepare, persevere, and adapt.
It was Elder Fang who spoke first, his voice low and firm. "Then we will prepare ourselves. Let the eyes of state at least see the power and promise our youths hold within.".
All the elders nodded their heads solemnly, one after another. Whatsoever was the reason for Lord Zhang's interest in it, Eldenwood would present before him proudly, deservedly, with dignity and a quiet strength that was well forged over the years. And as those elders began to stand, stepping out of the room, a deep sense of objective came over it all.
Exams this year would be much more than a test of their students' skills; they were a testament to the spirit of Eldenwood itself.