Finding My Way Home

Chapter 25: Assigning Roommates

Xiao Zhao finally put down the brush. Holding up the paper full of characters, he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. When the test question had first appeared, he had panicked. All the books he had read could not have prepared him for that question. He had stared at the blank piece of paper for hours and yet no idea came to him. Indeed, he even started questioning his own ability. It was deep into the night when an insight struck him.

He was resting his head on his arm as he watched the flame of the candle burn. Its soft glow gave him a sense of peace. He thought back to all the people in his life. If they knew he was going to take this exam, would they be proud of him? He thought of his Grandfather, then Madam Ming. He glanced to his left and saw Han Jun studiously writing. His side profile glowed in the soft light. His brow was furrowed in concentration.

He looked past Han Jun to Li Qing who was asleep. The soft glow reflected off of Li Qing's metallic dark mask.

As he looked at his friends, he couldn't help but feel jealous. Han Jun was a prince and had people who would take care of him, even if he was never loved. He could command respect and protect those he loved because of his status. Li Qing on the other hand, was very skilled at martial arts and could fend enemies off. Xiao Zhao looked at himself. What can I do? All I do is let other people protect me. I am so useless. Was my Grandfather really right about me?

Chen Ming's face appeared in Xiao Zhao's mind. He said, "You know, you are different from all the Yan I've met before...You don't jump to conclusions easily or condemn us Jing people. You really give me hope for the future."

What does that have to do with anything? To Xiao Zhao's surprise, Wang Jing Ling's face also appeared. Or, should he say, the Master version of Wang Jing Ling. In his mind, Xiao Zhao heard Jing Ling say, "That's courage: to do what is necessary even when you already know the results."

To do what is necessary even when I already know the results...To do what is necessary even when I already know the results. How can that apply to serving the country? Let me see, the officials of the country are supposed to serve the people. If I become an official and I see someone in a higher position abusing their power, but I know they have the power to ruin my career, will I do anything just so the truth can be made known? If I do nothing and watch idly, I am a coward, but a man of noble character would step into danger and do whatever it takes...

Xiao Zhao's eyes lit up. That's it! That's the answer! Excitedly, he grabbed his ink brush and started to write. He had written furiously for a day and a half and had just finished. Gently placing the piece of paper on the table, he thought to himself, Now I can get some sleep. He rested his head on his hands and closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he saw people walking past his desk. Wiping the drool from his mouth with his sleeve, he sat up and he turned to Han Jun.

"Han Jun," he called.

Han Jun was distracted by something and didn't reply.

"Han Jun," Xiao Zhao called a bit louder.

"Huh?" Han Jun finally heard him. "What's up?"

"What is everyone doing?"

"They are submitting their test."

"Oh, why aren't you submitting yours?"

"Because I am not done yet." Han Jun picked up his brush and quickly wrote a couple of characters. Placing the brush on a brush holder, he held up his paper. "Now I'm done." He stood up and started to follow the crowd.

Xiao Zhao quickly picked his paper up and followed closely behind Han Jun. They fell into line.

He nudged Han Jun. "Where is Li Qing? Why don't I see him here?"