# Li Yunzhou Fails the Imperial Examination: A Story of the First Line of the Qian Hexagram

In the autumn of the fourth year of the Qingli era, at the Imperial Academy in Bianjing.

Liu Yunzhou, a student at the academy, was endowed with exceptional literary talent, able to compose a thousand words at a stroke, and often compared himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. His roommate, Shen Weizhi, was silent all day long, never letting a book leave his hands. Yunzhou often laughed and said, "Weizhi, you hold an uncarved jade and refuse to polish it—do you intend to grow old and die beneath your window? The imperial examination is just around the corner; this is the time to make wide acquaintances, submit your calling cards and writings, and curry favor with the powerful. How can you behave like a silent cicada in the cold?" Weizhi only smiled and did not reply, continuing to grind ink and practice calligraphy.

It was time for the annual academy examination, presided over by Lord Fan, the Vice Grand Councilor. Lord Fan had always valued practical affairs, so he went to the academy in plain clothes and ordered all the students to write an essay titled *Strategy for River Management*.

Yunzhou was overjoyed, seeing this as a golden opportunity to showcase his talent and make Lord Fan's acquaintance. His essay flowed freely, citing classics and ancient texts, sharply denouncing the current malpractices, and even directly pointing out that the court ministers were stuck in old ways—his words were cutting, full of the spirit of one who dares to pass judgment on the state of the empire. When handing in his paper, Yunzhou glanced around with a proud look, his eyes falling on Weizhi. Weizhi's essay, however, only discussed the nature of water and the properties of soil, detailing methods of dredging and diversion; its language was plain and unadorned, with not a single word touching upon court affairs.

A few days later, the results were posted. To Yunzhou's shock, he was ranked in the lowest grade, while Weizhi took first place. Furious and unable to contain his resentment, Yunzhou went straight to Weizhi's room to question him: "My essay is powerful and grand, hitting right at the root of current problems—why was I rejected? Yours is mediocre and unremarkable—how did you win first place? Are the examiners all blind!"

Weizhi poured a cup of tea, handed it to Yunzhou, and said gently, "Brother, your talent far surpasses mine. But the key to river management lies in guiding the current according to its natural tendency, not seeking momentary satisfaction through sharp words. Though your essay is incisive, it has offended the examiners' sensibilities. One who has just entered official service, with not a single merit to their name, yet already seeks to dictate court affairs—this is frivolity and impetuosity, not the prudent counsel of one who plans for the nation. In human interaction, the most valuable thing is knowing people and assessing the situation. You are so eager to curry favor with the powerful that you come across as reckless; when high officials see this, they will surely dare not entrust you with important responsibilities."

Yunzhou stood stunned, his anger slightly abated. Weizhi pointed to the faint shadows of fish gliding in the deep pool outside the window, and said slowly, "The *Book of Changes* says: 'The hidden dragon, do not act.' The dragon lurks in the deep abyss not because it lacks the ability to leap and soar, but because it knows the time has not yet come—it must restrain its energy and hide its edge, accumulating strength steadily before it can burst forth. Now we are all in the phase of the hidden dragon. Making acquaintances and submitting writings may win us fleeting fame, but without a solid foundation, showing our edge too sharply will surely bring us harm. Interacting with others is like managing water: it does not lie in the rush of a momentary torrent, but in the ceaseless flow of a long stream."

Yunzhou fell silent for a long time. Gazing at the teacup in his hand, amid the curling steam, he seemed to gain some insight.

That night, the autumn rain fell continuously. Weizhi read by the light of a lamp, and Yunzhou also quietly unrolled his scrolls. Outside the window, rain dripped from the banana leaves, and the water in the deep pool was silently gathering, bit by bit.