Lin Yue didn’t sit down. He stood beside Shen Huaizhi, his eyes fixed intently on him, urging him with his gaze to continue writing.

Though he couldn’t make out what Shen Huaizhi was writing, he felt an inexplicable reverence for scholars. After all, in a village, there might be only one or two literate people at most—some places had none at all—making it an extremely rare sight.

Seeing the urgency practically spilling from Lin Yue’s eyes, Shen Huaizhi chuckled softly. He picked up his brush from the brush rest once more and resumed silently copying his lessons.

Farming was the village’s foremost priority, so the private school closed during the spring and autumn harvest seasons each year, allowing students to return home to help with the farmwork.

The length of these breaks varied slightly. At Scholar Gao’s school, the vacation lasted two fortnights, starting in early April and resuming studies in late April. Not much homework was assigned during the break; students were only asked to review previously learned material. Shen Huaizhi had been busy these past days, only finding time to review at night. Today, with nothing pressing, he wanted to recite the text again—both to review his lessons and to practice his calligraphy.

Shen Huaizhi’s eyes remained fixed on the scroll while he conversed with Lin Yue, his mind divided between the two tasks. “I should review it several more times while I have this free time. Once the farm work is done, I’ll have to return to the private school.”

It was already late April. The wheat had been harvested early, buckwheat and sorghum had just been planted, along with some soybeans and corn. Weeding and fertilizing were finished. Next came waiting for the seedlings to grow, pulling and transplanting them. Once that was done, the busy farming season would be over.

Lin Yue asked curiously, “Are you still going to Old Xiucai Gao’s place?”

Shen Huaizhi nodded. “I have to go until August, when this year’s provincial exams begin. If I pass, I won’t have to go anymore.”

Old Xiucai Gao had passed the county-level examination only after reaching the age of fifty. After failing the provincial-level examination, he opened a private school at home, which has been running for over a decade now. His tuition fees were modest, and over the years, many villagers had gritted their teeth to send their children to study there. However, most didn’t last long, and few students persevered. Including Shen Huaizhi, there were only five students, two of whom were Old Xiucai Gao’s own children or grandchildren.

Shen Huaizhi was the youngest among them, having passed the Tongsheng examination only a few years prior. This year marked his first attempt at the provincial exam. Old Xiucai Gao’s son had only passed the Tongsheng examination at the age of thirty and had never passed the higher-level examination. Last year, he found work as an accountant in town and abandoned his studies.

Of the other three candidates, two had already taken the provincial exam six times. The third, two years older than Shen Huaizhi, was sitting for it for the second time this year. Coincidentally, this man was Shang Wencheng, who had previously sought Lin Yue’s hand in marriage. Shen Huaizhi, however, had not told Lin Yue that they were classmates.

After hearing all the introductions, Lin Yue sighed, “Passing the Xiucai exam is truly difficult. No wonder there are so few Xiucai.”

She then offered sincere praise: “You’re truly remarkable! Starting your studies at eleven, becoming a Tongsheng in just a few years—if you pass this year, you’ll be a Xiucai!”

Shen Huaizhi felt no certainty. After a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “I’ll take your good wishes for now. If I fail, I hope my husband won’t look down on me.”

At the word “husband,” Lin Yue’s ears flushed crimson. Last night, Shen Huaizhi had addressed him thus, though he hadn’t dared respond. He hadn’t expected Shen Huaizhi to use the term again today.

“You… just call me by my name,” he stammered. Fearing misunderstanding, he added softly, “I’m still not quite used to it. Could you wait a while longer?”

Shen Huaizhi’s hand holding the brush paused. A drop of ink fell onto the paper before he snapped back to reality. He’d been harboring ulterior motives, hoping the new address would draw them closer, yet he’d overlooked Lin Yue’s feelings. His own rashness was one thing, but the cautious tone in Lin Yue’s question was something else entirely. He truly shouldn’t have done that.

Shen Huaizhi straightened his expression. “I didn’t consider it thoroughly enough. Is it alright if I call you Xiao Yue?”

Lin Yue nodded happily. His peripheral vision suddenly caught the ink spot on the paper, and he felt a pang of regret. “I won’t disturb you here. Continue your calligraphy. I’ll step outside.”

Having his beloved accompany him while he studied was a scene Shen Huaizhi had never even dreamed of. He simply couldn’t bear to let Lin Yue leave.

Shen Huaizhi sighed softly. “I’m the one who hasn’t been diligent enough. If you don’t mind the boredom, would you stay with me for a while? It would also help me practice self-discipline. It won’t take long—just the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn.”

Lin Yue’s retreating steps halted. Shen Huaizhi’s tone sounded so pitiful, as if he genuinely needed his company. Perhaps he should stay a little longer.

He turned back, his expression serious. “Then be diligent. I’ll stay here and do needlework while you study.”

Shen Huaizhi promised with equal seriousness, “Alright, rest assured. I promise not to slack off. I’ll copy diligently.”

Lin Yue nodded in satisfaction, fetching the sewing basket from the cabinet. Only after seeing Shen Huaizhi resume his writing did he lower his head to his own task.

He didn’t particularly enjoy needlework, but since most villagers made their own clothes, Lin Yue couldn’t avoid it. His dowry included two bolts of fabric, and his mother had specifically instructed him to at least make a full set of clothes for Shen Huaizhi. For the elders, he’d embroider small items like handkerchiefs or headbands. Tomorrow, during the post-wedding visit to his wife’s family, his mother would surely ask about it—he couldn’t delay any longer.

Seated around the table, each busied themselves with their own tasks. Occasionally, their eyes met, but Lin Yue said nothing, merely urging Shen Huaizhi with a glance to continue his studies. He was, without a doubt, a most exemplary tutor.

Song Xunchun emerged from the kitchen just as she spotted the pair behind the window. She hurriedly motioned for Shen Lingzhi to lower his voice, lest he disturb them.

Shen Lingzhi followed his mother’s gaze and silently gasped. He exchanged meaningful winks with Song Xunchun until his mother smacked his hand, silencing him.

Time flew by in the midst of their busyness. As dusk approached and the room grew dim, Lin Yue finally looked up. “It’s getting dark in here. I’ll light the lamp so you don’t strain your eyes.”

Shen Huaizhi tugged at his sleeve and shook his head. “No need to trouble yourself. I’m already done writing. Reciting doesn’t require my eyes.”

Lin Yue nodded in agreement. “Then continue. It’s getting late. I’ll prepare dinner.”

Shen Huaizhi rose to follow him. “Reciting doesn’t require sitting still. I’ll assist you. The kitchen is a bit disorganized; I’m afraid you might have trouble finding things.”

Lin Yue did share that concern, so he nodded in agreement.

When the two entered the kitchen, Shen Lingzhi was stoking the fire. Hearing the movement, he turned and asked with a smile, “Brother, why are you here? Dinner won’t be ready for a while yet.”

Lin Yue walked up beside him and replied with a smile, “We actually came to cook, but we arrived too late. Is there anything else you need help with?”

Shen Lingzhi shook his head. “No need, Brother. Just one more dish to go. You two just wait for dinner.”

Lin Yue didn’t insist. “Then I’ll wash the dishes later. I can’t let you do all the work alone.”

Shen Lingzhi scratched his head sheepishly. “Actually, Mother did most of it. I just tended the fire. I’ll help you wash up later.”

“That’s fine too.”

Lin Yue nodded with a smile and turned to fetch the bowls and chopsticks.

After dinner, Song Xunchun ushered them back to their room. “Brother Yue must leave early tomorrow for the return visit. You should rest early tonight and not oversleep. Huaizhi, remember to pack everything—don’t forget anything. Take the keys too, in case no one’s home when you return.”

Shen Huaizhi rose to agree, then followed Lin Yue back to their room to wash up.

Though only two days had passed since leaving home, Lin Yue’s heart overflowed with longing. He missed not only his parents and younger brother, but also his own bed, the flowers and plants in the courtyard, and even the cucumbers freshly planted in the vegetable patch by the gate.

The thought of returning home early tomorrow morning kept Lin Yue tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep. He wondered if his parents missed him, if they had prepared his favorite dishes, and if his younger brother was weeping bitterly with his mother…

Shen Huaizhi, lying on the outer side of the bed, noticed Lin Yue’s sleeplessness and gently patted his back. “It’s late. You should sleep soon, or you won’t be able to get up in the morning.”

Lin Yue sighed. “I want to sleep, but I just can’t.”

Shen Huaizhi slipped his hand under the covers, slowly stroking Lin Yue’s back as he murmured, “Will this help you sleep? Go to sleep now. If you’re exhausted when you get home tomorrow, your parents will worry.”

For the first time in his memory, Lin Yue was being lulled to sleep by someone else. Surprisingly, he didn’t dislike it. Sleepiness gradually crept over him with the soothing touch. He murmured, “Alright, I’m going to sleep. If I don’t wake up tomorrow morning, remember to wake me.”

Shen Huaizhi moved closer without a sound, his voice soothing. “Got it. Sleep now. I’ll remember.”

After a moment, Lin Yue stopped talking, only steady breathing filling the air. When Shen Huaizhi lowered his head, he didn’t notice his hair brushing against Lin Yue’s cheek, drawing a soft grumble.

In his sleep, Lin Yue shifted his head forward to avoid the tickling sensation on his cheek, nestling perfectly into Shen Huaizhi’s neck.

The soft warmth against his neck made Shen Huaizhi’s breath catch. He closed his eyes briefly to steady himself before gently pulling Lin Yue close and falling asleep.

Night closed in, moonlight like a ribbon streaming through the window to drape over the sleeping figure on the bed. It felt like being enveloped in misty mountains, carrying the warmth of summer, deepening the slumber.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn appeared, Lin Yue was still fast asleep when Shen Huaizhi awoke. He didn’t rush to wake him. Instead, he rose quietly, dressed, washed, and packed the necessary items into the kitchen before returning with hot water to rouse Lin Yue.

When roused, Lin Yue was still groggy, half-closing his eyes as he took the clothes Shen Huaizhi handed him. Sitting on the bedside, he stretched thoroughly before opening his eyes. “Why did you bring the hot water inside?”

Shen Huaizhi bent to fold the quilt and replied, “It’s fine. Wash up quickly. We’ll leave once you’re ready.”

Lin Yue perked up at this. “Alright, I’ll be done soon.”

In the end, they left without even eating breakfast. Lin Yue declared confidently, “My parents must have breakfast ready for us. We’ll go home to eat.”

Shen Huaizhi had no objection. Carrying their belongings, he followed Lin Yue. All the way, Lin Yue chattered nonstop, his delight plain for all to see.

Shen Huaizhi suggested, “In a few days, I’ll start attending the private school. If you have free time, you could come with me. We could stay at home all day and return together after my classes.”

Lin Yue almost agreed. “We’ll see. What if I’m busy? Besides, people might gossip if I visit too often.”

Shen Huaizhi shook his head. “So what? Let them talk. Your happiness is what matters most.”

Lin Yue inwardly marveled at how good Shen Huaizhi was at comforting people! But he was genuinely happy. “I understand. Thank you.”

The two villages weren’t far apart, and Lin Yue and Shen Huaizhi walked quickly. Before long, they reached the entrance of Linshui Village.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Lin Yue passed the village entrance, he heard people discussing him ahead.

“I don’t think the guy Lin Yue married is any good either. His family is poor, fine, but it’s already this late, and he still hasn’t come back to visit his family. Clearly, he doesn’t fancy him.”

Lin Yue: ??? Wait, it’s barely dawn. Who’s gossiping about him this early in the morning?