Shen Dasao arrived shortly afterward and sat down to tear the cabbage leaves as well. “The autumn provincial exams are coming up soon. Have you got everything ready?” 

“Yes, the date is set. I’ll be heading over at the end of July.”

“Time really flies. It’s been almost three years since we moved to the county seat.”

Hu-zi is already twelve—a young man now. Ever since he came back from school, he’s been learning carpentry alongside his father. He’s never been fond of studying and has been hit on the palm by the teacher more than a few times at school.

Shen Dasao didn’t expect Shen Hu-zi to pass the imperial exams or anything like that—he just wasn’t cut out for it. But he’d actually become quite skilled at carpentry, and he wasn’t as mischievous as he used to be. With a trade like that, he’d never have to worry about putting food on the table.

Her ger Xiaoyu, on the other hand, was quite bright. After a few years at school, he’d come to resemble the young lords from the town’s wealthy families—he did well in his studies and had even mastered the art of embroidery.

“Shen Linchuan said we should head over early to rent a courtyard so we can settle in first.”

“Of course. Nanling Prefecture is far from here—the journey alone takes nearly half a month. It’s best to head over early to rest up; passing the provincial examination is a major undertaking.”

The Zhou and Shen families had been peasants for generations; Shen Dasao was already quite content to have produced a Xiucai. She’d heard that those who passed the provincial examination were like the Star of Literature descended from the heavens—and for an ordinary family like theirs, she didn’t expect such a star to land in her own home.

He’s been studying for three more years now; if he’s going to take the exam, he should just go ahead and take it. The Zhou family has a stable shop, so they’re not short on silver.

It was the sweltering heat of July. Though Bailu Academy was tucked away halfway up the mountainside, it was still unbearably hot. The ceaseless chirping of cicadas in the trees made the already stifling atmosphere feel even more oppressive.

The students fanned themselves with one hand while flipping through their books with the other. The heat was unbearable, so whenever they felt drowsy, they’d open the tube of cooling ointment at hand and apply a bit to their temples to bring some relief.

After class, Shen Linchuan rode his horse home. As he pushed open the door, smoke was billowing from the kitchen; his Fulang was rolling up his sleeves and stir-frying vegetables. “You’re back.”

“It’s so hot out—why didn’t you just go to the market to buy some vegetables?” 

“There aren’t many customers at the shop right now, so I’m not too busy.”

With the sweltering heat, Shen Linchuan didn’t have much of an appetite, and studying was exhausting. Zhou Ning felt deeply concerned for him and paid close attention to his meals. Knowing Shen Linchuan loved noodles, he had specially picked some tender locust leaves today, squeezed out their juice, mixed it into the dough, and prepared a bowl of cold locust leaf noodles.

The bowl of emerald-green acacia leaf cold noodles looked beautiful, topped with minced meat; in the height of summer, it looked especially refreshing.

Zhou Da had also returned from the shop, carrying some grilled meat. “We’re having cold noodle soup today? Perfect—I just bought some grilled meat from Zhang Sanniang’s place.”

Whenever the weather got hot, they liked to sit in the courtyard to eat. With a crimson glow spreading across the horizon, the three of them sat around a small table—each with a bowl of acacia leaf cold noodles, surrounded by skewers of grilled meat, refreshing chili oil jelly, and garlic-marinated cucumber—all light, refreshing dishes perfect for beating the heat.

After dinner, while it was still light out, Shen Linchuan liked to sit with his Fulang on the wicker chairs in the courtyard to enjoy the cool evening air; they wouldn’t go inside to read until after dark. Their days passed quietly and peacefully. At night, while Shen Linchuan read, Zhou Ning—in a rare burst of inspiration—would sit beside him and practice calligraphy.

Before they knew it, it was early August, and the students had begun heading to Nanling Prefecture one after another. Zhou Ning had long since packed his things; this time, he decided to take Xiao Shitou with him to Nanling Prefecture, while his father stayed home to mind the shop. Since he would be staying in Nanling Prefecture for an extended period—until the exam results were announced—he wouldn’t be returning until then.

By the time they returned, it would be nearly September. Zhou Ning was worried about leaving Shen Linchuan alone, so he went along to take care of his daily needs. Zhang Xiaoyi had originally wanted to go as well, but since his son Luo Qingtuan was still young and the journey was long, he feared the child might not be able to handle it, so he abandoned the idea.

Classes at the academy had already been suspended, and some of the more impatient students had already set off for Nanling Prefecture.

Shen Linchuan also found himself able to relax a bit—as the exam approached, being too tense would only hinder his performance, so it was better to take it easy.

Everything had been arranged; they were just waiting to set off for the prefectural seat the day after tomorrow. His family would take a horse-drawn carriage, while Luo Qingshan and Ye Jinglan would ride in Xu Zhifan’s carriage. The group would travel together to Nanling Prefecture.

Zhou Ning was airing out a mattress in the courtyard when she heard a clear, high-pitched voice call out, “Uncle!” She turned to see Qian Jinhua—nicknamed Xiao Hua—a little girl nearly two years old with a red ribbon tied around her hair, holding onto the doorframe as she waddled toward her with all her might.

Shen Linchuan also put down the book he was holding. “Xiao Hua’s here.”

The little girl was utterly adorable; she took after neither Qian Dazhi nor Zhou Fang, with eyes like black grapes and a chubby, round face that was simply charming.

Qian Dazhi helped Zhou Fang down from the carriage. Zhou Fang’s belly was slightly rounded, and she swatted Qian Dazhi’s hand away with a hint of annoyance. “Hold me properly,” she said.

Qian Dazhi smiled apologetically. “I know. I’ll make sure you don’t fall, Madam.”

This was Qian Dazhi’s first visit to the Zhou family in several years; previously, it had always been Zhou Fang who came to see Zhou Da during festivals and holidays. Today, the whole family had come over.

Qian Xiaohua set her sights on the wicker chair where Shen Linchuan was reclining. Clinging to Shen Linchuan’s leg, she began to climb up. This little girl was quite bold and not at all shy; as soon as she arrived, she wanted Shen Linchuan to pick her up.

Shen Linchuan shifted over a bit to make room for the little girl. Qian Xiaohua giggled and lay down on the chair, mimicking Shen Linchuan’s pose.

Zhou Fang walked in, holding her waist. “My uncle is at the shop.”

Zhou Ning hummed in acknowledgment and brought out a chair for her. A Qian family servant carried the gift and placed it on the table. Shen Linchuan merely glanced at it; Zhou Fang only came by three or five times a year, and knowing that Shen Linchuan and his wife weren’t particularly fond of her, she didn’t make a fuss.

Qian Dazhi said with a smile, “Brother Linchuan, have you set a date for your trip to the prefectural seat? Why not come with me? The Qian family’s carriage is spacious.” 

“No, thank you, Brother Qian.”

There were undercurrents of tension within the Qian family, and Shen Linchuan didn’t want to get involved. The Qians enjoyed a fine reputation in Kaiping County; Qian Dazhi was known as “Mr. Qian,” a man known for his generosity who frequently donated silver to the orphanage and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to the poor whenever he encountered them on the road.

Hearing Shen Linchuan’s refusal, Qian Dazhi gave an awkward smile. “Have you found a place to stay yet? If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to stay at my home. Or there are several estates in the prefectural seat—Brother Shen, feel free to choose whichever you like.”

“I’ve already secured a place to stay. Thank you,” Shen Linchuan replied indifferently, then casually handed a soft, chewy pastry to Qian Xiaohua, who was standing nearby.

Zhou Fang, sitting on a high chair, rolled her eyes. “My husband Dazhi went out of his way to come here, kindly offering you a place to stay. What kind of attitude is that, Shen Linchuan?”

Qian Dazhi tugged at Zhou Fang’s sleeve. “My dear, don’t talk nonsense.”                   

“What’s wrong with speaking my mind? Let’s just get this out in the open today—when exactly did you offend Shen Linchuan, that he won’t even let you set foot in your house?”

Ever since Zhou Fang and Qian Dazhi got married, relations between the two families had been strained. Qian Dazhi was flat-out turned away at the door; he couldn’t even make a move to mend fences.

“You’ll find out soon enough how he’s offended me.”

Zhou Fang didn’t understand what Shen Linchuan meant by that remark, but Qian Dazhi understood it perfectly. Over the years, he had been trying to win over promising young talents with high hopes of passing the imperial examinations, but they wouldn’t even give him a second glance.

Shen Linchuan had been as polite to him as anyone could be; as for Luo Qingshan, their relationship was nothing more than a nod of acquaintance. While the Qian family was known to the outside world as a wealthy household, only Qian Dazhi knew deep down that they were already on the brink of collapse—he was simply grasping at any possible lifeline.

Qian Dazhi’s attempt to curry favor had failed; he’d been rebuffed. Sitting in the carriage, Zhou Fang was furious. “Qian Dazhi, tell me—how did you offend Shen Linchuan?”

Qian Dazhi didn’t dare say anything, feeling a bit guilty. “I haven’t offended him yet, but who knows—maybe I will in the future.” 

“But that means you haven’t offended him yet! Why is Shen Linchuan acting so high and mighty toward us now? Hmph.”

As for the Qian family, Zhou Ning had previously asked Shen Linchuan why he wouldn’t allow Qian Dazhi to visit. Shen Linchuan had simply said that the Qians were no upstanding family—they’d risen to become the largest grain merchant in Nanling Prefecture in just two generations. If he claimed they’d done so entirely by honest means, how many people would believe him?

The day before they set off, the four members of the Shen family also came by. Shen Dage and Dasao had prepared some food for the journey and gave them two newly sewn light quilts. Although it was still sweltering in August, the nights were already starting to feel a bit chilly.

Shen Hu-zi was holding a small wooden bird with outstretched wings; there was a string attached beneath its tail. Showing it off like a treasure, Shen Hu-zi tugged on the string to demonstrate it to Shen Linchuan. “Second Uncle, this is a moving bird I invented myself. It’s a gift for you—I wish you a bright future.”

Shen Linchuan chuckled and ruffled Shen Hu-zi’s hair. “That’s great. Hu-zi, you’re even using idioms now.” Shen Hu-zi burst out laughing. “Of course! Not only can I read, but I’m also good at woodworking.”

Shen Xiaoyu brought out two pairs of shoes. “Second Uncle and Youngest Uncle, my mother helped make these shoes, and I embroidered the flowers on the uppers myself. I wish you both a safe journey and success in your endeavors.”

Shen Linchuan took them with a smile. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Xiaoyu.”

Of the two pairs of shoes, one had the character “Fu” embroidered on the uppers to ensure safety, while the other featured an osmanthus flower design. Shen Xiaoyu was only ten years old; though his technique was still a bit rough around the edges, it was already quite impressive. The two families had produced a young boy with such embroidery skills.

Early the next morning, the group set off. There were three horse-drawn carriages: two from the Xu family—one for passengers and one for luggage—and one from Shen Linchuan’s side.

Zhang Xiaoyi carried Luo Qingtuan to the entrance of the alley. “Luo Qingshan, have a safe journey.” 

Luo Qingshan waved his hand. “Go back now. Take care of yourself.”

Zhou Da also offered a few words of advice to the young couple. “Don’t skimp while you’re away—spend what you need to. Xiao Shitou is still young, and I can’t help but worry about him.” 

“Father, Xiao Shitou is very level-headed. You can rest assured.”

“Alright, alright, let’s go.”

The carriage headed toward the city gate. Xu Zhifan fancied himself quite at ease as he fanned herself. “Just look at you two—one has his Fulang seeing him off, and the other is going with his Fulang. As for me, I’m all alone. Sigh…”

Ye Jinglan smiled. “Brother Xu, haven’t you been on plenty of matchmaking dates? A sweetheart as ethereal as a fairy isn’t easy to find.” 

“Forget it. I’m still freer on my own. Once I pass the imperial exams this time, my mother will surely start nagging me again. Tsk.”

The carriages made their way along the official road. Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning rode in their own carriage, driven by Xiao Shitou, so the two of them could whisper to each other along the way.

This was Shen Linchuan’s first trip to Nanling Prefecture as well; for the past few years, he’d mostly been confined to the area around Kaiping County. Though the journey was long, with Fulang by her side, Shen Linchuan didn’t find the trip too grueling.

In August, the sun wasn’t as scorching as it had been the previous month. With the carriage windows open, it was quite cool inside. They’d set out early and made their way leisurely into Nanling Prefecture.

Shen Linchuan stretched lazily in the carriage, leaning half his body against Zhou Ning. “Ning-ger, what should I do? It seems I can’t bear to be apart from you for even a moment.”

Zhou Ning shifted slightly, looking a bit awkward. “No one said we were going to part ways.”

A smile tugged at Shen Linchuan’s lips. He’d been spoiled rotten by his Fulang, who’d taken such meticulous care of him along the way, afraid that he might feel even the slightest discomfort. Shen Linchuan recalled the hardships he’d endured when he was on his own; now, pampered by his Fulang, he’d become increasingly delicate.

The carriage made its way to Nanling Prefecture. After presenting their travel permit at the city gate, they entered the city. Shen Linchuan couldn’t help but marvel. He’d previously thought Kaiping County was quite nice, but upon arriving at Nanling Prefecture, he realized there were even greater wonders beyond. The streets were bustling with people coming and going; the inns and restaurants on either side were adorned with colorful silk banners, creating a lively atmosphere.

Xiao Shitou, being a bit younger, kept looking back and forth as he drove the carriage. “Mr. Shen, this prefectural seat is so much livelier than our Kaiping County.”

The Xu family’s carriage led the way, and it wasn’t until more than an hour had passed that they finally came to a stop. The Xu family frequently sent out merchant caravans; ever since they’d taken on the mosquito coil business a few years ago, the number of caravans had increased, and they traveled to Nanling Prefectural Capital especially often during the summer to sell their goods.

Early that morning, they’d arranged for someone to book a courtyard here—a quiet spot close to the examination hall.

After traveling for nearly half a month, they had finally arrived. Although the scenery along the way had been breathtaking, the ride in the carriage had felt a bit bumpy. They made the beds, lit the fire, and worked together to settle in.

Two servants had come along from the Xu family, while Shen Linchuan had brought along Xiao Shitou. Usually, they each minded their own business, so minor tasks could be delegated to Xiao Shitou and the others.

After everyone had settled in and rested for a day, their first order of business was to visit the Imperial Examination Hall. At this time, the Nanling Imperial Examination Hall was still open to the public; all it took was a few copper coins to get inside.

The five of them headed to the examination hall together, with Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning trailing behind, exchanging the occasional word of small talk.

Xu Zhifan strode ahead, fanning himself briskly. “They say Nanling is a land of wealth and refinement—and it certainly lives up to its reputation.” Along the way, they passed numerous street vendors carrying baskets of fresh fruit and flowers, their scent wafting through the air as they walked.

Hearing Xu Zhifan’s remark, Shen Linchuan teased, “So you’re not nervous anymore, are you?” Xu Zhifan let out a sigh and closed his fan. “Brother Shen, don’t mention it—don’t mention it at all.”

To say he wasn’t nervous would be a lie. He’d endured immense hardships over the past three years just to stay at Bailu Academy, and now that he’d worked so hard, he simply had to come here and pass the exam.

The group gave the gatekeeper some silver and entered. Shen Linchuan had been to the examination hall in Kaiping County before, but this was his first time entering the one in Nanling Prefecture. It was simple and solemn, with a clearing of blue-gray bricks in front of the gate, lined on both sides with pine and cypress trees, making the walk inside pleasantly cool and shaded.

It was Zhou Ning’s first time seeing the examination hall, and he was quite curious. Upon seeing the modest-sized examination booths, he let out a surprised “Huh. Are you supposed to take the exam right here? It’s a bit too small.” No wonder Shen Linchuan had said it was cold and cramped inside when he took the Xiucai exam earlier—you even had to curl up your feet to sleep at night.

The rows of low-ceilinged examination rooms stretching out before them were quite a sight. The examination hall in Nanling Prefecture could accommodate over ten thousand candidates at a time—far larger than the one in Kaiping County.

The group walked around to get a sense of the exam hall’s layout, so they’d be able to find their way easily when it was time to take the exam.

Xu Zhifan clasped his hands in a bow toward the examination hall, “May the Lord of Literature, Confucius, and the Emperor of Literary Excellence bless me and ensure I am assigned a good examination hall. I am eternally grateful!”