Thanks to HH for the kofis. Enjoy the bonus chapters!

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

When Shen Linchuan entered the private room, Xu Zhifan was sitting idly to one side, playing with a chestnut. Several other students from the same academy were gathered around as well, though Zhou Youcheng sat alone in a corner, ignoring everyone.

This time, Master Wang’s academy had five students pass the examination: the usual top three, plus Xu Zhifan and Zhou Youcheng. Besides those from his own academy, Shen Linchuan also spotted a familiar face—a student from Feng Ruhui’s academy. Shen Linchuan politely nodded at the man, and the man returned the gesture.

There was one other person he didn’t recognize, from a different school. This year, Qinghe Town produced a total of seven scholars—a notably high number among the many towns in Kaiping County.

As soon as Shen Lichuan arrived, his classmates all turned to look at him. Xu Zifan was the first to jump to his feet. “Great! Shen Lichuan, you’ve finally made it! The top scorer from Kaiping County—that’s impressive!”

As he spoke, Xu Zhifan slapped Shen Linchuan on the shoulder a few times, then warmly hooked his arm through Shen’s and led him inside. “Now that you’ve passed the top of the class, you’ve got to treat us to a proper meal.”

Another classmate chuckled, “The town magistrate’s feast today wasn’t good enough for you? Now you’re thinking of Brother Linchuan.”

Xu Zhifan burst out laughing. “That’s different. Even if Top Scholar Shen were to treat me to just a steamed corn bun, I’d feel honored.”

Shen Linchuan agreed, “Sure, then let’s set a date and go to a teahouse for some tea.”

Xu Zhifan stopped joking around. “No way am I letting you treat me. I’ll treat you. My dad’s been in a great mood these past few days. If I tell him I’m taking you out for tea, he’ll definitely give me some silver—and he won’t skimp on it either.”

Xu Zhifan gave Shen Linchuan a knowing wink. “That way, I’ll have a little extra pocket money.”

Everyone burst out laughing at Xu Zhifan’s remark. Even the two scholars from other academies joined the circle. Zhou Youcheng took a sip of tea and sat off to the side, ignoring everyone.

Xu Zhifan whispered to Shen Linchuan, “How come he passed the scholar exam this year too?” 

“Didn’t you pass this year as well?”

“That’s different. If you hadn’t dragged me along to study, I’d have been in trouble this year. Look at me—I’m barely hanging on by a thread. I almost fell out of the rankings.”

Another classmate chimed in, “Zhifan, you passed the scholar exam this time because of your own hard work.” Xu Zhifan puffed up with pride again. “That’s right—I nearly gave my life for it.”

Zhou Youcheng sat to the side, listening to these words, which sounded particularly jarring to his ears. Among this group of scholars, his rank was the lowest—last place in the entire Kaiping County. When Xu Zhifan called himself “the tail,” wasn’t he deliberately stinging him?

Zhou Youcheng’s fingers were clenched so tightly around his teacup that they had turned white. Why did everyone have to come and humiliate him like this!

If Xu Zhifan had known that his offhand remark had sounded like mockery to Zhou Youcheng, he would surely have called Zhou Youcheng petty.

The scholars from Qinghe Town in this class were all quite young; the oldest was a scholar from another academy, who looked considerably more mature. Since they were all classmates, they shared a bond as fellow graduates. They exchanged name cards; as classmates and fellow townsmen, they would inevitably look out for one another in the future.

Zhou Youcheng also exchanged name cards with the two scholars from the other academies, but he didn’t exchange a single one with those from his own academy. These people were all close with Shen Linchuan and looked down on him at every turn. If he ever rose to prominence one day, why would he bother looking out for them? Hmph.

When Zhou Youcheng took out his calling cards to exchange, even Xu Zhifan had his own ready, just waiting for Zhou Youcheng to come over and exchange with him.

Although the two didn’t get along very well in their daily lives, they still had to keep up appearances. Little did he know that Zhou Youcheng hadn’t even considered exchanging cards with them.

Xu Zhifan, his face flushed with anger, shoved his calling card back into his sleeve. The other classmates exchanged puzzled glances. Logically, as students from the same academy, they should have been closer. Why had Zhou Youcheng exchanged cards with students from other academies but not with them?

The other two couldn’t figure out what they’d done to offend Zhou Youcheng, so they had no choice but to put their name cards away.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the private room grew awkward. The silence was finally broken when the door creaked open. Master Wang entered with his hands clasped behind his back. He was highly respected in Qinghe Town—not only as a venerable scholar but also as a former county magistrate. Even if the town magistrate were to arrive shortly, he would have to yield the seat of honor to Master Wang.

The students bowed in unison, “Greetings, Master Wang.”

Seeing that his school had produced five scholars this year—a truly bountiful harvest—and even a top-ranked candidate, he drew the envy of many.

Master Wang nodded with satisfaction. “Everyone is here.”

The crowd helped Master Wang take his seat of honor; some served him tea, others offered fruit, all showing him the utmost respect.

Master Wang patted Shen Linchuan on the arm. “Very good, very good. I never expected you to become the top scorer in Kaiping County.” Shen Linchuan chuckled. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master.”

Master Wang hadn’t explicitly told Shen Linchuan this, but Shen Linchuan was no slouch in scholarship and was quick-witted. During every small exam at the academy, Master Wang would use the excuse that Shen Linchuan’s handwriting was poor to rank him second or third, just to keep the lad from getting too full of himself. He hadn’t expected that this strategy would actually help Shen Linchuan secure the top spot.

Master Wang suppressed the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Guard against arrogance and impatience. You’re merely a Xiucai now. I, too, passed the Xiucai exam when I was young, yet it wasn’t until my hair turned gray that I became a Juren. And as for your handwriting—you’ll need to practice diligently once you return home.”

“Yes, I’ll take that to heart.”

The others also bowed and said they’d take it to heart. Master Wang praised each of them briefly. When it came to Xu Zhifan, Xu Zhifan immediately pricked up his ears to listen. Master Wang knew Xu Zhifan had put in the work to pass this time. “Zhifan, you really worked hard this time.”

Xu Zhifan gave a half-hearted smile. “Thank you, Master, for your guidance.”

When it was Zhou Youcheng’s turn, Master Wang didn’t say much either, merely advising him to study diligently in the future and cultivate his character. Zhou Youcheng respectfully agreed. Even students from other schools came over hoping for a word of encouragement from Master Wang, and he offered a few words of praise to each of them.

Shen Linchuan brought over a basket of food. “Teacher, my husband prepared some snacks.”

Hearing Shen Linchuan mention Zhou Ning, Old Master Wang smiled. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen your husband. And your father—I heard from the gatekeeper that he hasn’t been doing business for quite some time either.”

“My father twisted his back a while back. After resting for half a month, he had to take a student to the county seat for the imperial exams, so that’s why he hasn’t been at his stall for a while.”

“I see. Both your father and your husband are kind-hearted people. You mustn’t take advantage of your husband, and you must also be dutiful to your father in the future.” 

“I shall keep that in mind.”

After finishing his formal remarks, Shen Linchuan smiled and made some small talk. “My father insisted on having me bring you, Master, some fine pastries and luxurious fabrics, for fear that I might be rude. I kept it from him and told him I’d bought them. You mustn’t tell my father I didn’t buy them, or else I’ll be in for a scolding when I get home.”

“You’re something, Shen Linchuan,” Old Master Wang laughed. “Don’t bother bringing those things—I don’t care for them anyway. I’m perfectly happy with these salted duck eggs and the like.”

Watching Shen Linchuan and Old Master Wang get along so well, Zhou Youcheng felt a twinge of jealousy. Why did all the good things always go to Shen Linchuan?

After a few more jokes and pleasantries, the teachers from the other two schools arrived. One was Feng Ruhui; the other, Shen Linchuan didn’t recognize. They all approached and first paid their respects to Old Master Wang, as he was the eldest among them.

Shen Linchuan also bowed to Feng Ruhui. “This student, Shen Linchuan, greets Master Feng.”

Although Shen Linchuan didn’t care much for Feng Ruhui, they had shared a teacher-student bond for all these years. He preferred to observe proper etiquette rather than risk others accusing him of being rude.

Feng Ruhui gave a noncommittal “Hmm.” Back when Shen Linchuan had caused a scene at the academy, Feng had threatened to make sure Shen had no place to study in town. He’d even tipped off the other academies—yet somehow, Shen had managed to get into Mr. Wang’s academy and had even topped the class this year!

Just a lackey who used to hang around with Zhao Si’er and a bunch of good-for-nothing youths—and yet, here he was, having surpassed Feng Ruhui.

A top-ranked scholar not even twenty years old versus a scholar with graying hair—everyone knew which one to curry favor with. In three years, the two would have to take the provincial exams together. Thinking of this, Feng Ruhui felt even more resentful.

But he was firmly convinced he would pass the exams. After all, hadn’t Wang Mei, sitting in the seat of honor, only passed the juren examination at an advanced age? If he could do it, so could Feng Ruhui!

Once everyone had gathered, the town magistrate hurried over. He dared not be presumptuous; upon arriving, he first apologized, explaining that official business had delayed him. He then bowed and invited Old Master Wang to take the seat of honor, but the old scholar declined, saying, “This is the magistrate’s banquet—how dare I take the seat of honor?”

After a round of polite exchanges, the town magistrate finally took his seat. This was Shen Linchuan’s first time meeting the magistrate of Qinghe Town—a gaunt, elderly man who appeared quite humble and affable. He’d heard the magistrate had also started out as a scholar-official, with his family having purchased the position for him.

But compared to a scholar, he held a legitimate official post. Aside from Master Wang, he was the most senior person in the room. The town magistrate raised his cup in celebration: “This year, Qinghe Town has produced seven scholars at once, including a top-ranked candidate. Even I, as the town magistrate, have gained some prestige.”

After offering a few words of praise, the town magistrate distributed name cards—stamped with the official seals of the county government and the county academy—to each of them as a symbol of their status as scholars. He also presented each with a set of writing implements: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Shen Linchuan received a sheet of the finest Xuan paper, which he greatly appreciated. The paper was of such high quality that he could use it to practice at home and even paint a portrait of his husband.

As a first-class scholar-student, Shen Linchuan was not only exempt from taxes and corvée labor but also received a monthly ration of one shi of rice, with fish, meat, salt, and fermented bean paste all provided by the government.

Such privileges were reserved only for the top ten students of the year. The next ten were second-class students, and the remaining fifteen were third-class students, who received only the qualification to attend the county academy but nothing else.

Not only did Shen Linchuan enjoy these benefits, but the county magistrate had also specially waived the tuition fees for the top three students. Shen Linchuan’s enrollment in the county academy was effectively free, and even his meals were covered.

Listening to the town magistrate list all these benefits, Zhou Youcheng grew increasingly jealous. If it weren’t for Shen Linchuan, he would be the first scholar in Dayangshu Village—it was all Shen Linchuan’s fault.

“Brother-in-law, you used to be Master Feng’s student. You should raise a toast to him.”

Feng Ruhui’s hand holding the wine cup paused. Now that he was a Xiucai and Shen Linchuan was a Xiucai too—though Shen had topped the exams—he really didn’t dare to act superior. The town magistrate was unaware of this; the letter of recommendation bore Master Wang’s name. “Did Master Shen once study under you?”

“I did. But I wasn’t making much progress, and my family couldn’t afford the tuition, so I dropped out. By chance, I ended up at Old Master Wang’s school.”

Shen Linchuan told the truth. Qinghe Town wasn’t exactly huge, but it wasn’t small either; if one wanted to find out such things, it wouldn’t be difficult. What was there to hide?

He and Feng Ruhui had some unresolved issues between them. Zhou Youcheng suddenly brought this up—he didn’t know if Zhou Youcheng was trying to embarrass him or Feng Ruhui. The town magistrate nodded. “I see.”

It went without saying that Shen Linchuan had studied under Feng Ruhui for all those years without passing the Xiucai exam, yet he’d managed to pass under Scholar Wang. Clearly, Scholar Wang was an excellent teacher.

The town magistrate began to consider his options. His own son was studying in Kaiping County; perhaps he should call him back and enroll him in Master Wang’s academy. Who knows? Maybe one day he’d pass the Xiucai exam too.

Feng Ruhui was too embarrassed to speak. In less than a year, Shen Linchuan was now sitting right beside the town magistrate, while he was still just an old scholar. If his school hadn’t produced a scholar this year, he wouldn’t even have been invited to the magistrate’s banquet.

Even Feng Ruhui couldn’t help but wonder: Could it be that Shen Linchuan really was a promising scholar, and all these years he’d been held back under his own tutelage?

Zhou Youcheng clenched his fists in frustration. How could this old man surnamed Feng be so useless? He’d given him a chance, and he’d squandered it.

He’d heard that Shen Linchuan and the old man had parted on bad terms when Shen Linchuan dropped out. After all, he’d been Shen Linchuan’s teacher for years—he could have mentioned to the town magistrate how Shen Linchuan had openly defied his mentor that day.

If only he could have added a note to Shen Linchuan’s official record stating that he lacked respect for his teachers and the ways of learning—but who would have thought he’d be such a coward, not uttering a single word.

Old Master Wang took a sip of tea, his gaze settling on Zhou Youcheng. When Zhou Youcheng inadvertently met his eyes, he was so startled that he quickly looked away. Old Master Wang’s gaze seemed to say he knew everything.

Master Wang gave Zhou Youcheng a subtle warning not to cause trouble. He had known the truth from the very moment he accepted Shen Linchuan as a student. Setting down his cup, he shook his head. Zhou Youcheng’s jealousy ran too deep; even he was somewhat surprised that Zhou Youcheng had managed to pass the Xiucai examination this year.

His academic performance wasn’t top-notch in the academy, and his conduct was… well, they were teacher and student after all. Once today is over, their connection will have run its course.

As the banquet drew to a close, even Shen Linchuan had had a few too many cups, and his head was beginning to spin. The town magistrate had already left, and the other students were also taking their leave after bowing to their master.

Seeing that nearly everyone had left, Old Master Wang cleared his throat and pulled a slender wooden box from his sleeve. “Well then, Shen Linchuan, this is for you.”

Shen Linchuan smiled as he took it. “Thank you, Master.”

Old Master Wang tapped the wooden box. “This jade brush was a prize I won at the Governor’s Flower Pinning Banquet back when I passed the provincial examination. It’s a pity I never had the chance to pass the imperial examination and present myself before His Majesty. I’m giving it to you so you can practice and refine your handwriting, which currently lacks character.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Old Master Wang waved his hand dismissively. “All right, all right. Go home now. Though I only served as a county magistrate for a few years, I do know a few people. If you ever need anything in the future, just write me a letter.”

Shen Linchuan grew solemn and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Master, for your guidance.” 

“All right, let’s go. Your husband has been waiting for you for ages.”

Shen Linchuan turned to look and saw his husband waiting for him under the shade of a tree by the street. He didn’t know how long he’d been standing there, but seeing his husband, Shen Linchuan couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy—his husband had come to pick him up.

Master Wang also climbed into his palanquin and departed. Shen Linchuan hurried over. “When did you arrive? Why didn’t you find a tea stall to sit at first?”

“I just got here. I figured you’d be drinking today.”

Shen Linchuan felt a warm glow in his heart as he took Zhou Ning’s hand. His mule cart had been driven over, and his husband had come to check on him, worried he might get too drunk.

“Let’s go home.”

Shen Linchuan called over a servant to help him lead out the mule cart. It was a servant he hadn’t seen before, and the mule was startled when the servant tried to lead it. Seeing this, Zhou Ning grabbed the reins, stroked the mule to calm it down, and, noticing the mule sticking out its tongue, asked, “Young man, has my mule had any water today?”

The assistant smiled broadly. “Of course it has. Just look at how round its belly is from eating.”

Li Zhong, seeing that Shen Linchuan was about to leave, came over to see him off. Hearing this, he said, “Li Da, go get another basin of water for the mule to drink.” The helper named Li Da seemed reluctant. “It’s already had some.”

“Go on, then. It’s not like it only drinks once a day. In this sweltering heat, how could the trough for the animals ever run dry?”

The man called Li Da finally went back to fetch water, and Li Zhong brought over the food box he had prepared. “It was thanks to Xiucai Shen’s help back then that I, Li Zhong, have the position I hold today. Here are some snacks I’ve prepared myself. I wish Xiucai Shen a bright and smooth future ahead.”

“Thank you very much, Manager Li.”

Shen Linchuan accepted it without refusal; the two were old acquaintances, and he would certainly not have accepted a gift from the Wangyue Pavilion. They exchanged a few more pleasantries, and once the mule had finished drinking, the two set off in the mule cart.

Once they were out of sight, Li Zhong scolded the clerk again: “How can you botch even such a simple task?”

“Uncle, I really did give that mule a drink.”

“Don’t talk back. It’s so hot out today; the animal’s trough must be dry.”

Li Da dared not say a word; the trough for the animals was indeed dry. Li Zhong shook his head. “You, you… How is it that you’re now not even as capable as your younger brother?”

The eldest son had been quite sharp as a child, but after working at the Wangyue Pavilion for several years, he’d become increasingly lazy. Fortunately, last year he’d brought along the fifth son from his older brother’s family.

That fifth son was a sharp one. It was good that his older brother’s family had managed to raise someone like him. If he worked at the Wangyue Pavilion for a few years, he might even become a manager someday. And even if he didn’t make it to manager, he knew how to read and do math—what was there to worry about when it came to making a living?

Shen Linchuan had had a few drinks and was feeling a bit drowsy. Zhou Ning drove the mule cart out of town. Once the crowds thinned out, Shen Linchuan tilted his head and leaned against his husband’s shoulder. “I feel dizzy. The town magistrate kept urging me to drink, so I had a bit too much.”

“Get some rest first. When we get home, I’ll make you some dried tangerine peel tea to sober you up.” 

“I can’t sleep—I’m just a little dizzy.”

Zhou Ning drove the mule cart slowly, careful not to jolt Shen Linchuan too much. Just a little wine and he’s already acting all clingy.

Shen Linchuan pulled the wooden box from his sleeve. Opening it, he found a brush made of Hotan jade inside. It felt warm and smooth to the touch. He twirled it in his hand a few times, thoroughly delighted.

“Did Old Master Wang give this to you?”

“Mm-hmm. He said it’s for practicing calligraphy. You should try practicing with this jade brush too someday—it feels amazing in your hand.” 

“It’s a bit too precious for that.”

Shen Linchuan put it away again. His teacher had not only given him a jade brush but had also offered to provide him with connections in the future—and the latter was the most precious gift of all.

After returning home, Shen Linchuan had little else to do. He had retrieved his scholar’s credentials, and the date for his enrollment in the county academy had been set; he was simply waiting for the start of classes in ten days’ time.

After some discussion, the three decided the entire family would move to Kaiping County. Since Shen Linchuan would be studying, he would inevitably be away for three to five years. With several hundred taels of silver in hand, it would be more than enough to rent a courtyard and a shopfront.

Zhou Ning had already started packing up these past few days. Taking advantage of the recent sunny weather, he took out the winter quilts and cotton jackets to wash them, so they’d be ready to use when the cold weather sets in.

Zhang Xiaoyi and Zhou Xiaonan came over to help as well. Upon hearing that Zhou Ning’s family was moving to the county seat, he felt quite reluctant to see them go. Zhang Xiaoyi took out his needle and thread to help sew the quilts, and even Shen Linchuan was there, serving tea and water to the three young men.

After all, he had nothing better to do right now. When his husband sewed the quilts, he threaded the needles; when his husband was thirsty, he poured him water. They were a perfect match, working in perfect harmony—so much so that even Zhang Xiaoyi, who was in a bad mood and looking for something to complain about, couldn’t find a single fault with him.

Zhang Xiaoyi let out a sigh. “Ning, I really won’t be able to bear being apart from you.”

“It’s not like I’m never coming back. I’ll be back a few times a year, at the very least. Didn’t you say before the New Year that you’d found a decent shopfront in town? How’s that going?”

The mention of the shop finally piqued Zhang Xiaoyi’s interest. “We’d almost finalized the deal, but then a pastry shop owner showed up wanting to rent it too, so the landlord jacked up the price.”

Zhang Xiaoyi frowned. “That’s just breaking their word. But I can’t find a better shop in town. The main thing is that this one comes with a courtyard, and there’s space in the back where people can live and brew medicine.”

Zhou Xiaonan tried to reassure him, “Just take your time looking. There’s no need to rush.”

“By the way, Nan, I heard you found your mother. Do you have any plans?”

“As for me, I plan to buy a small courtyard house in town and live there with my mother. In the summer, we’ll run our mosquito coil business—it’ll give us a way to make a living.”

Zhou Ning nodded. “That sounds good.”

Zhang Xiaoyi had an idea. “Why don’t I go to Kaiping County with my dad? We definitely have enough silver to rent a shop!” Zhou Ning didn’t want to be separated from Zhang Xiaoyi either. “Will your dad agree?”

“What’s the big deal? We’re going to rent a shop anyway, so why not rent one in the county seat? We can’t find a suitable place in town right now. I’ll go talk to my dad about it right away!”

Just moments ago, Zhang Xiaoyi had been looking gloomy because Zhou Ning was leaving, but now that he realized Zhou Ning could move to the county seat too, his mood instantly brightened.

Shen Linchuan stood nearby, silently pouring tea for his husband. If Zhang Xiaoyi went to the county seat too, then his husband would have someone to talk to. He thought this was a wonderful idea and generously pushed a slice of jujube cake toward Zhang Xiaoyi.

Over the past few days, Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning had been at home packing their belongings, carefully loading trunks and baskets one by one—mostly clothes and bedding. Whenever they had a spare moment, they’d make a trip to Xinghua Village. Shen Dage and Dasao had decided to join them at the county seat, so they entrusted the family’s cart business to others.

They planned to join Shen Linchuan and the others once they had settled in town; after all, there was no rush.

Zhou Da had lived in the countryside all these years and had run a business in town for over a decade. He never imagined that one day he would have to leave so suddenly, and he felt very reluctant to go. Taking advantage of the few days he had left, he bought some pigs and went to town to do business.