A huge, huge thank you to WANGXIANNURSE for the kofis. We’re so sorry we couldn’t deliver on time but here it is, hope you enjoy these bonus chapters!

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They’d only brought some rice and flour when they arrived, so this morning they’d simply cooked some congee and prepared a small side dish. The sky was a bit overcast today, so it was a good time to go out shopping without getting sunburned.

Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning ate and then headed out. Just as they stepped out the courtyard gate, they ran into that husband surnamed Sun. He greeted them warmly, “Heading out?”

“Yeah, we’re going to buy some vegetables.”

“You’d better hurry then; the produce is fresh right now.”

Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning set off carrying their vegetable baskets, while Mr. Sun watched them from behind. It was only today that he got a clear look at this household’s husband—no wonder he’d misjudged him yesterday. This man was indeed quite rugged-looking.

Shen Linchuan and his companion went to the market together to buy some fresh meat and vegetables, then headed to the Post Office to mail a letter. The Post Office was the government office responsible for receiving and delivering official documents; if there was a government messenger traveling in the same direction, they could help carry the letter along, though the cost was rather high.

Ordinary folk usually asked around to see if there were any merchant caravans heading in the right direction and had them deliver the letters, which was cheaper. Since Shen Linchuan and his companion had just arrived in the county seat, they didn’t have the time to go looking for such opportunities, so they simply spent a bit more silver to have the officials help send the letters back.

After two days at home, they had managed to gather all the necessary items. Shen Linchuan also went to the Bailu Academy to submit his registration card. He specifically asked if Xu Zhifan had arrived yet and learned that he had already registered a couple of days prior. Shen Linchuan nodded; he didn’t know where Xu Zhifan was staying at the moment, but he would find out once they met at the academy in a few days.

As a first-class scholarship student, Shen Linchuan was exempt from tuition and meal fees. He was entitled to one shi of rice per month; if he didn’t finish it by the end of the month, the remainder could be exchanged for cash. The academy’s scholar’s robe cost two taels of silver; once he paid the fee and received the robe, he could return home.

The old scholar who had handled Shen Linchuan’s enrollment kept glancing his way. This year’s top-ranking scholar was quite young—he was clearly riding high on his success. It was a pity that Shen Linchuan, now fifty-four, was still merely an old scholar himself, having secured a minor post at the academy only through his family’s financial contributions.

Shen Linchuan took his two scholar’s robes and turned to leave. Just as he stepped out the door, he bumped head-on into a student dressed in opulent attire. The student hurriedly clasped his hands in apology. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you coming.”

“No trouble at all.”

Noticing the new scholar’s robes in Shen Linchuan’s arms, the plump, fair-skinned man exclaimed, “So you’re also a scholar who passed the examination this year? We’re classmates! I was in a hurry to come register for classes and accidentally bumped into you.”

Shen Linchuan nodded at him. “I am Shen Linchuan.”

The man’s already small eyes lit up. “Oh my, so you’re Shen Linchuan—this year’s top scholar from Kaiping County! My name is Qian Dazhi.”

“If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know. My family still has some influence in Kaiping County.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, no need. We’ll be classmates from now on.”

Shen Linchuan left first. Qian Dazhi kept his eyes fixed on him. My, this is this year’s top scholar! When the list was posted, he’d specifically had his servant check it. Shen Linchuan came from a rural family, so his family’s circumstances likely weren’t all that prosperous.

His family’s grain shop was among the top in Nanling Prefecture. He’d heard that Bailu Academy was the finest in the prefecture, and he’d had to spend quite a bit of silver just to get in.

The Qian family certainly had no shortage of silver; it would be wonderful if he could cultivate a connection or two with this distinguished family.

After completing his enrollment, Shen Linchuan headed back. True to its reputation as the century-old Bai Lu Academy, the campus was beautifully maintained, quiet, and elegant. The students coming and going all carried themselves with courtesy, and every now and then, one could spot students reciting their lessons under the shade of the trees.

Shen Linchuan really liked the atmosphere here; it felt as though he had suddenly stepped into a university. He’d heard that Bailu Academy was extremely strict in admitting students—even if you’d earned the qualification to enter the county school, you’d be asked to leave if you failed the assessments.

According to the elderly scholar who had just processed his enrollment, the academy held monthly exams and quarterly exams; students who consistently ranked among the bottom few would be asked to leave.

Only residents of Kaiping County received preferential treatment: passing the Xiucai examination granted them admission to Bailu Academy. For those from other counties wishing to enter, they had to possess exceptional academic ability just to gain entry, but whether they could stay depended entirely on their own merits—the competition was fierce.

Zhou Ning had come along with them today. Shen Linchuan had originally planned to take a look around with his husband, but it turned out that outsiders weren’t allowed inside the academy on regular days, so Zhou Ning had no choice but to stay outside.

There was a small market at the foot of the mountain. While waiting for Shen Linchuan, Zhou Ning wandered around out of boredom. Most of the stalls sold writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, along with a few vendors selling snacks and a handful selling vegetables. Upon asking, he found the prices shockingly high.

A bunch of chives that cost two wen back in the countryside went for five wen here, and eggs were expensive too—a single egg cost as much as seven or eight wen.

When Shen Linchuan found Zhou Ning, he was staring at the eggs. The woman selling them was chattering away at him, “These eggs aren’t expensive at all—only eight wen each. The food at the academy isn’t very good, so eggs are in high demand.”

“Ning,” Shen Linchuan called out with a smile. Zhou Ning walked over. “Shen Linchuan, things are really expensive around here. Even eggs cost eight wen. Thank goodness we brought our own chickens with us—that saves us from having to buy eggs. We’ll save them all for you to build up your strength.”

“I couldn’t possibly eat that many. Don’t hold back—our family isn’t short on silver these days.”

“I know. Our chickens aren’t in the best of shape right now. We’d better take good care of them so they’ll lay eggs for you.” 

“Alright, I’ll take your advice.”

The two had walked here today. Since it wasn’t too far, they figured they might as well take the opportunity to get acquainted with the surroundings. The light was just right, the trees were lush and green, and Bailu Academy, nestled halfway up the mountainside, looked all the more elegant.

Now that everything was settled, they were just waiting for the start of the school term in a few days. There wasn’t much going on at home for the time being, though Zhou Da was getting a bit anxious. He’d originally asked that real estate agent to help him find a shop, but he hadn’t heard back yet. With some free time on his hands, Zhou Da decided to stroll through the market with his hands behind his back, looking to see if there were any suitable shops available for rent.

With a few days of leisure on their hands, Shen Linchuan practiced calligraphy with Zhou Ning, while Zhou Da preferred to wander about. Having been busy for so many years, he felt restless now that he suddenly had nothing to do.

And it wasn’t just him—even Zhou Ning felt that the county seat wasn’t as comfortable as home. The countryside was better, with its spacious courtyards where, when there was nothing to do, one could grow vegetables or wander out to the fields. With all that energy with nowhere to go, the only chores at home were cooking meals, and once Shen Linchuan left for the academy, he found himself even more at a loss for what to do.

“Ning, you’ve written the character wrong.”

Zhou Ning frowned slightly and sighed again. “Shen Linchuan, I want to find some work. It’s just too boring staying at home.” Shen Linchuan also set down the brush he was holding. “Is there anything you’d like to do?”

Shen Linchuan didn’t believe a husband and wife should revolve entirely around the man; having one’s own career was perfectly fine. He didn’t want to hold Zhou Ning back either—his husband was the type who couldn’t sit still, and would grow restless after just a couple of days at home.

“I don’t know. I could go out and work as a laborer for someone, or sell snacks—either would be fine. I’m strong; I can handle anything ordinary young men and women can’t manage. I could even watch the house and guard the yard.”

Shen Linchuan laughed. “I couldn’t bear to have you guarding the estate—what if you got hurt? Why not start by selling snacks instead? You won’t even need to rent a shopfront. Once Dad’s shop is all set up, maybe we can carve out a little space for you to run your own little business.”

Zhou Ning’s eyes lit up. “Alright, I’ll think about what to make.”

Zhou Ning stopped writing and rested his chin in his hand, pondering what kind of snacks to make. If he made anything that required a fire, he’d have to rent a small stall—it would be better to start with snacks he could carry in a basket.

“How about selling steamed corn buns?” Zhou Ning felt he was strong enough to handle kneading and mixing dough with ease. Shen Linchuan had praised his buns for being soft and fluffy, so if he carried a basket and sold them while wandering through the market alleys, it might actually work out quite well.

“That’s a great idea. My husband makes better steamed buns than any of the shops in town.”

Zhou Ning perked up. “And my soybean paste is delicious too—we could give some away. Plus, my sister-in-law taught me how to make pickled vegetables in oil, so I can make some of those. People might want those too.”

Shen Linchuan encouraged her, “In our old Zhou family, my husband is the pillar of the household.”

Zhou Ning nodded. “I’m strong enough. You just focus on your studies; I can definitely afford to support you.” Shen Linchuan chuckled. “All right, then. I’m going to make the most of living off you.”

They’d been at the county seat for four or five days now. Though Zhou Ning wasn’t much of a talker, he was full of energy—unlike Shen Linchuan, who could sit there flipping through books all day without getting bored. After a while, Zhou Ning inevitably felt like he had all this pent-up energy with nowhere to go.

That night, after blowing out the lamp, he wrapped himself around Shen Linchuan and began to tease him, thinking to himself that since Shen Linchuan hadn’t been studying so hard lately, if he put in a little effort, he might just get pregnant sooner rather than later.

Zhou Ning didn’t feel tired at all. He pinned Shen Linchuan down and started undressing him, but the bed in his room couldn’t withstand the two of them writhing about. It creaked and groaned with every movement, making Zhou Ning’s ears burn. “Never mind, let’s just go to sleep.”

He didn’t want to wake up his father—that would be too embarrassing.

Shen Linchuan, left hanging in limbo, wasn’t about to give in. “Come on, Ning, you’re trying to kill me. Let’s go downstairs.” Zhou Ning refused. “No, let’s just go to sleep. We’ll fix the bed later.”

Shen Linchuan was sweating buckets. What was the big deal? Did this bed have some kind of barrier? Did they absolutely have to do this on the bed?

Shen Linchuan kissed and coaxed him, “It’s the same, it’s the same. Don’t you want to conceive sooner? If we delay any longer, the baby might run off somewhere before we even know it.”

Zhou Ning was swayed by his coaxing and let Shen Linchuan lead him off the bed. Little did he know Shen Linchuan had so many tricks up his sleeve. Zhou Ning blushed with embarrassment. When did Shen Linchuan get so strong? He’d been holding him up for ages without showing any signs of fatigue!

Satisfied, Shen Linchuan knew his silly husband was easy to charm. A few sweet words and a bit of flirting, and he’d let him have his way—his husband fell for that trick every time.

The two slept until late morning, when the noise reached their ears again. Shen Linchuan frowned. Why was the Song household so noisy every single day? This time, it wasn’t just Old Lady Song’s voice—there was also the voice of a young man.

“I’ll get up and take a look.”

Zhou Ning sat up, still half-asleep, his nightgown hanging loosely over his shoulders. His body was covered in red marks left by Shen Linchuan’s nibbling. He yawned as he tied his sash, then looked down at the marks all over his body and felt his ears flush. Why couldn’t Shen Linchuan ever break the habit of biting him?

Shen Linchuan was in a good mood today. Even though he’d been woken up, he wasn’t angry; his whole demeanor was languid. After getting dressed, he helped his husband tie his hair back, and the two of them went out together to join the commotion.

It was still early, just dawn breaking; the tofu vendor hadn’t even arrived to hawk his wares yet, but the Song household was already making a racket again.

Standing before Old Lady Song was a young scholar in a Confucian scholar’s robe, arguing with her. “Why must there be such a racket every day? I still have to study. How can you be so unreasonable?”

“What business is it of yours if I speak in my own home? If you’re truly capable, go take the provincial exams. If you fail, don’t blame it on this old woman!”

The scholar, noticing Shen Linchuan and the other man standing at the doorway, bowed his hands in apology. “My apologies, my apologies. I’m sorry for disturbing you.” Shen Linchuan returned the gesture. “It’s all right. We’ve just moved in.”

Luo Qingshan gave an awkward smile. “It’s just that I’ve been studying late into the night, and I was woken up before dawn. How am I supposed to study like this?” 

“Pfft, stop blaming me!” Old Lady Song said, then turned and went back inside, paying no attention to the people outside.

The man let out a long sigh. Shen Linchuan asked, “Does this old woman make a racket like this almost every day?”

The man nodded. “Three out of every five days she’s making a racket early in the morning, mostly cursing at Mr. Song. It’s so loud I can’t even sleep.”

Shen Linchuan frowned slightly. “I should’ve asked about the neighbors when I first rented this place. If I can’t sleep properly, how am I supposed to study? My energy levels will be shot.”

“Are you a scholar as well, sir?” 

“I’ve just been admitted to the Bailu Academy.”

The man walked over and bowed his hands in greeting. “My name is Luo Qingshan. I also just passed the Xiuxai examination this year and am heading to Bailu Academy. This is my home—alas, I can’t seem to move out.”

Luo Qingshan began discussing scholarship with Shen Linchuan right at the doorway. Upon learning that Shen Linchuan was this year’s top-ranking examinee, his admiration for him grew even more, and he couldn’t wait to drag him home to discuss matters further.

It was the first time Shen Linchuan had met such a diligent scholar. Just moments ago they’d been arguing, but now he was being held back and wouldn’t let Shen Linchuan leave. Shen Linchuan quietly tugged at his husband’s sleeve. Zhou Ning looked over in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Shen Linchuan cleared his throat. “It’s time to go home and cook.”

Only then did Zhou Ning realize, “Oh, right. I’ll go home and cook right away.” 

Shen Linchuan quickly added, “I’m going home to tend the fire.”

Shen Linchuan quickly slipped away. Luo Qingshan was a man of great learning, with a rather handsome, well-proportioned face, though he was a bit rigid in his ways; he had placed second in this year’s provincial examinations.

Luo Qingshan, seeing that the discussion had reached a dead end, left somewhat disappointed. After all, the two families lived close by, so there would be plenty of opportunities to seek his guidance on academic matters in the future. The two went home to make breakfast, sticking close together like glue. Zhou Da returned with his hands behind his back, carrying a string of meat.

Zhou Ning called out, “Father.” 

Zhou Da hung the meat in the kitchen. “There isn’t a single vacant shopfront to be found on Jinshui Street, and they’re ridiculously expensive. A prime spot costs ten taels of silver—that’s enough to cover two people’s living expenses for a whole year.”

Shen Linchuan knew his father was eager to start a business, but shopfronts were indeed hard to come by. The county seat was no different from the village; even if they stopped slaughtering pigs, they could still take the mule out to the fields to do some farm work. His father was a hardworking man who couldn’t sit still, so it was only natural he felt a bit anxious.

Shen Linchuan tried to reassure him: “Father, the realtor is holding one for us. Who knows, we might just find the right one one of these days.” 

“Anyway, I’ve got nothing better to do, so I’ve been looking around myself lately.”

After dinner, Shen Linchuan sat reading by the entrance to the main hall, while Zhou Ning washed clothes in the sunlight. Dahuang had been at the county seat for several days now and had grown accustomed to not being able to roam freely. Usually, when Zhou Da went out, he’d take Dahuang along on a leash for a walk; right now, Dahuang was lying on his back, basking in the sun.

Though the small courtyard wasn’t large, it was kept spotlessly clean. The ground was dirt, but Zhou Da had watered and swept it early that morning. He’d also cleared a small vegetable patch—not very big, but just enough to grow a few rows of greens.

After a few days of leisure, the day of Shen Linchuan’s first day of school finally arrived. Zhou Ning remembered the date even better than Shen Linchuan did; on the morning of the first day, he woke up even earlier than he did.