Luo Qingshan felt that Shen Linchuan certainly wasn’t that kind of person and wanted to say a few words in his defense.

Shen Linchuan laughed and admitted it openly, “I was looking. That Mr. Ma deserved to be made to stand as punishment—he wasn’t paying attention in class. I bet he could even count every single bird on that tree.”

The student surnamed Ma wore a mocking expression. “See, see, see? I told you Shen Linchuan was checking out that young ger, but Luo Qingshan insisted he wasn’t.”

As soon as word got out that Shen Linchuan had been daydreaming and ogling a young ger during class, quite a few people gathered around to gawk. “Ah, Mr. Shen, who would’ve thought? If your Fulang found out, you might just get a spanking—hahaha!”

The crowd began to joke and tease, “We always thought you, Brother Shen, were the most proper of all—who would’ve thought you’d actually get distracted by a young ger during class?” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going to go down the mountain and tell Zhou Fulang all about it.”

The crowd began teasing Shen Linchuan, but he picked up his bookbox and walked away, saying, “I was just looking at my Fulang.” 

“We don’t believe you for a second.”

Shen Linchuan left. He couldn’t have been mistaken—the one who delivered the goods to the academy today had to be his Fulang. As Shen Linchuan hurried down the mountain, he saw his Fulang, just as always, busy selling steamed buns.

Shen Linchuan chuckled softly. “There was a pickled vegetable dish in the academy’s kitchen today—I thought it was absolutely delicious.” 

Zhou Ning twitched his ears. “Compared to the ones I make, which one tastes better?”

Shen Linchuan gave a deliberately deep-sounding “Hmm, I think the one at the academy tastes a bit better.”

Zhou Ning blinked in confusion. He’d made them both—how could the academy’s version be better? Seeing his Fulang’s bewildered expression, Shen Linchuan burst into laughter. “I was just kidding. Did someone send pickled vegetables to our academy? To me, they tasted just like yours.”

“You could tell?”                                       

“What do you think? Right now, only you and my sister-in-law know how to make that pickled vegetable. Do you really think someone else could make it exactly like ours?” 

“Well, what if someone copied it?”

“Even so, it wouldn’t taste exactly the same.”

Shen Linchuan felt a surge of pride. Although the pickle shop offered many different flavors, even if the ingredients were the same, the taste varied from shop to shop—each had its own unique character.

A classmate of Shen Linchuan’s from the same dormitory came down the mountain, squeezed his way through the crowd to buy some steamed corn buns, and tattled to Zhou Ning, “Mr. Zhou, let me tell you—Shen Linchuan was daydreaming in class today, staring at that young guy.”

Zhou Ning turned to look at Shen Linchuan. “Staring at a young ger?”

Shen Linchuan raised his hands in surrender. “I’m innocent! How could I be staring at him? It was clearly you—weren’t you delivering pickles to our academy just before class ended today?”

Zhou Ning’s lips curled into a smile as he nodded. “How did you see that?”

A classmate standing nearby feigned surprise. “Oh my, it turns out our Master Shen wasn’t lying after all. I was just about to tattle on you to Fulang.”

Zhou Ning gave a serious “Mm-hmm. Don’t let him look at other gers.” 

Shen Linchuan let out an “Oh my! How could I dare?”

This made the classmates gathered around to buy steamed buns burst into laughter; Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning truly were the envy of everyone.

Sun Shiping, who had come down the mountain in a horse-drawn carriage, saw Shen Linchuan and Zhou Ning and snorted, “What a disgrace. What’s so great about that Fulang of his who looks just like a man?”

Zhou Youcheng, sitting nearby, immediately chimed in, “Who could argue with that? Back in our village, no one wanted Zhou Ning—he couldn’t even get married. Only Shen Linchuan treats him like a treasure. In my opinion, Ye Jinglan looks more like a young man.”

Speaking of Ye Jinglan, Sun Shiping let out a strange chuckle. “That Ye Jinglan is even a few notches prettier than those young men in the brothels. Too bad he’s a man. Tsk.”

“So what if he’s a guy? We can still have some fun with him.”

“Hmph. I saw Ye Jinglan hanging out with Shen Linchuan and his crew today. He can’t seriously think Shen Linchuan will protect him, can he? Pfft. This young master has finally found something fun to play with.”

After selling all their cornbread, Shen Linchuan and his companion packed up and headed home. On the way back, Zhou Ning excitedly told Shen Linchuan about today’s events, “That manager said they’ll buy pickles from me from now on—two jars a day. That’s three taels of silver a month!”

Shen Linchuan encouraged him from the side, “That’s impressive.”

“This is the first big deal for our pickle shop! My sister-in-law was really happy when she heard about it and said we should make more. She thinks we might be able to sell them at the roadside inns—if they’ll stock our pickles, our business will really take off.”

“My fulang’s business is getting better and better.”

Zhou Ning couldn’t contain his joy either. Their pickle shop now brought in several hundred wen a day, and their selection was gradually expanding to include chili bean paste, pickled radish tops, crisp radish, garlic in soy sauce, sweet vinegar-pickled ginger slices, crisp cucumbers… and the recently popular crispy pickled vegetables.

He and his sister-in-law prepared all these items together; each had their own strengths, and the pickles they made were exceptionally popular.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them on the ground; amidst the bustling crowd, they formed their own little world.

Three days had passed since Shen Linchuan and Luo Qingshan submitted their policy essays, yet there had been no word. Even Shen Linchuan was beginning to wonder—was it accepted or rejected? Surely they should have given some indication by now.

Just as Shen Linchuan was pondering this, a fellow student ran over: “Shen Linchuan, Luo Qingshan, come quick and see! Your two essays have been posted on the Literary Thought Board, and a Classical Study Session is to be held in three days!”

The Classical Study Session was typically held only in the spring, during March or April. From the Emperor down to every academy, such gatherings were held. Each academy would invite renowned scholars and Confucian masters to lecture, and when the Bailu Academy hosted its symposium, it would throw open its gates so that students from all academies could attend as auditors.

It was already July, and this was the first time Bailu Academy had ever held a Classical Study Session at this time of year. Many people rushed over to look at the Literary Thought Board. Shen Linchuan glanced at Luo Qingshan, and the two rose in unison and left.

Before the wall displaying the “Literary Inspiration Board,” students were crowded in layers upon layers. “What? Establish a Student Oversight Council?”

“Having students help manage the academy—that’s something I’ve never heard of.”                       

“I think it’s a good idea; we can keep an eye on each other.”                        

“But won’t that distract us from our studies? We’d be better off memorizing a couple more pages of text with that time.”

A lively debate broke out. Some thought it was a good thing for everyone, while others thought it was nonsense; in an instant, even the area in front of the Literary Inspiration Board became a hubbub.

Ye Jinglan heard the news as well and immediately ran over. He stood on tiptoe to look inside. Shen Linchuan had said a few days ago that he would help him; Ye Jinglan had thought it was just to comfort him, but he never expected they’d actually follow through. Pushing his way through the crowd, Ye Jinglan made his way to the very front and began reading the notice carefully, word by word.

Ye Jinglan clenched his fists. If this Student Oversight Council were established, he wouldn’t be bullied anymore, and Sun Shiping and his cronies wouldn’t be able to do as they pleased.

Ye Jinglan’s face flushed with excitement. He stepped back out of the crowd, and as soon as he did, she spotted Zhou Youcheng and two other students following Sun Shiping. Ye Jinglan’s face went pale for a moment; just as he was about to run, Zhou Youcheng grabbed him by the neck and half-dragged, half-pulled her away. “Come on, let’s go have some fun.”

Ye Jinglan struggled, “No, no.”

Zhou Youcheng pinched Ye Jinglan’s cheek. “Just because you say no doesn’t mean it’s a no. You don’t have any friends—if you don’t hang out with us, who else are you going to hang out with?”

The other two burst into laughter as well. Ye Jinglan was led into a deserted grove. When he tried to run, he was stopped. Sun Shiping and a few others surrounded him. “Ye Jinglan, why are you running? What’s the matter? Haven’t I treated you well, young master?”

“Look, he’s about to cry. Hahaha, I’ve never seen a man who looks so much like a little ger.”             

“The academy is about to form a students’ association. You—you can’t do this.”                   

“You mean that thing Shen Linchuan and Luo Qingshan are pulling? We don’t even know if it’ll work yet. What are you pinning your hopes on?”

As Sun Shiping spoke, his greasy, large hand wrapped around Ye Jinglan’s waist. Ye Jinglan gagged. How could a man of his stature—a full seven chi tall—be subjected to such humiliation? 

Enraged, he immediately slapped Sun Shiping across the face and bit down. Ye Jinglan wanted nothing more than to bite right through Sun Shiping’s hand, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

Sun Shiping let out a cry of “Ah!” and shook her off, clutching his hand and stamping his feet in rage. “You dare bite me! Grab him!”

Zhou Youcheng was the first to pounce on Ye Jinglan. Malice began to brew within him; the taste of power had become irresistible. If he could one day become an official or even a minister, he couldn’t imagine how exhilarating that would be.

Sun Shiping had been bitten hard, and he raised his hand to strike Ye Jinglan, but Zhou Youcheng stepped in to stop him. “Young Master Sun, if you hit him in the face, people will notice.”

Sun Shiping kicked Ye Jinglan with all his might. “You little bastard dared to bite me—just wait till I finish you off!”

Sun Shiping and Shen Linchuan didn’t get along, but he didn’t dare do anything to Shen Linchuan. During the monthly exams, Shen Linchuan’s essays would always be posted on the “Literary Inspiration Board,” where they stood out like a sore thumb. Shen Linchuan was also eloquent and persuasive, so aside from resorting to a few underhanded tricks behind the scenes, Sun really didn’t dare take any direct action against him.

But Ye Jinglan was a different story. As the son of a small merchant, his family had neither power nor influence. He was handsome but timid by nature, and even when bullied, he didn’t dare make a peep. Even if he were to report it to the education commissioner, he’d be the one to get kicked out in the end.

Sun Shiping kicked Ye Jinglan hard several times. Ye Jinglan gritted his teeth and didn’t utter a single sound. Sun Shiping had expected to see Ye Jinglan screaming in agony, but to his surprise, aside from turning deathly pale, Ye Jinglan remained completely silent.

Sun Shiping stopped only when he grew tired of beating her. “What a piece of trash. It’s your honor that this young master is playing with you. And as for that cat-brat of yours—if I see it, I’ll kill it. Let’s see if that breaks your heart.”

“You dare!”         

“Just wait and see if I dare.”

Sun Shiping’s bite stung like hell, and only after he’d beaten Ye Jinglan enough did he finally leave.

Zhou Youcheng looked at Ye Jinglan lying on the ground and got a wicked idea. Seeing that Sun Shiping and his group had left, he crouched down, took a seal pad from his bosom, and dabbed it on Ye Jinglan’s forehead. Unable to move, Ye Jinglan glared at Zhou Youcheng.

Zhou Youcheng clicked his tongue. “If only you were a young ger. Your skin is so much softer than those country gers’ and girls’.” 

“Get lost!”

Zhou Youcheng ran his hand over Ye Jinglan’s face before finally leaving. He hadn’t had enough fun yet; there was plenty of time ahead, so he’d save him for later. Bailu Academy was stuffy and boring, with nothing but the Four Books and Five Classics to read day in and day out. He didn’t care for studying, but he’d become obsessed with the taste of power.

As for Sun Shiping, he had no brains—he’d simply been born into the right family. If he’d been born into a family of officials, even without studying hard, he could have donned the official’s robe simply by relying on his ancestors’ hereditary titles.

Ye Jinglan curled up on the ground to catch his breath for a moment before leaning against the wall to make his way back. His roommates saw him and asked what was wrong, but Ye Jinglan simply said he wasn’t feeling well and would be fine in a little while.

Ye Jinglan was left covered in bruises, but the Students’ Association had to be established. He opened his books, hoping to contribute to the Imperial Study Session scheduled for three days later.

The academy suddenly buzzed with activity. Presided over by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Tong, the two had effectively formed opposing factions, and the students began to take sides—most aligning with the Chancellor. If students could participate in the administration of the academy, it would certainly be a positive development.

For the next three days, the academy was abuzz with activity. Both sides selected eloquent and persuasive students. On the Chancellor’s side, Shen Linchuan and Luo Qingshan were the two nominated candidates, while the other four were chosen through a rigorous selection process from the student body. Shen Linchuan was surprised to find that Ye Jinglan was among them.

It wasn’t just Shen Linchuan who was busy; Zhou Ning was also running around nonstop. Every morning and evening, he went out to sell two baskets of steamed corn buns, and in his spare time, he and his older sister-in-law made all kinds of pickled and preserved vegetables in the shop. The jars and pots piled up in the shop’s backyard were all their creations.

Their pickle shop didn’t open that early; it opened around midday every day. Sometimes Zhou Ning would even carry a shoulder pole and sell pickles along the street, and gradually, he began to attract repeat customers.

Zhou Ning and Shen Dasao sat in the backyard sorting vegetables. Shen Dasao was now full of energy. “I never thought I’d one day be running this little business.” 

“Shen Dasao, your pickles are delicious.”

With two children in school, the annual tuition alone cost a considerable amount of silver. Hu-zi’s father could only take on odd jobs here and there. It would be a lie to say Shen Dasao wasn’t worried—but now that they’d partnered to open this pickle shop and were earning a few taels of silver a month, she no longer fretted about having enough money to send her children to school.

What’s more, she’s become much more energetic, her face glowing with health every day.                          “Ning-ger, next time you deliver pickles to the academy, let me come with you. I’d like to see what the Bailu Academy looks like.” 

“Sure, Sister Shen, you can come with me then.”

As the two chatted idly while working, Shen Dasao found herself thinking more and more that when a woman and a Fulang have a way to earn their own money, they really stand a little taller.

In the courtyard, San Tuan lay lazily at Zhou Ning’s feet, basking in the sun. His paw hadn’t fully healed yet, but Zhou Ning liked to bring San Tuan along whenever he came to the shop.

Back at home, Dahuang loved to chase San Tuan around and play with him, but now that San Tuan’s paws weren’t fully healed yet, Zhou Ning was afraid Dahuang might get too rough and hurt him.

The Classical Study Session was held as scheduled. Although it wasn’t as grand as the spring gathering, it still brought together all the teachers and students of the academy. Both sides agreed that the scholarship program could be established, but the matter of the Students’ Association still required further discussion.

Both sides engaged in a heated debate, neither willing to back down. Shen Linchuan considered himself quite eloquent, but now, watching these scholars debate—citing classical texts and arguing with such logical precision—he realized even the unassuming Ye Jinglan argued with the vigor of a rooster spreading its wings.

Neither side would back down; they argued all morning without reaching a conclusion, so they finally decided to hold another debate the next day.