Chapter 042: Entry into the Imperial Academy

Chapter 042: Entry into the Imperial Academy

After returning from the Lin residence, since Lin Yingxue was in low spirits, Fu Jiaze wanted to cheer her up by taking her to see a performance at the theater.

It was Lin Yingxue's first time stepping into such a place. The noise inside was deafening, filled with the cheers of men. Lin Yingxue held onto Fu Jiaze's sleeve, leaning closer to him with some nervousness. Seeming to understand her thoughts, Fu Jiaze took her hand directly.

Their clasped hands were hidden under their wide sleeves as Fu Jiaze spoke softly, "There are female guests here. Don't be nervous."

Indeed, there were no female guests on the first floor, but when they went upstairs to the private rooms, Lin Yingxue saw women with their hair styled in buns. Clearly regulars, one of them asked if any famous actors were performing today and smiled warmly at Lin Yingxue upon seeing her.

Feeling more at ease, Lin Yingxue smiled at Fu Jiaze.

Fu Jiaze held her hand tighter and led her into the private room.

"The Empress wrote plays when she was young, and the noble families of our dynasty often visited the theater to watch the performances she directed. Over time, the theater began catering to women as well."

A performance of "Pear Blossom Mountain" left Lin Yingxue entranced, temporarily forgetting about Lin Yi's words. By the time she came out of the story, the hurt caused by Lin Yi's words had subsided significantly.

Today was not only Lin Yingxue's first time watching a play, but she also did something unconventional—she ate crystal cakes while walking.

The newlyweds brought a portion for Fu Wanan before going to pick her up from Qin Yuanting.

Qin Yuanting, who rarely had a day off, spent it entirely entertaining Fu Wanan.

When the newlyweds arrived to pick her up, Fu Wanan was sitting on a swing, giggling and asking Qin Yuanting to push her higher, causing her headband to flutter.

With strong arms supporting the swing, Qin Yuanting always kept a close eye on Fu Wanan, ready to catch her if she fell.

Noticing the couple, he stopped the swing.

"Brother Qin," Fu Wanan looked puzzled as her headband brushed against Qin Yuanting's lips.

Qin Yuanting used his fingertip to turn her head towards the door, "Your brother and sister-in-law have come to pick you up."

Fu Wanan turned her head towards the red gate, her eyes brightening. She jumped off the swing and rushed over.

In Fu Wanan's heart, apart from her mother, her brother Fu Jiaze was the closest person, followed by Qin Yuanting, who was also like a brother. Lin Yingxue, as a sister-in-law, was a new role in her life, but being a woman, she could cuddle close to her.

Lin Yingxue hugged her, looking at the girl's rosy cheeks and wiping her face with a handkerchief, "How was your playtime, An'an?"

Fu Wanan, easily pleased, smiled brightly, "Very good, Brother Qin has been with me all day."

Lin Yingxue said, "I just tasted a crystal cake and asked your brother if you've had it before. He said you haven't."

"Where? Where?" Fu Wanan asked eagerly.

Lin Yingxue took the food box from Ye Zi, opened it, and showed it to Fu Wanan.

The crystal cakes were made from tapioca starch, steamed until soft and translucent, with a faintly visible pink core inside.

Fu Wanan, who loved beautiful things, immediately liked them, "They're pretty."

Fu Wanan tried to grab one with her hand, but Lin Yingxue shook her head and gave her a pair of chopsticks, handing her a piece, "Is it tasty?"

Fu Wanan nodded, "I want to give Brother Qin a taste."

Lin Yingxue hesitated, but Fu Wanan quickly took the chopsticks, picked up a piece, and ran excitedly towards Qin Yuanting.

At that moment, Fu Jiaze was bowing to thank Qin Yuanting, acknowledging that he and Lin Yingxue had arrived late.

Qin Yuanting said indifferently, "Wanan calls me brother, so it's normal for me to take care of her on my day off. It's not a bother."

Fu Wanan approached, "Brother Qin! Try this."

"No need," Qin Yuanting refused outright.

The little girl persisted, holding out the cake, "It's very tasty, Brother Qin, try it."

Qin Yuanting leaned back, but Fu Wanan grabbed his sleeve, limiting his retreat. Unable to avoid it, his mouth touched the cake, and he reluctantly opened his mouth to eat it.

Fu Wanan watched expectantly, "Was it good?"

Qin Yuanting, despite not enjoying sweet and soft desserts, acknowledged her gaze with a nod.

Fu Jiaze smiled at his sister, "I still have things to discuss with your Brother Qin. Why don't you go talk to your sister-in-law?"

After Fu Wanan left, Fu Jiaze invited Qin Yuanting to dinner, but Qin Yuanting declined, "I have other matters to attend to later."

Fu Jiaze could tell that Qin Yuanting didn't particularly like him. Recognizing that relationships require chemistry, he didn't force a closer bond with the Thousand Commander.

Qin Yuanting watched them leave, the warm glow of the sunset falling on them as Fu Wanan skipped away holding Lin Yingxue's hand. With her departure, his courtyard suddenly felt cold and empty.

That evening, while writing documents, Qin Yuanting heard echoes of Fu Wanan calling "Brother Qin" in his ears. Looking up, he saw only flickering candlelight.

Qin Yuanting disliked having servants around, and the room was empty. A lone insect chirped in the deep autumn night, making him feel the emptiness and loneliness of his quarters.

His godfather's words echoed in his mind: "Yuanting, since you've recognized this godson, I'll treat you like my own son. If you have someone you like, tell me. No matter how high their status, I'll help you."

Qin Yuanting had refused then, but now, in the quiet of the night, he wondered if he could marry a wife. But then he remembered his condition—since adolescence, others grew, but his body remained childlike. Marrying would mean having someone to care for him, but it would be unfair to the woman, unable to experience marital bliss.

Qin Yuanting thought about why he disliked Fu Jiaze. Apart from the trouble Fu Jiaze brought to his godfather, it was because he had hoped to have children to support his godfather in old age, something he could never do. Meanwhile, Fu Jiaze had married and would likely soon have children.

Standing in the cool breeze, watching lanterns sway in the corridor, Qin Yuanting eventually returned to his room, the door creaking shut behind him.

The next morning, Fu Jiaze had to go to the Imperial Academy. When he got up, Lin Yingxue also rose.

/

Seeing Lin Yingxue get up, Fu Jiaze said to his wife, "Didn't we say last night that you don't need to get up early since my mother hasn't returned yet?"

Lin Yingxue had indeed agreed to this the previous night, but all along, she had intended to see Fu Jiaze off. She smiled and said, "I'm used to waking up early, so we can have breakfast together, and I'll see you off."

Lin Yingxue quickly changed her clothes, then rang a bell, and Feiyuan entered with a basin of water.

After washing up, Lin Yingxue personally tied Fu Jiaze's hair and put on his hat.

Heading to the Imperial Academy, Fu Jiaze was somewhat nervous. Looking down at Lin Yingxue's slender fingers skillfully adjusting the ties, he felt a warmth in his heart, and much of his nervousness dissipated.

"Tonight, don't wait for me. You and Wanan should eat first." Fu Jiaze thought about leaving the Imperial Academy as soon as possible, but there was a banquet tonight, so he couldn't return early.

"Okay." Lin Yingxue nodded.

After a simple breakfast, Lin Yingxue saw him off to the carriage.

Sitting in the carriage, Fu Jiaze lifted the curtain and kept it open until he could no longer see Lin Yingxue, then let it fall.

The carriage moved swiftly through the streets. It was still early, and only some diligent shopkeepers were opening their doors, while some revelers from the pleasure quarters were lazily making their way home.

Arriving at the Imperial Academy, Fu Jiaze straightened his clothes and knocked on the side gate.

The side gate opened, and Fu Jiaze bowed to the gatekeeper. "I am Fu Jiaze from Feng City, here in accordance with the imperial decree. Please grant me entry."

Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper immediately opened the gate fully and smiled. "Why did you come so early, Master Fu? The officials are still at court, and the others haven't arrived yet."

Fu Bin, being the top servant, had informed the lower servants about Fu Jiaze's arrival at the Imperial Academy. They had already arranged everything with the attendants there.

The gatekeeper personally led Fu Jiaze inside, where his seat had been prepared.

The gatekeeper also pointed out the location of the storage room and the bookshelves with past examination papers.

"The key to the storage room is held by the chief scholar. You can sit here for now and wait until Chief Pei finishes his court duties before entering."

The Imperial Academy had two chief scholars: Tan Yunkun, who was nearing retirement age and was the main chief, and Pei Jin, the deputy chief, who was the true person in charge.

Pei Jin, over thirty years old, was the youngest chief scholar in the current dynasty. His father had been a tutor to the emperor, and his grandfather had been a tutor to the crown prince. With no crown prince chosen yet, if one were appointed, he would likely become a tutor to the new crown prince.

Due to Pei Jin's background and scholarly achievements, the princes respected him and sought to win his favor.

Fu Jiaze sat down at his assigned seat, and the gatekeeper had thoughtfully provided writing materials.

Fu Jiaze had brought books with him and quietly read under the lamp.

He always became engrossed in reading quickly. When he heard movement outside, he looked out the window. A streak of red was spreading across the sky, and the side gate opened again, admitting another scholar.

Fu Jiaze closed his book and waited for the scholar to enter.

The scholar didn't seem surprised upon seeing Fu Jiaze; the gatekeeper had already introduced him when opening the gate.

Fu Jiaze bowed to Scholar Mo, who had placed last in the previous year's examinations due to family connections. He was instructed to be diligent and kind, and he greeted Fu Jiaze warmly. "Master Fu's essay was excellent. The empress's question was difficult, and I tried to solve it myself. But after reading your essay, I understood why I placed last."

"Scholar Mo is too modest. I just happened to be studying that section before entering the palace."

They chatted briefly, and Scholar Mo indicated he needed to clean his desk. Fu Jiaze offered to help, but Scholar Mo waved him off.

"Master Fu, there's no need. Just sit and read."

Since Fu Jiaze wasn't an official scholar, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to see any official documents, so he didn't insist.

Soon after Scholar Mo arrived, other scholars began trickling in. Many stopped talking when they saw Fu Jiaze.

Fu Jiaze remained composed, bowing to each one, but only a few returned his smile; most ignored him.

Gradually, everyone except the chief scholars who were at court arrived and started working. Fu Jiaze returned to his seat.

He could feel occasional glances on him but pretended not to notice.

He couldn't focus on reading anymore.

Fu Jiaze simply opened the book and pretended to read.

This irritated someone, who snatched the book from Fu Jiaze. "The relative of the Lord Chancellor is different. Without any official title, he can enter the Imperial Academy. Those who know think it's the Imperial Academy, those who don't might think it's the Jinyiwei headquarters! Not even focused on reading, why are you here? This place doesn't welcome you; you should leave immediately!"

"This is the Imperial Academy, a clear fact," a steady voice said. "And Scholar Zhang, what do you mean by welcoming or not? The Imperial Academy follows the emperor's decree. Fu Jiaze's presence here is by the emperor's order."

"Chief Tan, Chief Pei." The scholars bowed to Pei Jin.

These two had just finished their court duties and wore bright red robes of the third rank, with lifelike birds embroidered on them. Chief Tan's robe was slightly worn, while Pei Jin's was newer and more intricately embroidered.

Tan Yunkun looked at Fu Jiaze. "Is this Fu Jiaze from Feng City?"

"Yes, student greets Chief Tan."

"A handsome young man, are you married?" Tan Yunkun asked with interest.

"Student is already married, sir."

"What a pity. Otherwise, I could have arranged a match for you. Your essay was impressive. I thought the writer must be handsome, and you're even more handsome than our third-place laureate."

He was nearly seventy and had once been a pillar of the literati. With experience, his demeanor became more serene, and he saw shades of gray rather than black and white.

Tan Yunkun genuinely believed Fu Jiaze's essay was exceptional, both in content and style. He wondered if Fu Jiaze could produce equally brilliant work in the next year's examinations.

Tan Yunkun had seen students who wrote brilliant essays before the spring examinations, setting high expectations for themselves, only to fail and struggle for years afterward.

Fu Jiaze bowed to Tan Yunkun. "Thank you, Chief Tan. That essay was a stroke of luck. Writing comes naturally, and I merely stumbled upon it."

Pei Jin then addressed Scholar Zhang. "Scholar Zhang, Fu Jiaze's essay was personally reviewed by the empress. His presence here is by the emperor's decree. Do you have any objections?"

Scholar Zhang said with a cold sneer, "If it weren't for having such a good uncle, how could you have the chance to meet His Majesty?"

Fu Jiaze replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Indeed, because of having such an uncle, I was able to face His Majesty directly. However, the essay was written by me. Although I don't know if I can write such an essay again in the future, I do know that the essay was quite good."

Pei Jin interjected, "More than just good, it was precisely because of His Majesty's appreciation that Scholar Fu had the opportunity to enter the Imperial Academy. Is Scholar Zhang dissatisfied with His Majesty's will?"

Pei Jin's expression grew more serious. Scholar Zhang couldn't say he was dissatisfied with His Majesty's will; he was merely dissatisfied with Fu Jiaze.

Tan Yunkun, trying to smooth things over, patted Fu Jiaze's hand, "If you can secure one of the top three positions in next year's spring examination and enter the Imperial Academy openly, then we would all praise you. Now, Scholar Zhang has his reservations. Can Scholar Fu understand? Let me think about it. While many people haven't spoken up, I know some are not convinced."

Tan Yunkun's eyes were clouded with age, yet they held the dignity of a scholar.

Fu Jiaze said, "I understand. This opportunity to enter the Imperial Academy is rare. As for ranking among the top three in next year's spring examination, honestly, who hasn't dreamed of it? Great Qi is vast, with many scholars. Whether I can rank among the top three next year, I don't know. But if I do, I will enter the Imperial Academy honorably. If not, please consider me just a passerby, a common scholar here to read books. We won't see each other after these few months."

Scholar Zhang said, "You speak well, but what if you find your uncle again and enter the Imperial Academy openly?"

Fu Jiaze wanted to enter the Imperial Academy mainly to read its books. He preferred to hold a position of real power rather than be confined to compiling books within the academy.

If he ranked among the top three next year, he didn't want to waste time in the Imperial Academy. If he didn't, he would simply not enter.

At this moment, Fu Jiaze smiled slightly and said loudly, "I am not talented, but I can promise that if I rank among the top three, I will enter the Imperial Academy only with His Majesty's decree. Otherwise, I will serve as an official elsewhere."

These words were forceful, leaving Scholar Mo speechless. Not entering the Imperial Academy meant losing a natural path to the cabinet. He gave Fu Jiaze a thumbs-up.

Scholar Zhang wanted to say something more, but Pei Jin rebuked him, "Enough! Scholar Fu has already spoken clearly. Do you want to cause trouble? If you have more to say, request to serve elsewhere instead of staying in the Imperial Academy."

With Pei Jin's words, Scholar Zhang finally quieted down.

Tan Yunkun shook his head inwardly, thinking it was too youthful and impetuous. He patted Fu Jiaze's shoulder, "We'll talk about next year when it comes. For now, if you need anything in the Imperial Academy, go to Pei Jin. I'm old and no longer manage affairs."

Pei Jin glanced at the other scholars, who all lowered their heads. He said to Fu Jiaze, "Come with me."

With long strides, Pei Jin's official robe swayed as he led the way ahead of Fu Jiaze.

/

Pei Jin was taking Fu Jiaze to the storage room.

He handed Fu Jiaze a handkerchief to cover his mouth and nose.

Even so, Fu Jiaze sneezed several times upon entering the storage room.

"All the past examination papers are stored here."

Most scholars who entered the Imperial Academy were the top three from the triennial palace examinations. They had fought through fierce competition, and for them, the most unappealing aspect of the Imperial Academy was these old examination papers, which were rarely cleaned, resulting in thick layers of dust.

Fu Jiaze scanned the vast archives and asked Pei Jin, "Can I read other books in the storage room during my free time?"

Pei Jin looked at Fu Jiaze, "You can come here to read freely, but not alone. Have Scholar Mo accompany you each time."

Fu Jiaze nodded, "Understood. I'll go ask Scholar Mo now."

Pei Jin said, "No rush. I have something else to discuss with you."

Fu Jiaze was curious about what Pei Jin wanted to say.

"You don't need to take what you said earlier seriously. If you pass the provincial examination and are fortunate enough to participate in the palace examination, it's still better to enter the Imperial Academy."

Fu Jiaze hadn't expected Pei Jin to say this and responded, "I've already made that statement. If I turn around and enter the Imperial Academy, wouldn't that make me look foolish?"

Pei Jin: "So what? Being laughed at for a while is nothing compared to regretting not entering the Imperial Academy later and stagnating in your career."

Fu Jiaze, seeing Pei Jin's upright appearance, never thought he would say such a thing. He replied seriously, "If not for this opportunity in the Imperial Academy, perhaps after next year's palace examination, I might have asked my uncle for help. But now, with this experience, before next year's spring examination, I will have read the books I want to read. Next year, I probably won't enter the Imperial Academy."

Fu Jiaze smiled slightly, "I don't want to waste time in a ceremonial position. I prefer to start with a substantive role."

After all, once he entered the Imperial Academy, it wouldn't be easy to leave quickly. He would have to follow the emperor's arrangements and serve in a ceremonial position for some time. Fu Jiaze felt he had already wasted many years preparing for the imperial examinations and didn't want to continue wasting time.

Pei Jin frowned and said stiffly, "Suit yourself."

However, Pei Jin wanted to advise Fu Jiaze not to ruin his future. He never expected Fu Jiaze to be so determined, even expressing reluctance to enter the Imperial Academy even if he ranked among the top three.

This independent spirit made Pei Jin pay more attention to Fu Jiaze. Observing him, Pei Jin noticed that Fu Jiaze read books like flipping through them, yet he could still remember their contents.

Fu Jiaze had a photographic memory.