Chapter 043: Fu Jiaze Finds a Master

Chapter 043: Fu Jiaze Finds a Master

Mo Xingyi was dozing by the window, his hand supporting his cheek. The autumn rain outside made it a perfect time for a nap.

His head kept nodding, and suddenly, he jolted awake with a shiver. Mo Xingyi yawned and stretched halfway when he froze.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Mo Xingyi broke out in a cold sweat.

From Mo Xingyi's perspective, he could see the eye of the bird embroidered on the chest of Director Pei. He looked at Pei Jin and quickly covered his mouth, smiling ingratiatingly.

Pei Jin walked out of the storeroom, followed by Mo Xingyi.

Through the open window, Pei Jin saw Fu Jiaze reading a book. He turned the pages faster than most people, holding a charcoal pencil and jotting something down in a notebook.

Pei Jin withdrew his gaze and looked at the nervous Mo Xingyi, his voice as cool as the lonely autumn rain: "When did the layout of the storeroom change?"

"It was one night not long after Scholar Fu entered the Imperial Academy. Scholar Fu had the eunuchs from Rongyang come to tidy up. I watched them rearrange everything, but not a single book was damaged. They also came during their days off to air the books."

The eunuchs released from the palace were skilled at organizing, which explained why the storeroom seemed unchanged but was actually more convenient for reading.

After they cleaned, there was less dust and no longer an old musty smell, replaced by a faint scent of sunshine.

Pei Jin nodded and then asked, "Has he been reading like this every day? What books has he read?"

Mo Xingyi wiped the sweat from his forehead and whispered, "At first, he read past imperial examination papers, only looking at the top three answers. He didn't look at the others. After that, he started reading other books."

"At what hour does he start and finish each day?"

Pei Jin learned from Mo Xingyi that on the first day Fu Jiaze entered the Imperial Academy, he invited Mo Xingyi to dinner. Since then, Fu Jiaze's schedule matched Mo Xingyi's, without any changes.

They ate lunch together every day, and on the first day off, Fu Jiaze visited Mo Xingyi's home and brought a rare self-sounding clock.

This clock was smaller than the ones used in the palace, just a tiny one. But despite its size, it was beautifully crafted. At the appointed hour, a bird would leap out and chirp, delighting Mo Xingyi's mother.

"I shouldn't have accepted it," Mo Xingyi said uneasily. "But Scholar Fu said he only wanted one thing: to read more books in the Imperial Academy, starting half an hour earlier in the morning and ending an hour later at night. I was hesitant, but my mother agreed immediately. If you think it's inappropriate, Director Pei, I can return the clock and revert the schedule."

"No need," Pei Jin shook his head. "I was just asking. It's good that he is eager to learn. You don't need to accompany him in the storeroom today. I'll go in later."

Mo Xingyi agreed and watched Pei Jin enter the storeroom, feeling a bit sorry for Fu Jiaze. This director had sharp eyes, making Mo Xingyi feel suffocated just standing before him. He wondered if Fu Jiaze could handle it.

Upon entering, Fu Jiaze put down his pencil, "Greetings, Director."

Pei Jin noticed that Fu Jiaze had rearranged his seat to the best spot by the window, where two chairs were placed.

Pei Jin sat down and picked up Fu Jiaze's charcoal pencil, "Why not use a brush pen?"

"The tip of a brush pen is too soft. When writing quickly, this charcoal pencil is faster."

Pei Jin picked up Fu Jiaze's notebook. While Mo Xingyi was napping, he had already observed Fu Jiaze's fast reading speed and unique note-taking method, prompting him to ask more questions.

Pei Jin closed the book and asked Fu Jiaze about the books he had read recently, testing him on the content. He discovered Fu Jiaze had a photographic memory, or perhaps he had trained himself to remember things perfectly.

Using the charcoal pencil to highlight key points, summarizing the content, and then reciting it back, Fu Jiaze thoroughly understood the books.

Pei Jin pondered, "So you came to the Imperial Academy because of its collection. After reading here, if you place in the top three next spring, you won't stay in the Imperial Academy anymore?"

"Yes."

Pei Jin looked at Fu Jiaze, left the storeroom, and stopped at the door, saying, "Tomorrow is your day off. Come to my house."

That evening, Fu Jiaze told Lin Yingxue about this news while she helped him change clothes.

/

Lin Yingxue folded his regular clothes near the screen, "What should we bring to Director Pei's house? The self-sounding clock?"

In her youth, Lin Yingxue received personal instruction from Lin Yi, learning to read and write, but she was inexperienced in social etiquette, almost like a blank slate.

Fu Jiaze carefully taught her the necessary details, and she learned quickly.

"Yes, I think the self-sounding clock is appropriate," Fu Jiaze said while tying his sash. "It's very convenient for telling time, especially for scholars and busy officials."

Since Emperor Mingde banned maritime trade, Great Qi continued this policy under Emperor Chengde. With the ban, foreign goods were brought in only by missionaries, making these items rare and valuable. Among those who collected such items, Fu Bin had the largest collection, which Fu Jiaze freely used. He chose the self-sounding clock.

Lin Yingxue not only had a self-sounding clock in her room but also a small pocket watch, slightly inaccurate and needing daily calibration. However, it was still convenient for checking the time.

"Director Pei is very busy. Perhaps we should add a pocket watch."

"No rush," Fu Jiaze said. "We can give the pocket watch later."

After changing, they called Fu Wanan to join them for dinner. Tonight, they had a copper pot.

The lamb bone soup simmered for four hours until it turned milky white. When the pot boiled, they added mushrooms, tofu, meatballs, and then slices of meat, dipping them in sesame paste. The meal was delicious and refreshing on a rainy autumn evening.

Usually, after dinner, they would walk along the city moat, but tonight's rain made it inconvenient. Fu Jiaze went to study in the study room, while Lin Yingxue talked with Fu Wanan.

Fu Wanan lay on the couch, swinging her legs. Her pants had slipped down a bit, revealing her slender calves.

Fu Wanan liked her sister-in-law very much and enjoyed clinging to her, "Sister-in-law. When will Mother be back? Brother is going out tomorrow."

After saying this, Fu Wanan sighed.

She was usually carefree, so her sudden concern amused Lin Yingxue, who smiled warmly, "Mother should be back soon. Didn't your brother Qin come over? He said everything has been verified in Feng City, and the trial will begin right after the day off. As for your brother, he has something to do and can't accompany you this day off."

Thinking of Qin Yuanting, who braved the rain to visit, his hat and shoulders damp despite wearing a raincoat, Fu Wanan asked, "Why didn't Brother Qin stay for dinner?" She had tried to pull him inside, but he dodged quickly, his raincoat flapping as he walked into the rain.

Fu Wanan didn't know why, but she felt a sense of weary sorrow lingering around Qin Yuanting, which made her instinctively want to get closer to him to dispel that feeling.

If Lin Yingxue initially thought Qin Yuanting was cold towards everyone, after Fu Jiaze's reminder, she observed carefully and found that his attitude towards Fu Wanan was different; he just kept a respectful distance from the couple.

Lin Yingxue was initially saddened by Qin Yuanting's distance from them, but later agreed with Fu Jiaze that sometimes relationships shouldn't be forced.

Since Qin Yuanting didn't seem to like them much, Lin Yingxue also learned from Fu Jiaze not to push too hard.

"He still has matters to attend to. Didn't Uncle mention yesterday that the third Miss Yao was abducted during the lantern festival? The Jinyiwei is investigating the case."

Lin Yingxue had met the eldest Miss Yao at Princess Mingrui's flower-viewing banquet. This eldest Miss was radiant and straightforward, and the third Miss was her younger sister. The third Miss's mother died giving birth to her, and the eldest Miss cherished her more than her own eyes. Now that her sister was abducted, due to her special status as she was about to marry into the Third Prince's household, the Jinyiwei was tasked with thoroughly investigating the case, even checking new arrivals in the brothels.

Lin Yingxue held Fu Wanan and instructed, "You should also be careful and not let kidnappers take you away."

Fu Wanan said, "An'an is very obedient. By the way, Sister-in-law, can we visit Aunt Wen tomorrow?"

The "Aunt Wen" Fu Wanan referred to was Wen Hui.

If it were sunny, they could also take Fu Wanan to the market for a stroll. Visiting her mother the next day would also be good.

With someone from the Jinyiwei accompanying them, it would serve as a deterrent against troublemakers.

Lin Yingxue nodded.

The autumn rain outside grew heavier, pooling on the banana leaves until they could no longer hold the weight, causing the water to suddenly slide off, splashing onto the ground.

/

The next morning, light rain turned into thick white fog that enveloped the entire capital city.

Fu Jiaze boarded the carriage with an umbrella, carrying a self-sounding clock already prepared.

Pei family's steward, seeing such a large self-sounding clock, dared not accept it without permission and sent someone to fetch the master. To Fu Jiaze's surprise, not only did Pei Jin come, but his mother, Lady Song, also arrived.

Pei Jin frowned deeply upon seeing the self-sounding clock. "I don't need this self-sounding clock."

Lady Song, with her completely white hair and wrinkled face, always wore a smile. Though she looked different from Pei Jin at first glance, a closer look revealed their similarities.

"This thing is useful. Keep it. Besides, aren't you interested in taking this student? Consider it a tribute for becoming his teacher."

Pei Jin glanced at his mother and pursed his lips. "I haven't decided yet."

Fu Jiaze lifted his robe and bowed to Pei Jin. "If I receive guidance from Master Pei, I will benefit immensely for life."

Pei Jin couldn't deny that Fu Jiaze's photographic memory and dedication to studying had indeed impressed him. Since his mother had already pointed out his intentions, Pei Jin lowered his eyes and looked at the bowing Fu Jiaze. "Do you have a teacher?"

In Feng City, there was indeed a scholar who recognized Fu Jiaze's talent and recommended him to find a teacher in the capital after learning of his abilities.

Fu Jiaze originally planned to seek a mentor after the autumn examinations, but with the revelation of his relationship with Fu Bin, it became difficult to find one. Now, this encounter with Pei Jin presented an opportunity.

"I have not formally apprenticed to anyone," Fu Jiaze said, guessing Pei Jin's intention.

Although Fu Jiaze had anticipated that Pei Jin might take him as a disciple and had prepared a pocket watch as a tribute, the speed of the decision surprised him, making his heart race.

"Hmm." Pei Jin said casually, "If you don't have a teacher, why not become my disciple?"

Fu Jiaze's heart almost stopped. He immediately knelt down and bowed deeply. "Student Fu Jiaze pays respects to Master."

"Have your servants prepare the tribute. Why delay? Let's do it today."

Xiao Wu ran quickly, fearing any delay would jeopardize his young master's apprenticeship ceremony.

When Xiao Wu returned, Fu Jiaze presented the tribute and served tea to his teacher.

Pei Jin noticed the pocket watch and pushed it away. "No need for this. This item is rarer than the self-sounding clock."

While the self-sounding clock was valuable, it could be obtained with effort. The intricate parts inside the small pocket watch made it worth thousands of gold coins, especially since it was newly developed.

Fu Jiaze said, "Precisely because it is rare, I offer it to my teacher. After all, I used a self-sounding clock to extend my stay in the Imperial Academy. If the tribute for becoming a disciple is less than the self-sounding clock, I would feel ashamed."

"Do you have a courtesy name?"

Fu Jiaze, having only a foster mother and uncle, had hoped Fu Bin would give him a courtesy name, but Fu Bin refused.

"I do not have a courtesy name."

"From now on, your courtesy name shall be Jinyuan."

The character "Jin" represents caution and moderation, especially given Fu Jiaze's relationship with his uncle. "Yuan" signifies the beginning of all things, representing Pei Jin's high hopes for his new disciple.

Understanding the meaning behind these characters, Fu Jiaze solemnly bowed and accepted "Jinyuan" as his courtesy name.

/

While Fu Jiaze was being apprenticed, Lin Yingxue brought Fu Wanan to Wen Hui.

Upon arriving, someone was talking to Wen Hui, whose expression was somewhat helpless. Seeing Lin Yingxue, the person's eyes lit up. "Is this Wen's daughter? Truly remarkable!"

Lin Yingxue nodded. "This is..."

"Everyone calls me Aunt Pan," said the blue-robed woman named Aunt Pan. "I came to arrange a marriage for your mother."

Lin Yingxue glanced at Wen Hui, who slightly shook her head.

Lin Yingxue then said, "Aunt, what is the situation with the person you want to introduce?"

Aunt Pan perked up, while Wen Hui's brows furrowed slightly.

Wen Hui didn't want to hear about this person; she never wanted to remarry. But since her daughter had spoken, she listened silently, fidgeting with the sash around her waist.

Fu Wanan liked Wen Hui very much and wished she could look like her when she grew up. She moved closer and sweetly called out, "Aunt Wen."

Old Nurse Ou said, "There's sweet soup cooking in the kitchen. I'll bring a bowl for Miss Fu."

Fu Wanan followed Aunt Ou, "I'll go with you."

Lin Yingxue listened quietly to Sister Pan's words. After she finished speaking, Lin Yingxue softly said, "Sister Pan has put thought into this."

"This is truly a good match. The other party is a first marriage and even younger. It's because they admire Lady Wen that they asked me to be the matchmaker. I thought it was a good thing, so I came to speak about it. You should also persuade your mother; one needs someone they know well for life, otherwise, to put it bluntly, no one would even know where to bury her after she passes away."

Lin Yingxue smiled and said, "Sister Pan has good intentions, but my mother's situation might be difficult. My mother only has me, and my husband and I have discussed it. Wherever we go, we will take my mother with us. She will become the matriarch of our household. This marriage is simply not possible."

Sister Pan was taken aback by these words, "Your mother becoming the matriarch, what about your mother-in-law?"

"My mother-in-law has her own business and travels extensively, without a fixed residence," Lin Yingxue said shyly, "If I were to become pregnant, someone would need to manage the household affairs. Most importantly, according to my husband's family's arrangements, after the spring examinations next year, he will be assigned an external post. At that time, my mother and I will leave together. This good marriage can only be a waste of your efforts."

Sister Pan became anxious, "If your mother becomes the matriarch of your household, wouldn't she no longer be able to remarry? That's not right, Lady Lin. This is unfair to Lady Wen."

Lin Yingxue thought, no wonder her mother looked troubled. Sister Pan was indeed a kind-hearted person.

Lin Yingxue said, "By saying she would be the matriarch, it means bringing her over to enjoy comfort. If I were to become pregnant, she would manage household affairs. If she wants to remarry when settled somewhere, we certainly wouldn't stop her."

Sister Pan was skeptical, "Really?"

Lin Yingxue said, "Please rest assured, Sister Pan. From the looks of it, my mother must receive much care from you. When my mother marries, we will send you an invitation. Even if she is too shy to send it, I will."

Hearing this, Sister Pan could only sigh and said to Wen Hui, "It can only be like this then. Your daughter is here, so I'll head back now."

Wen Hui hurriedly said, "No need to find matches for me in the future."

Sister Pan looked at Wen Hui's appearance. She genuinely wanted to help Lady Wen. Now that Lady Lin had spoken, she would stop.

Sister Pan nodded, and Wen Hui personally saw her off at the door.

After she left, Wen Hui asked, "Going to your household as the matriarch? Isn't that inappropriate? You never mentioned this before. Did you just decide?"

"Mother, it was just something I made up to get rid of Sister Pan," Lin Yingxue said.

Aunt Ou, who had walked over with Fu Wanan, exclaimed, "Second Miss, you can deceive people now?"

"It's not really deceiving," Lin Yingxue smiled, "If Mother is willing, it could be done. I noticed Mother's expression; Sister Pan usually takes good care of us, so it's hard to say too much. What I said earlier allowed her to introduce the person she wanted to match, resolving one matter, and also temporarily rejecting this marriage."

Seeing Lin Yingxue speak confidently, Wen Hui was somewhat dazed. Her daughter was indeed different after marriage.

When Wen Hui was young, she was well-protected at home and had a naive nature. During the years she lived with Lin Yi as his mistress, Lin Yi, who had tricked her into being his mistress, did not let her interact much with outsiders. As a concubine, she hardly left the house.

This is how a proper wife should behave: managing the household internally and conducting herself gracefully externally.

Wen Hui waved to her daughter, "You're doing very well."

"Mother?" Lin Yingxue looked at Wen Hui in confusion.

"You're doing very well, speaking and acting with propriety." Wen Hui stroked her daughter's hair, "Why didn't your husband come today?"

Fu Wanan, who had been eating sweet soup, looked up and said, "I know. My brother went to visit Master Pei of the Imperial Academy."

Wen Hui was slightly stunned and frowned, "Yingxue, tell your husband to stay away from him."

Lin Yingxue was taken aback, then heard Wen Hui say, "Being the head scholar of the Imperial Academy, he is among the best of the literati officials, but like Lin Yi, he is a hypocrite."

Lin Yingxue recalled Fu Jiaze's evaluation of Pei Jin and said, "Mother, my husband says he has the demeanor of a gentleman from the Wei and Jin dynasties."

"He enjoys drinking and playing with others, leaving his family behind. This irresponsibility is indeed similar to those who took the Five-Stone Powder in the Wei and Jin dynasties," Wen Hui's expression was cold, "He's not a good person."

"Who did he leave behind?"

"His daughter, Pei Qinghe," Wen Hui said, "I won't go into details, but remember, he's not a good person. Remind your husband to keep his distance."

That evening, after Lin Yingxue told Fu Jiaze about her mother's assessment, she immediately felt worried.

"What's wrong?"

Lin Yingxue relayed her mother's evaluation.

Fu Jiaze knew his mother-in-law wouldn't speak without reason. Pei Qinghe must be having a difficult life. Although he had just acknowledged this teacher, he heard his teacher introduce his family seriously, and his tone suggested he had feelings for his daughter.

Fu Jiaze said, "Tomorrow, my mother's case will be decided, and your mother will be present. I'll ask her about Miss Pei's situation."

Lin Yingxue nodded.

Fu Jiaze blew out the lamp and placed his hand on Lin Yingxue's waist.

All senses heightened, Lin Yingxue knew what was about to happen. Blushing, she let him proceed, entering the red canopy, ending their busy day with small, joyful sounds.