Chapter 65: The Prefectural City

Chapter 65: The Prefectural City

In the first few days of the 22nd year of Yuanhua, Qiu Huanian's home was constantly filled with visitors.

According to the customs of Liaozhou, the first day of the Lunar New Year is for relatives to visit each other to exchange New Year's greetings, the second day is for family members to return to their maternal homes, and the third day is for friends and relatives to visit each other.

Qiu Huanian had no maternal home to return to, so on the first day, he brought some fruits, sugar, and homemade popcorn to visit the elders in Du Village.

He stayed home on the second and third days, awaiting visitors.

Somehow, word got out that Qiu Huanian was very generous with his New Year's money, and many children from the village came in groups to pay their respects.

The children, one by one, recited auspicious phrases, which was utterly charming.

Since each red envelope contained only two coppers, Qiu Huanian gave one to each child, adding some festive cheer to the household.

Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng also received red envelopes, and theirs were significantly larger. Qiu Huanian gave each of them two qian of silver.

Jiu Jiu, not trusting Chun Sheng with so much money, immediately took it away, causing Chun Sheng's smile to vanish instantly.

Qiu Huanian chuckled, remembering the modern saying, "I'll keep your New Year's money for you until you grow up."

Bao Yi was in a hurry to get back to his duties at Jingshan Guard and had to leave just a few days after the New Year. To ensure he could witness Yun Cheng's wedding, the clan leader and the Meng family discussed and decided to move the wedding forward by more than ten days.

The new lucky day was set for the fifth day of the first lunar month. The wedding had been in preparation all winter, and everything was ready, so advancing the date didn't cause any chaos.

On the fifth day of the first lunar month, Yuanhua 22, the sky was clear, a rare snowless sunny day.

At dawn, Yun Cheng, clad in vibrant red silk, rode a borrowed tall horse, trailed by a lively band, heading to Qingfu Town to fetch his bride.

The young man's posture on horseback was as straight as a pine tree.

Qiu Huanian, as the go-between, was also part of the wedding procession. Besides the brand-new bridal sedan, there were two mule carts adorned with red silk flowers to carry the bride's family members.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse rode in the mule carts, leisurely following the procession to the beat of drums and music.

As they entered the town, the Meng family stood ready, fully prepared. The Meng family's gate was wide open, the front yard swept clean, and red double happiness symbols were pasted on the door.

Hearing the wedding procession approaching from afar, Meng Wudong lit the firecrackers at the gate. Eighty-eight firecrackers exploded in the morning air, startling the Meng household into a bustling activity.

Dressed in his ornate wedding garb and clutching a veil, Meng Yuanling waited in his room, flanked by his mother and sister-in-law.

"Is it them? Have they come?"

"Oh, don't be so impatient! Today, you'll be wed without a hitch," Meng Yuanling's mother chided him.

"Mom, you say not to rush, but your grip is so tight it hurts."

"...Zicao, check if the wedding party has arrived."

Sun Zicao, Meng Yuanling's sister-in-law, stepped out to find the Du family's wedding procession making its way through the gate.

The Meng family's courtyard wasn't large enough, so the bridal sedan and the band remained outside, with only Yun Cheng and the relatives entering.

Qiu Huanian, serving as both go-between and Meng Yuanling's friend, was the first to visit Meng Yuanling in his room.

He cracked the door open and slipped inside, keeping the groom's look a secret from onlookers.

At the sight of Qiu Huanian, Meng Yuanling's face brightened, "Hua Ge! You've made it!"

Meng Yuanling's mother coughed twice beside him, signaling him to be quiet. Meng Yuanling quickly shut his mouth, and Qiu Huanian couldn't help but laugh.

"Others weep at their weddings, so why are you so cheerful?"

"I'm only marrying into Du Village; I can return whenever I wish. Why should I cry?"

Meng Yuanling's mother tapped her young lad's forehead, "You're truly fortunate."

Indeed, in ancient times, many women and young men, once married, seldom returned to their birth homes, living alone in unfamiliar places. The difficulties and loneliness they faced were unimaginable.

But Meng Yuanling not only married nearby but also into his aunt's family, with a husband who was his childhood playmate. How could he not be considered fortunate?

While Qiu Huanian could enter easily, Yun Cheng faced significant challenges. Previously, he was Meng's nephew, but today he was Meng's son-in-law, seeking to marry their beloved son. It wasn't going to be easy.

The Meng family had set up several barriers outside the house to prevent Yun Cheng from entering.

Yun Cheng had also brought along peers from Du Village, some to assist with drinking, others to help block, ensuring the groom could retrieve his new husband.

Meng Yuanling listened to the commotion outside, eager to assist every few seconds, but was firmly restrained by his mother.

At the final obstacle, Yun Cheng had reached the door, and it was Qiu Huanian's turn to intervene.

"Brother Hua, don't be too harsh on him," Meng Yuanling said before the door opened.

Meng Yuanling's mother took the veil from his hands and promptly placed it over his head, cutting off any further remarks.

Qiu Huanian opened the door and stood at the threshold, obstructing Yun Cheng's view into the room.

Yun Cheng bowed in greeting, "Sister-in-law Qiu."

Qiu Huanian nodded, "Brother Ling just instructed me not to be too harsh on you."

Yun Cheng was stunned for a moment, then his fair face turned red instantly.

Qiu Huanian smiled, "How about this: you're a scholar, so let's keep it refined. Compose a poem urging the bride to dress, and if it's good, I'll let you in. How does that sound?"

Unlike Du Yunse, Yun Cheng was not skilled in poetry. During exams, he could only manage to piece together a rhyming regulated verse, lacking any poetic flair.

Asking Yun Cheng to compose a poem on the spot was a real challenge for him.

But this task couldn't be delegated; after all, the poem recited to one's husband during the wedding couldn't be penned by another.

Qiu Huanian stood inside the doorway, arms crossed, smiling as he waited for Yun Cheng to compose the poem.

Yun Cheng was even more nervous than when he took the prefectural exams. After much deliberation, he barely managed to compose a seven-character quatrain suitable for the occasion.

Perhaps inspired by the moment, it was a hundred times better than his usual practice poems.

Du Yunse, cooperating with Qiu Huanian, commented, "This poem is the finest you've ever composed."

Yun Cheng's face turned even redder. Qiu Huanian laughed and stepped aside, "Hurry in and carry Brother Ling out; don't miss the auspicious hour."

Yun Cheng entered the room, awkwardly standing before his new husband, who was dressed in wedding attire and veiled, seated on the kang.

Although the veil completely covered his face, Yun Cheng could imagine how stunning his Brother Ling looked today.

"Brother Ling, I've come to take you home."

"Mmm," Meng Yuanling responded reservedly from behind the veil, his fingers twisting and turning within his wide sleeves.

Meng Yuanling's sister-in-law and his mother helped him up and placed him on Yun Cheng's back.

Although Yun Cheng was still a young man, he was born into a farming family and had never neglected farm work. He was strong and easily carried Meng Yuanling steadily.

The band outside struck up a lively tune with gongs and drums, and Yun Cheng carried Meng Yuanling step by step out of the house.

As they exited the gate, Meng Wudong stopped them for a moment, "I entrust my brother to you. You must treat him well for the rest of your life. If I ever find out that you've wronged him, I will not let you off easily."

Unable to free his hands, Yun Cheng could only nod earnestly, "Second Brother, don’t worry, I will cherish Brother Ling more than my own life."

Under the veil, Meng Yuanling felt a lump in his throat, and he wanted to say something to his second brother. Meng Wudong patted his shoulder, "Get on the sedan chair; we mustn’t miss the auspicious hour."

Amidst the clamor of music and drums, the wedding procession wound its way back to Du Village, where a barrage of firecrackers was set off at the entrance of the clan leader's house.

The courtyard and garden were lined with tables, attended by villagers and guests from nearby villages, towns, and even the county town, all there to witness the ceremony.

Longtime friends of the clan leader, relatives and friends of Bao Ren and his wife, and Yun Cheng's classmates from the county school all came.

Meng Yuanling was helped down from the sedan chair, stepped over the saddle on the ground, crossed the fire basin, and was carried by Yun Cheng into the bridal chamber.

At the auspicious time, the newlyweds came to the main hall, where the clan leader and Bao Ren, along with Meng Fuyue and her husband, sat at the head. The room was packed, and a crowd spilled outside.

During the bowing ceremony to heaven and earth, the elders of both families were visibly moved, and they began to address each other as in-laws.

First, they bowed to heaven and earth; second, to their parents.

The couple bowed to each other and were then led to the bridal chamber.

Once the ceremony ended, the outdoor banquet commenced, and Meng Yuanling remained in the bridal chamber as Yun Cheng stepped out to toast the guests.

Yun Cheng had no brothers, but as the eldest grandson of the clan leader's family and with parents who were well-liked in the village, naturally, many fellow villagers helped him ward off the drinks.

The clan leader's family offered a generous dowry, and the Meng family was not stingy with the bride's trousseau. Including bedding, clothes, new furniture, and household items, there were four loads in total, plus ten taels of silver and three acres of water land near Du Village, enhancing Meng Yuanling's prestige.

Under the laws of the Yu Dynasty, the dowry is exclusively owned by the woman or the groom, and the husband's family has no right to dispose of it; it is the foundation of their livelihood.

When Meng Yuanling's dowry was displayed, many onlookers secretly envied him.

The banquet lasted until evening, with five taels of silver collected in gifts, all of which was given to the young couple.

As the guests gradually left and dispersed, only the closest kin lingered in the clan leader's courtyard, and the wedding was nearing its end.

As the sky gradually darkened, Yun Cheng grew visibly uneasy, and he walked with awkward steps.

Ye Taohong teased him playfully, "I see Yun Cheng is so nervous, maybe he should rest elsewhere tonight?"

Yun Cheng quickly shook his head, and after realizing, his face turned red. The usually mature demeanor of the young man had long since disappeared.

Everyone laughed kindly.

Meng Yuanling stayed in the bridal chamber all along, and Yun Cheng secretly brought him some food in the middle, telling him to lie down if he was tired and not to suffer himself.

Meng Yuanling ate some snacks, took a nice nap on the kang, and woke up refreshed, listening to the commotion outside, his face also flushed.

According to custom, a senior with both sons and daughters was needed to make the bed on the wedding night, and Ye Taohong was naturally the most suitable.

She entered the bridal chamber, spread out the brand-new bedding on the kang, scattered peanuts and dates, and chanted auspicious phrases like "early birth of a noble son."

Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling stood awkwardly to the side, unsure where to place their hands.

After settling the newlyweds, the warm, red-decorated door of the bridal chamber closed.

Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian walked out with the remaining people, as the rest of the night belonged solely to the newlyweds.

Qiu Huanian stretched deeply while walking down the road.

"The first time I met Brother Ling and Yun Cheng was in the garden of the clan leader's house. At that time, Brother Ling was chatting with me, while Yun Cheng was leading a mule to help me grind corn and millet."

"Back then, Yun Cheng still called Brother Ling 'Cousin Ling,' and Brother Ling told me about the misdeeds of Du Yunjing's family, while Yun Cheng reminded him to lower his voice... Looking back, it's clear they had feelings for each other without realizing it."

That was also when Qiu Huanian had just come to this world, and Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling were among the first kind-hearted people he met.

Seeing them finally united as husband and wife, Qiu Huanian felt both happy and relieved.

...

On the second day after Yun Cheng's wedding, Bao Yi's family was ready to leave. The border conflicts were intensifying, and they had already delayed their departure to the limit.

The laborers who had returned home for the New Year also had to return to service, filling Du Village with a sense of farewell that dampened the festive mood.

Bao Yi had asked for leniency for Yun Kong, the youngest son of Bao Zhen's family. With his arm broken, Yun Kong wouldn't have to return to service this time. Bao Zhen came specially to thank Bao Yi, who helped him take a seat.

"Old brother, we're from the same village. No need for formalities. Yun Kong may have lost his left arm, but he can still manage to work. My elder brother and I have talked it over, and we'll make sure to hire him for any jobs in the future. We'll make sure he has food on the table!"

Bao Yi was the oldest and most senior among those from Du Village who had gone to serve as laborers. Yun Kong had lost his arm while serving with him, and Bao Yi had always felt bad about it.

After this incident spread, the voices in the village that had accused Bao Yi of becoming heartless and forgetting his roots after becoming an officer quickly disappeared.

The clan leader sighed privately to his eldest son, Bao Ren, "The second son has truly grown up, but the third... alas!"

After the family split, the clan leader started giving more responsibilities to Bao Ren, as if he were preparing to retire and hand over the reins.

Bao Li still often came with his three sons to whine, but the clan leader gradually grew tired of seeing them.

On the day Bao Yi's family and the other laborers set off, the whole village gathered at the entrance to see them off. Jiu Jiu and Cun Lan, both with tear-reddened eyes, exchanged gifts and repeatedly urged them to stay in touch.

Du Yunse gave a letter for Wu Shen to Bao Yi, who carefully put it away and waved to them.

"Yun Se, Brother Hua, I will never forget the care and kindness your family has shown us over these many days. I'll be waiting at Jingshan Guard for the good news of Yun Se's success in the imperial exams!"

"Uncle Bao Yi, the battlefield is a dangerous place. Please be careful. We'll also be waiting for news of your promotions and achievements."

Bao Yi laughed heartily, mounted the mule cart, and left the village where he had lived for over thirty years with his family.

The group of travelers vanished into the barren winter fields, slowly fading from view.

...

Time waits for no one, and there was little time to dwell on the sorrow of parting. Qiu Huanian's family also had to prepare to leave Du Village for the prefectural city.

The entrance exam for Qingfeng Academy was on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. To make it in time, they had to hurry.

A few days after their wedding, Meng Yuanling and Yun Cheng visited Qiu Huanian's home and discussed a plan.

"You're also planning to go to the prefectural city and study at Qingfeng Academy?"

Meng Yuanling nodded. "Grandfather said that since Yun Cheng is pursuing the imperial examinations, he might as well attend the best academy possible to avoid wasting time."

Originally, the clan leader had been reluctant to let his eldest grandson, Yun Cheng, travel far. Attending the county school had already been a stretch.

But the recent family division and the renewed understanding of his three sons changed the old man's stubborn ideas.

Rather than keeping the younger generation tied together in a large family, which would eventually lead to a mess, it was better to let them pursue their own paths as soon as possible.

Yun Cheng was already married and an adult. The young couple would go to the city together, with Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian there, so the family had nothing to worry about.

Du Yunse nodded, "Qingfeng Academy is divided into three classes: A, B, and C. Since you are now a scholar, with your knowledge, you should be able to enter Class C. With a year or two of effort, advancing to Class B and passing the imperial examination to become a xiucai shouldn't be difficult."

Qiu Huanian advised, "If you decide to go, you should pack quickly. Once in the city, you'll need to settle in, so you must leave within a day or two."

Meng Yuanling nodded repeatedly, "We'll go back and start packing right away!"

...

When it really came time to leave, they realized how much stuff they had accumulated at home.

Considering the long journey and the fact that they already had a place to stay in the city, Qiu Huanian decided to take only the essentials and leave the rest behind.

They sold what they could, locked away what could be stored long-term, and gave away what could be given.

After Qiu Huanian's family left, Yun Kang would go to study at the private school run by Scholar Sun in the town. He had grown a year older and had laid a solid academic foundation under Du Yunse's guidance. Noticing her son's talent, Hu Qiuyan decided to support his education.

Hu Qiuyan and Qiu Huanian bought the sturdy blue-and-white mule at the original price, making it convenient to use the mule cart to take Yun Kang to and from school. Her family had earned some money from growing cotton, and the income from selling fish was also substantial, so coming up with seven taels of silver was no problem.

After careful consideration, Qiu Huanian entrusted the family's three mu of land to Yun Ting and Xia Xing, a young couple.

Yun Ting's family had many children but little land, and the grain from the fields wasn't enough to feed the whole family, so they had to take on odd jobs to get by. Rather than relying on sporadic work, it was better to have a stable arrangement by contracting Qiu Huanian's land.

Qiu Huanian asked Yun Ting to plant one mu of cotton and two mu of rice. Qiu Huanian would provide the seeds and fertilizer, and after the autumn harvest, Qiu Huanian would take 70% of the yield, while Yun Ting would take 30%.

This share was higher than what most tenant farmers received, as tenant farmers usually had to pay for seeds and fertilizer themselves. The yield from the high-quality rice fields was substantial, and 30% would be enough to sustain the young couple for a year. Yun Ting and Xia Xing were extremely grateful and promised to take good care of the land, delivering the grain to the city after the harvest.

Qiu Huanian packed all the newer bedding, pillows, tea sets, and decorations to take to the city, while the older items were stored in cabinets. The doors were locked from the inside out, and the main courtyard gate would remain closed until they returned.

Qiu Huanian gave Wei Liuhua a key to the backyard. The mule in the backyard had already been sold, and the vegetable garden wouldn't be tended anymore. The main concern was the big pear tree, which needed care after bearing fruit. So many pears couldn't go to waste.

The newly planted peach tree in the front courtyard would take a few more years to bear fruit, so it was left to bloom and wither naturally.

Finally, there were four egg-laying hens in the chicken coop that hadn't been dealt with, worth about half a tael of silver altogether.

Jiu Jiu followed Qiu Huanian as they sorted through things one by one. Looking at the clucking hens, she pursed her lips and hesitated before speaking.

"Brother Hua, how about we give Aunt Zhuang two hens?"

Qiu Huanian looked over, and Jiu Jiu steadied herself, saying, "I know she did some wrong things, but she also took care of me and Chun Sheng before. Once we leave, we probably won't have a chance to see her again. Her life is very difficult, so giving her two hens might make it a little easier for her."

Qiu Huanian smiled, "Alright, then go catch two and take them to her."

Moderate kindness is a valuable quality, and Qiu Huanian hoped Jiu Jiu would keep it.

Jiu Jiu breathed a sigh of relief, caught two hens, stuffed them into a narrow-mouthed willow basket, and carried it to Aunt Zhuang's door.

Aunt Zhuang hadn't interacted with the villagers in a long time. Jiu Jiu knocked for a while before she cautiously opened the door a crack.

Jiu Jiu saw that her hair had grown more gray, and her face seemed to have aged ten more years. Her eyes held a mix of fear and a faint hint of hope. Jiu Jiu sighed inwardly.

"We're leaving. You can have these two hens."

Jiu Jiu put down the basket and left. There wasn't much more to say.

Widow Zhuang stared blankly at her retreating figure, only snapping back to reality when the chickens in the willow basket flapped their wings.

She bent down to carry the basket into the house, a few drops of water fell on the dry, rugged ground at her doorstep, quickly drying in the wind.

Qiu Huanian slaughtered the remaining two chickens and, along with other perishable food items, prepared them into a feast to bid farewell to their friends.

Knowing they were leaving, everyone brought gifts, with the most generous gift coming from the Song Juren family, who presented a carriage. The horse was of superior quality among workhorses, estimated to cost thirty taels, and the carriage was made of fine wood, sturdy and roomy.

"As fellow scholars from the same county, I, being older and more experienced, ought to assist you. I know your future holds great promise, and when you rise to prominence, I hope you won't forget me if I ever need your help."

Du Yunse solemnly accepted. Over the past year, he and Song Juren had developed a deep, mutual respect despite their age gap.

Song Juren, who had not passed the imperial examination but was directly appointed to an official position, had a solid understanding of grassroots affairs from his more than twenty years as a county magistrate, which complemented Du Yunse's inexperience due to his youth.

Chi Qinghe prepared a set of jewelry for Jiu Jiu, and Mrs. Song added a couple of pieces, reminding her not to neglect her musical studies. Chi Qinghe was reluctant to say goodbye to Jiu Jiu, who invited her to visit Xiangping Prefecture in her free time. After some hesitation, Chi Qinghe accepted.

The day of departure was unusually bright. By six or seven in the morning, the winter sky was already bright, promising a sunny day ahead.

The Qiu family of four traveled in the large carriage gifted by Song Juren, with another hired carriage for their belongings. Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling also rented a carriage.

Bao Ren and his wife, having only one son, Yun Cheng, brought some family savings along with Meng Yuanling's dowry, ensuring they could support themselves in the prefecture.

With the help of friends and relatives, the packed luggage was loaded onto the carriages. As they were about to leave, the widow Zhuang's gate creaked open.

"...I made some egg pancakes for your journey," the widow Zhuang awkwardly handed the pancakes to Jiu Jiu, unsure of what else to say, then quickly retreated back into her yard.

The helpers exchanged puzzled glances.

"Brother Hua?"

"Take them for the journey when you're hungry."

Meng Fuyue nodded slightly, thinking she should visit the widow Zhuang occasionally, as they were from the same village, and it wouldn't do for something to happen to her in her old age.

Bao Ren was likely the next village chief, and Meng Fuyue was learning to assist him in managing the village.

Due to Qiu Huanian's poor health and daily need for medicine, he paid the coachmen extra to travel slowly, allowing more time for rest at inns each day.

After a leisurely journey of four or five days, on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, the Qiu and Meng families finally arrived in the prefecture.

The coachmen, having been paid extra, took them directly to the main house gifted by Zhu Jingcheng.

Although not in the center of Xiangping Prefecture, the area was near Qingfeng Academy on Xiuyan Mountain, bustling with scholars and officials. The houses were neatly built, and the streets were lively.

Qiu Huanian had written to Zhu Jingcheng about their expected arrival time. As the three carriages stopped at the gate, servants from the Zhu household came out to greet them. Leading them was Fang Cai, who had previously taken weavers to Du Village to learn wool knitting.

Seeing Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse alight, Fang Cai approached with a smile, "Gentlemen, you must be tired from your long journey. The main house has been cleaned several times by our orders, and we've added some items recently upon hearing of your arrival. Everything is ready for your immediate stay."

Fang Cai then looked at the others, "These must be the young lady and young master! Such a splendid appearance, clearly the siblings of Du, the top scholar!"

Chun Sheng, unused to such praise, instinctively wanted to scratch his head, but Jiu Jiu subtly stopped him.

Fang Cai then turned to Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling, "These must be Du's cousin and his husband mentioned in the letter! So young and already studying at Qingfeng Academy, Du's family is truly full of talent, how enviable."

Meng Yuanling felt uncomfortable and looked to Qiu Huanian for help. Qiu Huanian smiled and interrupted Fang Cai's flattery, "Where is your master? It's been a while, we should thank him in person."

Fang Cai apologized, "Our master was supposed to come himself, but some urgent business came up this morning, and he had to leave in a hurry. However, he instructed me to take good care of you all and asked our mistress to welcome you on his behalf."

The mistress?

Qiu Huanian knew that Zhu Jingcheng had been married for several years, but he had almost never heard him mention his partner, so he knew nothing about the other person.

He was about to inquire further when the servant who had run into the main house to deliver the message came out. The servant pushed open the main gate, and a young master in his twenties emerged from inside.

Despite the cold weather, he wore a fiery red fox fur cloak over a plain, monochromatic outfit that, upon closer inspection, revealed intricate jacquard patterns, exuding luxury. His lips were thin, his eyes cold, exuding a distant scholarly aura, like a solitary crane by a cold pond in an ancient painting.

Fang Cai, upon seeing him, quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Madam Zhu."

The young master merely lowered his eyelids slightly, then looked at Qiu Huanian and the others, raising his arm in a salute, "Gentlemen, I've heard a lot about you."

"You may call me Su Xinbai. I have already inspected the entire main house. Please follow me inside, and I will explain everything to you."