Chapter 50

Chapter 50

After two hours of bumpy travel, just as Liang Boqing was about to get carsick, they finally arrived at the manor. Everyone got out of the carriage and walked with him toward the village.

As he had imagined, the village was simple in environment and rustic in folk customs—which is to say, it was an unremarkable, poor backwoods village.

As a wealthy young man who grew up in Yangzhou City, he had never been to such a place in the first half of his life. This was quite a new experience for him.

Along the way into the manor, they encountered many farmers who paid their respects to Chen Qingyan and Wang Ying. However, more of them addressed Chen Qingyan’s husband, inquiring about farming matters.

"Husband, I followed your method and mixed the ash manure. A few days ago, I spread some on the vegetable plot, but now the vegetables are full of insects. What should I do?"

"Sounds like the manure wasn't handled properly during composting, and insect eggs hatched. Add some lime to the ash manure—about one pound of lime for every thirty pounds of manure. Sprinkle water, mix well, and let it sit for a few days. When using it, dissolve it in water first to avoid burning the crops."

"Ah, got it!"

"Husband, many wheat plants in the western field have developed yellow stripes, and some leaves have withered."

Wang Ying frowned upon hearing this; it sounded like rust disease. "I’ll go take a look later."

After the person left, Liang Boqing remarked, "Young Master, you’re also knowledgeable about farming?"

"I know a bit."

Liang Boqing said nothing more but instead developed a favorable impression of the young married couple.

Finally, they arrived at their accommodation. Chen Qinghuai looked at the large house in disbelief. "Cousin, is this... where we’re staying?" He had expected simple housing on the manor, but this looked even better than the houses in town.

Uncle Chen, hearing the commotion in the yard, hurriedly opened the main gate. "Young Master, you’re back." Seeing many guests outside, he figured these must be the people mentioned in Fourth Master’s letter and quickly welcomed them in.

Entering the small courtyard, Liang Boqing finally smiled, stroking his beard and nodding in satisfaction.

The five main rooms were flanked by a kitchen and side rooms, connected by corridors. Under the corridors were two rocking chairs, perfect for enjoying the view on rainy days.

The yard was adorned with many flowers, plants, and trees, creating an elegant atmosphere.

The best part was that a small stream flowed through the yard, with a tiny arched bridge for crossing. This flowing water brought life to the courtyard, making it more than just a conventional rectangular space.

Inside the house was another world. The modern sofa set in the living room amazed Old Liang. Sitting on it, he couldn’t help but lean back.

Though it lacked proper posture, it was truly comfortable. The old man couldn’t help but sigh. "This chair is excellent. I’ve never seen anything like it before."

Wang Ying made up a story: "It was made using methods from the Hu people. For personal use, there’s no need for formality—you just go with what's comfortable."

"Excellent, excellent." After sitting for a while, Liang Boqing got up to tour the house. He visited every room except the couple’s bedroom.

When he saw the pool in the bathroom behind the house, he couldn’t resist touching it. The water was actually warm!

"Amazing, amazing! I never expected such a treasure out in the middle of nowhere!"

Returning to his own bedroom, Old Liang touched the kang and remarked, "The north is indeed different from the south. They even use stones to build beds. Isn’t it cold to sleep on?"

Wang Ying explained, "There’s a stove hole at the back. After adding firewood and lighting a fire, the kang becomes very warm."

Liang Boqing’s eyes widened. "Won’t it roast people?"

Wang Ying laughed. "No, the stone slabs insulate the heat, and there’s a flue in the middle. Excess heat escapes through the chimney, so the kang doesn’t get too hot."

"Wow, I must try it!"

When Chen Qingyan first saw the kang, he had asked the same question. But after sleeping on it, he realized how good it was.

Especially on damp, rainy days, sleeping on a warm kang made it hard to get up in the morning.

The attendants unloaded the luggage from the carriage and settled it into the two bedrooms in the northeast. Since Chen Qingsong had also come, he was roomed with Qing Huai.

The two boys had been talking about their studies since getting off the carriage. Whenever Chen Qingsong had questions, his cousin usually had an answer, and they quickly became familiar.

After settling in, Old Liang wanted to rest. Chen Qingyan pulled Wang Ying to the backyard and said excitedly, "A Ying, do you know who he is?"

"I remember you mentioning him—Liang Liufang, the talented scholar of Jiangnan."

"He's more than just a talented scholar!" Chen Qingyan began recounting what he had learned about the old gentleman from books and people.

"I heard he began his studies at seven, memorized the Four Books and Five Classics by the next year, and at nine, wrote the poem, 'Mountains faint, waters stretch far; autumn ends, yet Jiangnan’s grass remains green.' At sixteen, he debated classics with the great Jiangnan scholar Bai Shuowen for three days and nights. In the end, Bai admitted defeat, calling him a heaven's favored one, and he was revered as the Foremost Scholar of Jiangnan."

Since ancient times, there has never been a definitive first in literature, only in martial arts. For such a proud scholar to be praised as the best, his talent was undoubtedly exceptional.

"Unfortunately, the following year, during the imperial exams, he was accused of cheating and disqualified. Outraged, he wrote dozens of poems satirizing the imperial exams, which caused a huge stir across the country."

"A Ying, Old Liang wants to take me as his disciple!"

"That’s wonderful!" Wang Ying was also thrilled. He hadn’t expected the man to be even more impressive than he imagined. Perhaps future students would memorize his great works in their poetry lessons!

Chen Qingyan continued, "Master also said... he said the court had actually allowed him to retake the exams long ago, but he refused out of pride!"

"Really?!"

"Yes!"

This was undoubtedly a ray of hope for him. The fire that had long been extinguished in his heart was reignited, and he now knew clearly that he still had a chance to take the imperial exams.

Chen Qingyan's gloom vanished, replaced by a radiant excitement, his dazzling appearance captivating Wang Ying. He had always known the young man was good-looking, but now he found him more and more captivating...

He couldn’t hear a word Chen Qingyan was saying, only staring at those moving lips, wanting to kiss him.

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he acted, wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing him.

Chen Qingyan held the back of his head and kissed back passionately, his joy turning into desire, wishing he could devour the person in his arms.

After the kiss, both were breathless. Chen Qingyan pressed against his abdomen impatiently.

Wang Ying pushed him away. "We'll pick this up tonight... I’ll prepare food for your master."

"By the way, Master likes meat. How about we make hot pot for him?"

"Sure. I’ll ask Uncle Chen to buy some lamb. You go pick and wash some vegetables, and I’ll prepare the broth and seasonings."

There weren’t many servants on the manor, only Uncle Chen. Usually, the two of them handled meals together.

Wang Ying was quite skilled in cooking. After his grandparents passed away in his previous life, he lived alone and learned to make simple meals.

This time, the hot pot was different. Wang Ying planned to make a tomato broth to impress the old man.

First, he blanched the tomatoes in boiling water to remove the skins, diced them, and stir-fried them until juicy, setting them aside. Then, he simmered pork bones, ginger slices, star anise, bay leaves, and pepper to make a broth as the hot pot base.

Liang Boqing was woken by the aroma from the kitchen. Opening his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar room and only after a moment remembered he had come to Chen Qingyan’s hometown and impulsively taken his nephew as a disciple.

The old man followed the scent out of the room and saw the young couple busy in the kitchen. He couldn't help but swallow, wondering what delicious food they were making.

Finally, all the ingredients were ready, and Chen Qingyan went to call everyone over for the meal.

The weather was nice this year, so they set up the table directly in the yard.

The hotpot had been commissioned from a blacksmith during the New Year period. It resembled a modern copper pot, with a central compartment for charcoal and a surrounding ring for the broth for cooking the mutton.

The mutton came from a freshly slaughtered lamb. Wang Ying had specially placed it in the experimental field to chill for a while, allowing it to be sliced into thin, even pieces arranged neatly on a plate like delicate flowers.

In addition to the mutton slices, they also prepared shredded tofu, lotus root slices, wood ear mushrooms, and cured meat. Since beef trade was prohibited in ancient times, they couldn’t include tripe or other offal, which would have made the meal perfect.

A big platter of fresh greens was also laid out, filling the entire table and making the spread look really appetizing.

Liang Boqing had never seen such a way of eating before and didn’t know how to begin.

Wang Ying explained as he demonstrated, "The broth in the pot is boiling. Just dip the mutton in for a moment until it changes color, then dip it in the sauce and eat. Would you like to try it, sir?"

Liang Boqing picked up two slices of mutton, followed the method, cooked them briefly, and dipped them into the special sesame dipping sauce. As the meat touched his tongue, the old man savored it for a long time before clapping his hands and exclaiming, "A red stove simmering with fresh broth, a hundred aromas swirl, filling the yard with fragrance. A tangy spice adds joy—this earthly feast surpasses the immortal realms!"

Wang Ying was stunned. It was the first time he had truly understood the Foremost Scholar of Jiangnan. Who knew that after just one hotpot meal, the man could recite a poem right off the bat!

"What is this called?"

"Hot... hotpot."

"Then let’s call it 'Ode to the Hotpot.'"

Chen Qingyan and Chen Qingsong were equally amazed. Only Chen Qinghuai, who was busy eating beside them, was used to it. His teacher could even compose poems while using the restroom—this was nothing unusual.

The meal completely won over Liang Boqing. The trek across mountains and rivers he had taken was worth it just for this hotpot!

The following day, a formal apprenticeship ceremony was held. As a buy-one-get-one, Chen Qingsong also became his disciple.

It had to be said that although Old Master Liang was easygoing, he was truly knowledgeable. Whether it was the Four Books and Five Classics, historical records, or travelogues, he had basically read every notable book out there.

His insights were unique, and he always managed to provide Chen Qingyan with guidance whenever he was puzzled.

Chen Qingyan, like a sponge thirsting for water, absorbed knowledge eagerly. In just one month, he seemed reborn, his entire demeanor transformed.

Wang Ying couldn’t quite pinpoint what had changed, but he appeared more composed and mature in handling issues.

Liang Boqing had changed too—he had gained seven or eight pounds in a month. Life in the countryside was simply too comfortable. Every day, aside from teaching these three stubborn students, he would go fishing, admire flowers, and enjoy the scenery. There was no need to deal with social visits, and when he returned in the evening, Little Wang would prepare delicious meals for him.

He had no idea where this young man had learned such cooking skills, but every dish was unique and addictive. Hearing that Wang Ying was making *malatang* that night, he returned early, just waiting to dig in.

As soon as he entered the yard, Chen Qinghuai came over. "Master, my father has sent a letter!"

"Zheng He sent a letter? Quick, let me see!"

The letter was written by Chen Jing on the road. It was thick, six or seven pages long, full of gripes about the hardships of the journey. He mentioned encountering bandits on his way to his post, but fortunately, his escort had protected him.

Shanzhou was truly poor, with banditry rampant. The common people, struggling to make a living, turned to banditry, causing merchants to avoid the city and hindering economic development—a vicious cycle.

He wondered if he would ever be able to leave this remote, impoverished place in his lifetime.

Only at the end of the letter did he mention his son and nephew, hoping that Boqing would teach them as if they were his own children. If they misbehaved, he should not hesitate to give them a good slap.

After reading the letter, Liang Boqing stroked his beard and decided to use the topic of banditry to test his three students that evening.