Chapter 126

Chapter 126

They had intended to visit Mr. Lu's family during the New Year, but their late return, coupled with their hasty departure for the county town right after the festivities, meant they never found the opportunity.

Now back in the prefectural capital, it was only proper to pay their respects and, while there, inquire about Mr. Lu's disciple, Liu Changyi's experiences with the Prefectural and Provincial Exams.

The three arrived on a rest day, finding Mr. Lu at home.

Upon the gatekeeper's announcement, the old man immediately rose, exclaiming, "Quickly, let them in!"

Soon after, the trio entered the main hall, carrying modest gifts. The items were not particularly valuable, and Mr. Lu, dispensing with formalities, grasped Chen Qingyan's arm and asked, "Why isn't your master with you?"

"Master has gone to Changting County to stay with his son for a few days. He should be back before the Prefectural Exam."

"Oh, I recall now—Liang Shuo is the magistrate of Changting, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"Come in, come in. How did you fare in the county exam?"

Chen Qingyan replied, "We did not disappoint; all three of us passed."

Chen Qingsong added, "And Big Brother was even the county's top scholar!"

"Excellent! I always said Boqing has keen judgment. Prepare diligently for the Prefectural Exam. Once both the Prefectural and Provincial Exams are concluded, you can enroll in the prefectural academy."

"That's precisely our intention. We also hoped to visit Brother Changyi and seek his advice on the Prefectural Exam. Is he at home?"

"He's certainly home. That boy never ventures out on his days off. His father was just complaining to me a few days ago, saying his son has become so engrossed in his studies that he neglects all social interaction. It's perfect timing for you to visit him—it might ease his father's worries."

"Alright."

After bidding farewell to Mr. Lu, the three proceeded directly to the Liu residence. Having visited the prefectural capital twice before with Liu Changyi, they remembered the way.

The Liu family home was situated on Zhengtong Street in the northern part of the city. Though Liu Changyi's father held only a ceremonial seventh-rank position in the local yamen, residing on this street signified that the family was far from ordinary.

It was said that Liu Changyi had an uncle who was a favored confidant of the current emperor, serving as a second-rank Minister of Personnel and a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet. Consequently, the Liu family's standing had risen significantly, making them a highly reputable household in Jizhou Prefecture.

However, Liu Changyi's parents were not arrogant or aloof. Father Liu was a man of few words but gentle disposition, while Mrs. Liu, though spirited, was exceptionally warm and hospitable.

Every visit felt like a family gathering. Mrs. Liu never treated them as outsiders, preparing an abundance of food and even packing a basket of snacks for them to take home.

On their way, Chen Qingsong swallowed, reminiscing, "I still remember how delicious Mrs. Liu's crystal pork shank was."

Chen Qinghuai playfully flicked his forehead. "Don't say that when we get there; you'll be laughed at."

Chen Qingsong stuck out his tongue. "I wouldn't dare; I'm just telling you two."

Upon reaching the Liu residence, Chen Qingyan stepped forward and knocked. Shortly after, a young gatekeeper opened the side door. Seeing the three, he paused in surprise. "You must be the three young masters of the Chen family, right?"

"Yes, you remember us."

"Of course, of course! Our young master often speaks of you. Young masters, please wait a moment; I'll go inside and announce your arrival."

Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from within the courtyard. "Qingyan! Qinghuai! Qingsong!"

The main gate swung open, and Liu Changyi, clad in a light indoor robe, rushed out.

The group embraced joyfully. "It's been over half a year since we last met. How have you been, Brother Changyi?"

"I've been well! Come inside, quickly! My mother just fried some sweet glutinous rice balls—they're best eaten hot and sweet!"

The four entered the house together. Mrs. Liu, carrying a tray, paused in surprise upon seeing Chen Qingyan and the others, then her face brightened with a smile. "I remember you! Changyi brought you here last year."

The three bowed respectfully in greeting.

Mrs. Liu waved her hand. "No need for such formalities. Sit down quickly and try these sweet glutinous rice balls I fried—see if they're any good."

After washing their hands, the three sat down and picked up a few with their chopsticks to taste.

"Be careful—the sugar inside is hot. Don't burn your tongues. There's honeysuckle tea on the table to help cleanse the palate."

Chen Qingsong, who had a sweet tooth, ate one and praised, "Mmm, Auntie, these are delicious! The outside is crispy, the inside is soft and glutinous, and the sugar is just right—any more would be too sweet, any less would be bland."

Mrs. Liu chuckled with delight. "If you like them, eat more! There's plenty in the kitchen!"

After a brief chat, Mrs. Liu returned to the kitchen, and everyone relaxed.

Liu Changyi asked, "When did you return?"

"We only made it back on the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month."

"Then why did it take you so long to come see me?"

Chen Qinghuai explained, "Don't be upset, Brother Changyi. We returned in a hurry, and right after the New Year, we began packing to go back to our ancestral home for the county exam. After the exam, we performed ancestral worship ceremonies and only returned to the prefectural capital a couple of days ago."

"Oh, no wonder. Did all three of you pass the county exam?"

The three nodded in unison.

"Let me guess who was the top scholar." Liu Changyi's gaze swept between Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai before he finally declared, "It must have been Brother Qingyan."

"Wow, Brother Changyi, you guessed perfectly!" Chen Qingsong exclaimed, licking sugar from his fingers.

"Back at the prefectural academy, our teacher once said that Brother Qingyan's essays are more practical, while Brother Qinghuai's are more refined. I heard this year's county exam policy question was about river management strategies, so I knew Brother Qingyan would have the advantage."

"What about me? What did Mr. Lu say about me?"

"The teacher said your handwriting is beautiful—even better than mine."

Chen Qingsong scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. He did, in fact, think his handwriting was quite good.

Chen Qingyan said, "The Prefectural Exam is approaching, and none of us have much experience, so we came specifically to seek your advice."

"The Prefectural Exam is similar to the county exam, but you need to find a guarantor scholar in advance. That's not too difficult; you can just ask a few people at the prefectural academy to help. It's already mid-March, so you should hurry and register before applications close at the end of the month."

Chen Qingyan said, "This year, Brother Qinghuai and I will take the Prefectural Exam. Brother Qingsong is still young—he can wait a bit longer."

Liu Changyi patted his chest. "Don't worry about finding a guarantor; I'll help you with that. After the Prefectural Exam, we can all study together at the academy."

"Thank you, Brother Changyi."

"Hey, no need for such formality. Where are you staying now? I'll come find you on my next rest day so we can study together."

Chen Qingyan wasn't entirely sure of their address—they had stayed there for such a short time that he hadn't even asked the name of the alley. He could only give the name of their family business.

"On Zhengyang Street—Wang's Vegetable Shop, which my husband operates. If you inquire there, he'll tell you which alley we live in."

"Wang's Vegetable Shop?" Liu Changyi exclaimed in surprise.

"What's wrong?"

"I've heard my mother mention several times that this produce shop suddenly closed, and she couldn't buy fresh vegetables after New Year's. I thought it had shut down for good—I never expected it was your family’s shop!"

"We all went back to our hometown, so we closed the shop. Now that we’re back, it should reopen soon. If your mother has any favorite vegetables, feel free to come and pick some out."

"I’ll be sure to tell my mother then."

After discussing the county exam, they moved on to talking about Yangzhou. Liu Changyi had never traveled far—the farthest he’d been was to the capital for his older sisters’ weddings—so he was especially fascinated by the Jiangnan region.

Chen Qinghuai then described the scenery of Jiangnan in detail, along with the experiences the three of them had during their journey.

Liu Changyi listened, shaking his head in wonder from time to time. "If only I could have gone with you!"

But his parents would never have agreed—such a long journey, taking over half a year, with risks along the way that could have endangered their lives. So, deep down, he greatly admired the three Chen brothers.

After hearing Chen Qinghuai’s account, Liu Changyi shared stories of what had happened at the prefectural academy over the past six months.

"Do you all remember that poetry gathering?"

The three nodded—it was their first time attending such a large-scale poetry event, and the memory was still fresh.

"After the poetry gathering, the poems you wrote circulated widely, and many people eagerly sought them out. You became quite renowned at the prefectural academy for a time! Especially that poem you wrote, 'Untitled'—it almost became a courtship poem among students."

Chen Qingyan’s cheeks grew hot. He hadn't even shown that poem to Wang Ying, afraid that Wang Ying would laugh at him.

"And then there’s Fang Wenke. After returning, he kept telling others that he didn’t believe you wrote those poems yourselves—he insisted Old Liang must have guided you and prepared them in advance."

Liu Changyi had argued with him about it several times in private. Although Fang Wenke outwardly agreed not to spread rumors out of deference to Liu Changyi’s status, he continued to disparage the Chen brothers behind their backs. After that, Liu Changyi largely stopped associating with Fang Wenke and his circle.

Liu Changyi had always been somewhat introverted and rarely opened up to others. It was only through Mr. Lu that he became close with the Chen brothers and became good friends.

After they left, Liu Changyi never brought anyone else home. His father, worried that his son was too isolated and had no friends, eventually went to Mr. Lu to express his concerns.

As noon approached, Mrs. Liu warmly invited them to stay for lunch. Unable to refuse her hospitality, they accepted. Coincidentally, Liu Changyi’s father got off duty and joined them for the meal.

Lord Liu was a gentle man, speaking softly and kindly, making everyone feel at ease. He inquired about the three young men’s situations and, upon learning they had completed the county exam and were preparing for the prefectural exam, offered them thorough guidance like a family elder.

When it was time to leave, Mrs. Liu gave them some food to take home. Knowing that Chen Qingyan was married and had a two-year-old son, she said, "Next time you come, bring your little one along to play."

"My son is quite a handful—I’m afraid he might cause trouble for you."

"Children are supposed to be mischievous—that’s what makes them so endearing. Remember to bring him next time!"

Mrs. Liu adored children, but her son’s marriage prospects had hit some snags, and she still hadn't been able to hold a grandchild.

Liu Changyi was the same age as Chen Qinghuai, eighteen already. In ancient times, men of that age were usually engaged, and those who married early had already become fathers.

Liu Changyi had originally been engaged to the daughter of the former prefect of Ji Prefecture, who was three years younger than him. The two families had planned to make the engagement official the previous autumn and hold the wedding that spring.

But plans changed. Because of the floods, the prefect was demoted and transferred to Liuzhou, taking his entire family with him.

The Liu family thought the demotion wasn't that important—since the engagement was set, there was no reason to break it off. They planned to proceed with the marriage once the family had settled down.

Unexpectedly, on the journey south, the young woman contracted an illness and died.

When Mrs. Liu received the news, she shed tears in private, grieving for the girl who had died so young. She couldn’t help thinking that if they had insisted on keeping her there, the two would already be married.

Liu Changyi had two older sisters, both married and living in the capital. They rarely returned home, and Mrs. Liu hardly ever got to see her grandchildren, so she could only find joy in other people’s children.

After the guests had left, Lord Liu remarked, "Those three young men really struck me favorably. They carry themselves with poise—they don’t seem like they’re from the countryside."

Liu Changyi sighed, "That’s because their teacher is Liang Liufang. Of course, they wouldn’t be like ordinary people!"

His father shook his head. "Knowledge can be taught, but good breeding can't be taught. Their family must have strong values to raise such well-mannered children. I wonder if they have any daughters around his age—it might make for a good match..."