Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai slept for two full days before finally recovering. Waking up in their familiar bedroom, they felt a momentary disorientation, as if they had just been in the examination halls yesterday and were now back home.

After their meal, the two went to the study to recount their provincial examination experience and the exam questions to Old Liang, also inviting their second cousin to join the conversation.

Qing Song was not at home; the prefectural school had reopened, and he had returned to his classes.

In the study, Old Liang had already prepared ink and brushes, asking them to transcribe the provincial exam questions from memory, then explain their respective approaches to solving them.

Chen Qingyan remembered the questions most clearly, recalling nearly sixty questions from start to finish without missing a single word. His second cousin was utterly impressed, as he could only recall about twenty questions at most—the rest were simply beyond his memory.

Although Chen Qinghuai was not as strong as his elder brother, he managed to recall over fifty questions. Old Liang picked up the scratch paper, looked it over, stroked his beard thoughtfully, and frowned slightly.

"'Guide them by edicts, keep them in line with punishments, and the common people will stay out of trouble but will have no sense of shame. Guide them by virtue, keep them in line with the rites, and they will, besides having a sense of shame, reform themselves.' How did you answer this question?"

Chen Qingyan pondered slightly and said, "This passage is Confucius's discourse on the way of governance, elucidating the different effects of virtue and rites versus laws and punishments. Its main point is: If the people are driven by government decrees and restrained by punishments, they may avoid wrongdoing but will lack a sense of shame. If they are influenced by virtue and guided by rites, they will not only understand shame but also correct their behavior voluntarily."

"To elaborate, laws and punishments are external compulsions. Their effects, though swift, are superficial. The people fear punishment and thus dare not commit evil, but they do not understand the essence of good and evil, making it difficult for them to truly turn toward goodness. For example, Guan Zhong's methods, though they made the State of Qi prosperous and strong, were criticized by Confucius as limited in scope, relying solely on laws with little emphasis on moral education."

"Virtue and and rites, on the other hand, are internal cultivation. When a gentleman cultivates virtue within himself, the common people naturally emulate him. When the rites are clearly established, the people understand the principles of propriety. As Mencius said, 'He who rules through virtue and benevolence becomes a true king,' highlighting the effectiveness of moral influence in winning the people's hearts willingly."

"However, the two are not entirely opposed. In the governance of a sage, virtue and rites should be the foundation, with laws and punishments serving as supplements. The Book of Documents states, 'Illuminate the five punishments to assist the five teachings.' If one relies solely on virtue and rites, the stubborn among the people will be difficult to reform. If one depends entirely on laws and punishments, the people's hearts will become alienated."

"Thus, this passage in the Analects actually clarifies the essence of governance: the primary goal should be to transform the people through virtue and rites, enabling them to understand shame and reform themselves. The use of laws and punishments should only be employed as a last resort. The way of governing a state lies in correcting the root and purifying the source. When the people gradually improve without even realizing it, it is the effect of virtue and rites. When evil is punished and wrongdoing prohibited to serve as a warning to others, it is the achievement of laws and punishments. The two must be used in conjunction, but the fundamental and the supplementary must not be reversed. This is the profound meaning of Confucius's teaching."

Liang Boqing tapped his fingers on the table and said, "Well answered!"

This question was clearly a trap. Although the topic was about governance and Confucius advocated ruling through rites, it actually required the examinees to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of "virtue and rites" versus "laws and punishments" in governing a state. It tested the students' ability to analyze the question's deeper meaning. If one only interpreted the surface meaning of the passage, they would miss the deeper implications.

Chen Qingyan not only accurately analyzed the question but also wrote a well-reasoned response, which could almost serve as a model answer!

Chen Qinghuai also wrote well and understood the core concept of the question. Only Li Bingchen wiped the sweat from his brow and said with sudden realization, "So that's what it meant..." It was evident that he likely did not answer this question well.

The group spent the entire morning in the study. Liang Boqing went through most of the questions and, confirming that there were no major issues, said, "The provincial examination is over, and my guidance has reached its limit. The road ahead is long, and you must strive on your own. If either of you is fortunate enough to pass the examination, it will be a testament to my teaching. If you fail to pass, do not lose heart. Instead, devote yourselves to your studies at the prefectural school and sharpen your skills over the next three years."

"I am advancing in years, and the twilight years of my life are approaching. While I still have the strength, I wish to travel extensively through the mountains and rivers, and also journey to Shanzhou to visit an old friend and fulfill a long-standing promise."

When Chen Qinghuai heard that his teacher was leaving, tears instantly streamed down his face. "Won't you stay to see the results announced?"

Liang Boqing waved his hand with a smile. "No, I won't. You have all done your best. Whether you pass or not is up to fate. I will depart tomorrow. We will have the chance to meet again in the future, my master and disciples."

That evening, everyone learned that Old Liang was leaving. No one wanted him to go, especially Little Yuanbao. Despite his young age, he already understood what separation meant.

Holding Grandpa Liang's hand, he said, "Grandpa Liang, can you stay? Yuanbao doesn’t want you to leave."

Liang Boqing reached out, lifted Little Yuanbao onto his lap, and gently squeezed his small hand. "Grandpa Liang has other matters to attend to and cannot stay confined in this one place forever. Now that your father and uncle have both become accomplished, you must follow their example and study hard in the future, understand?"

Little Yuanbao nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "Yuanbao understands."

Wang Ying was also tearing up. Knowing they couldn’t convince the elder to stay, he focused on packing ample provisions and supplies for his journey while packing his luggage.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Stay a few more days, and I'll make you some jerky and some pastries for your journey.”

Old Liang was genuinely tempted by the food, but after thinking it over for a while, he shook his head. “Forget it, I'll have a chance to taste your cooking another time.”

The next day, Liang Boqing set out with Liang An and Chen Guang traveling light. Chen Guang had returned from Laizhou on the day the provincial exams ended and gave the cough remedy prescription to a courier to deliver to Laizhou. To be safe, he made a copy himself, planning to bring it with him on the trip to Shan Prefecture with Old Liang.

Wang Ying still stayed up all night to prepare a large package of spiced meat jerky for Old Liang, while Aunt Chen baked twenty flatbreads. As the weather grew cooler day by day, the food would stay fresh. In addition to the luggage, Wang Ying also packed a good amount of local specialties from Ji Prefecture and various medicinal herbs, loading up half the carriage with bundles of all sizes.

“Alright, alright, stop loading things into the carriage. Any more and there won't be room to sit.”

Wang Ying said, “I’m just worried you won’t be able to buy these things on the road.”

“Don’t worry. In my younger days, I traveled all over, carrying my pack and riding a mule. I never needed anything fancy.”

“That was when you were young. Now that you’re older, we shouldn't take chances.”

Liang Boqing didn't know what to say, watching as Wang Ying piled yet more items onto the carriage roof.

Once the carriage was loaded, Liang Boqing pulled Wang Ying aside for a word. “Though you’ve never spoken of your abilities, I’ve figured out a thing or two. Be careful in the future and avoid letting outsiders see.”

Wang Ying nodded. He had long known he couldn’t hide it from Old Liang.

“Qing Yan is almost certain to pass this provincial exam. Wait and see. If he becomes a juren, don’t forget to send me a letter.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t rush Yuan Bao’s basic education. He’s still young. Pushing him to study too early might make him hate learning. Take it slowly, and let Qing Yan lead by example. That boy will turn out fine.”

“Ah...” Wang Ying couldn’t hold back his tears and turned away to wipe his face. This old man, even as he was leaving, he was still worrying about their family.

Liang Boqing said nothing more. He boarded the carriage, waved goodbye to the Chen family, and said, “We’ll meet again.”

Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai walked with them all the way to the street corner before turning back. The joy of the provincial exams ending was dampened by Old Liang’s departure, and both were feeling down. Qing Song still didn’t know the teacher had left; when he returned, the boy would surely have a good cry.

The two cousins from the Li family were also preparing to return home. With the results still a long way off, they couldn’t stay in the prefectural city indefinitely. Especially the eldest cousin, who had government duties and feared that staying away too long might look bad for him.

Wang Ying and Li Shi prepared half a carriage’s worth of goods for the two cousins, all bought in advance and stored in the warehouse.

Li Shi told her nephews to be careful on the road and to send a letter as soon as they arrived home.

The courtyard that had been so lively suddenly felt quiet and empty.

In the afternoon, Liu Changyi came over. He had slept solidly for three days before finally waking up. Madam Qin had been afraid her son wouldn't wake up and had called physicians multiple times, but fortunately, nothing was wrong.

The provincial exams had been a tremendous ordeal for him. Over nine days, he lost seven pounds, lost his baby fat, and his cheeks became more defined, making him look more grown-up.

“Qing Huai, Elder Brother, how did you do on the exams?”

Chen Qingyan said, “I wouldn’t say it’s a sure thing, but I performed to the best of my ability.”

“With you saying that, it’s settled!” Brother Qing Yan was never one to boast. If he said so, he must have given it his all.

Qing Huai said, “I answered two questions a bit differently from Elder Brother. I’m not sure if they’ll be accepted.”

“It’s fine. If you don’t pass this time, there’s always the next. I doubt I’ll make it, so I’ll wait and take the exams again with Younger Brother Song next time.”

Chen Qinghuai laughed drily: "You're quite optimistic. I don’t want to go through that torment again. You have no idea how I survived those nine days."

"How wouldn’t I know? I barely slept for nine days straight, woken up after at most four hours of rest each night because of the snoring next door. By the seventh day, I was so exhausted I dozed off right at my desk. The examiner had to wake me, or my drool would’ve soaked the examination paper."

Recalling those memories, Liu Changyi said with vivid clarity, "Well, let’s just hope we pass this time, even if we barely pass. By the way, where’s Uncle Liang?"

Chen Qingyan paused, "He left this morning, said he wanted to travel the landscapes."

"Ah, all good things must come to an end. Uncle Liang isn’t the type to stay in one place forever. I’m sure we’ll meet again someday."

Qing Huai added, "Though that may be, without him around, I feel a bit lost. Anyway, let’s not dwell on it..."

Liu Changyi glanced around, "Where’s Qingyun?"

"Knew you weren’t here just for the two of us."

Liu Changyi grinned, "My mother bought some honey melons from the Hu people recently. I tried one yesterday—it was delicious. She asked me to bring a couple for you all to taste."

Honey melons, an early variety of Hami melon, had low moisture content, making them durable enough to transport from the Western Regions, though they were quite expensive. Rumor had it a palm-sized melon could cost three or four strings of copper coins.

"Wait in the parlor. I’ll go get Qingyun and the others."

Soon, Qingyun arrived with Yuanbao. She wore a soft green cross-collared dress with a light silk overdress, her hair adorned with a slanting hairpin whose pendants swayed, looking exceptionally graceful.

Liu Changyi’s eyes lit up, and he quickly stood to greet her. Chen Qingyun smiled and returned the greeting.

Though ancient customs emphasized strict boundaries between men and women, the two were soon to be married, so they didn't need to stand on such ceremony. Besides, Liu Changyi’s character and family reputation were beyond reproach, so there was no worry about impropriety.

The young ones chatted endlessly, especially Liu Changyi, who admired Qingyun and tried every way to amuse her. Chen Qingyan watched, gritting his teeth with a feeling akin to seeing a prized cabbage being nibbled by a pig.

Deciding it was better not to watch, he took Yuanbao’s hand and picked up a melon. "I’ll cut a piece of honey melon for your sister-in-law and the others to try."

Father and son strolled to the shop, where they happened to run into Marquis Wuping and Qing Er.

Though Chen Qingyan had heard about him from Wang Ying, he was still startled by the man’s appearance and stature. Even in plain clothes, he couldn't conceal the bearing of a military general.

Li Mu had also heard of Chen Qingyan. The two exchanged brief greetings, and Chen Qingyan cut the honey melon to share with everyone.

Qing Er and Yuanbao had gotten quite familiar. The two children, close in age, played together happily. Li Mu watched his daughter with a smile, then his gaze drifted to Lin Sui. His breath caught, and an inexpressible pang filled his heart.

To think she had endured such hardships...

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Author’s Note: Another chapter will be posted later.