Chapter 220

Chapter 220

After spending three days in Qingshui Town, the day of return came quickly.

“No need to pack more, we have everything in the prefecture. Just take good care of things at home,” Wang Ying waved his hand, stopping Dashun’s wife from loading more items onto the carriage.

“These are mountain-gathered wild vegetables from autumn. They’re hard to find elsewhere and don’t take up much space. Please take them, sir.”

“Alright, put them on then.”

“Yes!” The woman neatly arranged the bundles inside the carriage, her face breaking into a bright smile.

Wang Ying suddenly recalled the amusing incident when he first met her. Back then, due to poverty, even a few pieces of stewed chicken would make both adults and children crave it desperately. Now that life had improved, Dashun’s wife had become much more easygoing, no longer the same person she once was.

Just like when they arrived, their departure was marked by a line of carriages. Watching the old family residence grow increasingly distant, several of the older relatives couldn’t hold back their tears, their eyes reddening.

Chen Rong pulled at Li Shi’s arm and said, “Don’t look back. There’s nothing here worth lingering over. Think of the many friends and relatives waiting for us in the prefecture! Aren’t you missing your third son’s husband?”

Hearing this, Li Shi’s mood instantly improved. “You’re right. He didn’t come with us this time. I hope he doesn’t cause any trouble at home.”

Chen Rong laughed. “Don’t worry. Didn’t you remind your in-laws before leaving? They’ll surely keep an eye on him.”

“That’s hard to say.”

Fang Ling added, “I think your third son’s husband is quite decent, much better than the one in our family.”

Li Shi patted her hand and said, “You’ll get along better with time. Although the Bai family girl doesn’t speak much, she’s not ill-intentioned. Don’t judge her with prejudice.”

“You’re right, sister-in-law. Perhaps it’s because we haven’t spent enough time together.”

*

Midway through the journey, the group split into two. Qing Song, Qing Yun, and Lin Qiu were returning to the prefecture, while Wang Ying, Lin Sui, and Fourth Uncle’s family had to go to the capital to report for duty.

Originally, Wang Ying had intended to bring his mother-in-law back to the capital with him. However, Li Shi was worried about Qin Xiao’er and decided to wait until after the third son’s child was born before making any plans, so she returned to the prefecture with Qing Song.

The group said reluctant goodbyes, with Wang Ying and the others changing their route westward. As for Yuanbao’s county exam results, they would be sent to the capital once they were released. Regardless of whether he passed or not, the Prefectural Exam would have to wait a few more years, as major exams were too physically demanding.

On their way back to the capital, they passed through Changting County, where Old Liang’s son served as magistrate. This time, Chen Qingyan planned to bring his teacher along to the capital.

After three days of travel, they arrived in the county town. Liang Shuo had been the magistrate here for over a decade but had never been promoted.

Official careers in ancient times were brutally difficult. It was exceedingly difficult for local officials to climb the ranks—either you had connections at court or enough silver to bribe your way. Without either, you were stuck where you were.

If you were lucky, you might end your term peacefully; if not, and disaster struck, you could hardly avoid being implicated.

That said, it must be acknowledged that Changting County had developed well under Magistrate Liang’s governance, as could be seen even at the city gates.

The guards at the gate checked thoroughly, neither demanding bribes nor speaking harshly, and this attitude extended to ordinary civilians as well.

During the inspection, Chen Qingyan asked one of the guards for directions to the county office, and the group headed straight there by carriage.

Since they hadn’t given prior notice, Liang Shuo was taken aback when the guard came to inform him. “Who did you say is here?”

“Reporting to you, sir, the visitors claim to be Old Master’s students, surnamed Chen, named Chen Qingyan. They’ve come specifically to pay their respects.”

“Quick, escort them in!”

“Yes!” As the guard hurried to usher them in, Liang Shuo rushed to the back courtyard.

In the bedroom, Old Liang lay in bed, his body severely thin. Since catching a chill last year, his health had been declining day by day.

He had been bedridden since last month, but his thoughts always thought about his students and close friends. Little did he expect they would actually come!

“Father, father, wake up.”

Liang Boqing opened his eyes, his voice hoarse. “What time is it?”

“It’s already late morning.”

The old man reached out a bony hand and rubbed his forehead. “I’ve slept so long…”

“Father, the Chen family students are here.”

“Who?!”

“The Chen family students.”

Old Liang’s eyes brightened immediately. “Qing Yan and the others are here?!”

“Yes.”

“Help me up quickly! Fetch me some clean clothes!”

Liang Shuo took out new clothes from the trunk and helped his father change, then tied up his hair and tidied his unkempt beard, making him look much more spirited. He knew his father’s character—the old man had been proud and strong-willed all his life and would never want to appear weak in front of others, which was why he had come to inform him beforehand.

Once properly dressed, Liang Boqing said happily, “Where are they? Bring them in quickly!”

“Aye, I’ll go right away!” Liang Shuo hurried to the front hall and soon returned with a large group of people.

Although Wang Ying and the others had already heard from their senior brother that Old Liang was ill, they were still shocked by his gaunt appearance when they saw him in person, their eyes immediately filling with tears.

“You… why have you all come?!”

Chen Jing sat directly on the edge of his bed and said, “We missed you and came specifically to see you.”

“Why would you miss an old man like me who’s already with one foot in the grave?”

Chen Jing laughed softly. “Old brother, are you ill?”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine. I just caught a chill a few days ago, but I’m almost fully recovered.”

Liang Shuo stood to the side, wanting to speak but hesitating, but ultimately sighed and did not expose his father’s lie.

“Qing Yan, come here.”

To make conversation easier, Chen Qingyan pulled up a stool and sat beside him so the old man wouldn’t have to strain to look up.

“I heard it was you who broke the siege of Liangzhou?”

“It wasn’t as miraculous as the rumors say. I just provided some grain supplies. It was Border Marquis and the others who held their ground.”

Liang Boqing was no shrewd man—he had long deduced the intricacies of the situation. Back when they were at the estate, he had guessed that Wang Ying and Qing Yan had unusual secrets.

Growing vegetables in winter was one thing, but fresh peaches and fruits in that season? How could that be possible?

This resolution of the siege likely had something to do with that. He couldn’t help but offer a few words of caution.

“Emperors are unpredictable, especially as they age. Today, you may enjoy imperial favor; tomorrow, you may face fierce anger. You must choose your words carefully.”

Seeing the significant look in his teacher’s eyes, Chen Qingyan immediately understood what he meant—the matter of the experimental fields should not be revealed to the Emperor!

"I understand, Master. In truth, the credit for lifting the siege of Liangzhou this time goes to Wang Ying. Over the years, he has developed new wheat varieties in Shanzhou and promoted them across various counties, which has gradually increased the tax revenue of Shanzhou. That’s why we were able to supply grain to support Liangzhou."

Liang Boqing looked toward Wang Ying at the back, his expression softening considerably. "It’s been years since we last met. How is your farming manual coming along?"

Wang Ying replied, "I’ve already completed two volumes. The first volume was published in the capital with the Minister of Agriculture’s sponsorship, who facilitated its printing. The second volume was printed in Shanzhou and distributed through Qing Yan. The response has been quite positive."

Liang Boqing nodded with a smile. "You are a highly capable individual. It’s a shame the Wu dynasty doesn’t allow commoners to serve as officials—what a waste of talent. Otherwise, you would have surely achieved great things if you had joined the Ministry of Agriculture!"

With so many people crowded into the room, it became rather chaotic. Moreover, everyone was exhausted from days of travel. Liang Shuo led them away to arrange accommodations and prepare meals.

Only Chen Jing remained in the room. The two had been friends for over twenty years, having transitioned from spirited middle-aged men to frail elders. Looking back, their past seemed like fleeting clouds, and the obsessions they once held had long turned to dust with the passage of time.

Chen Jing asked, "Be honest with me—how serious is your illness?"

"What does 'serious' even mean? Everyone faces this sooner or later; it’s just a matter of timing."

From his response, Chen Jing knew his condition was critical. "Why not come back to the capital with us? I know a few doctors from the Imperial Medical Bureau. They could examine you…"

Liang Boqing cut him off. "Forget it. The journey would finish me off."

"You… you stubborn old man." Chen Jing was at a loss for words, his heart heavy at the sight of his friend confined to his sickbed.

"Enough about me. Your three-year term in Yanzhou is up. After your debrief in the capital, do you have any plans for where you’d like to go next?"

"Wherever the Ministry of Personnel posts me. I’m fifty-four now—how many more years do I have to be bounced around? As long as it’s not too far, I’m fine. I’ve given up hope of staying in the capital."

Liang Boqing burst into laughter, though it quickly turned into a coughing fit. Chen Jing hurriedly brought him a cup of warm water from the table.

"I’m serious. Come to the capital with us. There might still be a chance for treatment."

"If you had come before the New Year, I might have considered it. But now I can’t even get out of bed. I don’t want to be a burden."

Chen Jing tried to persuade him a few more times, but the old man was as stubborn as ever and would get angry if pushed too far. Reluctantly, Chen Jing dropped the subject.

After resting for a while, Liang Shuo arranged lunch. Perhaps because the people he cared about had all gathered today, Old Liang was in high spirits. Whereas he usually could only manage half a bowl of porridge per meal, today he even ate half a leavened pancake.

Wang Ying took the opportunity to bring out a jar of preserved vegetables and marinated meat from the test field—both dishes the old man loved—which he had prepared in advance.

"Mmm, this tastes just right—exactly how you make it! Others never quite get it right. Let me keep these two jars."

Wang Ying smiled. "If you enjoy them so much, come with us to the capital. I’ll make them for you every day."

"No, no. Why’s everyone bent on getting me to the capital? Who’s even there waiting for me?"

Wang Ying sighed inwardly; the stubborn old man hadn’t changed a bit.

After the meal, they chatted about Yuanbao’s studies. Upon learning that he had just taken the county-level exams, Old Liang happily took his hand and asked, "So, how did it go? Were the questions difficult?"

Yuanbao shook his head. "Most of the questions were from the books, so they weren’t too hard. But it was freezing during the exam—my hands and feet were frozen stiff."

"Hahahaha! You still need to build up your stamina. Don’t neglect the Six Arts while studying. A healthy body is what matters most!"

"I understand, Grandpa."

Chen Jing added, "A few years ago, when I was in Laizhou, I saw Mr. Lu. He was still in good shape, though his hearing had deteriorated badly. You had to yell to be heard, and after just a few sentences, my voice was hoarse."

"Who’s gonna outlast him? He’s always been carefree, and now that he’s deaf, it’s even better—no troubles can reach his ears!"

Chen Jing laughed so hard he slapped his thigh. "You and your mouth!"

After the meal, Liang Shuo and a servant carried Old Liang back to rest. Having expended much energy in the morning, he grew listless by the afternoon and lay in bed, sleeping fitfully.

Then, in the middle of the night, the old man suddenly developed a high fever and took a turn for the worse!

Terrified, Liang Shuo immediately sent for a physician and also dispatched someone to the inn to inform Chen Jing, Chen Qingyan, and the others.

Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan were awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door. Chen Qingyan lit a candle, got up, and opened the door. After a brief exchange with the messenger outside, he returned.

"What happened?"

Chen Qingyan’s voice trembled. "Just now, elder brother sent word… Master… Master he…"

Without a word, Wang Ying threw on his clothes and followed him out.

On the way, he took Chen Qingyan’s hand and said, "If there’s still hope for Master… we should take him to the capital."