Chapter 168 City Streets 68

Chapter 168: Urban Affairs of the Prefectural City 68

The moment he knocked, a page boy swiftly came to open the door. Upon seeing Yang Su, he paused, then stammered after a long moment:

"S-Second Young Master? Why have you returned?"

What a question—as if one needed a reason to come home.

Yang Su seemed embarrassed, scratching his head awkwardly and stealing a glance at Qin Rongshi beside him. Seeing Qin Rongshi's composed expression, he finally calmed down.

He said, "Is my father at home? I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."

The page boy froze for a moment, then nodded blankly, repeating, "Oh, oh, yes, he’s home, he’s home. Please come in quickly—it’s still raining."

He quickly stepped aside, inviting Yang Su and Qin Rongshi in, then followed with quick, small steps.

Yang Su glanced back and waved his hand. "No need to follow. I know the way. My father should be in his study now, right?"

The page boy stopped in his tracks, nodding awkwardly.

Seeing this, Yang Su personally led Qin Rongshi around a winding covered walkway, through a garden, and deeper into the residence.

The Education Commissioner’s residence was elegantly arranged throughout, with many rockeries and bamboos. Behind the rockery in the garden stood a flourishing flowering tree, its branches lush, leaves dense and verdant, already blooming with clusters of bright orange-yellow flowers. Further ahead was a moon gate, with vibrant green plantain trees planted before it. Above the gate hung clusters of pink-flowered Rangoon creeper, their vines and leaves washed gleaming green by the rain.

Yang Su walked ahead, occasionally glancing back at Qin Rongshi. Seeing no particular expression on his face—as if he wasn’t the least bit surprised by Yang Su’s identity—Yang Su grew somewhat impatient. Scratching his head, he spoke first: "My father is strict in raising his children, so… I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you, Qin."

In truth, Yang Su had an older brother. The eldest young master of the Yang family was reckless and arrogant, deliberately opposing his father at every turn. The stricter their father became, the more rebellious he grew. A few years ago, he fell for a tea-picking girl and even abandoned his status as an official’s son to elope with her.

With such a precedent, Education Commissioner Yang became even stricter with his second son, fearing he might follow in his elder brother’s footsteps.

But the father’s harsh and domineering manner only made Yang Su more timid, even leaving him with a stutter.

However, these were family matters—private affairs not to be shared with outsiders, let’s alone disclosed to Qin Rongshi. Family shames should not be publicized.

Qin Rongshi wasn’t interested in others’ family affairs and quietly followed behind without a word.

Yang Su had already led Qin Rongshi to the study door. Staring at the tightly shut door, he took a deep breath, as though mentally preparing himself—as if it weren’t his father inside but some ferocious beast.

After steadying himself, Yang Su raised his hand and knocked.

Soon, footsteps sounded from inside, approaching the door. An attendant inside could be heard scolding quietly:

"How many times must we say it? The master doesn’t like to be disturbed while reading. Unless it’s urgent, don’t come. This time, what is it…"

The attendant inside spoke while opening the door. Only when the door opened did he see Yang Su standing there. He froze again, the reproachful expression on his face instantly replaced with panic.

"S-Second Young Master? When did you return? Are you here to see the master? Should I announce you at once?"

Yang Su cleared his throat and nodded. "I’ve come with my classmate. There is indeed an important matter I need to discuss with my father."

The attendant bowed to Yang Su, then hurried back inside. He seemed to say a few words to Yang Wancheng inside before quickly returning and bowing to Yang Su. "Second Young Master, the master invites you and this gentleman inside."

Yang Su nodded, took another deep breath, then turned to Qin Rongshi and nodded at him.

The two entered the room and saw Education Commissioner Yang Wancheng seated behind a pearwood desk, dressed casually for home, wearing a black headscarf and holding a book.

Hearing their footsteps, Yang Wancheng set down the book and looked up. His beard was thick and dark, his face spirited, and his eyes sharp—clearly well-maintained.

He glanced at Yang Su first, his eyes sweeping over him indifferently, causing Yang Su to shiver and shrink like a quail. Yang Su extended his arm forward in salute and spoke timidly.

"Father."

Yang Wancheng frowned, as if about to scold him, but restrained himself when he noticed Qin Rongshi out of the corner of his eye.

"County First Qin?"

Having met at the Double Ninth Poetry Gathering, Yang Wancheng actually remembered Qin Rongshi and called out to him directly.

Qin Rongshi also raised his arm, bowed, and spoke clearly.

"Your student pays respects to the Education Commissioner."

Yang Wancheng motioned for him to rise and asked, "Was it you who requested to see me?"

Qin Rongshi did not rise but leaned forward even lower. He took out the dragon scale scroll from his sleeve and spoke clearly, word by word: "It is impudent of me to visit unannounced. But I have written a scroll, and after much deliberation, I truly did not know whom to present it to. I could only bring it before you, sir."

Yang Su quickly understood his meaning and immediately took the dragon scale scroll from Qin Rongshi’s hands. He walked to Yang Wancheng’s desk, placed the scroll on it, and carefully unrolled it.

Yang Wancheng shot his son a glance, frightening Yang Su into trembling again, followed by a sharp glare.

He seemed to want to say something but, still mindful of Qin Rongshi’s presence, ultimately only sighed and lowered his head to read.

Truly father and son—one seated, one standing, both now looking gravely at the scroll, appearing quite alike. Yang Wancheng’s brows gradually furrowed, his finger tapping on the curled edge of the paper.

Under normal circumstances, he would have praised the excellent calligraphy, but after reading the content, he had no mind for compliments, reading with utmost seriousness and concentration.

Yang Wancheng took a deep breath, no longer concerned with his disappointing son, his expression turning stern and earnest.

He tapped the desk with his knuckle and asked, "You’ve considered much, but these are matters for officials in position to worry about."

This sounded as though he were implying Qin Rongshi had overstepped, causing Yang Su to frown anxiously. Still, he couldn’t help but speak up softly.

"Fa-father…"

Yang Wancheng glanced at him expressionlessly, and Yang Su immediately shrank back like a quail, not daring to say another word.

Qin Rongshi was not anxious but responded with neither humility nor arrogance: "The sound of wind, rain, and reading—each sound enters the ear; matters of family, state, and world—each matter concerns the heart. I am merely practicing what I have learned from books."

Yang Wancheng stared at him for a moment longer, making Yang Su, who was shrinking behind, break out in a sweat.

He sighed, first shooting a glare at Yang Su, then waving his hand and saying sternly, "Since you've rarely returned, go see your grandmother first."

It seemed he found Yang Su embarrassing and wanted to quickly remove him from his sight—out of sight, out of mind.

Yang Su didn’t overthink it. Hearing this, he seemed to come back to life, bowing and saying, "Yes! I shall take my leave now!"

Off he slipped, making a quick escape.

Yang Su fled without pause, making Yang Wancheng sigh again.

But soon, he turned his attention back to the dragon scale scroll Qin Rongshi had presented, reading it word by word from the beginning.

After finishing, he asked, "As a scholar, you’ve also studied these matters?"

Qin Rongshi did not claim credit but answered modestly, "What is written in the scroll was discussed between my family members and a physician from our neighborhood."

Yang Wancheng nodded, carefully rolled up the dragon scale scroll, and placed it on his desk. "I am aware of the matters you’ve brought to my attention. However, as the Education Commissioner, these affairs fall outside my duties. But tomorrow, I will visit the Prefect and discuss this with him."

Qin Rongshi breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Yang Wancheng’s expression, he knew he'd taken the matter seriously, which put him even more at ease.

The Education Commissioner accepted the dragon-scale scroll and asked Qin Rongshi a few more questions about his studies. Qin Rongshi remained neither arrogant nor impatient, calm and collected, answering each question fluently. Soon enough, Yang Wancheng stroked his black beard, looking quite satisfied.

After conversing for a while, Yang Wancheng was growing more pleased and fond of this young man. Though he was stern and rigid by nature, he valued talent and felt drawn to scholars who excelled in their studies.

"Not bad. I heard Xiangshan Academy also ended its agricultural break early due to the heavy rain. You should continue to work hard during your leisure time at home. The autumn imperial examinations are this year—with your level of learning, you should take them and achieve a good ranking."

"My main study room has many books for the imperial examinations. I'll have Ah Su take you to have a look. If any catch your eye, you can borrow them."

This was also an an opportunity to let his underachieving son spend more time with this talented young man—perhaps he could learn a thing or two.

Borrowing books from the Education Commissioner’s personal collection was not an opportunity just anyone could have. Qin Rongshi discreetly observed Yang Wancheng’s expression and, sensing his sincerity, humbly expressed his thanks.

Soon after, Qin Rongshi was shown out by a servant. Only after leaving the small study did he see Yang Su crouching not far from the doorway, playing with small green stones on the ground.

"You're out?"

Seeing Qin Rongshi, Yang Su immediately stood up and, afraid Yang Wancheng inside might hear, asked in a hushed voice.

Qin Rongshi nodded.

Yang Su asked again, "Did it work out?"

Qin Rongshi continued nodding.

Yang Su patted his chest, relieved.

The servant waited until the two young masters had finished speaking before bowing his head and saying, "Second Young Master, the master asks you to take Young Master Qin to the main study to look around. If there are any useful books, you may lend them to Young Master Qin to take and read."

Yang Su raised an eyebrow but didn't speak immediately. Instead, he nodded to the servant and said, "I understand. You may go attend to my father. I will personally host Young Master Qin."

The servant nodded and withdrew.

Only then did Yang Su take Qin Rongshi to look around the main study. As they walked, he said, "The small study is where my father handles official business. Others aren't allowed to come and go as they please. But the main study is for storing books, and the rules aren't as strict."

"My father loves books. If he's willing to lend them out, he must think very highly of you."

The two chatted as they went to the main study. The study was indeed large, with several bookshelves lined up, all filled with books. The shelves were spotless, and though there were many books, there was no musty odor—likely because the servants regularly cleaned and aired them.

Admittedly, the library at the academy held even more books, but given Yang Wancheng’s status, his study also contained many rare volumes. Qin Rongshi only looked for books useful for the imperial examinations. He picked out two he hadn't read before and began skimming through them, noticing annotations and commentaries inside. The handwriting was sharp, and the insights were profound.

Seeing Qin Rongshi reading the annotations, Yang Su scratched his head and said, "Those are all my father’s notes. He has a habit of annotating books he reads."

Qin Rongshi nodded, then asked, "Might I borrow these two books?"

Yang Su continued scratching his head. "Since my father asked me to bring you here, I suppose you can borrow any book here. But are you only taking two? Do you want to look around some more?"

Qin Rongshi shook his head, clasped his hands toward Yang Su in thanks, and said, "Two books are already more than enough."

After looking around the study, he added, "It's getting late. My family is still worried about this matter, so I should go back and tell them. This time, I owe much thanks to Yang for helping me. Would you like to come to my home for a meal? It would allow me to express my gratitude."

Expressing thanks was one thing, but Qin Rongshi also had some idea of the Education Commissioner’s intentions, which was why he took the initiative to invite Yang Su.

Yang Su didn't like meeting strangers, but he remembered Qin Rongshi was an excellent cook. After hesitating for a long time, he finally nodded shyly.

"Then I'll happily accept your invitation."

Though they had already arranged to eat, as they stepped out and were nearly at the gate, the servant who attended the Education Commissioner came hurrying over and called Yang Su back, saying Yang Wancheng wanted to see him.

Yang Su made a face, looking as though the sky had fallen. He could only say to Qin Rongshi with a pained expression, "I guess we'll have to make it another time."

Qin Rongshi had no choice but to nod and bid him farewell with a cupped-hand salute.

One left the Education Commissioner’s residence, while the other walked back dejectedly to face a scolding.

Just three to five days after this, notices were posted throughout the streets and alleys of Jiangning Prefecture, all teaching the people how to prevent and control disease. Worried that the people might be illiterate, officials in blue uniforms stood beside the notices and read them aloud.

Crowds of gathered residents began discussing among themselves—some frightened, some puzzled, some calm...

"What does this notice mean? Is an epidemic spreading?"

"Nonsense! Don't scare people! The officials are worried that disease might break out after the rain, so they're teaching us to prevent it in advance!"

"Ah, this year’s rain has indeed been unusually heavy! Our prefecture is lucky to have many drainage channels. I heard that in other places, the water on the streets rose above their ankles, and people didn't dare go out!"

"The weather really is strange, and it's right to take precautions! Listen, the notice also says to fumigate our houses regularly. I know this medicine—many medical clinics sell it! I'll go buy some later!"

"Our city is still alright, but what about the towns and villages further out? They're far away and hard to oversee. If people there get sick and come into the city to spread it to us, all our precautions will be useless!"

"Hey! No need to worry about that! I'm from Yangzhuang Village! The Village Head gathered everyone yesterday and read the notice several times. Every day, he sends people to inspect the village! A few days ago, many families had their chickens die, and no one knew how to handle it. Now the notice explains everything clearly!"

"That's good, that's good..."

"Ah, when it comes down to it, it's all because of this rain! Heaven help us—if this rain continues, things will really fall apart!"

...

In Guozixiang, someone knocked on the Qin family’s courtyard gate. Since it had just rained, everyone was home, all present.

Cui Lanfang went to open the door, with Qin Banban following behind.

Upon opening the door, they saw it was their new neighbor. The woman looked to be about the same age as Fang Liuyin, without makeup and simply dressed, appearing amiable.

She smiled upon seeing Cui Lanfang and soon noticed Qin Banban behind her, her smile deepening.

The woman lifted the copper brazier in her hand and asked, "Ah, how fortunate! Young Doctor Qin is here too! I went to Huichun Clinic today to buy fumigant. The place was so crowded I forgot to ask how to use it! How much medicine should I use for one fumigation? And how much lime powder?"

"I just went to knock on Doctor Fang’s door, but I suppose she’s still at the clinic—no one answered. Luckily, Young Doctor Qin is here!"

Banban now loved it when people called her Young Doctor Qin. Her spirits lifted, and her eyes sparkled.

She hurriedly said, "It's simple. I'll teach you. My family is about to fumigate too!"

With that, she ran back inside to fetch her family’s brazier and medicine, then personally demonstrated to the new neighbor how to prepare the medicine.

The woman said gratefully, "Oh, I understand now, I really do! Thank you so much, Young Doctor Qin. You've truly learned well from Doctor Fang—you'll probably be ready to start your own practice soon!"

Qin Banban shyly tucked her hair and smiled. "I still have much to learn!"

"This is how you prepare the medicine, sister. Take it back quickly to fumigate your home. Do it every day from now on—it's good to take extra precautions. Even without illness or epidemics, it also keeps mosquitoes and insects away. There are always more after the rain."

The woman nodded repeatedly, then complained about this year’s weather: "Absolutely! It's almost the Dragon Boat Festival, and the rain still hasn't stopped. There are so many mosquitoes after the rain! I heard those officials say malaria is caused by mosquitoes! How scary!"

Qin Banban nodded and comforted her, "Sister, you don't need to worry too much. If you're careful and take precautions, you'll be just fine."

The woman nodded again and said, "True, our area is still alright. Didn't it rain heavily again a few days ago? I heard there was a big flood in Lanzhou—it broke through the river embankments and killed many people!"

"Oh, how awful— Ah!!!"

Before the woman could finish, she saw Qin Banban’s face suddenly turn pale. Startled, Banban dropped the handheld brazier, which was still burning with herbs and lime. It overturned completely, sending sparks flying and frightening the woman into backing away quickly.

But Qin Banban didn't notice any of that. In a panic, she asked, "What place? Lanzhou?!"