Chapter 174 City Streets 74

Chapter 174: Prefectural City 74

As the attendant's voice faded outside the door, Yang Wancheng immediately called out, "Quickly, invite him in."

Moments later, the doors to the main hall swung open. Several servants escorted a middle-aged man, dressed in a sapphire-blue everyday robe and sporting a long beard, into the room.

The man exuded an air of officialdom; though his features were kind and gentle, his brow held a formidable dignity, a gravitas seemingly honed by years in public service.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Education Commissioner Yang Wancheng rose, a welcoming smile gracing his face. "You're here at last! We've been waiting. Please, take a seat."

His tone was familiar, and the two exchanged polite gestures over the main seat, ultimately leaving the central position vacant.

Since Yang Wancheng himself had risen to greet the guest, Qin Rongshi and Yang Su also promptly stood, bowing respectfully to the official.

The middle-aged man's gaze swept past Qin Rongshi, settling first on Yang Su, whom he praised, "So this is your son? Truly remarkably distinguished, bearing the dignified demeanor of Brother Yang."

This was a polite remark, as Yang Su actually resembled his mother more. Standing beside Yang Wancheng, one could hardly tell they were father and son. This was also why Qin Rongshi, despite having met Yang Wancheng before, had never guessed their relationship.

Education Commissioner Yang laughed heartily and modestly replied, "This boy has much to learn—please don’t flatter him."

The middle-aged man chuckled as well before finally turning to Qin Rongshi. With a slight gesture, he asked warmly, "Are you Qin Rongshi, last year’s County First in the imperial examination?"

Qin Rongshi nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, I am the student."

He had already begun to surmise the man’s identity. The fact that he addressed Education Commissioner Yang as "brother" and they deferred the main seat to each other suggested they were of equal status.

In Jiangning Prefecture, the only one who held a rank equivalent to the fourth-rank Education Commissioner was the Prefect of Jiangzhou.

The Prefect of this province was surnamed Shi, named Shi Tianqing—and indeed, the details matched.

Though Shi Tianqing did not explicitly state his identity, the two young men present understood implicitly and treated him with due respect.

Once Shi Tianqing and Yang Wancheng had taken their seats, Shi Tianqing waved a hand and said, "Please, everyone be seated. This is a private gathering—no need for formality."

"Education Commissioner Yang has often spoken of you, praising your keen intellect and potential. Seeing you today, you truly stand tall and elegant, with the demeanor of a gentleman."

Qin Rongshi promptly replied, "You flatter me, sir."

Shi Tianqing picked up his chopsticks, served himself a piece of steamed fish, carefully removed the bones, and continued, "I heard from Education Commissioner Yang that you submitted the dragon-scale epidemic prevention scroll? Were the ideas in it entirely your own? I found some insights rather unique and highly effective. As a scholar, how did you also gain knowledge of medicine?"

Qin Rongshi did not conceal the truth. Clasping his hands, he replied, "In response to your question, sir, the manuscript was not solely my work. I consulted Doctor Fang from Huichun Clinic, and my fiancé also contributed modestly."

A physician was not surprising, but a fiancé...

Shi Tianqing raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He asked curiously, "A fiancé? A Geer?"

He was astonished that Qin Rongshi, a County First scholar, would be engaged to a Geer, and even more surprised that a Geer could possess such remarkable insight.

Suddenly recalling something, Shi Tianqing asked in amazement, "If I remember correctly, County First Qin is from Fushui Town, Luo County. Since this person is your fiancé, they must also be from Fushui Town?"

Qin Rongshi nodded.

Shi Tianqing’s expression grew even more astonished. "Is Fushui Town truly such a land of exceptional people? To produce such extraordinary Geer one after another?!"

Education Commissioner Yang, baffled, asked blankly, "What does this mean?"

Shi Tianqing turned to Yang Wancheng and explained, "Commissioner Yang, having come from the capital, must be aware that Jiangzhou presented a fertilization technique that can double crop yields. This method was devised by a Geer surnamed Liu from Fushui Town, Luo County."

"Cough... cough cough..."

Before Yang Wancheng could react, Yang Su, seated beside him, choked and began coughing.

He had previously heard from Qin Rongshi that Doctor Fang and Boss Liu had contributed ideas to the epidemic prevention scroll, but hearing Qin Rongshi mention his "fiancé" still shocked him into wide-eyed disbelief.

Though stunned, he dared not speak, afraid of drawing his father and Prefect Shi’s attention. He could only shrink into his seat and gulp tea to mask his surprise.

But after just two sips, he suddenly heard Prefect Shi’s words—a Geer surnamed Liu?

Yang Su was shocked once more, choking on his tea and coughing repeatedly.

Yang Wancheng frowned, feeling his son had behaved discourteously in front of Prefect Shi, and couldn’t help but sternly glare at him.

"What’s the matter? Were my words so startling?" Shi Tianqing asked with a smile, his tone gentle and concerned.

Yang Su glanced furtively at Qin Rongshi before hurriedly apologizing to Shi Tianqing.

"I-I apologize for my rudeness, sir. I did not mean to offend."

He nearly stammered again, his tongue tangling, but he reminded himself that the man before him was the local magistrate of Jiangzhou, his father's equal in rank. He couldn’t afford to stammer nervously and embarrass his father.

Struggling to steady his tongue, Yang Su spoke slowly but managed to avoid stumbling. "I was merely surprised to hear that the Geer you mentioned is surnamed Liu."

Shi Tianqing found this odd. "Though the surname Liu is uncommon, it’s hardly surprising to this extent, is it?"

Yang Su was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond, and stole another glance at Qin Rongshi.

He wanted to say that Qin Rongshi’s "fiancé" was likely also surnamed Liu. While Liu was not a rare surname, the coincidence was remarkable.

But since Qin Rongshi remained silent, Yang Su couldn’t gauge his intentions and hesitated to speak out of turn.

Noticing Yang Su’s gaze, Qin Rongshi slightly turned and promptly intervened, "In response to your question, sir, my fellow student Yang is likely surprised because the Geer who presented the fertilization technique is surnamed Liu, as is my fiancé."

This revelation astonished both Shi Tianqing and Yang Wancheng.

Agriculture is the foundation of the world, with no duty greater.

The Dayong Dynasty placed great emphasis on farming. Though Yang Wancheng had served in the Hanlin Academy in the capital, he had heard of the fertilization technique submitted by Jiangzhou. A method that could double grain yields had instantly stirred the court, even pleasing the Emperor, and added a significant achievement to Prefect Shi’s record.

Now, both Yang Wancheng and Shi Tianqing were stunned.

Shi Tianqing, harboring suspicions, couldn’t help but ask, "Could it be that these two Liu Geer are actually..."

He looked at Qin Rongshi as he spoke.

Qin Rongshi nodded again, admitting, "They are not two individuals. The Geer who presented the fertilization technique is also my fiancé."

Though they had suspected as much, both officials were still taken aback.

After a long moment, Shi Tianqing laughed heartily. "Excellent, truly excellent! Such a remarkable individual indeed deserves a talented young man like County First Qin! The provincial examination is approaching—you must prepare well. Otherwise, even you may not be worthy of such an extraordinary person!"

Yang Wancheng added, "Prefect Shi is right. For this provincial examination, we're all eager to see your ranking."

Taking these words of encouragement, Qin Rongshi immediately stood up, cupped his hands respectfully to the two officials, and replied with calm confidence, "I won't let you down."

After the meal, Yang Wancheng and Shi Tianqing seemed to have further matters to discuss, so Qin Rongshi and Yang Su tactfully excused themselves.

Yang Su accompanied Qin Rongshi as he left. Qin Rongshi was carrying a heavy small wooden box—a reward from Shi Tianqing, containing a full hundred taels of silver ingots. They said his warning had helped prevent an epidemic during the heavy rains in Jiangzhou.

Of course, Qin Rongshi didn't turn it down. He accepted it gratefully before taking his leave.

Once they left the main hall and walked along the quiet path, Yang Su finally spoke.

"Qin, my friend, you... you and Boss Liu..."

Yang Su was still pondering Qin Rongshi’s mention of his "fiancé." He couldn’t understand how the two had suddenly become engaged—it was all so abrupt.

Qin Rongshi gave a slight smile at him and said, "It’s a family matter, not something we talk about much. I had originally planned to marry after the provincial exams, but I didn’t expect the exams to be postponed."

Though surprised, Yang Su quickly realized that the two were a perfect match—both talented and handsome.

He cupped his hands repeatedly in congratulations. "Then let me offer my early congratulations to both of you."

After leaving the educational commissioner’s residence, Qin Rongshi did not head home immediately, nor did he go to Liu Guyu’s eatery. Holding the small wooden box filled with silver ingots, he stood still for a moment, lost in thought, before heading toward the nearest silversmith.

"Hey, young master, you look unfamiliar. What would you like to buy?"

The silversmith assistant was tall and lean, young but quick-witted and articulate.

Qin Rongshi glanced around the shop—hairpins, bracelets, necklaces... they had everything.

Seeing the customer remain silent, the assistant eagerly approached again, bringing out several bracelets of different sizes and thicknesses, along with hairpins of various designs. "Are you buying for someone special, young master? We have a wide selection of silver accessories here. Feel free to look around and choose!"

"I wonder if the person is a young lady or a Xiao Geer (a young man)? For a young lady, you could choose something floral, or perhaps a hairpin with tassels and beads. If it’s for a Geer, we also have simpler styles. You’re welcome to take a look."

As he spoke, he brought out several more bracelets and hairpins, including a style similar to the silver bracelet Chen Sanxi had given to Banban.

Thinking of Liu Guyu, his expression softened on Qin Rongshi’s otherwise expressionless face, and his tone softened considerably.

"He’s a Geer."

"But he doesn’t like these hairpins or bracelets. I’d like to have something custom-made that isn’t available in your shop."

...

After visiting the silversmith, no one knew what Qin Rongshi had purchased. In the end, he emerged empty-handed, leaving the entire hundred taels of silver at the shop.

He did not mention the reward to his family, not even to Liu Guyu, intending to surprise him once the item was ready.

However, since Qin Rongshi had received the reward, Liu Guyu and Fang Liuyin were not left out. Each received a hundred taels, which were delivered the following day to Liu's Eatery and Huichun Clinic. Within a day, both the eatery and the clinic became famous throughout the district.

But to circle back, when the reward silver was delivered to Liu's Eatery, the shop was in the middle of some drama.

Yes, indeed—someone had come to the eatery to stir up trouble again.

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Author’s note: ① Excerpt from "Records of the Grand Historian."

Guess what Young Master Qin custom-ordered at the silversmith?