Chapter 182 City Streets 82

Chapter 182: City Life in the Prefecture 82

The group quickly settled into Scholar's Alley. As their stay was a short-term rental solely for the examination period, there was no need to cultivate close ties with neighbors. Moreover, most residents were fellow scholars engrossed in their studies, all preparing for the Spring Examination and planning to return home afterward.

Regarding the two households the housing agent mentioned who took in laundry, Liu Guyu and Qin Banban paid them a visit. They were warmly received and offered a discount of one coin per load if they became regular customers.

Over the past few years, Liu Guyu had amassed considerable wealth. He had acquired the storefront of Liu's Eatery and purchased the adjacent shop, expanding the establishment. His customer base grew steadily, and business flourished. While it couldn't rival the grand restaurants in the prefecture, it had certainly become a well-known dining spot.

Furthermore, his collaboration with Xichun Restaurant deepened. He had taught the head chef several unique recipes, ensuring a substantial monthly income.

Thus, he preferred to ease his burden where possible. Having already paid twelve taels of silver monthly for rent, he felt no qualms about spending seven or eight coins on laundry.

After a few days, having familiarized themselves with the nearby streets and alleys, a pleasant day arrived, and all four decided to go for a stroll. Liu Guyu even coaxed Qin Rongshi away from his studies, insisting he needed some fresh air.

"There's a two-story bookshop at the head of Guanglin Street. Shall we take a look? Perhaps they have books from the capital that aren't available in the prefecture."

Speaking of bookshops, Xie Baozhu came to mind. A few years prior, he had finally passed the imperial examinations to become a *xiucai* (scholar). Given his aptitude, this achievement was largely due to the guidance of his academy teachers and Li Anyuan, coupled with his own diligent efforts. Advancing further would prove exceedingly difficult.

Xie Baozhu, recognizing the challenge, withdrew from his studies the year after becoming a *xiucai*. Instead of taking over the family business, he opened a spacious and well-stocked bookshop next to the county academy in Luo County, making it the largest in the area.

As for Li Anyuan, after becoming a *juren* (provincial graduate), he did not pursue further examinations. However, the *juren* title was highly esteemed in Luo County, and the Li family was overjoyed, deeming his education their wisest investment. Two years earlier, he had been appointed a teacher at the county academy, where he had served for over two years. Last year, he saved enough to purchase a house and brought his family to live with him.

Now, both Xie Baozhu and Li Anyuan resided in the county, providing mutual support, which was quite advantageous.

Returning to the present, Qin Rongshi showed a flicker of interest at the mention of a bookshop.

The group entered the bookshop, where an old gentleman in a gray cotton gown sat in a bamboo rocking chair, engrossed in a blue-bound book. He looked up at their entrance and inquired, "Are you here for examination books?"

Qin Rongshi's scholarly demeanor was unmistakable; he was clearly a candidate for the Spring Examination.

Qin Banban nodded eagerly, smiling as she replied, "Yes, esteemed elder. Do you have a good selection of books for the imperial exams here?"

In the capital, it was common to encounter petty officials, and candidates for the Spring Examination were hardly a rarity.

The old gentleman was neither particularly warm nor overtly cold. He remained reclined in his chair, pointing toward a bookshelf. "That entire row! Feel free to browse. If you can't find something, ask me. If you're not buying but just reading, it's ten copper coins an hour. There are chairs over there; pay first, and you can read."

Qin Rongshi nodded and led Liu Guyu along.

However, Liu Guyu had little interest in classical texts or strategic treatises. He couldn't stay still for long beside Qin Rongshi and, seeing him absorbed in his reading, quietly slipped away.

He wandered through the bookshop, browsing other genres, and indeed found a few intriguing titles tucked away in a corner.

Hmm, erotic literature, complete with illustrations.

Wow! Unbelievable! Oh my!

Liu Guyu crouched in the corner, flipping through the pages like a thief, his eyes widening with each turn. He marveled at the ancients' open-mindedness, realizing their escapades were no less daring than those of modern folk!

This one's excellent!

Such bold moves!

"What are you looking at?"

Qin Rongshi's voice suddenly sounded above his head, startling Liu Guyu so much that he dropped the book.

A breeze rustled the pages, flipping them until they settled on an illustration.

In an elegant courtyard adorned with exotic rockeries and blooming camellias, a large swing was set before the flowers. Two figures, one tall and one slender, were entangled on the swing, their clothes half-undone, swaying high and low, engaged in rather indecorous activities within the refined garden.

Qin Rongshi: "..."

Even after four years of marriage, Qin Rongshi sometimes found Liu Guyu both exasperating and headache-inducing.

Like now, the man showed no embarrassment at being caught reading erotic literature. Instead, he calmly closed the book and tucked it among the poetry anthologies he had selected, his face betraying no blush or quickened pulse.

Qin Rongshi: "...What is the meaning of this?"

He sighed softly, asking helplessly.

Liu Guyu grinned, slinging an arm around Qin Rongshi's shoulders like a close friend, though he had to stand on tiptoe to reach.

"Excellent material! We can study it together after your exams!"

Qin Rongshi felt such matters didn't require studying from a book—they unfolded naturally. Expressionless, he retrieved the book Liu Guyu had tucked away. But Liu Guyu, who found his repertoire limited to mere "silly dry work," glared at him and shoved it back.

Qin Rongshi took it out again; Liu Guyu put it back.

Qin Rongshi: "..."

Well, it seemed they had no choice but to buy it.

He almost laughed despite himself, pressing close and whispering deeply, "No need to wait until after the exams. We can study it tonight!"

Liu Guyu was delighted. "Pre-exam stress relief?! You certainly know how to have fun!"

Qin Rongshi: "..."

Qin Rongshi was momentarily speechless, annoyed that even after all this time, he still couldn't win an argument with Liu Guyu.

But despite the banter, Liu Guyu knew better than to deliberately provoke Qin Rongshi before the exams. Everything could wait until after.

Still, these days had accumulated quite a debt, and one or two times wouldn't suffice to repay it.

They took the books, and Qin Rongshi selected some writing brushes and ink before heading to the old gentleman to settle the bill.

The old gentleman, who had been neither cold nor particularly warm earlier, was now talking excitedly with Qin Banban, his expression animated.

"Excellent! Madam, you have exceptional taste! Few people buy this novel, yet you've read it!"

"Ah, usually young ladies come here for novels, but they mostly buy romantic tales like 'Dreams of the Boudoir' or 'Three Teases of the Peony.' It's rare to find a lady like you who enjoys mystery novels!"

The old gentleman seemed to have found a kindred spirit, excitedly discussing the plot with Qin Banban.

Qin Banban had loved reading novels since childhood. She wasn't fond of romantic tales but preferred stories of chivalry, supernatural phenomena, or, more recently, detective fiction.

He chatted with Qin Banban for a while longer before adding, "I also have 'Thirteen Strange Cases,' 'Records of Redressing Wrongs,' 'West Beyond Yang Pass'... all mystery stories!"

He listed several titles, two of which Qin Banban hadn't read. Chen Sanxi promptly picked them out, and in the end, both siblings left with a few books.

The old gentleman was pleased and generously rounded down the price. However, when he noticed the incongruous book mixed in with Qin Rongshi's selections of poetry and strategic treatises, he instinctively frowned. He then glanced at Qin Rongshi, whose scholarly attire clearly marked him as a candidate awaiting the Spring Examination.

Tsk... With the metropolitan exam imminent, he should be diligently studying, not reading such frivolous books! He looks the part of a proper gentleman, what a pity... Alas!

Qin Rongshi knew exactly what the old gentleman's peculiar gaze implied, but what could he do?

Since his husband was so fond of amusement, he could only indulge him.

The group purchased books, ink, and brushes, then stepped out with their packaged items. They weren't in a rush to return home to cook, so they sought out a bustling restaurant.

"With this many people, the food must be good!" Liu Guyu declared confidently, drawing on his experience.

An outgoing and talkative regular customer overheard and quickly turned around, enthusiastically adding, "This gentleman is absolutely right! Old Lin's cooking is superb! His roast goose is divine—you all simply must try it!"

Qin Rongshi and Chen Sanxi then realized that this randomly chosen eatery was none other than Lin's Eatery, one of the restaurants the property agent had recommended.

Liu Guyu thanked the man and called over the waiter to order, making sure to include the highly recommended roast goose.

The restaurant was crowded, and they waited quite a while for their food. Fortunately, none of them were overly hungry, or the enticing aromas filling the room would have been sheer torture.

After a long wait, their dishes finally arrived one after another.

The roast goose alone filled a large platter, accompanied by numerous side dishes—shredded potatoes, bean sprouts, and tofu skin layered at the bottom, with glossy, bite-sized pieces of goose piled high.

The goose had been first stir-fried in oil until the fatty skin turned crispy and rich without being greasy. It was cooked with Shaoxing wine, ginger, and scallions to remove any gaminess, then stir-fried with the restaurant’s signature spicy oil, tender ginger, pickled bamboo shoots, and preserved radish. The aroma was incredible, and just before serving, it was garnished with chopped coriander, adding a fresh green touch—a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Another specialty was the sour meatball soup.

The sourness didn't come from tomatoes or vinegar but from several locally unique wild fruits available only for a few months in spring, making it a seasonal dish. The mild, fruity tang gave the broth a subtle fragrance, and the soup itself was a rich orange-red color, almost like a concentrated tomato stew. The meatballs were hand-pounded, made from pork, fish, mutton, and shrimp, resulting in a firm, flavorful texture. Once boiled until thoroughly cooked and seasoned with a pinch of salt, they were ready to serve.

There were also a few home-style dishes: stir-fried pork, sautéed garlic sprouts, and scallion and egg pancakes—all delicious.

The four of them enjoyed the meal immensely, and even Liu Guyu, a true connoisseur, couldn't stop praising it.

After eating, they paired off to explore the night market and returned to their newly rented courtyard one after another once it grew late.

Having familiarized themselves with the surrounding area over the past few days, they decided to venture into the inner city the next day to locate the examination hall and scope out the route in advance.

The outer city was bustling and lively, home to ordinary folks and low-ranking officials. Exploring it could easily take an entire day, with something interesting or lively around every corner.

The inner city, however, was much quieter, accompanied by an atmosphere of solemnity and gravity.

Dukes, marquises, earls, prominent families, and high-ranking officials all resided here. The stone lions guarding their gates stood on bases almost as tall as a person, and the steps leading to their doors felt dauntingly imposing.

Walking from one street to another could take ages—sometimes it felt like you'd only traversed from the front gate to the back gate of a single mansion, and within such estates, people got around by sedan chair or carriage.

Still, the quietness had its perks: the streets were less crowded, and they quickly found the examination hall.

It was quite a distance away, but thankfully the route wasn't complicated.

After that, Qin Rongshi barely went out, instead focusing on studying indoors and preparing for the exam. Day by day, time flew by, and soon the day of the imperial exam arrived.

On the third day of the third lunar month, Scholar's Alley was unusually lively. Doors up and down the street opened as scholars preparing for the Spring Examination set out.

"Food and drinks are all prepared. I packed two large waterskins—that should be enough. Don’t drink the water provided in the examination hall! But don’t drink too much either; it’s inconvenient in the exam cubicles."

It was Liu Guyu speaking, clearly remembering the scholars who had fallen ill from drinking the exam hall’s water during the provincial exam.

Qin Rongshi double-checked his writing supplies. Though everything had been prepared the day before, he went through it all again.

Meanwhile, Qin Banban handed him a furry pair of knee warmers and said, "Brother, take these! I overheard the neighbors talking—everyone taking the exam has knee pads! The north is so cold; even in March, people are still bundled in heavy coats! I made these recently—the stitching’s a bit rough, but they’re wool, so they’re warm!"

Qin Banban added with concern, "The nights are chilly—you mustn’t let your knees get cold."

Qin Rongshi nodded and packed the wool knee pads.

"The carriage is here. Let’s go."

Just then, Chen Sanxi strode in. He was still a man of few words, but he got things done. With all the scholars in Scholar's Alley heading out at once, carriages were hard to come by. But Chen Sanxi had gone to the carriage hire early and secured one—a covered mule cart parked right outside, shielded from the wind and cold.

Chen Sanxi walked in briskly, picked up the wooden case containing bedding and heavy clothing, and waited by the door.

Without further ado, they rode straight to the examination hall. Examiners were already outside announcing the rules, and armored soldiers began inspecting the candidates’ baskets and cases. Only essential items like food, bedding, and candles were permitted, and the checks were stricter than during the county and provincial exams.

Qin Rongshi glanced back at his husband, sister, and brother-in-law one last time and said with a faint smile, "Go back now. It’s windy and cold."

With that, he carried his things and joined the line to enter the exam hall.

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Author's note: ...Changed the cover [celebrates][celebrates]