Chapter 125
Crows fly, hares run, days pass like flowing water.
[乌飞兔走 (wū fēi tù zǒu): lit. Crows fly, hares run; fig. Time flies. Refers to the passage of days (crow = sun, hare = moon in Chinese mythology).]
At the age of twelve, Ruijin passed the county-level imperial examinations, becoming a xiucai, and the family held a grand celebration.
Three years later, during the provincial examinations, he lived up to expectations and achieved the rank of jingkui, becoming the youngest juren in Siyang City at just fifteen.
[经魁 (jīng kuí): top candidate in provincial exams, a prestigious rank.]
[举人 (jǔrén): provincial graduate]
The family received rewards and tax exemptions for their lands, while business routes flourished. Overnight, the Zhang family's threshold was nearly worn out from the stream of visitors. Small merchants from inside and outside the city sought patronage, and officials and scholars extended olive branches. The Zhang family had become the most sought-after family in the city.
However, Ruijin disliked socializing. After the celebratory banquet for his teacher, he immersed himself in his studies, rarely receiving guests. All family matters were handled by Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He. Before the excitement could fade, the next year's metropolitan examinations arrived, and Ruijin had to set off for the capital.
"Eighteen miles of farewell, brother, but I’ll only see you this far."
"Take care on your journey to the exams. Don’t flaunt wealth or looks. Fortunately, the road from Siyang to the capital doesn’t pass through any treacherous areas, so it should be safe."
Ruijin briefly inspected the carriage and horses, though his father had already checked them multiple times. A quick glance was enough to reassure him.
This trip to the capital was long and distant, the first time he’d been so far from home in years. His uncle had long since sent a few unassuming but skilled martial artists from the martial arts school to accompany him. Everything was as secure as it could be.
He raised an eyebrow at Ruili. "Eighteen miles? From the garden to the gate, did you even walk eighteen steps with me?"
"The gift may be small, but the sentiment is great. The thought counts."
Ruijin shook his head helplessly, set down what he was holding, and ruffled the hair of his twin brother, who had somehow ended up a head shorter than him despite growing up together. "I probably won’t be back for half a year. Try not to cause trouble while I’m gone, understand?"
Ruili sighed. "When have I ever caused trouble? Don’t make me sound like some delinquent."
Ruijin withdrew his hand. "You know what you’ve done. Causing trouble is one thing, but if I hear you’ve been throwing my name around again while having fun outside, I’ll deal with you when I get back!"
More than once, he’d been stopped on the street by people angrily demanding he step out of his carriage. Polite as ever, he complied - only for the accusers to gape in confusion, asking how he’d suddenly grown taller and sturdier in just a few days. Though the face was undoubtedly Zhang Ruili’s, the mismatch left them bewildered.
"Who’s waiting around for you to come back and discipline me? By the time you return, I might already be married off."
Ruijin nodded approvingly. "Best-case scenario."
Ruili coughed dryly. "Ah! The teacher’s here to see you off too!"
Ruijin turned to see Luo Yan and Luo Yuxing approaching.
"Teacher."
Ruijin bowed respectfully to Luo Yan, then glanced at Luo Yuxing beside him. Neither spoke.
"I’ve already given you plenty of advice. Today, I’m just here to see you off."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Xu He handed over a food box to his son, who was now nearly taller than him. "Some snacks for the road."
"Alright."
With both families seeing him off, Ruijin boarded the carriage, waved to everyone, and soon disappeared as the wheels rolled over the stone-paved road.
Ruili watched the carriage vanish, feeling a pang of melancholy, though it didn’t last long before his spirits lifted again.
Good, with Brother gone for exams, school won’t be in session!
"This is the first time Ruijin’s been away from home for so long. The house feels so much emptier with just one person gone."
Even two days after Ruijin’s departure, Xu He hadn’t adjusted. Seeing his subdued mood, Zhang Fangyuan comforted him. "Children grow up, they can’t stay at home forever. If he becomes an official, he might be assigned to a distant post. How could he always remain under our watch?"
"If Little Dad’s feeling lonely, why not have another baby with Dad?"
"You really have no sense of propriety." Xu He’s melancholy didn’t last past the third day, thanks to Ruili’s irreverence. "We’ve had matchmakers visiting lately. Maybe your father should take a closer look at those families."
"Little Dad should spare other families the trouble. I’m useless at everything, if I end up angering some elder, we might even get sued."
Zhang Fangyuan waved him off. "Enough, enough. Go find something fun to do instead of hovering around and annoying your Little Dad."
Ruili’s eyebrows lifted as if he’d been waiting for this very dismissal, and he happily scampered away.
Once he was gone, Zhang Fangyuan turned to Xu He. "Spring is here. Last winter, we talked about planting chestnut trees in the mountains, but we never got around to checking on the progress."
"Now that Ruijin’s left for the exams, we can turn away most visitors. We’ve been socializing nonstop for a while."
"Good." Zhang Fangyuan stood and fetched his cloak. "Come with me to the village today
Thanks for the update!!!!
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