The current Education Commissioner was a capital official, specifically dispatched by the imperial court to various localities to oversee the Prefectural Examinations. His posting lasted for three years. Although the Education Commissioner did not hold a specific official rank, the mere title of 'Capital Official' was enough for local authorities to treat him with respect and deference. Furthermore, as he managed the Government Students, he could be said to hold significant influence over the academic futures of many local scholars.
Fang Yu thought that it would be beneficial to go and observe this Capital Official Education Commissioner. After all, the official was directly subordinate to the central government, and once his three-year term concluded, he would either be assigned elsewhere or recalled to the capital. There might not be another opportunity to encounter such a figure in the future. Attending to broaden his horizons and gain experience would also be advantageous for the imperial examinations. However, he suspected that Liang Minxu would likely glare at him again upon seeing him at the gathering.
Preoccupied with these thoughts, he soon arrived at his own family's gate. Fang Yu got down from the carriage. Just as he stepped out, he noticed two brightly lit lanterns hanging at the main entrance. "When were these hung up?" he asked.
"Probably by Zhengfu," Xuezhu replied. "He was probably concerned that the path would be too dark for the Master to see upon returning so late."
Before Xuezhu's voice had faded, Qiao Hezhi's voice came from inside the main gate: "Has the Master returned?"
"It's so late, and you haven't rested yet?"
Fang Yu stepped forward. Seeing that Qiao Hezhi was bundled up warmly in a fur-lined robe, he felt reassured.
"The young master insisted on waiting until the Master returned before settling down for the night. This maid tried to persuade him several times, but he wouldn't listen. He even came out to check several times."
"Hold your tongue!" Qiao Hezhi shot the maid a glare, then turned to Fang Yu: "I heard from the servants that the Master was invited out for drinks. I was afraid the Master might feel unwell after drinking at night, so I prepared a bowl of sobering soup. Since I had nothing else to do, I thought I'd wait for the Master to return so you could have it."
Fang Yu's heart warmed. The feeling of being remembered by someone was naturally good: "You went to trouble for me. Actually, I didn't drink that much."
Qiao Hezhi stepped forward and supported Fang Yu: "I was afraid that if the Master drank, you might have stomach pain like last time at home. Si Yu, go bring the sobering soup. I'll help the Master back to the room."
The two went together to Bicang Small Pavilion. Fang Yu drank a bowl of warm sobering soup, which made his stomach feel considerably more comfortable. Although he was somewhat tired and wanted to rest, the smell of roasted meat and alcohol on his clothes was unpleasant, so he had the kitchen heat some water for a bath.
The servants were quite efficient. In less than a quarter of an hour, they brought the water. Fang Yu saw Qiao Hezhi still on the couch, looking over his homework essays, and didn't seem to have any intention of going back to sleep yet. He gave a dry cough. Qiao Hezhi heard it and looked up: "Does the Master wish to bathe now?"
Fang Yu nodded: "The hour is also late, you should retire for the night..."
"Alright," Qiao Hezhi replied. "I will come assist the Master with his bath right away."
Qiao Hezhi put down the book and eagerly came to him, reaching out to undo his clothes.
Fang Yu's eyes widened like copper bells, and he quickly wrapped his arms around himself. "I can manage myself. You've been tired all day, you should go rest early."
"I'm not tired," Qiao Hezhi insisted.
Fang Yu felt like weeping internally. "I'm embarrassed," he admitted.
Qiao Hezhi fell silent.
"Then… then I'll just help the Master undress. The Master can call Xuezhu in to assist with the bath."
Qiao Hezhi's hands paused. With downcast eyes, he looked somewhat disappointed. He hadn't intended to do anything more intimate. Ever since returning from the visit to his parents' home, Fang Yu had been busy leaving early and returning late every day. The occasions when Qiao Hezhi had seen Fang Yu for more than an hour could be counted on one hand. Only on a few days, when discussing household expenses, had they spoken together in the study for a short while before returning to their separate tasks.
He said quietly, "It has been a long time since I spent proper time with Ziruo."
Fang Yu looked at his pitifully aggrieved expression and softened again, sighing helplessly. "Fine, we will do as you wish. I have indeed been quite busy lately. Tomorrow I will spend some proper time with you."
Only then did Qiao Hezhi smile, nodding happily.
"Then you should go to sleep early later," Fang Yu added.
As Qiao Hezhi helped Fang Yu out of his outer robe, he asked, "May I stay here to rest tonight?"
Fang Yu was speechless.
Before Qiao Hezhi could receive an answer, a silk handkerchief suddenly slipped out from within Fang Yu's half-removed outer robe, landing squarely on Qiao Hezhi's wrist.
Qiao Hezhi picked it up. An intoxicating scent of jasmine emanated from it. The handkerchief featured a pattern of mandarin ducks playing in water. Embroidered in one corner was the character 'Yu (jade)'. This was clearly not Fang Yu's own.
[Yú (俞) in "Fang Yu" means to consent/to approve; Yù (玉) means Jade]
His fingers curled around the fabric. He took a deep breath. Before he could speak, he heard Fang Yu ask, "What is this?"
Qiao Hezhi looked up at him. "Is the Master asking me?"
Fang Yu took the handkerchief, his brow furrowing tightly. His mind raced: That man from earlier was truly malicious! I even kindly helped him up when he stumbled. How could he repay that kindness by secretly planting this handkerchief on me?
"This... this certainly is not mine," Fang Yu stammered.
Qiao Hezhi took Fang Yu's outer garment, lowered his eyes, and, holding the clothes, moved to the other side of the room. "I will go call Xuezhu to come in and assist the Master with his bath. It is late. After bathing, the Master should rest early."
With that, he left the room.
Fang Yu was left speechless. If Qiao Hezhi had questioned him further, it would have been easier to explain and defend himself. But he had said nothing and asked nothing.
"Is Zhengfu angry?" Fang Yu immediately asked Xuezhu when the servant entered the room.
Scratching his head in confusion, Xuezhu replied, "Why would he be angry? Zhengfu and Siyu have already returned to Xiaotong Courtyard."
Fang Yu fell silent for a moment. "Has your brain been frozen by frost? You didn't even know to stop him."
Xuezhu scratched the back of his head. "The Master did not instruct me to do so beforehand."
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