Chapter 29
Days passed like this. Fang Yu felt as though everything had changed, yet also as if nothing had changed at all.
The household remained much the same. Madam Chen spent most of her time secluded in her courtyard in retirement. Whenever she was upset, she no longer dared to take it out on him or Qiao Hezhi. Instead, she would often scold the servants to vent her anger. Recently, with the New Year approaching, she had been going out more often. As for Qiao Hezhi...
He wasn't deliberately avoiding Fang Yu either. They saw each other every day and still spoke. To outsiders, nothing seemed amiss. However, Fang Yu understood clearly in his heart that the two of them were no longer as close as before.
Since their frank talk, Qiao Hezhi had developed a habit of secretly watching Fang Yu. He would steal glances when Fang Yu came or went, when he walked past the ancestral hall, and even when he wore a simple accessory. Two days ago, for some reason, he had even taken back that protective talisman—the one Madam Chen had asked a ritual master to bring—that he had previously insisted on tying to Fang Yu himself.
That was something he had wanted to give him before.
These things were one matter, but the most bewildering event occurred just yesterday. Fang Yu had wanted to eat garlic spare ribs and told the cook to prepare them. Having nothing to do, he went to watch the preparation. A servant had just brought a string of garlic and was about to peel it. Thinking he would help with a few cloves, Fang Yu reached for the garlic. Before he could even get hold of the garlic, Qiao Hezhi snatched the entire bunch away fiercely. It was unclear whether he didn't want Fang Yu to eat the ribs or if something else had displeased him.
There were many such instances, not just one or two... His recent actions seemed intent on drawing a clear line between them. Naturally, Fang Yu felt somewhat hurt inside, but there was nothing to be done about it. He could only swallow his grievances.
Fang Yu thought that Qiao Hezhi must still be somewhat afraid of him, otherwise why would he act like this? Considering this possibility, he didn't dare deliberately approach him or seek his own embarrassment.
Today was the Minor New Year. The city was filled with festive cheer for the approaching New Year. Decorations and lanterns were everywhere, with red lanterns hanging all over. The streets were packed with bustling crowds, their noise audible even through several thick walls.
The house was in complete disorder, undergoing a thorough New Year cleaning. Maids and servants rushed about, run off their feet with the work.
"Take these firecrackers back and return them. If the shop won't take them, store them in the warehouse. We won't set them off for New Year. And these Door God portraits—we won't paste them up this year. Replace them all with festive couplets."
"Why aren't we setting off firecrackers or putting up Door Gods?"
Fang Yu was going to the academy today to check his results and collect assignments from the Master. Thinking to bid farewell to Qiao Hezhi before leaving, he saw him reprimanding servants in the courtyard as soon as he stepped out.
Qiao Hezhi glanced at Fang Yu, thinking how this person could be so obtuse. Others might not grasp the reason for not posting the Door God portraits, but he himself should understand perfectly well. Yet he asked so openly, as if afraid others wouldn't know. "Th-there's naturally a reason for not posting them."
Fang Yu, unaware of Qiao Hezhi's thoughts, assumed he simply didn't wish to speak much with him. "Alright, whatever you say. I'm heading to the academy now. You..."
He wanted to ask if he'd like to go with him. Family members were allowed into the academy to see the results today. But seeing him busy with chores and keeping his distance, he likely wouldn't want to accompany him. Fang Yu knew better than to press the matter.
"Hmm?"
"Don't overwork yourself at home. Leave things to the servants when you can."
Qiao Hezhi nodded. Watching the man stride off towards the academy, seeming somewhat unhappy, he presumed Fang Yu was worried about not having done well on the exam.
"Siyu, later when Xuezhu and the Master return, go and inquire about the Master's results."
"Why doesn't the Young Master ask the Master directly?"
"The Master cares about his dignity. If he didn't do well, wouldn't my asking be rubbing salt in the wound? Why would he be willing to tell me?"
"That's true. This servant will remember."
The academy was livelier than usual today. Early as it was, the grounds inside and out were crowded. Younger scholars were accompanied by parents or siblings, many older scholars had brought their wives or fulangs. Pairs were everywhere, outnumbering even the scores on the exam papers.
Fang Yu, feeling dejected and with a gloomy face, squeezed through the crowd.
"Brother Fang, congratulations!"
"Who knew Brother Fang was hiding such talent? This really brings honor to our class now."
Fang Yu had just entered the academy when several scholars surrounded him—some he knew, some he didn't.
"What for?"
Qiu Yanqi took the lead. "Brother Fang, have you just arrived? Haven't seen the results posted on the noticeboard yet?"
Fang Yu replied honestly, "Haven't had the chance to look yet."
"Brother Fang, go take a look. You ranked in the top ten this time. Your essay is posted in the most prominent spot, and everyone around is discussing it," Qiu Yanqi said with a smile, his voice full of envy. "Even Master Zhang said you've brought great honor this time."
Fang Yu, still somewhat dazed and not fully focused on the results, was pulled by a classmate towards the announcement board.
"Make way, make way! You've all been looking long enough, haven't you seen your own results yet? Our class's Fang Yu needs to see his."
"Fang Yu is from your class?"
"Of course. Here's the man himself."
Fang Yu gave a dry laugh. These classmates were more excited about him seeing his results than he was. A small path was cleared through the densest crowd at the academy's results board. He followed it, looked up, and saw rows of examinees' names and scores.
"Brother Fang, you just need to look from the front. No need to check the back."
"Oh. "Fang Yu smiled. True enough. Looking to the left first, he spotted his name immediately, prominently placed in third position. "I see it."
"Look again. Your essay is posted right in the center, the best viewing spot," a classmate whispered. "I heard the Academy Dean posted it himself. Because of that incident, the dean isn't looking too kindly on Master Dai lately."
This news genuinely surprised Fang Yu. He glanced at the classmate beside him. "How do you know that?"
"Brother Fang, are you referring to the cheating incident on the last exam day?" Qiu Yanqi said. "It's been the talk of the academy. Everyone wanted to see Zhao Luo's disgrace today. He's Master Dai's prized student, always bragged about by him, often looking down on other teachers. Now with this happening, people are wondering if the good grades from Master Dai's class were due to his covering for them. Zhao Luo is hiding in the classroom, not daring to come out."
"Now our class has produced a top-three student. Master Zhang's complexion even looks rosier than usual today."
Fang Yu smiled modestly. "It's just a minor exam, not that significant. I merely got lucky this time, happened to encounter topics I'm good at. Doing well in the provincial examinations, that's where real skill lies."
"It's good you think that way."
Just as Fang Yu finished speaking, he saw Master Zhang approaching, stroking his beard. The usually stern old teacher wore a rare smile today.
Everyone greeted him respectfully, "Master." Fang Yu was no exception. Seeing the Master in a good mood, the students grew bold and informal. "Master, since Fang Yu did so well this time, could you go a little easier on the New Year holiday assignments?"
"Such wishful thinking, all of you! Fang Yu performed exceptionally. Look at your own results again, and you still think of slacking off during the holidays?"
Master Zhang strode to the front of the room, hands clasped behind his back, his posture erect and chest forward. "Fang Yu's workload can be lighter. The rest of you, judge for yourselves based on your scores."
Groans of complaint arose, but everyone laughed and followed the Master back to the classroom.
In the crowd, Liang Minxu shot a glance toward Fang Yu, and their eyes happened to meet. Liang Minxu immediately lowered his head in embarrassment and swiftly slipped away into the crowd.
Fang Yu also returned to the classroom. Then followed a process similar to later times: announcing results, distributing rewards, assigning holiday homework, followed by safety announcements and warnings... Fang Yu, ranking third overall and first in his class, had jumped from the bottom to the top ranks, garnering much envy and praise. Naturally, the tangible rewards he received were also the most substantial.
He received a purple-rabbit-hair brush, the tip made from wild rabbit hair, the shaft from rare purple sandalwood. His classmates eyed it covetously—not just for its quality and value, but also because it was a reward from the dean. Additionally, Fang Yu received a prized 'Jijin' inkstick as a reward from Master Zhang, a rare and excellent item for an ordinary scholar.
[集锦墨 (jí jǐn mò): lit. assembled brocade ink; fig. a decorative ink stick from the Qing Dynasty, often crafted in sets with intricate designs and inscriptions]
Today, Fang Yu had gained both substance and reputation. He had made quite a splash at the academy again, something many scholars could only dream of. Yet, he wasn't particularly happy. Instead, he envied his classmates whose family members waited silently for them at the classroom door.
He would willingly trade this round of prizes and ranking for the chance to have Qiao Hezhi waiting for him at the classroom door.
In the past, he didn't appreciate such things. Now, it was a case of 'the objects remain but the people are gone'.
[物是人非 (wu shi ren fei): lit. the objects remain but the people are gone; fig. the setting is familiar but those involved are changed or gone]
With Master Zhang's session concluding, the academy's academic year also came to an end. The New Year holiday officially began. From today until New Year's Eve was six days; after New Year until the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth was also a break. Altogether, it amounted to over twenty days. Everyone left the classroom in high spirits, discussing whether to go to a tavern or engage in other activities.
Fang Yu, now in the spotlight, received invitations from many in his class and others to join drinking parties or poetry gatherings. But he wasn't in the mood and declined them all.
Leaving the academy, he handed his things to Xuezhu. "Go bring my horse. Perhaps I'll go ride a couple of laps in the suburbs."
The horse had been bought and kept at home, but he had never truly taken it out for a ride. The hour was still early, and returning home didn't bring much joy anyway. That person wouldn't care either way.
The suburbs had a dedicated riding grounds, which charged an entrance fee—a high price at fifty copper coins per person per horse per shichen (two hours). Attendants who didn't ride weren't charged. It usually served wealthy young masters for leisurely riding or fun. Sometimes, it was rented out entirely by powerful families for events like cuju (ancient football) or polo matches. In short, it was a playground for the wealthy and powerful.
Fang Yu paid an extra hundred copper coins for a more private area, similar to booking a private room in later times. With results out today, many people had come to the field to celebrate. The grounds were dusty. He wasn't bothered by the dirt, mainly that as a beginner rider, making a spectacle of himself in public would be embarrassing. It was better to spend a little more for a quiet place to practice his horsemanship properly.
He mounted the horse, took the reins, and the horse began to walk at a steady pace across the grounds. Aside from some bumpiness, Fang Yu felt it was going quite well.
"Xuezhu, let go of the horse. No need to lead it. Let me try riding on my own."
So he gradually increased the horse's speed. The horse, as if stifled from being cooped up in the stable for too long, seemed eager to stretch its legs and gallop freely across the large field, with a hint of wanting to bolt.
Fang Yu felt the horse's girth strap loosen slightly. Before he could rein in the horse, he heard a dull thump. The horse let out a piercing whinny...
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