After interacting back and forth, Fang Yu learned that it was precisely by imitating flowery writing that Wu Shuyou had passed the tongsheng exam and become a Tongsheng. Having tasted success, he naturally found it hard to break the habit. Unfortunately, this approach didn't work for the academy exam; he got stuck there year after year.
Fortunately, Wu Shuyou was also someone willing to put in the effort. Having now stepped out of his comfort zone, receiving some praise was only natural.
"This is the result of your own diligent study. If you are willing to continue striving, this year's academy exam will surely be within your grasp." Fang Yu pushed the item back. "I discussed essays with you not to receive favors. If everyone started imitating this, wouldn't it create an unhealthy trend?"
"I know Brother Fang is of noble character," Wu Shuyou said. "But if my father found out I didn't show gratitude, he would be angry. Besides, this isn't some valuable gold or silver item, just some rustic cured meats from the countryside, not worth much money. This is friendly exchange between classmates. Even when gifting the Master, we give things like these. It can't be called bribery or corruption."
Wu Shuyou continued, "Please accept it, Brother Fang. Spring is almost here, and it's a beautiful season in the rural villages. The pear orchards in the mountains bloom early; many are already flowering now. In a few days, the gardens will be a glorious sight of full bloom. I originally wanted to invite Brother Fang to my humble home to enjoy the flowers, but now I feel awkward bringing it up."
Hearing this, Fang Yu's interest grew significantly. He had been cooped up in the city these days, at most taking a stroll to the riding grounds at the city's edge. Going to a village to see pear blossoms would be delightful. "The pear blossoms are already blooming? I've noticed the willow trees by the lake at Hufengjing are starting to bud, though the green isn't strong yet. I didn't expect spring to come earlier outside the city."
"Pear blossoms emerge before the leaves, so they naturally bloom early. Furthermore, our village's pear orchards are situated on sun-facing slopes. Since pear trees thrive in sunlight, they flower sooner here than in other places."
Qiu Yanqi in front turned around and said, "That's right, Brother Fang. The pear blossom mountain gardens in Brother Shuyou's Luoli Village are quite famous. I went to see the pear blossoms last year, but I mistimed it and went too late. By the third lunar month, the flowers were already wilting and leaves were growing."
Fang Yu rubbed his hands together and stowed the bamboo box under his desk. "Don't do this again next time. Now, tell me more about the pear gardens..."
When the dismissal bell rang, it was a rare day when no one sought him out to discuss essays. Tomorrow was a holiday. The scholars from the city were rushing to the markets to relax a bit, while those from the countryside hurried home. The dormitory at the academy wouldn't keep anyone today; those with long journeys risked traveling after dark if they left too late.
Fang Yu squeezed out with the crowd. Outside, carriages and people were already packed. Only on the day before a holiday and the day returning from holiday was it this bustling. Vendors pushed their carts into the academy's open grounds, waiting just for this wave of business.
It was common for scholars to come out after a day of classes to treat themselves. Moreover, those returning to their villages would spend money on city snacks to show filial piety to their elderly mothers, amuse their younger siblings, or bring something for their fulang or wives.
Fang Yu thought the hour was still early and decided to go eat a couple of salted sparrows. A few days ago, he had run into Ji Yunlu, and they went together to try some. The taste was exquisite, and he had been craving it ever since. He was looking to see if that vendor had come today. He hadn't spotted the vendor yet, but he did see Qiao Hezhi waiting for him in the crowd.
[Salted sparrow (黄雀鲊): a savory snack or dish made from small birds (like sparrows) that are salted, seasoned, and fermented or dried]
In that instant, he forgot all about eating. He smiled and jogged over. "Why did you come today?"
Qiao Hezhi smiled. "I visited my uncle's workshop. On my return, I estimated that the time for Master's dismissal from the academy was approaching, so I came by to meet Master so we could return home together."
Naturally, Fang Yu wished this could happen every day, but even being picked up on the eve of a holiday filled him with happiness.
The feeling was similar to it being a Friday, when your sweetheart from the school next door makes a special trip to your school gate to meet you. That sudden, sparkling, heart-fluttering joy is difficult to put into words.
However, he was more fortunate than young lovers; they might only share an hour or two together before parting ways for their separate homes, whereas he and Qiao Hezhi could return to the same home, together.
"Why are you carrying such a large bamboo box?"
Fang Yu lifted the food box to show Qiao Hezhi. "It's a thank-you gift from a classmate. Some cured meats from his family. I can smell the excellent curing aroma. Perfect to cook for dinner tonight."
Qiao Hezhi had also heard about Fang Yu's current "pivotal" position in the classroom. He smiled and said, "Good. I'll personally cook it for Master."
"Xuezhu, take this." Fang Yu handed over the item and then took Qiao Hezhi's hand. "My classmate also invited me to Luoli Village to see the pear gardens. I said I'd bring you along."
Delight rose in Qiao Hezhi's eyes. "The pear blossoms in Luoli Village are blooming that early already?"
"The next holiday break will be the perfect time to go. They've already started blooming now."
Qiao Hezhi couldn't help but turn his head and ask, "Can I really go with Master?"
"Of course. I've already mentioned it to my classmate. We can even have rustic farm meals then." Fang Yu said. "My classmate was quite pleased to hear I'd be bringing my family."
Qiao Hezhi was also delighted. Although he often went out with Fang Yu to eat and drink, and had even gone horseback riding at the riding grounds together, he had never gone on an outing with him to meet his classmates. Even that day with Li Yun and Ji Yunlu, it was just a brief encounter.
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