The weather in the eighth lunar month was still hot and stuffy. The examination cubicles were narrow and small, and candidates had to stay inside for a full nine days. He prepared clothing that was generally lightweight and comfortable for the heat, but also worried about encountering heavy rain, so he specifically prepared one sturdy autumn garment and one thicker padded jacket, almost like winter wear. Pulling Fang Yu aside, he instructed, "If the weather turns cold, don't be stubborn about staying lightly dressed. You must remember to add layers."
As the Provincial Examination neared, the atmosphere grew more intense. During the day at the academy, Fang Yu listened to the Master's incessant lectures on how to make essays outstanding, how to leave a good impression on the exam supervisors and graders, and various exam precautions, etc. It was enough to make one's head spin. It was unclear how many took it to heart, but it certainly made everyone feel more pressured and anxious.
Returning home offered no relief either. Qiao Hezhi pulled him aside to discuss clothing, food, and daily routines, fearing he would suffer during the exams.
Around the twentieth of the seventh lunar month, some students had already requested leave from the Master, packed their bags, and set off for the prefectural city. Among those leaving early were some going to familiarize themselves with the environment, and also students from poor families who couldn't afford fast horse-drawn carriages. Those who were slightly better off could afford to travel by ox cart. Those who were even less fortunate had no choice but to make the journey on foot. For those walking, the trip was arduous; it was difficult to reach the prefectural city in less than five or six days.
Seeing scholars with cloth packs leaving the city gate every day, Qiao Hezhi grew anxious. Although reluctant for Fang Yu to leave so early, he knew he couldn't let personal feelings delay important matters.
Thus, on the twenty-fifth, he urged Fang Yu to depart.
"Rank and results are secondary. Take care of yourself over there. Don't get so worked up that you make yourself sick." Qiao Hezhi fussed like an old mother, extremely concerned. "Don't dismiss my words. Last Provincial Examination, there was an older scholar who, unable to answer the questions, became so agitated he fell seriously ill upon returning, causing his family great worry."
Fang Yu listened to Qiao Hezhi's instructions with a smile. "I'm not a child anymore. Can't I take care of myself? Just wait for me to return with peace of mind."
Qiao Hezhi knew Fang Yu was capable of handling basic daily needs. However, his husband was, after all, a man unlike most, possessing many uncommon qualities. Under such circumstances, how could Qiao Hezhi help but fuss over him and repeat his words of caution a few more times?
After packing, he couldn't help but ask Fang Yu again, "Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you?"
Fang Yu let out a long sigh. "Of course, I'd like you to come with me. But even if you came, we couldn't stay together for more than a few days. Besides, the autumn harvest is approaching, and the family's business affairs inside and out need someone to manage and oversee. It wouldn't be good for you to travel back and forth, enduring hardship. This time, I have classmates accompanying me. You needn't worry."
"In that case, I won't say more. I'll manage things at home well. You focus on the exams and don't worry about home. If absolutely necessary, I can always go back and trouble my parents."
Fang Yu nodded. "If you find the house too quiet, invite your mother over to keep you company, or you can stay at Hufengjing for a few days. It's fine."
Madam Chen had been well-behaved these past months, not having done anything unpleasant for a long time. Fang Yu felt somewhat at ease. If it were before, he definitely would have sent Qiao Hezhi to the Qiao family to feel secure about traveling far.
After they finished giving each other instructions and arrangements, and knowing they had to get up early the next day to travel, they retired to bed early.
But the person lying in bed wasn't obediently sleeping. Fang Yu wrapped his arms around Qiao Hezhi's waist from behind. "I'll be gone for so many days. You won't miss me to the point of crying, will you?"
"Who would miss you to the point of crying?" Qiao Hezhi patted Fang Yu's hand. "Go to sleep now."
Fang Yu paid no attention to the objection or the attempt to dissuade him. He insisted on being intimate with Qiao Hezhi, saying things that made his face flush and heart race.
The next day, as dawn broke, large lanterns were lit at the entrance of the Fang residence. Qiao Hezhi and Madam Chen saw Fang Yu off together. Watching the carriage wheels roll slowly forward in the misty light, Qiao Hezhi unconsciously followed a few steps. Since their marriage, they had never been separated for such a long time. The morning breeze brushed his face, and his eyes grew slightly red.
"Hezhi, let's go back inside. The morning wind is cool."
Qiao Hezhi looked at the head poking out of the carriage window and nodded vigorously. He wanted to reply, but his throat seemed choked by something.
"My son has taken the exam three times already. This time, he's sure to pass and become a juren."
Madam Chen clasped her hands together, bowing towards the sky. Then she glanced sideways at Qiao Hezhi, still standing in the wind. "He's already gone far. Who are you putting on a show for here? You'd be better off going inside to pray to Bodhisattva more."
"By the way, tomorrow I plan to go to the temple at Lingxuandong Mountain. I will observe a vegetarian fast and meditate there for several days, praying for blessings for my son. I have heard the Bodhisattva at that temple is exceptionally responsive. These days, many families with scholars taking the examinations are going there to meditate and pay their respects. If one doesn't donate a sufficient amount of lamp oil money, it is likely there will be no meditation rooms available."
Qiao Hezhi naturally understood what Madam Chen meant. Although Madam Chen wasn't as domineering as before, when Fang Yu wasn't around, her words towards him still carried barbs. Now that Fang Yu would be away for over a month, living under the same roof would inevitably lead to friction. Since she wanted to go elsewhere to meditate, it would save a lot of trouble.
"I'll have Siyu fetch some silver. I suppose five or six hundred strings of copper coins should suffice. My husband said sincerity is what matters, one shouldn't be overly constrained by material things. I'll have a servant take it directly to Lingxuandong Mountain to make arrangements early, so Mother can settle in comfortably when you arrive."
Madam Chen quickly said, "No need for such trouble. We come from a simple rural background, no need for advance arrangements. Just give me the lamp oil money directly. I'll take it with me when I go."
"Since Mother has decided, then I'll follow Mother's wishes."
Anyway, it was spending money for peace and quiet. Qiao Hezhi didn't argue further and had Siyu take the money to Changshou Hall.
He himself lay back on the bed to rest a while longer. Last night, Fang Yu had kept him up late, and he had almost failed to get up this morning.
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