Chapter 54
Qiao Hezhi stepped off the carriage and hurried straight to Changshou Hall. Ever since Madam Chen had been reprimanded by Fang Yu, Changshou Hall had been relatively peaceful for quite some time. But today, the courtyard that had been quiet for so long was once again filled with cheerful chatter and laughter—so much so that he could hear it clearly even from beyond the gates.
"I am just looking at you two; you seem so fertile. Look at these plump, round little faces, brimming with good fortune. I'm certain you'll give my son a fat, healthy heir."
"Old Madam, we are just children from pheasant families, nowhere near as noble as the young master of Zhengfu's status. Would our Master even like us?"
"Nonsense! He's merely a merchant's son, a cunning vixen! Day after day, he seduces my son, leading him astray. My child, who was once so filial, now pays no heed to his own mother. You must both be obedient and listen to me. If you can win back my son's heart, a life of comfort and favor will surely be yours."
"We both will follow the Old Madam's instructions and will certainly serve her with filial piety."
Qiao Hezhi stood at the doorway, listening for a good while to this touching scene of maternal affection and filial devotion before finally stepping inside. He first paid his respects to Madam Chen with a bow, and then his gaze fell upon the two individuals brought back. They were gathered attentively around Madam Chen: one diligently kneading her legs, while the other gently patted her back—a scene that painted a perfect portrait of devoted and thoughtful care.
They appeared to be only fourteen or fifteen years old. While their features couldn't be called exceptionally striking, they were indeed pleasing and delicate. Physically, they were a bit sturdier than him, not giving the same impression of frailty.
"You're here. Good timing." Seeing who had entered, Madam Chen straightened her posture slightly. "These two were specially brought back by me from our vilage. They come from decent, clean families. Our household is so quiet and dreary; I thought it would be good to have two more people to keep Yu'er company. Now that you've seen them, let them serve you tea to show respect. Once you accept it, this matter will be settled. Our family has never been one to stand too much on ceremony, after all."
"Mother-in-law, didn't you go to the temple to burn incense and pray for Master's success in examination? How did you end up making a trip back to the village and bringing back these two?"
"I came across these two children on my way back. Their family had encountered misfortune, and a relative had fallen ill, requiring medicine money. Having no other recourse, they pleaded before me. We were acquainted before; how could I bear to watch them weep and beg? Giving some silver to bring the two back is also a virtuous act of accumulating merit."
"Mother-in-law is most kind-hearted. It's no trouble at all for our household to support two more servants."
Qiao Hezhi didn't entirely believe Madam Chen's story about encountering them on the road. Most likely, it had been pre-arranged. Previously, when Fang Yu was home, he had kept a tight rein on Madam Chen's expenditures. While she lacked for nothing in terms of food, clothing, or daily necessities, and was supported as a wealthy matriarch, the only condition was that every expenditure must have a clearly recorded and justifiable reason.
Under such management, Madam Chen likely had little private savings. She had probably planned this long ago: first, obtaining a large sum of 'incense money' from him, then using it for buying people.
Fang Yu kept a tight grip on Madam Chen; she felt restricted with money and lacked trusted, close confidantes, which slowly nurtured a deep-seated resentment. Seeing her chance while Fang Yu was away, she acted swiftly to bring these two into the household—first, to place them by Fang Yu's side to serve him, and second, because they would be obedient to her, useful for her purposes.
Qiao Hezhi’s brow furrowed. In the end, he realized, he had been too careless. He shouldn't have given that incense money to Madam Chen. "It's true the house has been much quieter lately with Master away in the prefectural city for the exams. If Mother-in-law feels lonely and wants two people to chat with and keep her company, then by all means, let these two stay and serve in your courtyard."
Seeing Qiao Hezhi employing evasive tactics, Madam Chen grew displeased. "Of course, they'll keep me company. But they are also meant to serve Yu'er. Before, we talked about bringing the Yin family girl into the household as a concubine, but that was completely sabotaged by you, and now she's married off to another family. You've been in this household for almost a year now, with no sign of a child in your belly, yet you don't act like a proper principal fulang by arranging people to serve your husband. Do you expect my son to remain faithful only to you! Since you are incapable of managing affairs, I shall handle this matter for you. Don't utter any more words of refusal!"
Qiao Hezhi knew Madam Chen would inevitably bring up the previous matter of Yin Rao'er. He replied, "If Mother-in-law wishes to take charge, that's fine. However, these concubines are for Master. As long as he agrees, I won't have a single complaint. But if Master doesn't like them, and I leave them here for him, wouldn't he blame me upon his return? That is a blame I cannot bear."
"How about this: let these two first be settled to serve in Mother-in-law's courtyard. We can discuss the tea-serving ceremony once Master returns."
"Do not hide behind my son's name! Your refusal is yours alone—do not pretend it is his will."
"Such a trivial matter must involve Yu'er! Don't think I don't know what you're scheming—just waiting for Yu'er to return so you can sway him with your pillow talk! Do you think this old woman can't manage you?!" Madam Chen angrily slapped the table. "You two, go now and pour the tea. I simply refuse to believe that today I cannot even decide to take two concubines for my son! Under heaven, there is no principle that a mother cannot take concubines for her son!"
Seeing the fierce argument between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the two felt somewhat fearful. But with the old madam's command, they hurriedly went to pour tea. "Pl-please accept this tea. From now on, we two will serve our Master, the Old Madam, and Zhengfu with all our heart and effort, and vow to bear heirs to continue the Fang family line."
Qiao Hezhi remained silent and did not reach for the tea. The two cast pitiful glances towards Madam Chen.
"You dare to openly defy me! This is a blatant act of disrespect toward your elder and a challenge to the family's order! Such conduct is grounds for a formal reprimand before the magistrate!"
"If Mother-in-law insists on saddling me with such accusations, I have no way to defend myself." Qiao Hezhi said slowly, "Hezhi has other matters to attend to and will take his leave now."
Watching Qiao Hezhi simply walk out of the courtyard, Madam Chen was so angry she could hardly catch her breath. "Your backbone is stiff now, is it? Well, I will have them stay! Let's see what you can do about it!"
...
On the afternoon of the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month, Fang Yu submitted his examination papers. The Autumn Examinations had come to an end. As he emerged from the cramped examination compartment, his entire body felt a wave of relief. Gazing at the clouds and sunset on the horizon, he eagerly gathered his belongings and strode quickly out of the examination compound. He didn't want to spend another moment in that place.
Candidates streamed out of the gate in a continuous flow, and outside, a sea of people had already gathered.
"Husband!"
An utterly joyful and soft voice rang in his ear. He instinctively turned his head and saw a plainly dressed young ger running directly towards him, passing right by before throwing himself into the arms of a scholar beside him.
The scholar affectionately ruffled the ger's hair. "You must have waited a long time."
"Not at all! Are you tired, husband? I've already prepared food at home." The ger happily inquired about the scholar's condition and took the book box from his hands. "Let me carry it for you."
Fang Yu stood to the side, staring blankly. It was only after the married couple had walked far away and disappeared into the crowd that he finally snapped out of his daze.
Finding his family's carriage, he tossed all his belongings onto it. His first question was, "Has Xiaotong Courtyard sent any letters during my time at the examination compound?"
The coachman, honest and simple, shook his head. "It's been very quiet. Everything is exactly as it was when you left, Master."
Fang Yu took a breath, thinking to himself that his family's little fulang didn't miss him at all. In the blink of an eye, he had been in the prefectural city for over half a month, yet not a single letter had been written to him.
"You wait here for Brother Sheng Jia to come out, and then return together. I want to walk back today. My bones have stiffened up in that exam compartment; I need to stretch them properly."
"Very well, Master."
Fang Yu's heart felt unsettled. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Sheng Jia's voice from behind: "Brother Fang!"
The result was that both men left their things on the carriage and walked back together. When they had come, their steps were hurried and their minds heavy. Now that the exams were over, regardless of the outcome, their moods were temporarily lighter.
However, Sheng Jia noticed that Fang Yu didn't seem particularly cheerful after leaving the examination compound, just walking ahead with his hands behind his back, not speaking much.
"Brother Fang, are you still troubled about the exams?"
This year's questions were tricky. When Sheng Jia left his compartment, he saw people beating their chests and stamping their feet everywhere, and even heard someone wailing loudly inside the examination compound. Having completed the exams smoothly, he felt his wish fulfilled and was in high spirits. But seeing Fang Yu like this, he also felt a bit sympathetic.
"Oh, no, not that. I was just thinking about family matters."
Sheng Jia was momentarily taken aback, then offered a gentle smile. "A compassionate heart is often the most tender. Brother Fang is truly a man who cherishes his family."
Fang Yu couldn't muster a smile in return: I cherish my family, but does my family cherish me?
That was the very root of his unease. He should have simply persuaded Qiao Hezhi to accompany him to the prefectural city. Why had he felt the need to posture as the mature, responsible one, always considering the broader picture?
Seeing that Fang Yu genuinely seemed to be missing home, Sheng Jia sighed inwardly and quickly changed the subject.
"I wonder if we answered the policy question in the final session correctly. The questions this year were all so roundabout, not as straightforward and clear as before. I'm afraid many will have stumbled into pitfalls this time."
Fang Yu said, "The sub-topic had only two words. We had to find sentences containing those two words from historical texts and then answer by combining their meaning. The difficulty was indeed much greater than in previous years."
Sheng Jia laughed. "Seeing Brother Fang's confidence, you must surely hold the winning ticket for this provincial examination."
"Brother Sheng, you flatter me. This examination journey has been like walking through a thorny thicket. The fact that I made it safely into the examination compound and managed to complete all the papers is an achievement in itself. As for the result, let it be as it may. Even if it's not ideal, I've gained a lot of insight from this trip."
"Brother Fang speaks truly. Having such a mindset is even more important than the exam result itself."
After conversing for a while, Fang Yu gradually reined in his wandering thoughts. By unspoken agreement, neither brought up the exams again—what was done was done, and further discussion was fruitless.
"Let's head back first to freshen up. Afterwards, we can find a good tavern for some wine and a proper meal, and truly unwind. We've been in the prefectural city for so many days now and haven't had a chance to enjoy ourselves outside the study."
"With the provincial exams ending today, the streets are bound to be lively."
After making their plan, they hurried back, fearing that if they were late, all the good restaurants and teahouses would be full.
"Huh? This... could it be someone from a nearby residence come to inquire about the property?"
Sheng Jia, walking ahead, noticed a carriage halted at the entrance of the alley. Beside it stood a graceful and beautiful young ger. Surprised, he lifted his hand to point it out to Fang Yu behind him. "Brother Fang, look over there—"
Before he could finish his sentence, he saw Fang Yu dash over like a gust of wind and sweep the young ger into his arms.
Sheng Jia stood dumbfounded, his hand frozen in the air.
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