"Oh, listen to him," Ji Lingsheng turned to the servant beside him. "How good he is at putting on airs as the master. One might think the Assistant Prefect's residence is run by a concubine and a bastard son making the decisions. You still remember we are a respectable family? In a respectable family, is there a place for a bastard son to speak?"
"Let me tell you, Ji Yunlu, don't think that just because your mother has some vixen skills, Father favors you two in everything. In Yuncheng, in this world, there is no logic where a concubine and her bastard son run the household. As long as I am here, don't even think about climbing over the legitimate wife's head."
Fang Yu looked at the arrogant man before him, just like when he had seen him at the Education Commissioner's residence. He knew about the distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate offspring since ancient times, but as an only child, he had never witnessed such disputes. However, every encounter with this Ji Lingsheng served as a lesson. Even if he wanted to retort, he couldn't, as it was another family's affair. Moreover, Ji Yunlu hadn't said anything, and speaking out of turn might end up harming Ji Yunlu.
"You, this sour scholar, are truly interesting. First, you fawned over Young Master Li at the Education Commissioner's residence, and now you seek out my fourth brother to flatter. It seems you really have some skills. I warned you last time at the Education Commissioner's residence. It seems you have ears but don't listen, insisting on scrambling to climb social ladders. Your shamelessness in clinging despite rejection is exactly like my fourth brother and his concubine mother. No wonder you get along."
[A sour scholar (酸儒): a Chinese idiom referring to a pedantic, inflexible, and often poor Confucian scholar who is overly fixated on bookish knowledge and rigid etiquette, lacking practical wisdom and sometimes appearing pretentious or resentful]
"But I'm telling you today, our Assistant Prefect's residence most despises people like you, reeking of copper and associated with merchants. You'd better abandon your fantasies early. The status of the Assistant Prefect's residence is not something someone like you can aspire to—"
"You shut your mouth!"
Before Ji Lingsheng could finish, there was a loud slap, and he was bent over by the force. Covering his face, he looked in terror at the man who had appeared behind him at some unknown time, stammering, "Father…"
"Legitimate son, concubine—is this what you've learned from all your years of studying? It seems your books have gone to the dogs! Insulting guests with such vile language—is this how I usually taught you to treat guests?! Your younger brother studied diligently and passed the provincial examination at a young age. Look at you, good-for-nothing! All you do is chase after trifling pleasures and waste your time in brothels. You've achieved nothing, yet you act so arrogantly. How did I end up with such a beast of a son?! All these years, every time you made a mistake, your mother shielded you. It didn't make you restrain yourself at all; instead, it fostered this disgraceful character!"
Ji Lingsheng was berated severely but didn't dare to utter a word in response, completely losing the imposing air of the legitimate eldest son. Covering his face, he whimpered, "Father, let me explain…"
"Do you think I'm deaf and didn't hear what you said?! This is the Jieyuan of this year's Autumn Provincial Examination, a student I invited to our home as a guest!" As he spoke, the Assistant Prefect slapped Ji Lingsheng again. "What nonsense are you spouting?! Apologize immediately!"
Hearing this, Ji Lingsheng's eyes widened suddenly. Forgetting the pain on his face, he quickly bowed to Fang Yu. "I failed to recognize a great man. Please, sir, do not take it to heart."
"Get out of my sight! Go kneel in the ancestral hall! Don't embarrass yourself here any longer!"
As if granted amnesty, Ji Lingsheng hurried away without looking back.
After he left, the Assistant Prefect quickly smoothed things over. "That disgraceful child. I hope my worthy nephew will forgive the unpleasantness."
"Yes, Eldest Brother has always had a fiery temper. I hope Brother Fang won't take it to heart."
Fang Yu hurriedly said, "Of course not. Elder Brother Ji is merely straightforward."
The Assistant Prefect composed himself, and Fang Yu tactfully let the earlier "slap-in-the-face" incident fade from memory.
"Father, Brother Fang heard you love marinated duck tongues and specially brought a portion for you. He went through a lot of trouble."
"Oh? I've been craving that taste for many days. You are very thoughtful, worthy nephew."
The three went to the flower hall and had tea served. Before Fang Yu could present his gifts himself, Ji Yunlu spoke up for him.
"Master Gan's marinated duck tongues are truly hard to come by. I wonder if the duck tongues this student brought today will suit your palate."
"The taste of the duck tongues is a small matter; what's rare is worthy nephew's thoughtful intention."
The Assistant Prefect smiled, then his expression turned solemn. "After returning to the city, I heard about the funeral in your family. It is truly lamentable. I originally intended to pay my respects, but unfortunately, I returned two days late."
"Thank you for your concern, sir. My mother was elderly, and her health was not very good. This student knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it to be so sudden."
"We have all been children. I understand your filial piety. I heard you were bedridden for quite some time because of this. You are truly a loyal and filial child."
Fang Yu bowed respectfully. "You flatter me, sir. This student has a weak constitution, which has made me a subject of ridicule."
The Assistant Prefect promptly said, "The departed are gone; we must look forward. Enough, let's not speak of such sad matters."
Ji Yunlu said, "The time is not early. Perhaps we should have the servants set the table."
"Good, good. Worthy nephew must try the dishes in our residence properly. It hasn't even been a month since we last met, but you look much thinner."
Fang Yu said, "This student is most fond of good food. I hope you won't laugh if I lose my manners at the table."
The Assistant Prefect laughed heartily. "Eating more is good!"
Soon, a table full of dishes was served. Fang Yu accompanied them with a few shallow drinks. It would be difficult to make requests without drinking some wine. He was truly grateful to Qiao Hezhi. That large plate of marinated duck tongues was excellently made. The Assistant Prefect's eyes lit up with the first bite. "This is the taste! In the prefectural city, I missed it terribly. It pairs perfectly with wine."
The Assistant Prefect had initially thought it was made by another chef and hadn't held much hope. But as soon as the duck tongue entered his mouth, the flavor of the marinade was the familiar recipe. As people age, they can be steady and experienced in everything, but often that one taste they crave is something they can't let go of.
"For this plate of marinated duck tongues today, I must have a few more cups of wine!"
"Then this student toasts you, sir, for enjoying such fine food."
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