The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 220 Part 2

Fang Zichen frowned. "No wonder when I went to fetch water and came back, you were gone. You're not fully recovered yet. Why chop firewood? Is there no firewood at home? If not, just buy some from He Xi!"

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 220 Part 1

Chapter 220

The clan patriarch's wife was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, her expression returning to normal. "A child eating a lot is a good thing! You should be worried if he didn't eat!"

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 219 Part 2

Once the chicken was stewed soft, the cutting board was washed clean, and the chicken was fished out to be chopped. That was the method for making white cut chicken. Worried the meat might become bland from the long stewing,

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 219 Part 1

Chapter 219

Once the news reached Qinghe Academy, Master Tang and Master Yang could no longer remain calm.

The two went together to see Old Master Wu, saying that a talent like Fang Zichen absolutely must be recruited into the academy. Otherwise, in next year’s provincial exam, their academy would likely be embarrassed again.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 218 Part 2

In the end, the "Xiao Sanyuan" holder was still just a xiucai. However, if later, during further studies or after passing the juren exam, one didn't wish to advance further but sought a minor official position, superiors comparing candidates would naturally choose the more outstanding one.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 218 Part 1

Chapter 218 

Guaizai's bones had healed very well, and the bruising and swelling on his face had mostly faded. After examining him, Physician Xu said the child could be moved now, so the family packed their things and moved back home.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 217

Chapter 217

Fang Zichen did not believe he had done anything wrong, yet Jiang Zhengxu still condemned him. Because it hadn't happened to Jiang Zhengxu himself, his criticism came lightly.

Yes, when a crime occurs, one should report it to the authorities. But the government demands conclusive evidence.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 216

Chapter 216 

The thugs lit a stick of incense. Fang Zichen took it, blew on it twice, the ash scattered, and the glowing ember turned bright red. He stripped Sun Shangcheng of his clothes and pressed the burning end against Sun Shangcheng's body.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 215

Chapter 215

Fang Zichen gently stroked his head: "Because it was injured. It will be clear again once it heals."

The eyeball had suffered severe trauma, and there would be some symptoms of blurred vision in the early stages. Physician Xu had examined it and said it was fine. The most critical injuries now were the ones on his legs—tendons and bones hurt, and it would take several months to recover.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 214

Chapter 214

The furnishings inside the room were identical to the scene from his dream.

Fang Zichen’s mind buzzed, and his neck stiffened as he slowly looked toward the floor.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Zhao Ger simply couldn't bring himself to be so harsh. Guaizai didn't understand any of this—he couldn't understand. He was just a naive child. All he knew was to dig for wild vegetables, help his daddy with chores, do whatever little things he could, so his daddy wouldn't be too tired. He wanted to dig more vegetables, so his daddy could eat his fill, and he could eat his fill, too.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 212

Chapter 212

Fang Zichen's current appearance and aura were utterly terrifying.

The boss called over a thug to inquire. Upon hearing that Sun Zongze stubbornly insisted the matter had nothing to do with Sun Shangcheng and absolutely refused to tell the truth, the boss was furious.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 211

Chapter 211 

A long time after Fang Zichen had left, He Tiezhu still clung to a sliver of hope. Kneeling on one knee before He Huihui, the honest and simple man, who was never very good with words, felt his throat go even drier in that moment. "Huiniang, tell father, were those words that young Fang said just now true?"

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 210

Chapter 210

"Fang boy, don't act recklessly," the village chief, who had arrived at some unknown time, said while panting, trying to persuade him. He took two steps closer: "I know you're anxious since Guaizai is missing, but Huihui is just a girl. Don't take your anger out on her head."

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 209

Chapter 209

These few children used to play with Guaizai. They weren't afraid of Fang Zichen, even though his expression was very unpleasant now. "Yes! That's right, Uncle, do you have a cold?"

Fang Zichen forced a smile. "No. Go play now."

Zhao Ger said that person called himself 'this young master,' and furthermore...

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Xiao Feng, in his panic, stuttered even more severely. His words were broken, choked with sobs, and unclear.

That morning he had gone into the mountains to pick wild vegetables. He had originally wanted to take Guaizai along. Guaizai often boasted about being good at digging for wild vegetables, and that wasn't an empty boast. Though young, he had nearly two years of experience. In the past, when Zhao Ger took him to work in the fields and he couldn't help much, he would search for wild vegetables on the ridges. After all, back then, wild vegetables were the only food for him and Zhao Ger. To fill their stomachs, he learned to dig for them quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

Whenever Xiao Feng took him along, they could always gather half a basket. Today, after seeing Fang Zichen off, Guaizai was listless. With the continuous spring rain, the mountain paths were slippery. Last time, Guaizai had taken a fall on the mountain, bruising his little bottom. So this time, Xiao Feng didn't take him along.

At noon, when Xiao Feng returned carrying the wild vegetables, the courtyard was eerily quiet.

The women and fulangs had all gone to the river to slaughter the ducks. At this hour, it was indeed quiet at home. But when he heard the low whimpers of the little dog coming from inside, Xiao Feng immediately sensed something was wrong.

He rushed in. Zhao Ger was lying in the courtyard. He must have been hit on the head by something heavy; there was a gash on his forehead, blood trickling down. His clothes bore some messy footprints, and the courtyard was in disarray, as if a struggle had taken place. The little dog had also been kicked and was lying to the side, unable to get up, only able to keep licking Zhao Ger's hand. 

Xiao Feng was terrified on the spot. He helped Zhao Ger up, calling his name repeatedly. It took a long moment before Zhao Ger gradually regained consciousness. With red-rimmed eyes, he weakly called out to Xiao Feng, telling him to go to town to fetch Fang Zichen, saying the child had been snatched away.

Xiao Feng was obedient. An eight-year-old child who hadn't experienced much, he easily lost his composure in a crisis. Given the instruction, he directly ran toward town.

Several waiters gathered around, not understanding clearly. Worried and about to ask Fang Zichen if something had happened, when they saw Fang Zichen pick up Xiao Feng and dash out.

Shopkeeper Yang frowned. "Something must have happened. Xiao Hu, you go and take a look too."

"Alright, alright!"

Wang Xiaohu was a true town local who had never left the town. He chased them all the way to the city gate. Once out on the main road and seeing the fork ahead, he immediately didn't know which way to go.

Fang Zichen ran as if his feet were on fire. From beginning to end, Wang Xiaohu never managed to catch up.

Sprinting all the way, Fang Zichen had just reached the village entrance when he saw Zhao Ger staggering out, running.

His face was covered in blood. That vivid, shocking red was enough to drive Fang Zichen mad.

"Husband..."

Upon seeing Fang Zichen, Zhao Ger's tears fell. "Our son... someone took our son."

"I know." Fang Zichen set Xiao Feng down and picked Zhao Ger up. "Let's go back first."

Zhao Ger cried, "No, I won't go back. I have to find our son."

"How can you search in your condition now?" Fang Zichen's tone unconsciously turned harsh. "We go back first."

Zhao Ger also knew he was barely holding on. The other party had hit him with a heavy object and kicked him several times in the abdomen. He was now in severe pain all over, his vision blurred, and his legs so weak he could barely walk, stumbling with every step as if about to fall. But with his child snatched away, he couldn't just sit and wait passively at home.

Fang Zichen's face was frighteningly dark, and he was also very panicked inside. After hearing Xiao Feng's story, he had picked up Xiao Feng and run home. This series of actions seemed like his body's instinctive reaction. His mind was now in complete chaos. He had never encountered such a thing and didn't know what to do. But there were only a few of them at home. Xiao Feng was too young to rely on, and Zhao Ger was badly injured. Fang Zichen couldn't afford to panic—he still had to find his son. He absolutely must not lose his composure.

He forced himself to calm down. He had Xiao Feng first go and fetch the barefoot physician. The wound on Zhao Ger's temple was too deep and needed to be stopped from bleeding first.

"Tell me everything that happened today in detail."

Zhao Ger’s face was pale, waves of cramping pain tightening in his abdomen. He buried his face in his hands, consumed by guilt. The scent of blood filled his nose, and heartbroken sobs—impossible to hold back—leaked through his fingers.

"This morning..."

Nothing was particularly unusual this morning. After Fang Zichen left, he heated a pot of water as usual. Not long after the ducks were delivered, Aunt Liu and the others arrived. After slaughtering and scalding the ducks, they took buckets and went to the riverside.

Guaizai was feeding the chickens in the backyard. With many ducks, the yard quickly became dirty. Zhao Ger went to the kitchen to get some plant ash, intending to cover the duck droppings before cleaning. Suddenly, the sound of cart wheels came from outside.

Because Yang Mutao and the escort agency people had come before, Zhao Ger heard it but wasn't on guard, only thinking it might be Yang Mingyi arriving. But when he came out to look, he saw a young master and two burly men stepping down from the carriage.

Zhao Ger didn't recognize the visitors. They were utterly rude, swaggering into the courtyard without even asking, looking around.

The ground was covered in duck feathers and droppings. The young master showed obvious disdain. Just as Zhao Ger was about to ask who he was, Guaizai, hearing the commotion, ran out from the backyard. The moment that man saw Guaizai, his eyes lit up. In two or three steps, he bent down and gripped Guaizai's shoulders, his expression frantic and fervent.

Seeing something was wrong, Zhao Ger stepped forward to shield the child behind him but was pushed away by one of the burly men, who then restrained him.

"So it's you, hahaha, so it's you! This young master has searched for you for so long, with not a single trace before. Truly, heaven doesn't disappoint the hard-working person. She indeed didn't deceive me."

As soon as he finished speaking, he tried to pick up Guaizai. Guaizai had started struggling when he saw Zhao Ger being pushed, wanting to run over to Zhao Ger, and was unwilling to be held by him.

Zhao Ger was frantic. "Who are you? What do you want? Let go of my son! My husband will be back soon."

His voice was somewhat loud. Though their house wasn't located within the village and was somewhat remote, too much commotion might attract people. One of the burly men punched him in the stomach.

"Daddy..."

This punch was heavy. Zhao Ger didn't even have the strength to let out a sharp cry. His whole body went numb for a moment.

Busy all morning, he hadn't eaten a thing. Now his stomach clenched as if it were being crushed, forcing him to double over and retch up water. Then, a sharp, heart-wrenching pain surged through him, searing his nerves.

His internal organs felt pierced by ten thousand burning blades. His whole body trembled uncontrollably, his face as pale as paper, devoid of blood, cold sweat breaking out all over.

"Don't hit Guaizai's daddy! Let go of Daddy! Quickly let go of Daddy! You are bad people! Guaizai won't play with you! Let go of Guaizai! Quickly let go of Guaizai!"

Guaizai struggled fiercely, his cries sharp and piercing. One of the burly men handed over a handkerchief. The young master took it and clamped it over Guaizai's nose. In a moment, Guaizai stopped moving.

Watching the other party carry Guaizai onto the carriage, Zhao Ger went mad. Strength surged from somewhere unknown. He broke free from the restraint, staggered over, calling out while trying to snatch his son back. But before he could even get close, the other burly man kicked him to the ground.

The young master frowned, full of impatience. "This young master taking a fancy to your son is giving you face. How dare you scream and shout? Beat him."

The number of kicks and punches that landed on him were uncountable. Resistance brought no result. How the other party had insulted him for overestimating himself was already blurred in his memory. He only remembered the agonizing pain—a deep, clinging torment, like maggots burrowing into bone.

As the carriage was about to depart, Zhao Ger half-knelt, half-crawled over, clinging to the wheel. The two big men beat him again, yet he stubbornly held onto the wheel, refusing to let go. The young master, impatient, clicked his tongue. "Hurry up and deal with him. The villagers will be back soon."

The two burly men exchanged a look, then snatched up a heavy object from the carriage floorboard and swung it straight at Zhao Ger's head. The hand that had been gripping so tightly just a moment before suddenly went limp.

With that blow, Zhao Ger no longer had the strength to struggle or scream.

The events after that, Fang Zichen didn't need to be told.

After recounting everything from beginning to end, Zhao Ger sobbed softly. Tears mixed with blood dripped one by one, trickling down his chin. "Husband, it's all my fault, all my fault." His words fragmented, he tightly grasped Fang Zichen's hand. "If I had been more vigilant, the child wouldn't have... Husband, I want my son, I want my son. Without my son, I... I can't go on living."

"I know, I know." Fang Zichen tried his utmost to stay composed. "It's not your fault. I will definitely get our son back. Don't cry, be good."

This truly couldn't be blamed on Zhao Ger.

For someone to brazenly come right to their doorstep and snatch a child—nothing like this had ever happened in the village.

Who could have possibly imagined it!

The old physician arrived quickly. Fang Zichen had Xiao Feng keep watch and stepped out of the room.

Once out of Zhao Ger's sight, Fang Zichen's eyes also reddened.

Damned bastards.

Someone took my son. How dare they? They even beat my fulang. This is absolutely unforgivable.

Fang Zichen was both furious and couldn't help but feel afraid.

In these ancient times, there were no surveillance cameras. If nothing special happened, inspections for entering or leaving the city weren't strict. If a child were truly lost, in this vast world, nine times out of ten, they would never be found.

In this era, people emphasized blood relations, always feeling that non-biological children wouldn't bond. If one couldn't have their own, they mostly adopted from collateral branches; buying children was rare.

If children were abducted, girls and gers were mostly sold into brothels, young boys sold into servitude as slaves.

How slaves in wealthy households lived, Fang Zichen didn't know. Zhao Ger was the only example he had encountered.

Just the thought—if the child couldn't be found, his son might follow Zhao Ger's old path, being casually humiliated, beaten, and scolded, bowing and scraping to others, working like an ox... 

His son was still so small, unable to work much. Perhaps no one would even buy him.

Fang Zichen suddenly recalled going to the slave broker and seeing those people, like dogs, locked in cages, dressed in rags, sallow and emaciated. This thought filled him with a deep and powerful dread, a mix of fury and fear, followed by a pain that felt like his heart was being torn apart.

His heart filled with anxious unease; he didn't dare think deeper.

A cold wind blew in his face, making Fang Zichen's whole body ache sharply.

He slowly took a breath. Forcing himself to calm down, his first reaction was to go to town and report to the authorities. But arriving at the village entrance and seeing several children playing there, kneading mud and playing house, his steps abruptly halted.

The children saw him and greeted him one after another.

Fang Zichen's throat felt as if he had swallowed sand, somewhat hoarse. "Have you all been playing here all day today?"

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Most examinees went in pale-faced and came out red-faced, but Fang Zichen felt it was no big deal. Men at the swimming pool all wore just a pair of shorts, and he’d never seen anyone blush there. At times like this, it was all about mental fortitude.

As long as I’m not embarrassed, it’s others who are embarrassed.

The inspection here mostly checked if clothes concealed small cheat sheets or if thighs or stomachs were written on. A quick glance over, and it was done swiftly.

Fang Zichen had come prepared, wearing a pair of boxers. The other scholars weren't so lucky; when their undergarments were removed, their buttocks were completely exposed.

Fang Zichen felt that now he was a man with a fulang, he must uphold marital virtue.

Buttocks wasn't usually inspected. It would be incredibly foolish to hide notes there. And as for more private areas, that was completely out of the question. Scholars had their dignity to uphold. Besides, there was no such thing as modern underwear; once the undergarments came off, a person was entirely exposed. If someone had actually written something there and it was discovered, the humiliation would be enough to kill a man.

Two soldiers flipped through his clothes, while another instructed him to turn left and right a few times before saying it was done.

"Yo! Young Master, you've got quite a figure!" The soldier patted his chest after he dressed. "These muscles are rock hard. Rare to see a scholar like you."

"Pfft, they're all scrawny chickens," Fang Zichen said arrogantly, puffing up. "I, on the other hand, am a fighting cock."

The soldiers all laughed hearing this. It was their first time encountering such a scholar.

He had queued up at choushi (1-3 AM). After the series of inspections, it was already maoshi (5-7 AM). After receiving his compartment number and a cotton quilt, Fang Zichen was finally allowed into the Examination Compound.

It had to be said, the academy exam was truly stringent.

There were armed soldiers outside the compound and also inside. Some scholars couldn't control their curiosity upon entering, craning their necks to look around, and were immediately rebuked. Fang Zichen cautiously glanced around . Whether the examiners did it on purpose or not, these soldiers looked just as fierce and vicious as the escort guards who delivered goods last time. Even without speaking or any expression, they seemed inexplicably ferocious, as if they'd draw their swords and chop your head off at the slightest disagreement or if they just didn't like your face.

After being scolded, everyone stopped looking around and obediently went to find their assigned compartments with their quilts.

To save space, the compartments weren't very spacious, just barely fitting a desk and a wooden bed.

He originally thought the officials of Yuanzhou had some humanity, but after seeing the bed, Fang Zichen changed his mind.

The bed was just over 1.6 meters long; lying down, his legs couldn't stretch out. He didn't know if they looked down on the scholars or were afraid they'd sleep too comfortably and oversleep.

At chenshi (7-9 AM), the soldier beat the gong and distributed the exam papers. He had heard that in the past, it was different—there was only a single exam paper. The examiner would read the questions aloud, and the candidates would have to copy them down themselves.

After the imperial examination system reform, it was changed.

Three exam papers, with nine major questions on them. A quick glance showed the difficulty level had increased several notches compared to the prefectural exam.

No wonder there are so few Xiucai!

Previously, the exams primarily consisted of 'question-and-answer' sections, 'policy discourse' essays, and discussions on 'current affairs.' However, this time, the final two major questions were unexpectedly 'mathematical problems.'

What in the world...

He'd been woken up in the middle of the night by Li Yisheng. The two of them stood in the cold wind outside the Examination Compound for half the night until it was Fang Zichen's turn to queue, then Li Yisheng went back.

Fang Zichen scanned the exam papers to ensure no questions were missing, then covered them with draft paper, rolled up his quilt, and went straight to sleep.

Lack of mental energy would lead to a foggy brain, which would affect performance. 

So—sleep first, work later.

Three days passed in a blink. In the evening, the gates of the Examination Compound opened, and Fang Zichen limped out again, just like after the county and prefectural exams.

The bed was too small; it was impossible to sleep well no matter what.

That evening, after returning home, Li Yisheng applied his family's ancestral massage technique on Fang Zichen. The experience was a mix of agony and relief so profound it defied description.

It was called a massage, but it looked more like kneading dough.

The examiners worked overtime, grading papers through the night. The results were announced in the early morning of the third day.

This time, the list didn't show names, just a string of numbers. Looking at it was pointless, so the common folk didn't bother crowding around.

Most of those present now were candidates and some accompanying page boys or servants. The students from Qinghe Academy formed their own group. Looking at the crowd, they couldn't help but whisper.

"That Fang Zichen, who took first place in the last prefectural exam, I wonder if he took this exam."

"He probably didn't," someone said. "Only half a year has passed between the prefectural exam and this academy exam. It's too rushed. A sensible person wouldn't subject themselves to such humiliation."

Most scions from established families, if they started learning at three and entered school at six, then everything they studied and wrote before the prefectural exam was related to the county and prefectural exams. Only after becoming a Tongsheng would they start learning content for the academy exam.

It was similar to passing the high school entrance exam; without studying for another two or three years, without mastering the full curriculum and building a sufficient foundation, how could anyone possibly sit for the college entrance exam? It was simply unheard of for someone to attempt the national college entrance exam just half a year after completing the high school entrance exam.

Fang Zichen was still sound asleep. Li Yisheng, who wasn't even taking the exam, was more nervous than him. He got up before dawn. Seeing a number on the list that seemed familiar, as if sharing in the glory, he puffed out his chest and returned to the medical hall.

The next day, Fang Zichen went to take the exam again.

Same as before, but this time the difficulty of the questions had increased several more levels. Fang Zichen had to take it seriously. 

Carelessness leads to loss; he had promised his son he'd become an official and make him an official's son.

If about four hundred people participated in the first session, only over two hundred remained for the second session. If the difficulty level wasn't sufficiently high, they would have no effective means to eliminate candidates and narrow down the selection.

After all, passing as a Xiucai meant they could eat the state's grain. If there were too many Xiucai, the imperial court probably couldn't afford to support them all.

Sigh, eating from the state's pot is hard!

Fang Zichen again made it a rule to sleep first, starting to write answers in the afternoon. Being in a confined environment for a long time inevitably leads to irritability and depression. While his physical and mental state were still relatively good in the first two days, he tried to finish as much as possible, leaving the last day for checking and filling gaps.

Thus, writing and composing, another three days passed.

Fang Zichen didn't stay long. He had a meal with Li Yisheng in the evening and set off back home early the next morning.

But this time, he couldn't hire a carriage. Due to spring ploughing and the academy exam, most academies were on holiday. A large number of students returning home made carriages scarce.

The families who could afford to send their sons to academies were generally well-off or better. Those who couldn't were typically from the countryside. Fang Zichen didn't know about other academies, but he had made some inquiries during this trip. Qinghe Academy was rather like a modern, exclusive private school. Over ninety-five percent of its students came from wealthy or noble families, with only a handful hailing from rural villages. And yet, the academy still observed a farming break. Even with this so-called farming break, it was doubtful what these students would actually do once they returned home. They were unlikely to work in the fields or know the first thing about farming. In all probability, they would simply become an extra burden, requiring their families to wait on them.

Li Yisheng, seeing his sighing and despondent look—as if he'd die of depression if he didn't see his fulang and son soon—had his family coachman take him back.

"Brother." Fang Zichen was deeply moved. "Great kindness needs no thanks!"

Li Yisheng: "..."

This didn't seem like that big a deal.

A little after shenshi (3-5 PM), they reached the village entrance. Seeing Zhao Ger waiting for him with the two children, Fang Zichen jumped off the carriage and rushed straight over to them.

Truly, one day apart feels like three years. He missed them terribly.

Zhao Ger was embarrassed by his kisses, his face flushed and heart racing. But having learned from last time's experience, and with no villagers in sight now, Zhao Ger allowed it. It wasn't just Fang Zichen who missed him; Zhao Ger missed Fang Zichen just as much, thinking of him constantly. Even that brief moment of lips touching, he cherished that warmth.

After kissing his fulang, seeing his son jumping up and down impatiently, Fang Zichen picked him up, held him tightly, rubbed against his now smooth little face, and kissed him several times, feeling his heart finally full. Xiao Feng watched enviously. Now that they were all family, Fang Zichen didn't play favorites. He also hugged Xiao Feng, kissed him twice, and patted his head.

Xiao Feng suddenly blushed, his heart pounding. Clenching his fists, he gathered courage and, imitating Guaizai, also kissed Fang Zichen once.

In the village, from age eight, they started emphasizing separation of boys and girls. But to someone with a modern mindset, an eight-year-old was still just a child. Since they were all family now, if he kissed one child and not the other—what would that mean?

With Fang Zichen back, Zhao Ger was visibly happier, cooking several extra dishes that night.

This season, the vegetable plot didn't have much to offer—mostly just some radishes, napa cabbage, and kale. Other vegetables, as soon as the weather turned warm, were quick to bolt and flower. If they couldn't harvest and eat them in time, they would become tough and inedible.

The pumpkin vines, cucumbers, string beans, and eggplants that were planted would take another two or three months to be ready.

Luckily, plenty of wild vegetables grew on the mountain now, like fern fronds, willow-leaf artemisia, purslane, and wild chives. Zhao Ger used to often go to the mountains to pick them, but now the family was busy, so Xiao Feng did it.

Fang Zichen ate the wild vegetables as if they were meat, feeling they tasted even better than pork.

That night, after coaxing his son to sleep, Fang Zichen spent a long time fooling around with Zhao Ger. Sharing one quilt was inconvenient, so Zhao Ger had bought a thin small quilt. He moved Guaizai to the inner side of the bed, covered him with the quilt, then slipped back into Fang Zichen's arms.

His cheeks were slightly red, his eyes still held a mistiness from their earlier passion, his voice was still a bit hoarse, and his limbs felt weak. Fang Zichen, bare-chested, had a body temperature scorchingly high. Zhao Ger pressed against his chest, his heart aching with a bittersweet fullness. For several days, the cold that had lingered in his body seemed completely driven away.

"Husband," he murmured, burying his face in Fang Zichen's chest. "I missed you so much."

Fang Zichen, seeing him so docile, curled up in his arms like a little rabbit completely dependent on him, couldn't help but stroke his soft hair, his heart itching. He gently kissed Zhao Ger's somewhat feverish forehead and said softly, "I missed you too."

The academy exam results would take six days to be released. Fang Zichen rested for two days, then went back to work.

Guaizai had been extremely clingy these past few days, as if trying to make up for all the previous days apart. He'd even wait outside when Fang Zichen used the outhouse. The day before, he'd clamored to help Fang Zichen wipe his bottom.

An eighteen-year-old man, sticking out his bottom for a three-year-old child to wipe—just the thought made him blush to the roots of his hair. Although Fang Zichen doted on his son, giving him whatever he wanted, this time he didn't indulge him. Guaizai was later dragged away by Zhao Ger.

Today, going to work, Guaizai hugged him again, demanding three kisses before reluctantly letting him go.

Though his son was a little man, when he acted spoiled, he was like a soft, gentle little ger, making him want to hold him close to your heart.

There weren't many customers today. Fang Zichen was bragging with Wang Xiaohu and the others when someone outside called for him, voice tearful and gasping for breath.

"Un... Uncle Fang..."

It was Xiao Feng.

Seeing the bloodstains on the front of his pale grey clothes, his tear-filled eyes, and panicked expression, Fang Zichen was startled. For some reason, his heart sank inexplicably.

"What's wrong? Why is your clothes stained with blood? Did someone bully you? How dare they! Tell me, I'll deal with them!"

Xiao Feng seemed to have found his pillar of support. The breath he'd been holding all the way, the fear, and the tears welling in his eyes all poured out after Fang Zichen spoke.

"N-no, it's not," he shook his head, wiping tears. "It's... it's Uncle Z-Zhao. He... he was beaten. And... and brother... brother is... is missing too."

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 206

Chapter 206

The ox cart disappeared at the foot of the mountain. Guaizai's eyes reddened. He turned back, hugged Zhao Ger's leg, and said sadly: "Daddy, Guaizai miss father. Father goes for long long, Guaizai will miss him lots oh!"

Zhao Ger patted his head: "It's alright, father will be back very soon. Do you remember you promised father yesterday that you wouldn't cry? A real man keeps his word. Is Guaizai a real man?"

"... Yes." Guaizai's tears 'whooshed' back in: "Guaizai have little bird, Guaizai naturally is real man. Guaizai no cry. Guaizai can endure. With father not here, Guaizai is the only man in house. Guaizai must be brave and strong, must protect daddy and Brother Xiao Feng."

Guaizai felt the weight of his responsibility deeply. Moreover, he thought about how Fang Zichen was going to take the exam. If he passed, he would become a xiucai. Once he was a xiucai, the top scholar title could not be far away.

And once the top scholar title was achieved, becoming a high official would surely follow soon after.

He was a little man determined to become an official's son. Now, for the sake of realizing his dream, his father was leaving his hometown, toiling hard to take the imperial examinations. He really shouldn't cry.

Xiao Feng stroked his head: "Good, Guaizai go, go with, with brother to, to dig, dig wild vegetables?"

Guaizai nodded. "Guaizai will go. Guaizai is the best at digging wild vegetables."

The family grew few vegetables, and there wasn't much work to do. The ducks were even slaughtered by hired help. Zhao Ger's original intention in keeping Xiao Feng at home wasn't to find someone to do chores. Now that many wild vegetables had grown in the mountains, tender and fresh, Xiao Feng thought of picking some. They could eat a little themselves, and if there was more, they could send some to Jiaojiao's family in town.

Vegetables sold in town weren't cheap; this could save quite a bit of silver.

...

The academy exam was held twice within a three-year cycle, with each administration consisting of two separate testing sessions. While the core subjects tested were similar to those of the earlier county and prefectural exams, the questions were far more challenging.

[To earn the lowest official scholarly rank of xiucai, a candidate, universally known as a tongsheng regardless of age, was required to pass three-stage examination sequence held in the prefecture: first, the county exam for qualification; second, the prefectural exam for further screening; and finally, the decisive academy exam administered by a provincial commissioner, with success in this last stage alone granting the xiucai degree and the right to advance to higher provincial-level examination]

It was like junior high school exams still testing language, math, and English, but by high school, while still testing language, math, and English, the content was different.

The grading and invigilation were overseen by the Educational Commissioner, who was appointed by the emperor from among Hanlin Academicians.

The first session was easier than the second, and the number of candidates admitted was also higher. When the results for this session were posted, they were displayed as a "Draft List." This list used circles to mark the seat numbers of those who passed, but it did not reveal their names.

After the second session's re-examination, the sealed names were opened. All tongsheng who passed the academy exam were officially titled as Xiucai, thus obtaining Official Recognition. While a tongsheng had only one foot in the door, a xiucai had formally entered the scholar-official class. Xiucai had privileges such as exemption from corvée labor and certain taxes, the right not to kneel before the county magistrate, and protection from arbitrary punishment.

Xiucai were categorized into three ranks. Those who achieved the highest scores in the examinations were designated as Linsheng (Stipend Students). They received a regular monthly grain stipend from the government. The next rank was Zengsheng (Supplementary Students). They did not receive the government grain allowance. There were limited, fixed quotas for both the Linsheng and Zengsheng positions. The third rank consisted of Fusheng (Attached Students), who were newly enrolled affiliate scholars.

Achieving first place in the final session of the county, prefectural, and academy examinations was commonly called the Xiao Sanyuan (Little Triple First).

Last time at the yamen, Fang Zichen had knelt twice, feeling utterly aggrieved. Earlier, when educating his son, he had said that a man has gold under his knees, and should only kneel to heaven, earth, and parents. That day, after returning from the yamen, Guaizai asked him why he had knelt to that old uncle, asking if that old uncle was his father.

Fang Zichen was mortified on the spot. To him, this was no different from a slap in the face. He could only steel himself and say that the man was the county magistrate. He was currently a tiger at the foot of a plain, and had no choice but to kneel when meeting an official. Once he passed the imperial examination and became a high official, the county magistrate would have to kneel to him then. A man must know when to bend and when to stand tall. 

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don't bully the young for being poor.

[三十年河东，三十年河西 (sān shí nián hé dōng, sān shí nián hé xi): lit. thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; fig. fortune and circumstances are constantly changing and unpredictable]

This time, he was aiming for Xiao Sanyuan.

Last time, riding in the carriage had jostled him half to death. This time, it was much better, perhaps because the first time was unfamiliar, the second time familiar. Just as they entered the city gate, he saw Li Yisheng under the gate stretching his neck and looking around furtively, like a thief.

"Little brother..." Fang Zichen waved to him. Although Li Yisheng had squinty eyes, his eyesight was quite good. He spotted him immediately and rushed over. The two embraced on the official road.

Li Yisheng sighed emotionally: "You've finally come. Since we parted last time, a year has passed. Times have changed, the stars have shifted, things are different, and people have changed. Looking at you now, I almost dare not recognize you."

Fang Zichen pushed him away: "... Read more books when you have time."

"Ai, I was just saying that casually. That's how it's written in storybooks, I thought it was quite touching." Li Yisheng took his baggage: "Let's go home. I've already arranged for a meal to be prepared."

It was the same room as last time. Li Yisheng said: "The academy exam is about to begin. Knowing you were coming, I had the room cleaned beforehand. The quilts have also just been aired in the sun."

Fang Zichen didn't know how to write the word "polite," but he did have some manners: "Thanks, brother."

"Don't be polite," Li Yisheng put an arm around his shoulder: "Let's go eat."

They didn't go to a restaurant. Recently, a large number of examinees had flooded into Yuanzhou. Outsiders were everywhere, and restaurants and inns were even more packed. The exam was tomorrow. Thinking that Fang Zichen had come from Fu'an Town and the journey must have been tiring, Li Yisheng decided not to go out.

There were quite a few dishes, but when they started eating, no one else seemed to be coming. Fang Zichen blinked: "Your cousin and second aunt aren't staying here?"

Li Yisheng said: "They didn't come."

"Oh!" Hearing a hint of schadenfreude in his tone, Fang Zichen said: "Your cousin didn't pass the prefectural exam last time, did he?"

"Mhm!"

Fang Zichen slapped the table: "I knew it! Someone who was carried out of the exam hall, how could they possibly pass? A useless fool, and he dared to look down on me."

Li Yisheng frowned: "You heard all those things my second aunt said?"

He thought it was unlikely. His second aunt's mouth couldn't spit out ivory; her words might not be half profane, but they were extremely unpleasant. Fang Zichen had an impulsive temperament and was used to being pampered. Li Yisheng understood that Fang Zichen knew perfectly well when to hold back and when to confront. Regarding Second Aunt Li, Li Yisheng knew Fang Zichen looked down on her. If he had heard her remarks, he would most likely have fired back on the spot.

Fang Zichen shook his head: "Didn't hear. But it was written clearly in her face."

Li Yisheng felt a bit regretful: "You saw it, why didn't you scold her a few times?"

"What's the use of scolding? I'm not that kind of person," Fang Zichen said with a sincere face: "I speak humbly and respectfully. If I were to argue with someone like her, I would surely have no chance of winning. I prefer to use ability to slap faces."

Li Yisheng: "..."

He almost believed it.

Judging by appearance alone, Fang Zichen's first impression was of extreme, handsome flamboyance, looking like someone from a prestigious family.

Most scions of prestigious families were refined, elegant, and graceful. But Fang Zichen... Li Yisheng felt he himself was no match for him. If Fang Zichen were to engage in a war of words with Second Aunt Li, she probably wouldn't last two rounds before losing miserably.

After the meal, Old Master Wu came looking for him. They had corresponded earlier, and Old Master Wu had originally wanted Fang Zichen to stay at his residence, but Fang Zichen had been too embarrassed to go. 

He'd heard Old Master Wu had several grandchildren. If he went, he'd have to bring gifts.

Cheap items couldn't be given. If he had to give each one a gold lock, he'd rather sleep on the street.

The family was currently very poor. There was simply no way he could come up with that kind of money.

Old Master Wu came this time mostly to advise him on some matters to note, exam points, and some insights.

Fang Zichen muttered, feeling it was a bit late to talk about this now.

Old Master Wu's eyes widened. He had never met Fang Zichen without getting angry. He had done some mental preparation before coming, telling himself not to argue with a junior. Having taught for most of his life, he had seen all sorts of playboys, but no one had Fang Zichen's ability to leave him speechless and half-dead with anger every time.

The biggest taboo in the examination hall was excessive pressure. Fang Zichen had just finished the prefectural exam in the tenth month. Taking the exam now was really too rushed. Old Master Wu had advised him to wait another two years to gain more experience, but Fang Zichen refused. So now he had to say: "Take this exam as an opportunity to gain experience. Don't be nervous."

"I know, I'm not nervous at all."

Fang Zichen was stating a fact. He was a top student. Before transmigrating, taking exams was almost like eating—daily quizzes, monthly tests. He had experienced all kinds of exams, big and small, and was thoroughly accustomed to them.

Just like eating, who gets nervous about eating?

Definitely not possible!

He knew his own situation. Old Master Wu, however, thought he was 'putting on a brave face.' He comforted him some more, then told him some rules of the examination hall.

"Have you finished reading all those books from last time?"

"Finished," Fang Zichen said.

Old Master Wu nodded: "Good, then you have some grasp, at least you won't hand in a blank paper."

Fang Zichen felt belittled, but after thinking about it, decided not to say anything.

The prefectural exam required a xiucai and villagers as guarantors, while the academy exam required a Linsheng as a guarantor. The guarantor procedures were similar to those of the prefectural exam and county exam.

Old Master Wu had already taken care of it all for him.

The academy exam spanned six days in total, divided into two sessions of three days each, with a three-day rest period between them. In earlier years, similar to the prefectural exam, candidates were required to bring their own food.

But now it had changed.

In the past, examinees would bring charcoal, rice, and other supplies to cook for themselves inside the examination compound. While these scholars could compose essays effortlessly, they could hardly be relied upon for any practical task.

Those from farming backgrounds, even if they hadn't done it themselves, had at least seen how to cook rice. Those from wealthy families, however, were a different matter. Many had never stepped foot in a kitchen—some might even mistake rice for salt—as they were accustomed to servants attending to their every need day and night. There was even a rumor about a young master from a rich family who, unable to relieve himself, demanded his servant to help suck it out. 

Who knows if it's true or not, but "Of a hundred useless things, the scholar is the most useless" is not unfounded.

[百无一用是书生 (bǎi wú yī yòng shì shū shēng): lit. Of a hundred useless things, the scholar is the most useless; fig. Scholars are impractical and lack real-world skills.]

A few years ago, someone taking the exam in the provincial examination hall cooked porridge himself. When trying to put out the fire, he mistakenly poured oil onto the flames, causing flames to shoot up and burn his exam compartment. The compartments were built closely together from wood. Moreover, during the exam, the main gate was tightly shut. The incident was sudden, and everyone was unprepared. In the end, it was said many people died in that fire.

After that tragedy, to prevent similar accidents and to allow candidates to concentrate fully on their papers, the authorities took over the provision of meals.

Each morning, a bowl of porridge and a steamed bun. At noon, two meat buns, a boiled egg, and a bowl of soup. The evening meal was the same.

Coming to take the exam wasn't about enjoying luxury. Expecting lavish meals was impossible.

Therefore, Fang Zichen didn't prepare much. After submitting his household registration information and confirming it was correct, the official wanted to search him.

A temporary small hut was set up outside the examination compound. Candidates had to go in and strip naked for inspection. This was one good point about Yuanzhou. It was said that in some places, officials were inhumane and didn't even set up a hut; candidates were required to strip completely for inspection out in the open street. 

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 205

Chapter 205

"Alright, kiss kiss kiss!" Fang Zichen held Zhao Ger and their son, feeling his heart completely full.

Fireworks bloomed, one year passed, and another arrived.

Two barrels of fireworks burned for over half an hour. Each explosion was dazzling yet different. No one in the courtyard spoke; they all seemed immersed in the beautiful scene.

When everything grew quiet again, the people of the whole village remained in a daze, unable to snap out of it. They reluctantly returned to their homes, discussing it for a long while before finally going to sleep.

The next morning, the village was bustling. A large group of people arrived from Xiaorong Village. Many families in the two villages were connected by marriage. It was customary not to pay New Year visits on the first day; most people waited until the second. Therefore, their arrival at this time was quite puzzling. After some conversation, however, the reason became clear. It turned out the neighboring village had also seen the fireworks the previous night and had come to inquire about them. They found the spectacle incredibly beautiful and wanted to know where such fireworks could be purchased, hoping to buy some for themselves next year. They truly were magnificent.

Buy? Buy what? Those are things from the prefecture city; they aren't available in the town. Besides, this stuff doesn't look cheap. Otherwise, the rich gentlemen in town would have bought some long ago.

Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but feel disappointed.

The two firework barrels were still in the courtyard. When the children got up in the morning, they gathered around them, chattering about the "flowers" from last night.

Fang Zichen slept in. When he got up, the children swarmed him again, saying they wanted to see more fireworks.

Fang Zichen: "..."

Want to see fireworks?

Haven't you seen enough after a whole night?

Why not wish to fly to the sky!

In the end, he couldn't withstand the pestering. Moreover, Zhao Ger also looked over, his big eyes blatantly spelling out the six words 'I want to see it too'. Who could resist that?

After eating, Fang Zichen went to make more. He still had materials anyway, and he was free. As a modern man, before the city banned fireworks, he and his second brother would set them off every day and night during the New Year in their villa complex. They bought cartloads of firecrackers. There wasn't a type of firecracker he hadn't played with or a firework he hadn't seen; he was tired of them. 

On the second day, Wu Ger came over, inviting them to dinner at his house that evening. Du Xiaodu had earned some money over the past few months by firing small jars for Zhao Ger. Wu Ger also had a stable job thanks to Fang Zichen's help. The couple, remembering this kindness, had nothing valuable to give as a gift. For the New Year, they thought of inviting them for a meal.

Before Zhao Ger gave his answer, Wu Ger felt quite uneasy. After all, the Fang family now had a business in town, and Fang Zichen was halfway into an official career. Their Du family wasn't like the village chief's family or He Daleng's family; they had little influence in the village. He was afraid they might look down on them and refuse. However, Zhao Ger did not dwell on such considerations and simply nodded in agreement. Only then did Wu Ger’s worries ease.

"Alright, I'll go back and prepare. Bring the children over tonight."

They didn't wait until evening. In the afternoon, Zhao Ger took the children over. Wu Ger's baby was several months old now, fair and chubby, always blowing bubbles. The children gathered around to play with him, finding it novel.

After a while, someone ran over from outside, saying someone had come to their house and they should go back quickly to see.

Zhao Ger and Fang Zichen returned home. There was another carriage. The driver wasn't the familiar Xiao Haozi, but a big man with a long beard. His clothes were tight, his muscles prominent; he didn't look friendly.

Fang Zichen stepped forward: "Brother, who are you looking for?"

"Is this the home of Young Master Fang Zichen?" the big man asked.

Fang Zichen glanced at the carriage: "What business do you have with him?"

The big man said: "Old Master Wu and his fulang from Yuanzhou, thinking of their grandson, hired our security escort to deliver some New Year gifts."

"Ah, so that's it! Should've said so earlier! I am Fang Zichen. Come, come, I'll open the gate. Bring them in quickly!"

Old Master Wu sent a lot: various foods and pastries, each in large quantity. Clearly, it wasn't just for Yang Mingyi alone. This way of handling the matter was thoughtful. Had he sent only a single portion, if Yang Mingyi were less considerate, he might eat it all himself. Yet if he were mindful of others, how could he possibly enjoy such a gift alone with a clear conscience

There was also meat and cloth.

The cart was full of things. The man said Old Master Wu instructed that Zhao Ger should receive and use them as he pleased.

This counted as New Year gifts.

The man was from a local security escort agency in Yuanzhou and had to hurry back. Zhao Ger served him tea and asked him to wait a moment.

A few days ago, Uncle Liu dug up a lot of fishmint. He said there was plenty and told Zhao Ger to come get some to eat. Old Master Wu had quite liked it last time. Zhao Ger went to get some. Worried the chefs in his mansion might not know how to prepare it, he washed it again, made a cold salad, packed it in a clay jar, and had Fang Zichen pack some chili sauce, pickled vegetables, and homemade cured meat as return gifts.

While loading the cart, Zhao Ger noticed there were two separate sets of gifts. Before he could ask, he heard Fang Zichen instruct the man to deliver one to the Sheng Family Medical Hall and give it to his 'little brother'.

During the New Year period, there was little work to be done. Most people spent their time paying visits and engaging in leisurely conversation. With nothing to do, Zhao Ger tinkered with the hot pot base Fang Zichen had mentioned earlier. Old Master Wu had sent some mutton. Zhao Ger noticed Fang Zichen couldn't stand the smell. Pig intestines used to stink too, and Fang Zichen couldn't handle that either, but not to the point of vomiting at the smell. Fish was also fishy, but he didn't react to that. It seemed he specifically couldn't stand the gamy smell of mutton.

Yang Mingyi couldn't stand it either. There were nine catties of mutton. Two people at home would start retching at the smell. Zhao Ger thought about giving it away. Fang Zichen said: "Although I can't stand the smell, I can eat it. I like using mutton slices for hot pot."

So, Zhao Ger decided to make the base first.

He had never eaten mutton before either. After preparing the base and slicing the mutton thinly as Fang Zichen said, and since all the children at home could eat spicy food, Zhao Ger didn't cook separately. He picked some pea shoots, small radishes, and vegetable seedlings from the Liu family's vegetable plot to blanch in the hot pot.

Zhao Ger set up a small stove on the kitchen floor, placed a wide pot on it. The pot held a red, fragrant, and spicy broth. Even before the meal started, the children were already swallowing their saliva.

It was their first time eating this way. The children were excited and curious. Hot pot appeals to all ages. Not just the adults, the children loved it very much. Outside, the bitter wind howled, but inside, with the door shut tight and everyone gathered around the bubbling pot, the atmosphere was wonderfully warm and snug.

It was a bit spicy. The sound of sniffing never stopped. Today, Zhao Ger didn't stop Xiao Feng. The child ate until his head was sweaty and his lips were red.

The sliced mutton, fish, and pork were all finished. The vegetables were also blanched and eaten clean. Seeing the children eat so well made Zhao Ger happy.

Time spent eating, drinking, and having fun always seemed to fly by. In the blink of an eye, it was the sixth day, time to return to work. Shops had to reopen. The children were still playing, but the adults were busy again.

On the eighth day, Yang Mutao returned. Without even entering his own home, he came to pick up Yang Mingyi. Zhao Ger helped him pack. Guaizai clung to Yang Mingyi's leg, looking at him with teary eyes, begging him not to leave. Yang Mingyi naturally didn't want to leave either. Living in the village was comfortable. No matter how mature and disciplined he seemed, he was still only a child at heart. Children love bustle and playing together. He used to be aloof, not because that was his nature from the start, but because his later environment shaped him. But returning was inevitable—he had a home of his own. If he did not go back today, then it would have to be tomorrow, or the day after.

Seeing his own ger seemed to have gained some weight, Yang Mutao was happy. He patted his shoulder: "You can come whenever you want in the future. It's close anyway. Go back with me today. I haven't seen you for a long time. Stay with me for a few days."

Yang Mingyi also missed Yang Mutao a little, so he nodded: "Alright."

He got on the carriage, looked back at the small, still somewhat dilapidated yet warm and cozy courtyard. Zhao Ger, Fang Zichen, Guaizai, and Xiao Feng were seeing him off at the gate. A sudden, indescribable emotion welled up in Yang Mingyi's heart—a sour, swelling ache that was difficult to put into words. He faintly felt that this seemed to be the last time. His connection with this place seemed to have reached its end. There might not be the 'future' Yang Mutao spoke of.

After a few days off, getting up early for work again made Fang Zichen feel as if a lifetime had passed.

On the road, he breathed into his palms, feeling heartache.

The weather is freezing. I'm not a bare stick anymore; I'm an icicle.

[光棍 (guānggùn): lit. bare stick; fig. bachelor, unmarried man]

Providing for a family is truly not easy!

By the end of the second lunar month, the village began to get busy.

Actually, they didn't need to start this early. The weather was still cold; corn couldn't be planted yet for fear of frost damage.

But most people didn't have oxen. The whole village had only one, belonging to the village chief's family. They had their own land to plow. Those not closely related felt awkward borrowing it. Turning the soil relied entirely on two hands and a hoe, one hole at a time. It was exhausting and time-consuming.

By turning the soil now, when the weather warmed up in the third month, seeds could be sown just in time.

The fields were livelier than the vegetable plots. Knowing the chili sauce sold well, several families had already started turning their soil to plant chili peppers. Afraid the seeds would freeze, they covered them with a thick layer of straw after sowing.

In the third month, warblers flew and grass grew. The weather warmed slightly. After a spring rain, sprouts of grass emerged in large patches by the roadside and field ridges. The mountains came alive with the sound of birds; swallows often chirped by the fields. Looking into the distance, it was a scene brimming with spring vitality.

Farmers busied themselves with spring plowing, sowing hope. Fang Zichen packed his luggage, preparing to go to Yuanzhou for the exams. Perhaps because he was a little older, Guaizai didn't cry this time. Seeing Zhao Ger organizing things, he climbed into Fang Zichen's arms, hugged his neck, lay on his chest, and whispered: "Father, Guaizai will miss you. You must come back quickly!"

"Mm!" Fang Zichen kissed his forehead. "Father will come back as soon as the exams are over. Do you want any gifts?"

Guaizai shook his head, holding him tightly. "No. I just want Father."

These words made Fang Zichen reluctant to leave. This trip would take many days. He wanted to pack up Zhao Ger and his son and take them along, but the family business couldn't be left unattended. The shop had Lin Xiaoxia and his wife and Zhou Ger watching it, so Zhao Ger didn't need to worry about that, but the roast duck business couldn't do without him.

The villagers were extremely busy during this period, but in the morning, a crowd gathered outside the courtyard again, saying they came to see him off. The aunt who gave the red eggs last time handed over two more this time.

"Fang boy, these red eggs are auspicious. Take them for the road."

In the village, red eggs symbolize good omens and auspicious events. They are mostly given when a child is born.

Fang Zichen didn't really understand, but he thanked her and accepted them.

After bidding farewell to Zhao Ger and the children, Fang Zichen shouldered his pack, climbed onto the ox cart, and swayed away on his journey.

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 204

Chapter 204

When inviting people for a meal, one must prepare more dishes. It was better to have leftovers than to barely have enough. Chicken, duck, fish, and pork were all laid out. The tables and stools at home weren't enough, so they borrowed some from the Liu family. Amidst all the busyness, when the guests arrived and sat down, they couldn't help but be astonished.