Chapter 127
The city appeared calm on the surface, but beneath it, undercurrents were surging.
Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He had been keeping a close watch on the news in the city, yet they couldn't fathom the salt commissioner’s intentions. After staying in Siyang for four or five days, the man hadn't summoned any merchants.
None of them knew the salt commissioner personally, nor did they have any idea how to get an audience with him. With no leads, they had no choice but to seek help from the county magistrate.
Rumor had it that the magistrate’s doorstep had nearly been worn down from all the visits. Lavish gifts, like wildflowers in full bloom during spring, were sent in wave after wave to the magistrate’s residence. Zhang Fangyuan wondered if the salt commissioner had yet to receive such generous offerings, and whether he was even aware of these dealings.
The weather had grown hot again. With so many matters weighing on the family lately, Xu He had been anxious about the salt trade while also worrying about Ruijin. Tossing and turning at night, he had fallen ill with heat fever, his head heavy and his throat sore.
Zhang Fangyuan brought medicine from the kitchen, blew on it to cool it down, and handed it to Xu He. Watching him frown as he drank, Zhang Fangyuan teased, "Ruijin’s just gone for the exams, and you’re already this worried. If he goes off to serve as an official elsewhere in the future, will you follow him to keep him company or stay here in this house with me?"
The herbs concoction didn’t taste pleasant, but Xu He was past the age of throwing tantrums over bitterness. He held his breath and downed it in one go, then retorted, "That Ruili has grown into such a smooth talker, I’d say nine-tenths of it is your doing."
Zhang Fangyuan chuckled. "He claims he’s naturally clever and quick-witted without needing any teaching. What use would he have for a butcher like me as a tutor?"
Seeing that Xu He had finished the medicine, he patted his head approvingly and took the bowl. "Was it bitter?"
"The brew was strong, of course it was bitter." Xu He pressed his lips together. "You’re as sturdy as an ox, hardly ever getting sick. Even if you do, a hot foot soak and you’re back to normal the next day. Of course you wouldn’t know how awful these concoctions taste."
Zhang Fangyuan raised an eyebrow. "Then should I try it to see how bitter it is?"
"I’ve already finished it, how would you taste it? Not that there’s only this one bowl brewed. You could have some too. The doctor said yesterday that the medicine clears heat and reduces fever, so drinking some wouldn’t—"
Before Xu He could finish, the man suddenly leaned in and pressed their lips together. Xu He gave him a half-hearted push but couldn’t budge him.
This man was still the same as he had been in his early twenties. Though his demeanor had grown steadier and more composed over the years, his core remained unchanged.
"Dad! Little Dad!"
Ruili rushed into the room excitedly, clutching a letter, only to run headlong into the sight of his tall father hunched over, completely enveloping his smaller dad.
Tilting his head curiously to see what they were up to, he was met with his Little Dad shoving his Dad away in a fluster.
Xu He’s face was flushed. "Wh-what is it?"
Seeing Ruili's wide-eyed, dumbfounded expression, Zhang Fangyuan wiped his lips and said, "Your dad’s got heat fever. I was just helping him take his medicine."
"Is Little Dad okay?" The ge'er stepped forward, eyeing the medicine bowl. "No wonder Little Dad’s face is so red, it’s the fever."
He reached out to feel Xu He’s forehead, but his father caught his hand. "I’ve already checked, he’s fine. What’s got you rushing in here in such a hurry?"
If Zhang Fangyuan hadn’t mentioned it, Ruili might have forgotten why he’d come in the first place, his thoughts derailed by his dad’s illness.
He quickly handed the letter to Zhang Fangyuan, his eyes practically sparkling. "Brother passed the metropolitan exams! He’s now a two-list imperial scholar! After the palace exam, he can come home!"
[兩榜進士 (Liǎng bǎng jìnshì): Lit. Two-list scholar; Fig. A successful candidate who passed both the provincial and metropolitan imperial examinations, qualifying for the highest level of civil service]
Before Zhang Fangyuan could finish reading the letter, Ruili had already summarized the key points, leaving him no patience to read further. He asked eagerly, "What rank?"
"Second Class, seventh place!"
[The results of the Metropolitan Exam and the subsequent Palace Examination were divided into three classes: first class (top three scholars, appointed to high ranking positions in Hanlin Academy or as junior officials in the central government), second class ( ranked 4 below, often ~100-200 scholars, appointed as county magistrates or secretaries in ministries), third class (the lowest passable rank in the Palace Exam, appointed as minor local officials]
Xu He shot to his feet, the flush on his face not from fever now but excitement. "Good! Wonderful! Last night, I dreamed of the capital, thinking your brother must be missing home. Who knew we’d receive such good news today!"
Zhang Fangyuan was equally overjoyed. Becoming a juren was already a rare feat, let alone a two-list imperial scholar with such a high ranking.
Three years ago, not a single candidate from Siyang had passed the metropolitan exams. Now that such fortune had graced their family, how could they not rejoice?
"Quick, quick! Let’s take this news to Teacher Luo. He must be waiting anxiously for your brother’s results too."
Ruili nodded. "Xing ge'er has asked me about it several times as well."
Zhang Fangyuan had initially thought of letting the ge'er deliver the letter to Luo Yan as a simple notice, but considering it was just a short distance and Luo Yan had shown Ruijin such unwavering care over the years, he and Xu He ought to go in person.
"Master, Master Zhang and his fulang from next door request an audience."
Luo Yan was hosting a guest in the main hall when the steward came to report. He hesitated slightly, thinking it might be inconvenient with company present. But given their long-standing familiarity, they likely wouldn’t mind. He asked, "Is it urgent?"
"They didn’t mention any urgency."
The guest, who had been sipping tea, set down his cup. "Brother Luo, if you have visitors, by all means, receive them. I’m in no hurry. Meeting an old friend is no trouble, don’t let me delay your affairs."
Luo Yuxing brought in some tea snacks and first politely addressed the guest. "Uncle Yu, please try Siyang’s green rice dumplings. They were just bought from Sanxi House."
"Excellent." The man smiled. "I still remember seeing Xing ge'er for the first time at his full-moon banquet. In the blink of an eye, he’s grown into such a fine young man."
After praising Luo Yuxing, he turned to Luo Yan. "Even in the capital, he’d surely be considered first-rate among noble ge'ers."
Luo Yan replied, "You’ve always had a way with flattery."
The man, half-serious, half-casual, continued, "Has Brother Luo given any thought to Xing ge'ers future match? Are you inclined toward the capital or somewhere closer to Siyang?"
Hearing this, Luo Yan understood his meaning. "Discussing such matters in front of the child, you really are shameless in your old age. Xing ge'er lost his parents early. He’s my only grandchild, and naturally, I don’t wish for him to go far. I’m too old to arrange much for him, it’s up to his own wishes. As long as the other party has good character, that’s enough."
Luo Yuxing, standing nearby, tensed slightly at the elders’ conversation, but upon hearing his grandfather’s words, he relaxed. It seemed his grandfather still favored the one he himself had in mind.
Ever since he came of age, his grandfather’s old friends from the capital had frequently sent letters inquiring about him. Each time, he had been on edge, fearing his grandfather might favor a match from one of those families.
To steer the conversation away, he feigned shyness and said, "Grandfather, Uncle Zhang is still waiting outside. Could it be a letter from Brother Ruijin?"
