Chapter 105 — IAVD (QT) Chapter 105

No one in the Su household held any hope for Ji Xiu’s trip to take part in the provincial examination.

If a person failed four times over twelve full years, then no matter how outstanding and praised he once was, by this point no one would believe in him anymore.

The moment Ji Xiu left, discussions spread everywhere. Everyone felt he was too full of himself, knowing it could not be done yet insisting on doing it anyway, simply wasting the Su family’s silver.

Of course, no matter how dignified their words sounded, they could not hide the envy and jealousy beneath.

As the lowest tier of servants, they could only vent their bitterness through mockery and ridicule.

Very soon, they paid the price.

Su Ling’er stayed at home with nothing to do and was not allowed to go out. Every day, she went to Songtao Courtyard on schedule to do her homework. After hearing the servants’ gossip, she immediately reported it to Su Xiangyu, who sold off a batch of servants and dealt with them severely, giving them a long overdue lesson.

The Su household quieted down a great deal.

However, the servants of the front and outer courtyards were easy to intimidate, while those of Xinghua Courtyard were not.

Because Master Su and Madam Su looked down on Ji Xiu, they often openly spoke ill of him in front of Su Xiangyu. With them setting the example, the servants of Xinghua Courtyard naturally treated Ji Xiu with disdain as well.

Su Xiangyu found this deeply unpleasant. Her expression darkened, yet she did not know how to explain things clearly to her parents or make them restrain their servants and stop this recklessness.

The Su family was a merchant household, not as high in status as prestigious clans. The more one lacked something, the more one treasured it. When Madam Su was young, she had once visited Jiang Prefecture and felt that the strict rules of noble families were the foundation of a household. Upon returning, she immediately followed suit, causing the Su family’s rules to grow increasingly strange and increasingly harsh.

After Master Su and Madam Su retired to Xinghua Courtyard, it became the highest status courtyard in the entire Su residence.

Even Su Xiangyu, the family head, found it difficult to scold the servants of Xinghua Courtyard.

Su Xiangyu hinted several times to her parents, asking them to discipline their servants, but Master Su lacked the energy to manage such things, and Madam Su, who did have the energy, felt it was nothing worth worrying about.

“What’s wrong with saying a few words? He wasted fifteen years of your life, couldn’t even help you bear another child, and you still expect me to give him a pleasant face?”

Su Xiangyu choked, not knowing how to respond.

Childbirth was painful.

When she gave birth to Su Ling’er back then, she had been terrified and did not want to have another child at all. She had deliberately avoided pregnancy, which was the true reason she had not conceived again for over ten years.

She never imagined her parents would pin that responsibility on Ji Xiu.

Her heart felt uncomfortable.

Back then, it was her parents who personally told her that women were no worse than men, that they would establish a female household for her and let her inherit the Su family.

Now, she managed the Su family flawlessly as a woman and had even chosen the next successor. Yet her parents muttered about her needing to bear a son.

Had they already forgotten their original intentions?

Su Xiangyu felt unsettled, and it showed on her face as she lowered her gaze and fell silent.

Master Su and Madam Su, having lived pampered lives in recent years, were accustomed to others watching their moods and had never paid attention to the moods of the younger generation. They did not notice Su Xiangyu’s feelings at all.

At that moment, a small delicate hand grasped her palm.

Su Xiangyu looked up and saw Su Ling’er, who had followed her to Xinghua Courtyard.

Seeing the worry on Su Ling’er’s face, Su Xiangyu suddenly felt a little better.

Her daughter was so outstanding and obedient. Even if her parents changed their minds and insisted she give birth again, she would not do so.

In the past, when she had nothing to do, she could be a pampered young lady. Childbirth felt like walking through the gates of hell.

Now she was the head of the Su family and already had to divide her attention to manage the household business. If she became pregnant, would she not be even more overburdened?

Her parents always spoke of many children bringing many blessings, yet never thought about how hard childbirth was, or what came after the child was born.

There were many servants in the residence, but not every servant could help raise a child. Her parents hid away in Xinghua Courtyard every day, barely paying attention even to Su Ling’er. How could they possibly understand her difficulties?

The only truly dependable person she had was a single wet nurse.

What was frightening was that the wet nurse was already of age and would soon return home to enjoy her later years. When that happened, Su Xiangyu would have even fewer people she could rely on. So no matter what her parents said, she would never have a second child in this lifetime.

That was also why she devoted so much effort to educating Su Ling’er.

Others still hoped for the appearance of another son, but only she had already regarded Su Ling’er as the unquestioned next head of the family.

Of course, such thoughts could only stay in her heart and must never be spoken. If Master Su and Madam Su learned the truth, it would surely cause an ugly uproar.

Su Xiangyu felt angry yet helpless. She no longer had the heart to talk to her parents, and after accompanying them through the meal, she found an excuse to leave with Su Ling’er.

Madam Su even found it strange. “Why are you leaving so quickly today? We haven’t even said much.”

Master Su helplessly looked at his wife, whom he had protected too well, simple and straightforward in temperament. He wanted to say something, but did not know where to start. He could only advise her, “In the future, don’t talk about this in front of Ling’er.”

“Talk about what?” Madam Su was stunned, then quickly reacted, somewhat irritated. “Isn’t it normal to want a son to carry on the family line? I’ve acknowledged Ling’er’s status and even agreed that if there’s no second child, the Su family can be handed to her. Isn’t that enough?”

Master Su sighed. He wanted to pull her aside and explain things properly, but his old illness weighed heavily on him, leaving him without the energy. He could only give up.

His wife had stayed in the inner courtyard her entire life, without concubines causing trouble, without illegitimate sons or daughters to vex her. She had been proud for a lifetime. A few words would never persuade her.

She would only learn after suffering a bit herself.

Of course, Master Su understood Su Xiangyu’s thoughts clearly, yet when it came to Ji Xiu, he still dismissed him.

The thing he regretted most in his life was choosing such a son in law for his daughter.

……

After five days on the road, Ji Xiu arrived in Jiang Prefecture with his servants and luggage. He checked into the best inn in the city and calmly prepared for the provincial examination, completely unaware of the undercurrents within the Su household.

If he had known, he likely would not have been angry. He would have merely smiled faintly and waited to slap them in the face with his examination results.

How could sparrows understand the ambition of a swan?

After resting for several days at the inn, the provincial examination began on the ninth day of the eighth month.

Having experienced the provincial examination four times, Ji Xiu was thoroughly familiar with the process and showed no signs of panic.

The examination consisted of three sessions, each lasting three days, with two breaks in between. From entering the examination compound on August ninth to exiting on August seventeenth, it took a total of nine days.

Nine days could be said to be neither long nor short, but given the conditions of the examination cells, it was a severe trial for most scholars.

Ji Xiu did not worry about that. He had trained deliberately and was confident he was far stronger than those frail scholars who could not even truss a chicken.

Moreover, he had already prepared most of the necessary items at home. The remaining few, which could not be stored long and had to be purchased locally, were all bought in the best quality. The Su family did not lack money, and the servants were meticulous, making everything perfect and giving him an even greater advantage.

It had to be said that for examination candidates, having a well off family background was truly important.

No wonder many poor scholars, once they passed the xiucai examination, immediately married daughters of merchant families.

Early in the morning of August ninth, Ji Xiu carried his examination basket, which contained writing tools, food, short clothing, five watch rooster items, and other necessities. After inspection, he queued to enter the examination compound, found his assigned cell, tidied it briefly, and calmly waited for the examination papers.

Once the papers were distributed, he read through them once, grasped the question types, and began organizing his thoughts on draft paper.

He started with the easier questions such as classical interpretation and explication, saving the more difficult policy essays for last.

The provincial examination had many questions and large formats. Each question required a long time to answer. To keep the final paper neat, one had to write a draft first and then copy it over, making the time extremely tight. Many candidates fought through the nights without sleep.

On the first day, Ji Xiu also inadvertently stayed up late. It was only when he was startled awake by the sound of people moving that he realized he had become too engrossed.

He took a deep breath, calmed his mind, put away the half completed paper, took out dry rations and water from his basket to fill his stomach, then laid out his short clothing and white cotton cloth, arranged his cell, spread the cloth, and closed his eyes to rest.

The next day, he was full of energy and continued answering questions.

Those candidates who had stayed up all night, however, were drowsy and listless.

Ji Xiu paid them no mind and kept writing steadily.

Thus, three days passed in the blink of an eye. Ji Xiu finished the entire paper early and sat in his cell with eyes closed, waiting for the officials to collect the papers.

After submitting the papers, the candidates were given half a day of free activity. During this time, they could go outside to get some fresh air and escape the cramped cells, lest staying too long cause mental breakdowns.

This was no exaggeration. Over the years, there had been many candidates who went mad inside the cells or after being carried out.

There were also those who went insane from despair after failing, or from joy after passing. Such stories were widely circulated.

Even Ji Xiu found three consecutive days in such a tiny space unbearable, let alone the others.

Once outside, Ji Xiu walked in the courtyard and looked up at the sky, suddenly missing his family back in Shanglang County.

At this time, if he were at home, he would likely be accompanying Su Ling’er and Su Xiangyu, watching the mother and daughter eat, chatting and laughing with them.

He took a deep breath, hoping the examination would end quickly so he could return sooner.

……

Nine days passed in a flash. After submitting the final paper, Ji Xiu carried his examination basket and walked out of the cell, his steps slightly unsteady.

Being confined in such a small space for so long without movement had left his legs swollen and nearly numb.

His arms were also stiff from constant writing and the rough sleeping conditions.

Fortunately, he could finally leave this place and would never have to come back again.

The moment he exited the examination compound, Ji Xiu looked at the two servants standing outside, jumping and waving with worried expressions. He smiled at them.

He suddenly felt deep sympathy for the original owner of this body.

In the entire Su household, only these two servants, who accompanied the original owner to the provincial examination every time, truly knew how painful the process was.

This wretched place disgusted Ji Xiu after just one visit, yet the original owner had come here four times in earnest. Each time, after enduring such hardship and failing, he still had to return home to face the Su family’s cold mockery. It was truly suffering.

The original owner’s infatuation with courtesans was a fact, and Ji Xiu did not deny it. However, the original owner being at fault and the original owner suffering were two separate matters.

He did not approve of the original owner’s behavior, yet he still sympathized with his experiences.

Fortunately, the original owner had gone to reincarnate and would never have to endure this again. Ji Xiu would use his name and identity to walk step by step toward that most sacred Tai Chi Hall in the hearts of countless candidates.

“Master, you must be exhausted. Come, we’ve already called a carriage. It’s waiting outside. We’ll help you over to rest.”

The two servants were very perceptive. They had prepared everything in advance. Upon seeing Ji Xiu, they immediately took the examination basket and moved to support him.

Ji Xiu let go and allowed them to take the items, but did not let them support him. He walked to the carriage himself.

He still had that bit of strength. There was no need to act like he was at death’s door.

The servants were a little surprised. “Master seems better than before this time. You can even walk on your own.”

Ji Xiu was helpless. “Stop chattering. Back to the inn. I need a proper bath and rest.”

“Don’t worry, Master. We’ve done this many times already. Everything’s prepared.” When outside, the servants never called Ji Xiu son in law. Whether this was something the original owner had instructed or not, it spared them many strange looks along the way.

These days, a live in son in law was always looked down upon.

Back at the inn, Ji Xiu bathed, rested, and slept for a full day and night before regaining his strength and getting up to eat something.

The two servants stayed by his side. Seeing him awake, one nudged the other, urging him to speak, yet neither dared to step forward.

Ji Xiu set down his chopsticks. “You’ve followed me for so long. The bond between master and servant runs deep. If you have something to say, just say it. No need to avoid it.”

The more lively Xu An sized up Ji Xiu’s expression and boldly spoke. “Master, when are we returning to Shanglang?”

Ji Xiu was stunned for a moment, then laughed helplessly.

These two really were something.

It seemed the original owner’s credibility was truly abysmal. Even his closest two servants did not believe he could pass this time.

He had just rested, and they were already urging him to return to Shanglang County.

Ji Xiu knew they were afraid that once the results came out and he failed again, he would not be able to handle the blow. They wanted to leave early, at least returning to Shanglang where his emotions could stabilize.

But this time was different. Ji Xiu was strong in himself and had complete confidence in the provincial examination. His goal had never been merely passing, but first place.

If he left early and the results came out, would that not make the examiners lose face?

“Wait for the results, then we’ll return.” Ji Xiu did not say anything too arrogant. His tone was calm. He pointed at the other servant, Huang Hu. “You usually manage my silver. Remember to prepare ten taels in red packets. When the officials come to announce the good news, reward them generously.”

Huang Hu froze. Xu An froze as well.

The two exchanged looks, their feelings indescribably complex. Yet they did not dare to speak further and ruin Ji Xiu’s mood. They could only privately rack their brains, thinking about how to divert the son in law’s attention on the day the results were posted.

Thus, time passed until the day the results were announced.

Ji Xiu sat at a window side table on the second floor of the inn, eating and drinking tea. He sent Xu An to check the results. His expression was calm and unhurried.

This demeanor greatly eased the servants’ worries.

However, Xu An did not return for a long time. After waiting for half a day without seeing him, Huang Hu could not help but grow anxious.

“Master, could something have happened…”

Before he could finish, they heard Xu An sprinting in from the distant street. He had even lost one shoe, running with one foot shod and the other bare, yet seemed completely unaware. His face was flushed with joy, arms waving as he shouted toward them, “Great news, great news, it’s in, it’s in!”

Huang Hu did not react at first. His eyes widened as he stood frozen for a full three seconds.

When he snapped back to his senses, he rushed out without waiting for Xu An to approach. He grabbed Xu An’s arm, disbelief and fear of disappointment mixing as he suppressed his emotions and asked hoarsely, “What did you say? It’s in? What’s in? Is it Master who passed?”

“It’s in, it’s in!” Xu An was so excited his face was red. He raised one finger, panting as he spoke. “Master, Master, Master got first place!”

Huang Hu froze, then turned to look at the tall, slender figure by the window, calm and unhurried. His mind went blank for a moment, then was flooded by boundless joy and disbelief.

Finally, finally he had passed.

After accompanying Ji Xiu through five provincial examinations over twelve years, their master had finally passed.

Huang Hu and Xu An were so excited they lost their composure. They rushed back to Ji Xiu’s side and daringly, disrespectfully grabbed his arms, one on each side, shaking him as they drilled it into him. “Master, you passed! First place! That’s wonderful! This time when we go back, we finally have an explanation…”

Ji Xiu was shaken helplessly. “Passed, passed, I know…”

It took a full quarter hour before the two finally calmed down and began bustling about to prepare red packets.

“I prepared ten taels like Master said, but this time Master got first place. Ten taels isn’t enough. We need to give more so they can share in Master’s good fortune. Anyway, the family will cover it. When we get back, if the young miss finds out I only gave ten taels, she’ll definitely think I’m too stingy. We need to be generous. Let’s pack…” Huang Hu was so excited his head felt muddled, but he still had some sense of propriety and did not name too large a sum. “Pack twenty taels!”

Xu An nodded in agreement. “Yes, twenty taels. Let the people announcing the news share in our master’s good fortune, hehe.”

Ji Xiu stroked his chin and watched the two talk over his head, changing his order. He should have been angry, but when people sincerely cared for you, how could you bear to hurt their enthusiasm?

He nodded helplessly. “Do as you say. I’ll listen to you.”

Huang Hu and Xu An were overjoyed and hurried upstairs to prepare the red packets.

Once they left, other guests in the inn who had heard the commotion all came forward to congratulate Ji Xiu.

During the provincial examination period, the inn was mostly filled with candidates. Logically, they should have been jealous, since Ji Xiu had passed while they still did not know their results.

But the provincial examination came once every three years. So many candidates poured in their heart and soul and effort into it. Having gone through it together, they empathized deeply.

Seeing someone succeed brought encouragement to them as well. They felt envy and jealousy, but more than that, sincere congratulations.

“Congratulations on placing high, friend.”

“Congratulations.”

“Congratulations…”

Ji Xiu was in a good mood and responded to each greeting. Some took the opportunity to ask him academic questions, which he answered casually, earning unanimous praise. He even made a few friends, exchanging names and places of origin, agreeing to meet again in the capital for next year’s metropolitan examination.

After a while, the sound of horse hooves came from the street.

Someone with experience pushed Ji Xiu. “Top scholar, hurry, hurry. The people announcing the results are here.”

Huang Hu emerged with the red packets, taking three steps at a time, following behind Ji Xiu to receive and reward the messengers.

“Top scholar at such a young age, first place no less. Your future will surely be boundless, rising straight to the clouds. Congratulations, congratulations.”

The messenger, delighted by the generous reward, weighed the heavy red packet in his hand, eyes shining as he offered repeated congratulations and ingratiating words.

Only after exhausting all his praise did he reluctantly leave to report the next result.

Such a generous examinee was rare.

After the messengers left, the innkeeper rushed out and declared that he would waive Ji Xiu’s lodging fees for the past days, hoping to share in his good fortune. Earlier, he had only heard servants announcing the news and was not fully certain, afraid of mistaken results or deception. Now that even the official messengers had come, there was no doubt, and he hurried out to curry favor.

Ji Xiu did not particularly care. With the original owner’s memories, he knew this was a common custom of the provincial examination, so he casually agreed and thanked the innkeeper.

As the top graduate, his prospects were bright. Many people wanted to bask in his scholarly aura.

Once the innkeeper spread the word, three years later during the next provincial examination, this inn’s prices could triple, and the room Ji Xiu stayed in could increase tenfold.

The innkeeper had much greater profits ahead, so Ji Xiu did not begrudge him the small savings.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the congratulating candidates in the inn hall, another messenger arrived, announcing the eighth place. One candidate stepped forward, and the crowd surged again to congratulate him. Ji Xiu took the opportunity to leave the hall with his servants and return to his room for some peace and quiet.

However, the title of top graduate was too precious. Even if he avoided the first day, he could not avoid the second day’s Deer Cry Banquet.

The Deer Cry Banquet was hosted by the provincial governor and invited all successful candidates. During the feast, the Ode of the Deer was sung and the Star of Literature dance performed. All the candidates met and exchanged, becoming classmates of the same year. There were also chief examiners from the Ministry of Rites who appeared to converse with the candidates, establishing teacher student ties.

As the top graduate, Ji Xiu was naturally the most eye catching presence at the banquet.

Even the chief examiner praised him endlessly, calling him up from the lower seats to sit at his right hand, constantly discussing how brilliant his examination answers were. He warmly invited Ji Xiu to participate in next year’s metropolitan examination and offered to recommend him, introducing him to his own mentor, the Grand Tutor Lin.

Ji Xiu was momentarily startled, then quickly revealed a grateful smile and thanked the examiner.

……

After the Deer Cry Banquet, there were still many social gatherings to attend.

Successful candidates already qualified to become officials. If they did not wish to continue, they could wait at home for appointment. If they had ambition, they could take the metropolitan examination next year. Either way, they were officials in waiting.

As candidates from the same provincial examination, they naturally formed close ties in officialdom, creating networks that would smooth their future careers.

Such relationships required maintenance.

Ji Xiu had no choice but to stay several more days, attending banquets and building rapport with some of his fellow candidates.

Only on the eighth day did Ji Xiu finally pack up and prepare to return to Shanglang County.

At this time, the people of Shanglang County still did not know that Ji Xiu had passed the examination.