Chapter 87: Extra Story 8

Chapter 87: Extra 8

On the day the results were posted, Afu headed out bright and early to wait outside the county school. When he spotted a familiar name on the announcement, his heart was about to burst with excitement. He grabbed some paper and a charcoal stick, scribbled it down, then raced back to the school to break the news to Yan Fengan.

At that moment, Yan Fengan was mid-lesson. He stopped mid-sentence when he spotted someone hovering by the door, and called Afu inside.

Afu was drenched in sweat but couldn't hide his excitement, still catching his breath as he talked: "Master, they made it! They made it! We got three guys through this time!"

The students who'd taken the exam all tensed up, hearts racing, fists clenched, backs straight, praying their names were on that list.

Yan Fengan took the paper from Afu. He'd copied the names off the announcement, and though the writing was messy but still legible. Yan Fengan smiled and read off a few names.

"Lu Xiuyuan, Zhou Wentian, Han Jingnian—congrats to the three of you on passing the Xiucai exam."

The three named students froze, not quite processing it, before their classmates swarmed them with congratulations.

Lin Hongwen had taken the exam alongside Lu Xiuyuan. He knew he wasn't that good and hadn't expected to pass anyway, but he never figured Lu Xiuyuan would actually pull it off.

He leaned back and craned his neck at Lu Xiuyuan: "Damn, Lu, you got some serious dumb luck. Can't believe you actually pulled that off."

Lu Xiuyuan was glowing with pride, but at those words, he gave him a side-eye: "Dumb luck? This is called skill, you get it?"

He was about to say Lin Hongwen's mouth never produced anything decent, but then remembered this guy was about to be his brother-in-law, so he graciously let it slide.

Of the three who failed, besides Lin Hongwen who was just there to make up the numbers, the other two were just fourteen or fifteen. Even as he celebrated the winners, Yan Fengan made sure to comfort the rest.

"Don't lose heart if you didn't pass. You're still young, with a long road ahead. At worst, you just try again next year. I didn't pass until I was sixteen or seventeen myself."

The imperial exam was brutal and tough by nature. The two who failed were disappointed but not discouraged. The teacher's words made them feel a bit better.

After class let out, Yan Fengan called the winners into his study and handed out gifts he'd prepared ahead of time.

Since he didn't know how many would pass, he'd prepped six sets.

Zhou Wentian was a poor student he'd taken under his wing. Though his family lived in the county town, his parents didn't have a steady job, and he got his tuition waived by doing odd jobs.

The kid had really proven himself. If he passed the Xiucai exam and then the county school's test, he'd become a top scholar with a government stipend, which would take some weight off his family.

With this achievement, he'd get invited to every literary gathering. Yan Fengan gave Zhou Wentian a nice set of calligraphy tools, a blue gown required for scholars at fancy banquets, and a reward of five taels of silver.

Han Jingnian's family had a bit more money than Zhou's, so Yan Fengan swapped the gown for a fresh copy of the *Collected Commentaries on the Four Books*, with the same rewards otherwise.

As for Lu Xiuyuan, whose family was the richest in the whole school, Yan Fengan gave him a Duan inkstone and a scroll with "An Open Mind Like an Empty Valley" written on it. It was stamped with the Mingzheng Private School seal and signed by Yan Fengan.

Even though he'd prepped these gifts, Yan Fengan hadn't been totally sure Lu Xiuyuan would pass. So he picked up his brush and added a line under the inscription: "In celebration of Young Master Lu passing the Xiucai exam," along with the date.

Once the ink dried, he wrapped the scroll in fine silk, put it in a wooden box, and handed it to Lu Xiuyuan with great seriousness.

The scroll was both a pat on the back and a gentle warning from Yan Fengan.

Lu Xiuyuan knew that passing the Xiucai exam was due not only to his own efforts but also to the guidance of his teacher, Yan Fengan.

Whether in the academy or the private school, Yan Fengan had never held back in teaching him. Unlike other instructors, he was authoritative yet patient. No matter how many times Lu Xiuyuan's policy essays went off track, Yan Fengan never raised his voice at him.

If he had once been proud and stubborn in front of Yan Fengan, now he felt only respect and admiration.

He bowed deeply to Yan Fengan: "Thank you for your encouragement, Master. I'll hang this scroll up as soon as I get home."

Yan Fengan smiled and added: "Alright, go on home now. The messengers announcing the good news have probably already reached your houses."

Those who passed the Xiucai exam also received official announcements, and such moments were meant to be shared with family.

After everyone had left, Yan Fengan wrote out another notice: "Mingzheng Private School has three students admitted to the county school by the education commissioner this year. Hereby announced."

He called Afu over and had him post the notice on the announcement wall at the entrance to the alley. Many people in the area had sent their children to Mingzheng Private School's elementary classes, and seeing the notice being posted, they gathered around to ask about it.

An elderly woman carrying a vegetable basket squinted at the notice for a while, then turned to Afu: "What does this say?"

People of her age were mostly illiterate and couldn't make heads or tails of it no matter how long they stared.

Afu straightened his back, his voice louder than usual: "Our Mingzheng Private School sent six people to take the Xiucai exam this year, and three passed." Afraid others wouldn't grasp how impressive that was, he added: "Half of them made it!"

The old woman let out a gasp: "Oh my, that really is something."

A middle-aged man passing by said to the crowd: "Mingzheng Private School is really making a name for itself this year. There must be over a thousand candidates taking the exam across the county, and only about twenty made the list. With all the academies and private schools in town, this one—which hasn't even been open for two years—managed to claim three spots. You know, even the best academy in town, Lingyun Academy, only got four in."

He had gone to check the results when they were posted, and everyone was discussing what Mingzheng Private School was all about. Then someone in the know revealed it was run by Scholar Yan, and the crowd suddenly understood.

Parents with children in Mingzheng Private School's elementary classes felt a swell of pride. Looking at the notice, one said happily to those nearby: "I said sending the kids to Scholar Yan was the right call. He teaches well, and the tuition he charges each year is very reasonable."

A hunched old man nodded: "That Zhou kid next door to us—his family's so poor they can barely put food on the table. Because they couldn't afford tuition, no other school would take him. It was Master Yan who took pity on him and let him into Mingzheng Private School."

"Zhou? Oh my, sir, you don't mean Zhou Wentian, do you?"

The old man nodded: "Yes, that's him. Why, you know about this too?"

The man chuckled: "It's all written on that notice. How could I not know?"

"What?" The old man, being illiterate, had stared at the notice until his eyes hurt without understanding a thing. "You're saying that Zhou kid passed?"

"It's all written up there. How could it be false?"

Hearing this, the old man abandoned his curiosity and hurried off home in a fluster. Someone in the crowd laughed: "That old man may be hunchbacked, but he's got quick legs!"

The group burst into laughter, and another person said: "Scholar Yan is truly a kind man. Our family can't afford tuition either—I wonder if we could send our kid to his school too."

Afu, quick-witted, replied: "Our master said that anyone who can solve the exam questions he sets, just like Scholar Zhou did, can also have their tuition waived."

Hearing that they'd have to take a test, the man curled his lip. His kid could barely write his own name—there was no way he could solve exam questions.

Through this notice and word of mouth, news that Mingzheng Private School had produced three Xiucai scholars spread quickly through the city.

The Lu family, knowing results were due today, had sent a servant early to inquire. Upon learning that their son had indeed passed the Xiucai exam, Madam Lu was so overjoyed she exclaimed that the ancestors must be blessing them.

Master Lu gave the messenger a reward and turned to his wife with a beaming smile: "I never thought we'd live to see this day."

He had worried endlessly over his son Lu Xiuyuan in the past. Every time he privately met with the academy head, the man would bring up how careless and sloppy Xiuyuan was at the academy, nearly costing him all his face.

Now his son had finally brought him honor. He would definitely book a few tables at Zuixian Tower and invite the head of Lingyun Academy and all the instructors to show them whether his son could amount to anything.

Madam Lu advised: "On such a joyous day, why do things that would only cause resentment? If you want to make enemies, fine, but don't drag Scholar Yan into it."

Master Lu was only venting to his wife anyway—he wouldn't actually do something so offensive.

But those two tables at Zuixian Tower were happening no matter what. Whether he invited others didn't matter, but he absolutely had to invite Yan Fengan, the teacher.

For such a private gathering, giving silver wasn't quite appropriate. After receiving the invitation, Yan Fengan searched through his study and finally found an ink-wash painting he had done in his spare time. Paired with an embroidered book bag made by Wen Xi, it would make a gift fitting his scholarly elegance.

The banquet was held at Zuixian Tower. When Yan Fengan arrived with Wen Xi and Afu, Master Lu and Madam Lu came out personally to greet them, escorting them to the main table.

Lu Xiuyuan, dressed in a brand-new blue gown, stood in the hall greeting the guests.

In the past, this young master had always carried a hint of restlessness and sharpness about him, but now he appeared considerably more mature and steady.

The Lin family had also come over. Although their own son hadn't passed, Lu Xiuyuan was already their future son-in-law, and the Lin family was delighted at his success.

As soon as Lady Lu saw Wen Xi, she pulled him over to sit beside her and even took Peng'er from his arms to entertain for a bit.

Lin Zhaozhao also found the cute, fair-skinned Peng'er endearing. After Lady Lu had held him for a bit, he said, "I want to hold him too."

"Be careful not to hurt the child," Lady Lin cautioned him from the side.

Peng'er, well-fed and content, made his parents proud while out. He didn't cry or fuss no matter who held him, and even flashed a smile from time to time. Even Lady Lin, who was always particular about such things, couldn't help but feel her heart soften at the sight of him.

She said to Wen Xi, "I had originally thought to invite you to our home to help embroider items for Zhao Geer's wedding, but with such a little one in tow, you probably can't get away."

Wen Xi nodded. "Peng'er is still too young and can't be left by himself."

Granny Wu was no longer working for them, so aside from Aqiu helping out now and then, Wen Xi had to care for the child on his own.

There'd always be other chances to earn money; for now, Peng'er was still small, and he wanted to spend more time with his child.

Both Lady Lu and Lady Lin said they understood.

On the other side, Master Lu opened the brocade box Yan Fengan had given him in front of the guests and took out the painting inside.

Everyone crowded around to see. In the painting, rippling water stretched out, with a single lotus leaf, relaxed and unhurried, with a pinkish-white flower bud tilting out from above it. On the bank stood a white egret on one leg, calmly lowering its head to preen its feathers.

In the upper left corner were four small characters: "Success at Every Step," and in addition to Yan Fengan's name, his personal seal was stamped below.

The room went quiet for a moment, then someone exclaimed in admiration, "I thought Juren Yan's calligraphy was already impressive, but his painting is even better."

Master Lin nodded in agreement. "It's just as good as anything from the famous masters in the city's painting shops. I've still got an empty wall in my study—this painting would be perfect for it."

Another old gentleman chuckled. "What's your empty wall got to do with him? This is a congratulatory gift from Juren Yan to his student. Oh—I forgot, the one receiving this gift is about to become your son-in-law. I wonder who matters more to him—his own father or you, his future father-in-law."

Judging by Master Lu's face, he clearly loved the painting too.

Master Lu laughed cheerfully as he put the painting away. "Since it was given to my son, it should hang in his room. Why should the two of us old fellows fight over it?"

Listening to them go back and forth, Yan Fengan just smiled without adding much.

During the feast, Master Lu stood up and raised his cup to Yan Fengan beside him. "My son's success today is all thanks to your guidance, Juren Yan. This toast is to you."

"You flatter me." Yan Fengan raised his glass and said modestly, "Young Master Lu passed thanks to his own hard work and ability. As his teacher, I just did my small part."

They clinked glasses and both took a sip. Setting down his cup, Master Lu gestured for Steward Zhu to bring a brocade box over. Inside were five ink sticks in different colors, each polished smooth and shiny—clearly not the kind of thing you'd find in an ordinary shop.

He hadn't known beforehand that Yan Fengan's painting skills were so impressive; it was a stroke of luck that the thank-you gift he'd chosen turned out to be so fitting.

"This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope Juren Yan will do me the honor of accepting it."

Before Yan Fengan could respond, someone nearby said, "Ink of this quality—even the prefectural city might not have it readily available."

Master Lu nodded with a smile. "This was a gift from my elder brother in the capital. Our family are all plain folk who have no use for such fine ink—it suits Juren Yan perfectly."

"Fine ink for fine calligraphy, fine ink for fine painting. Juren Yan excels at both, so this ink is meant for him."

Yan Fengan could also tell the ink was indeed exceptional. After politely declining a few times, he expressed his thanks and had Afu, who was attending to him, accept it.

Someone egged him on: "Now that you have fine ink, you can't refuse to paint for us anymore. Whatever price you name for your work, I'll pay it without question."

"That's right, me too."

Yan Fengan smiled. "If I find the time, I'll certainly paint a few pieces for everyone."

That was what he said, but inwardly he thought: painting was far more time-consuming and laborious than calligraphy. During the day he had classes, and when he got home he had to spend time with his husband and child—how could he possibly have the time to paint for these people? Still, those ink sticks were indeed fine goods. If the price offered was high enough, he might condescend to paint a stroke or two.

After all, there was now a little spendthrift in the household. For the sake of his son, this father could afford to bend his back now and then.

"Author's Note"

Before leaving, Little Yan said to his precious husband: "[Dog head holding a rose] Watch me go show off big time later. [Sunglasses]"

Xiao Xi blinked his big eyes [sparkly eyes]: "Husband is so amazing! [Flowers scattering]"