The whole family returned home in high spirits, their joy lingering without fading.
Chen Sanfang, who was illiterate, kept looking over the document confirming Dafu’s success in the Tongsheng exam, reading and rereading it.
She had long known that her Dafu was capable in his studies, but she never expected him to be this capable. Just this time, he had actually passed the Tongsheng exam on his very first try!
Scoring third in the county and ninth in the prefectural capital—these were not mere lucky numbers barely scraping onto the list.
Kang He wore a broad smile as he entered the house, immediately issuing instructions: “Shenghan, take the carriage back to the village and bring Grandfather to the city. Then tell him that our Dafu has passed the Tongsheng exam. Let the whole family come to the city and celebrate together.”
“Seventh brother, you go fetch Hua Mama and have her prepare a feast today—fish, chicken, and if there aren’t enough hands, hire some casual workers from outside to help.”
“Snow Sister, hurry to Xiangying Pavilion and order four special dishes. Their roasted lamb is excellent—make sure we have some.”
As he spoke, he turned to Dafu, who had a smile playing on his face: “Little Tongsheng, is there anything you want to eat?”
Dafu’s smile grew wider, enjoying the attention. He requested a serving of the crab meat pastries from Xiangying Pavilion, and also ordered some water chestnut cake for Xiaofu.
Fan Jing was visibly pleased, joy reflected in the crease of his brows. He flipped through Dafu’s Tongsheng certificate, its red cover and golden seal looking splendid.
Such a document was something rarely seen in their family history—generations of farmers, how could they have ever gotten hold of such a certificate?
It had been difficult for Fan Xin to pursue studies, and after more than a decade, he had never obtained such a certificate. Now with Dafu’s success, the Fan family finally had hope to become a gentry household.
Those few small sheets of paper carried immense significance behind them.
Dafu watched as Kang He and Fan Jing examined his certificate, their faces revealing pride and joy. When they spoke of the “Kui Star” rank, he was even happier than when he passed the Tongsheng exam.
He said, “When I received the certificate, the household official told Grandfather that those who score in the top nine in the prefectural exam can be granted the title of Xiucai without taking the academy exam. That’s what the real Kui Star is.”
Kang He laughed: “You’re still young. If you had become a Kui Star, the whole family would certainly rejoice with joy. That happiness would be overwhelming, but it might also bring worry and anxiety, which could affect your mindset and harm your future.
Every step taken steadily and firmly is more reliable than the luck of suddenly becoming a Kui Star.”
Dafu nodded. Though he felt a tinge of envy, he knew he still lacked much. That kind of sudden Kui Star title—skipping the Tongsheng exam to directly become Xiucai—would definitely be envied by everyone.
But upon deeper thought, imagining himself as that sudden Kui Star, as his father said, the happiness would be fleeting, and when calm returned, he might feel as if walking on cotton—uneasy in his heart.
This result was already rare. Next year, he would take the academy exam, and he must enrich his knowledge well, taking each step carefully and steadily.
No matter what, today he was extremely happy.
At this moment, Shenghan was driving the carriage back to the village. Fan Father had already looked toward the village leader’s house seven or eight times.
His heart was restless, thinking about Dafu’s exam results and wanting to go see the list, but he could not leave the village. Also, he could not read the characters, so going to check the list would be meaningless. It was better to wait at home.
“Second brother, any news yet?” Zhang Jinguai, with nothing better to do, knew the prefectural exam results were released today and wanted to join in the celebration. She came wandering over to the second household.
Having shown Fan Xin the list many times and boasting of her experience, she said to Fan Father, “It’s just a matter of passing or not passing. Not passing is the norm. Think about how many students there are in the county, and how few are admitted—it’s inevitable many get rejected.”
“Dafu is young. This time, going to the exam is just to see what the Gongyuan looks like. The important thing is for us elders to keep a calm mind, so the child can take the exam without worries.”
“Getting anxious won’t help. Once the results are out, it’s settled. Being anxious doesn’t help, and being careless might make things worse.”
Fan Father listened to Zhang Jinguai’s non-stop chatter but paid no mind. He thought to himself that she had no idea what it was like when Da Xin took the exam before. Who wasn’t praying to the gods every day, and forbidding people to say things like “the sun has set” as it was unlucky?
“Second brother, don’t you think that’s true?”
Fan Father, his hands behind his back and wearing grass sandals caked in mud, humored her with a grunt.
In his heart, no news had come back yet, but he was already trying to comfort himself, telling himself it was normal not to pass—except their Dafu had passed, of course!
Just as the uncle and aunt were talking idly, the sound of carriage wheels came from the village path. Fan Father quickly looked and saw Shenghan.
He couldn’t help but rush out: “Any news? Did the results come out?”
Zhang
“Passed, good results! The whole house is happy and joyful. The young master sent me to tell you, Grandfather, hurry and get ready to leave!”
Fan Father slapped his thigh: “Ah, my good grandson, how can he be so capable! The ancestral grave must be bursting with joy—there really is good fortune!”
His face flushed with happiness as he jumped up and ran back inside to change clothes and shoes, completely forgetting Zhang Jinguai standing in the courtyard.
Zhang Jinguai’s mind went blank at the news, unable to come to her senses for a long time.
Seeing Shenghan drive the carriage into the courtyard, he jumped down joyously, wanting to go inside for a sip of water, but Zhang Jinguai grabbed him: “Passed? Is it really passed?!”
“Wife, could it be otherwise? If he hadn’t passed, they wouldn’t say he had. Spreading false news would be a joke. Our young master is diligent and smart—everyone praises him. It’s only natural he passed.”
Zhang Jinguai couldn’t decide if she was happy or not; her feelings were complicated.
Fan Father finished getting ready and came out. Hearing Shenghan announce Dafu’s success, the long-time household workers all rejoiced and congratulated him.
Fan Father, in rare high spirits, generously said, “Take good care of the house for now. I’m going to the city. Later I’ll give each of you a reward.”
Everyone was even happier.
Fan Father stepped out and saw Zhang Jinguai still standing there in a daze. He laughed brightly: “Sister-in-law, come on, let’s go to the city and have some fun. We’ll see Dafu’s certificate seal.”
“Congratulations, second brother! I won’t go today. I’ll tell Da Xin and Grandfather so they can be happy too,” Zhang Jinguai said, her mouth sour but still polite.
Fan Father smelled the bitterness but smiled warmly: “We’re family; no need for congratulations. If you don’t come today, come have a meal in a few days. We’ll still have a feast and make it lively.”
With that, Fan Father hurried Shenghan to go to the city quickly.
After they left, Zhang Jinguai turned and went home, her thighs nearly bruised from the pacing.
She thought to herself, Damn it! Chen Sanfang really got it right—the Wenchang star truly descended on the Fan family, unexpectedly landing on the second branch!
That old charlatan, always mystifying things without being clear—she had wasted so many years!
Back home, she angrily recounted the situation. Fan Shoushan and Grandfather Fan were overjoyed, as if it were the New Year.
Sister-in-law Lu was happy too, saying that with a Tongsheng in the family, their reputation would improve.
Fan Xin felt mixed emotions. He had taught Dafu to read and write and had sensed his talent early on, thinking he would succeed. He never imagined it would be so remarkable.
Being a scholar himself and having repeatedly failed exams, he understood how rare it was for a child so young to pass the Tongsheng exam the first time.
He was proud of Dafu for bringing honor to the family but also felt a bit uneasy—how could he, nearly thirty years old, be outdone by a child?
Studying truly depended on talent!
That day, the Fan family held a modest celebration with no grand announcements, but relatives gradually learned of the good news.
Kang He was not shy about it. The county office set up three tables of dishes, and friends, relatives, and even Dafu’s tutor attended the feast.
Luotongsheng, who usually acted high and mighty, rarely came to their home but was now there praising Dafu highly.
He said that when he stayed at their house, he had already sensed Dafu’s potential.
Kang He and Fan Jing were treated very politely, and even Fan Father, whom Luotongsheng had previously looked down upon as a muddy farmer, was offered a cup of wine.
The next day, another table was set up, and Dafu hosted several close classmates for a feast.
The day after that, Fan Father and Chen Sanfang organized several more tables for the village, inviting only regular acquaintances to a modest meal.
The joy lasted several days.
In his small courtyard, Dafu carefully checked through the gifts he had received.
Xiaofu sat among the boxes, gift boxes, and baskets, opening this and looking at that.
Most were writing brushes, ink, some books and booklets, and fragrant fine paper.
Dafu told him to pick whatever he liked, but Xiaofu didn’t like any of it.
“When you turn five in August, even if you don’t take the exams like your brother, you must at least learn to recognize some characters. It won’t do to be illiterate.”
Xiaofu lay on the mat, fiddling with a set of nine-linked rings. He said, “It’s enough that big brother can read. If I don’t know something, I’ll just ask him.”
Dafu smiled: “Then what if I’m not by your side?”
“I’ll go wherever you go.”
Dafu pinched his cheek: “I knew you’d be a little rascal.”
On the second day of May, Dafu said he wanted to return to the school to study.
The Xu family understood his achievement and knew there would be many social obligations at home, so they allowed him an extended holiday.
He quickly refocused and was unwilling to linger at home.
Kang He and Fan Jing also agreed; there was no reason to stop Dafu from studying.
They knew that now that he had earned the title of Xiucai, his enthusiasm for learning would be great. It was best to take advantage of it.
“I’m familiar with the road to and from the school now. In the future, you don’t have to come by carriage to pick me up. When the weather’s good, I’ll walk back after class.”
Kang He was silent for a moment before saying, “Fine, do as you wish. You’re grown now and have your Xiucai title. It’s good to be independent. Still, you should bring along Awang so your father and I can rest easier.”
“The city seems peaceful and safe, but in truth, it isn’t. You must still be cautious.”
Kang He figured that Dafu’s request was reasonable—after all, a boy his age in the city would naturally have friends and social activities and be quite mature.
Though worried about him, he knew he couldn’t be too strict. Too many restrictions would hinder his growth. Besides, Dafu was a sensible child who knew his limits.
But Dafu didn’t plan to meet classmates after school or arrange any other activities.
His thinking was simple: back to school, wake before dawn to get ready, then study for most of the day, often sitting so long that his legs went numb.
He rarely exercised at school, which couldn’t continue. Being a weak scholar wouldn’t stand up to the rigors of future exams in distant places.
He didn’t want to be a frail bookworm.
So he thought it better to walk home after school to stretch and move his muscles.
Though this took some time, sweating before returning home made him feel refreshed for studying and writing.
After hearing Kang He’s instructions, he replied, “Mm, I understand. There are still kidnappers in the village, and the city is complicated with all kinds of people. I know to be cautious.”
Fan Jing said nothing but recalled how unsettled he had been after the Zhen family incident, though adults didn’t tell the children the details.
He worried about Dafu being chauffeured around but accepted the boy’s words with a nod as he picked up a dish.
Growing up is not about age but experience. Overprotecting a child doesn’t truly help them mature.
If it’s a girl, pampering is understandable, but a boy can’t always be spoiled.
Fan Xin was a prime example—he had been too pampered in earlier years, and though now more mature, Dafu would not take that path.
That day after school, Dafu walked home with Awang.
They passed through alleys and streets, enjoying the bustling market and getting some exercise, feeling comfortable.
When a carriage approached, Dafu stepped aside and said to Awang, “You follow me every day. You might as well learn some characters. No matter what happens, it’ll be useful.”
“I’ve seen some classmates who bring a servant to school, waiting outside the classroom. I heard that if you’re willing, you can learn from the tutor, but it costs some copper coins.”
“This copper coin doesn’t need to be told to Father and Uncle. I’ll take it from the private stash and pay it for you. It depends on whether you have the heart for it. If you do, the coins won’t be wasted. If not, no matter how few you give, it’s useless.”
Awang, hearing Dafu’s plan, said eagerly, “If I get the chance to learn some characters, not just for myself but to better serve the young master, I wouldn’t dare waste such an opportunity.”
He was no fool. Dafu had passed the Tongsheng exam before ten years old and surely had a bright future.
Awang was loyal and followed Dafu sincerely.
But loyalty alone was not enough; one must strive to improve to be a capable aide. Who would think of him otherwise?
Dafu saw Awang’s ambition and nodded: “Tomorrow I’ll speak with the tutor.”
@Endless wonderful stories are all on Jinjiang Literature City
Just as he spoke, a soft voice called out, “Fan Little Tongsheng.”
Dafu heard the gentle tone and turned to look, recognizing it as the neighbor he had met earlier.
Though May was getting warmer, and even a bit hot, the boy sitting in the carriage wore somewhat thick clothes—spring garments that seemed to shield against the cold.
His pale yellow brocade made his complexion look better than when Dafu last saw him.
He seemed to have overheard Dafu and Awang’s conversation and rolled up the carriage curtain to greet him.
Dafu bowed slightly. Seeing the narrow alley ahead caused the carriage to stop, and the neighbor was forced to wait there.
He asked, “Why do you address me like that?”
“Did I call you wrong?”
Dafu smiled: “Not wrong, just unfamiliar. I haven’t heard others call me that. How did you know I passed the list? Do you also have brothers who took the exam?”
“No brothers this time. My father works at the county school, so I hear some news about the exams. I heard this time, a Fan family from the county scored third. Seeing your relatives coming and going these days, I guessed it was you.”
The boy said, “Lucky to meet you today. Congratulations.”
Dafu thanked him. The boy seemed smart.
Just as Dafu was about to mention he was returning a kite, the carriage started moving again as the congestion cleared.
Before Dafu could say more, the boy whispered, “My name is Wu Heguang. And you, Fan Little Tongsheng?”
Dafu smiled, thinking the boy must know his proper name, and replied, “Fan Zhongyang.”
Wu Heguang smiled lightly and lowered the carriage curtain.
“It’s rare for you to speak so much with someone, as if you already know them well,” said a refined young man sitting inside the carriage.
Wu Heguang replied with a smile, “We just met once.”
Wu’s father did not inquire further. Since they were neighbors, meeting now and then was natural.
He smiled gently, “This Fan young master is talented and well-tempered. Passing the Tongsheng exam and quickly focusing on studies—if he perseveres, he’s sure to succeed.”
“His family also knows etiquette, which helps his upbringing.”
Wu Heguang didn’t quite understand his father and said, “Father thinks he’s clever and should go to the county school.”
Wu’s father pinched Wu Heguang’s nose: “That’s not proper. He’s only a Tongsheng. To enter the county school, one must be a Xiucai.”
Several days later, the celebrations over Dafu passing the Tongsheng exam finally wound down.
Kang He and Fan Jing were both a bit exhausted from the social engagements.
Sometimes too much sweetness brings a bitter aftertaste.
That day, Kang He found Bao San Ge to have a drink, hoping to ask if he had found out more about the Zhen family.
“I know you’ve been busy these days, so I didn’t come looking for you. Congratulations on your son’s success.”
Kang He laughed, “Don’t congratulate me every time we meet. I’ve heard too much flattery these days. If I hear a few more, I might start trembling.”
Bao San Ge laughed too. He was genuinely happy for Kang He; as friends, the Fan family’s rise brought more security to him as well.
“I’ll tell you the truth. Earlier, you asked if I heard wrong. The Zhen family isn’t making trouble for you; they want peace. At first, I thought it strange and inquired carefully. Now I know the reason.”
“The Zhen family was jealous because your vegetable business is doing well. They plotted to mess with your shop by sending people through the black market. But they got beaten up and have now come to apologize.”
Kang He was more puzzled: “Someone dealt with the Zhen family? Did they offend someone else?”
Bao San Ge shook his head: “They only got beaten because they tried to mess with your family. Now nobody dares to bother you in the black market.”
He laughed and patted Kang He’s shoulder: “If you’d told me earlier, I wouldn’t have worried.”
Kang He was confused: “Explain clearly. How do I have a way? I never sent anyone to find the Zhen family!”
Bao San Ge was surprised by Kang He’s confusion: “Wasn’t it you who asked the Yao escort company? I heard Yao the chief escort has been hired. Now anyone who goes against your Fan family will be enemies of Yao Yuancheng.”
“Everyone knows how formidable the escorts are. Legitimate merchants don’t dare provoke you, and even the black market knows your connections and won’t accept jobs lightly.”
“Yao escort company? The one near Qingyu Workshop?”
“There’s only one escort company in the city, the Yao family. It can’t be anyone else.”
Kang He was baffled. He knew the place existed but had no dealings with them.
He nodded and thanked Bao San Ge, then told Fan Jing the strange news.
Fan Jing furrowed his brow: “I don’t know this person.”
Kang He guessed Fan Jing wouldn’t know him or he would have told him.
“That’s strange. Someone’s taken an interest in us for no reason.”
Fan Jing sensed something was wrong. If they didn’t clarify this, it could cause future trouble.
He went to inquire carefully about the Yao escort company.
It was like listening to a legend.
He learned that Yao Yuan, the chief escort of the Yao family, had followed his father around from age five. He lost his father at eight and was raised by his mother.
By age twelve, he gathered some skilled men and started as a traveling merchant, going out to buy and sell tea leaves.
Smart and resourceful, by sixteen he saved enough to buy an escort company and slowly built it up. Now at twenty-two, the business was thriving.
Kang He and Fan Jing listened, impressed.
Someone secretly went to Qingyu Workshop to observe the escort company, saw Yao Yuan, exchanged glances, then left.
“I never expected it to be this kind of man. Maybe he likes to buy from our family’s shop and stands up for us when others try to cheat us?”
Kang He thought that sounded far-fetched.
Fan Jing said nothing but had already figured Yao Yuan was a martial expert, not an ordinary merchant.
Knowing he ran the escort company was no surprise.
But why he helped their family was another matter.
Fan Jing suddenly stood and headed to Qiao’er’s house.
“Big Brother, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”
Qiao’er was inside sewing. She loved the brocade brought from the prefectural capital and planned to make a summer dress to wear on a boat ride watching lanterns and lotus flowers.
She looked up to see Fan Jing stride in, his face tense as if his brother-in-law had annoyed him again.
Fan Jing sat down heavily on a bench, speaking bluntly to family: “Are you close with that Yao Yuan from the escort company?”
“Ah!” Qiao’er blurted out, pricking her thumb with a needle.
Her eyes filled with tears as she quickly bit her finger, her pale face flushed red, scolding, “Big Brother, what are you saying!”
Kang He followed closely, hearing Fan Jing’s words. He widened his eyes and slapped his forehead, wondering why he hadn’t thought of this before—there was still a young lady in the family who attracted attention!
“Our shop had some trouble recently. I didn’t tell the family; you know that.”
Kang He hurried to smooth things over, not wanting to frighten the young lady.
“We’ve been waiting for them to make a move but nothing happened. Instead, they brought gifts and asked for peace.
I was busy with Dafu’s matter before and didn’t investigate thoroughly. Now that things are calm, I looked into it and learned Yao’s escort company settled it for us.”
“I don’t know this man either. Since you’ve been handling the shop lately, your brother wonders if you’ve made friends with this man?”
Kang He spoke more gently. Hearing the full story, Qiao’er’s face flushed even more.
She spoke softly, “There is someone who often comes to buy vegetables. After several encounters, we greet each other.”
Qiao’er coughed nervously. She was shy but hadn’t expected the fool to do such a big thing behind her back.
He had come once before, congratulating her nephew on passing the Tongsheng exam, joking that even a warrior like him would have to run to catch up with Dafu, and made her laugh.
He only talked nonsense and never mentioned the big matter, keeping it secret.
Qiao’er cursed inwardly but felt touched.
Compared to slick words and little trinkets, this practical help truly moved her heart.
Kang He, seeing she knew Yao Yuan, hadn’t expected it to be like this.
For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.
“You’ve been clever since childhood, with your own ideas. Your brother and I have never worried about you. Your parents nag, and I try to help persuade. Now, what do you think of this Yao guy?”
Qiao’er blushed: “He’s a bit simple-minded, but I find his character decent. I didn’t tell the family because the matter wasn’t settled. If Mother knew, she’d make a fuss.”
“Now that Big Brother and brother-in-law know, I won’t hide it… I’ll see how the family feels.”
Kang He chuckled; her meaning was clear—she was already content and just waiting to see if the family agreed.
Fan Jing sighed. No wonder he felt something was off when he first met the boy.
Having such a capable sister was some blessing.
Fan Jing said, “Since that’s the case, be cautious and find out more about the Yao family. If nothing bad is found, then tell our parents and move forward.”
Qiao’er nodded: “I understand.”
Kang He added, “No matter what, we owe them thanks. Let’s pick a day and invite them over for a meal. You and Big Brother will host.”