When Dafu was seventeen, he was diligently studying at Yueheng Academy.
Away from home and friends, his days passed peacefully and happily in Luàn County. Fortunately, Yueheng Academy was ranked among the top three in the land, boasting excellent teachers who benefited him greatly.
As the years went by, and with his growing reputation, he became steady and humble.
The academy’s scholars praised him highly, often inviting him to accompany them on lectures and elegant gatherings.
“Zhongyang, today’s lecture went smoothly thanks to your company. Otherwise, it might have turned into a laughingstock. Every word you spoke was precise and insightful. After class, many came forward to praise you.”
That morning, Master Bai was invited to lecture at the county school and brought Dafu along.
At noon, Master Bai suffered from indigestion after eating unclean food. Though old, his stomach could no longer handle it. Mid-lecture, his insides churned violently.
Dafu, who was attending to him, noticed the sudden change in Master Bai’s expression and quickly helped him step aside to rest, then took over the lecture for fifteen minutes.
Afterward, since the meal was provided by the county school and the county magistrate along with the teaching supervisor had arranged the lecture, Master Bai didn’t dare blame anyone.
Luckily, he had Dafu with him. With Dafu’s considerable knowledge and composure, the lecture proceeded without any sign of stage fright, even gaining luster instead of faltering, sparing Master Bai the embarrassment of clutching his stomach and abruptly leaving, which would have caused uproarious laughter.
“Master’s praise is far beyond what your student deserves. Any talk I offered today is only due to your past teachings by word and example.”
Master Bai saw that though Dafu had already gained a notable reputation for his age, he remained humble, with a handsome and dignified appearance. He liked him all the more.
He said, “I know your character well. Tomorrow is the academy’s day off. Do you have any matters to attend to? If free, come by my home for a meal and keep me company.”
Dafu clasped his hands respectfully. “Master’s kind invitation honors me; I shall arrive punctually.”
The next day was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for reunion. Unfortunately, he was studying far from home and couldn’t be with his family.
Even if he wished to return, the academy only observed a single day off for the festival, so he couldn’t possibly make it back to Luàn County in time.
Every festival deepened his longing for home.
After parting from Master Bai, Dafu returned to his dormitory and unusually did not open any books or write.
He opened his trunk and took out a vest sewn by his father when he left home. He planned to wear it the next day when visiting Master Bai’s home.
Entering autumn brought chill, and Yueheng Academy’s climate was already cool. The autumn moonlight only added to the sudden sharpness of the cold.
Before going out, his father repeatedly reminded him to take good care of himself outside, as the world beyond home was not as comforting.
As the festival approached, the voices of family grew louder in his heart than ever before.
His mind wandered—wondering what little Fu was doing for fun. Little Fu had always loved the lively atmosphere of festivals.
He also wondered if the argument with Fifteen had been reconciled. Those two were like sworn foes, unable to bear missing each other, but inevitably bickering whenever they met.
While packing, his eyes fell upon a plain-colored handkerchief carefully placed in a compartment. It bore no pattern, but was exceptionally soft and warm to the touch. At the corner was a delicate embroidered 福 (blessing) character.
Dafu gently ran his fingertip over the embroidery, thinking of that person. His heart grew both sweet and a little sour.
It had been two or three months since he last received a letter.
He wanted to ask but could not, and his heart felt hollow.
He thought that this winter, he would surely return home early.
The next morning, Dafu woke early, prepared himself, and bought a festival gift on the street before heading to Master Bai’s house for the banquet.
Dafu had expected the Bai household to be lively during the festival but was surprised to find hardly any visitors.
Unease fluttered in his heart, yet he remained very respectful and polite, following all the proper etiquette for a guest.
Before the meal, Dafu discussed scriptures and philosophy with Master Bai in the study. During a break, the Bai family’s young lady brought in a fine tea and, over the tea, exchanged a few words.
Though Dafu had never encountered such a situation, he sensed the underlying meaning.
The Bai family was a refined scholarly household; it was rare for a young lady to personally serve tea to an unrelated male guest.
Dafu pretended to be deaf and mute, only becoming more courteous and upright, revealing no hint of understanding.
After the meal, he took his leave from Master Bai but did not rush back to the academy. Instead, he wandered aimlessly through the city.
This year he had immersed himself in study, neglecting matters of age and maturity. Today’s events made him realize he had already turned seventeen this autumn.
At such an age, if he were not studying away from home but living comfortably in the county, he would have surely already caught the eyes of others.
His mind had always been set on study, never on such matters.
But now, a sudden awakening struck him: with his age increasing and still being a young boy, could it be that…?
Dafu’s heart was restless. No wonder their letters had dwindled this year. He had only wished to succeed in his studies soon, so he could boldly make his intentions known but had overlooked his own predicament.
A young lad was not like a man—youth quickly passes. When the time comes, the family watches closely. Once the prime age is gone, a good match becomes difficult to find.
It was not like men, who even past their youth could still find good marriages.
Thinking this over,
Dafu was not one to sit idle and let worry consume him. It was better to seek an answer for himself.
That afternoon, he requested leave for the next day and rode swiftly back to Luàn County.
Night was silent. Autumn rain fell cold and piercing.
“Cousin is especially fond of you. This child is honest and upright, has no frivolous distractions all these years, and has been wholly devoted to medical study. Despite his young age, his skills are quite advanced.”
Mrs. Wu earnestly spoke to her son lying in bed, clad in plain clothes. “Your body has never been well. If you were with him, you’d have a close companion to care for you.”
Wu Heguang’s complexion was pale. As summer transitioned to autumn, he caught a lingering cold that refused to heal.
Since the start of the year, his mother had been openly bustling about on his behalf. He carried a heavy heart and rarely smiled. How could his illness get better?
He feigned sickness to avoid going out or attending matchmaking meetings. Though his mother still cared deeply, now she even came to his bedside to discuss matters.
Wu Heguang knew his mother had his best interests at heart. Though reluctant, he did not wish to argue and chose to keep silent.
Seeing that he made no objection, Mrs. Wu furrowed her brow. “I know what’s in your heart, but how old are you now? You can’t keep waiting and waiting. Has he said anything to you?”
“He’s still young. Even if it’s three or five years later, he’ll be in his prime. By then, what age will you be? And he has great prospects. Why would he settle marriage so soon?”
Hearing her rapid speech, Wu Heguang’s chest tightened. He lifted his eyes toward her, wanting to argue but swallowed the anger back.
“It’s hard on you, Mother, to worry over me. Despite your disagreements with Aunt, you still lower yourself for me. I’m truly grateful.”
His eyes reddened. “I’m unwell and wish to rest. Mother, you should sleep early too.”
He turned to the side, brows trembling, and couldn’t hold back a coughing fit.
Mrs. Wu noticed his unusually peaceful tone and words, unlike his usual disputes. Perhaps she had spoken too plainly, striking a sore spot. Her heart felt heavy.
“It was just a casual remark, don’t take it to heart. It’s raining outside, the weather’s cold. You must take good care of yourself.”
Wu Heguang said nothing.
Seeing this, Mrs. Wu sighed and instructed Gu Ge’er, who attended Wu Heguang, to take good care of him before leaving the room.
Tears slid down his cheeks. Wu Heguang felt heartache. He could not let go of Dafu but could not bring himself to ask for a promise.
His future was bright, and he was wholeheartedly preparing for the imperial exams. At this critical moment, he could offer no assistance and would not disturb him.
“Young master, why not write a letter to Master? Master also teaches Lord Fan, and Master has always held Lord Fan in high regard…”
Wu Heguang wiped his eyes and slowly sat up. “Writing a letter now is only for Mother’s sake.”
His father had been transferred to a position in an external mansion two years ago. If he were home, things would not be so difficult.
His heart was full of turmoil when suddenly a knock came at his window.
Wu Heguang’s brow twitched. Gu Ge’er hurried to see.
Soon, little Fu slipped inside.
“Brother Heguang, your room is so warm and cozy. Outside, the autumn rain falls heavily and coldly. Coming inside feels like stepping into spring.”
Wu Heguang recognized little Fu immediately. Who else would dare slip into their home at night and so expertly avoid the servants to enter his room?
“You say the room is warm, but I feel this autumn chill is sharper than usual. Did you get soaked crossing the rain?”
Little Fu removed the small straw hat from his head and took a dry cloth from Gu Ge’er, hastily wiping his clothes.
“Brother Heguang, do you think the autumn chill is worse this year because someone is missing?”
He got himself ready, warmed by the fire to shake off the cold, then jumped over to Wu Heguang.
Originally smiling brightly, he saw Wu Heguang’s reddened eyes and furrowed brows. “Brother Heguang, why are you crying? Has someone wronged you? Let me go teach them a lesson!”
Wu Heguang shook his head. “Nothing. I was just reading and came across a touching passage, which made me shed tears.”
Looking at little Fu’s lively face that resembled his brother’s, he felt a slight ease.
“Why are you here so late? Before Mid-Autumn, I heard you say you’d be leaving soon with your uncle’s escort team, passing through… you plan to stop by and see your brother…”
Wu Heguang guessed little Fu’s departure was near. He had been thinking about this and wanted to use the opportunity to ask him to deliver something to Zhongyang.
Lately, he had been holding himself together on this hope alone.
Unexpectedly, little Fu’s eyes flickered as he said, “I’m not going.”
Wu Heguang’s heart sank. Before he could speak, little Fu joyfully grabbed his hand and said, “Brother has come back! I even planned to quit going with Uncle’s escort team this time.”