When Kang He and Fan Jing arrived home, they happened to run into Qiaor coming back from outside.
Kang He asked where the girl had been playing, and Qiaor grabbed Kang He with one hand and Fan Jing with the other, pulling them into the courtyard.
“Fan Xin-ge’er just came back from the city. A few days ago, the County Exam results were released. Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt went to the city early in the morning to check the list. Grandpa and Grandma were eager to change into new clothes and go with them, but who would have thought that Fan Xin-ge’er failed the very first subject.”
The County Exam has to be taken three times. First, the County Magistrate presides over the County Exam. If you pass, you go to the Prefecture City to take the Prefecture Exam. Passing both means you become a Tong Sheng.
If you pass the Academy Exam after that, you can earn the title of Xiu Cai.
These days, Kang He and Fan Jing had been up on the Mountain, and since there was no one at home studying for the Examination System, they hadn’t been paying attention to these matters. Chen Shi had mentioned it before, but he hadn’t kept it in mind, so he didn’t even know the Honor Roll Release had already happened.
Kang He said, “The Examination System is not easy. This is normal. If it were that easy to pass, there would be countless Tong Sheng and Xiu Cai in the Village.”
Qiaor replied, “That’s true. But Xiangxiu-jie came home, and now the house is in an uproar.”
Kang He asked curiously what they were arguing about, and Qiaor, full of expression, told Kang He about what was happening in the Big Room.
As for Fan Xin, he started his studies at seven, and began taking exams at ten. In a blink, he’s already twenty-three, having studied for more than ten years and taken exams for just as long.
All these years, it’s either he passed the County Exam but not the Prefecture Exam, or vice versa, going back and forth between the two, but he could never pass the Prefecture Exam, not even managing to become a Tong Sheng.
In fact, there are many scholars who only pass the Tong Sheng exam in their thirties or forties. There are all ages on the road of the Examination System, so it’s not unusual.
But although the Fan family’s Big Room is better off than the Second Room, they’re still just a middling farming household. For families like this, being able to send a son to study for two or three years, learn to read and do some arithmetic, is already something impressive.
That was the Big Room’s plan at first, but later they changed their minds.
“One year, I’d just married in, not long after, I went with your Eldest Aunt to the Temple to burn incense. At the Temple, we met an Old Immortal. It happened that another worshipper was giving him some eggs, thanking him profusely.”
Chen Sanfang, hearing the children talking excitedly, put down her washbasin and came over, lowering her voice:
“Your Eldest Aunt loves to join the excitement, so she went over and asked the worshipper why she was so thankful.
The worshipper said her son was taking the Examination System, and she’d asked the Old Immortal to divine a fortune for him. The Old Immortal said the result would be dangerous, but there might be a turn for the better. Who would’ve thought, when the Honor Roll Release came, her son just managed to scrape by. Wasn’t that a danger turned to joy? Your Eldest Aunt thought the prediction was spot on, so she went for a reading, too.”
Kang He listened to this superstitious talk and found it amusing, so he asked, “Did the Old Immortal say Fan Xin-ge would pass?”
Chen Sanfang said, “The Old Immortal didn’t say directly that Fan Xin would pass. He calculated that the Fan family has fortune, and Wenqu Xingjun has already decided it, but it will take time and patience to endure hardship.”
Kang He laughed, “And Eldest Aunt believed that?”
“How could she not? There’s only Fan Xin studying in the family—if it’s not him, who else would Wenqu Xingjun refer to? All these years, Fan Xin’s taken the exam so many times and still hasn’t passed, but your Eldest Aunt believes it even more. She’s convinced Fan Xin will succeed eventually, so she never lets anyone propose marriage for him, fearing that if it’s too early, he’ll miss out on something better if he passes later.”
Chen Sanfang said, “Don’t you think she’s muddled? It’s just hard on Xiangxiu.”
Qiaor added, “That’s right. Now that Fan Xin-ge didn’t pass again, Eldest Aunt wants him to keep studying and keep taking the exams.
But the family’s only grown man can’t help with the work and instead spends money like water. Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt’s money all goes to him, and Grandpa and Grandma use their private savings to help, too.
But the one who suffers most is Xiangxiu-jie. She’s been working for a Big Household for years, and all the Wage she earns is taken by Eldest Aunt, who says she’s saving it for her Marriage Money, but in reality it all goes to support big brother’s studies.”
“If he keeps on studying, Xiangxiu-jie will have to keep supporting him. She hasn’t been able to save any money these years, and now that she’s of age to look for a match, I’m afraid the family hasn’t prepared any dowry for her.”
Qiaor was close to Xiangxiu and spoke up for her.
“Fan Xin-ge does have some conscience. He feels he’s not cut out for studying and doesn’t want to keep dragging down the family. This time, he came back with Xiangxiu-jie and told Eldest Uncle and Aunt what he was thinking, but Eldest Aunt wouldn’t allow it.”
Qiaor pouted, “She’s still thinking about the Old Immortal’s words, urging big brother to keep studying, saying that if he gets through this hurdle, great fortune awaits. Grandpa and Grandma dote on big brother and help Eldest Aunt persuade him, and even refuse to eat when big brother says he won’t study anymore.”
“Xiangxiu-jie’s heard these words so many times her ears have calluses. She argued with Eldest Aunt and got a fierce scolding. She was scolded so badly she cried and locked herself in her room, refusing to come out.”
Chen Sanfang had been speaking lightheartedly, but hearing this, she sighed.
Qiaor nodded, looking at the chaos with worry.
After lunch, Chen Sanfang thought she’d better go over and take a look. Even though there were some frictions between their Second Room and the Big Room, every family has its own little secrets. But in the end, they’re still one family, and when something happens, they have to help each other.
Back when the family held a banquet and bought Rice Field, they all pitched in.
Kang He didn’t object.
He’d thought Fan Jing wouldn’t want to get involved, so he hadn’t called him, but as he was about to leave, Fan Jing followed along anyway.
So the group went together. The Big Room was gloomy and clearly had just had a big fight.
Chen Shi exchanged a glance with Kang He, and they pretended not to know what was going on, heading first to see Fan Ye and Fan Nai.
“Aiyo, aiyo, children grow up and don’t listen to their elders anymore…”
Fan Ye sat on the edge of the kang in silence, while Fan Nai lay at the head of the kang, pounding her chest and muttering nonstop, looking truly heartbroken.
“Why did we raise them? Just to be angered to death~”
Kang He called out to the two elders and brought over a jar of Wild Honey he’d brought back.
Fan Nai, hearing there was honey, slowly sat up from the kang: “Honey? Wild Honey from the Mountain?”
She took the jar and sniffed it. It was truly sweet and fragrant, and a gentle smile appeared on her face: “You and Da Jing have it tough going up the Mountain, yet you still think of Grandpa and Grandma. Such thoughtful children.”
She hugged the honey jar, her squinted eyes lighting up a bit as she looked at Chen Shi: “Sanfang, you’re here? Find yourself a stool and sit with Da Jing.”
Chen Sanfang responded and went to get a stool.
In the past, Chen Shi never got this treatment, but ever since they found out she started making money selling konjac, and with the family buying Rice Field recently, Fan Ye and Fan Nai had become much warmer toward her.
Fan Nai said, “You’ve come at just the right time. Go and persuade Da Xin. He didn’t do well in the exam this time and is upset, saying in anger that he won’t study anymore. Xiangxiu doesn’t understand and quarreled with him, making your uncle and aunt furious.”
Zhang Jingui came in upon hearing the voices, her eyes red. Seeing Chen Sanfang, she said, “Sister-in-law, others may not know, but you do. You saw with your own eyes when the Old Immortal said it—he said our family was destined by Wenqu Xingjun! If Da Xin stops studying, won’t that cut off our family’s future?”
“Yes, what you say is right,” Chen Sanfang said. “But what’s wrong with Da Xin? He’s failed before and was fine, why is he so upset this time?”
“It must be that Xiangxiu girl causing trouble. She’s grown up and is anxious about her own marriage, afraid the family has no money for her Marriage Money. Silly child, after all her time working for a Big Household, how could her vision be so narrow? If her brother passes the exam, wouldn’t it be easy for her to find a good match?”
Chen Sanfang knew well what was going on. Everyone in the Big Room loved Xiangxiu, but they loved Fan Xin even more. Sons were valued over daughters, and after all these years of Xiangxiu supporting the family, how could she not be resentful?
But there was no easy way to say this. Everyone knew in their hearts, but putting it out in the open would only make things ugly.
“Children grow up and have their own ideas, Sister-in-law, don’t be angry.”
“It’s not that I insist he walk this path to the end. But after studying all these years, if he doesn’t at least get a degree, what else can he do?”
Zhang Jingui was clearly upset. Then she turned to Kang He, who had been silent, knowing he was good with words, and said, “Sanlang, Da Xin won’t listen to us, but you and Da Jing are about his age. Go and try to persuade him for us.”
Kang He had no reason to refuse, so he and Fan Jing went to look for Fan Xin.
Hearing their voices, someone came to open the door.
“Why did you two bother coming?”
Fan Xin looked surprised to see Kang He, then glanced at Fan Jing, shrank his neck, and invited them in.
He brought them stools and asked Kang He when he’d come down from the Mountain.
Kang He answered, and they chatted for a bit.
“When you got married, I wanted to come for the feast, but it was hard to get leave, so I couldn’t come and join the fun.”
Fan Xin took out a box from the cabinet. His movements were slow, as always, and he handed the box to Kang He and Fan Jing: “I prepared this for your wedding, but never found the chance to give it to you.”
Inside was a Tea Cup Set decorated with the Four Gentlemen, much more delicate and beautiful than the rough pottery bowls at home.
“How could we let cousin go to such expense? Eldest Uncle and Aunt already prepared so much for us.”
Fan Xin said, “That’s their intention. This is mine. When I was studying, I copied texts for others and earned a little money. I’m happy for Jing-ge’er’s marriage, so you two should keep it.”
Kang He had no choice but to accept.
After that, he asked, “I heard Aunt said, big brother doesn’t want to study anymore?”
At this, Fan Xin looked troubled and shook his head: “I haven’t wanted to for a while. The family has tried to persuade me again and again, but no matter what, I won’t go back to studying.”
“Why’s that?”
Fan Xin said, “I’m just not cut out for it. The family isn’t rich, and keeping me around as an idle mouth only adds to the burden.”
Kang He asked, “If you don’t study, what do you plan to do, big brother?”
“Farming is fine, accounting is fine, anything is fine, but I’m not going back to studying.”
Kang He, hearing about all that had happened in the Big Room, actually agreed with Fan Xin’s thinking.
A man in his twenties, putting all his effort into studying—if he succeeded, fine. But after so many years with no results, to put it bluntly, he’d achieved nothing, not even as much as a farmer. At least farming is honest work.
Kang He said to Fan Xin, “Big brother, if you haven’t made up your mind, it’ll be hard to convince Eldest Uncle and Aunt.”
“I know I can’t move them. They’re set in their ways. I expected this, but just wait, they’ll come around.”
Kang He was puzzled as to why Fan Xin was so confident the family would agree, but before long, he found out why.
Voices came from outside, and Fan Xin suddenly stood up.
Kang He heard an unfamiliar voice—it seemed someone had arrived.
The three of them left the room and saw an old gentleman with a beard and dignified appearance entering the house.
He wore a dark blue long robe, not luxurious but very proper.
Kang He didn’t know him, but when he saw the familiar face beside the old man—the same Xu Yang they’d run into at the foot of the Mountain that morning—he guessed who it was.
It must be Xu Lao Xiucai, Xu Yang’s grandfather, and Fan Xin’s Teacher.
“Xu Lao, what brings you here! Please, come in and have a seat!”
Not only were Zhang Shi and Fan Shoushan enthusiastic, even Fan Ye and Fan Nai, who had been lying on the kang, got up to greet him.
The house was in a flurry, and soon Xu Lao Xiucai was seated in the place of honor, served with the best tea the family had.
“It’s been a long time since I returned to the village, Old Fan, how have you been?”
Xu Lao Xiucai and Fan Ye were of the same generation, and he didn’t put on airs, chatting warmly with Fan Ye and Fan Nai, exchanging pleasantries about daily life and how they spent their time.
When the elders spoke, the younger generation like Kang He could only stand quietly and listen.
Even Xiangxiu, who had locked herself in her room, came out to pay her respects, though her eyes were still red.
When the small talk was done, Xu Lao Xiucai looked at Fan Xin and Xu Yang standing in the room: “Time flies. These two have grown so much. I still remember when Shoushan brought Da Xin to the Shuxue, he was just a little thing, only as tall as Shoushan’s waist, and now he’s almost taller than his father.”
Fan Shoushan quickly replied, “Yes, this child was naughty when he was young, but thanks to Xu Lao’s careful teaching, his character became much more obedient. Without you, he wouldn’t be who he is today.”
Xu Lao Xiucai sighed, “I feel guilty. Shoushan and Old Fan trusted me and sent their child for me to teach, but all these years, I haven’t helped him achieve even a single degree.”
“That’s not your fault, Xu Lao! You have great knowledge and experience. It’s just that the child isn’t bright enough to keep up. You’ve done more than enough!”
Xu Lao Xiucai waved his hand and said,
“The County Exam results are out, and this child came to me saying he doesn’t want to study anymore. I asked what he wanted to do, and he said he wanted to try making a living another way. This is something he should discuss with you himself, but he asked me to come. He and Da Yang have been close for years, and I’ve treated him like my own grandson, so I came for his sake.”
“If he has other ambitions, I’m happy for him. There are many paths in this world—one doesn’t have to follow the Examination System to succeed.
The child is determined. Even my own unpromising Da Yang didn’t want to study and wanted to make his own way, and the family allowed it. A man needs his own ideas to stand on his own in the future.”
Kang He listened to the old gentleman’s words and thought he really was a good Teacher, coming personally for Fan Xin’s sake.
But he also felt the old man was being very tactful. If Fan Xin truly had a gift for studying, the Teacher would want him to stay more than the family would.
If he didn’t, then dragging things out would just waste years, with no prospects in the Examination System and no skills for making a living, and with the family being poor, resentment would only grow.
He didn’t criticize Fan Xin, only said he himself had failed as a teacher, giving the family plenty of face.
But Kang He didn’t know that Xu Lao Xiucai truly cared for Fan Xin. Partly because of their village ties, but also because Fan Xin had been studying with him since childhood for over ten years, and feelings had naturally grown.
Moreover, while Fan Xin wasn’t capable of great things and seemed a bit timid, in the eyes of elders, he was obedient and well-behaved. Unlike Xu Yang, who was headstrong and stubborn.
The whole Fan family was silent, unwilling to see Fan Xin stop studying and give up the family’s dreams and standing in the Village.
But Xu Lao Xiucai was a man of status. For him to make a special trip back to the Village for Fan Xin showed how much he cared.
They could argue with Fan Xin, but not with Xu Lao Xiucai.
After all, even Xu Yang, the only son of his family, had stopped studying and was allowed to make his own way. It wasn’t just that they didn’t want Fan Xin to study anymore.
When Xu Lao Xiucai left, the whole family saw him out.
Xu Yang said a few words to Fan Xin, telling him he’d finally stood up for himself for once, and to learn to use his head.
He also greeted Kang He and Fan Jing, saying he’d bring them their money another day.
Soon after, they left with Xu Lao Xiucai.
When the villagers heard Xu Lao had returned, many brought gifts to visit him, asking why he had time to come back. He only said he came because of Xu Yang, not mentioning the Fan family’s business.
Xu Yang, knowing his grandfather had really come for Fan Xin, finally felt relieved.
After seeing off the guests, Xu Yang said to Xu Lao Xiucai, “Grandpa, I’ve tidied your room. It’s clean and neat. You’ve worked hard all day, so go rest.”
“Stay there.”
When only the two of them were left, Xu Lao Xiucai put away his gentle demeanor and looked stern.
Seeing Xu Yang trying to slip away, he put down his tea and called him back.
Xu Lao Xiucai glanced at him and said, “You went to Yuan’s house again today, didn’t you?”
Xu Yang’s expression changed. He didn’t want to lie, but was afraid of making his grandfather ill again, so he said, “No.”
It wasn’t exactly a lie—he hadn’t gone to Yuan’s house, just to see Yuan Ge’er.
Xu Lao Xiucai snorted, “Usually you’re too lazy to wash your face, but when you’re in the Village, you clean up nicely and even use scented soap. Don’t tell me you didn’t go to the Yuan family. If you dare do it, you should dare admit it.”
Xu Yang stayed silent.
Xu Lao Xiucai said, “The County is selling uncultivated Rice Field. I hear you bought five mu?”
“Mm.”
Xu Yang replied.
“At least you’re starting to look like something.”
Xu Yang hadn’t expected praise. He lowered his voice: “I bought this Rice Field to use when I marry a husband.”
He didn’t say outright that he wanted to marry Yuan Ge’er.
“I know what you’re up to.”
Xu Lao Xiucai was both angry and sad: “It wasn’t easy for you to come back, yet you don’t want to stay in the City longer. I’m an old man, who knows how many more years I have left.”
“I just didn’t want to cause trouble for you and Dad in the County. He beat me so hard, wishing he could beat me to death.”
Xu Lao Xiucai fell silent.
After a while, he said, “I hear from your mother that you want to run for Xiangzhang?”
“The Xiangzhang changes every five years. Chen Yushun isn’t like the Old Village Chief. Why shouldn’t I run?”
“If you have that ambition, then your father and I haven’t taught you in vain.”
Xu Lao Xiucai said, “If you really accomplish something, the family will follow your wishes.”
Xu Yang thought his family didn’t support him running for Xiangzhang, so he hadn’t told them, only whispered to his mother.
Now, hearing his grandfather’s words, he realized they actually approved.
And if he succeeded, the family would follow his wishes?
He dropped his reserved act and asked eagerly, “Grandpa, does that mean if I become Xiangzhang, you’ll let me marry Yuan Ge’er?!”
Xu Lao Xiucai looked a bit awkward: “You’re so stubborn, driving the family crazy just to be with Yuan Ge’er. What can we do with you?
If you really become a top-notch man, able to stand on your own and do good things, I’ll agree.”
Xu Yang was so excited he was like a firework, eyes shining: “Grandpa, you mean it!”
“Hmph, do you think I, Xu Wangsheng, am the kind of man who goes back on his word? What are you saying?”
Xu Lao Xiucai said, “Don’t worry about whether I’ll keep my word—just worry about whether you can win. I’ll say it clearly: I’m giving you a chance. If you fail, then you’ll have to listen to the family’s arrangements.”
Xu Yang thumped his chest: “I’ll do my best, just don’t let the family sabotage me behind my back!”
“I’m a proper Teacher. Would I stoop so low as to trip up my own grandson? That would be ridiculous!”
Xu Lao Xiucai was so angry at Xu Yang’s words that he coughed: “You brat, you’re asking for a beating.”
Seeing that his grandfather had agreed, Xu Yang relaxed and softened his tone, going up to help him: “I knew you cared about me, Grandpa. I’ll do my best and not bring shame on you.”
“If not for you, I wouldn’t have bothered coming back and running around like this.”
Back at the Fan family, Kang He and Chen Shi comforted the Big Room for a while, and when it got late, they headed home.
“Da Xin really made up his mind not to study anymore, and even convinced Xu Lao Xiucai to come and persuade the family. That’s rare cleverness.”
On the way back, Chen Shi couldn’t help muttering.
“This is good. The Big Room can finally relax and stop pouring money into Da Xin’s studies. Over the years, all that studying has even strained the relationship between Da Xin and Xiangxiu, even though they’re siblings.”
Kang He smiled, “Big brother Fan Xin may be a bit soft, but at least he’s clear-headed, not muddle-headed.”
After a few words, Kang He secretly squeezed Fan Jing’s hand. This man came along without saying a word, yet insisted on following.
It was as if he was afraid Kang He would get lost, always keeping an eye on him, and Kang He felt a little sweet inside.
He asked Fan Jing, “If we have kids in the future, should we send them to study?”
Fan Jing glanced at him but didn’t answer.
He turned to look at the river in the distance, thinking that if their child was like Kang He, sending him to study would probably mean he’d learn fast.
“We’ll see when the time comes.”
Kang He thought Fan Jing wouldn’t answer, but unexpectedly he did, as if he’d seriously considered it.
He laughed, “Then I’d better start saving up now.”
Kang He’s name became Kang Xi
Done