Chapter 018
Author: Feast of Masks
Raws: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3185016
Translated by Gumihou
“Is Uncle Chen acquainted with the Headmaster of Qingyuan Academy?” Xue Tingxiang asked curiously. Seeing how Boss Chen was so passionately indignant, he was even more interested to know the answer.
Boss Chen stroked his beard thoughtfully, “It is a little shameful to speak of it, but we were classmates in my youth. However, my scholastic achievements were lacking and I could only attain the Tong Sheng level while he went on to become a Xiu Cai with the rank of Lin Sheng. [1] It was unfortunate, but luck was not on his side and he did not manage to pass the exams to become a Ju Ren. After putting so many years into his studies, he lost the heart to study further and returned here to inherit his father’s business of teaching and educating others.”
“Luck is not something that stays bad forever,” Xue Tingxiang remarked.
If he remembered correctly, the head of Qingyuan Academy, Headmaster Lin, passed the examination and achieved Ju Ren status three years later. The entire village was nearly dizzy from the sensational news and the headmaster of Qinghe Academy, Headmaster Gao Youzi was so infuriated that he nearly spat blood. At that time, he was contemplating leaving Qinghe Academy to study at the Shen Clan’s school and just happened to overhear this bit of gossip.
Boss Chen thought the young man was attempting to console him, so he chuckled appreciatively, saying, “Thank you for your kind words.”
Xue Tingxiang did not hesitate to return this appreciation with a bow and a heartfelt, “I thank Uncle Chen for your advice. While I do have a few matters to deal with at home, I shall study at Qingyuan Academy once everything is settled.”
“Aren’t you a straightforward one? Are you not worried about being implicated or sowing troubles that could hinder your future prospects?” Boss Chen asked curiously.
“This young one has not even entered school yet, what prospects could I have? Not to mention, the Imperial Court has always attached great importance to the selection of talents. So long as one is talented, it is possible that not even County Magistrate Hu would dare to obstruct them too much.”
“You are unexpectedly ambitious. Good, since you have the guts for it, I shall write a recommendation for you. Although my classmate is as rigid as a board and is as talkative as one, he is exceptionally knowledgeable. While I dare not guarantee a Jin Shi, [2] it would not be impossible for you to become a Xiu Cai,” said Boss Chen.
“In that case, I shall thank Uncle Chen in advance.”
For the next several days, Xue Tingxiang and Zhao’er left the house early and returned late every day.
Naturally, some people from the Xue family asked about this curious practice once or twice, but each time, Zhao’er told them that she was taking Xue Tingxiang out for fresh air to avoid feeling stifled. Members from the main branch were disdainful and Old Man Xue could not help but shake his head at that futile gesture. Nobody asked after them after that. Everyone around them knew, in their heart of hearts, that Xue Tingxiang was destined to lose in this competition. It was possible that the children from the second branch also realised this as well and had abandoned their studies to play around outside instead.
One should know that even someone as filled with talent as Xue Juncai was also busy poring over his books at home in preparation for that fateful day.
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In a blink of an eye, the promised fifth day arrived.
This day was no different from any other day.
A farming family’s morning was always busy. After a night’s rest, the family’s livestock had to be tended to, and there was also the hustle and bustle of feeding the entire household. After breakfast, the men went out to the fields, while the women stayed home and tended to the household chores.
If there was any difference, it was that Xue Juncai had two extra poached eggs in his bowl during breakfast.
Thanks to Old Man Xue’s criticism not too long ago, Old Zhao no longer dared to openly favour the main branch. Even so, she could not help herself on this very important day.
In fact, Xue Tingxiang was not meant to have anything more in his bowl than the others. Yang’shi was the one who noticed Old Man Xue’s disgruntled expression and took the initiative to ask Old Zhao for two more chicken eggs for Xue Tingxiang’s bowl.
Xue Tingxiang wanted to give one of the eggs to Zhao’er. However, she firmly declined and he could not defeat her in this battle of willpower over the egg.
As the two quarrelled in a low voice over the chicken egg, Old Man Xue watched from above with a particularly solemn expression on his face.
Still, that’s how life was for people living off the land. No matter how heavy one’s heart was, they could not neglect their work, especially in this frantic spring planting season. Old Man Xue even took the lead and worked in the fields with his two sons for a good while, not returning until the sun was high in the sky.
The news about the competition between the two Xue family sons had long spread throughout the entire Yuqing Village.
There were still people who made disparaging remarks, but most could understand Old Man Xue’s actions. It was not easy for rural folks to earn a few coins. There was no family in this village who had money floating to them on a river. If there was any other way, no one would choose to do this.
Knowing that that day was the appointed day, most had their children stay within the village to keep watch. When the children spotted strangers heading towards Zheng Lizheng’s house, they ran off to the fields shouting to anyone they saw ‘People are coming to Zheng Lizheng’s place!’. The adults immediately stopped their work, gathered their hoes and hurried off.
Not long after that, the large courtyard in Zhen Lizheng’s residence was filled with people, with even more villagers continuing to pour in. The courtyard was abuzz with chatter as everyone started talking about the day’s events.
Inside the house, Zheng Lizheng was speaking with a middle-aged man dressed in scholarly attire with a flat-topped hat. The man had a long thin fair, with a rather pale face and slightly swollen eyes. He did not look like much, but he had to be someone quite important since he was given the main seat.
Zheng Lizheng was only qualified to sit next to him.
The man also had an unusual way of looking at people. This person was none other than Qiao Xiu Cai, a well-known scholar in the surrounding villages.
Zheng Lizheng had long since decided on his choice of examinar. On the Xue Clan’s side, the person with the most connection would be Xue Qingshan. If all went as he expected, the person he was sure to invite would be his father-in-law, Yang Zhong. Since Yang Zhong was just a Tong Sheng, as the head of the village, he ought to invite a Xiu Cai, right?
This way, he could display fairness and raise his prestige at the same time.
“Official Qiao, do have some tea. I will send people to hurry them.”
Qiao Xiu Cai waved his hand indifferently. “No need to rush.”
While they were speaking, they heard a commotion outside. It was Patriarch Xue arriving with his group of people.
However, the person in the lead was not Patriarch Xue. Rather, it was an elderly man in his fifties. The man was of average height and dressed similarly to Qiao Xiu Cai in scholar’s robes and a flat-topped hat. It was clear that even if he was not a Xiu Cai, he was at least a Tong Sheng.
Sure enough, when Qiao Xiu Cai saw the older man, he quickly stood up and gave a respectful bow.
“I did not expect it to be Senior He. Do allow this younger person to pay my respects.”
“No need for such formalities, please sit.”
This He Xiu Cai was indeed someone invited by Patriarch Xue to preside over this competition.
Per Zheng Lizheng’s speculations, Xue Qingshan had truly intended to invite his father-in-law. Unfortunately, this idea was rejected by Patriarch Xue.
Patriarch Xue also happened to realise a little later just how foolish Xue Qingshan’s decision was. While the saying ‘one should not hesitate to promote talent even among relatives’, this way of doing things could still be considered murky and allow others to find fault. Since he was confident of victory, why allow room for criticism? Thus, he took over the responsibility of choosing someone to preside over this impromptu competition.
He also knew that a certain someone surnamed Zheng would not miss any opportunity to show off. Therefore, no matter what, the Xue Clan’s side had to invite a Xiu Cai. In fact, he had intended to invite Qiao Xiu Cai. Unfortunately, he was a step too late and had to make use of his connections to finally invite He Xiu Cai instead.
After the two Xiu Cais exchanged some courtesies between them, they took their places in seats of honour.
Zheng Lizheng and Patriarch Xue sat beside them.
“Senior Brother Lizheng must have gone through quite the trouble.”
“No trouble, no trouble, as the Lizheng of this village, how can I not take all village matters seriously?”
Their little back and forth sounded cheerful, amicable even, but there was a hidden edge to their words. In the meantime, several elderly men entered the house. They were the village elders of Yuqing Village. Old Man Xue, Xue Qingshan and several others have also arrived.
There was one other uninvited guest. It was none other than Xue Qingshan’s father-in-law, Yang Zhong.
Yang Zhong was a man in his fifties, with a round and chubby figure. He looked less like a scholar and more like a wealthy, indolent landlord. As soon as he entered, he stepped closer to Qiao Xiu Cai and He Xiu Cai.
Unfortunately, the two scholars were not willing to speak with him at length. After exchanging a few words, he reluctantly left them to sit on the side.
Xue Qingshan sat with him at the end of the seats.
This pair of father-in-law and son-in-law’s status could be considered prestigious. Everyone seated in this place was a respected figure in the village. Even so, the fact that an outsider could have a seat just because he was a Tong Sheng was surprising since even Patriarch Xue did not have a seat and could only stand to the side.
“Are the main characters here yet?” He Xiu Cai asked after noticing that nearly everyone was present.
Patriarch Xue looked at Old Man Xue. Fourth son Xue Qinghuai who was just standing beside Old Man Xue quickly said, “They’re here, they’re here.”
Just then, the villagers blocking the front door parted ways and two young men walked past the crowd.
Both of them were dressed in short brown clothes indicating their humble origins.
The one in the lead had a refined and handsome appearance with a slender figure. Although his clothes were simple, he exuded an air of elegance and grace. The one behind him was shorter by half a head, with a somewhat frail physique and a timid demeanour. His eyes were half-closed as if he were somewhat afraid of strangers.
However, when the two of them entered the hall and faced the scrutiny of the crowd, more clues emerged.
The older one stood tall, his posture was decent, although he occasionally tugged unconsciously at his sleeves, as though the clothes did not quite fit him. As for the younger one, he stood in a manner that was neither humble nor arrogant. The half-closed eyes no longer invited contempt. Instead, it felt right as though he was keeping his eyes half-lowered as a sign of respect towards his elders.
In contrast, the direct gaze from the older child felt a little too self-assured. While it was good to have confidence, humility and a respectful disposition were indispensable when it came to dealing with elders.
This all happened in a flash. Seated in the place of honour, Qiao Xiu Cai and He Xiu Cai thus formed their initial impressions of these young men.
“Student Xue Juncai, Student Xue Tingxiang, pay respects to the elders.”
He Xiu Cai nodded. Qiao Xiu Cai also nodded and asked, “Tingxiang? Does this name have any significance?”
Xue Tingxiang was taken aback for a moment, then bowed and said, “Xiang implies inheritance and adherence. My great-grandfather was also a student, and his greatest regret in life was not passing the imperial examination. Although my Xue family comes from humble beginnings, we have never forgotten the wishes of our ancestors. While making a living, we have always strived to educate the younger generations in our family, teaching them to understand the principles of being a good person.
It must be known that when one reads many books, one’s mind is enriched, one carries the spirit of poetry and literature, and one’s temperament becomes elegant. We the younger generation carry forth the wishes of our ancestors. Though we may not be very knowledgeable due to our young age, we still harbour lofty aspirations. We hope to one day follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and continue on the path they paved.”
This whole speech was extremely well-balanced. If he had spoken about serving the court by studying to become an official, serving the people or bringing peace to the world, it would have appeared ostentatious and ridiculous. After all, they were just young boys who had not even passed the lowest examinations for the Tong Sheng rank yet.
In short, Xue Tingxiang’s words were precisely in line with his age and knowledge. Moreover, by invoking his ancestors’ wishes, his little speech carried an extra layer of filial piety that could only help his cause.
Qiao Xiu Cai stroked his beard and exclaimed, “Excellent! Such lofty aspirations!
This praise caused everyone’s gaze to focus on Xue Tingxiang.
Most people had no idea what was said, nor did they understand the meaning behind those words, believing that Qiao Xiu Cai was merely exaggerating the accomplishments of the Xue family’s second branch child. Those who did understand had their own thoughts.
Patriarch Xue felt shocked, as well as a myriad of other complicated feelings, as he stared at Xue Tingxiang. Excitement and admiration filled him as he recalled Xue Tingxiang’s words. As the Patriarch, he always considered it his duty to bring glory to the family name.
Xue Tingxiang had not only praised his ancestors in front of others, but had also unintentionally displayed the unique nature of the Xue Clan. This made him straighten his posture as pride suffused his face.
Some secretly cursed this lad for being cunning. To think that this child would make use of this occasion to impress others?
What ‘carry forth the wishes of his ancestors’? Who tasked him with such a lofty aspiration? Isn’t this just more self-praising?! How is it that none of us saw through this fellow’s clever talk earlier?
“Clearly, your elders showed great expectations when they bestowed this name on you.”
A wave of awkward embarrassment waved over the villagers at Qiao Xiu Cai’s words. The ones who felt the most embarrassment were the Xue clan.
Just when Patriarch Xue and the others feared that Xue Tingxiang might blurt out something insensible, the boy bowed and said, “This junior will study hard and live up to my family’s expectations.”
Xue Qingshan started to fidget.
Today was meant to evaluate Xue Juncai and Xue Tingxiang’s abilities. They were meant to compare to see who was more qualified to enter a private school. However, before the evaluation even started, Qiao Xiu Cai had already started spewing out words of encouragement and approval for the other side. Surely the saying ‘To reveal weakness before the start of a battle’ accurately described this scene?
Unable to stand it anymore, he cut into the conversation, saying, “Esteemed Elders, may we begin?”
It was only then that Qiao Xiu Cai realised he had spoken too much. However, since someone of his status had spoken the words, he could not easily take them back. Xue Qingshan’s sudden reminder embarrassed him a little, the words turning into a small prick in the corner of his heart. However, instead of shying away or apologising, he nodded appreciatively at Xue Tingxiang before picking up his cup of tea and taking a sip.
Qiao Xiu Cai’s actions appeared to disregard Xue Qingshan, which caused the man’s face to darken. However, he dared not say anything to question the other scholar’s actions and chose to smile and sit back down instead.
Qiao Xiu Cai placed his teacup on the table, saluted He Xiu Cai with cupped hands, saying, “Senior, how would you–”
“Let us begin.”
“As you are the senior, it is best for you to take the lead.”
The words spoken by Qiao Xiu Cai were mostly courtesy words. Qiao Xiu Cai achieved the rank of Xiu Cai (Cultivated Scholar) at just over 30 years old. If luck continued to favour him, he might one day pass the Imperial Examinations and become a Jin Shi. However, He Xiu Cai was already in his twilight years with little chance of passing the Imperial Examinations. This was why Qiao Xiu Cai clearly asked He Xiu Cai to take the lead. That was also the reason why, when Qiao Xiu Cai was speaking just now, He Xiu Cai never interrupted him, nor would he blame Qiao Xiu Cai should the younger man have decided to take the lead.
Such was the way of those who pursued the path of conquering the Imperial Examination. Seniority and experience were emphasised, but potential was also valued.
For someone like Yang Zhong, who had never passed the County Examination to become a Xiu Cai his whole life, he would remain a Tong Sheng even in his fifties. Should a much younger person achieve the Tong Sheng rank, both would interact on an equal footing, despite one being a youth and the other a middle-aged person.
Just like how Xue Qingshan had to call himself a junior before Qiao Xiu Cai, should Qiao Xiu Cai decide to give him some trouble, Xue Qingshan had no choice but to accept it with good grace. When Qiao Xiu Cai showed excessive courtesy to He Xiu Cai due to his seniority in age, He Xiu Cai’s every word and action still treated Qiao Xiu Cai as his senior.
Not many present understood these principles, but Xue Tingxiang did. This only intensified his desire to pass the county examinations.
“What stage have you two reached in your studies?”
“I have studied the Four Books and am now diligently studying the <<Classic of Poetry>> from the Five Classics,” Xue Juncai rushed to answer first.
He Xiu Cai turned his gaze to Xue Tingxiang, who pondered for a moment before saying, “I have studied the Four Books. I only know how to read them but cannot fully comprehend them yet.”
He Xiu Cai did not say anything to that, but Zheng Lizheng sported a puzzled expression on his face and said out loud, “You and Juncai boy began your education almost at the same time. How are you so far behind in your studies?”
Xue Tingxiang remained silent, but Xue Qingshan’s brow twitched.
[Gumihou: Lol, so many clever people in the house!]
Pill Bug TL Notes:
[1] 廪生 Lin Sheng. If you pass the imperial examination and achieve this rank, you are entitled to a monthly meal allowance! Free food from the government!
Gumihou: You get tax exemptions too!
[2] 进士 Jin Shi, Imperial Scholar, the scholar rank you get after passing the Imperial Exam. Sort of like a PhD in ancient times. Very prestigious, you get to work in the palace!Gumihou: Can dump your rural wife and marry a duke’s daughter too if you wish!
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