AD (QT) Chapter 104

Old Master Wang didn’t manage to learn anything about Han Ze’s situation from his elder son-in-law, but he wasn’t disappointed. After thinking it over during the night, he figured things out. Even if Han Ze were lucky enough to pass the provincial exam in the future, as long as he did not divorce his wife, he would remain Wang family’s son-in-law. The connection between the Han and Wang families would never be severed.

Moreover, scholars valued their reputations. If Han Ze wanted to continue taking the imperial exams, he would never do anything to damage his name. So, there was no need to worry that he might disown his father-in-law.

Even so, Old Master Wang couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened. Since when did a father-in-law have to go out of his way to curry favor with his son-in-law?

After seeing the old man off, Liu Xiucai found Han Ze at the county academy. When Han Ze saw his brother-in-law, he wasn’t surprised. He already knew that Liu Xiucai studied there as well, though they had never crossed paths. He’d been attending the academy for over two months now and hadn’t met him once. He hadn’t expected that the man would actually come to him—and he wasn’t sure for what purpose.

Truth be told, Liu Xiucai didn’t have anything important to discuss. He was simply curious about this brother-in-law of his and came over to take a look.

In his impression, this brother-in-law of his was delicate and fair, his body frail. What made him pay extra attention, though, was the rumor that Han Ze had fainted at every single exam he had taken.

Just last night, his wife Caixia had told him that the reason Han Ze fainted during the exams was because his own eldest sister had drugged him. He had been both shocked and incredulous—how could anyone do such a cruel thing? And yet, Han Ze had survived and even managed to pass the county-level exam to become a xiucai—a miracle indeed. Still, as far as he knew, Han Ze’s health had never been good. For someone with such a weak constitution to attempt the provincial exam would be an enormous challenge.

With this thought in mind, Liu Xiucai quietly studied Han Ze, trying to see what made him so valued by Old Master Wang.

Han Ze’s brows and eyes were still fine and handsome, but the pallor was gone from his face, replaced by a faint, healthy flush. Though his build was still on the slender side, he looked spirited and confident. Since becoming a xiucai and entering the official academy, the gloom that used to cling to him had vanished. Even a plain blue scholar’s robe, without a single patch, looked refined and elegant on him—one would never have guessed he came from a farming family.

In his eyes was a steadiness, and in his words, confidence. Liu Xiucai suddenly felt a strange sense of unease. For the first time, he realized that this brother-in-law of his was not simple. Perhaps he had underestimated him.

Composing himself, Liu Xiucai smiled and said, “Father-in-law came to the county town yesterday. After hearing that my younger sister and her husband were also here, he asked me to come check on you. Do you two need any help?”

“We’ve already settled in. There’s really nothing we need help with—thank you for making the trip,” Han Ze said with a polite, apologetic smile. “We should’ve visited you first, Brother-in-law, but since we’ve never been to your home, we couldn’t find the address.”

It was, of course, a white lie. The Liu family’s restaurant was well-known in the county—any random person on the street could have pointed them the way. The real reason Han Ze hadn’t visited was simply because he hadn’t intended to. If Liu Xiucai hadn’t come to him, he likely wouldn’t have remembered that he even had a brother-in-law in the same county, let alone that they studied at the same academy.

Liu Xiucai could hear the insincerity in his words but didn’t take offense. He knew perfectly well that his wife and Han Ze’s wife—though sisters—were not on good terms, almost strangers, really. He hadn’t expected Han Ze to visit. The man’s polite words were just a way to save face for everyone involved.

Since there wasn’t much else to say, Liu Xiucai only chatted briefly, asked after Han Ze’s studies, and then said, “If you run into any difficulties, come find me,” before taking his leave.

Han Ze saw him off with a light smile, neither taking his words to heart nor giving the matter any further thought. He threw himself fully back into his studies—copying the Four Books and Five Classics, practicing policy essays and eight-legged essays.

After several months of effort, he had copied half the Confucian texts again and memorized them so well he could recite them backward. When he felt ready, he purchased past provincial exam papers from the system and began practicing them. He even brought his work to the academy’s instructor for critique.

The instructor, after reading his essays, nodded quietly. With Han Ze’s current level of learning, there was a real chance he might pass next year’s provincial exam. It was only August, after all—he still had a full year before the fall examinations. If he made good use of that time, his odds would only improve.

Inspired by his diligence, Wang Ziwen and Zhao Zhengxiu, who hadn’t originally planned to take the next exam, were stirred as well. Even if they didn’t pass, they thought, it would still be good experience—and who knew? Perhaps luck would favor them too.

As autumn deepened, every xiucai preparing for the provincial exam studied hard, none daring to slack. Han Ze was no exception. After making inquiries, he found a private school in the county and sent several children there to study. It cost a fair amount of silver, but it couldn’t be helped. If he passed the provincial exam and went to the capital the following year for the metropolitan exam, he would have little time to teach them himself. Their education couldn’t be delayed, so the only choice was to pay for schooling.

The only regret was that the private school did not accept girls. Han Jinxiu, though disappointed, could do nothing about it. She secretly blamed fate for not making her a boy—if she were, she could take the exams like Father and perhaps even become an official someday.

Seeing his sister’s downcast expression, Han Jinye comforted her, “Sister, I’ll teach you everything I learn in the school. I won’t let you fall behind.”

Yan Hong wanted to offer similar comfort but remembered the strict rules of propriety between men and women. Though his teacher didn’t seem to care much about such things, he dared not cross that line.

Han Jinxiu’s eyes lit up but soon dimmed again. “But won’t that delay your studies?”

Han Jinye shook his head with a smile. “No. Teaching you will just help me review what I’ve learned—it’s also studying.”

Jinxiu beamed and made a mock bow. “Then thank you, future zhuangyuan.”

Han Jinye’s little face flushed bright red. Embarrassed, he instinctively glanced at Yan Hong, afraid of being teased.

Yan Hong blinked, then teased him anyway, “Oh? Future zhuangyuan, is it?”

Jinye’s face reddened even more. “W–what nonsense are you saying!”

Having been in the county for several months, he now understood what the word zhuangyuan meant. Every scholar aspired to it, though they all knew it was a near-impossible dream.

Yan Hong only smiled kindly. “Yes, yes, my mistake.”

Jinye huffed and turned away, secretly annoyed at himself for being so easily flustered.

…

Han Erlang and his wife received a letter from his elder brother, learning that their son had entered a private school in the county—and that Han Ze hadn’t asked them for a single coin. Naturally, the tuition had come out of Han Ze’s own pocket. Both husband and wife were deeply ashamed.

Especially Zheng Shi—sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. In the past she might have grumbled that her in-laws favored the eldest branch and even demanded the family split so her own children could eat better. But now, realizing that her eldest brother-in-law had quietly paid for her son’s studies, she was mortified.

Old Madam Han, upon hearing the news, immediately grew proud again. She looked at her second son and daughter-in-law and said, “Didn’t you both always say your father and I favored your eldest brother? Especially you, Zheng Shi, always nagging about splitting the family. Fine, then—if you’re so set on it, I agree. We’ll split right now!”

Zheng Shi froze. Split the family—now? She waved her hands frantically. “Mother, I was wrong before! I was short-sighted, greedy for a few bites of food. Scold me or beat me if you must, but please don’t split the family.”

“Scolding you makes my mouth hurt; beating you makes my hand hurt.”

Old Madam Han snorted, her voice sharp as a blade. “Next year your eldest brother will be sitting for the provincial exam. What if he faints again in the exam hall? Or what if he keeps failing year after year—would you still refuse to split the family?”

Without a pause, Zheng Shi shouted, “As long as Father and Mother are alive, we won’t split the family! Whether Eldest Brother passes or not, we’ll never separate.”

But in her heart she thought, Eldest Brother fainted before because Eldest Sister poisoned him. Now that she’s not around, even if he doesn’t pass, so what? He said himself that he won’t take a penny from the household for exam expenses. Since he’s not asking for money, what is there to worry about? Besides, he’s paying for her son’s schooling—how could she bear to split the family now?

Old Madam Han gave another cold snort. “You’d better not be scheming in that head of yours. Your eldest brother’s exam next year will need a lot of silver. This year, since we’re exempt from paying taxes thanks to him, we can save quite a bit. All that money will go to support his exam. As for your son Xuewen—he eats and sleeps at your eldest brother’s place, I’ll say nothing. But his tuition, you’ll pay yourselves! You can’t expect your eldest brother to cover that too.”

Zheng Shi looked aggrieved. “Mother, where would we get that money?”

Old Madam Han ignored her whining and turned to her second son. “Don’t tell me you’re penniless. Last winter and this spring, you and Sanlang worked in town—each of you earned plenty of copper cash. And your wife’s embroidery brought in more silver besides. I never asked for a single coin from you. Now I’m only asking you to pay your own son’s tuition, and you’re still complaining? Has your eldest brother’s success taught you nothing? He’s paying out of his own pocket to educate your child—don’t you have any sense of family duty?”

Han Erlang’s face burned with shame. He scratched his head and said, “Mother, when Eldest Brother comes back, I’ll hand him the tuition myself.”

If his elder brother had offered to teach Xuewen for free, they should already be grateful. If they let him pay the tuition too, that would truly be shameless.

Old Master Han puffed on his dry tobacco pipe, eyes half closed. “When your eldest brother passes the provincial exam or even becomes a jinshi, he won’t abandon his brothers. But right now, he needs silver the most. Between brothers, help where you can. Don’t just think about taking from his purse. The most important thing for this family is his exam next year. Once he becomes a juren, Xuewen’s schooling will be taken care of—his uncle will see to it. When one man rises, the whole family prospers.”

Old Madam Han caught sight of Wu Shi’s indifferent expression and said sharply, “Third daughter-in-law, do you think since you only have a daughter, your eldest brother-in-law’s success has nothing to do with you?”

The whole room turned to look at the third couple.

Wu Shi jumped, flustered. “No, no, Mother, of course not.”

Old Master had just said the eldest brother’s exam was the family’s top priority—she wouldn’t dare contradict that.

Old Madam Han eyed her coldly. “Good. Remember this—if your eldest brother passes and later becomes an official, when Qīngmiáo marries, everyone will treat her differently. A niece of a juren isn’t someone any common farmer’s son can wed.”

Wu Shi hesitated, then nodded quietly. “Yes, Mother, I understand.”

She did understand—but what could she do? Still, she couldn’t deny the old woman’s point. Her eldest brother-in-law’s success had already benefited the whole household: no taxes, better harvests, extra rations.

Old Madam Han, pleased, relaxed her face. For years, her eldest son had been sickly and failed exam after exam. Even though she’d kept the younger wives in check, she hadn’t always felt confident. But now Han Ze was a xiucai, which meant tax exemption, monthly grain, and four taels of silver a year. Even if he never advanced further, she could finally hold her head high.

…

Mrs. Yan, Yan Hong’s mother, also felt uneasy about the debt they owed Han Ze. She made a trip to the Han household, bringing her son’s tuition fee herself. She explained that since Han Ze would be busy preparing for the provincial exam, he’d have little time to teach. She couldn’t, in good conscience, let him cover her son’s costs too.

Old Madam Han wouldn’t take the money—she said that was her son’s business, and she couldn’t decide for him.

But Han Ze didn’t return home for months afterward. He poured all his time and energy into studying, reading late into the night and rising before dawn. Wang Caiwei’s heart ached to see him wear himself down. She worked her fingers raw at embroidery, selling her pieces for silver just to make him nourishing meals. Even so, his body grew thinner day by day.

Han Ze had the aptitude, the resources, and the willpower. When the year-end academy exam came, he placed first. The county academy rewarded him with three taels of silver. Zhao Zhengxiu and Wang Ziwen were both green with envy—not for the silver, but for his achievement.

Though it wasn’t the provincial exam, it still proved that Han Ze’s learning outshone most others. It gave them hope for next year’s provincial exam.

When Han Ze returned home, he handed the silver to Wang Caiwei. “Buy whatever we need and get ready to visit the family,” he said.

Wang Caiwei looked at the money and felt a sting in her chest. Gazing at her husband’s thin face, she said softly, “We don’t need much at home. Perhaps you should buy some medicine instead—to build up your health?”

At the mention of medicine, Han Ze frowned faintly. “My body’s fine now,” he said with a bitter smile. “No need for medicine.”

Caiwei swallowed the rest of her words. Ever since the poisoning incident, her husband couldn’t even hear the word “medicine” without discomfort. So she changed tack. “Then at least buy more meat. You need strength for the exam.”

Han Ze chuckled. “Very well. Buy some meat for everyone—let the children have a good meal too.”

…

The private school closed for winter earlier than the county academy, so the children were home studying their copybooks and calligraphy. Even the youngest, Xuewen, had grown quieter and more refined—almost like a town child. With new clothes Caiwei had sewn for each of them, they looked nothing like when they first arrived in the county.

Han Jinxiu smiled at her little cousin. “Xuewen, when we get home, Auntie won’t even recognize you. She won’t believe how much you’ve changed.”

Xuewen blushed shyly, touched the hem of his new robe, and said softly, “Thank you, Aunt Caiwei.”

Caiwei smiled and patted his head. She had seven children to care for—she couldn’t favor some over others. Though she still had to make clothes for her parents-in-law, she managed to cut two pieces of cloth to bring home for the two little ones who hadn’t gotten new clothes yet.

It was only half a day’s journey from the county to Xiaohan Village. When they reached the village entrance, they unloaded their bundles from the ox cart. Yan Hong hadn’t been home for half a year and missed his mother dearly. After greeting his teacher and his teacher’s wife, he hurried off, promising to return the next day.

Old Granny Lü, however, stayed behind in the county—she had old friends there and didn’t want to travel. Jinxiu worried for her, but the old woman reassured her that she’d be fine. Still, Jinxiu couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

When the family arrived home, the Han household erupted in joy. Especially Zheng Shi—she hadn’t seen her son for half a year. The well-dressed, refined boy standing before her hardly seemed real. She reached out a trembling hand to touch his head, and when he called her “Mother,” she burst into tears and hugged him tight.

Xuewen squirmed, embarrassed—especially when his older cousin stuck out his tongue at him from behind, teasing him. He knew he was too old to be held like a baby, but no matter how he struggled, he couldn’t escape his mother’s arms. He could only blush and pretend not to notice the teasing.

Old Madam Han first asked about Han Ze’s life in the county. Though she received his letters every month, she still wanted to hear him speak in person. When she learned all was well, Jinxiu proudly added, “Father placed first in the year-end exam and even received three taels of silver as a reward!”

Han Erlang’s eyes widened. “By heavens—three taels just for an exam? That’s more than half a year’s labor for me!”

Old Madam Han shot him a glare. “You’re lucky if half a year’s labor earns you even one tael.”

He laughed sheepishly, not at all jealous—just genuinely proud.

Jinxiu grinned. “You only get the reward if you take first place. Without real learning, there’s no silver.”

Erlang nodded earnestly. “Then Eldest Brother deserves every bit of it.”

Zheng Shi stroked her son’s hair, already dreaming—her Xuewen was so clever, surely he’d become a xiucai too someday and receive stipends of grain and silver.

Wu Shi’s smile, however, held a trace of wistfulness. Her nephew had returned from the county changed—refined, confident, almost like a little scholar. She couldn’t help envying Zheng Shi. If she bore a son one day, perhaps her eldest brother and sister-in-law would help teach him as well? She touched her still-flat belly and sighed. Without a son, everything else was meaningless.

Her thoughts scattered only when Wang Caiwei handed her a folded length of cloth. “Eldest Sister-in-law, what’s this?”

Caiwei smiled. “We have seven children in the family. Only Xiaobao and Qingmiao haven’t gotten new clothes yet, so I brought some fabric for them.”

Wu Shi’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t expected her sister-in-law to remember her daughter. Qingmiao would be three soon—maybe, when she was older, she could learn her letters too? Eldest Brother always said girls should know how to read, so they wouldn’t be taken advantage of in life. Surely he wouldn’t refuse if she asked him to teach Qingmiao someday.

Caiwei, unaware of her thoughts, turned to present the clothes she’d made for her parents-in-law.

Old Madam Han had lived all her years without ever receiving handmade clothes from her daughters-in-law. Her married daughter Han Daya often sent generous gifts, but never personally made garments. As for her sons’ wives, they had no spare money to buy fabric even if they wanted to.

So when Caiwei presented the clothes, the old woman’s wrinkled face broke into a wide grin. Even Old Master Han looked pleasantly surprised.

Caiwei said gently, “Father, Mother, please try them on. If they don’t fit, I’ll alter them.”

Old Madam Han carefully fingered the fabric. “Your stitches are neat—it’ll fit.”

Caiwei chuckled. “All the same, you should try.”

Old Madam Han hesitated. “Then… I’ll try?”

“Try,” Caiwei encouraged.

She turned to her husband. “Come, let’s both try them. We can’t waste your daughter-in-law’s kind heart.”

Zheng Shi couldn’t help pouting silently. In her mind, whatever her sister-in-law did—even a fart—was sweet-smelling. Yet she couldn’t deny it: her sister-in-law truly was generous. Her own son had grown so healthy and plump under Caiwei’s care; she couldn’t have raised him so well herself.

For the first time, she admitted to herself that she genuinely admired her eldest brother and sister-in-law.

…

The next day, Han Ze visited the local private school teacher, Mr. Zheng. The teacher advised that he might be rushing things—preparing for the provincial exam so soon—but when Han Ze insisted, the teacher merely smiled. “No harm in trying. Even if you don’t pass, the experience will do you good.”

Returning home, Han Ze once again immersed himself in his books.

Old Master Wang, meanwhile, had heard that Han Ze had returned from the county and waited expectantly for a visit. When he learned instead that Han Ze had gone to pay respects to Mr. Zheng, he stroked his beard and smiled. It was proper, after all—students should first visit their teachers.

But as the days passed with no sign of Han Ze, his smile faded, his face darkening with each passing day.

Later, Mrs. Yan visited the Han household with her son’s tuition fee in hand. Han Ze declined it, but Mrs. Yan insisted. “This is his tuition—it must be paid. My son stayed with you, ate your food, even wore the clothes your wife made. I’ve spent almost nothing, and I feel ashamed. Please, if you don’t accept it, I’ll have no peace of mind.”

Han Ze sighed softly and motioned for Wang Caiwei to take the money.

Relieved, Mrs. Yan smiled. She knew Han Ze was a righteous man. Still, she wouldn’t let her family take advantage of him. Her son might live and study under Han Ze’s roof, but food and tuition—those were theirs to bear. One shouldn’t take kindness for granted.