Although Han Shubuo was young, he was sharp and observant, keeping all family matters close to his heart. His youngest aunt Han Xiaodong’s behavior had caused his grandfather, grandmother, and father immense worry and toil. The boy harbored many grievances in his heart, but because she was an elder, it was inappropriate for him to say much.
However, encountering the tongsheng who had deceived his aunt here, malice rose in his heart. Seeing the man return all the swindled silver to his father, a mischievous smile played on his youthful face. Stealing away from his father, he sought out Qian Hong.
Qian Hong knew he was Han Xiaodong’s nephew, the boy wonder Han Shubuo. He feared the father, but he did not fear the boy. Following him to a secluded spot, he asked, “What do you want with me?”
Han Shubuo arched an eyebrow. “You’d better hope you pass as a xiucai. Otherwise, do you think simply returning the silver you swindled from my aunt is enough to settle the matter?”
“What do you want?” Qian Hong was taken aback. He thought to himself: I fear your father, but do I have to fear you? Besides, your father has already stopped pursuing the matter. What business is it of a child like you?
Han Shubuo saw through his thoughts and said leisurely, “Nothing much. I just suspect you won’t pass the xiucai exams.”
Qian Hong grew angry. He admitted that swindling Han Xiaodong wasn’t the act of a gentleman, but for this child to curse his academic future was far too malicious.
“Your heart is crooked. You deceived my aunt and plotted for her silver. A person of such poor character… once the teachers and classmates at the academy know your true nature, word will spread. This time, the chief examiner is Imperial Censor Chen. It’s said he is a man of integrity, upright and selfless, who upholds the law like a mountain and especially loathes gluttonous scoundrels who break the law for gain,” Han Shubuo said slowly.
Qian Hong stiffened. He craned his neck and argued, “I’m not an official yet. What does that have to do with me?”
“You are a scholar, yet you swindle the property of a woman. For such a crafty villain, the Imperial Censor has eyes like a hawk. Even if you were full of learning, he would never select you as a xiucai and give you the chance to become an official and harm people in the future,” Han Shubuo said, blinking with a very serious expression.
“You…” Qian Hong’s cheeks flushed red, and he didn’t know how to rebut. He could only say, “The Imperial Censor doesn’t have the leisure to care about a mere tongsheng like me. As long as I have genuine talent, I will surely be on the list.”
“We shall wait and see.” Han Shubuo gave an indifferent smile, then turned and walked away.
Qian Hong clenched his fists, trying to tell himself not to care, but for some reason, a baseless worry began to bloom in his heart.
…
As soon as Han Shubuo turned around, he saw his father standing behind him, looking at him expressionlessly with deep, unfathomable eyes. His heart gave a thud. Oh no, I got caught doing something bad.
“Let’s go.” Han Ze shot him a glance. At least the boy knew enough to be afraid; he wasn’t completely reckless yet.
Han Shubuo hesitated for a moment before following his father into their room at the inn.
Once they were seated, Han Shubuo stammered, “Dad… Dad heard everything?”
Han Ze picked up a teacup and gave him a fleeting look. Han Shubuo’s heart was in his throat until his father gave a soft “Mm.” Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief and hurry to explain, “I… I just couldn’t stand the sight of him…”
“So you went to threaten him?” Han Ze was both amused and annoyed. This brat was small, but he had a lot of schemes.
Seeing his father’s expression soften, Han Shubuo grew bolder. He gave a “hehe” laugh and said, “It wasn’t really a threat. I just scared him a bit so he wouldn’t be able to take the exam in peace. If he didn’t have a guilty conscience, he wouldn’t take my words to heart. Isn’t it said that ‘if you do no wrong during the day, you needn’t fear a ghost knocking at midnight’?”
Han Ze looked at him and scolded with a smile, “Crooked logic.”
“This isn’t crooked logic; I’m telling the truth and I haven’t done anything wrong,” Han Shubuo said solemnly. “There are eight classmates here for the exam. If Qian Hong hadn’t acted improperly, why would I scare him and not the others?”
“I didn’t say you were wrong,” Han Ze said crossly. “But you’re still young. You should focus on your studies and not think too much. I’m here to handle these things.”
Han Shubuo was defiant. “Dad, if I pass the Departmental Exams, I’ll be a xiucai. How am I young?”
Han Ze glanced at him. “Talk to me again after you actually become a xiucai.”
The implication was clear: You aren’t a scholar yet, so it’s not your turn to worry about family affairs. Han Shubuo was left speechless. Who told him he wasn’t a xiucai yet and was still so small?
…
In the blink of an eye, the day of the Departmental Exams arrived. Han Shubuo and the others took their prepared examination baskets and headed to the grounds.
Before entering, Han Shubuo leaned toward Qian Hong and whispered, “It’s a waste of time for you to take it anyway. You won’t pass.”
Qian Hong’s face was grim. He gripped his basket tightly. If Han Ze hadn’t been standing right there, he would have definitely dealt with this brat and his sharp tongue.
Han Shubuo gave a light laugh and allowed the guards to inspect his basket and his household registration documents. Han Ze watched his son enter the grounds, then drove the carriage back to the inn.
Han Jiwen had not come for this exam. He had only luckily ranked last in the Prefectural Exams to become a tongsheng. With his ability, he wasn’t ready for the Departmental level; if he went, he would likely just fail and waste the effort. If the family were wealthy, he could have tried for the experience, but they had no silver. Under the teacher’s suggestion and Han Jixue’s subtle urging, Han Chengming did not allow Jiwen to participate. Although Jiwen was resentful, he was helpless.
Without Han Chengming and his sons lurking nearby with their schemes, Han Ze felt quite refreshed. After a short rest, he took his servants out to browse the shops for rare items not found in the county. Over the next few days, he bought a mountain of gold and silver jewelry, silks, satins, and various rare trinkets, piling them in the inn room and drawing envious looks from other accompanying families.
…
Five days flew by. Han Ze returned to the gates with the other families.
Han Shubuo emerged from the grounds with his basket, looking utterly drained. He finally understood why his father insisted on him exercising. If his constitution were as weak as before, he truly might not have lasted. He had personally witnessed a candidate who, due to eating something cold, suffered frequent diarrhea and then a high fever, becoming so dehydrated he was essentially a husk. How could such a person finish an exam? At the thought, he gave a shiver. Thank goodness for Dad…
Seeing his son’s weary state, Han Ze stepped forward to help him into the carriage. A servant brought out prepared tea and pastries. Only after drinking hot tea and eating something did Han Shubuo feel he had somewhat come back to life.
Han Ze smiled. “There are quilts in the carriage. Sleep for a while.”
Han Shubuo gave an “Mm” and wrapped himself in the soft quilts. He lay down as instructed, but though his eyes were heavy with exhaustion, he couldn’t quite fall asleep. Han Ze noticed but said nothing.
The other candidates emerged soon after. Though they lacked energy, they were generally fine—at least they had lasted until the end without fevers or illness. Han Ze scanned the crowd and noticed Qian Hong had not come out yet. He paused but remained silent.
Qian Hong’s elder brother, Qian Ming, had come to accompany him. Seeing his brother missing, he asked with concern, “Why hasn’t Qian Hong come out?”
Liu Yu, a classmate who was on good terms with Han Shubuo, said, “My cell was near Qian Hong’s. He didn’t seem to be doing very well.” As for how “not well” he was, Liu Yu didn’t elaborate; he didn’t like Qian Hong.
Just as Qian Ming was about to ask more, two guards emerged carrying a man on a stretcher, shouting, “Is Qian Hong’s family here?”
Qian Ming was horrified. He rushed forward to find Qian Hong unconscious on the stretcher. Nearby people helped move him into the Qian family’s carriage to rush to a nearby clinic.
In the carriage, Han Shubuo also heard the commotion. Regarding his threats to Qian Hong, he didn’t feel any guilt; he had assumed that since Qian Hong was so calculating, he wouldn’t be so easily shaken. He hadn’t expected that out of all of them, only Qian Hong would be carried out at the very end.
Since Qian Hong had his page and his brother, Han Ze and the others didn’t follow. They returned to the inn. Seeing how dangerous the exam could be, the other parents were worried about their own children and wanted to get doctors to check them over.
Han Ze had the same thought. Although his son’s constitution had strengthened over the past six months of exercise, he was still just a child. Only after a doctor felt his pulse could Han Ze be at ease.
…
After a bath, a bowl of hot chicken soup, and a check-up from the doctor, Han Shubuo tucked himself into bed and fell into a deep sleep. As for the others, two developed fevers, and their families were busy brewing medicine.
By the time Han Shubuo woke up, the other two had seen their fevers break, and Qian Hong had returned from the clinic. He was conscious, but his mood was dismal.
Han Shubuo smiled. He knew exactly why Qian Hong was in low spirits—he had performed poorly.
Han Ze patted his head. “You rascal.”
Han Shubuo curled his lip. “It’s not my fault.”
“What does it have to do with you?” Han Ze glanced at him. “Not to boast, but out of you eight candidates, only our family is wealthy. The others are from poor families; they have to do farm work when they go home, so their constitutions are naturally not bad. But I overheard Qian Ming mention that at home, Qian Hong does nothing but read—not even a bit of farm work. Over time, his body became frail. The environment of the exam cells is harsh; it’s not surprising he couldn’t handle it and fainted.”
Han Shubuo nodded in understanding. He now fully realized the benefits of a strong body. “Thank goodness Dad made me exercise. Otherwise, I might not have lasted through this exam either.”
He knew how weak he had been. Over the past six months, his father had made his mother prepare nutritious meals every day, which, combined with the exercise, had gradually built up his strength.
Han Ze laughed. “Since you know the importance of exercise, don’t complain next time I ask you to run.”
Han Shubuo: “…”
Han Ze thought for a moment and added, “Qian Hong is narrow-minded. If he passes, it’s one thing. If he fails, the things you said before the exam will surely make him suspicious. He will likely direct his resentment toward you. You must be careful of him.”
Han Shubuo tilted his small face up, full of confidence. “If he passes, he won’t take my words to heart. If he doesn’t become a xiucai, he might be resentful, but I will already be a xiucai. He won’t be able to do anything to me anyway, so why should I fear him?”
Han Ze smiled. “So much confidence?”
“Of course.”
While he couldn’t be certain of his rank, he was very confident about becoming a scholar. At this thought, he looked at his father and said playfully, “Besides, Qian Hong bullies the weak but fears the strong. I have a Landlord Dad. Even if he is unwilling, he’ll be too afraid of you to retaliate against me.”
Han Ze nodded with satisfaction. Though the boy was young, he saw things very clearly.
…
A few days later, the candidates had all recovered. Even Qian Hong could walk about. Han Shubuo and the others went to visit him.
When Qian Hong saw Han Shubuo, his face was grim. He said mockingly, “Your curse came true. Are you satisfied?”
The others were taken aback and instinctively looked at Han Shubuo.
Han Shubuo blinked. “What does that have to do with me?”
Qian Hong snorted coldly. “You cursed me, saying I was taking the exam for nothing!”
It seemed Han Shubuo’s words before the exam had indeed stayed in his mind. Having fallen ill and performed poorly, he was now blaming Han Shubuo for everything.
Han Shubuo said, “You fainted because your constitution is too weak. What does that have to do with me?”
The others agreed. If he were strong, how could he fall ill and faint?
Qian Hong snorted again.
Han Shubuo continued, “Don’t believe me? All of us here have done farm work at home since we were small. You’re the only one who never did a thing, which led to your weakness. You couldn’t handle the hardship and got sick—you can’t blame me for that.”
Qian Hong’s brow jumped. The other candidates thought that since Qian Hong was likely to fail due to his fainting, he was just being irrational and lashing out.
Qian Ming, hearing this, asked, “Little young master, is what you say true?”
Qian Hong’s heart tightened. Han Shubuo smiled and said, “Of course it’s true. A knife isn’t sharp if not ground; a man isn’t refined if not tempered. If the body isn’t put to labor or exercise, it goes to waste and becomes frail. You can ask the others if they’ve done farm work at home since childhood.”
Qian Ming looked at the other candidates. Seeing them nod, he looked back at Qian Hong and said, “Little brother, you must do more farm work in the future. You were stronger than me when we were little. All these years I’ve worked in the fields every day and I’m much stronger than you, while you’ve done nothing but read and your health has withered.”
Qian Hong frowned and said defensively, “A man isn’t refined if not tempered… that’s not what that phrase means…”
Han Shubuo chimed in, “It’s close enough… In short, if you do nothing but sit and read, your body will surely wither.”
Qian Ming added, “When I get back, I’ll tell Mother. Every time she tries to let you do farm work, she stops because she pities you. I see now that isn’t pitying you; it’s harming you.”
Qian Hong: “…” He glared at Han Shubuo through gritted teeth. You little brat, well done!
Han Shubuo arched an eyebrow. What can you do about it?
…
While waiting for the results, Han Shubuo went to the city bookstores again and spent a good deal of silver on dozens of books not available in the county.
On the day the list was posted, everyone arrived early.
Though Qian Hong had no real hope of passing, he still looked at the list with anticipation. What if I luckily made it? He shot a hateful glare at Han Shubuo. You little brat, I might not pass, but I don’t believe a kid your age whose hair hasn’t even fully grown could pass either. Just wait and see.
The time arrived, and the officials began announcing the list. Han Ze and the others stayed back, sitting and waiting as the names were called starting from the last rank.
“180th place: Ma Chengjun of Liu County.”
“179th place: Hu Tong of Cheng County.”
…
“99th place: Liu Yu of Feng County.”
Han Shubuo smiled and looked at Liu Yu, offering congratulations. Liu Yu also smiled; he hadn’t expected to pass and hurriedly stood to return the courtesy.
“32nd place: Zheng Xueyi of Feng County.”
Another Feng County student. This Zheng Xueyi wasn’t from their academy, so they weren’t acquainted.
“18th place: Zhao Weicai of Feng County.”
Han Shubuo didn’t know this candidate either, but as they were from the same county, they might meet at the county school later.
“8th place: Guan Zhe of Liu County.”
…
“5th place: Guan Shuo of Liu County.”
Liu Yu said with a smile, “Guan Zhe and Guan Shuo—same surname and same county. Are they from the same family?”
Han Shubuo smiled. “Regardless of whether they are family, Liu County has performed very well this year with several scholars already named.”
Qian Hong said mockingly, “I didn’t expect our academy to only have one student pass so far.” By now, he had given up hope for himself, but since Han Shubuo hadn’t been named yet, he felt a measure of comfort. You cursed me for nothing, Han Shubuo, but aren’t you also taking it for nothing?
Liu Yu gave a laugh. “They’ve only just reached 5th place. With Shubuo’s talent, he will surely pass.”
Han Ze glanced at his son and saw he was calm, clearly having things well in hand.
Qian Hong gave a “pssh” sound. Did he think because he was the Xian anshou that he could be the Departmental Topper too? Han Ze shot him a glance, and Qian Hong sheepishly looked away.
“3rd place: Li Zhi of Liu County.”
Liu Yu sighed. “Another one from Liu County.”
Han Shubuo couldn’t help but remark, “Liu County is truly a land of talented people.”
“2nd place: Liu Zhiyuan of Hu County.”
“Han Shubuo was the Xian anshou; I suppose he’ll be the topper this time too?” Qian Hong looked at Han Shubuo, his smile full of hidden mockery.
Han Shubuo didn’t look at him. He was a bit nervous but remained steady in his chair. Liu Yu looked at him with concern.
“1st place: Han Shubuo of Feng County.”
Qian Hong froze, the smile hardening on his face. Liu Yu stood up in a start and said with joy, “Shubuo, you really took first place!”
Han Shubuo smiled, finally breathing a sigh of relief. Han Ze patted his shoulder, looked at the others, and said with a smile, “Lunch is on me today. Order whatever you like.”
The others who hadn’t passed were dejected, but hearing Han Ze’s offer of a treat, they set aside their gloom. Their faces brightened—even if they weren’t on the list, a hearty meal was a good consolation.
…
After the results, the group packed up to head home. When Han Ze’s carriage reached the manor gates, it was already surrounded by villagers watching the excitement.
“My precious grandson is back!”
Before the father and son could even step down, Han Maode came running like the wind, his movements swifter than a young man. Clearly, he already knew about Shubuo becoming a xiucai.
Han Ze gave a “tsk” and teased Shubuo, “It seems you becoming a scholar has made your Grandpa go crazy with joy.”
Han Shubuo’s face turned slightly red, but he felt that making his grandfather happy made it all worthwhile.
“Oh, my precious grandson! You’ve truly brought honor to your Grandpa!” Han Maode pulled Shubuo into a big hug. Shubuo’s smile stiffened slightly. Why do Grandpa and Mom always want to hug me when they’re happy? I’m already grown; can we stop with the hugging?
Ge Hongbu followed behind. She wanted to hug her son too, but seeing her father-in-law already doing it, she just stood there wiping her tears. Her son had truly brought her honor.
Han Shuxin and her sisters all came out to see their brother. Only after the old man had his fill of hugging did the mother and sisters swarm around him.
“Shubuo, what is the prefectural city like?”
“Were you nervous for the exam?”
“Did you get enough to eat in the cells?”
“How many of you became scholars?”
With everyone talking at once, Han Shubuo didn’t know who to answer first. Han Ze laughed and ignored them, instructing the servants to unload the things he had bought in the city.
…
Han Xiaodong, having experienced a few months of hardship and realized her mistakes, had sincerely apologized to her parents and brother and moved back to the Han house. Seeing Han Ze and his son return, she didn’t step forward. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, but that she didn’t dare. Regarding her return, her Big Brother hadn’t said anything, so she wasn’t sure if he had forgiven her.
Han Ze caught her out of the corner of his eye and saw her anxious look. He didn’t react. As a brother, he had helped where he could; as for how she lived her life, that was up to her.
After the initial excitement, Han Maode began shouting about slaughtering a pig. Seeing his son look at him, he snorted and said gruffly, “You promised me that if Shubuo became a scholar, we would slaughter a pig and invite the village to eat!”
Han Ze rubbed his nose and said helplessly, “I didn’t say you couldn’t.”
Han Maode snorted again. “Then why are you looking at me?”
Han Ze said, “With so many people in the village plus our relatives, one pig isn’t enough. Why don’t we slaughter two?”
Only then did Han Maode brighten up. “Fine! We’ll slaughter two pigs and let them eat their fill!”
When the villagers heard Han Ze was slaughtering two pigs to celebrate Shubuo’s success, they were overjoyed. They spread the news and some even offered to come help. Han Ze welcomed everyone with a smile.
On the day of the feast, almost the entire village came, except for Han Xingwang’s family. Adults, children, old and young—there wasn’t enough room in the house, so tables were set up on the porches and in the courtyard. Chicken, duck, fish, and meat filled the tables. People ate until their faces were oily and celebrated for three days before things settled down.
…
Han Xingwang and Liu Jiahua couldn’t have come even if they wanted to. One had a broken leg and the other a hurt waist; they needed people to serve their every move and spent their days in bed with nothing to do but fret over their descendants.
Though Liu Jiahua was in bed, people still told her about Han Shubuo becoming a scholar and Han Ze slaughtering pigs for the village. She snorted, “White-eyed wolf. His mother is lying in bed unable to move, yet he doesn’t come to see me. I raised that son for nothing.”
Han Xingwang had grown irritable from lying in bed so long. He said impatiently, “Did you really raise him?”
If Liu Jiahua had shown Han Ze even a sliver of genuine care, things wouldn’t be as they are now. He felt it was all her fault for being so heartless—neglecting her own son for years had led to Han Ze ignoring her now that he was wealthy.
Liu Jiahua was stifled and grew very unhappy. She said angrily, “Why I neglected him… no one knows the reason better than you!”
Han Xingwang was rendered speechless and fell silent. Seeing him quiet, Liu Jiahua snorted. “Han Ze is unfilial, and I see that Chengming, Chengzong, and Chengxu aren’t much better. If they hadn’t fought, would we be stuck in bed? Now that we’re helpless, they complain after just two days of serving us and act like we’re a nuisance. What were they thinking before?”
Han Xingwang’s face was grim; he too was disillusioned by his three sons. He stung her with a remark: “If my three sons aren’t filial, then go ahead and count on Han Ze.”
Liu Jiahua’s eyes darted around. “If I have to count on Han Ze, I will. I was fine before, so I said nothing, but now I’m sick, and he should pay for my treatment. Shubuo is a scholar now; maybe Han Ze is so happy he’ll hire a maid to serve me.”
Han Xingwang thought to himself: Keep dreaming.
…
Han Maode had finally hosted the entire village for a meal and was immensely proud, walking with a swagger. Seeing him like that, Han Ze figured this feeling would last until Shubuo passed the juren exams. He said with a smile, “When Shubuo becomes a juren, we’ll slaughter two more pigs for the village.”
Han Maode hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling a bit stingy. He frowned and said, “Two pigs can be sold for a lot of silver!” He wasn’t worried at all about his grandson failing to pass.
Han Ze teased him, “We hosted everyone for him becoming a scholar; if we don’t do it when he becomes a juren, aren’t you worried people will call our family stingy?”
Han Maode’s eyes widened. “Two pigs is stingy? How is that stingy?” He then added, “Fine, slaughter them then. You have plenty of silver anyway.”
Besides, becoming a juren was a cause for celebration. Han Ze was caught between laughter and tears—it was the old man who wanted to slaughter them in the first place, and now he was the one feeling the pinch.
…
After becoming a scholar, Han Shubuo no longer needed to go to the town academy. The county school wouldn’t start until August. It was only March now, so there were several months to spare. Han Ze, who spent his days in the garden, told Shubuo with a smile, “Now that you’re a scholar, your knowledge is deeper than your father’s. I’ll leave the task of teaching your sisters to you.”
Han Shubuo accepted the task solemnly and took his sisters’ education very seriously. Han Xiaodong, having wasted several months, also sat in the study to learn when she saw her nephew teaching the sisters.
On his first day of teaching, Han Shubuo distributed books to his six students. Looking at the book in her hand, the second girl, Han Shuqing, asked, “Shubuo, this is a travelogue?”
Han Shubuo nodded. “It’s a manuscript I copied myself.”
Han Shuxin asked, “Why are we reading this?” She felt it was a waste of time.
Han Shubuo replied, “Father wants you to study not just to recognize characters, but to understand life and know what is happening in the world…”
Han Shuxin pondered this for a moment and nodded silently.
Han Xiaodong looked at the title of her book: Admonitions for Women? Why this?
She frowned at Han Shubuo. “Shubuo, why is mine Admonitions for Women?”
Han Shubuo looked at her. He didn’t like Qian Hong, but the fact that she was so easily deceived by him that she defied her parents and neglected her father’s teachings… in his eyes, this aunt was flighty and lacked sense. Of course, he shouldn’t say such things out loud. But since she was sitting here as his student, she had to learn what he taught.
With that thought, he said slowly, “A good book is like a good medicine; reading well can cure foolishness.”
What?
Han Xiaodong looked at her nephew in disbelief. Foolishness? Her little nephew thought she was foolish?
Han Shubuo arched an eyebrow at her, his small face full of seriousness. He said sternly, “I chose Admonitions for Women for you after much deliberation. Given your current situation, I felt it was the book you most need to learn.”
Han Xiaodong’s eyes widened. “Why am I the only one who has to learn this?” Shuxin and the others weren’t reading it! Was her nephew insulting her? At this thought, she grew angry. She was his aunt, after all—how could he show her so little respect?
Han Shubuo countered, “Does Aunt feel that her past actions don’t warrant learning this? I, however, feel this is a good book for you.”
Past actions? Han Xiaodong’s cheeks flushed red. She knew exactly what he was referring to. Was this her Big Brother’s idea? At that thought, she suddenly felt guilty and fell silent.
Seeing her quiet, Han Shubuo said, “Since no one has any further objections, read the books in your hands today, then tell me your thoughts.”
On their brother’s first day of teaching, Han Shuxin and her sisters were very supportive and sat in their places to read seriously. Han Xiaodong, fearing her Big Brother, didn’t dare speak up and could only sit there morosely reading Admonitions for Women.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152