WSMTATMC C148

Chapter 148

Hearing voices in the house, Madam Li rose at once and hurried out; passing through the ornamental gate, she saw her two nephews standing in the courtyard, so excited that tears sprang to her eyes.

“Bingwen, Bingchen—how did you get here?”

The two cupped their hands. “Greetings, Aunt. Second Brother plans to sit the provincial exam this year, and since Aunt is in the prefectural city, we’ve come to rely on you.”

“Come in quickly.” They followed Madam Li toward the back courtyard, quietly looking around on the way; it seemed Aunt and the cousins were living well in the city—much more settled than before.

Before long, Wang Ying also came in. They exchanged courtesies—Wang Ying still remembered the two cousins; they’d come for Yuanbao’s full-month banquet—more than two years had flown by.

Madam Li had the servants brew tea and herself asked after home.

“Are Elder Brother and Sister-in-law well? Last year’s letters said nothing—I’ve been worried.”

Li Bingwen said, “Mother is in good health; Father’s waist is no good—an old injury left a root of illness. On damp, rainy days, it flares. He meant to come with us, but two days before we left, his back gave out again.”

Madam Li’s heart clenched. “Did you find a physician to look properly?”

“We did. The doctor had no other way—only warming tonics to take—can’t remove the root.”

Wang Ying said, “After this provincial exam, we’ll look around the city for a doctor who treats lumbago and get a few prescriptions.”

The two nodded assent. Li Bingchen asked, “Why haven’t we seen Cousin Qingyan?”

“The academy hasn’t let out yet—it may be a few days. There are guest rooms in the front—settle in first, and when he returns, study together.”

Half a month of travel had left the two exhausted. Steward Chen led them to settle and rest, and they would dine together in the evening.

—

It wasn’t until early in the eighth month that the academy let out; the last five days were given for students to adjust their state.

Beforehand, the dean gathered all candidates about to sit the provincial exam to speak:

“Students, hear this:

Study is like tilling fields; the diligent reap grain, the lazy let their plots go to weeds. Thought is like deepening a well; if deep, it yields a spring; if shallow, its source dries up.

Now the exam approaches. Burn the night oil and carve your will; do not let time be vacant nor your youth be wasted.

Of old, Su Qin needled his thigh and at last wore the seals of six states; Kuang Heng bored through a wall and became a master of his age. It was not talent alone but unremitting effort.

You are in your prime, with rising spirit— emulate the ancients’ steadfast learning. Do not fail your teachers’ hopes nor your parents’ trust.

Yet the exam is not only to vie for rank; it is to test the depth of what is learned. Therefore calm your breath, think clearly and discern; be neither rash nor flustered.

When answering, let the pen follow like a spring welling; when reading the questions, let comprehension come as a mirror reflecting. Gain and loss, honor and shame, hinge on a single thought; seek only a clear conscience—what else need be feared?

Strive on, students! May your brush move like the wind, your papers fall like snow; may you pluck the laurel on the toad palace and have your names inscribed on the Wild Goose Pagoda. I shall set wine to await you and celebrate success together!”

The candidates’ blood surged; eyes brimmed. Together, they answered: “Yes!”

Though the academy had recessed, not all students returned home. Many from out of town still lodged at the academy—lodging was hard to find now. To ease their living, the refectory continued to serve meals, and teachers remained to guide and answer questions.

The Chen brothers did not need to lodge there—this environment was worse than home. They had just moved into their newly purchased courtyard a few days ago—spacious compared to the rented house.

Wang Ying had prepared a study room for them: a “reading and writing” room with a screen in the middle to separate when needed, or opened to discuss together.

Back home, learning that the two cousins had arrived, Chen Qingyan was delighted; he took their hands and asked the news at length. Learning that Second Cousin would also sit the provincial exam this year, they fell into eager discussion.

Elder Cousin Li Bingwen would not test; at twenty-eight, his eldest son was already ten and could try in a few years. Years of moving in official circles had long let his studies go—he had given up the civil service track early. But the younger had stuck to his books throughout; two failed provincial exams had not dented his spirit. Rising early and sleeping late—he worked hard—may this time bring what he wished.

Because he would not sit this year, Chen Qingsong felt no pressure; with the recess, he led Yuanbao in everyday romps. Qingyan, Qinghuai, and Li Bingchen rose early and rested late over practice papers, with Elder Liang also burning the candle and rising early alongside—a strain on the old gentleman.

—

One last day remained before the provincial exam.

Early that morning, Liu Changyi’s mother arrived by carriage to invite Madam Li and Fang Ling to Qingfeng Temple to pray to the Wenchang Emperor.

The two had wanted to already and hurriedly changed clothes and put on climbing shoes. They rode together to the temple outside the city.

Unlike last time, the temple was bustling. Their carriage had barely stopped when they saw many people at the foot of the mountain—most here to pray to Wenchang.

They slowly climbed. Halfway, they met a girl selling safety charms—it was the same little lass who had sold water last time; she had a head for business.

“May the honored ladies be auspicious and well—buy a Wenchang safety charm to bless success.”

Madam Li took one. The wooden plaque was palm-sized, painted with the deity’s image, the back carved with the characters for “peace.” One charm was ten cash—an auspicious price.

On the mountain, the main hall was packed—on ordinary days cold and quiet—now dozens queued with incense to worship. Maids and older servants went to donate incense funds and soon came back with bundles of tall sticks to line up; it seemed someone had donated ten strings.

After nearly an hour, it was their turn. They entered the Wenchang Hall, placed their incense in the central burner, and knelt to bow.

Softly, Qin Furong murmured, “So many come to pray—who knows if his lordship can hear.”

Palms together, Madam Li bowed with sincerity toward the image. “We seek a settled heart only. Whether he passes depends on his own skill; only hope that he can calmly complete the papers.”

Fang Ling also bowed. “So it is.”

After, they went to ask the abbot for a divination. All three drew the Tai hexagram. Stroking his beard, the abbot said, “A fine sign—omens of good; what is sought may be fulfilled.”

Delighted, Qin Furong donated another ten strings for incense, hoping her son would indeed pass as the abbot said—win as a provincial graduate!

—

With two days left, their diet was particularly light—simple and healthful, easy to digest, to avoid any stomach trouble during the exam days.

The day before, Elder Liang forbade further reading—rest well, sleep soundly, and conserve strength for a brilliant showing in the hall.

That night, as Chen Qingyan lay in bed, Wang Ying was packing his exam basket.

He chose brushes that fit his hand, two ink sticks and one inkstone; Wang Ying carefully checked the brush joints, the seams of the inkstone, and the bodies of the ink sticks to prevent any malice in public.

Qingyan watched his husband in the candlelight. The orange glow traced a gold edge around him, giving him something almost sacred. It was as if he had come into this world to save him. What had first felt out of place had gradually become familiar—now an inseparable part of his life.

“Is it packed? Come sleep.”

Wang Ying placed the items in the basket and drew the blue cloth over it, then climbed into bed and pressed close.

“Don’t be nervous tomorrow. Play to your normal level and it’s steady.”

“Mm, I know.” Qingyan toyed with his fingers—this one was more nervous than he.

“If the ranking is poor, don’t be discouraged. If need be, we’ll wait another year—after waiting this long, what’s one more. Don’t lose heart.”

“All right, all right.”

Wang Ying rested his head on his shoulder and drew a deep breath to ease the anxiety. Why did it feel more tense than his own college entrance exam?

He remembered that sitting the exam in the last life had been muddled through—after the morning test, he went home and helped his grandparents tidy the garden—never felt nervous. The score later was six hundred and twenty—just enough for a local 211 university—he signed up and could stay to care for the two elders.

Those memories felt like another life. Hearing the long, even breathing beside him, he drifted into sleep.

Half-asleep, he dreamed he was back at the estate in Qingshui Town. In the morning he checked the wheat for the villagers and taught them how to prevent pests. At noon, Qingyun brought him lunch. He went to wash his hands by the river; as he washed, he suddenly saw many fish swimming up—fat and round—leaping in the water. He jumped in to catch them, but however he tried, he couldn’t catch one. He ran along after them. Reaching the bridge, he saw a golden carp leap from the water, vault over the bridge, and swim away on the other side.

In the dream, he murmured, “Could that be the carp leaping the Dragon Gate?”

—

Next day, before dawn, everyone was up.

Qingyan changed into a deep-blue scholar’s robe, tied his hair, donned the scholar’s cap, and came out neat and fresh. Chen Qinghuai and Li Bingchen dressed the same; the scholar’s garb was required for the exam—like a school uniform—every provincial candidate prepared one.

Unlike the county exam, the provincial exam was in the fine autumn of the eighth month; a single undershirt was enough—no need for heavy clothing.

The provincial exam had three sessions, spanning nine days; in those nine days, candidates could not leave—the eating, drinking, relieving, and sleeping all in the hall. Therefore, each had to prepare dry rations for nine days. Most brought flatbread and jerky—things that kept. Aunt Chen had griddled ten cakes for each—one cake enough for a day. The jerky was homemade; Wang Ying spiced and marinated the meat, then steamed and dried it—this way it kept and tasted better.

Hot water was supplied in the hall, so no need to bring water bags—only a cup.

Besides this, Fourth Aunt had prepared a pouch of medicines for each—peppermint lozenges to clear the head; pills for diarrhea and for fevers and headaches; and ointment to prevent insect bites. These were specifically urged in Chen Jing’s last letter; when he had sat the exam, someone fell ill and had to withdraw—bring these to be safe. Missing this round meant waiting another year.

All was prepared. Everyone escorted the candidates to the carriages and headed for the examination compound.