Volume One: A Farmer’s Morning Chapter 65: First Steps into the Prefectural Academy

In early August, Chuliu and Su Biao set out together for the Prefectural Academy, stopping by the county seat to bid their farewells.

First, they paid their respects to the county magistrate, then went to the County Academy to say goodbye to Zhou Mo, Wen Lancang, and the others, before finally heading to the Prefectural Academy.

Wen Lancang felt no regret at seeing such promising students leave the County Academy. This year, the four master and disciples had all passed the licentiate examination; three years hence, when they met again for the provincial examination, perhaps their names would again grace the honor rolls.

At the gate of the Prefectural Academy, they handed over their admission documents. The gatekeeper greeted them warmly and directed them to the registration office.

There, a middle-aged scholar handled their registration. When he realized they were Xie Shuxian and Su Biao, he hurried to complete the formalities and personally led them to their dormitory.

Their lodging had been specially arranged—a room for just the two of them. Chuliu was well pleased with their accommodations.

After the recent exam, they had visited the Prefectural Academy before, and this place lay close to where Yuexi’s family resided.

It seemed Yuexi’s father had put in a word for them.

Though he had not inquired closely into Yuexi’s family circumstances, it was evident their status was nothing ordinary.

…

“They’re here, they’re here!”

At the sound of knocking, Yuexi spun around and ran to the front gate.

By her reckoning, it was time for Chuliu to arrive.

She flung the gate open, and sure enough, there they stood. Overjoyed, Yuexi couldn’t contain herself.

“Just arrived, haven’t you? Are you hungry? I’ll have the cook make something…”

Her delight spilled over in a flood of words, and grabbing Chuliu’s arm, she announced, “I have good news—my mother is expecting! When she gives me a little brother, all her attention will be on him, and she won’t bother about me anymore…”

“You wild girl, what nonsense are you talking about?” Xiao Wanqing emerged, a hint of embarrassment on her face.

She hadn’t expected her daughter to say such things and was momentarily at a loss.

The boys quickly paid their respects. “Aunt Xiao.”

Though Xiao Wanqing had taught them martial arts, she had never formally taken them as disciples; she allowed them only to call her ‘Aunt.’

Noticing Chu Zhaonan was absent, Chuliu quietly asked Yuexi, “Where’s your father?”

“He’s gone to play chess with the Rector,” Yuexi replied in a hushed voice, then suggested, “Shall we go out to the street for a stroll?”

Chuliu nodded.

Yuexi called out, “Mother, I’m going with them to buy some study supplies.”

“Go ahead. I’ll have the cook prepare a meal for you—don’t stay out too late.”

“I know, Mother!”

The three of them skipped out together.

Xiao Wanqing stood, gazing in a daze at the backs of the children as they left.

She truly envied their carefree innocence.