TL: Hua
Chapter 54: Autumn Examination[mfn]”秋闱” (qiū wéi) or provincial examination. This examination was held every three years, usually in the eighth lunar month of autumn, hence the name “autumn examination.” In a nutshell, it’s like the very base level of the whole imperial examinations system. The hardest level is the one presided over by the emperor himself.[/mfn]
There was no sound in the hall, no clinking of bowls and chopsticks. The little prince and the Crown Prince were both exceptionally quiet and dignified. Pei Xiting occasionally glanced at them, always feeling that they weren’t eating but rather completing a daily task.
The uncle and nephew clearly lacked respect for food.
There was a particularly fragrant milky fish dish on the table. Pei Xiting took several spoonfuls. On the sixth spoonful, however, the Crown Prince said, “No more.”
Pei Xiting turned to look at the Crown Prince, his gaze like a puppy whose bone had been snatched away. Coupled with the messy, fluffy gray forehead band, he looked somewhat comically adorable.
The Crown Prince calmly met his gaze and said, “You cannot eat too much lamb right now.”
“There’s no lamb in this, only lamb broth, and I’m eating fish, not even drinking the soup,” Pei Xiting weakly argued.
“The whole fish was stewed in lamb broth, and you’ve already eaten most of it.” The Crown Prince decisively said, “Eat something else.”
Pei Xiting reluctantly put down his spoon, but his gaze lingered with reluctance, hesitating whether to snatch the food.
The Crown Prince took in his restless gaze and said, “Once you’ve recuperated for a few days, I’ll have the kitchens make it again.” Pei Xiting refused to be placated by empty promises and immediately said, “A ruler’s word is his bond?”
The Crown Prince was somewhat puzzled, “It’s just a fish; would I trick you?”
“Who knows if you’re just using a delaying tactic?” Pei Xiting hummed, picked up a piece of glutinous rice pork ribs with his chopsticks, found it tasted good, and immediately shifted his favor to it.
Zong Lu glanced at Pei Xiting, then secretly at his fifth uncle, always feeling something strange between them—an indescribable atmosphere. So, after leaving the hall, he tugged at Eunuch Lai’s sleeve and quietly voiced his question.
“Is Fifth Uncle treating Pei-wenshu like a child? Otherwise, why would he be so…” He couldn’t find the right word, hesitating before finally uttering, “Gentle?”
But as the word fell, Zong Lu felt this guess didn’t hold up either, because even a child wouldn’t receive such a gentle attitude from his fifth uncle.
Because you might have a male aunt soon. Eunuch Lai thought to himself, but dared not say it aloud for now, fearing the child wouldn’t accept it, and besides, things were uncertain, and it might not even happen.
“His Highness has always been lenient with Pei-wenshu,” he replied.
“I asked why, not what.” Zong Lu stared intently at Eunuch Lai. “Are you being perfunctory with me?”
When the little prince stared at someone quietly, he resembled the Crown Prince perfectly, showing no joy or anger but exuding immense pressure. Eunuch Lai quickly said he wouldn’t dare and, after some thought, offered a different answer: “Because private interactions do not require too many strict rules, and Pei-wenshu is naturally unrestrained, thus His Highness is also a bit more relaxed when interacting with him.”
Zong Lu, however, was not convinced. “Deputy Minister Qu is also lively by nature, and he’s also Fifth Uncle’s cousin. Fifth Uncle cherishes him so much, and everyone is quite relaxed when dining privately, but the feeling I get is still completely different.”
Eunuch Lai said, “But Deputy Minister Qu still understands the distinction between ruler and subject.”
Zong Lu countered, “Does Pei-wenshu not?”
Eunuch Lai truly couldn’t answer that, nor dared to. He could only beg for mercy, “Oh, my little ancestor, this servant cannot answer such words casually; it would be a deadly trap.”
Zong Lu was convinced that Eunuch Lai was hiding something from him, so he looked at him quietly for a moment. Eunuch Lai smiled and lowered his eyes. Zong Lu also smiled, an enigmatic smile, then asked no more questions and turned to leave.
“…Oh dear.” Eunuch Lai let out a breath and quickly hurried to follow.
—
Inside the hall, Pei Xiting was unaware that he held immense potential in Eunuch Lai’s eyes. He took a sip of pear soup from his cup and said, “Are you letting the little prince go back just like that?”
The Crown Prince said, “Otherwise?”
“We could take a walk after dinner, which would help with digestion and relax our minds.” Pei Xiting glanced out the window. “For instance, right now, you could walk out with me and send me out of the palace gate.”
The Crown Prince unhurriedly sipped his tea and said, “Let’s go.”
Pei Xiting put down his teacup, stood up, and walked out with the Crown Prince, saying, “Is the little prince resting now that he’s gone back?”
The Crown Prince said, “Studying.”
Pei Xiting curiously asked, “Does he usually go out to play?”
“He goes riding and hunting and sometimes participates in literary society outings,” the Crown Prince said, turning his head to see Pei Xiting’s hesitant expression. Knowing what was on his mind, he continued, “Whether it’s studying, riding, or archery, he enjoys them. I don’t usually need to supervise him; he studies diligently on his own.”
“He definitely looks like someone who’ll achieve great things,” Pei Xiting smiled. “Are you planning to cultivate the little prince for succession?”
The Crown Prince said, “Yes.”
Pei Xiting asked no further questions, quietly following the Crown Prince for a while, one behind the other, two steps apart.
The autumn breeze rustled, and sweet osmanthus fragrance wafted in the air. Pei Xiting comfortably exhaled. Yellow autumn leaves swirled into the corridor. He looked down for a moment, and when he looked up, he suddenly saw the Crown Prince’s hand behind his waist, a purplish-blue cuff, without the string of glaze beads he always carried.
Pei Xiting suddenly remembered that he hadn’t seen that string of beads since returning from Ningzhou.
“Once autumn arrives, the New Year isn’t far off. I want to make a string of prayer beads as a gift, but I don’t know where the craftsmanship is good,” Pei Xiting pretended to be troubled, suddenly stepping forward to walk alongside the Crown Prince. “By the way, that string you had before looked excellent. Where did you get it made?”
The Crown Prince’s expression was normal. He said, “Baoci Zen Temple.”
Pei Xiting showed a surprised expression. “Do temples also take on such work?”
“No, Master Liaoyan made it for me,” the Crown Prince said. “He’s traveling the four corners now, so you won’t see him. In Yejing, the Linglong Pavilion has the best craftsmanship.”
“Alright, then I’ll go check it out another day.” After saying that, Pei Xiting secretly chided himself for being redundant. How could he get an answer by asking like that? So he directly asked, “By the way, Your Highness, where is that string of prayer beads of yours? I haven’t seen you wear it these past few times.”
The Crown Prince paused, turning his head to look at Pei Xiting, who blinked blankly in response. He quieted for a moment, then retracted his gaze and said, “I accidentally broke it.”
“Is that so?” Pei Xiting asked no further questions but was deep in thought.
The two said nothing more, walking all the way to the palace gate. The Crown Prince stopped at the gate and said, “Go back. Take a day off tomorrow.”
“I’m not off until the day after tomorrow… Oh, you mean taking leave.” Pei Xiting shook his head. “Taking leave for such a minor injury is unnecessary.”
“It’s fine. The Imperial Library hasn’t had any major matters lately,” the Crown Prince said. “Go.”
Pei Xiting said no more, cupped his hands in farewell, turned, stepped out of the palace gate, and got into the carriage.
The palace servant bowed to the Crown Prince, then turned to sit in the coachman’s seat and drove away.
The carriage door gently opened, and Pei Xiting suddenly leaned out to look back. The palace gate frame solidly blocked the Crown Prince, but eunuchs on either side of the gate still bowed their heads, indicating that the Crown Prince was still standing there.
Once the carriage drove away, he could no longer see clearly.
—
The next day, Pei Xiting lay idly in his room. In the afternoon, Imperial Physician Liu came to give him acupuncture. The sixth-rank court physician’s attitude was exceptionally respectful.
Pei Xiting said softly, “Thank you, Imperial Physician Liu, for coming all this way.”
He leaned sideways on the reclining chair, a medicinal patch on his forehead. His striking features, softened by his slightly pale complexion, diminished the sharp coldness in his demeanor, giving him a touch of delicate beauty. Imperial Physician Liu dared not look too long and said, “Pei-wenshu is too kind. I’m coming from the palace, and my return to the manor also passes through Lanyin Street. Besides, this is my duty. The sooner Pei-wenshu recovers, the sooner I can report to His Highness.”
Pei Xiting was stunned for a moment and asked, “Did His Highness say anything to Imperial Physician Liu?”
“His Highness only told me to do my best to treat Pei-wenshu’s injuries and to use the best medicines from the Imperial Hospital, regardless of grade,” Imperial Physician Liu paused. “His Highness also mentioned that Pei-wenshu dislikes bitter medicine, so I should try to make the prescription as palatable as possible.”
Pei Xiting was silent for a while after hearing this but said nothing. He only called Yuan Fang and said, “Give Imperial Physician Liu one hundred taels of silver notes.”
Imperial Physician Liu immediately raised his hand to refuse, “It’s my duty; how can I accept extra gold or silver? Moreover, His Highness has already bestowed rewards. I dare not accept a single cent from Pei-wenshu.”
Pei Xiting pursed his lips upon hearing this, deciding not to press the matter, and only said, “In that case, I am much obliged to Imperial Physician Liu.”
He paused, “I heard Imperial Physician Liu was invited to the Wang mansion yesterday. How is Vice Minister Wang’s health?”
Imperial Physician Liu said, “Vice Minister Wang is ill from overwork and needs rest.”
“Is that so?” Pei Xiting said no more.
A moment later, Imperial Physician Liu removed the needles, packed his needle pouch into his medicine box, and stood up, saying, “Then I shall take my leave.”
Pei Xiting nodded and said, “Yuan Fang, see him out.”
Yuan Fang gestured, escorted Imperial Physician Liu to the courtyard gate, then turned to close the gate and returned to the sleeping quarters. Pei Xiting was deep in thought, so Yuan Fang asked, “What are you going to do?”
Pei Xiting said faintly, “Wang-shi reminded Pei Yan in the flower hall to put me in my place before I get too powerful, lest I forget my origins when I prosper. So, she definitely won’t want to see Pei Yan sign the document to release the concubine.”
Yuan Fang understood. “You’re going to kidnap Wang Ming to threaten her?”
“…Not necessarily,” Pei Xiting said. “With the imperial examinations approaching, Wang Ming probably won’t last past this year. Once he retires, the Wang family will only have his grandson, Wang Qi, who just joined the Imperial Army and hasn’t even established himself. That’s why the Wang family is so eager to arrange a marriage for their daughter, to alleviate their awkward decline through marriage and to support Wang Qi. There are many more noble young men in Yejing beside me, but they might not look favorably upon the Wang family right now, which is why the Wang family chose me. The Wang family is extremely passive right now.”
Yuan Fang truly understood now and said, “You want to exchange benefits?”
“They’re not worthy,” Pei Xiting said indifferently. “They are the ones who are asking for a favor. We just need to wait for the right moment. In the meantime, I’m still a bit uneasy about yiniang staying in the Pei mansion. Can we find someone trustworthy to go there?”
“Isn’t there someone readily available outside?”
He was referring to the Crown Prince’s people, but Pei Xiting shook his head.
Yuan Fang crossed his arms and said, “Didn’t you actively seek patronage in the first place because you want to hug a big thigh?”
“Yes, but I originally just wanted to use the big thigh to save my life. His Highness has already taken exceptionally good care of me. If I harbored such thoughts, I would always ask him for help whenever something came up. Not to mention whether His Highness would look down on me, I myself would feel uncomfortable,” Pei Xiting said. “There are things I can solve myself.”
Yuan Fang said nothing more, scratched his head, and said, “Then I’ll go to Baiyou Mountain tomorrow and ask around?”
Pei Xiting said, “Good.”
The next day, Yuan Fang went to Baiyou Mountain and brought back a candidate: Sixteen Lady.
Pei Xiting thought for a moment, “She’s an old acquaintance of yiniang, so she’s suitable, but what about her shop?”
“She said she’s the owner, and someone else can manage the shop without her,” Yuan Fang said. “She also said she doesn’t want any commission.”
“Then invite her in under the guise of a physician to treat yiniang’s injuries until she recovers. If the Pei mansion isn’t willing to be considerate of my compassion for my own mother,” Pei Xiting thought, “then I will invite an imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital to diagnose her.”
Pei Yan wouldn’t want family scandals to spread, much less let the Imperial Hospital or more people know about his discord with Pei Xiting. Therefore, Sixteen Lady quickly disguised herself and entered the Suyingzhai courtyard.
The news soon reached the Crown Prince’s ears. He rubbed a chess piece but said nothing.
Yu Shaoyun stood to the side and said, “Pei-wenshu wants Bu-shi to leave the Pei family, right? I see a reckless streak in Pei-wenshu’s bones.”
“Him daring to come to the Mei mansion to see me back then to some extent already indicates this.” The Crown Prince said, “This is his family matter; let him decide.”
Yu Shaoyun responded with a sound.
Bai Tang entered the hall to report, “Your Highness, Little King is restless.”
“Is Pei Xiting in the Longhe Division now?”
When Yu Shaoyun nodded, the Crown Prince said, “Let it go, and have Jiezi follow it.”
Bai Tang responded and withdrew.
Yu Shaoyun smiled and said, “Little King has been captivated by Pei-wenshu.”
The Crown Prince was noncommittal, saying faintly, “Pei Xiting likes it too. Let them play together.”
Little King dashed out of the East Palace, heading straight for the Longhe Division.
At that moment, Pei Xiting was outside the Imperial Library, redrawing a map. One hand held a brush, and the other held a pot of pomegranate juice. Hearing a sound, he turned in time and stepped forward to block Little King, saying, “Don’t knock my board flying.”
Little King nudged his leg. Pei Xiting smiled and turned back to his drawing.
Lu Mang returned from outside and leaned in to share news with Pei Xiting: “Hey, the first batch of the second volume of ‘Night Records of Pomegranate Flowers’ is out.”
Pei Xiting’s pen paused. He had been feeling unwell for the past two days due to his injury and wasn’t in the mood to think about anything. He had just managed to calm his anger, and now, looking at it again, wouldn’t he get “fired up” again?
Lu Mang’s eyes were expectant, subtly encouraging, clearly treating him, the prototype of the protagonist, as a loyal and convenient feedback channel. Pei Xiting thought to himself: We’re all creators, so I might as well show my support.
“Then I’ll go buy it later,” he said.
Lu Mang smiled and said, “Hey, have you ever thought that you could collaborate with Scholar Feng Yue? He writes, you draw, and make ‘Night Records of Pomegranate Flowers’ a sensation in Yejing?”
Pei Xiting felt a bit guilty and said, “Wouldn’t that be too high-profile?”
“Don’t worry, there aren’t many buyers in this line of business, and they’re all very low-key; they won’t spread it around,” Lu Mang reassured him. “As long as His Royal Highness doesn’t know about it, it’ll be fine.”
Pei Xiting said faintly, “So that Xi Zong really is a character based on His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, right?” Lu Mang shivered and chuckled nervously, “I wouldn’t know about that; after all, I’m not the author myself, haha.”
“Haha,” Pei Xiting also laughed, then said, “But I don’t know Scholar Feng Yue. How can we collaborate?”
“Don’t worry,” Lu Mang patted his chest, “I’ll connect you.”
Pei Xiting: “Oh?”
“I’m a loyal reader of Scholar Feng Yue, so I have his contact information. Actually, he really wants to collaborate with you. He specifically asked me to ask for your opinion. If you agree, you can draw illustrations for the first volume, and then we’ll release the second edition of the first volume,” Lu Mang said.
Pei Xiting thought for a moment, “Do I have to draw those contents too?”
Lu Mang let out an “eh” and said, “Just be subtle. We’re aiming for a hazy, ambiguous mood.”
Oh, that’s good. Although Pei Xiting secretly drew the Crown Prince’s naked body and fan art for “Night Records of Pomegranate Flower,” and his nose bled the first time he looked at them while lying on the bed, selling them for everyone to see would be a bit too much.
He said, “Alright, then I’ll go back and try drawing a volume.”
Lu Mang was overjoyed, clapped Pei Xiting’s shoulder, patted Little King’s head, and strode into the Imperial Library.
Pei Xiting continued working. When he put down his brush, he shouted up to the building, telling Lu Mang to collect the scrolls later, and left with Little King.
Yuan Fang wasn’t carving wood today. He sat at the door researching how to make fish soup, holding a notebook in his hand. Uncle Wei sat beside him, offering tips without reservation.
“Thank you, Uncle Wei.” Yuan Fang clapped his small notebook shut the moment Pei Xiting poked his head in from behind. “When I’ve perfected it, I’ll bring you a bowl.”
Uncle Wei chuckled, then turned his head and was met with Little King’s face, which startled him greatly. He quickly recoiled, “My goodness, what is that thing!”
Little King darted behind Pei Xiting, peeking out at him.
“Don’t be afraid,” Pei Xiting said with a chuckle. “It doesn’t eat people.”
“I’m not scared of such a small thing,” Uncle Wei puffed out his chest, clapped his hands, and shooed the two people and the tiger away.
It was another day of leaving work early. It was only mid-afternoon. Pei Xiting poked Yuan Fang’s back and asked, “Chef Fang, what are we eating tonight?”
Yuan Fang was eager. “I’ll go buy fish.”
“Help me buy the second volume of ‘Night Records of Pomegranate Flowers,’ the hardcover edition,” Pei Xiting said.
“Got it,” Yuan Fang replied.
At the door, Pei Xiting led Little King into the courtyard and closed the door behind him. Little King ambled onto the veranda. Pei Xiting ignored him and went to the wall to put away the sun-dried books, placing them on the bookshelf.
In the middle of the cabinet was a box. Pei Xiting took it down and placed it by the table. He would need to take it to the examination hall tomorrow.
Yuan Fang returned quickly, placing the hardcover book in Pei Xiting’s hand. He then carried a bamboo basket of crucian carp into the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, and tied on an apron, leaving Pei Xiting staring in astonishment.
“Pei Xiting! Pei—Xi—Ting!”
A ghost-like howl came from outside the door. Pei Xiting rubbed his ears, went to open the door, and saw a colorful butterfly outside, dressed in blue, green, and yellow today.
Mei Xiu elegantly opened his fan and pointed at Pei Xiting’s forehead from a distance, “Who hit you?”
“Sleepwalking, hit the wall,” Pei Xiting said. “What can I do for you, Young Marquis?”
“Can’t I come if there’s nothing important?” Mei Xiu revealed an arrogant gaze, as if his visit was gracing their humble abode. He waved his hand, and two servants, acting much like their master, carried a box past Pei Xiting and entered the house.
Pei Xiting: “…”
Mei Xiu said, “Mei Yi is lying in bed unable to move, and Wang Qing has no face to see anyone. I couldn’t be happier. This is my thank-you gift for you.”
Pei Xiting leaned over and opened the box. It was filled with gold, silver, and jewels, so tacky it was adorably endearing. He closed the box and said, “Since it was a business transaction, there’s no need for thanks afterward.”
“Then this is my reward.” Mei Xiu tilted his chin slightly, looking down at Pei Xiting. “You have successfully pleased me.”
“…” Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow and scrutinized Mei Xiu from head to toe, then suddenly smiled, “Hey, do you want to sleep with me?”
Mei Xiu’s eyes flashed, and he cleared his throat, saying, “If you’re willing, it’s not impossible.”
Pei Xiting beckoned with his finger. Mei Xiu pursed his lips and hesitantly leaned in. He was as tall as Pei Xiting, and, looking directly into those eyes close at hand, he instantly felt lightheaded. The slight upward curve of Pei Xiting’s left eye was truly captivating. Mei Xiu’s Adam’s apple bobbed. Just as he was about to kiss him, he was suddenly pulled away by a hand.
Mei Xiu immediately sobered up, spun around on the spot, tripped over his left foot with his right, and landed on his backside.
“Go back and study.” Pei Xiting leaned against the doorframe, lazily saying, “Mei Yi can’t take the exam this year, but he can still take it later. There’s always a chance to climb up. After this incident, he definitely hates you. You have to climb higher than him and stand firm to always keep him down.”
The words of angry humiliation were stuck in his throat. Mei Xiu stared blankly at Pei Xiting. Before he could speak, the door slammed shut with a “bang.”
He immediately stood up, paced back and forth at the courtyard gate for a moment, then suddenly looked up and shouted into the door, “Pei Xiting, are you so concerned about my future because you like me?!”
A short, cold voice belonging to Pei Xiting came from inside, “Scram.”
Then a basin of cold water was poured over Mei Xiu’s head.
The two servants stared at the young marquis as if they had seen a ghost, but they saw him spit out some water from his mouth, wipe his face with his hand, and show no intention of kicking the door in. Instead, he turned and left, deep in thought.
Yuan Fang placed the water bucket back by the well and returned to the kitchen to continue working, but he still found a moment to say, “Is that person crazy?”
Pei Xiting sat on a small stool by the kitchen door, peeling pomegranates. He glanced at Little King, who was hopping around in the courtyard, and said, “He’s probably lacking love.”
“How can you tell?” Yuan Fang asked.
“Before, at Baoci Zen Temple, His Highness mentioned that the Empress used to say Xiu’er was still likable and not to disappoint the Empress. After that, Mei Xiu really restrained himself a lot. Words like ‘study hard and earn a future,’ Marquis Mei might have said, but Mei Xiu wouldn’t listen to him. But think about it, besides Marquis Mei, would anyone else in the Mei mansion dare or be able to talk to Mei Xiu like that?” Pei Xiting ate a pomegranate, slowly saying, “The Marquis’s wife died early. This current wife is Mei Xiu’s stepmother and aunt by name, but she probably hopes Mei Xiu goes astray. Mei Xiu also doesn’t give her a good face, so she doesn’t even have a chance to feign concern.”
Yuan Fang was thoughtful. “Then, if you say that[mfn]Refering to how PXT “shows concern” about Mei Xiu’s study and future[/mfn], he wouldn’t fall for you, would he?”
“Impossible, at most he wants to sleep with me. But it doesn’t matter; if he dares to act recklessly,” Pei Xiting said, “I’ll wring his head off.”
Pei Xiting, however, never expected that Yuan Fang’s words seemed to have become a prophecy.
—
The next day, before dawn, Pei Xiting took a carriage to the Imperial Examination Hall. When he arrived, the sky was still grey, and carriages lined up bumper to bumper in front of the hall.
He got out of the carriage, found Zhao Yi and Pei Jintang standing in the crowd, took out the lucky pouches from the brocade box, one for each, and said, “These are lucky pouches I sought at Baoci Zen Temple in Ningzhou, for good fortune.”
He was wearing a forehead band, so Zhao Yi didn’t see the wound on his forehead. Zhao Yi smiled and hung the pouch on his waist. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw something, and his expression changed slightly.
“Xiting, turn your head…”
Pei Xiting turned his head blankly. Mei Xiu stood not far away, smiling at him.
Pei Xiting: “…”
Mei Xiu walked over, his smile widening for Pei Xiting, then he reached out and patted Zhao Yi’s shoulder, saying, “Fourth Brother Zhao, don’t be nervous; you’ll definitely pass with high scores.”
Zhao Yi found his smile chilling and quickly said, “Good, good.”
Mei Xiu turned sideways and patted Pei Jintang’s shoulder, saying, “Second Young Master Pei, don’t be nervous; you’ll definitely pass with high scores.”
Pei Jintang found his smile very strange and quickly said, “M-many thanks.”
Mei Xiu looked at Pei Xiting again, his lips still curved upwards. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a joyful voice from behind him.
“Xiting.”
Pei Xiting looked sideways and met a familiar pair of peach blossom eyes.
Zhao Fan walked up to him, his gaze soft. “Long time no see.”
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I never comment on stories but man, doesn’t he already have enough? 😭 PXT really be out here getting more and more people after him lololol