In the Song Family Courtyard, no one slept well last night.
Although Old Granny Zhang was persuaded by her daughter and son-in-law to rest early, she tossed and turned on the bed, unable to sleep.
At one moment, thinking of her daughter standing up for her made her feel delighted.
But then she worried that the Tian Family, being established in the county town for many years and having connections and roots, wouldn’t take such actions from her daughter lightly. Would they let it go?
If they were still in Qilidun, she wouldn’t be scared, as her son-in-law, being a Scholar, was someone the Lizheng and the town mayor respected and wouldn’t easily offend.
But after the incident with her second son, Old Granny Zhang realized that the title of Scholar was only useful in the countryside. In the county town, among all the Scholars at the academy her son-in-law attended, it was of little value.
Scholars were so numerous they were worthless! Moreover, their family was new to the county town; if the Tian Family used their influence, wouldn’t her daughter and son-in-law be implicated?
After flipping around like a pancake on the bed for a long time, Old Granny Wu at the end of the bed couldn’t bear it anymore and asked softly, "Old lady, what’s bothering you? Are you feeling unwell?"
Old Granny Zhang was worried, but she knew that despite Old Granny Wu’s knack for getting information, she kept her mouth tightly shut and wouldn’t leak a word she shouldn’t.
Moreover, with everyone probably overhearing in the courtyard today, she simply sat up and said, "I’m just worried. My daughter stood up for me, and of course, I’m happy, but what if the Tian Family wants to take revenge on my daughter and son-in-law? My son-in-law is supposed to take the autumn examination this year. If he’s delayed, what will happen—"
Old Granny Wu had a bit of insight, having worked for big families in Jing County: "Old lady, you’re worrying for nothing! As the saying goes, the scholarly, agricultural, and commercial sectors, Old Master is a Scholar and about to take the autumn exam, which is extremely precious. If he can pass and become a Graduate, it will bring glory to our Jing County. You don’t understand, but there used to be many Scholar Masters who passed the exam from our Jing County. In Qingzhou Prefecture, we’re second to none."
"But in recent years, somehow, that upstart Linshui County overtook us. They even won first place last year, which embarrassed both our Jing County and Changqing Academy. Without Changqing Academy, our Jing County wouldn’t be what it is today. If Linshui County wins first place again this year, what will become of our Changqing Academy’s reputation? Next year, all the Scholars might rush to Linshui County to study."
"Last year, the County Magistrate even ordered that the Scholar Masters taking the autumn exam be treated like treasures, and no disturbances are allowed! Otherwise, offenders will be imprisoned! Not to mention that even if the Tian Family has money, they’re just merchants. Would they dare touch our Old Master? Old lady, you should relax; the Tian Family may even come to apologize to our Old Master and Mistress."
Old Granny Zhang was surprised to hear such good news.
After carefully investigating, she found out that the County Magistrate was anxious to expand his influence. He worked hard to get stationed in Jing County, counting on producing many Scholars and Graduates each year to build his network for the future.
But seemingly due to bad luck, from his first year in Jing County, they were overtaken by Linshui County!
This year was the second year; if surpassed again by Linshui County, his career might end.
So, he spent heavily to invite several esteemed Teachers from the Capital City and issued notices proclaiming that the County Yamen would give each Scholar attending the autumn exam a monthly silver subsidy, with big rewards for Graduates.
Anyone who dared to disrupt the Scholars’ studies would be severely punished, no matter who they were!
The announcement was publicly proclaimed on every street in the county town, with officials beating gongs and drums for three days, making sure everyone knew.
Old Granny Zhang and her family didn’t know because they were new in town.
Upon hearing this, Old Granny Zhang chanted Buddha’s name several times and sincerely thanked the County Magistrate before relaxing.
Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin discussed that. Song Chongjin already knew, which was one reason he wanted to take the autumn exam this year.
If he could perform well this year and bring glory to Jing County, it would bring pride to the Scholars of Changqing Academy. Many in the capital were graduates from Jing County, and they took pride in their heritage.
After Linshui County took first place last year, failing to reclaim the honor this year would be a disgrace for the students of Jing County.
If he could win first place and uphold the pride of the Scholars from Jing County, his future path would likely be smoother.
Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu understood and didn’t mind Song Chongjin’s strategic thinking.
It was indeed an opportunity for all Jing County students; it was up to them to seize it.
She smiled and said, "Well, that’s great! Now, this little woman relies on the protection of the Scholar Master."
Song Chongjin, clenching his teeth, pinched Wang Yongzhu’s cheek: "So, should I thank you for giving me this opportunity?"
This was his way of addressing Wang Yongzhu’s unilateral decision to confront the Tian Family Shop.
Wang Yongzhu immediately conceded, wrapping her arms around Song Chongjin’s and swaying, using her usual coaxing tactics that she employed with Old Granny Zhang.
The swaying made Song Chongjin’s heart flutter, and he forgot about the confrontation, his heart filled with sweetness.
The couple played around for half the night before falling asleep.
In the early morning, Old Granny Zhang, being older, slept less.
Even though she slept late last night, she felt relieved, and this sleep was rare and sound.
When she awakened, it was just dawn, and her movement woke Old Granny Wu.
In recent days, Old Granny Zhang, being ill, didn’t need Old Granny Wu’s help to change her clothes, and now she was almost recovered and needed it even less.
Old Granny Wu knew this, quickly got up, tidied the bed, opened the door, and fetched the face-washing water.
In the kitchen, Old Madam Ding had already boiled the family’s face-washing water and was simmering congee on the side stove.
The white rice congee, with red dates and dried longan, was cooked to melt in the mouth, sweet and nourishing.
Seeing Old Granny Wu come in, she nodded: "Did the old lady sleep well last night?"
Now the two old ladies could see that the household was centered around taking good care of the old lady.
Old Granny Wu nodded: "I persuaded the old lady a bit last night, and finally, she felt at ease. She looks better this morning."
Old Madam Ding felt relieved, watched Old Granny Wu carry the face-washing water out.
Seeing the red date congee, with the old lady in a good mood, meant the Old Master and Mistress would be in good spirits too.
They should prepare extra this morning.