After Yang Rusong’s last visit home, when he found everything in disarray, he pondered over it, only to be left more perplexed. Wasn’t the eldest household’s duty simply to attend to their chores? Why had they stopped? Didn’t they realize that if he became an official one day, he could make them hold their heads high?
It must be said that Yang Rusong had indeed been taught to be quite selfish and self-centered by the Yang Family people.
With these thoughts in mind, Yang Rusong studied very diligently every day, determined to win the title of Scholar. He dreamed of the day when Yang Dani would regret leaving to set up her own household.
Guan Qingshu from the same academy knew about the village affairs, but the boy was decent enough not to gossip. He, too, was striving hard, equally determined to achieve the title of Scholar, and he was resolved to earn Yang Dani’s respect.
It must be said that these two youngsters were both spurred on by Yang Ruxin.
The county examination required traveling to the county city and enduring three consecutive days of testing, with all eating, drinking, and relieving oneself taking place within partitioned areas. The ancient imperial examinations were not only a test of knowledge but also, to a great extent, a test of physical endurance. Many could not withstand the three days, and those who did often emerged as if they had shed a layer of skin.
Yang Rusong went to the county city on the first day, checking into an inn to better prepare for tomorrow’s entry into the examination hall. It was Feng Caie’s father, Feng Laoxuecai, who had personally delivered his grandson there.
Yet, when a worn-out Yang Rusong stepped out of the examination venue, he saw Yang Baixiang and couldn’t help but frown slightly, "Uncle Wu, why is it you?"
"Rusong, your grandfather sent me to pick you up," Yang Baixiang said with a smile, "Come on, a lot has happened at home. I didn’t tell you before for fear it would affect you..."
"What happened?"
"Get in the carriage," Yang Baixiang pointed towards a mule cart not far off, "Your grandfather is waiting at home for you."
At that moment, Yang Rusong felt a surge of unease, but he said nothing, walking over to the mule cart. He glanced at the old carter, Uncle Kuang, greeted him, and then boarded. However, his face looked exceedingly grim. Who didn’t know that Uncle Kuang’s cart was ill-omened? How could Uncle Wu hire it for him to ride in? Was this a slight against him? Really...
Actually, Yang Rusong really had wronged Yang Baixiang. Baixiang had hardly any silver on him, and although Yang Peili had asked him to fetch Rusong, he hadn’t provided any money for hiring a carriage. Uncle Kuang was amenable, only symbolically asking for ten copper coins for the trip to the county city, and that was out of consideration for Xinxin.
Old Kuang cracked his whip, "This old man will also bask in the Scholar’s light," and then he urged the cart forward with a clatter.
Yang Rusong, after initially greeting Uncle Kuang, remained silent for the entire journey. If the county city hadn’t been so far, he would have preferred to walk back.
Yang Baixiang failed to notice Yang Rusong’s dark expression and somberly recounted all the events that had occurred at home over the past few days.
The entire village knew about these events, and they had even eventually drawn the attention of the Governor’s Office, so there was no need to be concerned about speaking openly in front of Old Kuang.
"What?" Yang Rusong’s face finally took on an expression of shock, "So much has happened at home? And all of it is scandalous, am I finished then?"
"Hasn’t it had no impact on you? You’ve finished the examination, haven’t you?" Yang Baixiang frowned. Perhaps he wouldn’t have found Rusong’s attitude out of place in the past, but after all the recent events and Xinxin’s influence, he now felt that Rusong’s remarks were inappropriate.