Yu Boss said, “Just from what I see here, your business is already set.”
He didn’t linger, exchanging a few words, drinking a couple of cups of tea, and then took his leave. Not long after, a waiter brought another dish to their table—a Top Scholar Tower.
The Top Scholar Tower was a braised dish made from beef. Thin slices of braised beef were stacked layer by layer into a tower. It was an expensive dish; normally, one plate cost three qián of silver, or three hundred wen.
Lu Yang stared at the beef tower in amazement. Even though their top scholar hadn’t arrived, his reputation alone brought them many privileges.
Lu Yang had never eaten beef before, and with the summer heat, even braised dishes couldn’t be brought back to the county. Later, when Xie Yan went to the prefecture school for lessons, he would be sure to try it.
In high spirits, he continued the meal, proudly extolling his top scholar. Everyone knew scholars held high status and could eventually become officials. Li Feng and the others had seen many candidates fail repeatedly over ten or twenty years and so felt only a measure of respect at most.
Now in the prefecture city, having seen the world and experienced smoother business than expected, and observing the attitude of major patrons, they all developed a keen interest in scholarly pursuits.
After this banquet, Lu Yang stayed two more days in the prefecture city.
He visited the area near the prefecture school, checking out the surroundings and seeing if he could gather useful information.
Xie Yan came to the prefecture school each term, but he couldn’t accompany him this time. With only three people at home, Lu Yang wanted to stagger Xie Yan’s visits so he could arrange everything for the boy.
The prefecture school was some distance from the Wuping family’s residence, and Xie Yan had no other errands. He would stay in the school dorms during study periods, dedicating himself entirely to reading.
The dorms were adequate; the prefecture school wasn’t poor quality. Lu Yang only needed to check for good nearby eateries, as Xie Yan wouldn’t wander around looking for food.
Arriving around meal times, Lu Yang, who couldn’t eat much at once, observed where the students went. Being outgoing, he boldly joined tables, smiling, and asked students about dorm life and meals, calling them “great scholars” and seeking their advice.
He didn’t mention that his husband was Xie Yan, nor that Xie Yan was currently on leave. He said:
“My husband is quiet and frugal, knowing our family isn’t wealthy. I had to come all this way to ask him questions, but he won’t answer. So I’ve shamelessly come to ask you—how are the dorms? What do students usually eat? Are the meals filling? Are there any good food shops nearby? I want to know, so we can budget properly and make sure he’s well-fed and focused on his studies.”
The students, seeing his genuine concern, were forthcoming. The dorms housed two or three students per room. Rooms were small, enough only to sleep and study. Desks were tiny—just enough for one person’s work; large sheets of paper couldn’t fit, but they sufficed for lessons.
The prefecture school had a small cafeteria serving plain communal meals. Food was edible but plain; limited oil meant even meat dishes were bland. Students often went out to change up their meals.
Eating poorly left one weak and unfocused. The school forbade students from cooking individually—only instructors had special provisions.
Thankfully, rules weren’t overly strict. Students sometimes went out for food. Meals varied by budget: the wealthy could dine better, while the frugal might buy ingredients and cook at the dorm. A single dish could cost 20–30 wen; richer meat dishes 70–80 wen; noodle dishes only 10 wen.
With combined meals among three to five students, costs were manageable. Lu Yang calculated the budget carefully, deeming it worth spending.
Xie Yan wouldn’t take care of himself, and he wasn’t a permanent resident. Being fed and warm was the priority. Lu Yang didn’t fuss over locations; he simply ordered two meat dishes—a steamed fish and braised pork—for their table as thanks.
The students were embarrassed and curious about Lu Yang’s husband, but he waved it off, smiling:
“I won’t say his name. He doesn’t like me worrying about him. Today I’m grateful—you’re all kind people. I feel at ease knowing he has classmates like you.”
His words warmed everyone’s hearts. After eating, the students returned to the prefecture school, and Lu Yang walked the streets, securing a small restaurant for Xie Yan’s meals.
Breakfast was simple—buns, rolls, pancakes, porridge—which sufficed. He also prepared mushroom and diced meat sauce for Xie Yan’s breakfast.
He arranged two meals per day, each with two dishes combining vegetables and meat. Every five days, one vegetable soup; every ten days, a chicken or pork rib soup. Receipts were issued; Xie Yan would collect meals using them. Unused funds wouldn’t be refunded but applied to the next term.
With these arrangements settled, Lu Yang strolled nearby, examining residences. The guide took them through shops; private homes were fewer.
Near the prefecture school, shared rental houses were common. School term rents were high; students often shared accommodations. If Xie Yan disliked it, Lu Yang could rent a small room for him next visit.
Meanwhile, Li Feng and the others wandered the city. Their business completed, with no connections or stock, they had previously only skimmed the streets. Li Feng now took them out more freely.
The prefecture city was large; in past days they had only glanced around. Now they could roam at ease. Li Feng asked if they wanted to buy anything.
Lu Yang handed them money from their sales, three taels each. Excess would go home later.
Wang Meng had already bought an inkstone, only curious about fabrics now—to make clothes for his brother Jiu.
San Miao hesitated, thinking about inkstones and whether Miao Xiaohe could study well.
Er Jun and Si Hou, slightly older, had families and weren’t thinking of shopping—every coin saved. Their purchases would only be daily necessities, cheaper locally.
Li Feng had silver on hand; they would continue collecting mountain mushrooms after returning. Extra funds were scarce mid-year, with savings accumulating by year-end. He wanted to check gold jewelry prices.
Thus, the robust group set off to browse fabrics and jewelry.
They blocked the street, so stepped aside.
Er Jun suggested, “Buy a rattle, all of you will have children sooner or later.”
Si Hou added, “I heard about the Nine Linked Rings; they exercise the mind—buying that’s fine too.”
San Miao had already decided—Miao Xiaohe loved fancy clothes and shoes. He wanted to look at cosmetics and powders for her.
