Luming Banquet
Shi Wuxiang and the others arrived at Denggao Restaurant on schedule. Even though they were not late, the venue was already filled with successful candidates, some already chatting in small groups.
They originally intended to find an inconspicuous place to sit quietly, but as soon as they entered, Hong Yu spotted them and immediately led several scholars over.
“Brother Wuxiang, you all arrived rather late—you should punish yourselves with three cups,” Hong Yu joked.
Yet the words carried an implication, as if they were the ones delaying things, and he spoke as though he were the host of the place.
Cheng Du, who was naturally playful, replied jokingly, “Listen to that—just as we stepped in, before we even stood steady, you’re already acting like the host and making us drink!”
Hong Yu felt a bit embarrassed and quickly said, “Then let’s drop that. Since you’re here, let me introduce everyone.”
The scholars Hong Yu knew in the inn looked them up and down. One of them said directly, “We assumed the chief scholar would be from the city, but unexpectedly he’s from a small village. Brother Wuxiang is truly extraordinarily talented!”
“Not at all, not at all—just luck,” Shi Wuxiang immediately replied modestly, “If you ask me to compose poetry or write prose now, I’d probably struggle endlessly and only embarrass myself.”
Upon hearing this, Hong Yu laughed, “Exactly! Our chief scholar and these three successful candidates were all guided by a little ge’er—funny, isn’t it!”
The others immediately laughed as well, their gazes toward Shi Wuxiang and the rest carrying clear disdain, as though mocking their laziness and incompetence.
Yet they seemed to forget that these very people had ranked above them.
Still, it also made them lose interest in further confrontation. If even a ge’er had to supervise their studies, how capable could they really be? It was likely just luck.
“Alright, Brother Hong, we should head upstairs to meet the inner and outer exam officials. They are ministers of the court and academy scholars—if we can build connections, wouldn’t that be better than standing here?” someone said.
“That’s true!” Hong Yu laughed, then turned to Shi Wuxiang and the others, “Brother Wuxiang, will you come with us?”
Shi Wuxiang smiled, “We’ll rest here for a bit—”
But Hong Yu, already eager, didn’t wait for him to finish and interrupted, “Then we’ll go up first. Come up quickly!”
“Brother Hong, why waste words on them?”
“After all, we are acquainted—it’s only polite to say a few words.”
Their voices drifted away.
Shi Wuxiang could not help but let out a faint sneer. Such people were not worth attention. After just a couple of drinking encounters, their true nature had already been revealed—fortunate, in a way.
Cheng Du, however, was annoyed. He almost wanted to chase after Hong Yu and ask what happened to all that enthusiasm for drinking together just moments ago, only to change faces so quickly.
Shi Wuxiang calmly said, “There’s no need to be angry. Being able to see someone’s nature after just a few encounters is a good thing—it’s better than realizing it too late after deep friendship.”
Hu Lu also comforted them, “Exactly. We came here just to broaden our experience. No need to waste energy on such people.”
Cheng Du took a deep breath. “These shallow, blind fools—no eyes beneath their brows, just useless decoration!”
They chose not to escalate things further. With so many eyes around, any careless words could damage their reputation.
Remaining calm and cautious was best.
Soon they went upstairs as well, and the banquet reached its most lively moment as court officials and academy scholars arrived.
Seated at the highest position was the Imperial Preceptor responsible for all imperial examinations, clearly highly trusted by the emperor.
The top scholar from the provincial exam was a native of the provincial capital, with family connections in the capital, and had been carefully trained—truly deserving of his title.
After meeting the top scholar, the Imperial Preceptor also met the chief scholar. Shi Wuxiang was among them. The Imperial Preceptor’s gaze swept across them and he said in a deep voice:
“Which one is Shi Wuxiang?”
Shi Wuxiang immediately stepped forward and cupped his hands, “Student Shi Wuxiang greets Your Excellency.”
The Imperial Preceptor frowned slightly. “I have heard you have long been in poor health. What a pity. Step back.”
Shi Wuxiang obediently returned to the group.
The others were shocked by the implied meaning in those words. They all knew the Imperial Preceptor was a trusted minister of the emperor; this statement almost clearly cut off Shi Wuxiang’s future career path.
Yet no one dared speak.
Shi Wuxiang, however, stood calmly, unconcerned. Official rank or not—it did not matter much to him. His purpose in studying was only to benefit his hometown of Mingqu County.
“Since I have seen you all, I shall not disturb your enjoyment. Do as you please,” the Imperial Preceptor said, waving his sleeve before leaving.
The remaining scholars then looked at Shi Wuxiang with complicated expressions, as though he were some spectacle to be observed.
The thin woman’s mother only learned they were leaving and insisted on cooking quite a bit of meat sauce for them. The meat and the raw sauce were all paid for by her, and she also gave Yuan Zhao some wages for his work, so neither side lost out.
The thin woman’s mother had indeed seen the world. She knew Yuan Zhao’s skills were something that could be sold for money, and she specially promised it would absolutely not be sold outward—at most it would be shared among neighbors as gifts.
Two days later at dawn.
Shi Wuxiang and the others finished packing. In order to make more space for their luggage, all five of them simply squeezed into the carriage together, which also made it a bit warmer.
“Please wait, lords!”
From the narrow alley, quite a few aunts and women suddenly poured out, carrying small baskets, rushing toward them in a hurry.
“This is dry food we made at home, take it for the road!”
“I’ve also got a basket of eggs, take them too. When you rest at an inn you can boil them. They’re all farm eggs, very fragrant!”
“I’ve got freshly steamed buns too, all meat-filled. Take them along!”
Even in the provincial capital, food was not easy to come by.
They naturally did not want to accept it, and repeatedly refused, after all there might not be another chance to come here again in the future.
Shi Wuxiang said: “We understand everyone’s kindness. Every household is not easy, there’s really no need to send us these. You should take them back and eat them yourselves.”
“These were specially made by us, it’s all our heart—just take them!”
“Yes, take them!”
Shi Wuxiang was still not very used to dealing with these women, so he simply let Yuan Zhao handle it.
Yuan Zhao smiled as he stepped down from the carriage and said to the women: “There’s really too much here. We’ll just take a little. Aunts, you should keep some for yourselves too—it’ll also bring good fortune. Otherwise, if you give it all to us, there won’t be any luck left for you.”
He knew these women also wanted to “share in the good fortune.” Every household had sons and grandsons; if they could borrow a bit of luck and produce capable children, then in the future they would be the ones congratulated.
So when Yuan Zhao said this, the women quickly accepted it.
After thanking each other and saying their farewells, they set off on the road home.
On the return journey, they were eager to get back. Yuan Zhao was torn between wanting Shi Wuxiang to eat and sleep well, and wanting to hurry home, so their trip was sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes rushed and sometimes relaxed.
They returned home amid laughter and chatter.
By right, they should have gone to visit the county magistrate, but because they had returned late and were all exhausted, they agreed to go together the next day.
They parted in town, and when they reached home, Shi Wuxiang forced himself to stay awake long enough to pay the carriage driver. Seeing the red lanterns hanging at the front of the house, he knocked heavily on the door.
In the past few days, Madam Shi Zhang had been sleeping very late. The congratulatory notice of their success in the imperial exam had already arrived; she guessed they would be back soon, so she had hung up the lanterns, but dared not lock the door for safety.
She feared that if she slept early, she might miss them knocking. Every night she would stay a little longer in the courtyard, but several days passed with no movement, and she began to wonder if they would stay longer in the provincial capital.
“…Mother…”
Madam Shi Zhang only felt a familiar voice suddenly squeeze into her ears, as if calling her. She subconsciously straightened up and ran to the door, still not daring to open it.
“Mother!”
A clearer, more certain familiar voice sounded. Madam Shi Zhang immediately, nervously and excitedly, lifted the bolt and opened the door—indeed meeting Shi Wuxiang’s exhausted face.
“Son!” she hurried forward to support him, then noticed something off. “Where’s A Zhao?”
“He fell asleep in the carriage. I came to knock first.” Shi Wuxiang said, then went back to wake him. “A Zhao, we’re home. Let’s go inside and sleep, alright?”
Yuan Zhao had no temper at all, groggily following his words and sitting up. After a moment of confusion, he was carried down from the carriage. Shi Wuxiang did not let go and carried him straight inside, while Madam Shi Zhang led the carriage into the courtyard. The cold night did not wipe the smile off her face.
“The heated bed has been kept warm these past few days, just waiting for you. I’ll add more coal. You can wash up first.”
The house was bustling with activity. Fortunately, the courtyard was spacious enough that it did not wake the others.
Yuan Zhao, supported by Shi Wuxiang, took off his outer clothes and fell onto the heated bed as soon as his head touched the pillow, falling asleep instantly. Soon, faint snoring could be heard.
Shi Wuxiang was also extremely tired. He forced himself to undress and wash up, even wiping Yuan Zhao down a bit so they were somewhat clean before lying down.
This sleep was exceptionally deep. He did not even dream, falling straight into deep sleep. When he woke again, the sun was already bright, the midday sun hanging high.
Shi Wuxiang rubbed his shoulders; this sleep had been unusually comfortable, leaving him refreshed.
“Oh, Ah Xiang! I was just about to call you for lunch. You didn’t even eat breakfast—you can’t skip lunch.” Yuan Zhao said as he carried the food to the table.
“Why are you up so early?” Shi Wuxiang’s voice was slightly hoarse. He cleared his throat. “Did you sleep well?”
Yuan Zhao placed the bowls and chopsticks neatly. “Yes. Eat first, then wash your face. But it’s already late—are you still going to the county to visit the magistrate?”
Shi Wuxiang nodded. “We have to go. Even if it’s late, the magistrate won’t mind. But if we go tomorrow instead, it would seem improper.”
“Alright. I’ve already packed everything we bought. The portion for the magistrate is also set aside separately,” Yuan Zhao said.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Yuan Zhao only smiled and said nothing. What hardship was there? This was something every wife or husband in a household would do, and he was already considered quite idle.
After eating and preparing, Shi Wuxiang went to meet Chengdu and the others. They had agreed to visit the magistrate today, but those who were early had not arrived yet—they were likely still asleep. After meeting Hu Lu brought by Fu Ying, two carriages headed toward the county.
County Magistrate Zheng had already received the list of those who passed the imperial exam in Mingqu County. He also knew they would return only after attending the Lu Ming Banquet, and factoring in drinking and travel time, they would likely be even later.
Moreover, Shi Wuxiang and the others were visiting the provincial capital for the first time; it was normal for them to stay a few more days.
Yet he was still faintly excited. He had not expected Mingqu County to produce so many successful candidates this time.
“Sir! The honored scholars have arrived!”
“Quickly invite them in!” County Magistrate Zheng stood up excitedly and walked to the desk to wait.
Shi Wuxiang and the others were led into the study, along with the gifts they brought, carried by the county office servants.
“We pay respects to the magistrate.”
“You may all sit. Bring tea!”
County Magistrate Zheng sat upright, looking at them with great satisfaction. His eyes almost overflowed with approval as he kept nodding.
“You are all excellent. In previous years, it was already good if one or two scholars passed in the county. I didn’t expect four this time!”
“Four?”
Shi Wuxiang was surprised. “So no one else passed besides us?”
The magistrate sighed slightly. “Yes! That so-called joint teaching program caused trouble. After merging the classes, those students lost their focus on studying. They caused trouble every day. Many promising students either failed for various reasons or didn’t even go to the exam at all!”
Hearing this, Chengdu and the others looked at Shi Wuxiang with even more admiration. Truly extraordinary—he had foreseen everything!
Youthful ambition is something that cannot be recreated.
This time, with such losses, even if those promising students continued to study for three more years, they would no longer have the same spirit as today.
“You did right not to go. One should see things through once started.” County Magistrate Zheng praised them repeatedly. “How was the Lu Ming Banquet? Did you make any friends?”
At the mention of the banquet, everyone fell silent.
It was not that they had gained any goodwill there—especially Shi Wuxiang, who had even been pointed out by the Imperial Tutor… something that would likely block his official career in the future.
Although it was not something to be widely discussed, since the magistrate asked, they still briefly explained.
After hearing it, County Magistrate Zheng showed no reaction. He simply nodded calmly and said meaningfully: “That person had a point. However, those in higher positions often speak with deeper intent. What we understand may only be a fraction of what they truly mean.”
Shi Wuxiang also nodded modestly. “Not everyone is suited for officialdom. For me to reach this point is already a great fortune.”
They were still young. Since jinshi candidates could directly enter the palace examination, even if it was not this February, there would still be others… or perhaps their path in life was not limited to the imperial examinations.
“It’s good that you think this way. In any case, rankings at this stage are not everything. There is still next year’s palace examination and final selection. Rest well during this period, but also remember to visit the academy.” the magistrate reminded.
“Yes. This student understands.”
The magistrate nodded in satisfaction, then shifted to casual conversation.
“Since you’re here, why bring so many gifts? Did you have enough silver in the provincial capital? The county has been tight on funds after the drought, so we did not provide travel subsidies.”
“These were bought in the provincial capital. We know you like books and calligraphy, so we specially bought brushes, ink, and some antiques and books,” Chengdu quickly explained. “The tea in the provincial capital is also good, so we brought some for you to try.”
The magistrate nodded approvingly. These were all thoughtful gifts. He immediately instructed people to store them in his small storeroom so he could sort them properly later.
“After we worked together and overcame the crisis, even if you really sent us travel funds, we still wouldn’t accept them. Besides, we already have enough for the journey.” Shi Wuxiang said.
“Speaking of which, it’s all thanks to Brother Wuxiang and his husband.” Fu Ying seized the chance to add an explanation.
That young husband again.
County Magistrate Zheng immediately became interested and asked a few more questions. After learning that Yuan Zhao had led them to set up a street stall to earn money, he even laughed out loud. If he saw a group of scholars setting up stalls in the marketplace, he would also pay them extra attention.
In other people’s eyes, scholars were always above others, but in Yuan Zhao’s eyes, they were just ordinary people who needed to eat and live. This kind of behavior was actually quite good—interesting, and it could even earn money.
“Your husband is quite good. You should treat him well.” County Magistrate Zheng reminded. “Do not cause any improper trouble.”
“Yes, this student understands.” Shi Wuxiang immediately replied.
“You have all been working hard recently. When you have time, go to the academy to visit the teachers and also share your knowledge and experience with the other students there. This is something within your ability.”
“Yes.”
After leaving the county magistrate’s residence, they returned directly to the town and went straight to the academy.
The academy had already learned about their success in passing the imperial examinations. They had even voluntarily made an honor board, posting their names and rankings for the students to admire daily.
The group stayed at the academy chatting with their teacher, also promising that when they had free time they would return to give lectures and share experience, before heading home before evening.
Shi Wuxiang stepped into the house wrapped in the cold air. After warming up slightly, he went in and sat beside Yuan Zhao. Yuan Zhao was currently looking at the account book.
“Is something wrong with the accounts?”
“You scared me!” Yuan Zhao’s hand shook, and even the abacus beads were messed up. He hurriedly muttered while trying to fix them back into place. “You’re back so late. I thought you’d be eating in the county.”
Shi Wuxiang leaned back against the couch and smiled lightly. “If you’re waiting for me at home, how could I eat outside?”
Yuan Zhao pouted. “Smooth talker.”
Shi Wuxiang did not mind and continued telling him about the day, even mentioning that the magistrate had praised Yuan Zhao and thought highly of what he had done.
Yuan Zhao immediately felt a little embarrassed. In the provincial capital, he had taken scholars to set up stalls mainly because it was unfamiliar territory—no one would throw eggs at them there… but in their own town, he would not dare do such a thing.
Still, being praised made him happy. He lowered his head, counting accounts while secretly smiling.
.
After learning that Shi Wuxiang had returned, the threshold of the Shi household was almost worn down. Many neighbors came, each bringing homemade dishes or eggs as congratulations.
Even more unexpectedly, many merchants came as well. Businesses in the town and even the county sent representatives to deliver gifts, saying they would visit again during the New Year.
This kind of treatment had not existed when they were merely licentiates. Perhaps knowing they would not accept silver directly, the gifts were all antiques, jade objects, and rare manuscripts and brushes.
Yuan Zhao recorded everything, thinking he would return gifts according to etiquette later. It would also benefit his future business.
As expected, the shop’s business grew better and better. At some point, rumors began circulating that the food from this shop could make scholars suddenly enlightened or even help them pass the imperial exams.
Wasn’t Shi Wuxiang eating there every few days?
And weren’t his close friends who passed the exams also frequent customers?
After reconciling the accounts with Lu Xiu, Yuan Zhao smiled so widely his eyes almost disappeared. Money was truly rolling in.
Lu Xiu looked at him gently. After two months of not seeing him, he felt Yuan Zhao seemed even fairer and more refined than before. Perhaps wealth and dignity really nourished a person—he no longer looked like someone from the countryside at all.
“Brother!” Yuan Yuan ran up to him, shyly tugging his sleeve but unable to speak clearly.
Yuan Zhao immediately shifted all attention to him. “What is it? Do you want something?”
“The dog egg from the street said he’ll give me a lantern for the New Year.” Yuan Yuan smiled shyly. He had never seen a lantern before.
“Don’t take things from others. I’ll buy you one for the New Year,” Yuan Zhao said. “If you play with him, you must bring your own money. Don’t let people say we take advantage of others.”
Yuan Yuan tilted his head. “He said he wants to marry me, so I still can’t take his things?”
“What?!”
Before Yuan Zhao could respond, Shi Wuxiang had already stepped forward in a few strides. He controlled his expression and brought Yuan Zhao and Yuan Yuan upstairs to a small private room.
After hearing Yuan Yuan’s words, Shi Wuxiang frowned so deeply it looked like he could crush a cow between his brows.
“You mean he said he would give you an old lantern and in return you must marry him in the future?”
Yuan Zhao’s anger flared immediately upon hearing this. Was this family being treated like fools?
Yuan Yuan nodded obediently. “I didn’t agree. I said I would ask my brother.”
“Then do you like him, or do you just want the lantern?” Yuan Zhao asked nervously. Shi Wuxiang also waited anxiously for the answer.
“I want the lantern. He said it’s very beautiful. I’ve never seen one. He said during festivals the town has lantern fairs. His lantern was bought then.” Yuan Yuan’s mind was entirely on the lantern.
Shi Wuxiang immediately smiled. “That’s simple. We’ll take you to find a craftsman to make lanterns. You can have whatever shape you want—even ten if you like.”
“Really?” Yuan Yuan’s eyes widened instantly. After receiving confirmation, he hugged Shi Wuxiang tightly. “A-Xiang brother, you’re so good! I only want one.”
“But…” Shi Wuxiang added.
“But what?”
“You can ask us for anything you want. Your brother loves you dearly—even if you want stars from the sky, he’ll try to get them for you. But you cannot casually accept other people’s things, and you cannot agree to their conditions.”
A lantern alone—how could it buy a lifetime?
That family was truly out of their minds, speaking such nonsense!
Yuan Yuan’s eyes turned red instantly. “Did I do something wrong? I didn’t agree!”
Looking at his face so similar to Yuan Zhao’s, Shi Wuxiang felt as if he were seeing a twelve-year-old Yuan Zhao crying. His heart immediately softened.
“Of course not,” Shi Wuxiang said. “They were the ones who spoke wrongly. You are precious. You cannot be exchanged for a lantern.”
“Oh.” Yuan Yuan immediately brightened again and hugged Yuan Zhao. “Brother, you’re so good. I don’t want stars or the moon—I only want you.”
Shi Wuxiang: “……”
Who just said I was comforting you?
Who was it that heard ‘your brother would fetch stars for you’ and immediately clung to that?
Yuan Zhao laughed when he saw Shi Wuxiang’s stunned expression. “You got tricked again?”
“Then let’s go find a craftsman now,” Yuan Zhao said, pinching Yuan Yuan’s cheek. “What kind do you want?”
“Apricot blossoms,” Yuan Yuan said.
“You also like peach blossoms, right? Then we’ll make two—one apricot, one peach. How about that?”
“Okay!”
They immediately set off to find a craftsman. Shi Wuxiang also came along, giving directions.
“Go straight from our shop street, turn right at the first alley, then left until the end.”
Yuan Zhao repeated it carefully. “Straight… right… straight… left to the end… got it. But aren’t you coming?”
“I have something to attend to,” Shi Wuxiang said. “I’ve been invited to drink recently. I’ll go sit for a bit and come back.”
Yuan Zhao did not question further.
He had no idea Shi Wuxiang had already refused several drinking invitations—and now he simply would not be invited anymore.
He was just going to reason with that “dog egg.”