Since Xiaoman’s father passed away, the number of visiting relatives had decreased each year. Two years ago, there were still frequent visitors, but Xiaoman noticed that there were basically two types: one, those who pitied him for having lost his father and living alone, wanting to offer support but wary of appearing too involved, as taking in another person was not a trivial matter; two, those who remembered the family wealth left behind and hoped to gain something, but Xiaoman was not easily fooled. He always called out the ulterior motives of such relatives, embarrassing them, so over time, visits naturally dwindled.
The few relatives who still visited lived nearby, making their visits brief. The furthest were those in the county town, namely the Qin Zhi Yan family.
Last year, the couple did not manage to visit them. This year, they planned to go properly with gifts. Qin Xiaoman also hoped to ask her uncle to introduce a tutor to Du Heng.
Early in the morning, the couple began preparing.
“Let’s wear the new clothes today. My uncle is not picky, being from this rural area, but his husband is from the city and is very particular about appearances. Also, we don’t know if today will be just a visit from my uncle’s side or if his husband’s relatives will come too,” Qin Xiaoman said while putting on her jacket.
“My uncle’s family is impressive. His father was a successful scholar and well-off, holding some status in the county. If my uncle hadn’t managed things well before, his family would likely look down on rural folk like us,” she continued.
“I’ve only met your uncle once, but he spoke elegantly and must have been handsome in his youth. And still, his family is not satisfied?” Du Heng chuckled. “City folks really have high standards.”
“At the time my uncle married, he was just a young scholar. Though his family was top in the village, compared to the various city households, they were far from the best,” Xiaoman said.
Du Heng’s brow twitched, realizing this was new information.
“My second uncle is strict; whenever we visit my uncle’s house, we have to hold back our tempers. When meeting my uncle’s father-in-law, we’re especially restrained—not wanting to embarrass my uncle.”
Every household has its own difficulties. Villagers envied Qin Zhi Yan for his respectable post and good family background, but few knew the hardships behind it. Qin Zhi Yan often helped his relatives, and those close to him tried to behave as best they could, out of mutual consideration.
Du Heng dressed according to Qin Xiaoman’s instructions and turned to help her. However, she had already put on her clothes and almost jumped out of bed.
“Hehe.”
Seeing her nearly lose balance, Xiaoman forced a laugh and slowly rose, supporting her belly.
She had been energetic by nature, and since becoming pregnant, had restrained herself—but old habits occasionally surfaced.
Du Heng helped her up. “I know pregnancy is difficult. Controlling your instincts must be even more tiring than labor.”
“Eating well and sleeping well, not tiring at all,” Xiaoman replied, nudging Du Heng’s chin with her head. “Let’s go. We’ll take the ox cart ourselves this year; we can’t keep my uncle and the others waiting.”
After washing and tidying, they checked their gifts.
This year, the two pigs they raised weighed over a hundred jin each. They slaughtered both, sold one and a half, and kept half for themselves. Du Heng also made some sausages, five of which were set aside as gifts. They also had a cured chicken and some winter bamboo shoots for the journey.
As they finished preparing to set out with the ox cart, Qin Xiong arrived, carrying his own gifts.
“Today, we’ll ride up to the city on your ox cart.”
Seeing that only Qin Xiong had come this year, Qin Xiaoman looked surprised. “Where’s Second Aunt?”
“She went over to Xiao Zhu’s place.”
Xiaoman chuckled. Naturally, the eldest brother would accompany his wife back to her family. Xiao Zhu was married now, and with Second Uncle away, Qin An was left to watch the house alone this year.
“Quick, find a wife for Second Brother—he’s so lonely looking after the house by himself.”
Qin Xiong clambered onto the ox cart. “Do you think people are like cabbages in the field, to be picked and chosen at will? That poor guy has no luck—he can only watch as your eldest brother and Xiao Zhu get married.”
At this, Qin Xiaoman looped her arm around Du Heng’s, with a hint in her tone. “Just wait, a suitable one will come along. People used to say I wouldn’t get married, and look at me now—I found a good one.”
Qin Xiong shamelessly said, “That’s because I prayed a lot to your father and my uncle, asking them to bless you.”
“Then Second Uncle should bless Second Brother too.”
“You’re asking for trouble, boy!”
Du Heng, steering the ox, heard the exchange and laughed, shaking his head. He figured Qin Xiaoman and Xiao Zhu had been bickering since childhood, and it had obviously carried on from their elders.
The Qin Zhi Yan household was located in the eastern part of the city. The residence was not cramped like ordinary village homes tucked into narrow alleys; it was a proper courtyard house.
Among the county’s elite, a single-courtyard home was not particularly extravagant. But compared to the cramped urban alleys or rural farmhouses, it was already a very respectable home.
The difference was like this: a villager with an ox-drawn cart drew envious glances from neighbors. Yet when one approached a home with red lanterns and a black-tiled stone gate, the cart seemed insignificant in comparison.
Ordinarily, servants would chase away oxen or donkeys blocking the gate, disgusted by the smell. But Qin Xiong was a regular visitor, and the gatekeepers recognized him, quickly coming out to lead the ox and greeting him politely as “Second Master.”
Du Heng helped Qin Xiaoman down from the cart. On the open space outside the gate, a carriage was already parked. Its four large wheels supported a square carriage box, a black horse tossing its head in front. Compared to this, the couple’s ox cart looked even less impressive.
Qin Xiaoman pouted slightly and whispered in Du Heng’s ear, “Her uncle’s father-in-law must be here too.”
Before Du Heng could respond, Qin Zhi Yan, having been informed by a servant, came out to greet them. “I’ve been calling for you inside for a while! Finally, you’re here!”
He warmly welcomed them. “Xiaoman, this year you didn’t come alone. Quick, bring Du Heng in to sit.”
After calling a servant, Xiaoman handed over the gifts she had prepared for Qin Zhi Yan—not particularly valuable items, but practical ones, which were always appreciated; after all, no one, however wealthy, could do without their daily meals.
“Oh, you came and even brought gifts.”
After some polite back-and-forth, Qin Zhi Yan accepted the gifts, and a servant took them inside.
After a lively moment, they entered the residence. Xiaoman had been there before, though only two or three times a year. Sometimes, she would leave the gifts with the gatekeeper without entering. On ordinary visits, Qin Zhi Yan might not even be home; in that case, the young uncle would attend to her.
The house was laid out with care: first, a bamboo and plum screen at the entrance; turning left, one passed through a gate to the garden, which alone was as large as two ordinary farmhouses, extending nearly to the main hall for entertaining guests.
Du Heng, while not seeing such a setup for the first time, had only previously visited as a tourist. Being a guest of relatives was a new experience, and he took pleasure in observing the surroundings.
They noticed at least four servants busy with their respective tasks.
“Second Brother and Xiaoman are here.”
In the main hall, a young gentleman came forward. Xiaoman greeted him, “Young Uncle.”
Du Heng naturally followed suit.
“This must be Young Du,” he said. “I’ve heard from your uncle—truly a fine-looking scholar.”
Zhou Wanqing appraised Du Heng; he had been told that when his husband returned to the village for a celebration, he had not gone, but upon hearing that his nephew’s husband was both handsome and scholarly, he was pleasantly surprised. A mere village boy like Xiaoman had such good fortune.
After greetings, Du Heng and Xiaoman were about to sit when a soft cough drew their eyes upward.
A short man, dressed in expensive clothes with a small beard, entered.
Qin Xiong quickly called out, “Master Zhou, what a coincidence—you came too.”
Xiaoman did not think much of it, but with Qin Xiong’s politeness, she dared not be casual and respectfully said, “Master Zhou.”
He was properly her grandfather, though she had called him so previously. Earlier, the scholar grandfather had looked down on their rural kin, so using the familiar “grandpa” would have been inappropriate. Xiaoman had learned to call him Master Zhou, which was well-received.
“The weather is nice, so I came to visit,” Zhou responded, ignoring Xiaoman and speaking to Qin Xiong.
“I saw a boy visiting two years ago. Why isn’t he with you this year?”
Qin Xiong replied, “He got married before the New Year.”
Everyone stood as Master Zhou slowly, but with authority, seated himself, reaching for the tea on a low table. He idly stirred the leaves with the lid, his gaze never rising, as if questioning the servants. “Which family did he marry into?”
“He didn’t want to marry far from home, so he was promised to Li’s fifth son from our village.”
“The Li family?”
Upon hearing this, Master Zhou raised his eyebrows and turned to Qin Xiong. “You mean Li Yong’s family?”
Qin Xiong nodded. Li Yong was the third son of the Li family, the elder brother of Li Kai, now settled in the county town.
“I know their family. Li Yong’s father-in-law was a classmate of mine back in the day, and we’re still in touch. Just a few days ago, I went to their home for a banquet.”
Seeing there was a connection by marriage, Master Zhou’s previously aloof pride softened somewhat, and he adopted a slightly more respectful posture, willing to exchange a few more words with Qin Xiong.
The small, sharp eyes of the old man seemed to measure only those of use; not a trace of attention fell on Qin Xiaoman.
Having already seen everyone present, Xiaoman was accustomed to the scholar’s arrogance. She acted as if he did not exist, gesturing for Du Heng to sit.
In the city, wealthy households would offer guests pastries and treats that rural families could hardly afford for New Year. Every visit, Xiaoman would enjoy a few bites.
Qin Zhi Yan also looked after him; each time, not only could he eat here, but he was often sent home with some as well.
Today, on the low table were pieces of cloud-slice cake—sweet, but not cloying—which Xiaoman quite enjoyed. He first offered a piece to Du Heng, then took one for himself.
Seeing Xiaoman eat, Zhou Wanqing glanced at the prominent belly. “Your uncle mentioned you were expecting—now over four months along, right?”
Xiaoman nodded. “Mm.”
“Do you usually prefer sour or spicy foods?”
Zhou Wanqing smiled. “There’s a saying: sour for boys, spicy for girls. When I was pregnant with my first two, it worked every time.”
Xiaoman nibbled the cake. “I like sweet things.”
Zhou Wanqing chuckled. “Then it should be a boy.”
“Really?”
Zhou Wanqing explained, “My first son came from craving sour, and my second, a daughter, also craved sour. I’ve heard from other pregnant women that craving sweet indicates a boy.”
He showed a hint of envy. He had always wanted another son, but after complications with the second birth, he could not have more children.
Xiaoman instinctively touched his own belly and leaned toward Du Heng. “Uncle says craving sweet means a boy. Would you like a son?”
Du Heng’s eyes curved in a gentle smile. “Whatever we have is fine. A boy would be wonderful, though.”
Hearing this, Xiaoman grinned, revealing a flash of white teeth.
“Seeing you two already with a child, and your eldest brother still unmarried, it’s worrisome indeed.”
Qin Zhi Yan, seeing the lively conversation, set down his teacup.
“There’s no need to marry too early. When he has a proper rank, he can choose freely. Right now, we should just focus on his studies.”
Hearing this, Master Zhou immediately scolded, “At this age and still only a student? That’s your failure as a father!”
The cheerful mood was abruptly broken. Zhou Wanqing, seeing her father reprimand Qin Zhi Yan so publicly, quickly furrowed her brow and said, “Father—”
But Master Zhou would not even spare his own son’s face. “When I speak to him, you stay out of it!”
Everyone felt slightly uncomfortable and quiet. After a moment, Xiaoman said, “I see why the eldest brother isn’t here; he’s in the study working hard. By the next district exam, he will surely place.”
Qin Zhi Yan forced a smile. “Let’s hope so.”
Xiaoman took the opportunity to change the subject. “Speaking of studies, Ah Heng is planning to take the exam next year. He’s been studying alone, but he really needs a teacher to guide him and prevent detours. Uncle, do you happen to know a good scholar?”
Qin Zhi Yan’s brow lifted. He looked at Du Heng. “You’re preparing to take the exam next year?”
“Yes, I want to give it a try.”
“Good, very good. You must participate in as many exams as possible to gain experience.”
Qin Zhi Yan was pleased, feeling that his previous conversation with Du Heng had made an impression.
Hearing this, Master Zhou finally turned his attention to Du Heng. He knew Du Heng was Xiaoman’s husband, but he had never considered the rural relative under his gaze and certainly not her husband—he treated him as a servant, almost invisible.
“You are a scholar?”
Du Heng politely replied, “Yes.”
Master Zhou appraised him. His clothes were neat, though still plainly rural, yet his features were refined. “Seems like you have some scholar’s bearing.”
“Do you hold any official rank?”
“I’m unworthy, still without rank.”
Master Zhou, unsurprised, thought it was expected. In the past, there were cold-background families whose children rose to prominence, but nowadays, fewer rural children attained official success.
Still, he asked, “How old are you?”
Du Heng answered, “I’ve just come of age this year.”
Master Zhou’s eyes did not hide his disdain. “At this age, and still only a student? You must apply yourself. I thought Zhi Feng was already foolish enough.”
He lowered his head to sip tea, silently signaling to Qin Zhi Yan that his kin were as unpromising as he suspected.
Being reprimanded himself was one thing, but having one’s child criticized in the same breath stung. Qin Zhi Yan quickly smoothed things over.
“It’s the effort that counts. There are many scholars decades old who still have not passed the district exam. Don’t be discouraged by age. Many teachers at Bai Rong Academy are excellent; I’ll have Zhi Feng invite a teacher to our home, so you can receive guidance.”
Master Zhou remained unconvinced. “Bai Rong Academy teachers? You think it’s that easy to get an introduction? They select students strictly. Don’t waste your effort.”
“You mustn’t use your position in the county office to make things easier for yourself; if word gets out, it won’t sound good.”
Qin Zhi Yan was at a loss for words. His pride and face had been thoroughly stripped, yet he could not bring himself to scold his father-in-law.
Just as everyone was unsure how to respond, a servant came in to announce that the meal was ready, providing a convenient way to change the subject.
Qin Zhi Yan quickly ushered everyone to the dining room.
It was early in the year, and the weather was cold. The Qin family had prepared mutton for their guests—a large pot of hot mutton soup, with fresh vegetables for dipping.
Mutton cost twice as much as pork, far beyond what a rural family could afford. Even the way it was served was unfamiliar to those from the countryside.
Besides the mutton, there were many fine dishes: deep-fried tails, sweet-glazed West Lake vinegar fish, golden-braised pork hocks, and thinly sliced roast duck…
Xiaoman loved food and always enjoyed a hearty meal when visiting his uncle’s home. But with Master Zhou present, rules and decorum constrained them; even a slight overreach might draw a rebuke.
Everyone ate modestly, and Qin Zhi Yan attentively encouraged them to eat. Qin Xiong had hoped to have a bit of wine with his brother, but the earlier tension forced them all to put on polite smiles.
The meal, though awkward, eventually ended, and the guests dispersed. Only they knew if they had left still a bit hungry.
After the meal, the elder patriarch returned to his room, and the rest felt a little relief—but time was pressing.
After a brief rest, it was time to leave. Qin Xiong still had other visits to make, as was customary, so Qin Zhi Yan did not insist they stay.
“Xiaoman, have dinner before you go back. It’s rare to come to your uncle’s house.”
Du Heng politely declined on Xiaoman’s behalf. “Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle. Xiaoman is with child, and it’s cold outside; I worry about him catching a chill.”
Qin Zhi Yan nodded. “Indeed. One with a child must take good care of themselves.”
“The matter of finding a teacher for him is noted. I’ll arrange it later. As for your grandfather’s words today, don’t take them to heart. He always speaks that way.”
Du Heng smiled. “Thank you, Uncle, for your consideration.”
“Xiaoman, here’s some of your favorite pastries. I’ve packed them for you to take home.”
Zhou Wanqing hurried out to give them to Xiaoman. Normally, Qin Zhi Yan handled this, but today’s unpleasantness weighed on him.
Xiaoman accepted them without hesitation. “Thank you, Uncle.”
“Bring Du Heng with you more often in the future.”
“Of course.”
The couple helped each other onto the ox cart, and as they drove away, Zhou Wanqing’s smile faded as he quickly returned inside.
“They’ve gone?”
Master Zhou was still in the hall, tending the birds. Seeing Zhou Wanqing’s sour expression, he muttered, “Zhi Yan really has a way of gathering all the relatives here every year. His cousin is one thing, but at least he’s a butcher with some skill.”
“Father, no matter what someone does, today you went too far!”
“I went too far? That boy and his husband clearly came to seek connections. At his age, he hasn’t even passed the district exam. Before, he was a wandering manservant who married in; what scholar lacks backbone like that? How could he achieve anything? You should speak to Zhi Yan properly—relatives deserve help.”
Zhou Wanqing’s chest heaved. “Father! That was years ago! Do you need to bring it up constantly? If Zhi Yan hadn’t done well, the county magistrate wouldn’t have kept him in the office.”
Master Zhou scoffed. “Without my backing, would he have what he has today? And now, you’ve grown bold enough to argue with me, entirely unlike your dutiful younger brother.”
Zhou Wanqing’s eyes reddened. Qin Zhi Yan returned and quickly intervened. “Father, Qing has no ill intent. I just didn’t manage things well.”
“Still, he’s hopeless, far behind your brother. At least you have some awareness of your own shortcomings!”
Master Zhou snorted and swept out.
…
Xiaoman leaned lightly against the ox cart. His stomach still a bit hungry, he watched Du Heng buy two buns near the city gate and quickly grabbed them.
“Uncle’s cooking was delicious today. Too bad we couldn’t have a few more bites—my father-in-law’s face was longer than a horse’s, no appetite.” Xiaoman rubbed his belly. “Don’t let my little one go hungry.”
“Eat these buns, and our little one won’t go hungry.”
Xiaoman hugged the buns and began eating. “I hope your help with finding a teacher works out. It must have been difficult for him today. If I had known my father-in-law would be so displeased, I wouldn’t have brought it up, making Uncle bear such a scolding.”
Du Heng exhaled lightly. In rural families, people spoke plainly; those in the county town were hardly better.
Compared to the villagers, city folk were more calculating. Families like theirs were of little concern to a county-established scholar like Master Zhou.
Really, it was his own lack of skill that drew their disdain.
After a pause, Xiaoman tilted his head. “Are you upset?”
“Huh? Why would I be?”
“I just wanted to bring you to visit Uncle’s house, but instead, you endured such embarrassment. Surely you’ve never experienced this before.”
Du Heng ruffled Xiaoman’s hair, skewing the furry cap, then straightened it. “It’s all human nature. What’s there to feel wronged about? Asking someone for a favor doesn’t mean I should put myself on a pedestal. I’m fine.”
Xiaoman rested on Du Heng’s shoulder. “As long as it didn’t bother you.”
Du Heng smirked, guiding the ox cart back home.
The New Year passed quickly. Before the fifteenth day, people would be running around from place to place, and just like that, it was the Lantern Festival. Once the festival ended, the celebrations were over, and the village returned to its usual quiet.
The new year meant returning to the busyness of tending the fields.
This year, the Qin family hadn’t needed to rush to the fields early. Last year, they had hired people to turn the soil and prepare the land, so it was just a matter of sowing according to the season.
But that was a matter for February or March. On the second day of the second month, the children’s exam was scheduled, and the household was busy preparing for it.
Although the exam took place in the county town—not too far—there were three sessions over three consecutive mornings. After finishing one session, examinees would move on to the next the following day.
Qin Xiaoman considered the situation. While returning home in the afternoon would leave plenty of time, leaving very early in the morning to reach the county for the exam meant a tight schedule. Moreover, enduring more than an hour of cold wind on the way and then sitting in the exam hall with frozen hands and body would make writing nearly impossible.
After some thought, he decided to book a room at a county inn for Du Heng to stay during the three days.
Du Heng was not particularly pleased. He had been living with Xiaoman at home, and now, with a child on the way, the thought of being away for three days made him uneasy.
“It’s nothing—just three days. I’ll take good care of myself at home. When you return, we’ll arrange the spring planting. Everything will be fine,” Xiaoman assured him.
Seeing that he couldn’t change Xiaoman’s mind, Du Heng reluctantly agreed.
On the afternoon of the first day of the second month, Xiaoman packed Du Heng’s clothes and writing materials and sent him to the county inn the night before the exam.