Chapter 24: Seventh Place in the County Examination |
Moreover, Xinghua worked as a cook for the Li family, and no matter what, Wei Tu had to visit the Li household to make his presence known.
Naturally, Wei Tu had not forgotten the incident years ago when Li Yaozu had harbored ulterior motives, but he was not concerned with it at the moment.
He understood well the difference between what was significant and what was trivial. In the eyes of outsiders, he was still perceived as a grateful servant of the Li family.
Although he had left his official post, the stain of his origins was not easily washed away.
…….
Leading his horse along familiar streets, Wei Tu observed the sights and surroundings with a mindset that had markedly changed from six months prior.
He felt a sense of leisure and composure.
Wei Tu speculated that this change was related to gaining recognition from Shan Wuju at the Shan family, which had boosted his confidence in the county and provincial examinations. Additionally, his newfound confidence in his martial prowess, acquired from learning martial techniques, played a role.
“After we turn past that alley, we will reach the front gate of the Li residence.” Wei Tu kept his gaze forward and walked on, leading his horse.
The Li family, which had started as itinerant merchants a century ago and established itself in this location, was merely an ordinary wealthy household in Qingshan County and had not been notable. Logically, this level of visitation should not have occurred.
Seeing Chunlan and Caixia, who were standing at the side door to receive guests, Wei Tu tied his horse to the hitching post by the main gate and approached them.
After a brief inquiry, Wei Tu learned that the current commotion was because Li Xingye had been listed in the county’s examination report posted yesterday. Moreover, his ranking was not low.
He had placed seventh in the county examination!
“Seventh in the county examination.” Wei Tu was indeed taken aback by this news.
With nearly a thousand candidates participating in the county examination in Qingshan County, standing out among them and securing a spot on the list was no small feat, especially achieving a commendable seventh place.
(The examination list only included the top fifty. Those not on the list were considered unsuccessful.)
Although Li Xingye’s ranking of seventh was not as illustrious as the prodigies or top scorers of previous county exams, it was still an exceptional achievement within Qingshan County. Furthermore, a seventh-place finish did not necessarily imply weaker skills compared to those ranked higher, as personal preferences of the examiners could influence the results.
“If the candidates from Qingshan County this year are not inferior, Li Xingye is highly likely to attain a scholar’s degree this autumn.” Realizing this, Wei Tu finally understood why there were so many wealthy visitors’ carriages at the Li residence today.
While the scholar’s degree itself was not particularly prestigious, a young scholar achieving it was quite different.
It indicated that he might continue to excel, potentially making a significant mark in the autumn and spring examinations, and possibly even reaching the imperial court...
After his initial surprise, Wei Tu explained his purpose to Caixia, requesting that she inform Li Tongshi of his intention to meet Xinghua and to stay overnight at the Li residence.
“Once the martial examination is over, I will leave the Li residence and head to the provincial capital,” Wei Tu specified a particular time.
Caixia nodded and proceeded towards the inner quarters.
After about fifteen minutes, Caixia returned, shaking her head. “The mistress is currently receiving guests and their families in the living room. I waited for a long time but couldn't find an appropriate moment to approach her.”
“Alternatively, Young Master Wei, you may wait at the entrance for a while. The guests should start to leave by evening,” Caixia added, glancing at the sky, noting the setting sun.
“Alright,” Wei Tu agreed, moving away from the side door. He sat on the hitching post next to his horse, grooming the horse’s mane, and waited for the guests to leave.
After more than half an hour, as the sky grew dimmer, the side door of the Li residence finally showed some activity.
Servants carrying lanterns and gentry and noble ladies following them emerged like fire snakes.
As carriages and horses clattered away, the entrance to the Li residence returned to its usual quiet, with the sound of insects chirping gradually rising.
Wei Tu saw Li Yaozu and his wife standing at the door to bid farewell to the departing gentry. He walked over, bowed slightly, and stated his purpose.
“Madam, Wei Tu arrived early this morning, but since you were unavailable, I couldn’t find an opportunity to report my visit,” Caixia added after Wei Tu finished speaking.
“Wei Tu?” Li Tongshi scrutinized the young man before her with a look of surprise.
Earlier, she had seen Wei Tu standing outside the door. However, due to the darkness, she had not immediately recognized his identity and assumed he was a servant of some gentry waiting by the hitching post.
Li Tongshi's lips moved as if to say something.
But at that moment.
In the light from the doorway, Li Tongshi finally discerned Wei Tu’s appearance and the distinctive martial aura he exuded. She paused, and then swallowed her words.
Had it not been for the purple silk-cloth robe he wore, which she had given to Xinghua, Li Tongshi would have found it hard to believe that this was the same burly servant who had redeemed himself from the Li residence over half a year ago.
“We apologize for the oversight. It was our Li family’s failure to entertain you properly,” Li Tongshi said, echoing the sentiments she had shared with the distinguished guests earlier.
“Indeed, with the martial examination approaching, it’s no wonder you came to the county from the Shan family house.” After Li Tongshi’s apology, Li Yaozu, with a beaming smile, greeted Wei Tu.
In his view, his patronage of Wei Tu and recommending him to learn martial skills from Master Shan made him Wei Tu’s benefactor. And as a benefactor, it was natural for Wei Tu to feel gratitude towards him. He needed to maintain this relationship well.
“Yes, Mr. Li.” Wei Tu nodded and responded briefly.
“As for your stay, it’s a minor matter. You are, after all, from my Li family, and have always been loyal. I’ll make arrangements for you,” Li Yaozu said in a deliberately familiar manner, patting Wei Tu’s shoulder with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Wei Tu furrowed his brows slightly, feeling a bit displeased.
Loyal? He sensed that Li Yaozu’s words carried an implication. Did he still see him as a servant?
However, Wei Tu did not voice any objections, instead indicating that he would remain at ease. Perhaps he was being too sensitive about his visit to the Li residence. A gentleman values actions over intentions.
After Li Yaozu moved a little farther away, Wei Tu gave a slight bow and expressed his thanks.
“Please proceed to the inner quarters for dinner.” Li Tongshi led the way through the side door, speaking kindly to Wei Tu.
Meanwhile, the young horse that Wei Tu had been leading was taken by the Li residence's newly hired stableman, who led it to the stables in the courtyard.
“Wei Tu?” In the dining room, a young scholar in Confucian robes raised his eyebrows slightly upon seeing Wei Tu being introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Li.
Li Xingye was, of course, familiar with Wei Tu.
When he was younger, when the family employed a tutor to teach him Confucian classics, the tutor also taught a few of the household maids and servants to read. Wei Tu had been one of those servants. Moreover, he had been one of the few companions he had during his youth in the Li residence.