Chapter 33: The Top Scholar
The top scholar was a prize.
However, perhaps because of his unattractive appearance, he soon attracted a flurry of unwanted romantic attention.
Days turned into weeks, and life in Yanhua Town remained peaceful and uneventful. Until the arrival of a top scholar from the provincial examinations. This top scholar, Zhan Qiyu, was residing in Yanhua Town.
Although originally from Chang Hu Village, his temporary stay in Yanhua Town prompted the county magistrate to visit him incognito, hoping to gain some prestige.
Zhan Qiyu wasn’t keen on meeting the county magistrate. He had no intention of staying in Yanhua Town for long, planning instead to settle in the capital.
The magistrate, however, had other plans. His fifteen-year-old daughter was of marrying age, and he sought a suitable husband for her. His daughter, however, was spoiled and insisted on marrying a handsome young man, hence his visit.
Upon arrival, the magistrate greeted Zhan Qiyu with a smile, saying, “I am the county magistrate, here in plain clothes. Please don’t feel constrained.”
Zhan Qiyu had been informed of the magistrate’s visit the previous day. He found the attention unnecessary, believing it would only attract envy. A surprise guest, indeed.
A Li and A Liu lacked experience interacting with officials, and were somewhat reserved. Zhan Qiyu, however, maintained a cool and distant demeanor.
Despite his lack of official position, he observed proper etiquette.
The magistrate found Zhan Qiyu refined, unassuming, and believed his daughter would like him. His mind was largely made up.
After some pleasantries, the magistrate’s clerk, sensing an opportunity, began to play matchmaker.
“Sir Zhan, are you married?”
They had observed that only three people lived in the house and inquired about Zhan Qiyu’s marital status beforehand, confirming he was unmarried.
At this, Zhan Li’s expression faltered. She had heard countless marriage proposals for her son and was about to intervene.
But the composed young man spoke first, “While I am not yet married, I am betrothed. I plan to marry after the metropolitan examination.”
The magistrate was displeased. He assumed the top scholar was betrothed to some village girl, far inferior to his pampered daughter.
The shrewd clerk simply smiled, “Sir Zhan, since you’re not yet married, there’s still room to reconsider.”
They didn’t bother to inquire about his fiancée, assuming she was unworthy of the top scholar. Having passed the provincial examination, he was destined for officialdom. He was young and his future was bright.
The magistrate had also heard that Zhan Qiyu was a disciple of the renowned scholar, Guan. This needed further investigation, but if true, it would be excellent.
Zhan Qiyu was a prime catch.
Zhan Qiyu realized the magistrate and his clerk were opportunistic, seeking to curry favor. He couldn’t refuse outright and responded vaguely, “Your words are reasonable, sir.”
Satisfied with his tactful response, the magistrate and clerk invited Zhan Qiyu to their home for a visit a few days later. This was, in reality, an arranged meeting; if his daughter approved, the magistrate planned to quickly solidify the match.
After they left, Zhan Qiyu’s expression turned cold. He lacked the power to confront the petty official and would have to use a roundabout approach.
Seeing them off, Mu Jiaojiao asked, “Wasn’t the magistrate trying to arrange a marriage?”
She looked towards the doorway, teasing, “Brother Zhan, you have so many admirers.”
Her laughter lightened the mood. Everyone knew Zhan Qiyu’s affection for her except, perhaps, her.
Even Shancha noticed something. While he was aloof, he was clearly different towards Mu Jiaojiao. She thought she was oblivious, but Mu Jiaojiao was even less perceptive.
Zhan Qiyu glanced at the smiling woman, slightly frowning. “Do you want me to go?”
This unexpected question puzzled Mu Jiaojiao. “Brother Zhan, go if you want, don’t if you don’t. Does my opinion matter?”
The unromantic, wooden young man was left alone with his family, full of questions.
After the magistrate’s visit, many more visitors arrived daily: wealthy merchants, minor officials, and even the Qin family.
Zhan Li’s hands ached from serving tea, and her face was stiff from smiling.
Zhan Qiyu initially made appearances, but later avoided them, claiming to be away. Everyone who came was seeking to marry him.
But the Qin family’s visit surprised Zhan Li. Qin Zhou shi, accompanied by the pregnant Chen Xing’er, arrived. Chen Xing’er was Zhan Qiyu’s cousin; they hoped for a marriage between their families.
Chen Xing’er had been married to the Qin family for months and learned of Qin Feng Hang’s impotence after the wedding.
She was relieved, believing the Qin family would now cherish her. The Qin family was indeed kind, largely due to her pregnancy. Chen Xing’er ate three meals of bird’s nest soup a day and had gained significant weight.
Though Qin Feng Hang was impotent, he still enjoyed beautiful women; Chen Xing’er’s increasing weight made him dislike her more. He sought medical treatments to cure his impotence.
It seemed that birds of a feather flock together. Upon hearing that her cousin had topped the provincial examinations, Chen Xing’er immediately suggested a marriage within their families to her mother-in-law. Qin Feng Hang also had an unmarried sister, Qin Feng Wei.
Qin Zhou shi agreed, thinking it was a good idea. She was enthusiastic until hearing of the many marriage proposals for Zhan Qiyu, and hurried her visit.
Upon Chen Xing’er’s arrival, Zhan Li was unhappy.
“Oh my, we’re practically family. My late visit is so inappropriate.”
Qin Zhou shi noted the humble dwelling, but inwardly looked down on the widow. She was lucky to raise such a successful son, allowing her a comfortable retirement.
But the widow, Zhan Li, responded: “Xing’er, you’ve certainly gained weight.”
Chen Xing’er was displeased, believing it was a sign of good fortune.
Qin Zhou shi found the widow unsophisticated, wondering how she could raise such a son. If her daughter had such a mother-in-law, she’d be embarrassed.
She became more amiable, “Qiyu isn’t home?”
After waiting for a while, she saw Zhan Qiyu emerging from the house, closing the door and heading to the hall.
Chen Xing’er, seeing her handsome cousin, felt a flutter in her heart.
She coyly called out, “Cousin, I miss you so much.”
Qin Zhou shi felt her veins throb; Chen Xing’er was openly hitting on her son.
She mentally made a note, planning to deal with Chen Xing’er after the birth of her child.
Zhan Qiyu ignored her and strode towards the main hall.
Chen Xing’er, somewhat embarrassed, followed him.
Seeing the handsome young man, Qin Zhou shi was impressed. She never imagined a village woman could raise such a fine young man. He had a bright future.
“This is your son! He truly has extraordinary bearing.”
Qin Zhou shi gave Chen Xing’er a look to proceed.
Chen Xing’er didn’t want her cousin to marry anyone else, but thought it would be nice to see him occasionally to ease her longing.
After drinking tea, she began to talk about Qin Feng Wei.
“My sister is an exceptional talented woman, her poetry is highly praised, and she’s beautiful. Cousin, you’ll surely like her.”
She spoke until her voice was hoarse, but Zhan Qiyu remained unmoved.
Chen Xing’er was flustered, “Cousin, what do you mean?”
Zhan Qiyu responded, “Thirty-eight.”
Qin Zhou shi and Chen Xing’er were puzzled.
Zhan Li explained, “Many marriage proposals have arrived recently; you are the thirty-eighth.” She was outwardly resigned, but inwardly pleased.
Qin Zhou shi’s face darkened, about to retort, when Chen Xing’er stopped her, “Mother, calm down, cousin is joking.”
Turning back, she continued, “My sister is different from other noble ladies. Cousin, please meet her. Grant me this favor.” She pretended to be on the verge of tears.
Zhan Qiyu gave her a strange look, then calmly said, “Fine.”
______________
Recommended Reads
