Chapter Thirty-One: The Child of an Old Friend

“All right, we’re here.” Gan Sui hopped down from the carriage, then helped Banxia alight as well.

They moved to the city today, accompanied by Lin You and Tian Defu. Banxia hadn’t wanted Tian Defu to come; his family’s rice harvest was incomplete, and Huiniang was heavily pregnant. So, when Banxia went to deliver a gift for the baby, she also bid them farewell. Unexpectedly, early this morning, Tian Defu was waiting at their door, insisting on helping them move. Unable to refuse his kindness, Banxia and Gan Sui brought him along.

Banxia unlocked the door. “That steward Gao is quite the talent; you can tell these new things are of excellent quality.” She set down her belongings and examined the newly purchased kitchenware and other items.

“Let’s get these washed and put away quickly; Brother Tian needs to get home,” Gan Sui urged her.

Banxia hurried to work, and by noon all was in order. On their first day in the city, Banxia reserved a table at the nearby restaurant to treat Tian Defu, bought some pastries, and arranged for a carriage to take him back.

With Gan Sui now in the city, he felt obliged to visit his senior, so he bought some gifts and went to Wang Xiaoshan’s house, while Banxia stayed behind to put the house in order and see what else was needed.

Only after her chores were done did Banxia notice the usually lively Lin You reading quietly by the window—could he have been possessed by a new soul? She washed some grapes and brought them to him.

“Here, take a break. Studying isn’t something to be done all in one sitting.”

Lin You put down his book as she approached, picked up a grape, but only rolled it between his fingers, his thoughts elsewhere.

“Banxia, am I pretty useless?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, I’ve always lived in the county, and almost everyone who saw me praised me. I always thought, aside from being bad at studying, I was the best at everything else. But a few days ago, my father took me to Qingyun Academy. For the first time, I saw my father put on a fawning smile, bowing and pleading with others. I really…” Lin You covered his face with his book. Banxia patted him gently; sometimes, silent companionship is the most precious comfort.

Meanwhile, Gan Sui arrived at Wang Xiaoshan’s door and knocked. The same young servant opened it, his face beaming, “Sir, you’re here! Please, come in!”

Gan Sui looked at him with a half-smile and handed him half a tael of silver. “A tip for you.”

The doorman, however, was flustered. “Sir, I was wrong before, I shouldn’t have…”

“Here’s a word for you: If you’re meant to serve, then do so properly. Don’t act like a snob who looks down on people—lest you turn into a dog yourself.”

The servant wiped his brow. “Thank you for the lesson, sir.”

Gan Sui was ushered to the main room and served tea. Before long, Wang Xiaoshan appeared. “Done with your errands, junior?”

“Yes, all settled. I came specially to pay you a visit.”

“We’re brothers in learning, there’s no need for such formality—and you’ve brought so many gifts!”

“Just some local produce, as long as you don’t mind.”

“Master was just talking about you today. Why don’t we go visit him at the academy?”

“If you’d be so kind as to lead the way.”

The two set off to see the head of the academy, who was sitting by the pond fishing. Seeing Gan Sui arrive, he called out, “Come, let me have a look at you. Why can’t I catch a single fish today?”

Gan Sui picked up the rod. “Master, there’s no hook on this line.”

“Like the old sage Jiang fishing—only those who wish to, bite.” The headmaster looked perfectly satisfied with himself.

Gan Sui: …

“Does Master crave fish? My wife makes a fine pickled fish stew—would you care to try some another day?”

“That little girl can cook? Why wait? Let’s have it today—I’ll dine at your place tonight.” The old man grabbed Gan Sui and was about to leave when Wang Xiaoshan interjected, “Master, Lord Niu wishes to pay his respects and has reserved a place at Crane Pavilion for you this evening…”

“I’ve eaten at Crane Pavilion eight hundred times, I’m sick of it! That old fox just wants me to accept his son as a disciple. I already have my last disciple, I’m not interested. I won’t go. If you made a promise, solve it yourself; I’m not getting involved.”

Gan Sui had no wish to meddle in their squabbles. Spotting a dirty bucket nearby, he took it to wash, and just as he did, a fiery red koi leapt into the pail. The old man chuckled, “Now that’s a willing fish! I’m going to show Old Chuan—this one’s my catch.”

“I’ve already seen it. Stealing the glory for a student’s accomplishment—aren’t you ashamed?”

“He’s my disciple. Once a teacher, always a father. Can’t a father use his son’s things?” The headmaster looked obstinate.

“I’ll not argue with you—you old rogue. Nephew, I hear you’ve built a dragon-bone waterwheel.”

“It’s not due to my efforts alone, Master. It’s something known to our predecessors; I merely chanced upon it in a book.”

“This is like catching fish—both a matter of fate. Fate let you discover it, and you’ve saved countless lives in the southwest. That’s a great deed. Are you planning to sit for the examinations next year?”

“That is my intention.”

“The bureaucracy is like walking on thin ice; you never know when you might fall through. Have you thought it through?”

“These things are much like eating fish. Sometimes the bones hurt, but the meat is delicious and keeps you coming back. Whether it’s youthful recklessness or wild dreams, I still want to see the world for myself.”

“That’s good. The young should have dreams, have ambition…”

“You keep monopolizing my disciple. If you’re so capable, find one of your own. Come on, disciple, let’s go eat fish.”

Wang Xiaoshan excused himself to attend to other matters, so only the headmaster and Mr. Chuan went together.

“Shall I call for a carriage, Master?”

“No need, no need. A walk in the cool woods will do us good.”

The path from the academy was swept clean every day by the students, with birds chattering in the leafy shade. Along the way, the headmaster quizzed Gan Sui, and for the first time, Gan Sui realized that this seemingly frivolous old man was truly learned; every casual remark was rich with allusion and worthy of reflection.

“Your foundation is still a bit thin,” the old man said after questioning him.

“You’re right, Master,” Gan Sui accepted with no hint of shame.

“But it’s enough to deal with those old men. They don’t deserve to read good essays anyway. Give them something proper and they’ll think it’s a masterpiece.”

Gan Sui had no comment.

“Have you ever traveled far?”

“Not yet.”

“That won’t do. Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. The knowledge in books can be covered in half a year. In half a month, I’ll be going on a study tour. Come with me and see more of the world.”

Gan Sui had no choice but to agree.

“Nephew, don’t resent it in your heart. That lonely old man doesn’t understand, but I do. Newlywed, with a lovely wife at home—it’s hard to leave. But remember, a man must be upright and strong, and that comes from seeing the world and weathering storms. Life is long; if you only care for fleeting moments of intimacy, your vision will be too narrow.”

Gan Sui said nothing, and soon they arrived at Banxia’s house. From a distance, Banxia saw her teacher and Mr. Chuan approaching and hurried to welcome them in.

“This courtyard is nice. Your senior didn’t hold back.”

“It’s all thanks to Master’s kindness.”

“No need for pleasantries. Master wants fish, so I brought him here.”

This was a chance to deepen the bond between teacher and student. Hadn’t Huang Rong once served a feast to Hong Qigong, who then taught Guo Jing the Dragon-subduing Palm? Banxia naturally hoped the headmaster would teach Gan Sui more.

“How about a hot pot? I just had Steward Gao get us a divided pot—we could have pickled fish in clear broth on one side, and spicy fish in red broth on the other. What do you think?”

“That sounds wonderful! Hurry up, little girl, the old man is waiting to eat.”

“It’s still early. Why don’t you chat with Gan Sui, and I’ll go buy the fish.” Taking some silver, she headed out, with Lin You following, “I’ll go with you.”

“What for? Do you know who’s inside? That’s the headmaster of Cloudhidden Academy, and the other is a former chief minister—men of vast learning. Listen to me, go in, listen and observe; Gan Sui will help you.” With that, she pushed him in. “Gan Sui, Lin You is our guest—see to him as well.”

She left at once.

Gan Sui understood Banxia’s intentions instantly. Lin You was truly their closest friend in this era, and Gan Sui was happy to help him.

“This is the son of our magistrate, Lin You.”

“Oh, Lin, is your father Lin Changshan, successful candidate in the sixteenth year of Guangwu?” Mr. Chuan suddenly asked.

“My father is indeed Lin Changshan, though I’m not sure which year he passed the exams.”

“And your mother’s name is Shang Zhi, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir, you know my parents?”

“Of course I do. I never imagined I’d see the son of an old friend after so many years without word. Why, I even held you as a baby.”

“Ah, I don’t remember that.” Lin You scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.

“Of course you don’t. When I held you, your feet weren’t bigger than my palm. Is your father still so afraid of your mother?”

“…Well, he does respect her quite a lot.”

“I suppose he’ll be henpecked for life. Back in the day, if we stayed out late, he’d go home and kneel on the washboard of his own accord—hilarious!”

Overhearing his parents’ embarrassing stories was… something.

“Are you planning to study at Cloudhidden Academy?”

“No, no, my studies are poor, but I’m decent at martial arts. I’m going to try for the military exam. I can’t get into Cloudhidden, so I’ve registered at Qingshan Academy nearby.”

“Your father went to pull strings, didn’t he?”

“Mmm.” Lin You nodded, guilt-ridden.

“Don’t mind them. Over at Qingyun Academy, they demand silver and put on airs all the same—always looking down their noses. Now, are you willing to put your heart into your studies?”

“Of course. My father has worked so hard for me—if I don’t try, all his efforts would be wasted.”

“Good. A prodigal son who turns back is worth more than gold. Would you like to be my disciple?”

“Me?” The pie falling from the sky was too big; Lin You was stunned.

Chuan Yun thought he was unwilling. “It’s fine if you don’t want to, I understand. I’ve been away from officialdom for years and my learning can’t compare to Master Ye’s. If you’re unwilling…”

“I do! I’d be honored… I’m just afraid I’m too dull, that I’ll disappoint you…”

“Ah, like mother, like son. Your mother was a bit daft back then; looks like you take after her.”

Well, to criticize the son is to jab at the mother—how awkward…