February is over before anybody knows it. The weather gets warmer around March and
April, and You Miao makes two rounds through the estate every day. He’s well and truly out of
money now, gotta make the twenty silver Qiao Jue gave him last for an entire month before
anything’s ready to be harvested.
You Miao still wants to build a dyehouse and a silkworm room, and all sorts of other
interesting looking things too, but the complete lack of funds forces him to put it all on hold for
now. He passes the time flipping through books, going outside to read when the weather’s nice,
and taking care of their rapeseed field together with Li Zhifeng when he doesn’t feel like reading.
The rapeseed flowers bloom across the whole field as far as the eye can see right when
spring arrives, and the beekeepers come take up residence at the estate around late spring.
The four hundred mu of land behind Shen Garden stretching all the way downhill are all planted
with rapeseed; Cheng Guangwu and everyone else in the manor tend to half of it, while the
tenant farmers help take care of the other half.
April, late spring, and the over two thousand mu of rice paddy are lush and green. You
Miao flings his book in boredom, whining, “Ay, there’s nothing to do at home.”
Li Zhifeng is in the middle of stirring the coal and lighting up the stove to heat water, and
says, “Isn’t that a good thing? You’ll just complain about being tired if there is something to do.”
You Miao rolls his shoulders with book in one hand as he says, “I’m bored of just sitting
home reading all day, find me something to do.”
Li Zhifeng replies, “I have nothing to do either.”
You Miao can’t stand being idle, unlike Li Zhifeng, who can just sit under the roof and
zone out for a whole day when he has nothing to do. You Miao suggests, “Let’s go horseback
Li Zhifeng is, of course, happy to go along with his wishes. “Sure, you pick the place.”
You Miao thinks for a moment, Yangzhou City? Jiang Prefectural City? Actually, forget
it—he knows he’s gonna want to spend money in the market if they go out, and there really isn’t
much money left to spend, just twenty silver to feed this many people for so many months.
“Nevermind, let’s just stay put,” You Miao mumbles dully. “I wonder how Zhao Chao is
He hasn’t heard from Zhao Chao since he left on that campaign to Goryeo at the start of
spring. According to the refugees that came to You Miao, the situation up north is getting less
and less stable every year, so much so that it’s hard to make even a basic living. More refugees
might be fleeing here to Jiangnan with their entire families in tow soon.
You Miao can’t fall sleep at night after doing nothing all day. He’s actually pretty envious
of the people doing manual labor, eating plenty and sleeping well. Now that it’s summer, his own
Li Zhifeng offers, “I’ll teach you archery.”
You Miao was just looking for something to do to move about a bit. He happily agrees
and calls over a bunch of servant boys, lining them up in a row before the archery target board
to learn how to shoot from Li Zhifeng.
Li Zhifeng’s archery skills are masterful and deadly precise. He can shoot from the front,
back, while running, even on horseback, and never misses. Starting then, You Miao’s daily
routine becomes reading in the mornings, riding and shooting practice with Li Zhifeng in the
The days go by, and the rapeseed flowers are all fully grown. You Miao designs a
bamboo pipe oil press for the rapeseed, and jar after jar of canola oil starts to pile up. Qiao Jue
makes a round through the Yangzhou, Liuzhou, and Suzhou Prefectures with the oil and makes
a net profit of three hundred thirty five silver, and there’s still the honey stored in the cellar too.
You Miao takes out an amount to be paid out as wages and splits the rest fifty-fifty with Qiao
Jue, immediately feeling more confident with a hundred fifty silver in his coffers. The soil is still
fertile after the rapeseed harvest, so You Miao heeds the advice of some veteran farmers, tills
the couple hundred mu of rapeseed field, and plants peanuts.
But he still can’t spend any of this money—gotta build a granary first, and buy things like
grindstones and sieves, not to mention feed the thousand-some people until the harvest in
You Miao curbs his playfulness to properly study and practice martial arts. He’d more or
less learned some things before, back at the Capital, and now manages to absorb some more
from all the reading he’s doing at the estate. It’s early summer now and the entire Jiangnan
region becomes sweltering. Luckily, Shen Garden is next to the river, with cool breezes drafting
over time and again. Together with all the hundred year old trees in the garden, the place makes
for a surprisingly good hideout from the heat, and whenever it gets too hot, You Miao would go
sit in the bamboo forest to read.
Another letter comes from Zhao Chao, the first in four months. The letter is only a couple
lines long, briefly telling You Miao that he’s on a campaign at Goryeo, and that the situation is
more arduous and difficult than he’d thought it would be.
The letter goes on to talk about how hundreds died somewhere, how there was an
ambush somewhere, and how they had won a major victory somewhere, and so on. You Miao
doesn’t really understand what it all means, so he calls Li Zhifeng over and asks him about it.
“Mount Khuanmar is the boundary line between the Goryeo people and the Yuanlang
clan,” Li Zhifeng says as he draws a rough map on the paper. You Miao asks, “Are you
Quanrong people still in that region?”
Li Zhifeng answers, “When I was still in the tribe, I heard there was a branch of the tribe
that often roamed around Mount Khuanmar, and that they’ve been expanding in recent years.”
You Miao nods. After all, with Zhao Chao going off to war, it won’t have nothing to do
with the Quanrong. So he hands him the letter. “Here, take a look.”
Li Zhifeng finishes reading the letter, and is silent for a long moment.
You Miao asks, “They’ll win, right?”
Li Zhifeng doesn’t answer, getting up instead and walking over to the edge of the
bamboo forest. He gestures You Miao over, then uses a bamboo branch to draw two mountains
and a river on the ground, saying “They’ll get to Mount Khuanmar around late July, early August,
and past there is a large stretch of wetlands. Once it’s summer, the wetlands will turn into a
marsh, and it’ll be extremely difficult to march an army through.”
You Miao leans in from the side and studies the drawing seriously. Li Zhifeng continues,
“Zhao Chao’s surroundings are actually very dangerous, it’s just that he didn’t say it in the letter.
Once the supply line is set up around autumn, it’d be best to strike quickly and conclusively, else
if it drags on into the winter, I’m afraid the entire army will be done for.”
You Miao murmurs, “It’s that dangerous?”
Li Zhifeng tosses the bamboo branch aside and says absently, “The King of Goryeo is
seventy three this year, it’ll depend on whether he takes to the battlefield himself.”
You Miao lifts his head and looks at Li Zhifeng. “And if he does?”
Li Zhifeng gazes back seriously as he answers, “If he does, then Zhao Chao will lose.
The court has vastly underestimated Goryeo’s military strength; Goryeo may be a small country,
but forty two years ago, their king waged war against the Wusun clan and won every single one
of the seven battles fought, driving the Wusun out of their territory altogether. Why else,
considering the Quanrong clan’s fighting prowess, would the situation with the Goryeo have
been at a stalemate or this long?”
You Miao nods, thinking about what to write back to Zhao Chao. But he knows little of
strategy and tactics, and also can’t infer Zhao Chao’s battle style from the few words he wrote.
After racking his brains for a while, he turns to Li Zhifeng and asks, “What do you think Zhao
Chao should do in order to win?”
“To win, the first thing is to not drag it out,” Li Zhifeng says, washing the teacups at the
side while You Miao leans on the table, watching him with his head tilted.
Li Zhifeng contemplates for a long moment, then continues, “The longer it drags on, the
more variables will arise. And if the battlefront gets too long, it’ll be easy for the Goryeo and
Quanrong to infiltrate and ransack the rations. Once winter arrives, some are bound to freeze to
death. On top of all that, if the court delays his funds, defeat will be unavoidable.”
You Miao says, “What would you do if you were Zhao Chao?”
Li Zhifeng: “If it was me, I’d ally with the Quanrong and strike together. The enemy of my
“Mn,” You Miao says, “the Great Qi just wants the Goryeo to surrender and stop making
trouble at the border anyway.”
Li Zhifeng says nothing to that, but continues after a pause, “The leader of Quanrong’s
eastern mountain division is named Sayedo, very filial to his mother. His mother is the only
woman who travels with the Quanrong tribe, and is also very calculating. If Zhao Chao can
manage to take her as godmother, that might resolve your Han army’s predicament.”
You Miao: “How could he possibly just go and take someone else as godmother?”
Li Zhifeng explains, “The Quanrong customs are different from Han customs. Since the
children don’t stay with their mothers, the men always have their sons take something as
mother. Some take the mountains and rivers as their mother, others the snow wolves,
something auspicious to protect the children from dying young.”
You Miao writes down what Li Zhifeng has told him in his letter back to Zhao Chao, a
thousand miles away on the battlefield.
The weather gets hotter still, and You Miao hardly even wants to go outside, only
stepping outside to look around the land in the evenings. It’s June now, and the tenant farmers
have begun to tend the paddy sprouts. You Miao has gone to survey the fields once and is a
little worried about the early season rice harvest, but the old farmers assure him that the soil is
good and the first half of the year has been good weather for the crops, so the harvest certainly
You Miao checks over a couple ears of the rice with an air of seriousness, using all that
he’s learned from the books. It might not be the three hundred catties per season nine hundred
catties a year scenario like he’d thought, but a hundred-some catties per mu of land shouldn’t
be a problem at least, enough to eat even if there isn’t much money to be made there. He
makes a trip to Yangzhou at the start of June, and finds that all the scholars there are talking
about how the Prefecture Exam this year has been moved up to June, so You Miao sorts
through his books and gets a last bit of cramming in to get ready to go write the Prefecture
The Prefecture Exam is three days long. You Miao is lazy by nature, but since coming to
Riverwave Estate, he’s discovered that he can’t actually do much of anything aside from
Him? Work the land? No way. Back when they pushed him to study all day, he only liked
to laze about and play around instead, wandering about here and there, doing anything but
actually going to school. But now that there’s no one pestering him, all he feels is restless and
wanting to find something to do. Might as well study up and go write the imperial exams after all.
First of all, thinking of Zhao Chao, You Miao wants to be of some use to him.
Secondly, he can’t exactly just go on like this. Sure, Shen Garden’s not bad, and Li
Zhifeng is great at his side as well, but he doesn’t want to just sit at home all his life.
So he’s been using these couple of months to read in preparation for the exam. No one
knows why the Prefecture Exam got moved up by two months in all the regions this year; some
people think it’s because they’re going to be holding the Grace Exams next year, while others
say it’s because the border is unstable and the court is short on people. There are all kinds of
theories flying around, and no one knows what’s what.
Qiao Jue makes a trip to Jiang Prefectural City and slips some silver across some
counters on behalf of You Miao, telling them that he’s already a Xiucai. Those people naturally
already know who You Miao is, and are happy enough to let him come take the Prefecture
Exam in June, saying that Sunshower Jade Estate has also already sent someone to have a
friendly talk30 with the administrator of the Prefecture Exam for him. Upon hearing that, You Miao
figures that You Han’ge will probably be there too—but he’s only studied for these few months,
who knows if he can even read the Three Character Classic31 yet.
Sixth of June, and You Miao rides into Jiang City with Li Zhifeng. It’s hot and stifling,
with a rainstorm brewing in the skies above. The exam hall is packed full of people, with Xiucai
from counties and villages all over Liuzhou Prefecture gathered and chatting amongst
themselves. You Miao stands by himself under the eaves, watching the dark clouds above.
“Ready?” Li Zhifeng asks.
You Miao responds, “It’s just the Prefecture Exam, it’ll be a walk in the park for me.”
Li Zhifeng starts laughing and reaches out to pinch You Miao’s cheeks. You Miao
side-eyes him and says huffily, “What’s so funny.”
Li Zhifeng shakes his head and can’t help smiling as he says, “You’ve changed a lot in
“Have I?” You Miao wonders absently, but thinking back, he does seem to have changed
somewhat. Just when did he start to slowly change? He mulls it over for a while, then says,
offhandedly, “It’s cause you’re always with me, must be your influence.”
The You family’s horse carriage stops outside the Prefecture Exam hall, and a pair of
bookboys help You Han’ge down. You Han’ge steps into the hall and asks something; You Miao
is stunned at seeing him—he really is here for the exam?! Didn’t he only just start learning his
letters late last year? He couldn’t even read all the writing on the wall when he came to visit at
“Didi!” You Han’ge comes over with a smile and a greeting. “I knew I’d see you here.”
It was Qiao Jue who’d smoothed the way for You Miao to write the Prefecture Exam,
although Sunshower Jade Estate had put in a word for him as well; You Miao doesn’t really feel
like splitting hairs. He says, “You’re here for the exam too?”
You Miao thinks it funny to even see him at a place like this. You Han’ge is bashful as he
says, “My mom taught me a bit before, so dad said I might as well come try, just to see what it’s
You Miao is truly impressed by the old man and this cheap dge of his, mentally
grumbling you’ve only got six months of learning letters under your belt, if you can qualify like
31 三字经 [Three Character Classic] 13th century reading primer consisting of Confucian tenets in
that, then what’s even the point of everyone else studying. But then he realizes that that’s not
it—the old man’s got nothing but money; if he just throws some money at the exam graders,
won’t You Han’ge easily qualify?
You Miao’s entire face darkens at the thought. At least You Han’ge himself doesn’t look
You Han’ge has a bookboy take out a wooden box. “Here, gege got this for you.”
You Miao takes the box and, seeing how expectant You Han’ge looks, can’t bring himself
to be cross with him. You Han’ge always been giving him stuff ever since he left home, be it
money or little things like these. He opens the box to find a Yixing tea set inside, with a teapot
and four cups made of purple sand.
“I didn’t bring you anything…” You Miao says a little awkwardly, but luckily the exam hall
rings the bell just then, and all the Tongsheng start to filter in one after another. From the other
side, You Han’ge yells, “Didi! Good luck!’
You Miao nods and steps into the exam hall. Stopping just outside, Li Zhifeng says,
You Miao grins and walks over to Li Zhifeng, squeezing him in a hug. The exam proctor
comments from the side, “Is your ge here for the exam too?”
You Miao points with his thumb at Li Zhifeng outside as he responds, “My ge is the one
You Miao takes out paper and brush, and the proctor produces a bamboo tube from his
sleeve, handing him the wax-sealed exam question before leaving and locking the door behind
him, officially starting the Prefecture Exam.
Zhang Er is registered as a resident of Jiangnan, so his Prefecture Exam location is at
the Yangzhou Government Office, while You Miao and You Han’ge, who are registered at
Jiangbei, write their exams at the Jiang City Government Office. The exam is three days in
length, eating relieving and all that are all done in the exam room, which provides all the living
necessities, with food being delivered from the outside through a little window. There’s always a
bowl of steamed egg with You Miao’s meals, though he has no idea where Li Zhifeng’s getting
The Prefectural Governor of Liuzhou personally comes by every day during this period
and makes two rounds through the exam hall. He comes to a stop outside You Miao’s exam
room once and asks Li Zhifeng a couple of things, which Li Zhifeng answers tersely.
Three days later, the doors to the exam hall open, and each of the Xiucai’s emerge,
looking sallow and exhausted. You Miao himself looks to have lost weight, and he grumbles,
“Let’s get outta here… it’s home time.”
You Han’ge is pushing through the crowd to come over again to say hello, but the exam
hall is a rowdy mess, so You Miao waves at him, “No need to come over! We’ll talk if we bump
Li Zhifeng grins, “How was it? Think you can pass?”
“Of course I’ll pass.” You Miao replies, “You should ask if I can rank top in all three levels
“What was on the exam?” Li Zhifeng asks.
“The way of ultimate wisdom is the manifestation of absolute integrity.” You Miao replies.
“Don’t get it.” Li Zhifeng says.
“Ay, I didn’t think you would. It’s Han philosophy, the first verse of “The Way of Ultimate
The two chit chat about nothing important as they return to Riverwave Estate, and
discover it’s Zhang Er who’s come back first ahead of them, so You Miao brews a pot of tea in
the study, discussing the exam questions with Zhang Er. After that he stops caring about it, only
waiting for the day the results come out now.
You Miao has studied in the Imperial College at the Capital before, and back then the
professor regarded highly of the school of Rationalism33, being one of the great confucian
scholars of the country. You Miao never really liked the set put together by Zhu Xi34, and couldn’t
help but clown around during every class. Yet now when he thinks back on it, while he didn’t
agree much with what the professor had taught, his words are still very useful when it comes to
The way of ultimate wisdom is the manifestation of absolute integrity. How You Miao
interprets it is in order to achieve erudition, one must exemplify morality; “act after careful
32 The Way of Ultimate Wisdom or the most direct translation The Great Learning by Confucius. It
is a chapter from the Book of Rites, and formed one of the Four Books of Confucianism. The Four Books
were selected by the Neo-Confuscian scholar Zhu Xi during Song Dynasty as the foundational
introduction to Confucianism.
33 Lixue - Rationalism is a neo-confuscian school of philosophy that is greatly regarded in Song
Dynasty. Neo-Confucianism is founded on the principles of Confucianism but with the removal of Taoist
and Buddhist superstitions and mysticism.
34 Zhu Xi is the founder of Lixue, and the most influential Neo-Confusian in China.
consideration”, this is how Zhu Xi had explained it. Zhang Er however, understands it as in order
to learn35, one must self-cultivate integrity. The two debate the meaning of the text for a while,
and feel each has their own reason.
You Miao jokes, “Your version is right too. If both of us can pass, then we’ll have two
Zhang Er smiles helplessly, “Young Master will definitely pass. As for me, I best stop
dreaming and go help harvest the crops.”
T’is harvest season, and the rice crops are drooping heavy with grain. The second day
You Miao returned, everyone in every single tenant household of the whole estate have moved
out, wearing straw hats and harvesting rice under the scorching sun. The sheafs of rice are
piled high like a small mountain. You Miao is adamant in going to check it out, one, it’s his very
first harvest as a landlord, second, there’s rent to be given to him in all of that.
In the next five to six consecutive days, You Miao wears coarse fabric shirts, mingling
alongside the tenants, and spends every meal at a different household, sidling along as he ate.
The farmers built a straw hut by the side of the fields, and when they see You Miao and Li
Zhifeng coming, they all get up to greet them in smiles.
After harvesting crops once, the entire body is covered in cuts after coming out of it;
spending three days soaked in sweat, arms all red with cuts, even the neck is bitten by bugs.
You Miao followed along and inspected two hundred mu of land, his entire person so sunburnt
he’s lost a layer of skin. Finally, all the land in the estate has finished reaping, and the farmers
begin threshing, dragging oxen and donkeys to the threshing field to compress, pushing the
grain from their shells, then sending it to be grinded.
It’s as if the entire estate is celebrating a festival for this very first harvest. A
hydro-powered grinder is constructed next to the water canal, so even the donkey is saved.
There are farmers using the large waterwheel to grind, and others who are gathered by the
water canal, waiting to use the grinder You Miao constructed.
From the moment the rice seedlings were planted, You Miao has been asking
incessantly how much catty can be harvested how much catty can be harvested, asking for over
three months, so much that everyone wanted to die. Until finally, brown rice is weighed, and
every household start to haul bags and bags of rice over the large scale before the manor, that
You Miao sighs a breath of relief.
35 As per previous footnote, the most direct translation of the title of this work is The Great
Learning, and Zhang Er is deriving his analysis from the word “Learn” directly whereas You Miao is
analyzing through a more literary sense.
“EVERY MU OF LAND PRODUCED A HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR CATTY! GOOD
GOING!” You Miao shouts, “Your house collected the most for this year’s early harvest!”
Chatters erupt from the crowds all around, many staring enviously at that burly man, and
the burly man sighs, “It ain’t easy eh, Young Master. Gotta get up before the sun’s up to toil for
good returns, I’ve got elders and young’uns at home to take care of.”
“For those who produced above a hundred and twenty catty per mu,” You Miao decides
and announces to the tenants, “I’ll only take four parts rent.”
The cheers of the tenants explodes like thunder. You Miao never mentioned this
beforehand, and now that he’s said it, there are households who rejoice and households who
mourn, and so the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. You Miao closes the books and
smiles, “Don’t be lazy, lighten up, there’s the late harvest still. Now that all the grain has entered
the granary, keep it on mind, and go build your houses.”
Sacks and sacks of rice enter the granary, and that night, after You Miao closes the
granary door and does a full count, there is a total of forty-two thousand catty of grain harvested
from three thousand two hundred and twenty-four mu of land, and just his rent alone is twenty
thousand catty, all collected from tenants who paid up early, and delivered to You Miao’s house
in full gratitude too. If he sells all this rice, he can make close to four hundred silver.
But You Miao doesn’t want to sell the rice yet, so the grain will stay stored for the time
“I feel better that way.” You Miao laughs.
“Poverty got to you, that’s all.” Qiao Jue says, “But people need to experience being
poor sometimes. Those who've never been poor live like they’re missing something.”
In the heart of summer, the cacophony of insects sound, and You Miao and Qiao Jue sit
under the big tree in the yard to stay cool. Poverty has indeed gotten to You Miao, recollecting
on how back at the beginning of the year he was so poor he would break a coin in half to use as
two if he could. Supporting thousands of people using that couple hundreds of silver, those are
days he never want to relive again.
Fortunately, the most difficult part is over. In a few days the peanuts can be harvested
too, and Shen Garden transforms into a money-making field all of a sudden. A few hundred mu
of peanut fields, the peanuts can sell for at least a hundred silver.
You Miao’s abacus is clacking furiously, there’s finally some money. He’s going to save
up all of his own grain, it won’t sell for much anyway, and the yield from both the rapeseed and
peanuts is enough to pay for Shen Garden’s entire year’s expense. Thinking back on how he
once wastefully spent in the Capital, the silver going out in tens and twenties, and that the entire
estate’s farmers working hard for a full year, selling all of the grain, isn’t even enough to support
what he spent in a month, You Miao is full of mixed emotions.
Li Zhifeng comes walking in from the outside, a letter in his hand and he stops
underneath the lantern to read, and the red glow illuminates the profile of his handsome face.
“Whose letter is it, let me see?” You Miao asks, “There’s someone who’d write you
“It’s yours.” Li Zhifeng says, then hands him the opened letter right after, and You Miao
takes it casually, thinking if it can draw Li Zhifeng’s attention then it’s probably something that
relates to Quanrong, so it’s more than likely Zhao Chao’s letter.
Of all in the world there is only You Miao who disregards etiquette like this, permitting the
housekeeper to just open letters as he will, and when he glances at the letter in question, it’s
The Third Prince going on war expedition with the army, there are naturally advisors by
his side, and the one leading is also Nie Dan, so You Miao can guess that Zhao Chao wouldn’t
be waiting for them to mention all the analysis Li Zhifeng gave of the situation months ago.
However, those customs in regards to Quanrong that You Miao wrote in his letters still helped
The letter still talks of the current war situation first. The summer brought many
consecutive thunderstorms to Mount Khuanmar, and the army of the Great Qi has sunken into
mud puddles, unable to move forward nor retreat, and the most troublesome is the food
supplies couldn’t be released. Zhao Chao’s letter is full of helplessness, and couldn’t help but
lament his lack of people in the imperial court.
Presently, the central government is prematurely pulling food supplies from all the
prefectures of Jiangnan in order to aid the troops north of the border, but who knows when they
At the end, Zhao Chao wrote a long paragraph talking about the state exams—— that
the Prefecture Exam is fast approaching, and You Miao must study hard and write properly, so
in the future when You Miao enters the Capital he can help him feel the pulse.
This letter should’ve arrived in Jiangnan in April, but was delayed on the road, and this
year’s exams also moved up in dates, so if those trivial things didn’t happen, then Zhao Chao’s
letter would’ve come right on time. But, without the need for his reminder, You Miao had already
attended the Prefecture Exam, and while he carried a more careless and casual mindset at first,
now that he’s thinking about it seriously, it’s true that to be a man, one must work properly and
do great things instead of stuffed at home all the time.
Days later, the results of the exam are released in Jiang Prefectural City. When You
Miao gets up in the morning, he yawns, then sits listlessly inside the main hall, turning towards
Li Zhifeng, “Why don’t you go take a trip and go check the results?”
“Mn.” Li Zhifeng brings his porridge up then wipes his hands, and You Miao adds, “Might
as well check and see if that cheap dge of mine passed too.”
Qiao Jue is still sleeping in the back, and as the two eat, someone comes to visit.
“Aiyoh, congratulations, Young Master!” A granny with a handkerchief pinched between
her fingers comes trotting over the moment she gets off the carriage outside Shen Garden’s
front entrance, shouting “Congratulations, congratulations! Congratulations Young Master
Outside, Cheng Guangwu has only just gotten up too, and when he sees this person
running without manners he is instantly outraged, shouting, “WHAT WITH ALL THIS RACKET?
IS SHEN GARDEN A PLACE YOU CAN JUST INTRUDE?! GET OUTTA HERE!”
That granny only urges in a high pitched voice outside, “YOUNG MASTER NEPHEW!
OLD MASTER ER HAS SENT ME TO CONGRATULATE YOU! YOU’VE GOTTEN JUREN!”
You Miao glances outside, then exchange a look with Li Zhifeng, both of them not
knowing whether to laugh or cry. Li Zhifeng places his chopsticks down and is just about to go
outside when You Miao says, “Well, that makes life easier. You don’t need to run to Jiang
Prefectural City anymore.”
“I’ll go give her a red envelope grant36.” Li Zhifeng says.
You Miao grunts, feeling a little proud inside. He passed just as expected, now let’s see
what the old fart has to say. Li Zhifeng only just left to get money when that granny starts
shouting outside again, “YOUNG MASTER NEPHEW GOT JIEYUAN37! THIS IS THE FIRST
TIME IN OUR QIAO FAMILY, EH!”
36 It’s tradition for those who bring good news to be rewarded with a money grant, and for extra
good news such as passing the exams or promotion, anyone who comes to congratulate in the first
minute can also get a small reward.
37 First place in the Prefecture Exam.
When You Miao hears this he instantly topples his bowl, and exclaims like he’s still
dreaming, “WHAT? WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”
In the back, Qiao Jue has risen too. That granny is indeed someone sent by Qiao Zhang
to deliver news; turns out the exam results already came out in Jiang Prefectural City the day
before, and it just so happens Qiao Zhang was visiting a friend in Jiang City. The entire street
was talking about the You Family of the Sunshower Jade Estate, and the little young master of
the You’s got Jieyuan! The moment Qiao Zhang heard he knew this is incredible news, and
hastily sent someone over to congratulate first while he himself returned to Yangzhou to change
Jieyuan is the first place of the Prefecture Exam. This year, there are more than three
hundred people writing the exam in Liuzhou, but You Miao’s essay is the one appointed first
place. All of a sudden You Miao’s feeling a little light-headed.
Qiao Jue on the other hand is eyes wide and mouth open shocked, he didn’t even put on
shoes, standing there in bare feet. He was stunned for a long time before he bursts out
laughing, “We’ve got a Juren in the house!” Then he wobbles back insanely to grab money to
Good on You Miao for remaining calm still, but his heart is thumping in his chest, and he
turns to that granny, “What about my dge?”
That granny chuckles, “He passed too. Sunshower Jade Estate is so happy right now
they’re speechless. Two Juren’s in one family! Elder Young Master You takes the estate on that
end, but Young Master Nephew is one of our Qiao Family…”
Of course You Miao understands what that granny means, but You Han’ge having also
passed actually makes You Miao a little upset. No doubt father spent money to buy that title.
Hopefully his Jieyuan wasn’t bought too.
After receiving two red envelopes, that granny sits down inside to drink tea. Li Zhifeng is
only standing outside in the corridors gazing at him with a smile, and You Miao’s expression is
changing rapidly, looking indiscernible.
“What is it now?” Li Zhifeng asks.
“I’m just afraid that this Jieyuan is also a title bought by my dad.” You Miao says.
“You’re thinking too much.” Li Zhifeng says. “If your dad has so much money, why
wouldn’t he buy that title for your ge first?”
You Miao en’s, and when Qiao Jue re-emerges and hears this, he also adds, “Did you
think this Jieyuan can be bought with money? All the first place examinees for each Prefecture
Exam will need to have their names registered when they enter the Capital! Even if your dad is
rolling in riches the Prefectural Government wouldn’t dare to take money so easily to appoint
you. If they’re not careful they’ll lose their positions!”
Li Zhifeng adds, “You’ve worked hard studying in this past half year. Do you not believe
You Miao spins that in his head and thinks, that’s true too, and so he becomes happy
again. He sits back down to eat more breakfast, but he’s not really hungry, so he starts to pace
back and forth inside the main hall with a smile on his face. Qiao Jue hasn’t gotten over his
excitement yet, and speaks up, unable to hold back, “This is great, Miao-zi. Xiao-jiu has been
waiting for the day you’re able to hold your head up high, this is great this is great…”
You Miao goes over to hug Qiao Jue, and the two stand there in silence for a bit, and it’s
Qiao Jue whose eyes grow red first, looking to have remembered You Miao’s mother.
A moment later You Miao loosens his hold, then goes to hug Li Zhifeng. The corners of
Li Zhifeng’s lips twitch for a while, a rare display, and he coaxes, “Alright, alright, I’ll buy you
candy.” Then, with a stiffened body he drags You Miao off.
You Miao has just eaten breakfast, so Li Zhifeng brings over new robes for him to dress,
and just as they are heading out to set off firecrackers, visitors have come.
The first to come is the Lieutenant of Yangzhou’s Military Defense Bureau. After Tang
Hui left a while back, a new general by the name of Huang has replaced him, and he’s using
this occasion to come acquaint You Miao. Following right after is You Han’ge who’s come to
congratulate You Miao. In You Han’ge case, he’s seen the exam results himself in Jiang
Prefectural City the day before, and send a boy attendant home to deliver the news while he
himself came to Riverwave Estate.
You Miao doesn’t know how he feels about You Han’ge right now, and You Han’ge only
hangs congratulations off his lips, never speaking a word of how he himself has gotten Juren
too. Everyone knows internally what’s going on, but no one broke the facade.
After that it’s the Village Chief of Guozhuang and the Village Chief of Anlu.
After noon is past, Lieutenant Huang leaves, and You Han’ge speaks up, “Didi, dad
wants you to make a trip back home.”
You Miao still has the fight from that Yuanxiao night on mind, so the moment he hears
this he scrunches up his face, “We’ll see.”
You Han’ge continues, “We’re both students under the examiner now. Now that we’ve
gotten Juren, we have to go pay a visit to greet Teacher.”
You Miao does know this is a rule; family affairs is family affairs, but he still needs to
know the importances and priorities of things outside, and so he replies, “I can go by myself.
You Miao eyes him, knowing You Han’ge wants the two of them to go together. They’re
brothers after all, visiting the examiner separately doesn’t look good either, “...You just find a
time to come over, and we’ll go together.”
Only then does You Han’ge nods, but just as he is taking his leave, the County
Magistrate of Peixian County actually shows up himself.
Now this is truly giving You Miao a huge face, this is the very first time You Miao receives
a County Master in his own home. The Village Chiefs inside the main hall both hastily rise to
bow to the Magistrate, and the moment that Magistrate enters he chuckles, “The Jieyuan of our
Liuzhou has come running over to Yangzhou to farm the fields, now what do I tell the others.”
Laughter fills the hall, and You Miao and You Han’ge then quickly greets the County
Magistrate with the etiquette of a nephew. You Miao jokes, “Doesn’t half of this land still sit in
“Well let me ask you, Nephew You.” The County Magistrate asks teasingly, “You’re still
one of our Liuzhou, right?”
“But of course.” You Miao smiles apologetically, and beckons the Magistrate to take the
head seat, then goes to retrieve tea, brewing a pot for the guests. Everyone knows very well in
their minds that the parent official38 of Peixian County would personally come not for the fact
that both You brothers have gotten Juren, but because You Miao has been appointed Jieyuan.
In other words, getting Juren isn’t hard, but it’s the one who’s appointed Jieyuan whose future is
bright, and a young talent that even parent officials must acquaint.
That County Magistrate says a bunch of things, most of it being reminding You Miao to
go greet the examiner. After all, getting Juren makes one the student of Liuzhou’s Bureau of
38 Local officials are called parent officials because they watch over the local people like one
Personnel, and things must not be muddled. Plus, all the Jurens of the same hometown should
The moment You Miao hears he gets a headache, guessing that this must be You
Dechuan knowing his rebellious son wouldn’t be returning to the estate, so the Peixian County
Magistrate was asked to come over to talk on his behalf, and there’s nothing You Miao can do
but listen. Soon after, Qiao Zhang comes to pay a visit too, bringing Madam Bai with him. You
Miao is practically in tears but with nowhere to cry; it’s the first time in his life that so many
guests have shown up at home, and there’s not even enough teacups to go around.
That day, when time is getting a bit late, You Miao is already prompting mentally for them
to leave, why are you all still hanging around here, are y’all trying to get a free dinner off of me?
Thankfully the Peixian County Magistrate leaves first, then both Village Chiefs of Guozhuang
and Anlu take the leave as well. Qiao Zhang on the other hand, is bilking around refusing to
leave, and another person shows up at the door.
You Miao quickly calls out to him, “You’ve come right on time. Give a hand and butcher
that goose the old Village Chief gave outside, we’ll eat that for dinner.”
Zhang Er puts down his sack, acknowledging he’s heard from outside the door. He
usually works around Shen Garden along with the other boy attendants, so everyone takes him
for a playmate, and so Cheng Guangwu asks him, “Yangzhou’s exam results are out too. How’d
“I passed too.” Zhang Er replies, “In a few days I was hoping to ask Young Master for
some tea leaves to go greet the Teacher.”
You Miao is still talking to Qiao Zhang inside the main hall, but when he hears this he’s
immediately taken aback, and comes out running, “Zhang Er, you passed?!”
Zhang Er aye-d in response, running around with Mu Yan chasing that goose
everywhere, but now the entire Shen Garden has exploded, everyone running out to
congratulate Zhang Er. You Miao waves at him, “C’mere, c’mere, don’t worry about that goose!”
Zhang Er laughs, “As long as I’m here in Shen Garden, Young Master can still take me
You Miao understood him and laughs, “Very well, very thoughtful of you. Let’s eat dinner
together though, and let me congratulate you!”
The news of two Jurens birthed from Riverwave Estate has shaken all of Yangzhou
Prefecture. That night, after You Miao’s had dinner, he chats with Zhang Er til deep into the
night. Although Zhang Er has gotten Juren, he still appears poor and humble, having not even a
courtesy name. You Miao’s courtesy name Ziqian was given by Qiao Ke’er, he just doesn’t use it
often. The meaning of if taken from: The best of virtue is like water; water benefits all but does
not compete. Such is the virtue of humility39. Thinking it over, You Miao gives Zhang Er a brand
new name called Zhang Wenhan, and also the courtesy name Mohuai40.
The next day when You Miao gets up, there’s more people coming to visit to
congratulate him. This time it’s the County Magistrate of Yangzhou Prefecture’s Anping County.
Originally, You Miao is a citizen registered in Liuzhou, so even if he is appointed Jieyuan it has
nothing to do with Yangzhou. However, Anping County has a Juren Zhang Wenhan living in the
manor, and so the County Magistrate has come to pay a visit. This time You Miao appears much
more mature than his age. After all, Anping County’s Magistrate isn’t close with his own father
You Dechuan, but is acquainted with the You Family of Yangzhou, and so when they conversed,
the tones are much more familiar.
On the morning of the third day, uncles and cousins from the You clan of Jiangnan have
come to congratulate, and taking the chance to check out You Miao’s estate while they’re there.
This continues on for ten consecutive days, the number of guests who come and go are
practically flattening his threshold. He’s so tired of dealing with this that he’s ready to shut the
Things finally calm down a bit after ten days, and You Miao simply takes all the boy
attendants of the entire Shen Garden out to harvest peanuts, slapping a slip on the door that
says “Jieyuan isn’t home!”, and if guests come, he’s making Zhang Wenhan deal with them all,
while he dusts his own ass off and flees.
39 A line from The Classics of Virtue and Morality by Laozi.
40 Both are scholarly names.
By the time You Han’ge comes to visit again, half a month has already passed.
You Miao is just in the middle of learning how to pull out peanuts; when everyone else
next to him pull, they can pull out a long string including the roots, but the way You Miao yanks,
the stems on the top just snaps, leaving a bunch of peanuts still buried underground, how
infuriating. And now You Han’ge’s come searching for him in the fields, shouting, “Di! We’ll have
to travel to Jiang Prefectural City for the next couple of days!”
Only then does You Miao remember the whole greeting the examiner thing, and can only
clap his hands clean, shaking off all the dirt on him, and shouting in the other direction, “LI
Li Zhifeng straightens up and gazes at him from between the fields. You Miao shouts,
“TO BUY WHAT?” Li Zhifeng yells back from the other end of the field.
“NOTHING!” You Miao yells, “MY GE CAME TO FIND ME SO WE CAN BOTH GO INTO
The moment those words come out, You Han’ge immediately looks awkward, but You
Miao isn’t wrong. The point of them going into town is to play cute, what else is there? The
reason why You Han’ge keeps coming to visit must be because You Dechuan is forcing him,
since You Han’ge doesn’t know how to deal with officials at all, and wouldn’t know how to make
himself likeable to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Personnel. There’s no way You Dechuan
would personally bring You Han’ge to pay visits, so he can only have the elder son come find
the younger son, for no other reason than to have You Miao take care of his older brother.
Li Zhifeng comes over, and You Miao first enters the main hall with the intention of
changing, but then he changes his mind, “What did the old man have you bring to go pay visit?”
“I’ve two cases of the best Sunshower Jade Qingfeng.” You Han’ge says, “Take a look,
With only a single glance and You Miao can tell it’s tribute stock, a case like this is worth
a minimum fifty silver. He takes one of the cases and says, “Call Zhang Er over.”
The boy attendant outside the door goes off to pass on the message. Ever since Zhang
Wenhan became a Juren he’s still staying in You Miao’s home, and You Miao still makes him
tidy the study, helping around with errands. Zhang Wenhan is also enjoying himself, not asking
for anything else. When he comes in, he first bows to You Miao, “Young Master.”
Then he nods at You Han’ge, “You-xiong.”
You Miao passes him a case with tea, “You’ve got the gift for visiting the examiner now.
You Miao opens the case to show Zhang Wenhan, and instructs, “The box is packed
properly don’t spill it, all the tea leaves in here are tribute grade goods.”
Zhang Wenhan takes the case and nods, and You Han’ge questions, “Then didi, what
“Li Zhifeng, go pack two gunny sacks full of the peanuts we just collected, and we’ll go.”
Nonetheless, peanuts are one thing, a finer gift still needs to be prepared, so You Miao
grabs another two jugs of wine but doesn’t bother changing his attire. You Han’ge speaks up,
“Di, you can’t be going dressed like this…”
“Ay.” You Miao blows him off, “You don’t get it. Let’s go let’s go.”
You Miao is dusty and covered in mud, and Li Zhifeng is also only wearing a brown robe,
the two of them hopping onto the horse just like that, and even if You Han’ge has complaints he
daren’t speak them, and can only follow You Miao go down to the river to board the ferry,
heading to Jiang Prefectural City.
The two give their name cards at the Sun Residence, and immediately a housekeeper
comes out to welcome them, “Which one of you is the Jieyuan41 of Liuzhou?”
You Miao is still wearing a straw hat for blocking the sun, and he stuffs a broken silver in
that housekeeper’s hand, and the housekeeper immediately smiles, “Lord Sun has been waiting
41 Rank first in the Prefectural Exams.
“There’s been some things at home that I couldn’t get away from.” You Miao says, “I
should’ve come to pay Teacher a visit a long time ago.”
“And this one is…?” The housekeeper inquires.
You Han’ge immediately responds, “I’ve also passed the exam this year. You Han’ge
from Sunshower Jade Estate.”
You Miao adds, “He’s my older brother.”
The housekeeper understood, and says, “Come with me, brothers.” Then he leads You
Miao and You Han’ge inside. Li Zhifeng has two sacks of peanuts in his left hand and two jugs
of wine in his right, and when the housekeeper brings them to the side chamber of the main hall,
You Miao tells Li Zhifeng to follow along and go drop off the things in the kitchen.
After announcing them in the main hall, the housekeeper comes out directly and says,
“Lord Governor and the Old Master are just talking, and when they heard you have come, they
You Miao nods and follows the housekeeper to go in, and signals You Han’ge with his
It’s just some time past noon, and Liuzhou Prefecture’s Commissioner of the Bureau of
Personnel Sun Yu and the Prefectural Governor Hai Muyang are just having tea and chatting,
so You Miao has come at the best time. When he and You Han’ge go in, they first bow to the
Prefectural Governor, then kneels and kowtows before Sun Yu, respectfully addressing him as
The two sees You Miao is covered in dirt and find it extremely amusing, and Hai Muyang
asks, “Why is Nephew You covered in mud?”
You Miao lets You Han’ge take the head guest seat while he himself takes the second
seat on the right, smiling, “The estate just finished collecting peanuts. I’ve brought two sacks full
of home-grown peanuts and two jugs of Champion Reds for Teacher.”
You Han’ge receives the eye signal, and very respectfully presents the tea, “Father has
also instructed student42 to prepare some tea, pray Teacher will receive it happily.”
42 It’s etiquette to refer to oneself in third person and indicate the lower status when speaking to
one higher in authority/hierarchy to show respect.
“Good. Good.” Sun Yu strokes his beard and nods; he’s over fifty some this year. Half a
month ago he was indeed the Chief Examination Officer who patrolled the Precture Exams, and
Hai Muyang also made a couple rounds everyday routinely.
“Your father was infamous throughout Liuzhou, Yangzhou, and Suzhou regions back in
the day.” Hai Muyang says with a smile, “And now he’s attained such huge estates to support
you two in serious studies, pass the exams to acquire a title, you can say one of his wishes are
You Miao nods repeatedly, knowing full well that what this governor meant by “infamous”
might not be a compliment. After all, his old dad has caused a number of strife that men of
books are no longer strangers to.
Sun Yu doesn’t mention the Prefecture Exam, and the group of them only briefly made
pleasantries. You Miao says, “Before I was born my mom bought me a manor. It’s not a huge
place but quiet and peaceful, right next to the river. If Teacher and Lord Hai wouldn’t mind
visiting Shen Garden, then when Autumn comes student will naturally clean and await your
“I’ve heard.” Sun Yu says, “Lu Fangweng’s garden. It’s a nice place, but don’t end up
falling into slothish pleasures all day.”
“Of course not.” You Miao sniffs in amusement, “I only hope the Capital will begin the
grace period soon so we can travel to the Capital for the Interview Exam, study and serve the
“You You Clan has such a large business enterprise, even if you don’t study, there’s
enough assets to support five to six of your future generations.” Sun Yu says.
You Han’ge quickly replies, “Dad always lectures me that we must survive on our own
means, and not just hang on to the ancestors’ lands to pass our days.”
“Very good, that’s the spirit.” Governor Hai says, “You Miao, I’ve read your essay. It’s
Sun Yu and Governor Hai exchange a look, the two of them seeming to share a tacit
understanding. You Miao can’t read them so he only nods obediently, and responds with humble
declines. Governor Hai then adds, “I didn’t think you’d know of the common livelihood at first,
but now that I’ve met you today, it seems you enjoy getting your hands dirty and do things
yourself. Very good that you carry this attitude.”
“Don’t praise him too much, now.” Sun Yu chides.
Governor Hai chuckles, “I’m simply here to check out your students. I’ll take my leave
Governor Hai rises to bid farewell, and the brothers You Miao and You Han’ge quickly
get up too to send him off, following after Sun Yu to see him out the door. When Sun Yu returns
again, his expression is a bit unreadable, and doesn’t speak for quite a while.
“How much does ten kilograms of rice cost this year?” Sun Yu asks languidly after a
Even You Miao hasn’t expected he’d ask this question, and You Han’ge is even more
perplexed. A moment later, You Han’ge answers honestly, “Student is ashamed. Student doesn’t
While You Han’ge followed his mother to make a living for many years, he’s never
managed the family finances, so all the purchases for rice and oil were all done by Madam
Wang herself. You Han’ge only handled taking the money while conducting their small
businessnesses, so he doesn’t know anything else.
You Miao calculates mentally for a moment; ten kilos of rice is twelve catty, one catty is
eight coins, and so he answers, “A kilo of rice is approximately ninety-six coins. The harvest
wholesale price this year is ninety coins, and the market price is a hundred.”
Sun Yu nods slowly. You Miao is quiet for a moment, then speaks up, “Let me brew a pot
“Go wash your hands in the water basin down the hall first.” Sun Yu commands.
You Miao smiles and goes off to wash his hands. After he’s gone, Sun Yu turns to You
Han’ge, “Your essay doesn’t compare to your little brother’s. You need to put in the hard work,
and study seriously for several more years. “Ten years by the freezing window”43 isn’t an
experience that can be bought with money.”
Sun Yu doesn’t hold back with his words at all, and You Han’ge can only nod, his
forehead starting to sweat. How can his exam scroll be considered an essay? It’s clearly You
Dechuan’s money! And Sun Yu continues on, “If you are only seeking for plentiful living in
Liuzhou, and have the tenant farmers respectfully address you as Old Master Juren
43 An idiom describing years of painstaking studying. It’s very difficult to pass the Prefecture
Exam, as there are limited slots for passing each time, and only hundreds out of hundreds of thousands
are able to pass. Thus, in ancient times, it’s not strange for a Xiucai to have studied for decades, his
entire life even, and not manage to reach Juren.
everywhere, then this is enough. If you want to try for a title, then you’ll need to study for
“Yes sir.” You Han’ge nods, “Teacher is right.”
Sun Yu adds, “Your father on the other hand, certainly is very learned, and often
socializes with the scholars of Liuzhou. If you have the time then go meet with them, familiarize
yourself with them. The Lin Family of your Peixian County also has a newly approved Juren,
he’s the nephew of Peixian County’s Magistrate. You can befriend him and others alike.”
“Teacher’s instructions will be heeded.” You Han’ge says.
You Miao comes back in after washing his hands, and takes the seat right next to Sun
Yu matter-of-factly. He rolls up his sleeves to start brewing tea, and Sun Yu gives him a look,
“And you. You’re outstandingly smart.”
You Miao is excellent at reading a person, and in a few short lines he can tell Sun Yu
favours him. But there are different types of favouring and different ways of responding to them,
and so You Miao starts to chuckle softly, trying to think of something to say. In the end, he only
responds with “Student doesn’t deserve this praise.”
The corners of Sun Yu’s bearded lips twitch. You Miao pours the tea and signals with his
eyes, and immediately You Han’ge gets up to respectfully pick up the teacup to offer to Sun Yu.
Sun Yu casually takes the tea without sparing a single glance at You Han’ge, and puts it down
after having taken a sip. He gives You Miao a look, appearing extremely amused, “Your father’s
You Han’ge isn’t used to crossing fires on the political stage, so when he hears this he’s
completely in the fog. You Miao however, understands perfectly. The moment Sun Yu saw him
squint his eyes he knew this was all planned by You Dechuan.
Jieyuan coming to pay a formal visit and bringing along with him the brother who bought
the Juren title, Sun Yu rarely ever runs into something this hilarious in his life. You Miao only
smiles helplessly, not saying a word.
“You’re smart.” Sun Yu places the empty cup by the corner of the table, and taps his
fingers a couple times, his gaze moving to the yard outside. “But frivolous and impatient in
character. You will need to grind and train in order to achieve great things. What are your plans
You Miao thinks for a moment then answers, “Nothing in particular. Live in the estate for
the time being, study behind closed doors, then we’ll see in a few years.
Sun Yu nods, “And after that? Do you plan on staying at the estate for the rest of your
You Miao contemplates the question for a moment, then responds respectfully, “I want to
cultivate self discipline, bring order to the family, govern the state, and conquer the world.”44
“And how does one govern the state and conquer the world?” Sun Yu questions.
You Miao knows that Sun Yu is now starting to test him, and he must absolutely not give
a wrong answer at a time like this. He spends a long time ruminating the question and Sun Yu
doesn’t rush him either, sitting there drinking his tea in leisure.
The silence lasts for a long time.
You Miao finally speaks, “The foundation of world governance is people; to govern the
world is to govern the people. Those who have the hearts of people have the world.”
Sun Yu doesn’t give his approval, nor does he refute this statement. A long while after
“And what about you?” Sun Yu turns to You Han’ge.
You Han’ge replies reverently, “Show respects to the parents, take care of didi. You
Han’ge knows himself to be dull, I daren’t have other imaginations. Father is also making
student study in order to widen my perspectives and properly manage the family business.”
“You’ve reached the stage of bringing order to the family and stopped.” Sun Yu’s beard
twitches, and a moment later he nods, “But what you’ve said is correct too. Filial piety is the
most important of all virtues; there’s also the saying that if one cannot sweep one’s house, one
cannot sweep the world. It’s already rare that you should think thus.”
You Miao is feeling nervous, his heart lurching, wondering if his answer is maybe too
grand, and he watches Sun Yu’s expression carefully. However, after Sun Yu finishes that pot of
tea, he turns to You Miao, “I won’t keep you both.”
You Miao knows this means the visit is over, and quickly rises with You Han’ge to bid
farewell. Sun Yu adds, “If you have questions about your studies, things that confuse you, come
over and ask, but you can leave the tea next time. You Miao, you can come often.”
44 修身、齊家、治國、平天下。A shortened version of a paragraph from The Great Learning
of the Book of Rites by Confucius. A good explanation of it here.
You Miao sighs a breath of relief inwardly, and the two brothers quickly bow to show their
thanks then take their leave. After they get out the door, You Han’ge says, “I’ll have to go home
to report to father. Why doesn’t didi come back with me?”
“No.” You Miao replies seriously, “Don’t hurry off, let me tell you something, and this’ll be
me having completed my duty for the old man.”
The two stand in the street outside the residence, and You Miao explains, “What Teacher
meant is we can come pay visits diligently if there’s anything.”
You Han’ge nods, “Yes, of course I’ll come frequently.”
You Miao doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and further explains, “You didn’t get it.
Teacher wants you to study first. All those trivial nothings, like if you don’t recognize a character
or something, there’s no need to run over to ask him. Only come visit to request for guidance on
questions that regular book teachers can’t answer. One is one, two is two45, don’t be afraid to
show your hand. He already knows perfectly well what our cards look like after reading through
You Han’ge nods to indicate he understands.
You Miao was going to explain a bit more, but then he changes his mind and thinks,
whatever, it’s not like You Han’ge’s end goal is to become an official anyway. You Dechuan
doesn’t have plans to make him become an official, and is only paying for the Juren title. The
estate will have more a reputation if the eldest son has some status, that’s all. And so You Miao
says instead, “Go back and ask the old man, and just obey whatever it is he has in store for
“What about you?” You Han’ge asks, “Let’s go back to the estate together?”
“Nah.” You Miao replies, “I’m gonna stay a night here in Jiang Prefectural City. You go on
You Han’ge’s left, leaving just You Miao and Li Zhifeng. Li Zhifeng asks, “We going back
“We haven’t finished talking.” You Miao replies, “I’ll have to visit again tomorrow to keep
playing cute. Come, let’s go stroll through the markets and shop around.”
Li Zhifeng has the horse’s reins in hand, and the two stroll once through the markets,
buying a few small things, both food and stuff that can be used, and wrap a full bundle onto a
45 Be honest and don’t hide.
cart. That night, You Miao spends it in Jiang Prefectural City. The next day, he gets up right at
the break of dawn, and goes to stand outside the Sun Residence.
When the housekeeper first opens the door and sees You Miao, he’s a little bewildered,
but then he soon understands and smiles, “Wait inside. Old Master hasn’t risen yet.”
Thus, You Miao enters the side chamber of the main hall, and indulges by himself. Li
Zhifeng is standing by his side to serve him, and You Miao drinks tea by himself, picking up “The
Book of Songs” that’s tossed to the side and flips through it, gesturing for Li Zhifeng to drink with
It isn’t until early before Sun Yu rises. As two maids are brushing his beard, he learns
You Miao has been outside waiting since dawn, and nods, pleased, then instructs the
housekeeper to serve You Miao breakfast. The one senior and one junior sit together in the
main hall after breakfast is done, and only today does You Miao start to talk about the essay,
and begins requesting for guidance.
Sun Yu is a scholar born of Liuzhou Prefecture, and was once an official of the Capital
for ten years. Later he was transferred back to Liuzhou to become the Commissioner of the
Bureau of Personnel, but this post ended up lasting fifteen years. A Jinshi of the third year of
Qingshuo, he’s friends with many of the great confusician scholars of the Capital. During the
Prefecture Exam this time, the moment he saw You Miao’s scroll, it was as if he’s met old
friends. Sun Yu also likes You Miao’s literary character and heart, and so he has personally
given the first place Jieyuan to him.
However, based on You Miao’s accumulated knowledge, he still needs many more years
of studying. The teacher and student conversed for an entire day, and You Miao has gained
greatly, feeling that he can’t screw around like he used to back at the Capital a year ago.
The way of politics, the way of learning, for the country and for the people, as a man
those are things that should constantly be on his mind.
You Miao is very worried about Zhao Chao’s situation, and when the conversation raises
the subject of war with Goryeo, he can’t help but say a bit more, consulting Sun Yu on the issue
of the border. However, the conversation only just starts and both Sun Yu and You Miao are
Sun Yu is surprised that You Miao is actually very knowledgeable of what’s happening
with the army at the border, and what made You Miao surprised was, Sun Yu actually knows
how to fight! The art of war, planning strategies, Sun Yu can analyze everything in logical detail.
“Thirty years ago, at the height of our Great Qi’s prosperity.” In the end Sun Yu sighs in
spite of himself, “Civil servants can hop on horses with bows and arrows to kill enemies, they
can raise their brush and pen appeals. But look at it now. How many young people can do the
same? Can you do it? The imperial court now is full of rotten scholars who are weak in both
mind and body, they only know how to write official essays, but when it comes to war strategies
and positioning soldiers, they know nothing. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have lost so tragically when
facing the barbarians ten years ago.”
You Miao replies, “Student does want to learn things, it’s just, sigh…”
Sun Yu replies languidly, “Of course your teacher I know you want to learn things,
otherwise you wouldn’t have come to visit again today.”
When You Miao hears this compliment, his heart is still somewhat heavy, worry lining his
brows, all seen by Sun Yu. Sun Yu adds, “You want to learn the art of war and stratagem, but it’s
not something to be rushed.”
“What is victory? What is defeat? What are soldiers?” Sun Yu says, “Don’t underestimate
a civil official. A true capable official can replace a million fierce soldiers at the imperial court, do
You Miao seems to have understood something.
Sun Yu adds, “The highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans; the next
best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy's
army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.46”
You Miao is instantly enlightened, understanding what Sun Yu means. This old civil
official is indeed learned, and Sun Yu continues, “The supreme art of war…”
“--Is to subdue enemies without fighting47!” You Miao finishes.
“That’s it exactly.” Sun Yu replies, “From thousands of miles away, if the court can clearly
deduce the situation, there are many battles that don’t need to be fought. Back then at the
Capital, I presented to His Majesty the plan to sow discord between enemies, and if the Goryeo
royals would turn on each other, how would we see Goryeo strengthen to its current glory now,
and find ourselves in such trouble?”
“Teacher, you… You held a post in the imperial court back then?” You Miao asks.
46 The Art of War by Suntzu.
47 Also from The Art of War.
Sun Yu gives a light, indifferent smile, “Teacher is actually banished here to Liuzhou!”
You Miao gets it now. It seems Sun Yu was a high official back in the days, but he
doesn’t dare ask more, and so he only furrows his brows and sighs, “San-Dianxia is off on
expedition, I only hope he’ll return soon in victory.”
“We all wish for the same.” Sun Yu sighs heavily, “But the current Chancellor has made
one wrong move: first, the food rations can’t keep up; second, to pull out the defense troops of
the Yanbian border to go on a long expedition to Goryeo, this really is…”
“Exhausting the people and draining the treasury?” You Miao finishes for him.
Sun Yu frowns slightly and You Miao quickly shuts his mouth. Sun Yu then continues, “In
a little while, the imperial government will most likely give out the order to expropriate food
supplies from Jiangnan to aid military rations. Never mind, time for you to head back, it’s getting
You Miao rises to his feet to take leave, but inquires, “Can I borrow a few books from
“Take as you like.” Sun Yu replies.
You Miao goes to the library and borrows the books, then takes his leave respectfully.
After he gets home and thinks back carefully, he certainly did learn a lot from Sun Yu. And so he
reads the books seriously, then pays another visit. Sun Yu tests him on his studies but scolds
him harshly, reproaching him for being frivolous and restless, and to go home to read again.
“How does one read?” Sun Yu questions, “When you read do you only stop at knowing
the text? Do you not have a single thought of your own?”
You Miao’s forehead is covered in sweat. At first he only wanted to butter Sun Yu up and
play cute, showing that he has finished reading all the books in order to please Sun Yu, then
maybe learn a thing or two. Yet unexpectedly, Sun Yu can see through You Miao’s little plan in a
“Let me just ask you one thing.” Sun Yu says, “The Path is not far from man. When men
try to pursue a course, which is far from the common indications of consciousness, this course
cannot be considered The Path.48 How do you interpret this?”
48 “A line from Doctrine of the Mean, one of the Four Books of Confucianism.
Sun Yu sits down with the book in hand, “Answer freely, I won’t punish you with the
You Miao doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry and ponders for a moment, then says,
“Student believes: The Path is not far from man. When man tries to pursue a course, which is
far from the common indications of consciousness, this course cannot be considered The Path.”
Sun Yu grunts, and after You Miao’s made his pause, he explains, “This course man is to
pursue cannot stray and remain standalone, but is…”
You Miao had thought he understood, but now that the words are coming out of his
mouth, he suddenly realizes he can’t express himself.
“Ho ho.” Sun Yu watches You Miao, chuckling without mirth.
He ponders for another moment, and says, “This is the principle… and in order to put
action to the principle, we must begin with the citizens… implement… within a crowd? The
moment we stray and become singled out, we… I don’t get it?”
Sun Yu holds the book out high, his expression steely dark, almost slapping it onto You
After You Miao finishes this sentence, even he himself feels it’s bullshit that made no
sense, and his face scrunches up, looking like he can’t bear to witness this mess either, shaking
in nervousness as he approaches to take the book.
“Let me ask you another question.” Sun Yu is holding out the book but doesn’t give it to
him, and questions in a solemn voice, “What is The Path?”
“The Path… it’s… the path the path the path…” You Miao knows the Examiner’s
question comes from something within “The Doctrine of the Mean”, so naturally this is The Path
of the Golden Mean. But what is the “Golden Mean”? In truth, the entire book is talking about
the Golden Mean. Once again You Miao doesn’t know what to say.
“The Path that can be spoken of is not the Eternal Path.49” Sun Yu enunciates
49 The Classics of The Way and Virtue or, Daodejing by Laozi. Laozi is the founder of Daoism,
and this is the foundation text of Daoism. The Path, The Way, The Principle, etc are all variations of the
“Right right right.” You Miao says, “This Path can’t be spoken of.”
“Go home and think on it properly! All this half-baked knowledge! Perilous!”
What immediately follows is that book flying over and hitting You Miao squarely on the
And so You Miao can only pick up the book and go home. Sitting in his study, he takes
out a piece of paper, and going by the book, he first copies a few lines, then annotates based on
his own understanding. In the past when he read, he thought he understood, yet now, in
between lines, there are actually many places where he doesn’t get it.
Making him read, he can understand the basic meaning of the text, but if he’s forced to
write, then he’s scratching his head, not knowing where to start, so he can only ask Zhang
Zhang Wenhan thought he understood too, but when he’s facing the paper, he abruptly
discovers he has the same problem. The two debates for half a day, then Zhang Wenhan takes
the books to go consult his teacher in Yangzhou, filling You Miao in when he returns.
The two spend a full ten days before they finish annotating the one book. Hugging a pile
of papers, You Miao goes to visit. Sun Yu is just drinking tea, and doesn’t spare a look at
whatever You Miao’s written, “There’s a case on the top of the shelf in the library. Go bring it
You Miao does as he is told, and when he opens the case, he discovers it’s full of
annotations from the grand confuscian scholars of the previous reign. Instantly, it’s as if he’s
found treasure, and starts to compare them with his own notes. There are still many places
where he doesn’t understand, so he asks questions as he reads. Sun Yu tosses him a book,
and it’s got Sun Yu’s own annotations inside, still fresh with ink, obviously his own
understanding of the book in the past ten days.
You Miao is rendered speechless on the spot, but then he starts to smile in spite of
“What are you smiling about?” Sun Yu questions.
You Miao grins, “I get it, so I smile.”
Sun Yu grunts, “Enlightened?”
You Miao nods modestly, “A little bit.”
“If a man can learn of the right Path in the morning, he may die by sunset without
regrets.50” Sun Yu says, “To comprehend The Path, this is the path.”
“Right right.” You Miao says.
“Now try telling me again, what is The Path?” Sun Yu questions.
The one senior and one junior stare at each other in silence. A moment later, You Miao
says, “Student… is shallow. I still don’t know what to say.”
Sun Yu smiles in satisfaction, “A child can indeed be taught. This old man doesn’t know
You Miao bursts out laughing, indescribably happy. Sun Yu continues, “What Teacher
has written might not be right either. Now look at yourself, see how laughable it is that you think
you can read a book in three day’s time?”
“Yes, yes, student is too arrogant and overestimated my own abilities.” You Miao says.
“Relying on good memory cannot compare to ruining the head of a brush51. From now
on, speak less, write more, and words will flow from your proficiency. After you’ve read a book,
you must recognize that book doesn’t belong to you. It only belongs to you the day you can start
teaching people how to read it.”
You Miao is in complete and utter awe, and ever since then he doesn’t dare to show off
his own supposed cleverness, but instead begins to follow Sun Yu properly, learning how to
learn from the beginning.
Sometimes when Sun Yu gets into it while teaching, he would chuck books, cursing that
the sages speak nothing but bullshit, and sometimes when he reads until he forgets himself, he
would burst out laughing.
Yet now that You Miao is making frequent visits diligently, he’s discovered that while Sun
Yu was banished to Liuzhou, the people who come knocking are endless, and many of these
people all seem to be hoping for the day Sun Yu would rise to power again and return to the
Capital. Sometimes when guests come, Sun Yu would have You Miao stand by the side to
listen. When it comes to topics regarding the state of the imperial court and of the world, You
Miao discovers even more that although Sun Yu doesn’t leave the house, he knows everything
about what’s happening in the world.
50 A line from Analects by Confuscius
51 Hard work over talents
And after the guests leave, Sun Yu would repeat the conversation again, and discuss
and analyze it in detail for You Miao.
Sometimes when Sun Yu feels smothered reading books, he would also play Go52 with
You Miao. You Miao’s skills in brewing tea is second to none in all of Jiangnan, but when it
comes to the art of Go, he’s a nobody, his skills lousy, often giving Sun Yu this old fart a good
However, You Miao is full of the pride of youth, so every time he loses he wants to go
again, and can never hold back in dragging Sun Yu into rounds after rounds. Still, too bad that
his opponent is the teacher, so his only place is receiving scolding. Gradually, when guests
come and play Go with Sun Yu and You Miao stands on the side serving water and tea, You
Miao would stretch his neck and peek. After a while, he still manages to learn a bit of Sun Yu’s
skills, though he’d still lose completely every time.
Until finally, You Miao unintentionally learns from the mouth of the governor that Sun Yu
is actually a national champion! No wonder.
After many thunderstorms, the summer is over. You Miao picks up the brush to write a
letter to Zhao Chao, letting him know that he’s gotten first place in the exams, then includes all
of Sun Yu’s analysis of the current war situation. During the day, other than taking care of his
own fields and learning archery with Li Zhifeng, drinking tea and reading, he’d visit Sun Yu
Sun Yu doesn’t care for Mohist’s mechanical engineering a single bit, and calls it nothing
but “petty tricks”. Not getting the attention he expected plus a round of scolding, You Miao can’t
do much but study and learn obediently before the teacher.
The late season crops have been harvested, and compared to the first season, the yield
has doubled. There was enough fertilizer, the tilling deep, plus the sun in the second half of the
year was good, so before winter, a full forty-five thousand catty of grain is collected! Qiao Jue
does the books for You Miao, and discovers there’s now over a thousand silver in the account.
With this money, You Miao both wants to splurge but reluctant to do so too, and when he
goes to find Qiao Jue to plan, Qiao Jue proposes, “Miao-zi, I’ve got a plan actually. How about
we open a rice shop in Yangzhou City?”
“Do we have that much rice to sell?” You Miao asks.
52 Strategy chess game, modeled after war strategies
“Yangzhou’s property is easy to get at the moment.” Qiao Jue says, “Only eight hundred
something silver and we can set up four storefronts facing the streets, two houses…”
“EIGHT HUNDRED SILVER!” You Miao wails, “That’s robbery! NO! I worked so hard in a
year and only made a thousand!”
“But this is a business of money growing money.” Qiao Jue explains, “Once you’ve set
up this business, in the future you can open a rice shop, an oil shop, a honey shop… a tea
shop, everything’s been thought through…”
You Miao gives it a thought and realizes that’s true too. Instead of letting middleman
grain and tea merchants profit, it’s better if he opens up shop to sell the goods himself. That
night when he goes back, he pulls Li Zhifeng over to talk about it some more, but Li Zhifeng only
“It’s your money.” Li Zhifeng says, “Your call.”
“Ay, aren’t we in this together? What do you think?” You Miao presses.
“Then open up shop.” Li Zhifeng replies, “Qiao Jue is an intelligent man, trusting him
You Miao doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry; when everyone else is making decisions
they do so based on the issue, but Li Zhifeng bases his decisions on the person. As long as
he’s accepted the person they can do no wrong. However, when You Miao thinks about it
carefully, that has its reasons too, so in the end he still grants Qiao Jue the permission and
gives him two hundred silver.
Winter passes and spring comes. This year, You Miao is dead set on not going back to
Sunshower Jade Estate, so he might as well cut ties directly. Then, when the spring season
begins, he recruits another hundred something tenant farmers from Suzhou Prefecture, and
manages to lease out eighty percent of Riverwave Estate’s land.
The second year, You Miao begins to attempt growing three seasons of rice, but
unfortunately the heavens do not fulfill the wish of man, and the Jiangnan region is still not warm
enough, so he can only go back to growing two seasons. At the same time, Qiao Jue’s tea
plantation is growing too. Tea trees don’t produce good teas in their first year, but picking still
needs to be done, and so Qiao Jue hires over twenty tepicking girls to come to Jiangbei. Tea
of the highest grade can’t be so easily picked, it needs to be sofly plucked from the tips of the
branches with the soft lips of a girl. Then tea is sieved, stirred, fermented, and baked, going
through innumerous processes. After going through much struggle for its first year, in the end
only nine catty of tea is produced.
You Miao doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this nine catty of tea, but Qiao Jue
chuckles instead, “Not bad, this is the first harvest. None of the tea trees are fully grown, this is
“What can this bit even do!” You Miao exclaims.
Qiao Jue replies, “Our tea is a tael of leaves for a tael of silver, count that yourself, that’s
at least a hundred and fifty silver. Stuff like tea is all quality over quantity, the less there is the
greater its value. Let those rich nobles and officials have a taste, and have them think all the
other teas are bland after tasting ours, then we’re good.”
You Miao tries a sip of that oolong, the fragrance certainly is thick, and in that richness
has a trace of astringency. After tasting, there’s a sweet aftertaste. That bit of astringency is
probably due to the fact the leaves were only just stored, and haven’t aged enough to lose the
light bitterness of green tea. Give it another few months and the flavour should be properly
Another year passes. In the thirty-fifth year of Qingshuo, You Miao spends a sum of
money and builds two suspension bridges connecting Riverwave Estate to both the north and
south shores. By the time rice is harvested in both the spring and autumn seasons, You Miao
has hundreds of dan of grain in storage, becoming a true oil-dripping rich little landlord.
Naturally, the first and fifteenth of every month, a visit to seek education from Sun Yu
can’t be skipped. As days go by, You Miao gradually realizes that the man Sun Yu really isn’t
anybody simple. He’s adept in both the brush and the sword, thoroughly versed in the Four
Books and Five Classics, but his temperament is also very peculiar and unpredictable. There
are times when You Miao would get lazy and not study for three to nine days, and Sun Yu would
actually punish him by having him kneel in the courtyard for six hours, from lunch all the way to
Under Sun Yu’s guidance, You Miao has read a huge amount of books, not just
confuscian philosophies, but also histories and classics. When faced with the vast sea that is
the book collection of the Sun Family, You Miao sighs deeply that maybe he’ll never get through
them all in this lifetime.
However, after having read every single book, compared to when he was at the Capital,
he’s learned much more thoroughly.
In the two years Zhao Chao has only sent five letters, all of them talking about the war
front, making it obvious just how hard it is for the army to march in a land of blowing snow. Until
finally, in the spring of the thirty-sixth year of Qingshuo, the imperial court finally receives its first
Right at the start of winter the year before, the barbarians had started to encroach the
northern border more frequently, so the Emperor of the Great Qi could only pull Nie Dan out and
have him defend Hebei. A hundred thousand soldiers were pulled out, but another hundred
thousand were replaced for Zhao Chao, only, they were all new recruits.
Come spring, the King of Goryeo personally came to the war front, and upon the
battlefield, two hundred thousand soldiers of the Great Qi and one hundred thousand of
Goryeo’s army fell into stalemate. There was an urgent need for rations, so the imperial court
ordered to expropriate food supplies from the four prefectures of Jiangnan Liuzhou, Suzhou,
Jiaozhou, and Yangzhou in order to aid the frontlines. However, this is a difficult problem for the
governors of the four prefectures; in order to make to the amount demanded by the central
government, they will need to have the landlords sell their grain at a low price, and so they can
only send out expropriation decrees, informing all the great clans of the Jiangnan region.53
After Sun Yu finishes reading the letter, he doesn’t speak for a good while. In the end, he
“Sir, there’s no one in Jiangnan willing to release food supplies right now, what should be
53 Each local government has their own storage of supplies, but when they can’t make the
numbers required by the central government, they will need to buy from the local landlords. This is the
same for tribute goods as well as other things.
Sun Yu gives You Miao a long, meaningful stare, and a moment later, he questions, “Are
you going to take the lead in donating the supply?”
“What do you mean, take the lead?” You Miao replies, “My friend is at the frontlines, isn’t
war the business of the entire country?”
“If you have the mind to follow a career of being an official, then you should know you
can’t stand with the Third Prince’s faction.” Sun Yu says, “And if His Majesty cares even a little
for this son, then he would never have thought to send him to the frontlines.”
“But what they’re fighting for is our homeland! SIR!” You Miao cries.
You Miao is no longer the same person he was two years ago. He’s learned much more
of contemporary politics and affairs in the current imperial court, and through Sun Yu’s
education and guidance, he’s now able to see things much farther, and knows that all of the
imperial court are hoping Zhao Chao would lose.
The moment Zhao Chao is defeated and returns to the Capital, peace can be
negotiated, but this Third Prince will never see the light of the sun ever again. If the Emperor
really did have plans to have Zhao Chao go and establish himself, test his abilities, then in this
situation, if Zhao Chao returns defeated, he can only put his tail between his legs, settle down
honestly, and never be qualified to fight with the Taizi ever again.
“From your standpoint,” Sun Yu asks, “What should you do? From the nation’s
standpoint, what should be done? You should know, after having been taught by Teacher in
You Miao nods in silence. He knows it all, but he also knows that at the bottom of his
heart, Sun Yu also supports donating food supplies. A man should put the country first, and the
self second. Sun Yu was also a tough bone back then, which was why he lost the position as an
official of the Capital, and banished to Liuzhou to be a powerless Commissioner.
That day, when You Miao gets home, he donates a hundred thousand catty worth of
grain. The moment the word gets out, all the big households of Liuzhou start to debate heatedly;
some following after You Miao and donate, some only watching and observing on the sidelines
In the end, the four prefectures are able to very arduously put together five hundred
thousand catty of food supplies to be sent to the Capital.
But Zhao Chao’s war front still doesn’t have any new developments. You Miao responds
to his letter but doesn’t mention the thing with expropriating food supplies, and only talks about
Sun Yu’s analysis of the war. When another year passes and spring comes once more, the
news Sun Yu received from the imperial envoy is: Zhao Chao lost.
Zhao Chao lost completely and utterly. There wasn’t enough food supplies and the
soldiers mutinied, then there was a sudden ambush by the Goryeo King. Nearly half of the two
hundred thousand soldiers were lost, and the broken army fled back to behind the checkpoint at
the border. Chancellor Li is getting on in age, so Li Yan goes beyond the border on behalf of his
father to negotiate peace. One hundred thousand silver is to be paid, thousands of silk to be
yielded, and all four cities of Guandong is to be surrendered to the Goryeo King.
When You Miao hears this news inside the main hall, instantly he starts to shake, as if
his entire body has gone numb. Anguish, fury, hate, all sorts of emotions surge into his heart,
the waves crashing left and right in his breast, unable to find an outlet. He wants to roar in
anger, but has to force himself to hold it in, so only the rims of his eyes are red, his lips quivering
Sun Yu lets out a long sigh, “Tragedy of the country.”
The imperial envoy sighs with mixed emotions, “Everything was expected. The day
San-Dianxia personally entered the battlefield, there were already many who tried to talk him
out of it, but alas, youth are proud, they don’t listen…”
You Miao is standing behind Sun Yu, his tears streaming down unable to stop. Sun Yu
says, “Now that we’ve suffered a defeat at Goryeo’s hands, the five barbarian tribes beyond the
border will be fueled with arrogance, I’m afraid peace won’t last for too many years now.”
That imperial envoy is also Sun Yu’s student, and he notices You Miao’s reaction, then
looks back at Sun Yu. After contemplating for a moment, he starts a different topic, “Student has
heard of another news. His Majesty will be holding the grace exams next year.”
Sun Yu nods slowly, and that imperial enjoy continues, “Chancellor’s Li is getting on in
years. In the future, the Capital will probably become the stage of Taizi’s faction. Currently the Li
Clan is gathering friends and exterminating foes. In a few years when Taizi ascends the throne,
there will be another major change. Even if student has the heart, there are some things I
daren’t do. Just a few days ago, because of the affair with the food supplies, I’ve admonished
the Vice Minister of Revenue with heavy offense...”
“Don’t move rashly out of distress, stay prudent and it’ll be fine, everything is
You Miao’s head is full of Zhao Chao’s defeat and barely heard anything, and it takes
Sun Yu calling him twice before You Miao notices the two. He immediately bows slightly.
“Go out and wash your face. Go to the library and finish copying my annotations of “The
Classics of Music”54.” Sun Yu instructs.
You Miao nods and goes out into the large courtyard. The sun is shining down radiantly,
and he stands beneath the tree, bursting into tears and starts to cry, unable to hold back.
Li Zhifeng is just sitting by the small room beside the door waiting for You Miao to be
done his studies, and when he hears the noise he rushes over. This is the first time he’s ever
seen You Miao cry like this, and hurriedly asks, “What is it? Got yelled at? What’s happened?”
You Miao just stands there endlessly sobbing, then hugs Li Zhifeng in spite of himself,
and buries his head on his shoulder to continue his lamentatious bawling, his heart filled with
sorrow but not the words to express it.
“Zhao Chao lost…” You Miao says in between sobs.
Li Zhifeng pats You Miao’s head and gives a smile, “Don’t cry.”
You Miao is having a hard time controlling his emotions, and he blubbers, “The Hans lost
“I’ll fight them back for you in the future.” Li Zhifeng promises.
You Miao pfft’s in spite of himself, and wipes at his tears helplessly. Earlier when he
heard Zhao Chao was defeated, that anger and sadness overwhelmed his chest, the feeling
indescribable with words, yet with only a light fluttering response from Li Zhifeng, he’s left not
knowing whether to laugh or cry.
“Never mind.” You Miao replies dejectedly, going off to do his copying listlessly.
No news comes from the Capital again after that. Spring goes and autumn comes and
This year is a year of great harvest, and the amount of grain collected in Jiangnan is
piling so much it’s ruining granaries.
Qiao Jue’s tea plantation finally starts to formally produce Riverwave Oolong. This
oolong tea also has another name called “Beauty’s Kiss”, since every single leaf is the best and
the most tender picked from the tips of branches, Also, even if leaves are picked with a young
54 Classics of Music is a Confuscian Classic that’s now been lost. It is thought to have been
important in the traditional interpretations of The Book of Songs.
maiden’s fingers it can’t guarantee the leaves wouldn’t suffer damages, and so they are all
gently plucked from the top of the trees with their soft lips.
You Miao’s accumulated grain is at three million and eight hundred thousand catty. Rice
in Jiangnan is cheap, the landlords aren’t willing to sell their rice, and so they store it in their
One day, when You Miao finished his spring harvest and makes it to the Sun Residence,
Sun Yu doesn’t make him read as he did usually, and instead tells him to brew a pot of tea.
You Miao is skilled in brewing excellent tea, plus there’s the Riverwave Dongding Oolong
from Qiao Jue he’s brought over. In these past few years, You Miao has been doing his very
utmost in serving Sun Yu, praying if only he would teach more things. The first batch of tea of
spring, the best honey of the spring harvest, the fresh plum wine of summer, the crabs collected
in the autumn, winter bamboo shoots and cured meats, including the aged Champion Reds he
has in the cellar, are all sent to the Sun Residence. Of course, Sun Yu also likes that this
student is clever, understanding both respect and knows to study hard, and so he teaches him
all that he knows, reciprocating this good will.
“You Miao.” Sun Yu speaks up.
You Miao uses both hands to offer the tea, and bows, “Student is here.”
Sun Yu questions unhurriedly, “You’ve studied under Teacher for three years. What
books have you read? What have you learned?”
You Miao contemplates for a moment, then replies, “There’s too much, student can’t
recall right this moment.”
“You’ve read thoroughly of the Four Books and Five Classics.” Sun Yu says.
You Miao quickly responds, “Read, but I daren’t say thorough.”
“About halfway, enough to compose steady essays to deceive people.” Sun Yu says.
You Miao doesn’t dare to respond to this. Sun Yu continues, “”Act after careful
consideration”, you understand this.”
Sun Yu, “You can flip through ”Zhuangzi”55 and “The Classics of The Way and the
Virtue”. A man must show promise but do not do what is against nature. You understand the
concept of “Do Nothing”56, but barbarians won’t be talking to you about old Master Zhuangzi.
When the blade is on your neck, you can only go with the flow and go meet the King of Hell.”
“Yessir.” You Miao replies, “Student will keep this in mind.”
“Carnal and obscene literature should be avoided. Be sincere and genuine in your words
and actions, do not chase after frivolous trends and speak useless words at great length.”
You Miao, “Yessir, student will heed this lesson.”
“”Study things to acquire knowledge”57, I’m sure you remember this as well.” Sun Yu
You Miao doesn’t know what Sun Yu means by mentioning this, and wipes his sweat,
feeling nervous, and he answers, “It’s shameful to speak of it, but student has always been
“Then let me test you a little.” Sun Yu says, “What kind of person do you want to be?”
Very respectfully, You Miao answers in full accordance with the philosophy of “Studying
Things”, “Like the pine unafraid of wind, like the rock unafraid of waves, unfawning of power and
wealth, be a man of integrity, fill my heart full of the desire to serve my country. Like the bamboo
and the river, know to be flexible but unchanging of principles and heart, tenacious and
unmovable, hide my power to wait for the right time, and give the impression of weakness until
the opportunity to strike back arises.”
Sun Yu nods, “Extreme firmness is easy to break, extreme strength brings insults. A
person must only be eight parts full.”
“Do you still remember what you said on the first day you came to visit Teacher?” Sun Yu
55 Zhuangzi is a foundational text to Daoism, right next to The Classics of The Way and the
Virtue. It’s full of anecdotes and stories that exemplify the carefree character of Daoism.
56 Zhuangzi teaches the philosophy of going with the flow, and do nothing that will go against
nature; govern without intervening nature.
57 A line from the Book of Rites. It means we should understand how to conduct ourselves based
on our contact with things.
With this You Miao remembers, and he replies, “Cultivate self discipline, bring order to
the family, govern the state, and conquer the world.”
“Very good.” Sun Yu strokes his beard and nods, “You are someone with ambition. The
courier brought news the other day, the Capital will hold the Grace Exams this year, and all the
Jurens of every region are welcome to take the Interview Exam. Go back and prepare, then
depart in three days. There’s no need to come and bid Teacher farewell.”
The Interview Exam?! It’s been a full three years since You Miao has traveled to the
Capital, so when he hears this all of a sudden, he’s feeling a little at a loss. Since the day he’s
returned from the Capital, it feels like it’s been a long, long time, and that life no longer has
When Sun Yu told him to go for the exam, You Miao felt a little scared all of a sudden.
That fear is exposed in Sun Yu’s eyes, and Sun Yu is immediately outraged.
Sun Yu’s face darkens, “To be a man of ambition, what’s the point of reading the sage’s
books if you don’t intend on serving the country?! Had you mentioned your lack of will, Teacher
wouldn’t have spent all this effort shaping you! Do you want to spend the rest of your life
guarding that bit of land in Jiangnan?!”
You Miao immediately knows he’s wrong and quickly explains, “No… It’s not that,
Teacher. It’s just, hearing I have to return to the Capital, I’m a little nervous to meet my old
Sun Yu jeers, “Your teacher I have always known you hold the idea of staying content in
You Miao hastily says, “Student doesn’t dare…”
Sun Yu yells, “LISTEN UP! If one day you can advise a wise ruler and benefit the world,
then the nation is the millions of fertile land for you to manage! The country will be the
chessboard on which you can freely play! If you have the ability, why fear conquering the world?
You have the will? Why not use it to be kind to millions of people?! Take the world for your
estate, see the people as your tenants, that is the true great benevolence!"
These words are like taking a bat to the head, and everything clears in You Miao’s mind
in that instant. He falls to his knees and bows, answering solemnly, “Student has received
guidance, I will definitely not disappoint Teacher’s expectations.”
Only then does Sun Yu’s expression relax a little, and he nods slowly, “You are my
student, so it’s time to go. Based on what you’ve learned, you will not earn the Zhuangyuan title,
but it won’t be hard to achieve a Jinshi. Keep in mind the truth that there will always be people
better than you. Do not seek riches and splendour, do not fight for hollow names.”
You Miao’s heart is thumping, and he nods, then the rims of his eyes grow red. Sun Yu
then takes a letter out from his robes and says, “You're not like your father, you didn’t inherit the
air of that stingy, sordid merchant cheapness, which is in itself luck. Once you’ve removed this
cap of “degenerate noble”, you are sure to go much farther. When you arrive in the Capital, if
you don’t have anywhere to stay, then you can follow the pointer on this letter and go to the
Directorate of Education58, and they will automatically take care of your room and board.”
You Miao takes the letter, and in that instant, a rush of complicated feelings surge
through him, and immediately he kowtows three times in full respect before Sun Yu.
Sun Yu freely receives his respects. You Miao couldn’t quite bear to leave him, and the
rims of his eyes grow red, “Teacher…”
Sun Yu says languidly, “Remember the promise you’ve made to Teacher, to self-cultivate
discipline and serve the country. Remember to never conduct misdeeds. Go on now.”
You Miao nods in acceptance of the lecture and takes his leave. With the letter in hand,
he stops outside the second entrance of the Sun Residence. Right at that moment, he is
overwhelmed with mixed emotions.
Li Zhifeng is just sitting across the street in a tea shop. You Miao realizes all of a sudden
that like several decades in a day, this man has practically never changed. When You Miao first
met him at fifteen he looked like this, and now that he’s eighteen, almost at the height of the
man’s ears, Li Zhifeng still looks the same.
It’s almost as if all the rambunctious and convoluted wordly entanglements in life have
nothing to do with him. You Miao crosses the streets still hugging that letter. Li Zhifeng is just
listening to the storyteller59 talk; that storyteller is telling the tale of the thirteen barbarian
generals, and Li Zhifeng is completely engrossed in the story, and doesn’t notice You Miao until
he’s about two steps close.
“Why were you let out so early today?” Li Zhifeng watches You Miao’s expression
closely, and asks in spite of himself.
58 The Directorate of Education was one of the largest libraries and publishers of various writings.
The Imperial College was the school under this agency, and it was only a school for members of the
imperial clan and officials of the highest degree, not for the education of the average official.
59 Storytellers set up shop in local restaurants, tea shops, inns, and entertainment halls to tell
“Graduated. Time for the Interview Exam.” You Miao answers,
Li Zhifeng mn’s, but his face looks somewhat confused still, so You Miao explains
further, “Time to head to the Capital.”
“Taking me along?” Li Zhifeng asks.
“Of course.” You Miao says, “Who else can accompany me?”
Li Zhifeng replies cheefully, “Come, let’s go home and pack.” All of You Miao’s heart full
of parting grief is blown away by Li Zhifeng again, and he can only return to the estate with him,
They didn’t ride the carriage today, and so Li Zhifeng and You Miao hold hands as they
hike to the high plains, standing on the hills overlooking the entire estate. The paddy fields are
lusciously green in the air of spring; there are people herding oxen on the road, fresh rain has
just passed, and the skies are verdant blue, the fields tenderly green, and black shingled white
bricked farmhouses are scattered everywhere. When You Miao sees this landscape, the sense
of achievement fills his heart.
Upon that high plains is a gigantic tree; apparently it was planted a hundred years ago
by the owner of Shen Garden, and beneath the tree stands a stone slate with Riverwave
Estate’s name. You Miao takes in a deep breath, feeling relaxed and happy.
“If I end up becoming an official of the Capital, I won’t be able to stay home much
anymore.” You Miao says regretfully.
“Everyone must leave home one day when they grow up.” Li Zhifeng says.
Something stirs inside You Miao’s heart, and he tilts his head to look at Li Zhifeng,
remembering that he suffered a difficult fate of a wanderer in the past ten years. The description
isn’t wrong; a Quanrong who went from growing up beyond the border to coming to the territory
of the Midlanders, then followed You Miao himself down south to the teeming, splendid world
that is Jiangnan, he’s moved around quite a bit in the last ten years.
A person must always move around to different places in life; if even Li Zhifeng doesn’t
complain about his fate, what reason does You Miao have to whine?
You Miao flashes a smile and drags Li Zhifeng down to the manor. Zhang Wenhang is
just in the study reading the book You Miao borrowed. In the past few years, every time You
Miao went over to Sun Yu’s place for class, he would always share everything he’s learned with
Zhang Wenhan when he got back.
Meanwhile, Zhang Wenhan found an elder confuscian for a teacher in Yangzhou, and so
when he returned, he also exchanged his lessons with You Miao. The two would swap books
from both teachers with each other and discuss the annotations. This time, Zhang Wenhan
received the news as well, and so You Miao tells him to go home to pay respects to his parents’
graves, then after noon is past the next day they’ll depart together to head to the Capital for the
That night, You Miao tells Qiao Jue everything, and Qiao Jue replies, “Why didn’t you tell
me sooner? You’re leaving first thing tomorrow? Did you give your dad’s side a shout?”
Only then does You Miao realize he’s completely forgotten about his dad’s plans,
“Whatever, we’ll leave him for now. If my brother is going too, there’ll be people to serve him on
the road for sure, I don’t need to join him for the giggles.”
Qiao Jue chuckles, “If your brother goes with you, he’ll have to be the one who lowers
himself to serve you, eh.”
You Miao snorts and grins, “It’s true. I’ll let him off the hook this time.”
That night, lying in bed, You Miao finds it hard to fall asleep, while Li Zhifeng busies
himself tidying and packing things late into the night.
“Yup?” Li Zhifeng comes over.
You Miao: “Leave it, it’s bedtime.”
Li Zhifeng: “I’m almost done.”
You Miao: “Do it tomorrow. I’m feeling kinda on edge, come hold me for a bit.”
Li Zhifeng puts down the things in his hands and walks in, undressing and climbing into
bed, where his hands immediately start to wander. It’s already spring but his hands are chilly,
and You Miao yelps when they grope into his shirt.
Li Zhifeng moves to lie on You Miao’s shoulder, long hair cascading loosely down as he
kisses his ear intimately, whispering, “We’re practically an old married couple already, what’re
you getting all shy for?”
Li Zhifeng is still wearing the jade pendant that You Miao had given him three years ago
around his neck, and it droops down to rest against You Miao’s chest when he leans down, right
where his heart is. Face flushed and heart beating fast, You Miao reaches up with a hand to cup
Li Zhifeng’s face, asking, “Do you ever miss your home?”
Li Zhifeng breaks from kissing and sniffing at his neck to prop himself up on his elbows
at these words, puzzled. “What?”
You Miao says, seriously, “Home, beyond the border. Do you miss it?”
Li Zhifeng has followed You Miao for three years already, and in these three years, You
Miao’s feelings toward him have changed and shifted without him even realizing it. Looking into
Li Zhifeng’s eyes now, he sees something there that he’s never seen before.
Just like looking at a tamed wolf.
You Miao isn’t quite sure what kind of expression it is; perhaps, to Li Zhifeng, he himself
is also a wolf, one that’s always by his side. His eyes shift about incessantly, like a wolf in its
nest, looking at its mate, deep in thought about something.
“Why do you ask?” For the first time in his life, Li Zhifeng counters with a question of his
own rather than directly answering You Miao.
You Miao says, “When I think about leaving home, it feels like… leaving my mom’s
arms.” Even he himself can’t help the ‘pfft’ of laughter that escapes at these words of his.
But it really does feel like that, because Riverwave Estate was left by Qiao Ke’er,
because it’s his root. It’s taken a lot of hard work these last three years to get this place up and
running, but now he has to leave. He really is reluctant; it feels as if, once he leaves and goes
elsewhere, whatever house he lives in won’t really be “home”.
Li Zhifeng nods in understanding before sitting up to work open the buttons of his thin
inner shirt. You Miao sits up as well to help with the buttons. Li Zhifeng takes the shirt off,
revealing an attractive chest, where the injuries from that year have already healed up nicely
without scarring. You Miao reaches out to touch the arrow wound at the small of his back; all
that’s left there now is a light scar.
“Let me see the one on your face.” You Miao turns his head by the jaw to look at the scar
on his brow. That one’s pretty much faded too; other than the line of blemish through his
eyebrow where the injury was, it looks very handsome.
Li Zhifeng holds You Miao close with his left hand, the two of them pressed skin to skin,
undressing him with his right as he whispers next to his ear:
“It doesn’t matter to me. Home is where you are.”
These words make You Miao feel like his dangling heart had suddenly found solid
ground. His breathing quickens as he wraps his arms around Li Zhifeng’s neck. “You’re right.”
Li Zhifeng strips You Miao out of his clothes and holds him close, their lips pressed
together and tongues intertwining. You Miao’s hand trails down Li Zhifeng’s chest, all the way
down to wrap around the hardness between his legs, stroking softly there while Li Zhifeng gazes
earnestly at him with the tips of their noses pressed together.
“Us Quanrong, we don’t have a home.” Still holding You Miao where he’s sitting astride
him on the bed, Li Zhifeng applies oil and then lets him sink slowly down onto his shaft. You
Miao clutches tightly at his shoulders, face buried against his shoulder and breathing short and
shallow as he feels that length press into his body.
Li Zhifeng noses at the corner of You Miao’s lips, continuing in a quiet voice, “Once we
find our beloved, wherever we are, living together, that place is home…” He pushes deep inside
of You Miao as he speaks, presses against that spot that makes him tremble and cling to his
“Mn…” You Miao says, “I’ll give you one.”
Li Zhifeng answers quietly, “You already have.”
Saying so, he lowers his head to kiss along You Miao’s neck and collarbones as he
thrusts into him below, slow and gentle, and You Miao’s arousal is hard and leaking where it
rubs against Li Zhifeng’s abdomen with every movement, making him tremble with how good it
feels. He can hardly even speak anymore, only managing to gasp out brokenly, “Don’t… don’t
“I won’t leave you,” Li Zhifeng answers, just before suddenly pushing You Miao down
onto the bed, pulling out his slick-covered cock and fucking back in one hard stroke.
Li Zhifeng picks up the quilt and wraps it around their naked bodies, sealing You Miao’s
lips with his own as he fucks him, drawing sweet cries from him, only pausing a short while later
when You Miao, face flushed and eyes dark with desire, is just about to tip over the edge. You
Miao mumbles, “Even after I go to the Capital… stay with me, just like this…”
“I’ll stay with you,” Li Zhifeng whispers softly into a kiss.
You Miao: “I don’t need a wife anymore…”
Li Zhifeng: “You are my wife…”
You Miao’s entire heart melts at his words. Li Zhifeng holds him close, pressing their
bodies flush together as You Miao’s hazy eyes stare at the bed curtains, feeling Li Zhifeng
thrusting into him with abandon.
They go at it the whole night, only parting when the sky begins to brighten, both of them
drenched in sweat but still clinging to one another. Outside, a rooster crows, and Li Zhifeng tries
to pull out the arm wrapped around You Miao, only for You Miao to stir awake immediately, one
hand reaching out to clutch instinctively at his wrist as he blearily opens an eye.
“I won’t leave,” Li Zhifeng says. “Just packing.”
“Mm,” You Miao makes a noise of assent but wraps his whole body around Li Zhifeng,
clinging to his waist and refusing to let go, mumbling sleepily about something or another. Li
Zhifeng smiles and watches him for a bit, giving up on getting out of bed and turning to pull him
closer into his arms instead. Outside, Mu Yan is calling, “Young Master.”
Mu Yan is all grown up already, with a voice that had cracked through puberty and ended
up like a duck’s, a bit of a stubble, and a mature, earnest demeanor. He says respectfully,
“Zhang Wenhan is back from visiting the grave, and is waiting for the Young Master outside
Li Zhifeng says, “Tell him to wait.”
Mu Yan acknowledges the instruction. You Miao doesn’t even hear it, holding onto Li
Zhifeng and continuing to snooze away.
A little while later, a low voice speaks up from the outside, “Young Master.”
It’s Cheng Guangwu this time, standing outside in the corridor and reporting, “Jiu-ye is
arranging for the meal to be served.”
Li Zhifeng replies, “Tell him to eat first.”
Cheng Guangwu leaves, and nothing happens until late morning, when Mu Feng comes
by, but he only stands outside quietly.
Li Zhifeng: “What is it.”
Mu Feng: “The Elder Young Master of the You Family is here.”
Li Zhifeng: “Let him wait.”
You Miao is sound asleep when he feels Li Zhifeng kissing him. Their breaths mingle as
his consciousness begins to stir, and his skin feels like it’s burning under the caresses, the two
of them burrowed naked and snug under the quilt as he slowly wakes up. He’s still half-asleep
when Li Zhifeng moves to press him underneath himself again, his arousal sliding easily into
him in the same movement. You Miao swallows sleepily, mind hazy as he wraps his arms
around Li Zhifeng, letting him fuck himself.
“Wake up…” Li Zhifeng murmurs quietly.
“Mm…” You Miao swallows with difficulty, opening his eyes. Li Zhifeng leans in to close
the distance between their lips, tongue pushing past to brush against the other. For a moment,
You Miao is overwhelmed with desire and wants nothing more than to press their bodies closer,
closer still. Li Zhifeng asks again, “Awake yet?”
“Ah!” You Miao cries out in pleasure as he feels Li Zhifeng brush against that spot in him.
“Awake?” Li Zhifeng asks while fucking in and out leisurely.
You Miao’s eyes snap open wide and full of tears, and the two of them kiss while
entwining, until Li Zhifeng brings You Miao to climax again, and as he comes, he can feel Li
Zhifeng’s cock pulsing inside of himself, can feel the stickiness between his thighs when he
pulls out, and knows that he too is sated.
“What time is it?” You Miao asks in a daze as he slowly wakes up.
“Almost noon,” Li Zhifeng pecks him on the lips. “Your ge is waiting outside.”
You Miao jolts wide awake.
You Miao: “Is everything packed?”
Li Zhifeng: “Nope, you wouldn’t let me go.”
You Miao doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he says, “Finish packing quick, I said
I’d be ready to head to the Capital today.”
Li Zhifeng mn’s and gets up to go fetch clean clothes. You Miao asks, “How many carts
Li Zhifeng: “The gifts for people haven’t been packed yet.” Then he helps You Miao get
dressed while still fully naked himself. You Miao reaches out to stroke that half-hard length
between his legs like that of a horse, feeling his mouth go dry and his breaths go faint.
“How many times did we do it last night?” You Miao asks.
“Four times,” Li Zhifeng answers.
You Miao thinks it’s no wonder he’s so tired, if they went for that many rounds last night.
Even after all these years sleeping with Li Zhifeng every day, he still can’t help himself—this
guy’s really got some serious stamina, and is always full of vigor like he’ll never run out.
Li Zhifeng starts getting dressed himself after attending to You Miao, but You Miao hooks
his arms around his neck again on a whim and kisses him all clingy. Li Zhifeng turns his head
slightly to look at him, their lips brushing together and nuzzling for a bit until You Miao pushes Li
Zhifeng back down into bed again and climbs onto him to kiss.
Li Zhifeng: “You still want more?”
You Miao shakes his head; he’s honestly too tired to go again, and only wanted to kiss
him. They kiss and grope for a while longer before You Miao gets up with a sigh, finally awake
now, and pulls Li Zhifeng up too. “Let’s get up.”
With a smile playing on his lips, Li Zhifeng puts on his outer robe and goes out, and the
boy attendants come pouring in to serve. The two brothers Mu Yan and Mu Feng come over
personally to brush You Miao’s hair while the rest of the boy attendants stand in a line, all of
them having been recruited later. Qiao Jue likes astronomy, and so he gave these boy
attendants names based off of various stars in the sky. From left to right, there’s Chang Yuan,
Wei Zhen, Yao Guang, and Shao Wei. The oldest is Chang Yuan who’s eighteen, the same age
as You Miao, and the youngest is Shao Wei who’s sixteen. Some are boys the tenant
households have sent over to serve the young master, in order to make a small bit of money to
bring home, and some are bought by Li Zhifeng from Yangzhou, Liuzhou, and Suzhou
prefectures. Blue robes, straight brows and bright eyes, their dispositions proper, and they’d
usually practice archery with Li Zhifeng to strengthen their bodies. Those who practice martial
arts, despite only knowing a little bit, already appear different than the bodyguards in all the
other major households. You Miao doesn’t like weasel-like youths, so he’s taught all the boy
attendants under him to have the air of a martial artist, each with their robes straight and tidy,
and when they came in they divide off into two lines on each side of the room, going off to do
Mu Yan brushes You Miao’s hair while Mu Feng passes the toothpaste over. You Miao
swirls it in his mouth then gargles and rinses his teeth. Tea is then served and You Miao takes a
sip, asking, “How many people are waiting outside now?”
“Jiu-ye and Zhang Wenhan are keeping You Family’s DShao60 company, chatting and drinking
tea. Lunch hasn’t been served yet, and Guangwu is guarding the carriage outside the second
You Miao has already discussed with Qiao Jue the night before that he doesn’t want to
bring too many people along to go to the Capital for the exams. If his travel is accompanied by a
bunch of boy attendants, going on the road with such pomp, it’d be way too much fanfare, plus
once he reaches the Directorate of Education, he’d become an easy target for talk, so Li Zhifeng
going with him alone is good enough. Once You Miao’s settled with a house, it wouldn’t be too
late then to write a letter to Qiao Jue to have people enter the Capital to serve.
“Once Young Master leaves, we’ll have nothing left to do.” Wei Zhen pouts.
Shao Wei grins happily, “Now that Young Master is going to the Capital, won’t you take
us all to visit too sometimes?”
Mu Feng is down on one knee helping You Miao straighten the hem of his robe, and Mu
Yan instructs, “Bring over the white jade waist pendant.”
One of the boy attendants opens the box, and within it is a white jade with the lustre of a
crystal, You Miao’s favourite accessory, and Mu Yan bends down to tie the pendant. You Miao
looks himself over in the mirror, “Sure, once everything’s settled, I’ll buy a house in the Capital
and bring you all over to play.”
Outside the chamber, Qiao Jue’s personal attendant has come, and he stands in the
corridor, inquiring, “Jiu-ye has sent the little one over ask what wine the Young Master wants to
“A jug of the Bamboo Green from the cellar is good enough for my ge.” You Miao
60 Elder Young Master but cut short, so not as polite.
That boy attendant leaves, and You Miao is also now dressed in silk brocades so he
steps out of the room. The boy attendants all follow behind You Miao in two lines, and they
cross through the corridors like the stars holding up the moon heading towards the main hall. As
they are passing through the garden, Li Zhifeng comes over in a few large steps, and their eyes
“All packed?” You Miao asks.
Li Zhifeng dipped his head then walks in front of the boy attendants, parading as they
escort You Miao into the main hall.
In recent years, You Miao’s grown taller some, truly a handsome, elegant, and dignified
gongzi. After being pushed face down to study and learn how to be a person by Sun Yu for so
long, all the cheekiness and shrewish little thug act from the past has faded, replaced by the
scholarly air men of books cannot hide, yet because he also practices martial arts, between his
countenance has the unbridled carefreeness of a martial man, and beneath his crisp brows is a
sharpness that cannot be hidden.
Qiao Jue is just having tea with You Han’ge and Zhang Wenhan, and when he sees You
Miao enter, he smiles, “Got up so late today.”
You Han’ge greets, “Didi.”
You Miao nods lightly and sits down on the master seat, smiling, “We depart today. I
can’t bear to leave home so I lazed in bed for a bit longer. Let’s start lunch first, we’re all
The servants at home thus start to bring out the meal, filling an entire table full of an
assortment of dishes, a feast for the eyes. When there are guests staying for a meal at home, Li
Zhifeng would stand behind You Miao to serve him the food and pour wine. You Miao asks, “Is
dge going to the Capital too?”
You Han’ge replies self-deprecatingly, “Nah, I’ll stay properly at home.”
“Shuofang61-xiong is also a Juren and has studied for many years, why not attend the
exams?” Zhang Wenhan asks.
61 You Han’ge courtesy name. Now that Zhang Wenhan is a Juren, he is on equal status as You
Han’ge and can therefore address him as such.
“Dad has especially instructed me to come and send you off today.” You Han’ge says,
“While I did study in the past few years, it’s still not good enough, and there won’t be anyone
managing the house either if I leave.”
When You Miao hears this, he only nods. He doesn’t see You Han’ge with the same
animosity as he did before in the past, and while his own Riverwave Estate can’t compare to his
father’s tea hills, it’s still enough to sustain itself. In the many years, You Dechuan doesn’t speak
a word of the inheritance, and You Miao can’t be bothered to ask either, so he just ignores it
Qiao Jue taps the table a couple times with his fingers and the boy attendant comes
forward bringing the wine. Qiao Jue smiles, “Han’ge and I have pretty much the same
temperament, neither of us enjoy composing essays, so it’s good to be at home doing some
You Miao mn’s, and Qiao Jue toasts, “Come, Miao-zi, may you have the blessings of the
Wenqu Star62and bring home a Zhuangyuan!”
The crowd becomes thrilled, You Miao tilts his head with a smile, holding up a cup to
Li Zhifeng takes the cup and You Miao pours him half a cup of Bamboo Green. You Miao
then turns to Zhang Wenhan, “Zhang Er, you’ll have to write the exam properly too, alright.”
Zhang Wenhan nods, smiling, “I don’t have the fate of a Zhuangyuan, I only pray for a
Gongshi so I won’t embarrass Young Master.”
“Study for as much as you can, go as far as you can go. Let’s all just do it!” You Miao
Everyone downs their wine in one gulp.
Once the stomachs are filled and the wine drunken, You Miao steps out of the mountain
gate tipsy, and all the servants in Shen Garden come out to send off. When the entire
Riverwave Estate learned the young lord is leaving for the Capital to take the exams, everyone
comes out, dragging their sons and daughters, their parents their children, to give their well
wishes in order to get that first-comer grant63.
62 Star that governs the scholarly fate and exams, blessing those who are meant for high official
63 Same reward as previous.
You Miao is finally feeling a little horrified. The well-wishings of “Good luck Young
Master” and “May Young Master be listed on the Golden Bulletin64” are everywhere, and You
Miao just wants to burrow into the carriage faster. Qiao Jue is giving the lucky loose envelopes
out to the tenants with a smile, and outside the grand entrance, Li Zhifeng is tacking on the
carriage while Chang Yuan and Shao Wei is each driving a carriage, waiting.
“Alright, alright.” You Miao says with a smile, “You can all go back now, I’ll definitely get
listed on the Golden Bulletin, definitely!”
In these years, You Miao has managed the estate with generosity, and whoever comes
with whole families to seek asylum, he’d take them all, and so today as he departs for the
Capital, the tenant households all stand in a line of over two hundred meters, very reluctant as
You Han’ge approaches the carriage and faces You Miao, “Didi, dad told me to give you
You Han’ge’s boy attendant comes over holding a heavy flower-sculpted case. You Miao
opens it to take a glimpse; inside are all palm-sized square boxes, and he quickly understands,
these are all tribute tea. Just this sandalwood case carrying the tea alone is significant in value.
“Put it in the carriage.” You Miao nods and has Li Zhifeng take it.
You Han’ge then continues, “This is gege’s bit of heart. I know you’re not lacking in
money, but these are light, if you keep it on you, it can help protect your person in case of.” He
says as he hands over a small pouch. You Miao weighs it in his hands, knowing that it’s all gold
“What about you?” You Miao asks seriously, “Dge, you’ve studied for the past few
years too, don’t you want to go to the Capital?”
You Han’ge laughs self-deprecatingly, “No, gege isn’t made for that. That I can achieve a
You Miao jokes, “You can just take it as coming up to the Capital to play, yea?”
You Han’ge shuffles over to You Miao’s ears and whispers, “I really can’t, even if I go
take the exams it’d be embarrassing our family. Don’t you know, for the Prefecture Exam, it was
dad who hired a scholar and had him compose an essay. I only memorized and copied…”
64 The examinees who passed the Palace Exam will have their names published on the Golden
When You Miao hears this, his face instantly turns an inexplicable shade.
You Han’ge then chuckles again, “Go on, earn a title. Then you can return home in glory
You Miao nods then mounts the carriage. T’is the season of spring crossing into
summer, and the fresh, luscious green of wheat rolls like waves after waves in the wind to the
horizon. Sitting inside the carriage, he gazes at Riverwave Estate, gazes at Shen Garden,
gazes at his home… until it disappears in the far distance. His heart is filled with ambivalent
emotions as he leans in Li Zhifeng’s arms.
“What are you thinking about?” Li Zhifeng asks.
“Thinking about my ge.” You Miao says.
“Your ge?” Li Zhifeng wonders.
You Miao says, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, “I was wondering how he managed
to get a Juren after only having studied a few months, barely recognizing any characters! Turns
out, it was a hired scholar who wrote an essay and he forced himself to memorize it!”
The ends of Li Zhifeng’s lips twitch, and You Miao continues, “Money can truly make the
world go ‘round, no wonder my Teacher doesn’t care to meet him.”
The front window of the horse carriage is open, and Chang Yuan who’s driving turns his
head back and smiles, “Young Master going to the Capital this time is based on true talent and
knowledge, you’ll definitely enter the bulletin!”
Truthfully however, You Miao really doesn’t feel confident. While he did study under Sun
Yu for three years and read all that needs to be read, he still can’t be sure just to what level he’s
achieved. Can he make it as a Gongshi? Or a Jinshi? Or will he be able to enter the Golden
Bulletin and actually be appointed a Zhuangyuan? Sun Yu had said that for all that You Miao’s
studied, it’d be impossible to get a Zhuangyuan, and should be satisfied with a Jinshi.
Something comes to You Miao’s mind, and he asks, “How much money did we bring?”
Coming out on the road, he actually forgot to ask about something as grand as the heavens like
money. But all the ins and outs of the account of the estate are all managed by Li Zhifeng and
Qiao Jue; Qiao Jue takes care of sales and income while Li Zhifeng manages the expenses of
the manor. All You Miao needs to see is the total sum at the end of each month, most other
times it’s in one ear and out the other, and he vaguely knows he has about five thousand some
silver and four granaries of hundreds of thousands of catty of grain. Traveling to the Capital is a
grand affair, and even if he’s too careless to ask about it, no doubt Qiao Jue would have
exchanged the silver to paper money for him already.
Li Zhifeng replies, “At the beginning of the year I went to Yangzhou Prefecture to
exchange two thousand silver worth of bills, they’re all on me. Qiao Jue also packed three
hundred taels of silver inside the chest, enough for you to spend for a whole year. When you
buy slaves, remember to bargain.”
You Miao hadn’t expected Li Zhifeng would still keep that affair of the past on mind and
bursts out laughing, leaning on Li Zhifeng squeezing and nuzzling him all over, laughing so hard
Li Zhifeng then continues, “That enough? If not there’s still a few hundred silver at the
shop in Yangzhou, we can go withdraw now.”
You Miao contemplates for a moment then says, “Should be enough.”
“Well, damn!” When Chang Yuan hears this he laughs in spite of himself.
“You think I’m putting on an act, nothing of the sort.” You Miao says, “Your Young Master
has a ton of fairweather friends, and now that everyone’s prospering, in the future the imperial
court is Li Yan that little bitch’s world, if I want to clean out that mess, without two thousand
silver it really won’t be enough.”
Li Zhifeng hums for a moment, then says, “Not enough? Let’s detour and go withdraw.”
“It’s fine.” You Miao replies, “We’ll keep to this amount for now.”
Back then when You Miao spent money, it was easily tens and hundreds of silver; he
was young then, and now when he spends, it’s no longer the same as before.
Once he enters the Capital, there are many people he needs to see.
The Imperial College of the Directorate of Education, the Chancellor’s Residence, Li
Yan, Ping Xi, Lin Luoyang… all the gongzi chums he used to screw around with have all
reached the age to screw around the political scene. Perhaps everyone has changed, and their
hearts no longer the same as when they were youths, especially Li Yan. Every time an official of
the Capital comes down south to Jiangnan, what they speak of the most is the Li father and son.
Currently, the Li clan dominates in power and influence, becoming a firm tower of
strength within the imperial court of the Great Qi. The Li faction’s power is great, plus there’s the
recognition and support from the Taizi… There’s also the Third Prince Zhao Chao, a comrade
who once lived through life and death perils alongside You Miao, and now that he’s lost a battle,
he’s being looked down upon everywhere in the Capital.
The undercurrents of the Capital are surging, and no doubt a copious amount of money
will be spent, and the conflict between factions unavoidable; there’s going to be plenty of
confrontations and intrigues. You Miao abruptly discovers that what he had unintentionally
distanced himself from three years ago still needed to be faced straight on now. It appears like
the passing years have given them a leisurely time, but in truth they’re like a whetstone, forcing
Thankfully You Miao isn’t that rusty sword thrown aside in the corner.
You Miao sighs ambivalently the whole way, “Am I going off to earn titles and serve the
country? Or am I heading off to the battlefield!”
Butterflies in Love with Flowers
Su Shi (1037-1101) Song Dynasty
Red flowers fade, green apricots still small
Over blue water which surrounds the garden wall.
Most willow catkins have been blown away, alas!
But there is no place where grows not the sweet green grass.
Without the wall there's a road; within there's a swing.
A passer-by hears a fair maiden's laughter in the garden ring.
As the ringing laughter dies away by and by,
For the enchantress the enchant'd can only sigh.65
This is a poem composed by Su Shi depicting the refreshing and lovely spring
landscape, expressing a poet’s lament over the passing of spring, as well as the trouble of
having no one knowing his feelings.
65 Butterflies in Love with Flowers, translated by Jade on thebeijinger.