The afternoon at the County School was so quiet that only the cicadas’ chirping could be heard. Lin Wenxuan was studying in his dormitory, but his mind was restless. One moment, he thought of Zhou Cheng’s hearty laughter while selling bamboo tube rice under the pagoda tree; the next, Su Mo’s calm and distant gaze; and then, Zhang Qiaoyun’s shy yet eager eyes. Frustrated, he closed his book and walked to the window.
“Is Young Master Lin here?” a servant’s voice called from outside the door.
Lin Wenxuan turned and opened the door to find a servant from the County Yamen holding an invitation.
“Young Master Lin, my master invites you to his residence for a conversation.”
Master? Registrar Zhang? Lin Wenxuan was taken aback. He had no personal relationship with Registrar Zhang, having only met him a few times during official interactions between the County School and the Yamen. Why would Registrar Zhang want to see him?
Though puzzled, he changed into a clean long gown and followed the servant.
The Zhang residence was located on Back Street, not far from the County Yamen. With its gray bricks and tiles, the entrance was not particularly grand but was tidy and solemn. The servant led him into the study, where Zhang Mingde was reading. Upon seeing Lin Wenxuan enter, he set the book aside and smiled warmly.
“Wenxuan, you’re here. Please, have a seat.”
“This student greets Registrar Zhang.” Lin Wenxuan bowed respectfully.
“No need for formalities, please sit.” Zhang Mingde gestured to a nearby chair and instructed the servant to serve tea.
Lin Wenxuan sat down somewhat uneasily. The study was simply furnished but filled with the aura of scholarly pursuits. A landscape painting hung on the wall, its brushstrokes sparse and elegant. On the desk lay the four treasures of the study, along with a pot of orchids in full bloom, emitting a faint, delicate fragrance.
“I read your essay from the County School’s Annual Examination a few days ago,” Zhang Mingde said, picking up his teacup and speaking unhurriedly. “Your approach was precise, and your ideas were lofty, but… it lacked a touch of worldly realism.”
Lin Wenxuan’s heart tightened, and he quickly replied, “Your criticism is well-founded, sir.”
“It’s not criticism,” Zhang Mingde chuckled. “Young people should have ambition. But just as in writing, so too in life—one must look up at the stars while keeping their feet firmly on the ground. If your essays showed more understanding of the people’s hardships, they would reflect greater depth.”
“Yes, I will remember your advice.” Lin Wenxuan lowered his head.
Zhang Mingde nodded and shifted the topic. “With your talent, becoming a Xiucai should be a certainty. Once you have that scholarly title, you’ll have a proper foundation. What are your plans for the future?”
Lin Wenxuan grew even more puzzled, unsure why Registrar Zhang was suddenly asking this. He answered cautiously, “If I am fortunate enough to become a Xiucai, I will continue studying diligently in preparation for the provincial examination.”
“Hmm, that’s ambitious.” Zhang Mingde stroked his short beard, his gaze resting on Lin Wenxuan’s face as his tone softened further. “With a scholarly title, many things become easier. For instance… marriage. It’s only proper for a man to establish a family before pursuing a career. If a suitable match arises, you might consider it.”
Lin Wenxuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he began to understand the implication. He looked up at Zhang Mingde, who was watching him with a meaningful gaze, tinged with a hint of… scrutiny.
“You speak wisely, sir,” Lin Wenxuan replied vaguely, his palms growing sweaty.
“I have only one daughter,” Zhang Mingde said casually, his tone matter-of-fact. “She’s around your age. I’ve spoiled her since she was young, so she can be a bit headstrong, but she has a good heart and is well-educated. The other day, she mentioned meeting you at Su Ji Eatery and spoke highly of your talent.”
The meaning was already quite clear at this point. Lin Wenxuan felt his face grow warm, his mind in utter disarray. Zhang Qiaoyun… the Registrar's daughter… If he could win her favor, if he could secure this marriage, it would undoubtedly be an immense boon for him and his impoverished family. Although Registrar Zhang was merely a registrar, he was still a figure of influence in Linshui County. With his support, the path ahead would be much smoother.
But… what about Su Mo? That neighbor girl he had grown up with, once gentle and timid, now distant and resolute. That lingering unwillingness, that inexplicable obsession within him, surged up once more.
"This student… is overwhelmed," he lowered his head, his voice dry.
"No need to be overwhelmed," Zhang Mingde smiled, stood up, and walked to the window, turning his back to him. "I merely mentioned it in passing. You are still young, your future is what matters. But sometimes, opportunities are fleeting and must be seized. Alright, you may go now. Focus on your preparations for the examination."
"Yes, this student takes his leave." Lin Wenxuan stood up, bowed, and withdrew.
Stepping out of the Zhang residence, the afternoon sun was so bright it stung his eyes. He stood on the street, his mind a tangled mess. Registrar Zhang's words were like a stone thrown into the already turbulent waters of his heart, stirring up even greater waves.
Xiucai… proposal of marriage… the Registrar's daughter… Su Nianhe…
Unconsciously, his footsteps turned once more toward Su Ji Eatery.