Chapter Seventy-Nine: Do Not Bully the Young for Being Poor

When the steward was young, he had stayed with Zhang Yu in Pucheng. In the first year of Jingyou, after Zhang Yu passed the imperial examination, he moved with his master’s family to Suzhou. The dialect spoken in Pucheng was close to Wu, and after twenty years in Suzhou, the steward had learned the local speech quite well. Though Suzhou also spoke Wu, the difference between its dialect and Pucheng’s was considerable.

Now, the steward's Pucheng dialect carried a trace of Suzhou accent, which made Zhang Yue feel somewhat strange as he listened. Of course, the steward’s manner was warm and impeccable, giving Zhang Yue cause to speculate on his intentions. Was he here to disassociate himself, or did he have some hidden purpose?

The steward, in turn, was sizing up Zhang Yue. He wore a clean, neat white robe, and even his cloth shoes were spotless. There was nothing to fault in his appearance; he was striking at first glance, though not as remarkable as his second brother.

From the steward’s demeanor upon returning home, there was nothing unusual—no joy like his elder brother’s earlier display. When Zhang Yue spoke, the steward’s brows remained tightly furrowed, revealing a deep wariness.

Thinking thus, the steward said, “Young Third, you must be thirteen this year.”

“Thank you for your concern, Steward. Yes, I am thirteen this year,” Zhang Yue replied, his smile seemingly kind, yet tinged with a youthful pride.

The steward assessed Zhang Yue once more.

“How are Granduncle and Uncle these days? Are they well?” Zhang Yue asked.

The steward, noticing that Zhang Yue did not go straight to asking about his second brother but first inquired about the elders, felt a genuine respect and replied with a smile, “Thanks to your good fortune, the master and grandmaster are still robust. The grandmaster can still eat two pounds of mutton a day.”

Zhang Yue laughed, “Granduncle has always loved his meat.”

The steward chuckled, and the others laughed as well.

Zhang Shi said, “Why are we standing? Let’s sit and talk.”

The steward replied, “The grandmaster often reminisces about his days living in Pucheng, always saying that as one grows old, one must return to one’s roots. But since the whole family has moved to Suzhou, we must now take root here. The master doesn’t dwell on it as much, but the mistress often recalls those days in Pucheng—our families were very close then!”

As he spoke, the steward watched Zhang Yue’s expression closely.

Zhang Yue responded politely, “I was too young then to remember, but I often hear my brother speak of Granduncle and Uncle’s household.”

“Would you be willing to visit Suzhou to see Granduncle, Uncle, and the mistress?” the steward asked.

Zhang Yue was slightly surprised.

The steward continued, “The mistress cares deeply for you and longs to see you.”

Zhang Yue glanced at his elder brother, whose eyes were already red, clearly remembering their second aunt.

“We had hoped both brothers would go, but the eldest cannot leave at present, so only you can make the journey.”

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yue asked, “Steward, may I ask, is it Uncle or the mistress who wishes me to visit Suzhou?”

The steward’s eyes flickered with hesitation, then he smiled, “Young Third, what do you mean by that?”

“Is it Granduncle or the mistress who wants me to come to Suzhou?”

“You’re overthinking this. I was sent here by both master and mistress. Why do you ask?”

Zhang Yue smiled and said, “Steward, I’d like to hear my brother and sister-in-law’s thoughts first.”

The steward examined Zhang Yue once more. At his age, he should be a carefree youth, yet he was unexpectedly gentle and resolute.

“I have no opinion; it’s all up to you,” Zhang Shi said anxiously.

Zhang Yue looked to Lady Yu, knowing she had the keenest insight in the household.

Lady Yu smiled, “Uncle, since your uncle and aunt value you, it’s not a bad thing to visit Suzhou. I have always missed the aunt—has she written to us?”

The steward replied, “Not yet, but the mistress asked me to convey her regards to you.”

Lady Yu beamed, “Thank you for remembering. And how is Madam Xu? Last time she came to Pucheng, she asked me to bring some medicinal herbs.”

The steward said, “That’s perfect. When Young Third goes to Suzhou, he can bring them along.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you for your trouble.”

“Haha, no need to be so polite, we are family.”

Zhang Yue disliked being arranged by others, but soon wondered why Lady Yu was asking about his aunt and Madam Xu. Indeed, if it were truly his aunt’s wish, she would have sent a letter, or chosen someone close like Madam Xu.

But there was no letter, nor was Madam Xu sent, which indicated it was Uncle’s idea alone.

From childhood, Zhang Yue knew his aunt treated his family with exceptional kindness. If she wanted to see him, he would have gone to Suzhou without hesitation—she was his own aunt, after all.

But as for Uncle?

Zhang Yue had no impression of him, only heard he was extraordinarily frugal. Frugality was a virtue, but the implication was otherwise.

“If I go to Suzhou, will I see Second Brother?”

The steward replied, “I’m not sure if your second brother will remain in the capital for summer studies and autumn essays, but he will certainly return to Suzhou before winter.”

Summer studies referred to unsuccessful examinees staying in the capital to study and prepare for the next exam. Autumn essays were the works produced during that time.

Others retook the exams passively, but Second Brother did so proactively.

“So it’s not Second Brother’s idea to have me return to Suzhou,” Zhang Yue said.

The steward’s smile faded. “Young Third, do you have concerns?”

“Steward, forgive me. Uncle and aunt are kind to me, and I am grateful, but I have just entered the county academy and my studies are heavy. I truly cannot spare the time.”

The steward was taken aback, then smiled, “Blame me, blame me. I came in a hurry and didn’t explain clearly. The master’s original words were, ‘Young Third is a promising scholar, he mustn’t be delayed; tell him that if he comes to Suzhou, arrangements will be made for him to enter the Suzhou Academy, and the family will invite renowned scholars for him.’”

The Suzhou Academy!

Zhang Yue’s heart stirred—it was famed throughout the land.

Its reputation stemmed from Hu Yuan’s teaching methods in Suzhou and Huzhou, which were set as standards for the Imperial Academy and all county schools by Fan Zhongyan.

In the provincial exams, nearly half the students came from Hu Yuan’s disciples, including famous ministers like Fan Chunren and Sun Fu.

Thus, the Suzhou Academy was second only to the Imperial and Prefectural Academies.

Yet Zhang Yue sensed something was amiss.

Zhang Shi interjected, “The Suzhou Academy isn’t necessarily much better than Pucheng County Academy.”

The steward laughed, “You may not know, but entering Suzhou Academy is something scholars across the land dream of. Normally, it doesn’t accept outsiders, but the local officials will make exceptions for the master and grandmaster. And Young Third’s expenses in Suzhou will be fully covered by us.”

Zhang Yu was the assistant magistrate of Wu County, which governed Suzhou, and the grandmaster was a retired official from the Court of Judicial Review. Though not an aristocratic family, they were of two generations of officials.

Local officials would certainly show them favor.

“I’ll say no more… It’s up to Young Third,” Zhang Shi sighed, looking around the house.

“I’m going out for a walk!” Zhang Shi’s voice was choked as he stood.

Zhang Yue watched his brother’s retreating figure, feeling a sense of desolation and sorrow, uncertain what to say. Then Zhang Qiu, nearby, grabbed his hand, saying, “Third Uncle, nowhere is better than home; a golden nest or a silver nest is still not as good as your own dog’s nest.”

Lady Yu laughed, “Child, when did our home become a dog’s nest?”

Zhang Qiu pouted, “I just can’t bear to see Third Uncle leave.”

The steward said, “Little master, you’re quite handsome. Here, I have something fun for you—take it.”

Zhang Qiu withdrew to Lady Yu’s side, shaking his head, “Mother taught me not to accept things for no reason.”

“We’re all family. If your parents give you something, you’ll accept it, won’t you?”

Zhang Qiu shook his head, “If I take someone’s things, I have to obey them. I’ll listen to my parents, but not necessarily others.”

The steward was startled, thinking, “Among the Zhang sons, apart from the eldest, none should be underestimated.”

Lady Yu smiled, “Uncle, you’ve just entered the county academy. I’m not opposed to your studying in Suzhou, but you’re still young. Traveling so far is exhausting—better to wait a year or two, until you’re stronger. That way you won’t waste Uncle and Aunt’s kindness.”

“Well spoken, Lady!”

At that moment, Zhang Shi returned, his eyes shining.

The steward asked, “Young Third, what do you think?”

Zhang Yue was about to speak, but the steward continued, “Young Third, I heard you entered the county academy as the top candidate, on the same day your second brother’s results were posted. I suspect the magistrate favored you because your brother passed the imperial exam… Forgive me for speaking out of turn, if I’m mistaken, I apologize.”

“It wasn’t so…” Zhang Shi tried to explain, but Zhang Yue stopped him with a gesture.

Zhang Yue stood, tears welling in his eyes, though he forced himself to hold back.

“No one knows if the magistrate favored me for my brother’s sake, nor can we guess. But Steward, if you want me to go to Suzhou to ease Uncle and Second Brother’s guilt towards our family, that’s unnecessary. We are doing well, and our days grow better by the day. As for Granduncle, Uncle, and Aunt, we miss them, but with Second Brother representing us in filial duties, that’s enough.”

“No matter how Granduncle, Second Brother, or Steward view me, studying is ultimately my own affair. I will go to Suzhou in the future to find Second Brother, but not because you invite me—rather, I’ll get there by my own merit. The mountains of Fujian are high, but not higher than the sky. I have said all I need to say!”

“Please convey my regards to Granduncle, Uncle, and Aunt.”

The steward showed a trace of regret, saying, “You see where things have gone; I was in the wrong. Young Third, I can tell you are clever, but clever people shouldn’t close every path. Won’t you reconsider?”

Zhang Yue shook his head and went upstairs.

At that moment, he wiped his tears with his sleeve and muttered, “Just wait and see—never underestimate a poor youth!”