Chapter 110: The Watchful Chamber

Song Mu and Song Liangda chatted as they finished the pot of tea, then each returned to their rooms to rest.

That night, Song Liangda slept soundly and peacefully, feeling as if a great burden had been lifted from his heart. Every day ahead seemed light and untroubled.

Song Mu, however, lay awake deep in thought, gently rubbing two pieces of jade from their ancestral lineage. At this moment, he felt the weight of his mission more heavily than ever.

Perhaps great power indeed comes with great responsibility.

Comforting himself with this thought, Song Mu carefully put the items away and finally drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Song Mu rose early, helped with some household chores, and after breakfast set off directly toward the county school.

Though his formal studies there were over, he was so accustomed to heading there upon leaving home that his steps were swift.

Before reaching the school gates, the wooden pavilion on one side of the school’s roof came into view. It seemed that today they had begun painting, finishing the final touches.

Master Xun had granted the scholars and students three days’ leave, so most were at home.

Thus, when Song Mu arrived, the school was not empty but mostly filled with scholars who had yet to pass the preliminary exams.

At the gate, no one was present, but once inside the courtyard, Song Mu encountered a familiar figure.

It was the second son of the Qi family, Qi Dazuo.

Today he wore a blue satin robe and was speaking with a few scholars in the courtyard. His eyes caught sight of Song Mu entering, and he immediately turned, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Qi Dazuo approached slowly, producing from somewhere a pink satin fan which he gracefully unfurled before Song Mu, bowing with mock formality.

Song Mu quickly returned the gesture. Qi Dazuo cleared his throat and said,

“So it’s Song, the top candidate. Long time no see. You look more spirited than ever.”

Song Mu was puzzled by this greeting. Before he could respond, one of Qi Dazuo’s attendants tugged at him. Qi Dazuo’s face remained indifferent as he appraised Song Mu, then suddenly said,

“Brother Song, though you are now a scholar, I have some news you ought to know.”

Though Qi Dazuo sounded respectful, a sneer was barely concealed in his tone.

“My elder brother has just returned from Chang’an. Tomorrow he’s coming here to register as the deputy principal of our county school. You’ll have to address him as ‘Master’ then.”

Song Mu frowned in confusion. What concern was it of his if Qi Dazuo’s brother became deputy principal? He would soon be moving on to the prefectural academy. Qi Dazuo was still as frivolous and unstudious as ever.

Seeing Song Mu’s expression, Qi Dazuo mistook it for disdain. Like stepping on a dog’s tail, he snapped his fan shut, puffed out his chest, and said with pride,

“I’m telling you now—henceforth, we’ll treat each other with proper courtesy. No more gossip about me, and we’ll be friends. What say you, Brother Song?”

Song Mu was unsure whether Qi Dazuo was threatening or trying to befriend him. The whole thing felt oddly perplexing.

He glanced around, smiled politely, and bowed, then turned and left without further reply.

Qi Dazuo wanted to follow but was held back by others nearby. One scholar hastily said,

“Big brother, it’s no use talking to him. He’s the top candidate. Don’t forget, the top ten in the prefectural exam get admitted to the prefectural academy.”

“Exactly. He’ll be studying in the prefectural city soon.”

Qi Dazuo seemed to realize something, his face flushing with disbelief and embarrassment.

Noticing the amused glances of those around him, his expression darkened.

He angrily dispersed the crowd, muttering bitterly,

“Going to the prefectural academy, so what? Next time, I’ll get in too.”

As Qi Dazuo grumbled in the courtyard, Song Mu made his way to the pavilion underneath the county school’s tower.

Craftsmen were still busy there, mostly engaged in intricate carving and finishing work. Song Mu paused, and then a familiar figure approached.

It was Master Xun.

“Master,” Song Mu greeted promptly with a bow.

Master Xun waved him off and, hands on hips, looked up at the pavilion with a smile.

“Song Mu, what brings you to the county school today? Your family must be quite busy these days, yes?”

Song Mu nodded. “I rose early and thought I’d come to take a look.”

Suddenly recalling Qi Dazuo’s words, he asked, “Master, the county school is getting a deputy principal?”

Master Xun glanced at Song Mu, then turned back to the pavilion and nodded.

“Yes, the eldest son of the Qi family. He returned from Chang’an recently. His father somehow arranged this position for him. I just received the official notice.”

He shook his head with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

“That Qi eldest son is just over thirty. He was once a well-known figure in Shiyang County. His father hoped he’d pass the imperial exam this year and then become a county magistrate, elevating the Qi family’s status.”

“But it seems that dazzling worldly temptations have blinded him. A young man once quite talented, after just a year away has not only failed to achieve fame but has damaged his health with wine and women.”

“Also, there’s talk of some taming beasts he bought from who knows where. The elder Qi is still on medicine for it.”

Song Mu had not expected Master Xun to reveal this inner story. His face showed both regret and helplessness.

Looking up, Song Mu met Master Xun’s gaze.

“Song Mu, take shame in arrogance and indulgence. You are now the top candidate, with many eyes watching. Be careful with your words and actions, study diligently. Understand?”

Master Xun used this story as a warning. Song Mu’s heart felt enlightened, and he respectfully bowed.

“I will remember, Master.”

Master Xun nodded, brushed off his sleeves, then changed the subject.

“This pavilion is now complete. The county magistrate named it Jingzhen Pavilion, meaning ‘Alert Pillow Pavilion,’ symbolizing scholars’ diligence and vigilance in study.”

Song Mu paused at the name, inexplicably reminded of the “Dianzhen Tower” built by the poet Xin Qiji in later times. Though both names include ‘pillow,’ their meanings differ—one urging scholars to study hard, the other celebrating peaceful, prosperous lives.

Ancient pavilions and towers often carry such symbolism. One hopes this meaning will inspire many to strive earnestly.

“Come, let’s ascend the pavilion. The wall inscribed with poems has a place reserved for you.”

With that, Master Xun stepped forward. Song Mu’s heart stirred as he followed him up.

The pavilion, built in just a month, filled the air with the rich scent of wood. Though still being carved and somewhat cluttered, it already presented a pleasing scene.

Song Mu climbed to the top, surrounded by windows facing the city in all directions. The saying ‘climb high to see far’ was true—the view was even more expansive and magnificent than the day he had climbed the school roof.

A glance took in the bustling human world and distant mountains and rivers, a breathtaking panorama.

“This view will surely become a famed spot along the Gan River one day,” Master Xun said sincerely, gazing out from the window.

…