Chapter Seventy-Eight [V] Soldiers vs. Scholars...

After Xu Qingshu gave him accurate information, Xue Yi then asked Wang'er to book a private room at Xingyue Restaurant.

Fortunately, it was booked a few days in advance, so Wang'er managed to reserve the last remaining private room.

After Wang'er left, another person arrived at Xingyue Restaurant, wanting to reserve a private room for the sixth day of the seventh lunar month. However, the restaurant manager apologetically informed him, "Young master, I'm truly sorry. The last private room for the sixth day of the seventh lunar month has already been reserved by the servant from that household." The man before him was handsome and refined, well-dressed, and possessed a scholarly air, like a scholar on his way to the imperial examinations. Not daring to offend him, he could only smile and say, "What a pity. If you had come a little earlier, I would have certainly reserved the last room for you."

This person is Han Yue. He has gathered some friends here and wants to host a banquet to entertain them.

I don't even know what day the sixth day of the seventh lunar month is. I made a reservation several days in advance, but they keep saying that all the rooms are booked and there are no spare rooms available.

Having arrived a step behind, Han Yue was unwilling to force anyone to do something against their will, so he simply nodded and left.

But just as they reached the door, the shopkeeper called out to them again.

"Young master, please wait a moment." The innkeeper chuckled. "It's quite a coincidence. Just now, a servant from a family came to say that their mistress was ill and that the gathering of the ladies had to be temporarily canceled. As a result, we have an extra private room available."

Upon hearing this, Han Yue immediately said, "Then I'll reserve that private room."

Shopkeeper: "Please come this way to pay your deposit."

After Wang'er finished the tasks assigned by his master, he returned to report to Xue Yi. Only after everything was settled did Xue Yi come to tell Li Yan.

"Xu Xiucai has agreed, and I've already had Wang'er reserve a private room at Xingyue Restaurant."

He had been handling everything from beginning to end; Li Yan hadn't been involved at all. Now that the restaurant reservation was finalized, he came to tell her, and Li Yan nodded and said, "I understand."

On this day, Xu Qingshu arrived at the Xue family's door early in the morning with gifts he had prepared in advance.

Even though there had been some unpleasantness before, Madam Xue still remembered his kindness and was very grateful for what he had done for Xu Ge'er. Therefore, as long as he didn't covet her daughter-in-law and they could remain friends and have normal interactions, Madam Xue was quite willing.

She also liked Mao Ge'er; the child was extremely handsome and well-behaved.

After learning that her son was in the same group for today's game, the smile on Madam Xue's face never disappeared.

After a lively gathering at home, around lunchtime, both families set off for the restaurant in high spirits.

Outside the general's mansion, the carriage was already prepared.

The Xue family currently has two carriages and one horse, and Xue Yi will undoubtedly ride there. However, the carriages are not large, and Xu Qingshu and his son do not have any carriages, so the other two carriages also need to be arranged.

Xu Ge'er sat with Xu Qingshu and his son, while Yue Jie'er sat with Li Yan and her mother-in-law.

In addition, Li Yan brought Qingniang along as well.

Qingniang was a driver, so she was the one who drove the carriage for the women.

The sight of two carriages and a horse moving through the streets was quite impressive, inevitably attracting the attention of onlookers.

When the carriage finally stopped in front of the Xingyue Restaurant, it happened to run into Han Yue, who had invited his friends to dine there.

After their previous argument, Han Yue was extremely reluctant to have another chance to meet. But this time, they bumped into each other face to face, and the other person even had an elder present, so Han Yue had no choice but to bite the bullet and come over.

Han Yue first clasped his hands in a gesture of respect to Madam Xue, and then straightened up to greet Xue Yi.

Xue Yi never expected to run into Han Yue here.

His mindset was actually more open-minded than Han Yue's. Han Yue didn't want to see him and his wife, but Xue Yi didn't care; he didn't mind whether or not he saw Han Yue.

When they met, it was just a matter of exchanging greetings; Xue Yi didn't think much of it.

Or perhaps, because he is now in a high position, he cannot understand Han Yue's feelings when he is in a low position.

Now that Li Yan is the wife of a general and is traveling, she naturally wears fine silks and satins.

The moment she saw Han Yue, her heart leaped with joy. Naturally, she took the initiative to come over and greet him, saying, "Brother-in-law."

Han Yue glanced at her and thought to himself that he hadn't seen his sister-in-law for a while and that she had become even more beautiful... but he remained expressionless.

His gaze toward Li Yan was clear and upright, and he nodded in response, "Second Sister."

Li Yan then used this opportunity to ask, "Is your brother-in-law here to participate in the autumn imperial examination?"

Han Yue remained solemn and nodded, "Exactly."

Li Yan then asked, "Did your brother-in-law come to take the exam alone? Did my sister stay in Huating County?"

Han Yue went to Jiangning Prefecture to take the imperial examination, originally intending to leave his wife alone at home. After all, the examination was an important matter, and it wouldn't last long—only two or three months—before he returned.

But his wife refused, extremely unwilling to wait alone at home, and spent those days in tears.

When they first got married, seeing his beloved wife in tears filled him with nothing but heartache. But now, after seeing her so often, and after all those things that happened... when he sees her cry and feel wronged, Han Yue no longer feels the same pity he did back then.

However, he was, after all, her husband. She didn't want to stay in Huating County alone, and he also understood that she had a hard time in this family... So, Han Yue agreed to take her with him to Jiangning Prefecture.

Now the couple rents a place to live separately and lives on their own.

In response to Li Yan's question, Han Yue answered truthfully: "She came to Jiangning Prefecture with us, but she didn't go out today."

Thinking that the book also mentioned that he took Li Jiaojiao with him when he went to Jiangning Prefecture to take the imperial examination, Li Yan thought to herself that, at least for now, the plot was still following the book.

It remains to be seen whether Han Yue will be able to win first place in this autumn's imperial examinations, or even pass with flying colors.

Over there, Xu Qingshu also got out of the car and came over to greet Han Yue.

Han Yue was taken aback when he saw Xu Qingshu with the Xue family.

But with so many people around, he couldn't ask too many questions and could only suppress his curiosity for the time being.

In Han Yue's view, Xu Qingshu had once pursued his sister-in-law. The two must have liked each other, which is why they were so close for a period of time.

But then, Xue Erlang, who had died in battle, suddenly returned... Her husband had already returned home, so everything between Xu Qingshu and Li Erniang naturally came to an abrupt end.

In his mind, the two families should never have anything to do with each other again.

Unexpectedly, I now see the two families eating together.

But such thoughts were fleeting, after all, they were outside, and in front of so many people, so there were some things he couldn't say too much about.

Once inside Xingyue Tower, Han Yue realized that the two families' private dining rooms were right next to each other.

If they were far apart, it wouldn't matter, but since they're so close and we just bumped into each other outside the door, Han Yue naturally wants to come over and offer a toast.

When the students heard that a general who had fought on the battlefield and made military achievements was sitting in the next private room, they were all very curious and followed Han Yue to offer a toast.

Despite the sudden influx of so many people, all of whom he had never met before, Xue Yi remained as calm as a mountain, showing no sign of panic whatsoever.

He slowly stood up, looked at Han Yue and asked, "Are all of you gentlemen my brother-in-law's classmates?" Since they were going to toast each other, they had to know each other's identities first.

Han Yue replied calmly, "We're not exactly classmates, but we've all come to take the exam together." Among these students were some from Huating County, such as Gao Yunhe, who had always been on good terms with Han Yue. This time, the two had also agreed to take the exam together.

Several others were not from Huating County, but from other counties within the jurisdiction of Jiangning Prefecture.

Xue Yi's sharp gaze swept over them one by one, and he recognized one or two faces. So he knew that among these students, besides Han Yue, there were others who would pass the imperial examination.

However, he was not as popular as Han Yue, who was at the height of his fame. Even if he passed the imperial examination the following spring, he would only be a low-ranking scholar. Unlike Han Yue, who achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examination and was unparalleled in his fame.

Xue Yi raised his cup, displaying the boldness of a martial artist: "Today we've gathered here and shared a drink, so let's consider this our acquaintance. We're all from Jiangning, and in the future we'll serve in the court together, both to be loyal to the government and to bring honor to our hometown. I'll drink this first as a sign of respect..." With that, Xue Yi picked up his cup and drank it all in one gulp.

The students looked at each other, smiled, and then took a small sip from their cups.

Han Yue had no other connections to build a relationship with. Seeing that he had already offered a toast and fulfilled his courtesy, he bid farewell and led his fellow students back to his private room.

Those scholars, who considered themselves intellectuals, naturally looked down on uncultured, rough men from military backgrounds.

Even though Han Yue was considered cultured and refined among those roughnecks who had secured military positions through merit, he was still looked down upon by them.

Once back in their private room, the few who had been holding back their laughter couldn't help but burst into jokes: "He's a boorish fellow, drinking like a madman. And look at his attitude, acting like some high-ranking official, ridiculously lecturing us."

Another scholar in purple robes chimed in, "I just heard Brother Han say he's a commander of a thousand men? A fifth-rank official. Among a group of us 'poor and penniless' students, that's certainly a lot to be proud of." But he quickly changed the subject, emphasizing the following point: "However... how can his military rank, earned with his life on the line, be the same as ours, earned through studying? Now that the court has no more wars to fight, he has no more military merits to accumulate. His position as commander of a thousand men is over, isn't it? But it's different for us. As long as we pass the provincial examination and the imperial examination, and enter the officialdom... then we'll rise step by step."

One earns fame and fortune through studying, while the other relies on one's life... It's obvious which is easier.

Although Han Yue didn't hold soldiers in high regard, he felt superior to others as a scholar in this era where "only studying is noble." However, some things were best kept to himself, and some words couldn't be easily spoken. Otherwise, he might needlessly invite trouble.

It is like this now when you are a scholar, and it will still be the same when you enter the court and become an official, becoming a disciple of the emperor.

Therefore, Han Yue pointed at the scholar and said, "We are all serving the court, so there is no question of who is superior or inferior. If it weren't for the millions of soldiers guarding the borders, how could we scholars live such peaceful lives? It's just that everyone is doing their job."

Today, Han Yue was the host, and seeing him say this, the others only said a few more words before giving up.

Soon, the conversation moved on to other topics.

"So, among all of us here this autumn, who do you think will pass the imperial examination? And who will fail?"

"Pah, pah, pah! You'll definitely pass the exam. The big exam is just around the corner, you're not allowed to say 'fail'."

...

The chatter of the group of scholars in the next private room reached Xue Yi's ears clearly.

Firstly, Xue Yi, being a soldier, had better hearing than the average person. Secondly, the group of scholars seemed to genuinely disregard Xue Yi, a fifth-rank military officer, and thus spoke without any restraint.

Not only Xue Yi heard it, but everyone in the private room heard it.

Madam Xue, fiercely protective of her son, was furious upon hearing this and couldn't help but hurl insults: "You all claim to be scholars, but I think you've wasted your education. You don't even know the most basic manners—not gossiping behind people's backs, not speaking ill of others behind their backs. Even if you did become an official, you wouldn't be a good one."

Madam Xue was deliberately saying it for those people to hear, so she didn't hold back her words at all. Those in the next private room, upon hearing these insults, fell silent, their private chatter abruptly ceasing.

Hearing that there was no more movement from the other side, Old Madam Xue's anger subsided a little. Then, she looked at Xu Qingshu beside her and said, "Xu Xiucai, I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about them. Don't take it to heart."

Xu Qingshu didn't know those people, but their arrogance was indeed something he disliked.

Therefore, when Madam Xue apologized to him, Xu Qingshu quickly said, "Madam, I didn't take it to heart. Besides, I don't agree with what they said."

Madam Xue immediately smiled and said, "That's good...that's good." She then said auspicious words to him, "I like this child of yours. He is steady and reserved, and he is low-key in his actions. You will definitely pass the imperial examination." As she spoke, Madam Xue raised her wine cup to Xu Qingshu and said, "This old woman toasts you with a cup of wine to wish you success in the examination in advance."

"Thank you." Xu Qingshu also raised his wine cup, but stood up to drink it.

After the minor incident, the two families in the private room resumed their happy eating and drinking.

After the banquet ended, Xu Qingshu took his son and said goodbye.

Madam Xue warmly invited Xu Qingshu and his son to her home again, saying she would set up another table for a simple meal that evening, but Xu Qingshu politely declined.

"I've already troubled you enough, so I won't bother you any longer. I'll visit you another day."

Although Madam Xue was hospitable, she was also sensible and would not force guests to stay.

Seeing Xu Qingshu say this, she said, "Then you can bring Mao'er to our house to play often in the future." She added warmly, "If you are busy and have no one to help take care of Mao'er, you can send Mao'er to our house. Anyway, I'm just sitting at home doing nothing. Xu'er and Yue'er are both in school, and they both have their own things to do... If Mao'er could keep me company, I wouldn't feel bored."

Xu Qingshu was a widower with his son, and since he was here to take the imperial examination, he naturally faced many inconveniences. Fortunately, the examination had not yet begun, so he still had time to take care of his son.

But if he waits until early August when the exams begin, he really won't feel at ease leaving his son alone at home during the day for those few days of exams.

Logically speaking, we shouldn't trouble others. But right now, if it's for our son's good, it seems that troubling Old Madam Xue is the only option.

Therefore, Xu Qingshu naturally hesitated when faced with such a temptation.

Seeing his hesitation, Madam Xue smiled and said, "Don't think it's troublesome or not. Now that we're in Jiangning Prefecture, we're fellow townsmen from Huating County. As fellow townsmen, it's only right and proper for us to help each other out. Besides, you helped my son Xu so much before, and I remember that kindness. Now that you're in trouble, it's only right and proper for me to help you."

Xu Qingshu didn't insist on this matter, since it was for his son's good, so he quickly agreed and thanked him with his hands clasped.

"No need to thank me. If you and your son are willing, I can take Maoge to live with me. That way, you can concentrate on studying for another month. It will save you, a grown man, from having to take care of yourself, study, and look after your son all at the same time."

As Xu Qingshu hesitated, Madam Xue lowered her head and asked Maoge'er, "Do you want to come and stay at the mansion with Grandma? There are delicious foods and fun things to do there. When your Xuge'er and Yuejie'er come back in the evening, they can play with you." Madam Xue tried her best to tempt him.

But there's a condition: "Of course, this has to be done without interfering with their studies."

Children, after all, only know how to eat, drink, and play. When Madam Xue mentioned there would be delicious food and drinks, Mao'er's eyes had already lit up. Now, thinking about his brother Xu and sister Yue accompanying him, he couldn't contain himself any longer and immediately said, "I want to go."

Madam Xue then smiled and said, "Then ask your father if he's willing."

I thought it was for my son's own good, and they had already been so hospitable, so it wouldn't be good to refuse them.

Therefore, Xu Qingshu reminded his son: "You can go, but you must not be naughty once you get there, and you must listen to Grandma Xue."