Chapter 47 A Mismatched Couple
Two days after the start of the new school year following the Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival holiday is just around the corner. The students are clearly distracted, and the teachers are putting on a one-man show, inevitably causing them anxiety and frustration.
As Yang Congen passed by under the corridor, he heard a cacophony of scolding voices, and occasionally, the sound of someone angrily beating someone.
When he arrived at the gate of Yizi Hall, he stopped, knocked on the door, and called away Yu Mingshu, who was sitting at the very end.
Everyone knew why Yang Congen had called her out, but under Wang Youling's stern gaze, no one dared to look up and watch the spectacle.
Wang Youling glanced down at the textbook, then looked up and saw a figure dart out the door.
"Let's continue... He Zheng! Where are you going!"
The students looked around blankly, their gazes growing increasingly strange.
Yang Congen led the man into Zhishan Hall, pulled out a chair and sat down. He got straight to the point: "Back then, you accompanied Yu Dan to school to encourage him to improve. Now that you have achieved your goal, it is time for you to retire gracefully."
Upon hearing this, not only the two who had just entered the room exchanged bewildered glances, but even Yuan Yi, who was sitting opposite him engrossed in a book, looked up.
Yu Mingshu felt a pang of bitterness in his heart and a bitter taste in his mouth, but his eyes showed no fear as he looked at Yang Congen: "If that's the case, why didn't you tell me to leave before the New Year? Why did you promote me to the Yi-class Hall?"
"Do I really have to spell it out for you?" Yang Congen said in a deep voice. "The reason I agreed to let you enroll in the first place was because you would present yourself as Yu Erlang and wouldn't attract any criticism. Now that things have been exposed and rumors are flying around the academy, even if you are not afraid of what people say, I cannot sit idly by."
Yu Mingshu chuckled: "You are so knowledgeable, yet you actually used the word 'exposed' today."
Disguising herself as a boy to attend school is not considered a heinous crime, and using the word "exposed" is indeed biased. Yang Congen knew she was in the wrong, so she lowered her head and took a sip of tea.
Yu Mingshu said unwillingly, "I have never violated any rules since I enrolled, and I have always ranked in the top three in every ten-day exam. Last year, I received first grade in all four subjects in the course exam..."
"There has been much criticism within the institute, and I have no choice but to handle this impartially." Yang Congen remained unmoved.
He Zheng noticed that Yu Mingshu was in low spirits, so he stepped forward and stared intently at Yang Congen: "Whether or not you stay at the academy is not important. The list of students for this year's examination has already been submitted to the Ministry of Personnel. I just want to know if Mingshu's name is on it?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Mingshu gradually sorted out his thoughts.
The most important thing now is not a degree, but whether she is still eligible to take the exam.
"Last year at the Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Festival, His Majesty personally declared that I would be waiting for good news regarding the provincial examination next year," she said in a deep voice, both to encourage herself and to remind Yang Congen.
Yang Congen said, "The imperial examinations are overseen by the Ministry of Rites, with the Ministry of Personnel assisting. I am only responsible for matters within the Chang'an Academy."
In Yang Congen, Yu Mingshu seemed to see the shadows of the leaders in the administrative building of his previous life.
She's completely unyielding; there's no reasoning with her.
After leaving Zhishan Hall, Yu Mingshu did not return to the classroom, but walked directly out of the academy gate.
He Zheng caught up with her. "Ming Shu, don't worry. I will go to the Eastern Palace to see the Crown Prince immediately. Once your name is in the Ministry of Personnel, no one can remove you from the list!"
Having learned from Yuan Yi's example, Yu Mingshu found it hard to believe such empty words.
Regardless of whether the Crown Prince is merely the heir apparent or has the final say... ask yourself, why would the Crown Prince protect her when you don't have a deep relationship with him? Just because He Zheng pleaded for her?
Even within the royal family, close brothers must keep clear accounts, let alone the He family, who are merely relatives of the imperial family.
"Just trust me this once, okay?" He Zheng hurriedly took two steps to stand in front of her and waved his hand in front of her eyes.
Seeing that she remained silent, He Zheng said, "Wait for my news," then took the reins from Jing Hong, nimbly leaped onto his horse, and galloped towards the East Palace.
…
Zhishantang had been silent for a long time, and even the steam rising from the teacups had subsided.
Yuan Yi stared at the book in his mentor's hands that hadn't been turned in a long time and sighed, "Her talent shouldn't be buried."
Yang Congen raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you talking about her, or yourself?"
A sudden sharp pain shot through his chest, and Yuan Yi unconsciously pursed his thin lips.
Yang Congen closed the book and looked at him directly: "Back then, you disagreed with her enrollment, and even made things difficult for her by setting questions for her. You even argued with me about it. How come, more than half a year later, you're now pleading for her?"
"In the entire academy, I've only ever seen one person as diligent and persistent as her, and that's Xie Huaijin." Thinking of Xie Huaijin's plight, Yuan Yi couldn't help but smile bitterly, his smile tinged with sarcasm.
After a long silence, Yang Congen said in a deep voice, "Do what you should do."
After he finished speaking, the person opposite him seemed frozen in place, not moving an inch. Yang Congen frowned and looked up at him again.
This silent resistance really resembled a ten-year-old child throwing a tantrum at an elder. Yang Congen helplessly put down his teacup and said, "I only asked her to leave the academy. When did I say she wasn't allowed to take the exam?"
Yuan Yi suddenly looked up, "Really?"
Yang Congen said, "I never wanted her to take the exam from the beginning, but as she said, last Mid-Autumn Festival, His Majesty declared in front of so many people that a monarch's word is law. Don't you understand that?"
When Yuan Yi brought the news to the Yu family, Yu Mingshu was pounding chicken feet.
It could be said that she was venting her anger on the chicken feet, smashing them more and more vigorously, the thumping sounds echoing throughout the courtyard.
After hearing the good news from Yuan Yi, Yu Mingshu remained calm, but his strength in pounding the chicken feet noticeably decreased.
This reaction was unexpected by Yuan Yi.
"You're not happy?"
“This is what I deserve, but now I need a saint’s pardon to ensure that what I deserve is not taken away. Do you think I should be happy?”
Yuan Yi remained silent for a moment, then spoke again in a slightly hoarse voice: "No matter what, you are luckier than me."
Yu Mingshu threw down the pestle and mortar and looked at him seriously: "We have both suffered injustice, so why do we have to compare ourselves to each other? If I were to gloat over your wounds, how would you feel?"
Yuan Yi was speechless, as if a string in his heart had quietly loosened.
As the two were locked in a stalemate, a young man rode a fast horse from afar and came to a steady stop at the main gate of the Yu family. A dark red figure dismounted and He Zheng happily rushed into the courtyard.
"Ming Shu! Focus on your exams! His Highness the Crown Prince's word is law; no one in the entire capital dares to touch your name!"
When he saw Yuan Yi in the courtyard, his smiling face fell.
What's he doing here?
Yu Mingshu finally smiled and said, "I already know that he beat you to it."
He Zheng looked at Yuan Yi with wariness in his eyes.
Seeing Yu Mingshu's face instantly break into a smile, Yuan Yi felt incredibly uncomfortable no matter how he looked at it.
…
The famous Yu Erlang in Chang'an was not a young man but a young woman. This news spread from the Chang'an Academy and reached every street and alley in less than half a day.
Xie Shichang nestled in the erhu chair, toying with a string of seven precious beads in his hand, his gaze gradually returning from the distant horizon to Xie Zhang standing in front of him.
"Why do you think Yu Mingshu, a woman, would go to such lengths to take the imperial examinations?"
Xie Zhang said, "Perhaps it's because Yu Sanlang is so stupid that the Yu family has no successor."
Xie Shichang scoffed, "She'll get married sooner or later. How many more years can she bring glory to the Yu family?"
"It's quite a coincidence that this Miss Yu lives in Yongning Ward and is Sanlang's neighbor." Xie Zhang said, then carefully observed his lord's expression. "I heard that Sanlang even reprimanded Wulang because of this Miss Yu."
Xie Shichang's brow twitched, and his hand paused. Reprimanding Xie Ansheng? When had Xie Huaijin ever dared to do such a thing? This usually cautious man had suddenly acted so boldly, all for the sake of the Yu family's daughter…
Didn't the two of them have a grudge over plagiarism?
Xie Zhang continued, "I have another thought. After the Mid-Autumn Festival last year, Miss Yu was imprisoned for half a day for some reason, and Sanlang personally went to visit her in prison."
Xie Shichang gripped the beaded string tightly and said, "Go and invite Madam over. Tell her I have something important to discuss with her."
…
The next day was the Lantern Festival. I heard that the Emperor held another poetry gathering. This time, probably out of concern for the rumors surrounding Yu Mingshu, the palace did not invite her to the banquet.
Yu Mingshu was studying in the courtyard, and even through the wall, he could hear Su Niangzi and Xie Huaijin's anxious conversation as they prepared for the poetry gathering.
In the evening, Yuan Yi had a bowl of sweet dumplings delivered, saying that they were made by Zhang Niangzi herself. A collection of essays was also placed on top of the food box.
"What's this?"
The errand boy said respectfully, "The master said these are past imperial examination questions, and he wishes the young lady all her dreams come true."
Yu Mingshu felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Please thank Mr. Yuan for me."
The servant added, "The master also said that if the young lady has any questions, she can ask him at any time. He can also explain the content of his lectures at the academy to her privately."
Yu Mingshu was somewhat flattered, "There's no need to trouble you, sir."
He Zheng would extract the essence of the academy's lessons each day, removing the unnecessary details, and then relay them to her through the back wall of the mansion after returning home.
At first, she also felt that this was too much trouble for others, but upon closer reflection, wasn't this the most effective way for He Zheng to review? This is what is called mutual learning between teachers and students.
On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, He Zheng went straight to the Yu family mansion after school, carrying a huge brocade box in his hands.
Yu Mingshu stared at the things in his hands: "You're here to deliver exam materials too?"
He Zheng rolled his eyes: "Who would give something like that as a birthday gift?"
Yu Mingshu was slightly taken aback. It took her a while to recall that she had only mentioned her birthday once, and she didn't expect He Zheng to still remember it.
"Let me make this clear first: I won't have a banquet for my birthday, nor will I prepare any delicacies. I'll just have clear soup longevity noodles."
"I'm not a picky eater."
Back in her room that evening, Yu Mingshu carefully opened the brocade box and was immediately dazzled by the luster of the silk and the scent of money.
He Zheng gave her a light pink round-necked robe with inconspicuous peach blossoms embroidered on the inside of the collar, which was very delicate and lovely.
She carefully changed into her new clothes, afraid that the delicate silk would be scratched by her own fingernails or the dry, dead skin on her fingertips.
The clothes fit surprisingly well.
But how did He Zheng know her height?
Yu Mingshu didn't understand, so he carefully took off his new clothes, folded them neatly, put them back in the brocade box, and hid them deep in the wardrobe.
…
When the ten-day break arrived, He Zheng skipped the reading group on the wall and openly entered the Yu family's courtyard. Unexpectedly, he saw Yuan Yi visiting as soon as he entered.
Yuan Yi stared at the paper in He Zheng's hand and suddenly realized why Yu Mingshu hadn't sought his advice; it turned out he had another "wise teacher."
Yu Mingshu had just served a cup of milk tea when she looked up and saw another customer at the door. Before Yuan Yi could speak, she heard a series of lectures about the strict separation of men and women.
What you fear most is what happens.
Yuan Yi pointed at He Zheng and said to Yu Mingshu, "Now everyone knows that Yu Erlang is a woman, do you still intend to have an entanglement with him?"
He Zheng retorted, "Everyone knows that Miss Yu has left the academy. Mr. Yuan's frequent visits can hardly be considered legitimate, can they?"
Yu Mingshu was completely baffled.
As the two were locked in a stalemate, the sounds of gongs and drums came from the streets, forcing them to stop their staring contest and go out to see what was going on.
Wu Qiuniang and Yu Dan also heard the commotion and came out of the house to find out what was going on. "Is there any happy occasion in the neighborhood?"
"I haven't heard of it," He Zheng said.
Yu Dan said timidly, "Sister, I have a feeling that these people are coming for our family..."
It wasn't an illusion; a group of people dressed in red and green, carrying loads, were walking towards the Yu family's gate in the distance. At the head of the group was Xie Zhang, the Xie family's steward, with a kind-looking old woman beside him.
Yu Mingshu suddenly had a bad feeling.
Xie Zhang, accompanied by the matchmaker, stopped in front of the Yu family's gate and looked up to meet three pairs of wary eyes.
"I am Xie Zhang, and I have come here on the orders of the Xie family lord and mistress to establish a good relationship with your esteemed family and strengthen the bond between our families. I have brought generous gifts to greet Madam Wu and Miss Yu."
Wu Qiuniang trembled, but fortunately Yu Dan and He Zheng reacted quickly and caught her arms on either side, allowing her to regain her balance and face the scene before her.
"You mean Minister Xie wants to propose marriage to my Mingshu?"
“Exactly.” Xie Zhang smiled broadly, his eyes practically disappearing behind his teeth.
Wu Qiuniang then asked, "May I ask, Minister Xie, which young man in the Xie family are you here to act as matchmaker for?"
He Zheng wanted to interject, but he couldn't act as a matchmaker for anyone. How could Ming Shu marry into the Xie family, that den of wolves and tigers!
However, marriage is a major life event that must be decided by parents and matchmakers. Even if parents love their children and are willing to ask for their thoughts, they have no reason to let outsiders interfere or obstruct the process.
This is driving me crazy!
Yu Mingshu still wanted to believe her mother. Given the precedents of Zhou Qi and Zhu Yishan, her mother had already accepted her decision not to marry and would never suddenly agree to the Xie family's marriage proposal.
"My lord's intention is to arrange a betrothal for my son, Sanlang."
Xie Zhang smiled and said, "Miss Yu and my Sanlang were classmates, which is a match made in heaven. I also heard that at last year's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, the emperor personally selected the young lady and Sanlang as the champions of the literary gathering. Such a talented man and woman, made in heaven, should be bound together forever."
Wu Qiuniang glanced at her daughter and saw her gently shake her head, her eyes full of resistance. She stepped forward and said to Xie Zhang, "Xie Sanlang is indeed a virtuous and handsome son-in-law, but unfortunately... Before the New Year, when we went to Xijing Temple to offer incense, a high monk examined Ming Shu's fortune and said that this girl should not get married within three years, otherwise it would bring bad luck to her husband's family."
Xie Zhang refused to back down and said excitedly, "What a coincidence! When my third son was born, a wise man also predicted that this child's destiny was upright and that he must marry a woman with a similar destiny in order to ward off evil spirits. My lord and the old prime minister are worried about the fate of the whole family and have endured the pain of separation from their son for many years, placing him away from home. Now, Miss Yu is the destined person that the Xie family has been searching for for many years. I hope that you will carefully consider this marriage!"
Yu Mingshu's lips twitched; he had never seen such a quick-witted person.
"Your Excellency misunderstands. I am not suited for marriage within the next three years, not because my fate is bad."
"That's alright. Let's settle the marriage first, draw up the betrothal letter, and make it official. My third son is in the prime of his life. What's wrong with holding the auspicious ceremony to welcome Miss Yu into the family three years later?"
Yu Mingshu was speechless. Three years was too short; he should have said that it was not advisable to get married within ten years.
Are the Xie family members simply unable to understand human language, or are they certain that the Yu family wouldn't dare offend the Xie family?
Just then, the gate to the western courtyard opened.
Xie Huaijin stared blankly at the impressive crowd in front of the door, then stepped aside and hugged the wall to Yu Mingshu's side. Under the gazes of three men who seemed to want to kill him, he asked in bewilderment, "What's going on?"
He Zheng sneered: "What do you mean? Your steward has come to propose marriage on your behalf."
Yu Dan stretched out his left arm to block Yu Mingshu, and said angrily, "I should have seen through your ill intentions long ago!"
Although Yuan Yi didn't speak, his gaze was chilling enough.
Xie Huaijin stood frozen for a long time, as if his blood had frozen. It took him a while to understand what they were saying. He looked at Xie Zhang in disbelief. The other man was all smiles, and his eyes were full of wrinkles.
Startled awake, he hurriedly waved his hands, "No, no, no, this wasn't my idea, I didn't know anything about it!"
The three of them clearly wouldn't listen to his explanation.
Xie Huaijin was about to deny it when Xie Zhang grabbed his arm, his smiling eyes now showing a hint of seriousness.
"Sanlang, this marriage was chosen by our lord. You are busy preparing for the exam, and our lord was afraid of delaying your studies, so he did not inform you. Sanlang, please do not let our lord's good intentions go to waste."
Xie Huaijin was afraid that his former classmate would misunderstand that he had used his family's power to force a marriage, so he slapped Xie Zhang's hand away and turned to Yu Mingshu, saying, "I will explain this matter to Minister Xie. I am sorry for bothering you today."
Xie Huaijin's tone was extremely anxious, indicating that he was truly unaware of the situation. Yu Mingshu nodded in response, took his mother's hand, and returned to their own courtyard.
Half an hour later, Xie Huaijin stood in the study of the Xie family's main residence.
Xie Shichang grabbed the inkstone beside him and smashed it in his face, shouting angrily, "With your stepmother's background, you're already considered to be marrying into the Yu family, what more could you possibly want?"
Xie Huaijin tilted his head slightly and deftly dodged it.
"Marriage is a lifelong matter. It's not appropriate for my elder brother to propose marriage on my own initiative, is it?"
Xie Shichang said with a stern face, "Since ancient times, marriage has been a major event that should be decided by parents and matchmakers. Father has retired to Taozhou, and I am in charge of the clan. What is wrong with me choosing a marriage partner for you?"
A flash of hatred crossed Xie Huaijin's eyes.
“Your brother moved my son and me out of the Xie residence, clearly intending to sever ties with me. Now you’re trying to manipulate my marriage. Don’t you think you’re being too greedy?”
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