Chapter 85: Preparing for the Exam

Qin Huiyin went to the kitchen to make tea, leaving Tang Yichen to ponder his future.

According to Qin Huiyin’s plans, he was destined to obtain scholarly honors. Yet, every imperial exam was like walking a tightrope over a single-plank bridge—one misstep and he would fall into the water. Could he truly achieve success in the exams?

He was only the son of a farmer, with no influential connections, no knowledge of the wider world. The books he had read were few, all painstakingly gathered by his teachers. Those literary families, by contrast, cultivated their sons from childhood, hired renowned scholars, studied rare ancient texts—if not ten thousand volumes, then at least several thousand.

How could he, with nothing but solitary courage, compete with such people? It was no easy task.

Tang Yichen’s eyes were clouded with confusion.

Knock, knock—Qin Huiyin gently tapped on the table, bringing him back to himself.

Tang Yichen looked at her.

“If you’re tired, rest. Don’t study until you lose your wits.”

“I was wondering… if I fail to obtain a degree, will everyone be disappointed in me?”

“They won’t,” Qin Huiyin replied. “There’s more than one path in life. If one road is blocked, another will open. Your path is yours to walk; no one else can interfere.”

“You’re really only eleven years old?”

“I’m only eleven in age, but my mind is much older. Have you ever seen a parent eat their own child? I have. Have you ever seen someone exchange their own elderly mother for another’s, just to eat? I have. Human nature is complex. One day, a man might weep in his mother’s arms like a helpless child, and the next, knock her unconscious and hand her over to others.”

Tang Yichen clenched his fists. “Beastly.”

“I’ve brewed tea and left you a bowl,” Qin Huiyin said. “When we’ve earned more money, we’ll buy better tea and beautiful tea sets.”

A gentle smile flickered in Tang Yichen’s eyes. “Alright.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” With that, Qin Huiyin picked up the tea and left.

Tang Yichen watched her retreating figure. “What a clever, mischievous little girl.”

After that conversation, Tang Yichen became even more diligent in his studies. In the days that followed, even while supervising the digging of a well, he never let go of his books.

Qin Huiyin had seen the book in his hands, filled with dense notes—some his, some from others.

During the well-digging, Qin Huiyin took Tang Luwu and Tang Yixiao to the market twice more, earning fifteen taels of silver, and spent two taels to buy them new shoes.

Once the well was completed, the weather turned cool, and cold noodles and jelly were officially removed from the menu. However, to satisfy the noodle-lovers, she added stir-fried noodles instead.

Tang Yichen returned to private school. This time, the whole family went to see him off.

His original bedding was replaced with a thick mattress, new sheets, and a fresh cotton quilt. Qin Huiyin had prepared four jars of sauces in advance: besides the mushroom and minced meat sauce, there were also black bean, sweet bean paste, and crab roe sauces.

“Elder brother, these jars are for the teachers. Please deliver them yourself,” Qin Huiyin said, handing over several more jars.

“Thank you.” Tang Yichen patted her hair. “The housework will trouble you again, and the younger ones’ literacy too. Thank you.”

“They’ve learned a few more characters recently. They can now recognize shop signs in the county and are more enthusiastic than ever. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything.”

Li Taohua, standing nearby, remarked sourly, “Anyone who didn’t know would think you two were real siblings.”

“What’s wrong with me being close to my brother?” Qin Huiyin laughed. “Mother, are you jealous?”

Li Taohua snorted haughtily. “We’ll wait for you outside.”

Qin Huiyin surveyed the simple furnishings around Tang Yichen’s quarters and formed an idea.

She and the others made a trip to town, bought a potted flower from a family who grew them, and purchased some writing supplies for Tang Yichen.

Not wishing to disturb him, they handed the gifts to the gatekeeper.

When the gatekeeper informed Tang Yichen to collect them, Qin Huiyin and the others had already departed.

Tang Yichen carried the flowerpot inside.

“Yichen, you’ve grown refined lately—even keeping flowers now.”

“My sister bought it for me,” Tang Yichen replied with a faint smile. “She also made some dried fish. If any of you are interested, you’re welcome to try it.”

“Interested, definitely interested!”

Everyone gathered around.

When they saw Tang Yichen’s room, they were struck by how fresh and renewed it seemed.

Tang Yichen placed the flowerpot on his desk. Now, whenever he sat to read, he only had to lift his eyes to see it, and his mood would lighten.

He washed his hands, took out some golden-brown dried fish from the cupboard, unwrapped the oil paper, and offered it to his classmates.

“It smells wonderful…”

“Yichen, what’s this?” someone asked, noticing several jars of sauce.

He had already delivered the teachers’ share; these were the ones Qin Huiyin had prepared for him.

“My sister’s homemade condiments,” Tang Yichen said. “You can try them at mealtime.”

“The aroma is so delicious, it’s making me dizzy!”

“The dried fish is really tasty too. There’s something else in it—a numbing flavor, but so appetizing. What is it?”

“I’m not sure. My sister came up with these secret recipes herself,” Tang Yichen replied.

“You’ve mentioned your sister several times now. She must be remarkable. When she visits next, you must introduce her to us.”

“She’s shy around strangers—maybe next time.” Tang Yichen, eyeing their expressions, instinctively declined, sensing their intentions were not entirely innocent.

Upon returning to the private school, Tang Yichen was immediately given a test by his teachers—a past imperial examination paper.

As Tang Yichen underwent the teachers’ rigorous training, Qin Huiyin and the others continued their business endeavors.

The newly dug well needed time to settle before use. Once the water had settled sufficiently, it would be drawn and discarded several times before being fit to drink.

The Tang family’s decision to dig their own well became a topic of envy in the village. After all, digging a well cost more than just the workers’ wages; it required many materials. Most importantly, the whole village shared one well, so for the Tang family to build their own seemed nothing but showy.

Qin Huiyin glanced at the numbers in the account book, then counted the money in the cash box.

“Daughter, what are you thinking about?” Li Taohua sat down beside her.

“Our house is too small, not enough for us all. I want to build a big house, but we don’t have enough money,” Qin Huiyin said.

“Not enough? I’ve seen others build big houses with less,” Li Taohua replied.

“The house I want will be beautiful, with a big garden, spacious rooms for everyone, desks, wardrobes—everything. I checked the prices in the county, and it’s too expensive. We won’t be able to buy a house there any time soon; living in the village is more practical.”

“Your brother’s going to take the exams. If he succeeds, won’t we have to move someday?”

“That’s not something that will happen soon. Besides, even if my brother passes, he’ll start with a low official rank. There’s no hurry for us to join him.”

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