Chapter 281 - 116: Lovesickness (3)

Since they had set out early, the posthouse was practically empty. Aside from a Scholar staying there who was on his way to the Prefecture for the Provincial Examination, all the other courtyards were available.

When De’an and the others heard that a Scholar headed for the Provincial Examination was staying at the posthouse, they were stunned.

"It’s only early in the third month, and the Provincial Examination isn’t until August. If he goes to the Prefecture this early, food and lodging alone will be a huge expense. This Scholar must come from a family with at least some savings; otherwise, he would never do something like this."

"Or maybe he’s going to stay with relatives. Then he could eat and live at their place and not have to worry about the cost."

The young clerk at the posthouse led the group toward the back, a sarcastic smile playing openly on his lips. "That Scholar is dressed plainly and has no attendants," he said in a snide tone. "Doesn’t look like he comes from a wealthy family. He’s a lunatic. Didn’t even have the sense to run inside when it was raining. He just stood out there laughing his head off and ended up soaked to the bone..."

His words drew disapproving looks from the group.

They all looked displeased. Whether the Scholar was truly mad or just pretending, it gave this clerk no excuse to belittle him.

Sensing their disapproval, the clerk quickly wiped the expression from his face and sheepishly led them to choose their courtyards.

The group quickly selected their courtyards and ordered a pot of hot water for each room, along with some hot food.

De’an and Zhao Jing shared a courtyard.

It was a smaller courtyard with only two rooms. They each took one, which saved them from having to share with strangers and afforded them some quiet.

Once inside his room, De’an closed the door and asked Zhao Jing, "What do you think? Is that Scholar really mad, or is he faking it?"

"It has nothing to do with me, and nothing to do with you," Zhao Jing replied. "It’s best to stay out of it. Don’t go snooping around."

"I was just asking out of curiosity. Can’t I even do that?"

De’an knew when to back off, so he dropped the subject. Instead, he grabbed Zhao Jing’s lapels. "These past few days, have you been homesick, or have you been thinking about my sister? And don’t try to fob me off with some nonsense about worrying over the prefectural and academy examinations. I grew up with you. Others might not get you, but I know you like the back of my hand. You can’t fool me."

Zhao Jing hadn’t planned on fooling him.

There was no need.

He answered honestly, "I miss my mother and sister at home, and... I miss your sister, too."

"Hah. The second part is the real reason, isn’t it?"

De’an’s face screamed ’I see right through you,’ and he couldn’t help but "tsk" a couple of times. "Show some ambition, Jing! A man shouldn’t be constantly moping over romance. You need to aim higher! Go become a Scholar, then a scholar, then the Champion Scholar! Serving the country and making a name for yourself, that’s what’s important."

Zhao Jing just scoffed and gave De’an a look that said, ’You can’t discuss ice with a summer insect.’

De’an laughed, though he was fuming. ’Between the two of us, who’s the summer insect and who’s the ice?’

’Before you were married, you had lofty ambitions too, Zhao Jing,’ he thought. ’But the moment you tied the knot, you turned into this sentimental sap. The ancients said a land of comfort is a hero’s tomb. Looks like they weren’t wrong.’

Neither of them could be bothered to argue further. When the hot water arrived, they went their separate ways to wash up.

A short while later, their meals were delivered—a bowl of shredded pork noodles, two steamed buns, and a side of cold vegetables for each of them.

Wang Jun had previously suggested they all eat together.

But everyone’s financial situation was different. Not everyone could afford to have fish and meat at every meal. On the other hand, if they only ate simple vegetables and tofu, Wang Jun, who had been accustomed to a life of luxury since birth, would be the first to complain.

So they decided to eat separately, everyone ordering for themselves.

This way, they could all save face while preserving their friendships—killing two birds with one stone.

After eating, De’an and Zhao Jing didn’t go to rest right away, nor did they pick up their books to do any last-minute cramming.

Having been in a carriage all day, their bodies felt stiff and numb. The two of them went for a walk together around their courtyard.

They didn’t wander through the entire posthouse, since there were too many uncertainties when traveling.

For the sake of their own safety, and to avoid causing trouble for others, they stuck to the area they felt was secure just to stretch their legs.

A full moon hung high in the sky, its brilliant light bathing the land. The world was quiet, filled only with the tireless chirping of insects.

"Jing, what do you think my mother and sister are doing right now? They’re probably asleep by this time, don’t you think?"

"Mother has probably gone to rest, but your sister certainly hasn’t. Before I left for the Prefecture, she was studying incense formulas. She wanted to create a unique fragrance just for me."

"What? Create a unique fragrance just for you? Why? I’m her blood brother! She’s been studying incense for over a decade and has never once made a special fragrance for me. No way! I won’t stand for it. If she’s making one for anyone, it should be for me first."

Zhao Jing scoffed. "De’an, you need to remember your place."

"My place? I’m her blood brother! The very fact that we share the same mother means I come before you."

’So what if you share the same mother?’ Zhao Jing thought. ’We’ve been skin to skin, explored every inch of each other’s bodies. How can the bond between siblings even compare to that kind of intimacy?’

But the moment the thought surfaced, Zhao Jing couldn’t stop himself from remembering the night before he left.

Instantly, the blood in his veins ran hot, and he couldn’t stop himself from swallowing hard.

He sighed softly. "Forget it," he said, his enthusiasm suddenly gone. "Let’s not walk anymore. I’m going back to read."