Chapter 86

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Cheng Zijian still wore a blank expression when Wang Chang had already reached out and pointed at the list, saying, "Isn't that you?"

He followed along to look, but that finger was pointing at the first sheet for promotion to the Inner Dormitory; sure enough, in the third row of the list, the very first name read neatly: a certain study hall of the Outer Dormitory, Cheng Zijian of Le'an, Fuzhou.

Cheng Zijian was utterly dumbfounded.

He had failed to gain promotion for two years; this time, although he harbored a fluke hope, he was still extremely anxious. At this moment, after carefully verifying three times, he threw those ideas about becoming a staff aide or retainer to the back of his mind; his head cleared, his limbs gained strength, and he just chuckled, saying, "I made it! I really made it! I thought this time would fail again!"

Speaking, he scanned the list again, counting familiar names; he read two names, then went back to find his own name and read it once more.

Several large sheets of names, a crowd of students gathered here to stare for half a day, lingering without dispersing.

As Cheng Zijian kept looking, his joy gradually faded, yet another layer of worry floated up.

—Although he had finally advanced to the Inner Dormitory, he still had to take the metropolitan examination year after year, and the difficulty would only increase greatly.

He knew his own ability; his promotion this time was thanks to Brother Han exerting great effort to support him.

Now that the result was out, both sentiment and reason demanded he report to him, send some thank-you gifts, and at the same time make a show of it, letting the other party know there was still someone here waiting for him to find time to come manage things again.

Cheng Zijian's purse was tight; he could not afford expensive gifts, so he could not help but seriously ponder.

The local gifts Elder Sister brought had long been set aside in a large portion; besides that, nothing else was suitable to give, so he still followed the old rule and went to ask Song Xiaoniangzi to help make some delicious food — Brother Han never spoke of it, but he accepted every single time, and ate fast!

Thinking like this, Cheng Zijian planned to go to the Upper Dormitory to find one of Han Li's dorm-mates to inquire about the situation, to see if the other party had any news.

Only he had just started to leave when he was grabbed by Wang Chang at his side.

The latter gave him a meaningful look.

Cheng Zijian stared blankly for a moment, followed his gaze, and saw a man standing listlessly not far away — it was precisely Xiao Lu, who, upon hearing that Song Miao had been taken away by the patrol station that day, had run to report the news to He Qi thanks to his swift legs.

Seeing the other's state, Cheng Zijian only then reacted; sure enough, just now when checking the list, he had not seen the "Lu Zhong" big name.

He hurriedly turned back to look again, searched through both rounds, but ultimately did not see him; he wanted to go forward and offer comfort, but after taking only two steps he stopped again, thinking secretly — if I had failed, I certainly would not want to see anyone or hear any words.

Not only Cheng Zijian thought this way; the rest of those around who were acquainted with Xiao Lu had the same thought.

By noon, the group gathered together, and inevitably spoke of Lu Zhong's failure to advance and his impending return home.

People have joys and sorrows, partings and reunions; the moon has its cloudy and clear phases, its waxing and waning.

There are those who pass, so naturally there are those who fail; this is only within reason.

Yet these eight gathered here were originally classmates; they had copied books together, eaten several days of meals specially made by Song Miao, and together beaten Diao Zi and his gang of thugs; their feelings had grown even deeper, and sighs were inevitable from everyone.

Knowing Xiao Lu would leave the day after tomorrow and stay no longer, someone proposed: "Why not go tell the Stall Owner Song, ask her to help prepare a table, and we'll all see Lu Zhong off together?"

Everyone agreed at once.

But when the crowd found Lu Zhong and put forth this proposal, he shook his head repeatedly, saying, "No, don't! You all passed; I originally still wanted to wait until I passed, then when I become an official in the future, I would severely punish those bullying, weak-oppressing thugs like Suozi, and also make Song Stall Owner's many meat-and-vegetable dishes not have been given in vain — now I can't even pass into the Inner Dormitory, what is there to say?"

He had always trailed at the very end, and never held much hope; however, this time everyone advanced to the Inner Dormitory, only he was sent back home; especially that Cheng Zijian, who had always been his fellow sufferer, also passed, and with a high ranking at that; though he knew he shouldn't, his heart involuntarily felt even worse.

"Since everyone is classmates it's fine, but to go before Stall Owner Song, I really can't afford to lose this face!" He bowed repeatedly to the crowd, "Everyone, give me face; moreover, I have no appetite to eat now."

The crowd were of similar age, their thoughts naturally similar; who could fail to understand his little scheme.

It had nothing to do with anything special, nor any bad intention; just young men and women in the bloom of youth, seeing a good-looking, good-natured person of the opposite sex, none wanted to lose face before them, and all wished to show their best side.

Everyone could only sigh, persuade a few more words, then leave.

Once out the door, they inevitably discussed again.

"Xiao Lu declined out of face, but can we really do nothing?"

A student who had entered from another prefecture said: "He leaves the day after tomorrow; why don't we prepare some dry rations for him to eat on the road?"

"That's good!"

At the mention of making food, everyone unanimously thought of Song Xiaoniangzi of Suanzao Alley.

Cheng Zijian volunteered, saying: "I happen to have a matter to ask Stall Owner Song for help; why not go together."

Everyone pooled silver money; Cheng Zijian strung the coins with cord, put them in a bag, and indeed went toward the Song Family Eatery.

Song Miao was just preparing the next day's ingredients; answering the door and seeing Cheng Zijian, she was quite pleasantly surprised, and could not help exchanging a few pleasantries.

Seeing Cheng Zijian's condition was good, she asked: "I suppose Young Master Cheng's promotion went smoothly; may I ask if that is so?"

Cheng Zijian stood awkwardly, modestly saying: "Can't say it was smooth; I only finally passed the hurdle, and it was still thanks to Stall Owner Song and Brother Han's help!"

Song Miao smiled: "So my glutinous rice balls and shaomai actually had such great effect?"

Cheng Zijian spoke seriously: "The food Song Xiaoniangzi makes, I don't know how much time it saved me; that is one thing. Another is that 'Wei Xing Tong'; I copied books the most that day, and this time the metropolitan exam policy question took Criminal Law as the topic, citing two legal clauses."

"After the list was posted in the morning, the teacher specially sought me out, praising that this time my essay far surpassed before, especially the topic-break was very good; both examiners took it out to mention, praising my clever thinking."

"If not for Song Xiaoniangzi's help, if not for Brother Han's assistance, I fear this time I might not have achieved this result!"

Song Miao had not expected there to be such inside story.

She smiled for a moment: "Since it is so, I won't decline; but if not for Young Master Cheng's own diligent study, and kind heart helping me, copying books seriously, how could you have written such a good essay?"

The two chatted a few sentences; Cheng Zijian handed over two small oilcloth bundles, saying: "There is another matter; Elder Sister came to the Capital some time ago, brought some hometown specialties, and I don't know if Song Xiaoniangzi will disdain them — take a look?"

Song Miao received them, opened to look; in one small bundle were tea leaves, all select tender buds, should be newly released new tea, very fragrant; in the other small bundle were lotus seeds, one look showed they were self-dried, skins removed, cores taken out, cleaned very thoroughly.

She hurriedly gave thanks.

Cheng Zijian repeatedly said no need, sighed again, told Xiao Lu's matter, took out the money everyone pooled, and also spoke of preparing a thank-you gift for Han Li.

Song Miao naturally remembered who Xiao Lu was, also felt very regretful; asking clearly the send-off time, she agreed in one breath, and also said: "I will also go send him off that day — thanking him for helping report the news that day."

But mentioning Han Li's thank-you gift, she said: "I just came out of the Capital Prefecture Office the day before yesterday, and happened to meet Young Master Han; he is very busy right now; if you want to set a table to treat him to a meal, he may not have time; better that I make some durable, chewable snacks, so he can grab and eat anytime; that might be more practical."

Also said: "If you really want to host, it's best to wait until he returns to the Taixue to discuss; don't know what you think?"

Cheng Zijian naturally had no objection, hurriedly gave thanks and said no more.

After seeing the person off, Song Miao began to seriously ponder.

That Xiao Lu was a native of Qian East, traveling southwest all the way, the journey was no less than a thousand li.

Once past Jiangling, mountains and ridges began to multiply, and places to stop for a meal were also hard to find; just like that Han Li, it was best to have some durable, non-perishable food on hand.

It just so happened the weather was good these two days, there was still sun, so she could make some pork jerky — firstly it was light and convenient, easy to carry and bring along; secondly it also wouldn't spoil easily.

Having thought it through clearly, Song Miao finished the matters at hand, and taking advantage that the hour was still early, shouldered a bamboo basket and went straight to the butcher shop to buy twenty jin of lean pork.

Because time was tight, the moment she returned home she immediately washed the meat clean, cut it along the grain into palm-sized thin slices; after cutting, she divided them into three large basins — one basin held salt, sugar, wine, soy sauce and all the other seasonings; another basin had extra dogwood fruit, mustard seeds and such added; the third basin held Sichuan pepper and other spices; once the marinating was done, she took them straight out to air-dry.

The meat was cut very thin; after one night and half a day it had already been blown eight or nine parts dry.

Song Miao collected it back, steamed it over water for an hour, then took it out again to air-dry.

This pork jerky method looks simple, but there are requirements for the thickness of the meat slices, the proportion of seasonings, and also the degree of air-drying; if done well, the flavor is full, and the more you chew the more fragrant it becomes.

Most importantly this is real, solid meat — aside from being tough on the teeth and tending to make one's cheeks bulge, it has no faults.

Twenty jin of pork, in the end produced less than seven jin of jerky, uniform in size, all only half a Portion thick; held up to the light, every slice could transmit light.

Because it was cut along the grain, the meat fibers were distinct, a clean and beautiful slightly heavy amber color; without even eating, as soon as one brought it near the face, the meat aroma wafted over.

Besides the pork jerky, early that morning Song Miao also made time to bake some dry cakes, and just now placed them together on the stall cart, pushing it to Food Alley.

Not having seen her for several days, this time when Song Miao arrived, the stall was immediately surrounded watertight by students waiting with bated breath.

She hurriedly sold out, and didn't even have time to exchange greetings with everyone; she only asked the wonton stall owner nearby to help watch the stall cart, then hugged the bundle containing dry rations and walked toward the Taixue main gate.

Meanwhile at the other end, Lu Zhong took his luggage, left letters for his dormitory-mates and study-hall mates, and for quite a few acquaintances, yet without a word, quietly exited the Taixue main gate.

Three years of bitter study, exchanged for this kind of result — he sometimes felt it was because he hadn't worked hard enough, sometimes felt that even if he worked harder it might not be of use, and a bit of luck was also needed.

But no matter what, being sent home in disgrace at this moment was truly disheartening.

One person carrying a pack and lifting a box traveling alone, pedestrians on the road each hurrying on their own way, naturally no one came to pay him any mind.

Lu Zhong sighed a breath, couldn't help turning back to look once more at the Taixue main gate, stood in place for a moment, not knowing what he was waiting for, nor whether he wanted to wait for it, or didn't want to wait for it.

He dazed for a while, seeing no movement, finally collected his mood, and walked outward with a rather desolate air.

However, just as he exited that main street, he heard someone call out: "Lu Zhong! Leaving just like that, not even a single word?"

Lu Zhong raised his head and looked, and saw not far away rows of people leaning against the wall standing there — precisely those who had eaten pig trotter rice together that day.

He let out an "ah", his heart filled with an indescribable feeling, couldn't help taking three steps as two and walking forward, saying: "I have to return home..."

Even as the words left his mouth, his tears suddenly streamed down his whole face.

The crowd stepped forward, some embracing him, some clapping shoulders, some offering encouragement, some offering comfort.

Seeing the hour was not early, Cheng Zijian took the lead, gave a brush pen, didn't use any box or wrapping, just wrapped it in cloth, saying: "I can't afford anything else, only this one brush — it's what I'm used to writing with daily, extremely useful; you take it home, see if you like it."

Lu Zhong at first wanted to refuse, but Cheng Zijian shoved the brush into his hand, so he had to take it.

Then Wang Chang and others gave books, gave ink, some gave good paper they had saved for a long time, and even more gave a thin blanket, for him to pad and lie on during the journey.

In a moment everyone had finished giving; Lu Zhong's eyes were all red, he could only cup his hands in thanks, and just as he was about to leave, he heard Cheng Zijian say: "Wait a bit more."

Lu Zhong hadn't yet reacted, when he saw a person emerge from the side alley.

It was Song Miao carrying a bundle, hurrying over in quick steps.

She reached the front, didn't say much, just handed that package over, saying: "Young Master Lu is traveling far, I have nothing to give either; together with everyone I chipped in to make some pork jerky, and also some cakes — the cakes are baked very dry, keeping four or five days is no problem; the pork jerky also isn't afraid of keeping — if on the road you can't find a place to eat, just use this to get by for a few meals, only it's a bit heavy, afraid it might be inconvenient to carry."

Lu Zhong's face reddened again, and his eyes reddened too, hurriedly stepped back to make way: "How can I have the nerve to accept!"

Song Miao smiled: "Why would it be nerve-wracking? Others don't pay attention, but I have another matter to ask — I heard Qian region has many condiments, and also many flowers and plants; next year when Young Master returns, if convenient, whatever you see that is rare in the Capital, why not help me bring some seeds into the Capital?"

Lu Zhong couldn't refuse, but said in a low voice: "Next year I might not be able to enter the Capital."

Song Miao just smiled, saying: "Three years ago you could test in, how come next year you can't test in?"

And said: "If next year you can't come, the year after works too; three years five years, by then my food shop will definitely be open, there will still be plenty of empty land waiting for Young Master Lu's seeds to plant!"

Lu Zhong with a red face, stammered, in the end agreed, took the bundle into his hand, and again awkwardly expressed thanks.

Wang Chang called out: "Don't you say it — it's still Lu Zhong who has good luck; if he comes next year, we might all have entered Shangshe by then, and by that time we'll have gotten official posts early, early know which posts are good — we've all become pathfinders for him!"

So everyone agreed, and even Lu Zhong was both crying and laughing, blew a snot bubble, hurriedly turned his back to wipe it.

For a moment everyone behind laughed; waiting for Song Miao to leave, they clustered around Lu Zhong and headed toward Zhuque Gate direction, just saying they wanted to see him off.

Then when they had seen him off halfway, suddenly someone kindly asked: "Xiao Lu, is your luggage heavy? This much, afraid it'll be hard to carry on the road?"

?? Many thanks to Book City Fu Ruan Ruan for personally gifting me a Codeword Tool, my cat is called Egg Egg, two book friends also personally gifted me a Small Gift each =3=

? (End of Chapter)