Chapter 96: Joy and Regret in Equal Measure

Xiao Qiu ate snacks and drank tea at Qingzhizhai, left with a full belly, satisfied—but didn’t return straight to Jia Mu’s courtyard; instead, she went to Tan Chun’s residence.

Tan Chun’s little maid, Xiao Chan, was Xiao Qiu’s younger sister, so Xiao Qiu knew that Third Miss had always been closest to Third Master Jia Cong.

Third Miss must be delighted by the news that Third Master had topped the exam; I wonder what reward she’ll give upon hearing the good tidings—heehee.

But either way, it’s pleasing; whether she gives a reward or not doesn’t matter—who wouldn’t want to run errands for a young master so handsome and capable?

Xiao Chan, at an age when all beauty stirs longing, flitted like a butterfly through the ladies’ chambers for the entire mealtime, spreading the joyful news for Third Master Jia Cong.

Upon hearing Xiao Qiu’s news, all the sisters were overjoyed, and Xiao Qiu returned home laden with gifts.

Tan Chun rewarded her with two silver ingots shaped like writing brushes; Ying Chun gave her a Sichuan brocade cloud-patterned incense pouch.

Dai Yu’s gift suited Xiao Qiu best: a box of premium lotus-root powder and cinnamon sugar cakes.

Yet Xiao Qiu felt a slight regret—she had hoped to deliver the good news at Qingzhizhai just to catch a glimpse of the exceptionally handsome Third Master Jia Cong; the women in the courtyard all said so, but she never saw him.

It’s just that Old Lady Jia has never favored him; it may cause trouble later.

Zi Juan poured Dai Yu a cup of hot tea and smiled gently: “I’m only thinking of your best interests—don’t you understand?”

Though I haven’t returned to the mansion often these past two years, I’ve always made sure to send word and letters to the sisters in the garden, never forgetting you; your health has improved greatly, and you don’t cry as much as before.

Dai Yu sipped her tea, turned away, hiding her blushing face from Zi Juan, and said: “Stop talking nonsense—I’m tired; I’ll lie down for a while.”

It’s truly rare for the mansion to produce someone like Third Master Jia Cong—not only is he scholarly, he entered the academy so young, is exceptionally handsome, and cares deeply for you.

…

In Dai Yu’s chamber, Zi Juan wore a thin black-embroidered silk jacket and a blue satin lined vest, swiftly tidying the room, her hands never still.

“Foolish girl, the top scholar isn’t easily won; but with Third Brother Jia’s talent, as long as he doesn’t make a major mistake, he’ll surely pass the imperial exam like your father.”

Dai Yu smiled: “My father was a famed scholar of Suzhou, yet he didn’t enter the academy until fifteen; Third Brother Jia is even younger than he was.”

Seeing Dai Yu take out Third Master Jia Cong’s letter again from her vanity box, her face glowing with delight, her eyes and brows brimming with joy, she looked truly lovely and heartrending.

Zi Juan smiled: “Third Master Jia Cong topped the exam—look at how delighted you are! Can’t help teasing you: won’t he become the top scholar one day?”

Just look at this letter where Third Master wrote his examination essay—none of the other sisters received one; clearly, he treats you differently.

Zi Juan glanced at Dai Yu’s expression and chuckled: “You’ve read this letter so many times already—yet you never tire of it.”

Dai Yu’s face flushed red: “Have you taken the wrong medicine today? Why are you babbling such nonsense?”

Remember that year you coughed up blood? Third Master personally bought the ingredients and sent you medicinal porridge for nearly half a month—he only relaxed once you fully recovered.

Third Master Jia Cong is truly extraordinary—so young, not only entered the academy, but topped the exam as the first candidate; I’ve never heard of such a thing before.

Dai Yu lay on the bed, but Zi Juan’s words had unsettled her thoughts—she kept thinking of what she’d just said: Old Lady Jia has never favored him; it may cause trouble later.

Her heart grew restless, stirred with quiet sorrow.

…

Since hearing the news of Jia Cong topping the exam, Ying Chun’s smile had never faded; now she couldn’t find Third Brother Jia anywhere, and didn’t know where he’d gone.

She suddenly longed to talk to someone; Si Qi was bent over her needlework in silence, so Ying Chun rose and went to Tan Chun’s chamber.

Just as she reached Tan Chun’s door, she heard Tan Chun’s bright, cheerful voice: “Shi Shu, go invite Second Sister and Sister Lin—I have something to discuss with them.”

Before she’d finished speaking, Tan Chun saw Ying Chun enter and laughed: “Speak of the devil—he’s here! I was just looking for you, Second Sister.”

Third Brother Jia topped the exam—what a joyous occasion! I thought we sisters should host a celebration for him, within the next day or two, before he returns to the academy.”

…

Jia Cong returned from the Ministry of Rites, passed by the western corner gate of Rongguo Mansion, and considered detouring through the back street to Qingzhizhai.

He heard continuous firecrackers at the mansion’s main gate; many relatives and younger branches living along the street had come out to watch the commotion.

The news that the eldest branch of Rongguo Mansion had produced a top candidate in the prefectural exam spread rapidly along Ningrong Street during the short time Jia Cong was away.

As Jia Cong turned the corner, the gatekeeper at the western gate spotted him and hurried forward.

Servants who once barely glanced at Jia Cong now all wore smiles, radiating eagerness, each one offering congratulations: “Congratulations, Third Master, on your triumph!”

They also said Second Master Jia was waiting in Rongxi Hall and instructed them to tell Jia Cong to come as soon as possible.

Jia Cong entered Rongxi Hall; Jia Zheng’s face lit up with joy, lavishing praise upon him with such fervor and enthusiasm that Jia Cong struggled to respond.

Jia Zheng then sent a servant to the eastern courtyard to inform Jia She of the good news; the servant returned saying First Master was drinking and had no time to come—Jia Zheng sighed helplessly.

By midday, the Jia Shun Prince’s mansion heard the news; Prince Jia Shun sent Wang Dong with gifts to offer congratulations.

Soon after, the abbot of Xuantian Palace sent a disciple to extend felicitations; surely the Dao Sovereign at Longhu Mountain hadn’t yet learned of Jia Cong’s success.

But the abbot of Xuantian Palace knew well the position this Rongguo Mansion son held in the Sovereign’s heart; upon such a joyous occasion, he naturally wished to precede the Dao Sovereign in offering congratulations.

By the time the officials left the ministry, even Jia Zheng’s colleagues in the Ministry of Works had heard the news; though all were graduates of the imperial examination system and had seen many such triumphs, a prefectural exam top candidate was still a rare honor.

Moreover, with Jia Zheng’s status as head of the Duke’s mansion, all naturally sent gifts to celebrate—it was simply customary social exchange.

Vice Minister Li Dekang sent a rare Song-dynasty edition of the Analects, a truly exceptional gift.

Several other Ministry of Works Secretaries who had previously visited to offer birthday greetings also sent fine writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones to celebrate Jia’s son being named top candidate.

With so many visitors arriving on the very day of the results, Jia Zheng was beaming; in over a decade of serving in the ministry, today was his most dignified day.

Given Jia Cong’s exceptional talent in the examination system, he will surely pass the provincial and metropolitan exams—and perhaps even the palace examination and appear on the golden list.

Jia Zheng already imagined the happiness: when everyone knew he had raised Jia Cong, the glory would be even greater.

Too bad Bao Yu only dawdles in the inner quarters; if he had half of Jia Cong’s sense, even if he barely passed the entrance exam, Jia Zheng’s life would be complete.

Though he greatly admired Jia Cong’s achievements, Bao Yu was his own son; naturally, his hopes for his son surpassed those for Jia Cong. But alas, flowers bloom outside the wall while those within wither—fate is fate; what can one do?

(End of Chapter)