Chapter 64: Peach

When Xu Feng arrived at the county magistrate's residence, the magistrate was reviewing the examination papers of the top three candidates.

In terms of content, the second and third places were actually on par with Zhou Huaishan.

But Zhou Huaishan's handwriting...

It was truly powerful and commanding.

This didn’t seem like something written by a farmer. It was more akin to a general, fresh off the battlefield, dipping his brush in ink.

He had even heard that Zhou Huaishan practiced his writing in the fields.

The magistrate had also heard about the public contest between Zhou Huaishan and Zhao Dacheng in front of the Yunhai Bookstore.

So... what kind of person was he?

While the magistrate was lost in thought, staring at the papers before him, he heard footsteps. Closing the papers, he smiled and stood up, "What wind has brought Brother Xu here?"

The magistrate had always been courteous to the owner of Yunhai Bookstore.

Xu Feng, however, did not dare to accept such courtesy.

Bowing deeply, he smiled and got straight to the point, "Naturally, it’s the wind of the top scholar."

Xu Feng then recounted everything Zhao Dacheng had told him, word for word.

"Luckily, Dacheng was behind the red bulletin board and overheard. Otherwise... if something had indeed happened, you would have been put in a difficult position, sir."

Hearing this, the magistrate’s expression turned cold.

The magistrate himself had come from a farming family. He knew how hard it was for a poor family to support a scholar. It meant sacrifice from the entire family, and often led to brothers turning against each other.

Some people get used to enjoying others’ sacrifices, to being superior, to trampling their own family underfoot.

Once those who sacrificed try to rise on their own, it feels like a thorn in the heart of those accustomed to dominance.

Such people must eradicate that thorn.

In these situations, past kindness and family ties vanish.

Simply put, they cannot stand to see others succeed.

The magistrate himself had been through something similar...

With a bitter smile, the magistrate said, "Thank you, Brother Xu, for informing me. If there really were any disturbances, it would bring great shame to Qinghe County."

After a pause, the magistrate sighed deeply.

Seeing the magistrate’s troubled sigh, Xu Feng asked, "Sir, are you facing a difficult situation?"

The magistrate shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Brother Xu, do you know who Zhou Huaihai is?"

Xu Feng frowned, "Could it be that Zhou Huaihai has connections?"

If he had connections, how could he still be just a child scholar?

"Zhou Huaihai himself may not be particularly capable, but just last month, his son Zhou Yuan formed ties with an influential figure in the capital."

Xu Feng’s eyes widened.

"The influential figure is from the Count Duankang’s Family in the capital. I’ve heard that the third young lady of the mansion has taken a liking to Zhou Yuan and plans to take him as a husband."

After pausing for a moment, the magistrate took a sip of tea.

"So, Brother Xu, if Zhou Huaihai really intends to harm Zhou Huaishan, even if I catch him, it will be difficult to deal with."

Xu Feng naturally understood the magistrate’s meaning.

Rank and power can crush a person, and Zhou Yuan had caught the eye of a noble from the capital.

"But we can’t just stand by and watch Zhou Huaihai destroy Zhou Huaishan. Besides anything else, I personally vouched for Zhou Huaishan when he took the exam!"

If Zhou Huaishan’s character were called into question, both he and Yunhai Bookstore would be implicated.

After Xu Feng said this, the magistrate waved his hand.

"In this matter, Brother Xu, you need not worry.

While I may be unable to deal with Zhou Huaihai, I can still ensure justice for Zhou Huaishan.

However, if things do escalate, it might delay Zhou Huaishan’s studies. The provincial exams are in two months."

Xu Feng nodded repeatedly, "You’re absolutely right, sir. That’s exactly what I was thinking."

The magistrate sighed and said no more.

Xu Feng, seeing the magistrate’s expression, hesitated for a moment, then pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve. "Sir, take a look at this."

The magistrate glanced at Xu Feng in confusion and took the paper. "What is it?"

As he read it, his eyes widened.

"That poem? This poem..."

Staring at the bold and powerful writing, the magistrate read the words: "Firmly grasp the green mountain, never let go..."

He quickly looked up at Xu Feng. "This..."

Xu Feng nodded, "This poem was written by Zhou Huaishan."

The magistrate was stunned, "Him?"

Xu Feng then briefly explained the incident when Zhou Qing had asked for writing.

"At first, I didn’t believe that a farmer could write such a poem, but I underestimated him. Zhou Huaishan has great insight."

The shock on the magistrate’s face slowly faded, replaced by deep admiration.

"Who would have thought that a farmer could write such an excellent poem! He is truly a rare talent!"

Xu Feng added, "I hope, sir, that you will continue to protect Zhou Huaishan. If he succeeds, it will bring honor to Qinghe County."

If Zhou Yuan married into the Count Duankang’s family, it would be a personal honor for Zhou Huaihai’s family.

But if Zhou Huaishan succeeded in the imperial examinations, it would be an honor for all of Qinghe County.

The magistrate fully understood Xu Feng’s point and laughed, "When did Brother Xu become so close with the top scholar?"

Xu Feng smiled, "I’m merely following your example, sir, in cherishing talent."

The magistrate burst into laughter. "Brother Xu, your tongue has become sharper these days."

Tapping his finger lightly on the armrest, the magistrate, after his laughter subsided, said to Xu Feng, "Brother Xu, if you get the chance, remind Zhou Huaishan that as long as I’m here, he can focus on his studies."

This was exactly what Xu Feng had been waiting to hear.

After the magistrate finished speaking, Xu Feng stood up and bowed deeply.

"I thank you, sir, on behalf of the top scholar."

When Xu Feng returned to Yunhai Bookstore, Zhao Dacheng was pacing around like a headless fly.

Seeing Xu Feng return, he rushed over, "Brother, how did it go?"

Xu Feng gave him a sideways glance. "The magistrate cherishes talent. If Zhou Huaishan truly has talent, how could he let him be bullied?"

Zhao Dacheng breathed a sigh of relief, "Good, brother, you can get back to work. I’ve got a polo match to attend."

With that, Zhao Dacheng ran off in a flash.

As for the Zhou Huaishan everyone was worried about, at that moment, he was relaxing after a hearty meal, lounging on a grand armchair in the courtyard.

During the five days he spent in the city for the exam, Zhou Qing had bought seven grand armchairs, one for each member of the family.

Zhao had sewn thick cushions to place on them.

Soft and comfortable, half-sitting, half-lying, it was very relaxing.

Between every two grand armchairs was a small table with fruit and hot tea.

"Lin, want a peach?" Zhou Huaishan contentedly picked up a peach and tossed it to Zhou Huailin.

Zhou Huailin caught it with a smile. "No thanks, Second Brother. I’m too full from the lamb spine. Who needs a peach when there’s lamb spine?"

Zhou Qing sat to the side, silently laughing to the point of shaking.

One could only wonder what the peach thought of being rejected by Da Linzi.^[1]

Hahaha...

Shen Li watched Zhou Qing, his lips curling into a warm smile, and asked softly, "What’s so funny?"

Zhou Qing, still chuckling, replied, "I’m laughing because my father became the top scholar."

She wouldn’t tell Shen Li about the inside joke between Da Linzi and the peach.

Even if she did, Shen Li wouldn’t get it!

As she spoke, Zhou Qing handed Shen Li a peach, "My father’s success is all thanks to you. Here, have a peach."

Shen Li took it with a smile.

So full.

But no matter how full he was, he had to finish it.

Because Zhou Qing had given him this peach.

_____

Footnotes:

[1] 大林子 (Dà Línzi) is a nickname or informal term for Zhou Huailin. The term “大林子” can be translated as “Big Lin” or “Elder Lin,” the suffix "子" (zi) is often used as a term of endearment, familiarity, or affection.

PS. I don’t quite get the joke. Maybe it’s about the peach being ‘rejected’ and imagining how the peach might feel about it—like it has its own emotions and thoughts about being turned down. It seems like a playful exaggeration.