Chapter Ninety-Three: The Library

The Wu Estate.

"Mistress, please have mercy on us!"

As Lady Seventeen walked into the front hall, she saw a maidservant kneeling and weeping before a woman in her twenties.

The woman’s face was grim.

Seeing this, Lady Seventeen was about to withdraw when she heard the woman say, "Seventeen, come here!"

Lady Seventeen complied and walked over to her. "What does Eldest Sister-in-law wish to see me for?"

"Seventeen, tell me, how do you think this maid should be punished?"

"Please take your time, Eldest Sister-in-law."

Madam Fan said with tears in her eyes, "In the past, when your brother studied in his library, he would return to our chambers to rest after half an hour at most. Yet last night, he did not return for two whole hours. I thought he was finally making progress, but when I asked around..."

"If I hadn't caught a slip in your brother's words, I wouldn't have known that this girl actually took advantage of his studying to seduce him into doing such a shameful thing."

Lady Seventeen looked at the maid. Although her face had been slapped, she was still quite pretty.

"Please spare my life, Mistress! Have mercy! Do not beat me to death, please leave me a way to live. I will be eternally grateful in my next life!"

Lady Seventeen said, "Eldest Sister-in-law, if you beat her to death, it is hard to say Brother won't secretly blame you, and outsiders will call us cruel."

Madam Fan nodded. "Sister Seventeen is right. Give her twenty lashes, then throw her out of the estate."

Hearing this, the maid felt as if she had received a grand pardon. She kowtowed and said, "Thank you, Eldest Madam! Thank you, Lady Seventeen!"

After the maid left, Lady Seventeen took Madam Fan's hand and said, "Eldest Sister-in-law is kind-hearted. I remember Second Sister-in-law had a similar incident in her household, and she had the maid beaten half to death before casting her out."

Madam Fan said, "Your Second Sister-in-law comes from the Wang family of Linchuan. Her father is famous for being unyielding and strict, and she shares a measure of his temperament. Moreover, her father and our father are close lifelong friends, which gives her the backing to act so boldly."

Lady Seventeen said, "In truth, it is our two brothers who are at fault. Otherwise, why would you and Second Sister-in-law need to enforce family discipline on the maids?"

Madam Fan said, "Your Second Sister-in-law and I merely turn a blind eye when we can. If we push too hard, Mother-in-law will accuse us of being intolerant, petty, and jealous. Or worse, if your brother decides to keep a mistress outside, it would be truly embarrassing."

"Seventeen, let me tell you, you are too earnest, and you cannot tolerate the slightest flaw. A temperament like yours will suffer if you marry into a formidable family. Look at your Second Sister. Like you, she is exceptionally beautiful and well-read since childhood, and how spirited and sharp she was before she married."

Lady Seventeen replied, "How can I compare to Second Sister? I fall short of her in every way. At home, I only seek a quiet life."

Madam Fan smiled. "There is no need to be so modest and self-deprecating before me. Your Second Sister married into the Lyu family of Donglai over a year ago. Her mother-in-law also comes from a prestigious clan, yet who would have thought she would be so difficult? Your Second Sister has to force a smile by day, but she has written several letters to complain of her hardships. Back in the capital, I saw Mother holding her letters, weeping as she read them. If even your Second Sister, born of the principal wife, fares thus..."

Lady Seventeen said, "I understand your good intentions, Eldest Sister-in-law. Official families may seem splendid and prosperous from the outside, but they have their own miseries. Yet, even scholars from humble backgrounds who pass the imperial examinations often turn out to be dissolute and ungrateful. Ultimately, it depends on the individual."

As the two women chatted hand-in-hand, they saw Wu Anshi walking over with brisk strides.

Seeing him, Lady Seventeen asked, "Brother, dressed like this, are you going out for an excursion again?"

Wu Anshi smiled and said, "A guest has arrived to return books to the library. Sister Seventeen, you should keep your sister-in-law company and go for a stroll. Oh, by the way, Madam Zhang will be visiting our estate in a few days. Wife, please receive her properly."

Madam Fan said crossly, "Which Madam Zhang?"

Wu Anshi said, "She is from the Yang family of this county. Her husband used to serve as an official in Suzhou and was recently promoted to Director of the Bureau of Operations in the Ministry of War. Her Yang family is related to Second Uncle's family by marriage, but they are not particularly close to us. She is visiting her parents for the New Year and is just paying a courtesy call on her way. It is nothing major."

Madam Fan muttered, "First the Yangs, now the Zhangs. Who can keep track?"

Lady Seventeen's gaze focused. "Could her son be Zhang Dun, the one who rejected his place on the imperial examination pass list this term?"

Wu Anshi laughed. "Indeed, indeed. Sister Seventeen is truly clever. Back when Zhang Dun was at the county school, he and I were close friends."

Lady Seventeen thought for a moment and asked, "Then who is the one returning the books?"

Wu Anshi replied, "Coincidentally, it is Zhang Dun's younger brother."

"His younger brother?" Madam Fan asked. "What is the story behind this?"

Wu Anshi said, "Wife, you wouldn't understand. Although Zhang Dun is also from the Zhang family of this county, he belongs to a branch line. To take the imperial examinations, he changed his official household registration. This Zhang Sanlang is his brother from before the change. For some reason, even after the registration was changed, they have not acknowledged each other to this day."

Madam Fan said, "Husband, you may borrow and return books as you please, but do not invite just anyone into our home."

Wu Anshi's expression sharpened. "What? Although this Zhang Sanlang comes from a humble background, his talent and learning are exceptional. He ranked first in the classics section of the county school's public examinations and is to be recommended to the Imperial Academy. If the opportunity arises, I even wish to bring him under Father's tutelage."

Madam Fan said, "I was not referring to him, but..."

Lady Seventeen interrupted, "Sister-in-law, let it be. It is no great matter."

Wu Anshi said, bewildered, "Utterly baffling."

With that, Wu Anshi swept his sleeves and departed.

Lady Seventeen said, "I knew Brother wouldn't ask a single question about that maid."

Madam Fan said to Lady Seventeen, "It is better that he doesn't ask. But why didn't you tell your brother that He the Seventh from the county school has been loitering around the library under the pretext of borrowing and returning books ever since he ran into you there? He clearly harbors ill intentions."

Lady Seventeen said, "If you tell Brother, with his temperament, wouldn't it ruin the man's future? If He the Seventh is there in the future, I simply won't go to the library."

Madam Fan said, "How can that be? People like him do not focus on their studies but instead covet the daughters of the Wu family, hoping to climb the social ladder and achieve instant success. What a beautiful dream. If your brother doesn't break his legs, how will he ever abandon such notions?"

Madam Fan then let her imagination run wild. "You protect him so. Could it be... Although I just advised you to look for someone from a humble background, he must at least have passed the metropolitan examinations."

Lady Seventeen was speechless.

***

"I did not expect the Eldest Young Master Wu to come in person. I am truly flattered."

Outside the library, Zhang Yue took out three books wrapped in cloth and handed them solemnly to Wu Anshi. "Young Master, I have returned the books as promised. Please inspect them."

Wu Anshi laughed heartily. "How could I not trust you, Sanlang?"

As he spoke, Wu Anshi handed the books to the library steward beside him.

Wu Anshi said, "I heard you are going to the Imperial Academy."

Zhang Yue said, "Nothing is certain yet. Please do not tease me, Young Master."

Wu Anshi laughed. "I know you are one to keep quiet until you startle everyone with a single cry. Once you have good news, do not forget to let me know."

"Thank you for your high regard, Young Master Wu. In that case, I shall not stand on ceremony. I have a favor to ask," Zhang Yue said.

Wu Anshi let out an "oh" and said, "Sanlang, since we are acquaintances, feel free to speak your mind."

Zhang Yue smiled. "Then I must thank you in advance, Young Master. Next spring, I must go to Jianyang to submit three historical essays for Director of Studies Li to review. Writing historical essays requires a thorough reading of history books, which is not my strength. Therefore, I would like to borrow some time in your library for two days to copy down some historical materials."

"I wondered what it was..." Wu Anshi was about to agree readily when he suddenly recalled what Madam Fan had said to him. A sudden chill struck his heart, and a thoughtful look crossed his face.

Seeing Wu Anshi's hesitation, Zhang Yue immediately said, "It was my presumption. Please forgive my intrusion, Young Master."

"It is no matter. You are welcome to come, Sanlang," Wu Anshi smiled faintly.

"Thank you, Young Master. I shall come to the library tomorrow."

Zhang Yue then took his leave.

Watching Zhang Yue's departing figure, Wu Anshi asked the steward beside him, "On which day did this Zhang Sanlang come to borrow books?"

"It was the twenty-seventh of last month."

Wu Anshi asked, "Was there anyone else in the library at the time?"

The steward hesitated before replying, "Lady Six of the Zhang family and Lady Seventeen were there."

"What?"

The steward said, "Rest assured, he was on the ground floor at the time. They did not meet, but only exchanged a few words across the floors."

Wu Anshi felt relieved. "That is fine then. However, when he comes to copy books the day after tomorrow, you must keep a close eye on him."

The steward said, "Young Master, this Zhang Sanlang seems to be a well-behaved youth. He is by no means..."

Wu Anshi laughed. "When did I say he was ill-behaved? I am merely telling you to be more vigilant."

With that, Wu Anshi swept his sleeves and left.

Two days later.

Zhang Yue arrived at the library carrying a book bag. Greeting the steward, he said, "Greetings, Steward. I went to announce my arrival just now, but I was told the Young Master had already gone out. He said I could come here directly to copy the books."

Seeing Zhang Yue, the steward said somewhat coldly, "Since you are here to copy books, do you know the rules?"

Receiving this cold shoulder, Zhang Yue could only say, "Please enlighten me, Steward."

The steward said, "Let it be known to you, young master, that you are only permitted to copy books for three hours. Furthermore, let us make this clear beforehand: you may not take entire sets at once. You must return one book before taking another. Most importantly, you are only allowed to copy at the desk. None of the Wu family's books may be borrowed or taken out without permission!"

Zhang Yue was furious. What did he mean by "none may be borrowed"? Wasn't this a clear suspicion that he would steal the books?

Suppressing his anger, Zhang Yue said, "I understand."

The steward nodded, permitting Zhang Yue to go upstairs while gesturing for him to leave his book bag behind.

Zhang Yue immediately walked up to the library.

There were a dozen bookshelves lining the library, all filled with books.

As soon as he stepped inside, he caught the rich scent of books. To put it plainly, it was the scent of rue, used to prevent moths and dampness. The phrase "rue repels bookworms" carried its own poetic charm for scholars.

Hanging directly above was a calligraphy scroll that read: *Purchased with honest salary, personally proofread and bound. May my descendants read it to know the Way of the Sages. To sell it or lend it to others is a violation of filial piety.*

These were the words written by the Tang Dynasty Chancellor Du Xian for his descendants.

By hanging this inscription here, the master of the library was openly declaring his stinginess.

Zhang Yue thought to himself that Young Master Wu's lending of books to him already went against this inscription. Thus, he could let go of some of the resentment in his heart.

Zhang Yue immediately set to work looking for historical records. He found several volumes but, remembering the steward's words, he only took one volume downstairs.

Coming downstairs, he found a desk, ground his ink, and began to copy the book.

He had only been sitting for a short while when he saw another person push open the door and enter.

Seeing that the newcomer was an acquaintance, Zhang Yue stood up and said, "Brother He, what brings you here as well?"

The newcomer was indeed He the Seventh from the Jinshi Hall of the county school. He smiled and said, "Are you not here too, Zhang Sanlang? I begged Young Master Wu for permission to copy books here. Are you here for the same?"

Zhang Yue smiled. "What a coincidence. It is good to have your company, Brother He."

Zhang Yue noticed that the steward looked even more displeased upon seeing He the Seventh, saying, "Young Master He, why are you here again?"

He the Seventh said good-naturedly, "My schoolwork is pressing, so I had no choice. Please bear with me, Steward!"

"Very well, the two of you can share the space!"