Chapter Ninety-Four: A Solution

He Qi greeted warmly, then after a brief chat with the steward, he fetched a pot of wine and said, “A bit of aged brew, a humble token.” The steward of the library glanced at He Qi, nodded with a somewhat indifferent expression, and then left.

Zhang Yue watched quietly as He Qi effortlessly handled the steward; he felt a measure of admiration. Without the steward constantly watching over them, copying texts was indeed much more comfortable.

He Qi approached Zhang Yue and asked, “Third Master, what are you copying?”

“I’m writing a historical strategy, so I borrowed some historical texts to study.”

He Qi laughed, “Historical strategy? How could a Classics student write historical strategies? Those are only tested in the palace exams. I see now—it must be because Li Xuezheng from the prefectural school wants you to hand it in.”

Zhang Yue smiled, “Brother He, you are truly sharp. That’s exactly right. Brother He, as one of the top scholars in the Jinshi Academy, to have you seek advice on historical strategies from me is an honor indeed.”

He Qi laughed heartily.

Zhang Yue asked, “Brother He, why are you laughing?”

He Qi replied, “Third Master, I’m not laughing at you, but you haven’t quite grasped Li Xuezheng’s intent.”

“Oh? Please enlighten me.”

He Qi explained, “You Classics students don’t usually deal with historical strategies. When Li Xuezheng suddenly demands one, you should know those three essays are just a formality.”

Zhang Yue nodded, “I don’t quite understand. Could you explain further?”

He Qi continued, “Since I feel an instant kinship with you, Third Master, I’ll be honest. Whether those three historical strategies are well-written doesn’t depend on you, but on Li Xuezheng. His approach is the key. But you, by rummaging through all those historical records, are only going off in the wrong direction. Even if you could write a masterpiece comparable to 'On the Fall of Qin' or 'The Three Capitals Ode,' it wouldn’t matter—no one would use it.”

Zhang Yue nodded respectfully, “Brother He, you speak wisely. I have learned much.”

He Qi smiled, “No trouble. We share the bond of fellow students—that’s nothing. If you lack the proper approach, I can recommend you a few ways.”

Zhang Yue expressed thanks sincerely.

He Qi felt he had already begun to change the young man’s worldview, but when he looked back, Zhang Yue was still busily copying away.

He Qi was slightly surprised, glanced around, then smiled wryly—this young man was quite single-minded.

After going upstairs to fetch some books, He Qi returned and copied with even greater diligence than Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue knew a bit about He Qi; this man had a poor reputation at the county school. The rivalry between He Da and Huang Qi for the top Jinshi spot was largely stirred up by He Qi behind the scenes.

Eventually, both were rebuked by Hu Xuezheng and lost their recommendation slots to the prefecture. Yet He Qi somehow maneuvered himself into a favorable position, inexplicably so—and, to top it off, he was a distant cousin of He Da.

Faced with such a schemer, Zhang Yue knew well enough not to offend him.

In short, whatever He Qi said was right.

For over three hours, the two copied texts in the library without interruption; not once did the steward come in to inquire. Zhang Yue thought quietly, He Qi truly had some skill.

Observing the thick stacks of papers He Qi produced, Zhang Yue admired his earnest attitude toward study. When hungry, they ate some cakes; when thirsty, they drank water. Except for brief breaks, they never left their seats.

One should adopt what is good and correct what is not.

However, He Qi frequently rose to gaze out the window, though it was unclear what he was looking at.

Then he returned to the desk and asked Zhang Yue, “Third Master, are you married?”

Zhang Yue smiled shyly, “Not yet.”

“Have you thought about what kind of family you’d want to marry into?”

“I haven’t really considered it. What about you, Brother He?”

He Qi pondered, “I have thought about it. I prefer a woman who can read and understands scholarship.”

Zhang Yue replied, “Brother He, haven’t you heard the saying, ‘A woman’s virtue lies in her lack of talent’?”

He Qi scoffed, “Third Master, that’s the foolish notion of ignorant people, who want easy-to-control wives. But nowadays, which official’s daughter doesn’t study and understand things? Many have more insight than men, and some even pass the Jinshi exams.”

“To marry such a talented woman, reading by red sleeves late at night—wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?”

Zhang Yue sighed, “Brother He, your insight is truly remarkable. You make a lot of sense. Then I shall also marry a learned and sensible woman. But coming from a humble background, I doubt an official’s daughter would consider me. Still, if I could marry a wife who at least knows a few characters to support and educate our children, that would be good enough.”

He Qi inwardly sneered, pleased to see this young man’s self-awareness.

Outwardly, He Qi said, “Hey, Third Master, you mustn’t speak so lightly. You were recommended by the county to the prefecture. If you get admitted to the National Academy and become a student there, arranging a good marriage won’t be difficult.”

Zhang Yue said modestly, “I dare not hope for such things.”

He Qi continued, “By the way, Third Master, have you ever thought about what kind of woman you’d want to marry?”

Zhang Yue replied, “I have no plans.”

He Qi asked, “As the saying goes, young men admire their parents’ wishes; when they learn of love, they yearn for their beloved. Third Master, have you truly never considered your lifelong partner?”

Zhang Yue answered seriously, “I have thought about it, but every woman has her merits; how can one generalize? I am adaptable, so I don’t plan specifically.”

He Qi’s smile froze. After all I said, it turns out I was talking to a stone wall.

Then He Qi thought again and laughed, “My grandaunt, Lady Shen, has wide social connections in the city. She knows every young lady who is still unmarried. Shall I ask her to find a few for you, Third Master?”

Zhang Yue quickly declined, “Brother He, that won’t do.”

He Qi feigned anger, “Third Master, do you consider me a friend or not? You won’t even accept such a small favor?”

Zhang Yue had no choice but to say, “Well then, I shall obey your kind offer.”

He Qi smiled, “Third Master, you can tell me honestly what kind of woman you like.”

Zhang Yue said, “Brother He, as I said, I’m adaptable.”

“Even a widow would do?”

Zhang Yue replied with a dreamy air, “That’s a taste I share with Cao Mengde.”

He Qi’s smile stiffened again. This young man isn’t entirely without discernment.

He gathered his things. “The steward will be here soon. Let’s leave first.”

Zhang Yue suddenly realized, “Right, the steward only allowed us three hours here.”

Hastily, he tidied the desk.

He Qi glanced at Zhang Yue and shook his head.

After they left, the steward emerged from a dark side room in the library, holding several sheets of paper.

Night fell.

The steward handed the papers to Wu Anshi.

At that moment, Wu Anshi was dining with Lady Fan and Miss Seventeen.

A dozen or so maidservants stood nearby attending to them.

The Wu family, having served as officials for three generations, maintained strict etiquette: no talking during meals, no speaking while eating. The maidservants dared not make a sound.

Thus, the family’s dinner was remarkably quiet, save for the occasional clinking of bowls.

After the meal and tea were served, Wu Anshi read through the steward’s notes and smiled. “That Third Master Zhang is quite a master of pretending to be naive. Interesting, very interesting!”

“What’s so amusing?” Lady Fan asked.

Wu Anshi chuckled, “I ordered the steward to secretly record their words and actions in the library. Look here…”

Lady Fan sneered, “Half the head of the Wu family engaging in such petty tricks? Miss Seventeen, look at this.”

Miss Seventeen set down her tea cup and read the papers. Moments later, she smiled gently upon reading Zhang Yue claim to be ‘adaptable.’

When she saw his mention of ‘Cao Mengde,’ she could no longer hold back her laughter.

“What are you laughing at?” Lady Fan asked.

She took the papers and read them, then said, “I think He Qi’s wisdom surpasses Zhang Third Master by far. Why does the master say he’s just pretending to be naive?”

Wu Anshi said, “Miss Seventeen always says I’m unlearned. Though we officials’ children don’t endure hardships, we are rarely fooled when it comes to judging people.”

Lady Fan asked, “Are you really intending to recruit these two?”

Wu Anshi replied, “Of course. Our Wu family library isn’t open to just anyone. These two, one a Classics student and the other a Jinshi, are both slated for recommendation to the National Academy this year.”

“They both come from humble backgrounds, with no connections. They share our hometown and school ties. If they pass the spring exams and get on the lists, if not us, then who else would they rely on? We’re securing their loyalty early. Waiting until they become officials before recruiting them would make us look opportunistic.”

“In other words, why else would they avoid other places and come here precisely when the prefecture is recommending candidates to the National Academy, borrowing books from me? That’s the reason.”

Lady Fan said, “He Qi is one thing, but Zhang Third is from the Zhang family. Though a distant branch, if he succeeds, he may not align with us Wu family.”

Wu Anshi said, “Chun Gong (Zhang Dexiang) became prime minister ten years ago. If the Zhang family doesn’t produce another prime minister, their glory will soon fade.”

Lady Fan said, “I always say, you aristocrats always have so many schemes. Us women from humble families really don’t measure up.”

Wu Anshi laughed, “My lady, Sima Xiangru and Chen Zi’ang both made their mark at Jianmen Pass, and now with Old Taishan, the three stand as equals. Marrying you is a blessing I’ve earned in three lifetimes. How can you say you come from a humble family?”

Miss Seventeen said to Lady Fan, “Brother’s words are sincere. Sister-in-law, you should listen.”

All three smiled.

Lady Fan said, “I thought the master came home to slack off, but he’s already befriended such outstanding young men. It will surely be a help to our family.”

Wu Anshi said, “Everyone knows Li Xuezheng in the prefecture is favored by my uncle. He wrote to ask if I had any promising candidates. What do you think I should do?”

Lady Fan said, “So that explains why those two suddenly came to the library to copy texts.”

Wu Anshi laughed, “No profit, no early rising.”

Lady Fan said, “They do have talent, but one must judge their virtue carefully. Otherwise, raising a few ungrateful brats would be disastrous. Though He Qi is insightful, I think he’s rather scheming.”

Wu Anshi said, “That’s nonsense. Whether one is virtuous or not can’t be judged at a glance. That’s just a woman’s opinion.”

Lady Fan was indignant, “Seventeen, you explain this logic.”

Miss Seventeen thought a moment, “Sister-in-law makes a good point. If virtue can’t be judged immediately, why not find a way to test them?”

“Oh? Miss Seventeen, do you have a clever plan?” Wu Anshi asked.

Miss Seventeen nodded, “I do have a method.”