TTTQF Chapter 130

Hosting a Banquet

As soon as the results of the provincial examination are announced, the capital of Liang becomes lively. Any family with a successful candidate hosts a banquet, don’t they? Guests who receive invitations also show up with pride, for few can excel in the imperial examinations. Regardless of whether one is a high-ranking official or an ordinary commoner, passing the exam brings immense joy.

At the Duke Zhongguo's mansion, not only does Pei Che participate in the exam, but so do the two sons of Pei Shiyuan. Unfortunately, only Pei Che passes, ranking eighth in the provincial exam, while the other two fail to make the list.

On the day the results are posted, the second household waits anxiously, filled with both anticipation and dread. Before the servant they send to check the list returns, the doorkeeper reports that a group of messengers, banging drums and clashing gongs, is approaching to deliver good news.

Madam Pei immediately stands up, her face lighting up with excitement, and exclaims, "My son passed! My son passed! Is it Pu'er or Min'er? Or did both pass?!" Truly, the heavens have blessed them! Her daily prayers since the start of the exam have not been in vain.

Pei Shiyuan is also overjoyed. He has not excelled in his studies in his youth and has planned to rely on family donations to secure an official position. He never expects his two sons to show such promise!

Facing their eager gazes, the doorkeeper offers a few flattering words. Everyone in the household has been talking about the exam results, and hearing the sound of the gongs and drums, he comes in to report, though he hasn’t confirmed which young master has passed. Naturally, he hopes both have succeeded so he can earn two rewards.

"Call Pu'er and Min'er here. Let’s go check the results together," Pei Shiyuan says, adjusting his attire with a sense of pride as he walks out. The frustration he has felt over the past months from trying to scheme against Pei Che, only to have it backfire, is about to be swept away.

When they reach the entrance, the messenger immediately announces, "Congratulations, Lord Duke! The heir of your household has passed the provincial exam in eighth place. We are here to offer our congratulations."

Pei Shiyuan’s smile freezes on his face. "Say that again? Who passed?"

The messenger, thinking Pei Shiyuan is simply overwhelmed with joy, repeats loudly, emphasizing the words, "the heir of your household."

Pei Shiyuan feels like a herd of wild horses is stampeding through his mind as he struggles to keep his face from falling apart.

He orders the steward to hand out the reward money. Just as he is about to head inside, more messengers arrive. A large crowd blocks the entrance, and with every congratulation, it feels like another cut is being made on Pei Shiyuan’s body. Yet there is nothing he can do but maintain a wooden expression and instruct the steward to hand out more rewards.

"Call those two ungrateful brats in here!" Pei Shiyuan stomps towards the study, his face twisted with rage, looking almost menacing.

Pei Pu and Pei Min tremble as they enter. Before they even reach the desk, a cup is hurled toward the floor in front of them. The shards scatter, nearly cutting their hands, causing both of them to jump in fright.

"Before the exam, what did you say?" Pei Shiyuan still holds onto a sliver of hope, but the servant he sends to check the results has just returned with a grim expression, saying he can’t find the names of either young master, though the heir’s name is clearly posted.

Pei Pu remains silent, while Pei Min stammers, "Father, we weren’t fully prepared this time, but next time we’ll definitely pass!"

"Next time? How come Pei Che is able to pass this time then?" Pei Shiyuan is clearly displeased.

"Well, he’s at the Imperial Academy..." Pei Min mutters under his breath.

Pei Shiyuan lets out a cold laugh and mocks, "I’ve sent both of you to the Imperial Academy as well. He stayed there on his own merits—why couldn’t you?"

Pei Pu’s face turns ashen, and Pei Min lowers his head, saying nothing. Both of them are inwardly seething at Pei Shiyuan’s sarcastic remarks. Their father blames them for their failure, but they resent him too!

Pei Che's parents are renowned scholars in Liangjing, so of course their son would be smart. And what about them? Though they are the sons of the Duke, they are often mocked because both their parents were born of concubines.

Especially six months ago, when the seemingly assured position of heir unexpectedly fell into Pei Che’s hands. If not for that, how could they possibly have lost their focus on their studies?

Pei Shiyuan continues berating them when Madam Pei, who rushes over after hearing the commotion, arrives just as angry. However, her anger isn’t directed at her sons but at Pei Che’s stroke of luck. How could all the good fortune fall on him? It’s truly unfair!

"Master, calm down. Pu’er and Min’er know they were wrong. Next time, they’ll surely pass. Pu’er, Min’er, why aren't you heading back to your rooms to study?" Madam Pei says.

Since she has spoken, Pei Shiyuan can’t disrespect her in front of the children. He takes a sip of tea, reluctantly suppressing his anger for the moment.

"It’s just so unfair! Why did Pei Che pass? Did the old madam pull some strings, or perhaps that old man from the Feng family secretly intervene?" she mutters.

Pei Shiyuan scolds, "Shut up! Cheating in the provincial exam is a serious crime. If anyone hears you and charges you with slandering imperial officials, how will you deal with that?"

Madam Pei grudgingly closes her mouth. She’s just venting after all, and no matter what, she doesn’t want to admit that Pei Che is truly impressive.

As the two simmer down, there’s a knock at the door. A maid’s voice comes from outside: "Madam, the Old Madam has requested you to come over."

Madam Pei’s heart sinks. Could it be that the bad things she just said have already reached the old lady’s ears?

Nervously, she makes her way to Grandmother Pei’s courtyard, only to see the Old Madam—who has been giving her the cold shoulder for so long—smiling. "I called you here today because there are a few tasks for you to take care of," she says.

Madam Pei forces a smile and quickly replies, "Mother, please tell me what needs to be done."

"Che'er has passed the provincial exam; this is a great occasion. Pass down the order for everyone in the household to be rewarded with three months’ salary, so that all may share in the joy."

"…Yes." Madam Pei lowers her head, concealing her twisted expression. She consoles herself with the thought that the money isn’t coming from her own pocket—and she’ll also get a share.

"Also, find out when the families ahead of us are hosting their banquets. We’ll hold ours after theirs. Make sure to pick an auspicious date. You can start preparing the invitations—be sure to invite all our close relations."

"…Yes."

"The weather is getting colder, and the people at the orphanages must be having a hard time. Send rice, flour, and coal to the ones here in Liangjing; it will also help accumulate merit for Che’er."

"…Yes."

After finishing her instructions, Grandmother Pei, claiming to be tired, dismisses Madam Pei. Outwardly respectful, Madam Pei begins grumbling as soon as she returns to her own quarters.

"First increasing the monthly salary, then hosting a banquet, and now distributing food! Anyone would think Pei Che has become the top scholar! He’s just a provincial graduate—what’s so special about that? So arrogant! Who knows if he’ll even pass the next exam!"

Though venting makes her feel better, she still can’t skip any of the tasks assigned to her.

As the household prepares for the banquet, they naturally can’t neglect the main character. Upon hearing the news, Pei Che drafts a guest list and has someone send it back. It would be impolite if anyone important is accidentally left out.

Jiang Miao feels conflicted. Pei Che mentions that the household will also send invitations to his relatives, but Jiang worries that Second Uncle and Second Aunt might feel out of place in such a setting. However, not inviting them wouldn’t seem right either.

"If you can’t decide, why not just ask them? Whether they come or not should be their choice," Pei Che suggests, not liking the sight of Jiang Miao frowning.

"You’re right. I’ll go back and ask them today." Jiang Miao decides. "If I go back, I definitely won’t return today. Make sure to pick up Xiao Shitou and Mu’er, and for dinner, just eat at the big cafeteria—it’s tasty and free. Don’t go to Jingcui Garden, understand?"

Jiang Miao gives his instructions. Pei Che intends for him to just send someone to deliver the message, but when Jiang Miao decides to go back himself, Pei Che immediately objects. “Just send someone with the message. It’s a long trip, and there’s no need to run around for such a small matter.”

Jiang Miao is already packing his things and says, “It’s fine; what’s the big deal about taking a carriage? I haven’t been back in a while, so I might as well go back to see them."

“Then I’ll go with you,” Pei Che says. Recently, because of the exam results, the provincial exam class allows successful candidates to study at home, so there’s no rush to return.

Without turning his head, Jiang Miao rejects the idea: “Stop messing around. If you leave, who’s going to pick up the kids? The house can’t be left without a single adult.”

"Then how can you bear to leave here to sleep alone in a cold bed?” Pei Che asks.

Jiang Miao mercilessly replies, “Don’t be dramatic. It’s only one day, not ten or fifteen. If you keep this up, how will you manage next time you have to go take exams?”

Pei Che: "..." His heart breaks. All his affection is wasted!

When Jiang Miao doesn’t hear a reply, he stops what he’s doing and turns to see Pei Che looking hurt. He walks over, bends down, and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek. Soon, they are in each other’s arms, kissing back and forth, moving from their faces to other places.

...

“Ah Miao, how come you’re free to come home today? Where are your brothers? Where’s your husband?” Second Aunt Jiang asks after opening the door to find Jiang Miao standing there with a lot of bags in hand.

“They’re studying, so they didn’t come,” Jiang Miao replies.

“That’s true. Xin’er is also studying today,” Second Aunt Jiang says. “Why are you bringing all these things back again? The house has everything we need.”

“Most of it is stuff I made myself. Just some sweets for the younger sisters and Xin’er. It’s nothing expensive,” Jiang Miao says as he places the things on the table. “Is Xin’er keeping up with his studies? If not, he can come to the city to study. I still have space at my place—it’s just Sister Xiaoyu living there alone."

“He may seem mischievous, but he's doing well with his studies. He’s learned quite a few characters lately! His father says if he dares not take it seriously, he'll make sure to whip his backside,” Second Aunt Jiang laughs, her face full of pride. If Ah Miao hadn’t directly arranged for Xin’er to be enrolled in a private school, she and his father wouldn’t even think of letting him study.

"Everyone in our Jiang family is very smart. Xin’er comes home every day after learning new characters. It won't hurt to let him teach his sisters. It doesn’t hurt to have them learn a few more,” Jiang Miao says. If girls were allowed to attend school here, he’d send them along as well.

Second Aunt Jiang laughs again, “Oh, he’s been teaching them, alright. Not just them, but he’s also pestering me and his father to learn. You know, it’s quite a good deal—paying one fee and the whole family gets to learn.”

“That’s true,” Jiang Miao agrees, having thought the same before.

“By the way, you haven’t said why you’ve come back today. It’s not a holiday or anything. Is everything alright?” Second Aunt Jiang suddenly grows concerned.

Jiang Miao shakes his head, “Nothing’s wrong. The provincial exam results come out recently, and Pei Che passes and becomes a juren. The family is holding a banquet, and I want to invite you all. But I was worried you might feel uncomfortable, so I come back to ask your thoughts.”

He keeps his explanation simple to avoid confusing her.

Sure enough, his earlier concerns are justified. As soon as Second Aunt Jiang hears it’s at the Pei family’s place, she starts feeling uneasy. Since the marriage, they learn a lot about the families of these scholars, and the more they learn, the more nervous they become—worried they might one day cross paths with someone who would bully them, causing trouble for Jiang Miao.

“Will we embarrass you if we go?” Second Aunt Jiang asks.

Jiang Miao’s heart warms at that. They haven’t thought about the situation they might face but are always thinking about him.

“Don’t worry, you won’t,” Jiang Miao reassures her. “Ah Che will make sure everything is arranged properly.”

“Then we’ll go. We can’t let people say you have no support from your natal family,” Second Aunt Jiang says.

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