Zhitian continued, "Once he becomes an officer, he can keep an eye out for you all. Perhaps very soon, he can bring you to live in a grand manor in Kyoto. Brother, you should visit Kyoto and see the bustling splendor there."

Shengsi’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, his head spinning quickly. All his sons and nephews have bound feet; what shall he do? If he had known, he would have left one unbound. Such a great opportunity to become an officer is about to be missed!

Suddenly, he remembered his eldest grandson, Asheng, who had just complained about not wanting to bind his feet. He quickly asked, "All my nephews have bound feet, but the grandson generation has not finished yet. It’s such a pity he’s a bit young, only ten this year."

Zhitian sneered internally; Asheng looked no more than eight. Shengsi feared he wouldn’t agree, thus deliberately made his grandson two years older.

"We in Fusang are now using the Zhongyuan Imperial Examination system. Several twelve-year-old youths became Scholars in the last session, promising a boundless future. Your grandson is just ten; there’s still time. Coupled with your connections, the Emperor will surely lend a hand. Once he passes and becomes a Scholar, he can certainly be appointed as a civil officer," Zhitian continued to persuade.

"That’s, that’s great news. Shall I have my grandson come over for a look?" Shengsi said excitedly.

Zhitian hurriedly waved his hand, "I’m not in charge here; let me go back and discuss with my master, and have him personally assess tomorrow. It must be okay only if the master says it’s okay."

If Zhitian had agreed outright, Shengsi would think he was bragging. Speaking this way made him believe a bit more.

"But don’t say I didn’t warn you; the master dislikes foot binding. Has your grandson bound his feet?" Zhitian asked in a low voice.

Panic flashed in Shengsi’s eyes, and he quickly said, "No, no, he’s young, hasn’t done it yet."

"Alright, it’s getting late. I should check if the master has rested. If not, I’ll speak well for you." Zhitian got up to leave, Shengsi thanks him profusely and saw him off.

Zhitian returned in high spirits, nodded at Bai Ruozhu—mission accomplished.

Bai Ruozhu was also pleased, leaning close to the yard wall to listen, indeed Shengsi was already taking action.

In the ear room next to the yard, Shengsi told his daughter-in-law, "Quickly, remove Asheng’s foot bindings, and don’t bind them anymore."

The woman was startled, "Father, what nonsense are you saying? Asheng is still a child; it’s normal for him to throw tantrums. You can’t just give up on him like this!"

Shengsi laughed speechlessly, "You foolish woman, what are you thinking? The Emperor in Kyoto is opening up sea trade, and officers will be chosen from surrounding islands. They’ll become part of the Imperial Court. But the Court doesn’t want bound feet. I just asked the master on that side to help recommend Asheng from our family, so Asheng’s feet should not be bound anymore."

Asheng couldn’t understand "sea trade," but he understood he wouldn’t need to bind his feet any longer, jumping up excitedly, only to pain his foot and almost twist his ankle.

The woman couldn’t quite believe it but followed Shengsi’s instructions, helping Asheng remove the foot bindings.

Asheng immediately felt much lighter; fortunately, he hadn’t been bound for long, so his feet weren’t deformed.

Early the next morning, Shengsi was busy around Bai Ruozhu and the others, repeatedly glancing at Zhitian, waiting for Zhitian to give him an answer.

The astronomer assumed an official air, saying, "Shengsi, let your grandson Asheng come over. I have a few questions for him."

"Okay, okay," Shengsi said, overjoyed.

Soon, Asheng was called over, wearing deliberately larger shoes, walking somewhat awkwardly.

The little boy was very nervous, knowing that if he didn’t pass this hurdle, he might continue binding his feet.

That painful experience he never wanted to endure again.

Fortunately, the astrologer’s questions were not difficult; he answered dutifully. The astrologer finally nodded, saying, "Not bad, a perceptive child. Follow us, and after we return to Kyoto, I’ll arrange for you to study at the Academy. Don’t be lazy or unmotivated."

Asheng quickly agreed, earnest in saying, "Asheng will study hard, never failing the master’s expectations." He must never endure the pain of foot binding again.

Since Bai Ruozhu and others were preparing to visit the dangerous place Shengsi mentioned, the astrologer arranged for him to find some guides. They need not follow them inside; just leading them to the edge was enough.

Shengsi went out busy; Bai Ruozhu happily left Asheng to eat Dimsum, Shengsi felt incredibly proud and pleased seeing his grandson being valued.

Taking advantage of no one noticing, Bai Ruozhu secretly slipped a small medicine box to Asheng, whispering, "Apply on your feet, it’ll heal faster."

Asheng’s heart pounded nervously, his face turned pale; Grandpa had warned him never to mention his bound feet as these adults disliked foot binding.

But...

He looked at Bai Ruozhu, meeting warm, caring eyes, suddenly understanding that these adults knew about his foot binding, and perhaps they spoke with his Grandpa to help him!

In a moment, Asheng’s eyes reddened, tears almost flowing.

Bai Ruozhu handed him a handkerchief, smiling, "My fourth brother is the same age as you, and he doesn’t like crying. Quickly dry your tears, or else your Grandpa might think we’re bullying you."

Asheng, a clever child, instantly got her meaning, and quickly wiped away his tears.

He carefully hid the ointment in his sleeve, ensuring his family wouldn’t find out; otherwise, he’d return to the painful foot bindings.

Within a cup of tea’s time, two brave young men were willing to lead the way. Bai Ruozhu and the others organized themselves, leaving Mo Beishan, Shanhu, Qiu Zhi, Yizi, Wa Wei, and Duannian on the ship while others headed to the forbidden area Shengsi mentioned.

"Master, it’s just ahead; there’s fog year-round, seemingly never dissipating," the leading young man said.

Bai Ruozhu gave them silver rewards, speaking in Fusang Language, "Thank you, you can go back now."

"Be careful, Master. If there’s danger, come out quickly," the two young men cheerfully accepted the reward.

The boundary of the forbidden area is actually a forest. Bai Ruozhu halted everyone, saying, "It’s miasma, poisonous."

"No wonder the islanders say no one returns after entering; most have probably been poisoned," Gao Zhou said.

"It’s not very strong miasma, but ordinary people will suffer. Take one Detoxification Pill each. I suspect miasma isn’t the cause; there are other dangers. Let’s not get separated," Bai Ruozhu said.

"Visibility is low inside. Later, everyone hold hands and don’t let go; one person holds onto the next," Jiang Yichun said.

Everyone nodded, taking Bai Ruozhu’s Detoxification Pills.

Soon, they began holding hands; Jiang Yichun grabbed Bai Ruozhu’s hand, but Ruozhu was on Yichun’s left, prompting Jiang Yichun to sourly request Bai Ruozhu switch to his right, making Ruozhu the furthest right with his right hand free.