Chapter 289: Chapter 119: Mr. Sheng (Part 2)

Although they had traveled safely the entire way, it was only because Mr. Wo had been with them. Whenever he saw someone looking unwell, he would administer a bit of acupuncture. With him around, of course the journey had been smooth.

But now that they were in the Prefecture, no one knew if some unexpected incident might occur.

To be on the safe side, Zhao Jing specifically arranged with the landlord that they would have priority to renew the lease once the two-month term expired.

Naturally, the landlord saw no reason to refuse.

After that, they went to the government office to register. The whole affair kept them busy all morning but was finally settled.

That afternoon, the group hired an ox-cart and moved all of their few belongings over.

They then went out to the street to purchase useful items like washbasins, wooden buckets, and bedding.

Believing it would be more cost-effective and safer to cook for themselves, the group also made a point of buying rice, seasonings, and kitchenware. When they tallied it all up, the expense was surprisingly high.

Fortunately, these items could be easily sold off later, even at a discount. The thought that they could recoup some of their costs finally eased the sting of the expense.

After getting all that done, they made dinner with their newly purchased supplies. Once they had eaten, they each returned to their rooms to study.

Early the next morning, they went together to find Chu Xun, intending to explore the Prefecture.

Chu Xun suggested, "Since we have a couple of free days, we should also pay a visit to the Wang Family."

The other three nodded, all agreeing, "It’s the proper thing to do."

They had been well looked after by the Wang Family throughout their journey. Even upon arriving in the Prefecture, the family had recommended their inn and had even selected a house for them in advance. Both duty and courtesy demanded they go and express their gratitude.

Seeing that no one else had any objections, Chu Xun said, "In that case, when we get back, I’ll write a formal visiting card and have it sent over. Then we can all go to the Wang Family’s residence together."

"Perfect."

The streets were bustling, and everywhere they looked, they could see examination candidates—scholars carrying travel packs and wearing distinctive square caps.

As they passed the teahouses and restaurants, they saw that the main halls on the ground floor were all packed to the brim.

And it was still early morning. The fact that these places were already overflowing with people offered a glimpse into just how many had recently converged on the Prefecture.

De’an overheard someone loudly discussing the potential topics for this year’s prefectural exam and said to the others, "Let’s go in and have a look."

"Let’s check it out."

The group entered the teahouse. Just then, some people at a table in the farthest corner got up to leave, and De’an immediately led the others to squeeze their way over.

But when they reached it, De’an froze in embarrassment. The ones who had stood up were two servants; an elderly gentleman, richly dressed and with a dignified air, was still seated at the table.

The old man was dressed like a merchant, with an abacus even hanging from his waist, yet his overall presence was nothing like that of a typical businessman.

Seeing De’an hesitate, the others also stopped in their tracks. The elderly gentleman, who was sipping his tea, glanced at them in surprise before offering a smile. "You must be scholars here for the examinations? If you don’t mind, why not share the table?"

"Then we would be imposing on you."

De’an grabbed Zhao Jing with one hand and Huang Chen with the other, then shot a pointed look at Chu Xun.

Seeing his cue, the group could only offer their salutations one by one and brazenly sit down.

The servant standing behind the elderly gentleman was very perceptive. Seeing his master take out extra teacups from the tray, he knew he intended to treat the young men to tea. He immediately signaled the waiter to bring another pot of fine tea.

Seeing this, Chu Xun quickly reached out, intending to take the teapot from the gentleman’s hands. "We have already disturbed your peace, which is our failing. If we were to also trouble you to pour our tea, I would be utterly mortified."

"You’ve all come a long way," the man said. "I am the local here, so think of this cup of tea as a small gesture of hospitality on my part."

Chu Xun was clearly accustomed to such polite exchanges and handled the situation with ease. The others were happy to let him take the lead, but they couldn’t be so brazen as to let the old gentleman treat them to everything. They ordered two plates of tea snacks as a small gesture of their own.

After exchanging a few words with Chu Xun, the elderly gentleman turned his attention to the other three.

"And where are you gentlemen from?"

"From Qingshui County."

"And are you all here for the examination?"

"That is correct." Not content to be the only one revealing his background, De’an decided to ask a few questions of his own. "I gathered from what you said that you are a local of the Prefecture? But listening to your accent, you don’t sound like a native."

The old man let out a hearty laugh, stroking the fine beard on his chin. "You’re a sharp one, young man. It’s true, I am not originally from Xinghuai Prefecture. But life is transient, as fleeting as dust in a gale, is it not? I left my hometown many years ago and have long since lost my way back. Home is simply wherever one’s heart is."

De’an clearly didn’t subscribe to that view. "How can anyone not long for their hometown? Unless they can’t return, or their loved ones are gone."

"You have a point. But at my age, all of my relatives have indeed passed on. For me, my homeland is not a place to return to, but rather a place of sorrow..."