At that moment, those bawdy jokes were starting to play out like scenes in his mind...

De’an realized what those sounds were, and his face felt like it was on fire.

All thoughts of studying and the academy exam were flung to the back of his mind. Clutching Zhao Jing’s pouch, De’an fled in a panic.

That day, as if by some unspoken agreement, Zhao Jing’s three roommates didn’t return until dusk.

De’an had whittled away half the day in a teahouse, while Huang Chen and Chu Xun had spent the afternoon at the Wang Family’s home.

The three of them ran into each other at the entrance to the alley and stared at one another, momentarily at a loss for words.

Huang Chen wanted to tease De’an, to ask him why he was out too, but considering Chen Wanqing was his older sister, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything too suggestive.

The sun was setting on West Mountain. The three made small talk as they walked unhurriedly toward the courtyard.

"The academy exam is tomorrow. The Education Commissioner should be at the examination grounds by now, shouldn’t he?"

"The court stipulates that the examiners must enter the grounds one day in advance. The Education Commissioner must be in the examination hall by now."

The chief examiner of the prefectural exam was the region’s Education Commissioner, whose full title was Superintendent of Education. They were local administrative officials specializing in managing education and the imperial examinations. Typically, the post was held by an official who was already an Advanced Scholar, such as a Vice Minister or a member of the Hanlin Academy. The term was three years, during which they enjoyed the same treatment as an imperial envoy, had a status equal to a governor-general or provincial governor, and were directly appointed by the Emperor.

The Education Commissioner presiding over Xinghuai Prefecture this time was a seasoned veteran.

He was an Advanced Scholar by background and had served in both the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Censorate. He was demoted for impeaching the Empress Dowager’s hold on power and had been left idle at home for ten years, unable to regain an important position.

For whatever reason, the higher-ups had sent this old official to Xinghuai Prefecture this year.

This old official was just and incorruptible in his conduct and despised petty schemes above all else. Most importantly, his political leanings were perfectly aligned with Mr. Sheng, the Magistrate.

With that, there was no need to worry about the two of them locking horns and endlessly arguing over the selection of new Scholars.

As they spoke, the three arrived at their "front door."

It was here that the aroma—the one that had made their mouths water back at the entrance of the alley—grew even richer.

De’an clapped his hands in realization. "That’s definitely my sister. She must be stewing a chicken."

"Stewed chicken? Is your sister a good cook?"

"My sister’s cooking is unrivaled."

"Then..."

"Then what? What are you standing around for? Are you waiting for my sister to come out and invite you in to eat?"

The three of them entered the courtyard, bickering noisily. Just then, having heard their voices, Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing walked out of the kitchen.

Chen Wanqing greeted them all before saying, "I’m afraid I’ll have to impose on you all and stay the night."

"Stay as long as you need, sister. It’s no problem."

"Calling her sister isn’t quite right. We should be calling her sister-in-law."

"Right, right. Sister-in-law."

Huang Chen clearly had no experience interacting with young ladies. Within a few sentences, his face had turned bright red.

Luckily, the sky had grown darker, so unless one looked closely, his blush went unnoticed. Otherwise, he would have made a complete fool of himself.

After a few more pleasantries, Chen Wanqing called for everyone to wash their hands and get ready for dinner.

Earlier, she and Zhao Jing had made a special trip out to buy a whole stewing hen and three catties of pork belly.

The hen was stewed with Codonopsis and red dates, making a golden chicken soup. Well over half of the pork belly was used for a braised pork dish, while the smaller portion was sliced for a mushroom and tender pork stir-fry. She also made a cold dish of seasonal vegetables and a plate of mapo tofu.

To make sure the young men with their large appetites would have enough to eat, she also steamed rice and heated several large mantou in addition to the dishes and soup.

It was a simple meal of four dishes and one soup, all home-style cooking, yet the flavors were so good that even Chu Xun rarely got to enjoy such a meal.

They were all at that age of voracious appetites, their stomachs like bottomless pits that could never be filled.

In the end, they managed to finish every last dish.

After dinner, they all rubbed their stomachs in satisfaction, feeling that in all their time in the Prefecture, this was the most satisfying meal they had eaten.

"It tastes like home."

"I’m getting homesick..."

It was now nearly the middle of the fourth month, and the temperature in the courtyard was just right, so the dinner table had been placed in the middle of the yard.

Above them, the full moon shone brightly. If they listened, they could hear the chirping of insects. The walls were covered in blooming roses, and their sweet fragrance drifted on the gentle breeze, lingering around them.

Each rubbing his own belly, they felt a sense of ease they had never experienced before.

When they snapped out of it and saw the empty plates and bowls, they all started to feel a bit sheepish.

Huang Chen hurriedly began to tidy up. "You’ve worked hard, sister-in-law. You and Zhao Jing should go out for a stroll. We’ll handle the cleaning up."

"Yes, yes, the view at night is quite nice around here. The first night we arrived, Mr. Zhao said that if he had the chance, he would definitely have to show you the night scenery, sister-in-law..."