Tipsiness

Rong Zheng went to the school to tell Teacher Zhao his ranking.

Teacher Zhao said, "Congratulations, Rong Zheng. You're the most outstanding student I've ever taught. By the way, are you considering taking the academy examination this August?"

"No. In two years, perhaps." Rong Zheng shook his head.

The academy examination was held twice every three years. There would be one this August; if he missed it, he would have to wait another two years.

"There's little time to prepare, so it's just as well not to take it. Work hard for another two years, and you may have a chance at the minor triple first." Teacher Zhao had high hopes for Rong Zheng.

Rong Zheng answered with a smile.

"What are your plans next?"

"I'll stay in town to prepare for the examination for now, keep memorizing texts, and practice eight-legged essays and examination poetry." The academy examination covered roughly the same material as the prefectural and county examinations.

Teacher Zhao frowned. "I actually wanted to suggest that you study in the prefectural city. With your two first-place finishes, you could easily enter White Deer Academy. It's a prestigious academy in the prefectural city that gathers talented young men from all over, and it would greatly benefit your future in the imperial examinations!"

He certainly did not think he was still capable of teaching Rong Zheng. Someone so talented ought to attend a higher institution and receive a better education.

"Teacher, I understand what you're saying, but I won't be going to the prefectural city to study just yet. I'll consider it next year." Rong Zheng gave a rough explanation of his reasons. The crux of it was poverty: he did not have enough money to establish himself in the prefectural city.

Teacher Zhao understood perfectly. Living expenses were high in the prefectural city. Going alone would be manageable, but supporting a family of three there would truly be difficult.

He had been through it himself. Poverty was precisely why he had needed to teach while studying for the licentiate examination. Without money, one could hardly take a single step.

Though he felt that Rong Zheng's refusal to leave his husband behind showed loyalty and affection, he could not help finding it a pity.

"Actually, if you're willing, there will certainly be merchants and local gentry who would like to fund your studies."

Merchants were often happy to invest in promising scholars, offering timely help when students were strapped for money, placing their bets early and drawing them into their circle in anticipation of immeasurable returns.

In this era, not only merchants but also many scholarly families deliberately nurtured and promoted scholars. They spared no effort in supporting those who stood out in particular, smoothing the path to officialdom for these talented young men so that they would be deeply grateful and become capable aides and spokesmen for the family in official circles, thereby further consolidating and expanding the family's sphere of influence.

With his two first-place titles, Rong Zheng would have no shortage of people willing to support him if he simply agreed.

Yet Rong Zheng shook his head. "Thank you for the advice, Teacher. I'd still prefer to stay in town for now and find some work to prepare for studying in the prefectural city."

Free things were the most expensive of all!

He absolutely would not become financially entangled with merchants or local gentry. That would sow the seeds of trouble and might exact an unpredictable price.

"Since you've already made up your mind, I won't say any more." He offered one final reminder. "The licentiate examination is difficult. You'd best settle your family affairs and head to an academy in the prefectural city as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Rong Zheng also had a plan in mind. He would head to the prefectural city by next year at the latest.

In this dynasty, the acceptance rate for licentiates was ten percent. Many people kept taking the examination until their hair turned gray and still might not pass.

Thus, fathers and sons, or grandfathers and grandsons, could often be seen competing in the same round of the preliminary examinations.

Becoming a licentiate was truly no easy feat!

After bidding Teacher Zhao farewell, Rong Zheng treated the five members of his mutual guarantee group to a meal, as they had agreed after the examination ended.

Of the five, two had failed the prefectural examination: Fang Zihao and Mu Han. Neither looked particularly dejected, however. This was their first attempt at the preliminary examinations, and they took it in stride.

Fang Zihao said with a laugh, "No need to comfort us. Look at the man across from us with two first-place finishes. Didn't he fail three times too? This is only our first failure. It's nothing. Maybe if we try a few more times, we can come first too!"

Mu Han said nothing, merely raising a cup with a smile.

Uh... that arrow had struck home~

Rong Zheng thought, Should I feel honored that my history of failing can comfort you two?

Chen Yujie, on the other hand, had passed on his first attempt, placing in the second tier. As a registrar, his father had laid out a good path for his education from a very young age, and he had begun his schooling at five or six.

Huang Yi had also placed in the second tier. He said, "Chen Yujie and I will soon be heading to the prefectural city to study."

One relied on connections and the other on money; they had bought places at White Deer Academy.

All feasts must come to an end. After three rounds of drinks, they said their goodbyes and left.

Huang Yi deliberately walked alongside Rong Zheng. Patting him on the shoulder, he said sincerely, "Rong Zheng, if you come to White Deer Academy in the future, make sure you look me up."

Rong Zheng smiled. "Of course I will."

Huang Yi was cheerful, generous, and easygoing. His family had made their fortune in business, yet he dressed very casually and was never arrogant.

Moreover, after nearly a year of sharing a desk, Huang Yi's chatter had brought Rong Zheng plenty of amusement, keeping his life of study from becoming too dull.

That evening, Rong Zheng returned home reeking of alcohol.

He sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a little wistful at the thought of his classmates going their separate ways, and tilted his head back, staring blankly in silence.

Just then, Ye Yun entered the room after bathing, dressed in white underclothes. Rong Zheng looked over. His husband's expression was gentle, his body still damp from the bath, and the ends of his hair were wet.

A sash loosely cinched his waist, outlining his figure. Rong Zheng could span that waist with one hand.

His mouth began to go dry. When Ye Yun drew near, he pulled him over and, without a word, pressed him down onto the bed.

"Ah!" Ye Yun cried out and was about to speak.

But a deluge of kisses immediately sealed his lips.

Their breaths mingled, affection flowing between them.