Chapter 4, King of Candied Hawthorn Skewers

Although my uncle's words are reasonable, even if I truly had to stay for the examination due to my mother's command, my parents are no longer here, and others will only see that I have abandoned filial piety for the sake of my career. At this point, my uncle need not comfort me; I only want to ask one question: who does my uncle think would hate me this much?

Wang Fulian knew that this must be his uncle, Wu Tianbao

"This matter has suddenly caused such a great uproar; it will not be so easy to quell it," Wang Fulian said thoughtfully, and then suddenly stood up, bowing deeply to Song Bo with great seriousness.

Unexpectedly, the person arrived so quickly. Wang Fulian was half-sitting on the bed. Even Wang Yuanguan had not yet had the chance to get up when a burly middle-aged man entered the room. This man, in his forties, had a square face, thick eyebrows, and big eyes, clearly someone who was straightforward and easy to get along with. At this moment, his face showed a mix of surprise and joy, filled with unmistakable concern.

Wang Fulian only knew that the merchants of Huizhou were extraordinarily wealthy, but he did not expect that the imperial examination in Huizhou Prefecture was also a fiercely competitive path akin to a narrow bridge crowded with thousands of troops and horses. Thus, he could not help but inquire further. Consequently, he immediately learned about the rather remarkable examination results of his own county, Shexian.

Thanks to Song Bo, I am able to know what is happening in Huizhou City, dozens of miles away. Therefore, I have one more thing I would like to ask of you

Wang Fulian was immediately drenched in sweat, thinking to himself that this bookish person was truly at a certain level of obliviousness! He understood nothing of human relationships and worldly affairs, and whenever he faced any distress, he would simply jot it down in that collection of annotations on the Analects. What kind of life was this!

Faced with this predicament, Wang Fulian's face instantly flushed. ... Is this about having a free meal ...? ... No, is it about the tyrant's candied hawthorn?

Shuangmu, your father has been a traveling merchant for many years, primarily in the salt industry. However, he started late and has yet to see any profit. He does not use the Wang family's name in his dealings, so he should not have offended anyone. As for the origin of this matter, I believe it ultimately stems from the imbalance of supply and demand. In our Huizhou Prefecture, particularly in She County, there are the most salt merchants. Aside from a few wealthy merchants' sons who, in pursuit of quick gains, falsely claim to be from the northern prefectures to take exams, the majority of the wealthy families' sons take the exams locally. Additionally, there are the sons of officials and those from well-to-do farming families, leading to a plethora of talented individuals. Compared to the various states and counties in the north, it is hard to say how many young scholars have failed in their pursuits of academic success! Therefore, perhaps it is the envy of those who have failed that has led to someone spreading news about your family's affairs.

Regarding this statement, Wang Fulian was indeed drenched in sweat. However, considering the cause and effect of "narrowly escaping death," he could no longer afford to doubt the existence of deities. He could only nod and say, "Even if it is true that the deities are protecting us, it is also because my uncle has been tirelessly advocating, and my elder sister, second sister, and younger sister have been taking care of us with great care"

Wang Fulian thought this was just a common polite remark, but unexpectedly, Wu Tianbao was even more pleased: "Shuangmu has gone through this ordeal, and is no longer as dull as before; it is the first time I have seen you speak so well!"

Most of the villagers encountered along the way would greet, but Wang Fulin did not know any of them, so he could only ask Jin Bao to remind him from a distance who was who, so that he could return the greeting.

Wu Tianbao had never imagined that Wang Fulin was envisioning certain scenes of exorcising demons in his heart. Although Wang Fulin was his own nephew, the journey from the southern foot of Yanzhen to Songming Mountain Village spanned ten miles; it was not far, yet certainly not close. Moreover, since the beginning of his education, Wang Fulin had been studying diligently every day, and in the past, he had hardly exchanged many words with this nephew.

Rather than weakly attempting to defend against the first two charges, it would be better to take a more decisive action

On his first outing, Wang Fulian relied solely on the diary from the "Collected Commentaries on the Analects" and thought that Songming Mountain was merely an ordinary village nestled in a valley. However, upon stepping out of his home, he realized how utterly mistaken he was.

The mountains and fields are not wastelands; he has underestimated his own small village of Songming.

The old vendor immediately laughed: "Isn't that easy? Just right to trouble the young official for a bowl of tea."

He was about to send Jinbao home to get some money, when the old vendor, seeing the situation of the three of them, immediately understood and said with a smile: "Young sir, since you have just passed the scholar examination, there is nothing much for me to congratulate you on, so let me treat the third lady to some candied hawthorn, no charge."

Little Official

Wang Fulian helplessly reached into his pocket, but immediately froze. In the past, he would certainly carry money when going out, but the situation was different now; he was currently empty-handed and penniless. He quickly turned to look at Jinbao, only to find that the little fellow was also looking at him with a distressed expression, softly saying: "Father, Mother didn't give us any money when we left."

Rumors are rampant outside; do not take them to heart. Your mother told me before she left that your father had repeatedly instructed her in his letters not to delay your studies. That is why she disregarded your pleas, took two old servants with her, and asked me to borrow a few strong servants from her family to accompany her as she personally went to Hankou. Although there is only a one-year difference between a fourteen-year-old scholar and a fifteen-year-old scholar, their futures may be vastly different. To pin the blame of unfilial conduct and the title of *图* on you, and to accuse you of cheating, is clearly the work of someone inciting public opinion with malicious intent.

"How can I possibly do that?" Wang Fulian said, but his eyes were fixed on his younger sister. You little glutton, you won't die from impatience, but be careful of getting cavities!

Although he was not well acquainted with this young scholar Wang, he had encountered him a few times during his frequent visits to Songming Mountain. Seeing how doting he was towards his sister, he found this young gentleman to be quite approachable. At that moment, the other party accepted his goodwill and promised to take care of his business in the future, which made him beam with joy and respond eagerly. Finally, recalling the recent rumors, he reminded him about his frequent trips to the city to sell candied hawthorn.

At this moment, he merely thought that Wang Fulian had grown in character through this ordeal, and his demeanor had become increasingly warm.

Wu Tianbao was certainly pleased with the composure displayed by Wang Fulin at such a young age, but in response to the final question, he could only respond with a wry smile

Song Borden was flustered and hurriedly reached out to support him: "Young sir, you are a scholar; how can you perform such a grand gesture towards an old man like me?"

It is indeed true that getting straight to the point is effective, but looking around, one can only see several typical courtyards with white walls and dark tiles, built in a staggered manner under the towering ancient pines of the distant green mountains. Among them, the largest courtyard features pavilions and towers, elegant and exquisite. One can only imagine the cost of constructing such residences in this rural area, which clearly reflects a sense of wealth and opulence. The other houses in the village vary in quality; some are as neat and tidy as one's own, while others are dilapidated and low. However, what is even more striking is the vast expanse of fertile fields, and further in the distance, there is a large river, with a sizable village faintly visible on the opposite bank.

Little official, I must say that it is best to invite the elders of the clan to intervene and find a way to calm things down. If this continues, it is likely that the Grand Master will be alarmed and return.

Although Wu Tianbao did not explicitly state it, how could Wang Fulin fail to perceive it? The situation is akin to being at the bottom of the hierarchy; the family appears to lack any influence and has even had their past troubles exposed, with the father suffering from illness and the mother traveling a thousand miles to care for him. They have even been unfairly labeled as cheaters, which is clearly a case of picking on the weak

After walking for quite a while, Wang Xiaomei, who was following him like a little shadow, cheerfully said: "In the past, when my brother was out walking, he was always preoccupied with memorizing texts and thinking about things, completely ignoring anyone he encountered. A few times, he didn't even notice his elders and received a couple of reprimands, which made him go out less and less. Today, however, he seems like a different person, greeting everyone everywhere."

The old vendor selling candied hawthorn originally came from Xixi South Village across the river. He was skilled at making syrup and sold candied hawthorn. Most of the time, he would go to Huizhou City, where there were many customers, but he also regularly visited nearby villages around Xixi South Village to sell his goods. Villagers with some spare money could enjoy a taste, and many wealthy families also liked this snack.

From Wang Xiaomei's words, Wang Fulin understood what kind of person that former individual was, and thus he merely smiled at the old vendor's grievances. Remembering that this person had traveled through various towns and neighborhoods, he suddenly felt a spark of inspiration and sincerely said: "Once Uncle Song finishes selling the candied hawthorns, could you come to my house for a short visit? I have been recuperating for half a month and am completely unaware of the news outside; I would like to seek your advice. By the way, please save two for my second sister to try later."

After sending off the uncle and the eldest sister, Wang Fulian went out to the fields, expressing a desire to take a walk. Jin Bao hurriedly assisted him in getting dressed. Although Wang Erniang was filled with concern, her brother was determined in his decision, and her protests were of no use; she could only sulk in silence. In contrast, Wang Youhan, the younger sister who was of a similar age to Jin Bao, had fewer worries. It seemed as if going out was akin to celebrating a festival; she opened the wardrobe and pulled out several outfits, chattering excitedly about which ones matched well, bringing a touch of vitality to the home that had been shrouded in gloom for days.

You know everything, little brother

Moreover, you are, after all, at the bottom of the rankings

What is this about?

Wang Xiaomei had no idea about her brother's changing emotions, and she immediately cheered with joy. Seeing her smile, Wang Fulin cupped his hands to the old vendor and said: "Thank you, old sir, for your generous gift, but you also earn your money through hard work. How about this: in the future, when you make candied hawthorns to sell at Songming Mountain, please be sure to bring three sticks for my family each time."

Unfortunately, that fellow seemed to lack social skills in the past, only knowing how to quietly keep a diary, inadvertently revealing his flaws

When he caught up with Wang Xiaomei, the little girl smiled proudly while holding up a candied hawthorn. Only then did she extend her free left hand and say, "Brother, three wen."

Wang Xiaomei stared wide-eyed in disbelief at Wang Fulin for a while. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she pointed at the old vendor not far away, saying: "Alright, brother, I want to eat candied hawthorn!"

Wang Fulian was just feeling awkward, but upon hearing these words, he could only smile bitterly. At this point, he did not want to blame the heavens or others; he had already decided to accept his current identity, including all the causes and effects tied to his original physical form, and to live his life well. Therefore, he immediately reached out to ruffle Wang Xiaomei's hair and said softly: "In the past, I was sorry to you. In the future, whatever you like, I will definitely buy it for you!"

Young official, the rumors outside are spreading fiercely, and even I have heard about them in the city. The Grand Master has gone to the nearby Ningguo Prefecture to preside over the imperial examination, and he might also catch wind of the situation. Alas, She County only produces about twenty or so candidates for the imperial examination each year, and not every village can even get one. Such a difficult matter, and now that the young official's parents are not around, why not invite an elder to speak on your behalf?

Wu Tianbao strode forward, forcefully pressing Wang Fulin, who seemed about to rise, back down. His grip was extremely strong, and he maintained a steady gaze, locking eyes with Wang Fulin for quite some time, completely unaware that his intense stare was causing the latter to feel anxious, with beads of sweat even forming on his back.

Using two candied hawthorns to send away the two people, one big and one small, and closing the door, Wang Fulian then began to inquire with Song Bo about the rumors circulating in the city regarding himself. He discovered that the focus was concentrated on two main points: unfilial behavior and cheating. However, the content was repetitive and lacked substance, which made him secretly start to calculate his own thoughts.

Rather than continuing to play the role of a nerd, he might as well take the opportunity to be himself

In the evening, after the old vendor Song Bo sold twenty to thirty candied hawthorns in Songming Mountain Village, he arrived as scheduled at Wang Fulins home. Although Wang Erniang claimed that she was no longer a child, the candied hawthorns brought by Song Bo still delighted her unexpectedly. Jin Bao, after Wang Fulin gave Song Bo the money and casually handed him one of the candied hawthorns, felt a sense of indescribable surprise and excitement. Although Wang Erniang claimed that she was no longer a child, the candied hawthorns brought by Song Bo still delighted her unexpectedly. Jin Bao, after Wang Fulin gave Song Bo the money and casually handed him one of the candied hawthorns, felt a sense of indescribable surprise and excitement

Since Wu Tianbao, as the clan leader of the Wu family branch under Nanshan in Wushi Yanzhen, only knows this much, Wang Fulian no longer hopes to uncover the source of the rumors in a short time. After expressing his heartfelt gratitude to this uncle, he entrusted Wu Tianbao with the task of sending Wang Yuanguan back to her in-laws in Huizhou City, asking him to return his still worried elder sister to the capital.

Wang Yuanguan desperately concealed this matter, but unexpectedly, her uncle revealed everything as soon as he opened his mouth, leaving her completely unprepared. She hurriedly glanced at Wang Fulin, only to find her younger brother's expression unchanged, showing no signs of surprise at all. She was greatly astonished, and in the next moment, she saw Wang Fulin smile at her again.

Wang Yuanguan then asked a question. Seeing Wang Fulin nod slightly, she recalled how he had previously confided in her about that Young Master Cheng. For a moment, she did not consider who had spoken out of turn, but felt that her younger brother had truly grown up.

Since the early Ming Dynasty, the performance in the imperial examination in Huizhou Prefecture has been commendable, and since the mid-Ming period, it has become increasingly prominent. In recent years, there has not been a single year where there were no successful candidates from She County, with at least one and as many as four or five candidates each year, including top scholars and champions. In the words of Wu Tianbao, the number of successful candidates from Huizhou Prefecture ranks just below Suzhou and Changzhou in Southern Jiangsu, and the number of those who pass the provincial examination often ranks among the top. Moreover, at least two-fifths to three-fifths of the successful candidates from Huizhou Prefecture come from She County, and the proportion of those who attain high official positions is also quite high. Therefore, even if one is merely a lowly scholar, under the fixed quotas for each county, although it may not compare to the devilish lands of Shanyin and Gusu in Jiangnan, it is still quite remarkable.

Wang Fulian was momentarily dumbfounded, watching as the young girl joyfully ran over, lifting her skirt. She exchanged a few words with a nearby old vendor and then, beaming with delight, accepted a string of candied hawthorns. He felt a bit of a headache and rubbed his forehead, supporting Jinbao as he slowly followed after her. It was one thing to suddenly transform from a grown man into a fourteen-year-old boy, but what he found even more unbearable was his own frail body, still recovering from serious injuries

At last, you are fortunate and blessed! Wu Tianbao finally released his grip and said with a smile, "I told you, even a newly enrolled scholar has the protection of the stars in the heavens, how could he be harmed by a few petty thieves!"

Young Master Wang

Wang Fulian has already learned from his diary that he is still quite young. Although he has passed the examination for a scholar, he has yet to receive a courtesy name from an elder. By this reasoning, "Shuangmu" must be his childhood name, which, as the name suggests, means "two trees forming a forest," making it easy to pronounce.

Though she spoke harshly, her elder brother took along the gold treasure and, like a shadow, brought along Wang Xiaomei. When they finally set out, Wang Erniang stood at the door, stamping her feet in anger, secretly regretting that she had only been joking, yet her brother truly left her behind at home. However, upon reflection, aside from an old servant couple, Wang Qifu and his wife, there were only two women from tenant families who occasionally came to help. There was no one else left, and she could only stay behind in frustration

Thus, he earnestly said to Wang Xiaomei: "The past is the past, and the present is the present. One learns from one's mistakes; having suffered this significant lesson, I have decided to mend my ways!"

Wang Xiaomei, however, paid no attention to her brother's gaze, as she ate the candied hawthorn in her hand and complained, "Since childhood, other people's brothers buy this and that for their sisters, but you have never bought anything for me and Erjie. Song Bo's candied hawthorn is the best; it is famous throughout the surrounding villages and often sold in Huizhou City. He is a good person, and even though he knows that the sales here in Songming Mountain are low, he still makes a special trip to bring twenty or thirty sticks across the river to our village every ten days because many people in the village love to eat it. I have asked you several times before to bring back a stick when you return from school, but you never paid me any attention!" Song Bo's candied hawthorn is the best; it is famous throughout the surrounding villages and often sold in Huizhou City. He is a good person, and even though he knows that the sales here in Songming Mountain are low, he still makes a special trip to bring twenty or thirty sticks across the river to our village every ten days because many people in the village love to eat it. I have asked you several times before to bring back a stick when you return from school, but you never paid me any attention!

The key point is that we fundamentally do not know who is behind the manipulation