The matter of Su Yunzheng having the kitchen staff prepare over twenty servings of red bean cakes eventually reached the ears of the Grandmother of the Su Family. After sending servants to investigate, she finally learned what had happened at the academy.
"What does the Qin Family think they are? How dare they bully Yunzheng!" The Grandmother of the Su Family angrily slapped the table, unable to swallow her fury.
"And these servants are all useless! How could they not know what happened at the academy? What’s the point of keeping them by my grandson’s side? Replace them at once!"
"Madam, please calm yourself. The young master likely didn’t tell you because he was worried about your health. For someone so young, he already handles things with such composure and filial piety. If he knew you were upset to the point of harming your health, he would surely be heartbroken," an elderly servant at her side advised.
"Yunzheng has been separated from his parents since childhood, yet he remains so well-behaved. Those heartless wretches dare to slander my son for embezzlement? Pah! I wish I could drag them to the magistrate’s office and confront them!"
Lady Meng was not one to suffer in silence. Though she came from a merchant family, she had been doted on since childhood. Back then, her father had admired the scholarly talents of the Su family’s grandfather and, despite their poverty, arranged her marriage into the Su family—betting that they would rise like a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate. Her father’s foresight had been correct, and the Su family had indeed prospered. Now, as the wife of an imperial official, how could she allow the Qin Family to slander them so freely?
She resolved to send the steward to the Qin Family to demand an explanation for their poor upbringing of their children. She would accuse them of defaming a court official!
Her own son was toiling away in Lishan County, barely scraping by on his meager salary—how could he possibly be embezzling? What nonsense! He couldn’t even return home once a year, and her eldest grandson probably didn’t even remember what his father looked like!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
"Madam, at least the young master has finally made a friend at the academy. That third son of the Lu Family, Lu Chao, seems gentle and refined. Yunzheng has been mentioning him with joy these past few days."
The Grandmother of the Su Family’s expression softened slightly.
"Yes, Yunzheng has been talking about nothing but his 'Chaodi' lately. In a few days, the fruits from the estate will arrive. I’ll send an invitation and have Yunzheng invite him over for a visit. I’d like to meet this fine young man."
"The Lu Family truly lives up to their reputation as a family of scholars. The way they raise their children is worlds apart from those uncultured households."
Achoo!
Lu Chao sneezed, his nose itching as he wondered who was talking about him. Then, with a sigh, he returned to the grueling task of memorizing texts—no punctuation, vertical formatting, and traditional characters. Maybe he should just go farm instead.
"Lu Chao, explain: 'Laws are established to define boundaries and resolve disputes.'"
Caught daydreaming again, Lu Chao straightened up.
"Laws clarify ownership. When ownership is undefined, everyone may compete for it. Once defined, no one dares to dispute it."
"Hmm, well answered." Teacher Lu nodded, then gave Lu Chao another scrutinizing look. This time, Lu Chao didn’t dare let his mind wander and focused on the lesson.
……
After lunch, Lu Chao strolled out of the academy’s second gate, waiting for Qingshan to bring him some waxberries. At noon or after classes, vendors often gathered outside the academy. Since students couldn’t leave, servants like Qingshan could fetch things for them. Lu Chao had instructed Qingshan to bring him something new every day—it helped him learn more about this era.
It was waxberry season now. Though sour, they helped keep him awake, a necessity for someone who couldn’t take afternoon naps.
But who was that sneaky figure in servant’s clothing? It looked suspiciously like Lu Yuanyi! And wasn’t that his classmate beside him—Yang something? Lu Chao had seen him once before.
Soon, Qingshan came running up with a handful of waxberries.
"Young Master, look what I found today!"
Lu Chao peeked over. Besides the waxberries, there was a small pile of red berries—something like raspberries.
"What’s this?"
"The villagers call them 'wealth berries.' Sweeter than waxberries! Try one!"
Lu Chao popped one into his mouth. Indeed, it was sweeter and quite tasty. After sharing a few with Qingshan, he tucked the rest away.
"I’ll save these to share with Second Brother and Lady Lu later. I’ll give some to Su Yunzheng now."
Lady Lu disliked sour flavors—last time, she had wrinkled her nose at the waxberries. These wealth berries should suit her better.
After stashing them, he settled back in a corner.
"Young Master, who are you waiting for?" Qingshan asked, noticing his gaze fixed on the gate.
"A classmate. Go check if Su Yunzheng has finished eating. I’ll return soon."
Qingshan didn’t hesitate. His young master was picky and rarely ate much of the academy’s meals, while Su Yunzheng always had a hearty appetite and was usually the last to leave.
Sucking on a waxberry, Lu Chao kept his eyes glued to the gate. There was still half an hour until class—even Lu Yuanyi wouldn’t dare skip.
Sure enough, within the time it took half an incense stick to burn, Lu Yuanyi’s furtive figure reappeared.
Seeing him unharmed, Lu Chao stood, dusted himself off, and ambled back to class.
What was Lu Yuanyi sneaking out for? As far as Lu Chao knew, Lady Lu wasn’t overly strict. If he had asked, he could have gone out properly with a servant escort—unless this was something he needed to hide.
Should he report this or not?
Unaware that Lu Chao had spotted him, Lu Yuanyi was now whispering excitedly with Yang Zongze.
On the way home after class, Lu Chao shared some wealth berries with Lu Yuanyi and casually probed,
"Second Brother, I had Qingshan buy these outside the academy at noon. Try one."
Lu Yuanyi tensed slightly at the mention of "outside the academy" but quickly composed himself.
"Mmm, they’re good! Does Qingshan go out often? I think he brought you waxberries last time too."
"Yep! I rarely leave the estate, so I have him bring back interesting things."
Lu Yuanyi thumped his chest. "That’s easy! On our next day off, I’ll take you out myself. It’s really lively!"
"Oh? Do you go out often, Second Brother?"
"Not really. With classes every day, when would I have the time? I only went once last month." Lu Yuanyi waved his arm dismissively, then tugged Lu Chao along.
"Let’s hurry back—I’m starving!"
Lu Chao let him change the subject. It was only Shenshi—around three in the afternoon—far too early to be hungry.
For the next two days, Lu Yuanyi slipped out again with Yang Zongze. This time, Lu Chao had Qingshan bring an extra set of clothes. After changing, he tailed them.
Lu Yuanyi and Yang Zongze moved with purpose, not lingering—clearly familiar with the route.
Soon, after winding through several alleys, they arrived at a small courtyard.
Though tucked away in the lanes, the courtyard had a steady stream of visitors. A doorman spotted Lu Yuanyi and Yang Zongze and bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Young Masters Qin."
Lu Chao frowned but didn’t follow them inside. Instead, he approached an old man selling sugar figurines by the roadside.
"Young Master, would you like a sugar figurine?"
Lu Chao nodded. "One shaped like a tiger, please."
While the old man worked, Lu Chao feigned curiosity.
"Uncle, what kind of place is that? I saw a classmate of mine go in."
The old man glanced around before lowering his voice to reply, "Ah, young master, this place is a den of extravagance. Just the other day, a troupe arrived—said to be merchants from the south—who perform illusionary acts. They've drawn quite a crowd of wealthy young gentlemen! Entry alone costs 300 coins, and the better seats require extra silver."
"Illusionary acts?"
