Drop of Cinnabar in the Heart (4) (2/2)
The more he dwelled on this, the more upset he became. Thus, Zhu Junyang could only figuratively hold his nose and continue to drink...the stone’s bathing water every day. Argh, he had finally experienced what it was like to be pushed into a situation that he had no choice but to endure.
“Don’t bring up that stupid rock[1] now…” Zhu Junyang truly felt exhausted now.
“Older Brother-in-law, just how did I offend you again? Why can’t my older sister even mention me in your midst?” Yu Xiaocao’s younger brother, Little Shitou, Yu Fan, walked over with a puzzled look on his face. Did he annoy his older brother-in-law recently? He couldn't think of anything...
When he saw the younger brother-in-law who insisted on fighting over his wife with him, Zhu Junyang felt even more tired, “It’s almost time for the autumnal examinations. Why do you always come to the prince’s estate so often instead of staying at home studying?”
“Second Older Sister, just look at Second Older Brother-in-law, he doesn't welcome me! Why, is the prince’s estate so high and mighty that I, a poor scholar from a humble background, have now means to step over the threshold anymore?” Little Shitou looked towards his sister with an aggrieved expression on his face.
Yu Xiaocao had already gotten used to the two men bickering constantly, so she smiled and said, “Imperial Prince Xu’s Estate is my home. Thus, no matter how high or lofty the status is, you will always be welcome. Alright, tell me the reason why you had time to visit today.”
“In actuality, I’m not really busy. You guys always believe that I need to study quietly whenever it gets close to the exams. However, I already know all of the books front to back, completely memorized. Those who rely on last minute cramming are people who are bound to fail anyway!” Yu Fan pointed at his brain in a proud manner as he explained.
Yu Xiaocao remarked in a gratified tone of voice, “That’s correct. The closer it gets to exam time, the more important it is to relax. Seeing you like this has relieved my worries.”
“Second Older Sister, you’re currently pregnant, so you absolutely cannot worry too much. My teacher said that as long as I don’t enter the exam with a blank head, I will have no trouble passing. In fact, if I’m not careful, I might even come back as number 1 in the exams!” Although there was a chair next to Little Shitou, he didn’t sit in it and instead squatted next to his sister like he used to do in their youth. His eyes glittered brightly and his entire face showed that he was looking for praise.
Yu Xiaocao ruffled his hair and grinned, “I believe in you. You’ve worked hard all these years, so it’s finally time for you to unfurl your wings and soar into the sky. However, remember that ‘an arrogant army is bound to lose’, so don’t be overconfident and it’s better to be more cautious.”
Little Shitou had passed the county level exams six years ago. At that time, he was only nine years old. In the past few years, he had spent time studying painstakingly at Rongxuan Academy and very rarely went home even on vacation days. Great Scholar Yuan loved to travel and lecture. Other than bringing his own grandson along, he also brought Little Shitou with him on every trip.
It wouldn’t be wise to underestimate Little Shitou due to his age. Compared to those old scholars who had only passed the county level exams, he knew more and was more creative than them by several magnitudes. Even Great Scholar Yuan had praised him, claiming that Little Shitou’s potential was even better than his own grandson’s, Yuan Yunxi.
“What did Great Scholar Yuan say about your prospects?” Just like any other parent of a child about to take their high school examinations, Yu Xiaocao couldn’t help but ask this question.
Little Shitou grinned toothily and said, “My master said that I am definitely guaranteed one of the top three places in the metropolitan civil service exams.”
“Then you need to do your best during the exams and not disappoint Great Scholar Yuan ah!” Even the great scholar himself had said this, so Yu Xiaocao finally could let her worries rest, “Tomorrow, we’re going to watch the army return in triumph and we plan on eating lunch at the Medicinal Cuisine House. Do you want to come along ah? We’ve reserved the best private room there, the second floor’s ‘literary park’.”
“Of course ah. How could you possibly leave me out of having fun and eating good food ah?” Little Shitou revealed his sparkling white teeth as he continued, “However, all of the delicacies I’ve had all of these years can’t compare to the deliciousness of the braised pig head meat you made all those years ago, Second Sister.”
[1] Shitou means rock/stone