Traveling Through Those Years Of Farming (Quick Transmigration) - Volume 4 Chapter 26

The provincial exam arrived as scheduled. Fu Guangyuan sat in his seat, full of confidence as he looked toward the supervising officials. 

Fu Shinian entered the examination hall later than him, and as he passed by, Fu Guangyuan even threw him a contemptuous, dismissive look.

However, that proud confidence did not last long. When the test papers were distributed to every examinee, he skimmed through the questions. His fingers tightened around the paper, and his whole body began to tremble.

Impossible. Impossible…

Outside, the wind was still bitterly cold, yet Fu Guangyuan’s back broke out in cold sweat from fear. His family… had already emptied nearly all their property for him…

Large drops of sweat slid down from his temples. He felt faint. In truth, there were several questions he could barely answer, but his mind was in chaos now, and he could no longer write anything.

The county exam was the simplest of all the examinations, and very short. 

That very night, examinees were released from the hall. The local academic administration would finish grading the papers that same night, and the next day the results would be posted at the county bulletin.

Those who passed the county exam could take the prefectural exam three days later.

When the results were posted the next day, Fu Shinian unsurprisingly passed with second place in the county exam. On the list of successful candidates, there was no trace of Fu Guangyuan’s name.

Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang squeezed into the front of the crowd, scanning every name again and again—yet still, they could not find their son’s name.

“Impossible, impossible—how could my boy not pass?”

Fu Shichun seemed to go mad. When his gaze fell on the name “Fu Shinian,” listed second from the top, it felt like the sight nearly blinded him.

“There must be a mistake! My son is so smart—how could he not pass?” Ma Meifang also shouted hysterically. Their son… how could he not have passed!

The couple could not accept the reality.

“Enough. You think your son is smart, so he must pass? I think I’m smart too, yet didn’t I fail several times already!”

“That’s right. If you’re done checking, move aside. We haven’t looked yet.”

People behind them, annoyed, wanted them gone. But Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang refused to leave. Pushed and shoved by the crowd, they instead lunged toward the clerk by the bulletin, grabbing at his sleeves.

“Sir, why isn’t my boy’s name here? Did the academic officer forget to write it down? Please go ask for us!”

“That’s right, sir, my boy is Fu Guangyuan. He’s from the same village as that second-place Fu Shinian—maybe the names were confused!”

When he heard his wife say that, Fu Shichun’s eyes lit up. Yes—maybe the names were mixed up. Second place should have been his son!

“What are you doing!” The clerk slapped away their hands. Several other clerks rushed over. “Are you trying to cause trouble?”

Facing seven or eight tall, armed officers, all fierce-looking, the couple felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over their heads. They instantly sobered.

They no longer dared to shout and were pushed aside, full of grievance and confusion.

Only then did they suddenly realize—Fu Guangyuan was missing.

One family rejoiced while another despaired. 

After passing the county exam, Fu Shinian went on to place fourth in the prefectural exam, sixth in the academy exam, and successfully became a xiucai.

Although the ranking was not extremely high, it had to be considered together with his age—he was only seventeen. Passing the xiucai exam at such an age was exceptional.

And based on the number of examinees this year, sixth place made him a stipend student. People said “rich juren, poor xiucai,” but stipend students were never poor.

First, stipend students received monthly grain from the court. It wasn’t much, but enough to feed two or three people. Moreover, a stipend student could act as guarantor for examinees. Every examinee in the county exam needed five fellow students plus a stipend student as guarantors. Traditionally, the guarantor received a payment. With county exams held twice every three years, this alone guaranteed a steady income. Supporting himself would not be a problem.

Seeing the results, Fu Shinian finally relaxed. He had lived up to Baobao’s expectations—he passed the xiucai exam.

But this examination also made him clearly see his own shortcomings. His accumulated knowledge was still shallow. Beyond the small world he knew, there were countless talents. Even within this prefecture, many examinees outperformed him, and during the provincial exam, he would face even more—students from other prefectures, and older xiucai with years of experience.

He finally understood his teacher’s earlier advice. His teacher urged him to study diligently for three more years regardless of results, then attempt the next provincial exam. With his current ability, he was destined to fail.

Fortunately, his mindset was steady; he felt no regret.

Right now, his entire heart focused on one matter—fulfilling his promise to Baobao.

When Ge Shiyan returned from the prefectural city with her son and the two girls, the villagers welcomed them warmly.

Da’ao Village had not produced a xiucai in many years. Even if they could not benefit directly, they wanted to bask in the good luck. 

Before her return, people had already begun discussing the Fu family’s old division of property—many mocked Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang for their shortsightedness. If they had never split from the main family, they could have enjoyed the blessings of having a xiucai younger brother.

While Ge Shiyan was away, Fu Dayan’s door had nearly been stepped off its hinges. Unlike his estranged elder son and daughter, he was the xiucai’s biological father. Even if they lived separately, a father was still a father—how could a son not honor him?

Some visitors had requests and wanted to ask favors through him.

But Fu Dayan showed restraint. To those who came sincerely to congratulate, he received them happily. Though he had little to offer, he could still pour tea or set out peanuts or melon seeds and chat pleasantly.

For those who came with ulterior motives, he politely refused. He felt he had already failed as a father; he could not cause trouble for his son now.

These days, the contrast was sharp—while the main house bustled with guests, the east wing where Fu Shichun’s family lived grew increasingly desolate. All of them wore dark, gloomy faces, as if ready to explode.

At Ge Shiyan’s home, the moon had climbed high before she finally finished sending away the visitors.

Fortunately, they had prepared in advance. They had eaten beforehand and later had a few pastries, so they were not hungry.

After the long journey and several exams, everyone was exhausted. Baobao and Lin Yu returned to their rooms early.

Ge Shiyan was also tired, but she had something important to do. 

Once the guests were gone, she knocked on her son’s door. Hearing his permission, she entered.

“Now that you’ve passed the xiucai exam, I won’t beat around the bush. Let me ask you—can you take good care of Baobao?”

She did not ask if he wanted to marry her. That would be wasting breath. If she had to ask that, she would be asking Baobao whether Baobao wanted to marry him. When had her son ever been worthy enough to dislike Baobao?

She asked only whether he could take good care of her. If he could not, she would find someone who could.

“Of course I can!” Fu Shinian’s expression was solemn. “Mother, when will you begin preparing our marriage?”

Baobao seemed anxious; she had chased him for several promises.

In truth, he did not think the marriage needed to be arranged so soon. Baobao was still young. Once a girl married and became a mother, life was no longer as carefree.

He liked watching Baobao play without worries—going up the mountain with Sanhua to pick fruit, teasing the snot-nosed toddlers in the village, going to the river with Lin Yu, fishing while Lin Yu washed clothes, and being happy all day when she caught a crab…

Though he would never restrict her, he had to admit—society judged a maiden differently from a married woman. A lively girl was simply lively. A lively wife… the comments might not be pleasant.

He did not care about gossip, but he feared she might be hurt by it.

He thought that since they already understood each other, there was no need to rush. In three years she would be eighteen—more mature and better able to handle the role of a wife. By then he would attempt the provincial exam again. If he might luckily pass as a juren, he could give her a grander wedding and a more comfortable life.

But all his thoughts—all his caution—crumbled before the fact that Baobao missed him and wanted to marry him now.

He thought, since Baobao cherished him so much, and already wished to marry him, everything else could be dealt with later.

“How did it come to arranging the wedding now?” Ge Shiyan, satisfied with the first part of his answer, was stunned by the second. How had he suddenly jumped to marriage? “Have you even considered Baobao’s thoughts?”

She felt his attitude was wrong. Would he make decisions without her input after marriage too?

“Baobao definitely wants to.” Thinking of Baobao’s fiery signals, Fu Shinian grew embarrassed. In front of his mother, he could hardly say those things.

“Baobao wants to?” Ge Shiyan widened her eyes. Had the children already secretly pledged themselves without her knowledge?

“Yes.” Fu Shinian nodded.

“Impossible.” Ge Shiyan did not believe it. “Did Baobao say it herself?”

Something felt wrong.

“Baobao didn’t say it directly, but I understood.” Fu Shinian gave his mother a slight look of pity. She was simply not perceptive enough in such matters.

“Explain it to me carefully.” Ge Shiyan grew even less convinced. 

Fu Shinian had no choice but to retell the whole story—the family portrait and the ‘evil deity lamp.’

…

Ge Shiyan stared at her son as if he were a fool.

“You should be grateful you were born with a brain meant for studying, and that you have such a smart mother.”

She rubbed the back of his head.

Ah, her silly boy. But this was good. Since he was foolish in everything except reading, she would never have to worry about him bullying Baobao.

Fu Shinian sighed inwardly. Mother really did lack a bit of perceptiveness. But it didn’t matter—as long as he understood Baobao, it was enough.

“Baobao, Mother asked me about us yesterday. Do you think we should get engaged first, then marry in a few years, or just get married right away?”

After breakfast, Fu Shinian approached Baobao as she washed dishes. He took a few dirty bowls to help, and while his mother and Lin Yu were not in the courtyard, he leaned close and whispered.

Baobao sucked in a cold breath and widened her eyes.

Good heavens—this man intended to marry her and turn her into the woman left outside the door!

“I think… this marriage cannot proceed.” Baobao set down the bowl and spoke in a cool tone.

If the humiliation of those two closed doors was not washed away, this marriage absolutely could not happen.

After speaking, she left the pile of dirty bowls for him, wiped her wet hands on his waist, bared her teeth in a silly face, and dashed away—leaving Fu Shinian stunned.

He suddenly realized—whatever perceptiveness he thought he possessed was now gone.

Through the kitchen window, Ge Shiyan saw it all. 

She simply smiled. There was no need to rush these children’s marriage. Their little spats would one day become beloved memories.

She would wait for them to understand their hearts and awaken to love—then she would act as mother-in-law.

Passing the xiucai exam was a major event in the countryside. Traditionally, close relatives and neighbors had to be invited for a feast. Ge Shiyan made a generous display—not only inviting the Fu and Ge relatives, but the entire Da’ao Village.

She hired two master cooks. Several friendly village women volunteered as helpers. Altogether, eight temporary stoves were set up. Thirty-six tables were arranged, from her courtyard all the way to the village entrance. The entire village bustled with joy.

Of course, she had to invite her son’s biological father. 

Wearing the new clothes Ge Shiyan sent him, Fu Dayan helped greet guests. 

As for the elder brother and sister, they were entirely ignored; no one mentioned inviting them.

Speaking of Fu Yuexia, her life had not been good these past years.

She married the eldest son of her husband’s family—handpicked by Fu Dayan back then. He had good circumstances and would inherit the larger share of family property.

At first, life was smooth. She brought a good dowry and earned respect from her in-laws. Even doing less housework did not draw complaints.

But she became increasingly arrogant. After the Fu family’s division, rumors said she played an unsavory role. Once her mother’s side stopped supporting her, her husband’s family also lost patience with her temper.

Six years ago, after her youngest sister-in-law married out, her father-in-law and mother-in-law decided to live with the second son, leaving most property to him. Fu Yuexia protested, saying they were biased, but parents could live with whichever child they wished. Her outburst only made her in-laws tear their faces with her. 

The past two years she received no help and had to work the fields and manage the home herself. Once a pampered new wife, she had been worn into just another rough village woman.

Fu Shichun wanted to help his sister, but his own life was a mess—he could help no one.

Today, her husband came with two fish, left them, and left without staying for the feast. Ge Shiyan did not insist. 

Years ago, that household’s two children had been partly responsible for Baobao’s fall into the deep pond. Whether he was guilty or not, she held resentment.

But some people had skin thicker than city walls. With resentment in their hearts, they did not care that Ge Shiyan had not invited them—they dragged their whole family over shamelessly.

Those were Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang.

Wearing ragged clothes, followed by their pair of children.

Once proud and clever as children, now Fu Guangyuan looked weak and hollow, as if drained of spirit, while Fu Lianqiao had dull eyes, lowered head, and bent shoulders—nothing like a lively girl her age.

Villagers shook their heads. The eldest branch of the Fu family was finished.

They had sold all their property. Their elders and children had no ability. Now even their fire had gone out. How could they rise again?

“Why didn’t the youngest invite his elder brother?” Fu Shichun’s face twisted with resentment. He didn’t come to drink—he came to ruin the celebration.

Now that he had nothing, a barefoot man feared nothing. He wanted to make this mother and son lose face in front of the village.

“Eldest.” Fu Dayan blocked him. “If you are here to congratulate your brother, pick a seat and enjoy a meal. But if you are here to cause trouble, remember—I am still your father. If you anger me to death, the clan elders will expel you from the clan.”

He spoke each word clearly. In these times, expulsion from the clan meant social death—no different from execution.

Fu Shichun’s steps faltered. He trembled.

At least he still had a few rooms and one acre of land. If expelled, the clan elders could reclaim it all and throw him out of Da’ao. He would be a man without roots.

“Father, don’t be so biased!” Ma Meifang still protested, though she too was frightened.

“Where is Fu Guangyuan?” At that moment, several constables appeared at the courtyard entrance.

When Fu Guangyuan turned and saw the official-looking men, he was so terrified that he collapsed to the ground.

“It’s him!” A shackled, greasy-looking man behind them pointed. 

The constables immediately advanced.

“Don’t arrest me—don’t arrest me!” He scrambled backward. 

Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang rushed to shield him.

Da’ao Village had never produced criminals before. At first the villagers were confused. Even if they understood, they would not dare interfere with the county officials.

“You bought exam papers before the test. Come to the yamen.”

The constables were expressionless. 

So the land Fu Shichun sold was used to buy exam questions. He thought his great fortune was coming—because of this.

But exam papers were not things one could buy. Even with connections, twenty taels was too cheap.

Unfortunately, they had been desperate for years. When they saw even a sliver of hope to outshine the stepmother and younger brother, they jumped at it without thinking.

“They were fake—the papers were fake!” Fu Guangyuan broke down. Those were fake papers—why should he be arrested?

But the constables did not care. Fake or real—selling or buying violated imperial law. The county magistrate had ordered their arrest. They only followed orders.

Since the major cheating case during the current emperor’s ascension exam, laws concerning the buying and selling of exam questions had been made harsher. For Fu Guangyuan’s crime, he would be banned from examinations for life and sentenced to three years of exile, laboring in the Western Regions. His future was ruined.

Travel to the west alone was perilous. Whether he could survive was unknown.

The villagers were stunned. No one expected such daring foolishness.

They secretly rejoiced on Fu Shinian’s behalf. Good thing the families had separated—otherwise he would be dragged into disaster.

Even Fu Dayan, who had taken a step forward earlier, now stayed still. Knowing their crime, he did not dare intervene. He had already owed his youngest too much—he could not bring more trouble.

As Fu Shichun and Ma Meifang resisted, the constables took the entire family of four away. 

The joyful feast was disrupted by this scene.

Ge Feiyan, sitting at the main table, watched the commotion and drank several cups happily.

She had been given special permission to return home for the celebration. Her nephew had passed the xiucai exam young, boosting her standing in the Wang household.

“Today is my nephew’s day of joy. Don’t let irrelevant people ruin it. Eat and drink well—there’s plenty.” Compared to her elder sister, Ge Feiyan was far more skilled in social matters. With her words, the atmosphere returned to cheer.

Seeing that family’s downfall, Lin Yu felt satisfied. But when she looked at her uncle—somewhat lonely, forcing a smile—her heart tightened.

Uncle…Lin Yu fell silent.

Perhaps there was only one thing she could do.