Ye Jinghua’s brows knitted tightly as he strode out, took the plate from Zhao Baozhu’s hands, and pulled him into the room. “What are you doing waiting outside?”
As soon as Zhao Baozhu stepped into the warm room, he let out a breath, shivering slightly as the heat from the brazier warmed him. He smiled at Ye Jinghua and said softly: “When I was eating just now, I heard Fang Qin Gege say that you hadn’t had breakfast. I thought this tasted good, so I brought a plate for you.”
Ye Jinghua was momentarily stunned. Turning his eyes to look, he saw that Zhao Baozhu had brought a plate of osmanthus jujube paste yam cakes. Zhao Baozhu liked sweets, he himself had arranged for the kitchen to make them. He hadn’t expected the child, after eating them, to eagerly bring him a plate as well.
Ye Jinghua’s brows relaxed. He pulled Zhao Baozhu to his side, reached out and took hold of Zhao Baozhu’s fingers, which had turned slightly red from holding the pastries in the cold, and gently reproached him: “You stood out there so long, why didn’t you have someone announce you?”
Contrary to how it looked, Ye Jinghua’s jade-like hands were actually quite warm. The warmth from his fingers made Zhao Baozhu’s face redden as he stammered, “Just now… I saw you talking with Lord Cao–”
Thinking of Zhao Baozhu standing foolishly in the snow while Cao Lian was spouting nonsense inside, Ye Jinghua’s brows immediately furrowed. He scolded lightly, “You usually seem clever, how did you become foolish today? And you didn’t even think to wear more clothes.”
Zhao Baozhu hadn’t thought much when he came out and was still wearing thin indoor clothing. Hearing this, he smiled faintly. Ye Jinghua stopped speaking, then looked up at Yueqin, who was attending nearby: “In the future, if he comes, inform me immediately.”
Yueqin quickly bowed in acknowledgment. After a pause, Ye Jinghua added, “Go bring a hand warmer.”
Zhao Baozhu raised his head. “No need, I–” He had only said two words before Yueqin had already disappeared out the door. Soon she returned, placing an exquisitely made hand warmer into Zhao Baozhu’s arms, and draped a fur-lined cloak over his shoulders.
Helpless, Zhao Baozhu held the hand warmer, dressed up by Yueqin like a bundled dumpling, and sat closest to the brazier. The chill gradually left his body, and he soon warmed up. Holding the warmer, he stared blankly at the quietly burning coals before him.
Ye Jinghua called him several times from the side but received no response, his brows knitting slightly. When Zhao Baozhu had come in earlier, he had already noticed something off about his expression. Could he have been frozen silly out in the snow?
After a moment, Zhao Baozhu suddenly came back to himself, raised his head, and said, “Young master, I brought the jujube paste yam cakes.”
Ye Jinghua was taken aback, then smiled helplessly. “I saw them.”
Zhao Baozhu also froze, then realized he had said something foolish, the cakes were right there on the table. Embarrassed, he lowered his head. Ye Jinghua frowned slightly, stepped closer, and asked in a low voice: “Baozhu, what’s wrong?” He placed a hand on Zhao Baozhu’s shoulder, lightly patting his thin back. “Did you catch a chill?”
Hearing this, Zhao Baozhu remained silent for a long time before slowly raising his head. His brows were slightly furrowed, a trace of worry between them. As if making up his mind, he said: “Young master… are you really not going to attend this spring examination?”
Ye Jinghua was first startled, then his brows eased. So it was about this.
His right hand brushed over Zhao Baozhu’s shoulder as he asked gently, “Why bring this up all of a sudden?”
Zhao Baozhu pressed his lips together, frowning slightly. The last time Steward Li had asked him to persuade Ye Jinghua, he had accidentally overheard a conversation between Ye Jinghua and Ye Yanzhen. Because of that, he hadn’t been able to say anything about urging him to take the exam. Though he hadn’t fully understood that conversation, after this period of learning more about the court and palace, he had begun to grasp some of its meaning.
Originally, he had thought Ye Jinghua was deliberately holding back due to the Ye family’s prominence, but now it seemed that Ye Jinghua himself simply did not wish to go.
Zhao Baozhu lightly bit his lower lip and looked up at Ye Jinghua. “…I just feel that with your learning and talent, it would be such a pity not to go.”
Ye Jinghua paused, then smiled, deliberately teasing him. He reached out and lightly pinched Zhao Baozhu’s cheek. “Are you unhappy that I didn’t earn a title and have embarrassed you all?”
Zhao Baozhu’s cheeks flushed red at once. His cat-like eyes widened. “Absolutely not! We all know your talent, young master.”
Ye Jinghua smiled and sat beside him, saying, “Then what about the commotion you caused outside last time?”
At the mention of that incident, Zhao Baozhu flushed bright red, stammering, “I… th-that was, ”
Seeing him embarrassed, Ye Jinghua chuckled softly. “I was joking. I’m very happy that you defended me like that.”
His voice was as clear and gentle as flowing water. Zhao Baozhu looked up blankly as Ye Jinghua reached out, his fingers lightly brushing past his temples.
“Those idle people’s words aren’t worth minding. If some blind fool caused trouble and you got hurt, what then?” Ye Jinghua paused, then added, “Next time you go out, have Fang Li accompany you.”
Zhao Baozhu didn’t catch the latter half, frowning in confusion. “But if they talk about you like that, aren’t you angry at all?”
Ye Jinghua smiled faintly. “What is there to be angry about?” Seeing Zhao Baozhu’s wide, stubborn eyes, he softened his tone further. “You’ve just arrived in the capital, you don’t understand yet. It may look fine on the surface, but there are many idle people here. It’s the most complicated and noisy place. If I got angry over such things, it would never end.”
Zhao Baozhu was surprised. “So that’s how it is.” He thought of the two scholars at the tavern that day. Though they dressed finely, they were indeed the type to gossip behind others’ backs. He snorted coldly. “How despicable! With so much wealth and fine brushes and ink in the capital, and this is what it produces, a bunch of long-tongued gossips!”
In his village, even finding a book to read was difficult. Yet these young men in the capital, supported by their families and sent to study, didn’t study properly but instead focused on picking at others’ faults. What a waste of good ink and paper.
Seeing his righteous indignation, Ye Jinghua smiled and handed him a cup of tea. “Alright, don’t think about it. You’ll only anger yourself again.”
Zhao Baozhu took the tea, drank a sip, and calmed down. Looking up at Ye Jinghua, he still couldn’t understand. “Even if you ignore them, that’s fine. But with your talent, why do you not want to go when the spring examination is right before you?”
Ye Jinghua fell silent for a moment. If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t bother explaining. But with Zhao Baozhu, he always had more patience. After thinking, he said: “There are many reasons. First, the Ye family’s prestige is already at its peak, one more official makes little difference. Second, the court situation is complicated. If I enter rashly, it will only stir up unnecessary trouble. Third..”
He paused, took the hand warmer from Zhao Baozhu, opened it, and added a few dried petals. A rich floral fragrance immediately spread through the room. He handed it back, eyes curving slightly.
“Isn’t it good for us to live like this? If I enter officialdom, there will be even more of those ‘long-tongued people’ you spoke of. Then we won’t have such carefree days anymore.”
Leaning by the window, his blue robe slightly loosened, Ye Jinghua smiled faintly, like a jade-faced gentleman, elegant and unmatched.
Zhao Baozhu couldn’t help but be affected by his spring-like smile and curved his lips as well. But after a moment, his smile slowly faded.
Their backgrounds were too different. Zhao Baozhu couldn’t fully understand him. To Zhao Baozhu, the imperial examination had always been his only path. Supported by his parents and village, he studied diligently to one day serve as an official, to repay his parents, to uphold justice, and to live up to the emperor’s grace in opening the examinations.
If it were him, no matter how many troubles there were, if the court had need of him, even if it meant being crushed to pieces, he would willingly go.
Ye Jinghua noticed the fading smile and the confusion in Zhao Baozhu’s expression. His brows drew together slightly.
Perceptive as ever, he caught the faint trace of disagreement in Zhao Baozhu’s gaze. After a moment’s thought, he asked gently: “Baozhu, what are you thinking?”
Zhao Baozhu looked at him, lips parting, but no words came out.
Ye Jinghua placed a hand on his shoulder, guiding him softly. “Do you think what I’m doing is wrong? Baozhu, you can tell me anything you think.”
Zhao Baozhu froze. “I… I don’t know.”
Ye Jinghua said nothing, only encouraging him with his gaze.
After a pause, Zhao Baozhu’s voice grew low and hoarse. “I just feel… that to have the chance to study in this life is already a blessing from heaven. If one has the chance to study, how can one not become a good official and serve the people? If what one learns cannot be used, how can one face the teachings of the sages? If the court calls and one does not go, is that not cowardice? And without achieving a title, none of this can even be spoken of…”
He murmured, only coming back to himself after a long while. When he looked up, he saw Ye Jinghua watching him with lowered eyes, seeming somewhat surprised that he could say such words, his lips pressed together, his expression complex.
Zhao Baozhu froze, then suddenly panicked. “I spoke wrongly! I didn’t mean what you’re doing is wrong! I just, just…”
Afraid of being misunderstood, he grew so anxious that sweat formed on his forehead.
At this moment, a hand reached over and gently wiped the sweat from his temple: “No. What you said is not wrong.”
Ye Jinghua spoke softly. He lowered his gaze slightly, paused for a moment, and warmth filled his amber eyes as he said slowly, “Our Baozhu truly has ambition.”
Zhao Baozhu immediately flushed bright red with a whoosh, shyly avoiding Ye Jinghua’s gaze as he stammered, “I, I didn’t…”
Seeing his bashful appearance, the smile on Ye Jinghua’s face deepened. He wrapped one arm around Zhao Baozhu’s shoulders and said, “Don’t worry. Since I know you have this aspiration, I won’t ignore it. From now on, when I teach you, I’ll naturally be a bit stricter, you’re not allowed to slack off and cut corners like last time, understood?”
The two sat together on a long bench by the window. Zhao Baozhu felt his shoulder pressed intimately against Ye Jinghua’s, his nose filled with the faint, cool fragrance from the man’s body. No matter how inexperienced Zhao Baozhu was, he knew that Ye Jinghua treated him with genuine kindness. In this world, aside from his father and the villagers back home, no one had ever treated him so well.
“Young master…”
Zhao Baozhu lifted his head, his eyes shining, and suddenly, on impulse, said, “Young master, if I said that I will sit for the imperial exam this spring, would you believe me?”
His slightly nervous voice echoed in the study. Since it was just Ye Jinghua and Zhao Baozhu speaking, the maids had already withdrawn. The silver-thread charcoal in the brazier burned quietly, popping with a crisp sound in the still room.
Ye Jinghua lowered his lashes halfway. After a long moment, he suddenly smiled and said, “You’re a bit too impatient, are you that eager to leave me behind?” He brushed aside the loose hair by Zhao Baozhu’s ear and chuckled softly, “Before the metropolitan exam, there are still the county and provincial exams. You have to become a xiucai first before your name can be registered with the education office. You’ll still have to stay with me for a few years.”
Hearing this, Zhao Baozhu’s eyelashes trembled. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but when he thought of the lost name card, he ultimately said nothing.
Seeing the faint trace of disappointment on his face, Ye Jinghua paused, then reached out and pulled him into his arms, softly comforting him: “If you truly want to sit for the exam, I can have someone buy you a xiucai title next year.”
Zhao Baozhu suddenly raised his head, his cat-like eyes wide in shock: “How can that be allowed?!”
Ye Jinghua knew Zhao Baozhu had a stubborn streak and would never agree, so he had only been teasing him. Seeing Zhao Baozhu’s astonished expression, he threw his head back and laughed freely.
Realizing Ye Jinghua was teasing him again, Zhao Baozhu grew angry, his brows lifting as he scolded, “Young master, you’re really bad!”
With one hand resting on his back, Ye Jinghua laughed even more heartily.
***
After that, Ye Jinghua’s instruction of Zhao Baozhu indeed became more detailed and strict, especially focusing on policy essays for the imperial examinations. Every morning began with calligraphy practice, followed by explanations and questioning on the classics; in the afternoon, Zhao Baozhu had to write two policy essays daily for Ye Jinghua to critique.
Zhao Baozhu was someone who could endure hardship. Not only did he complete all this during the day, after dinner he would return to his room and study by lamplight, putting in twelve parts of effort.
As a result, he slept less. Because his skin was fair and delicate, faint dark circles gradually appeared under his eyes.
“I’m done eating.”
At the breakfast table, Zhao Baozhu hastily swallowed two buns, quickly downed his congee, wiped his mouth, and ran toward the study. Deng Yun, sitting at the table, frowned at his hurried back and turned to the others: “Strange. What’s he in such a rush for? His complexion doesn’t look good either, who knows what he’s busy with all day.”
At the other end of the table, Fang Li, holding a bun, added, “The day before yesterday, when I was making rounds past his courtyard, it was already past midnight and his light was still on.”
Deng Yun raised his brows high, his eyes rolling as he lowered his voice: “He’s grown up now, could he be reading those picture books under the covers…”
“Bah.” Before he could finish, he was cut off by a cold snort. Steward Li shot him a glare and pointed his chopsticks at him as he scolded, “Do you think everyone is as vulgar and lowly as you lot? Baozhu is very diligent, he studies with the young master every day now!”
Deng Yun and Fang Li were both startled, exchanging a glance. They had grown up in the Ye household and had served at Ye Jinghua’s side when he was taught by the old master. But no matter what they heard during the day, it went in one ear and out the other, they might remember it during lessons, but once class ended, they couldn’t say a word.
“He? Can he really do it?” Deng Yun asked in surprise.
Steward Li had nothing more to say to these two blockheads. He rolled his eyes rudely, set down his chopsticks, and left.
In the study, Ye Jinghua held a round fan in one hand, gently fanning the charcoal brazier.
On the other side, Zhao Baozhu stood before the desk, holding a wolf-hair brush, completely focused on writing. These past days of diligence had caused the bit of softness he had just regained on his face to fade again, making his pointed chin look even more delicate. Ye Jinghua watched him and saw that after writing for a while, Zhao Baozhu seemed uncomfortable, he blinked hard a few times and raised his sleeve to rub at the corner of his eyes.
“Baozhu.”
Ye Jinghua’s voice sounded.
Zhao Baozhu paused his brush and looked up. Ye Jinghua gestured to him: “Come here.”
“I’m still writing.” Once Zhao Baozhu started studying, he didn’t like to stop. Seeing the reddened rims of his eyes from rubbing, Ye Jinghua frowned slightly: “Come here first. I’ll go over yesterday’s essay with you.”
Zhao Baozhu responded with an “Oh,” set down his brush, and walked over to sit on a small bamboo stool beside the long bench. Ye Jinghua lowered his gaze, took out Zhao Baozhu’s essay from the day before, and as he read it, patted the seat beside him: “Sit up here.”
Zhao Baozhu hesitated, glancing at the bench. Wasn’t this a bit too close?
As if reading his thoughts, Ye Jinghua said without looking up, “If you don’t come closer, how will you see the writing clearly?”
Zhao Baozhu paused, thinking it made sense, and cautiously sat on the bench, though only on the edge, barely occupying half a seat.
Ye Jinghua glanced at him and said quietly, “Come closer. Do you think I’ll eat you?”
Helpless, Zhao Baozhu moved a little closer, his shoulder nearly touching Ye Jinghua’s. Only then did Ye Jinghua seem satisfied and began explaining his “paper.”
The brazier burned quietly beside them, dispelling the lingering chill of early spring. Today, Ye Jinghua seemed to be wearing a different fragrance, lighter and more soothing than usual. Zhao Baozhu had only slept after midnight the night before and had risen early at dawn; with so little rest, he was already drowsy. While standing at the desk he could hold on, but now reclining slightly on the bench, surrounded by warmth and comfort, sleepiness gradually overtook him.
Zhao Baozhu saw the inked words before him begin to blur. He shook his head hard, trying to drive away the drowsiness. No, young master had taken time to teach him; how could he lose focus.
He bit his lip lightly and forced his eyes open, not noticing that Ye Jinghua had slowed his speech, deliberately speaking in a low, drawn-out tone, while his arm had already reached behind Zhao Baozhu, resting along the bench, faintly enclosing him.
The fragrance from the incense burner grew stronger. Zhao Baozhu’s eyelashes trembled; each time they nearly closed, he forced them open again. After repeating this several times, his head began to nod forward.
A smile curved at Ye Jinghua’s lips as he found Zhao Baozhu’s sleepy expression amusing. Gradually, he stopped speaking.
Once the surroundings grew quiet, Zhao Baozhu could no longer hold on. His mind swam, his eyelids weighed like a thousand catties, each attempt to open them harder than the last.
Ye Jinghua raised his arm, drew the boy gently into his embrace, and lowered him onto the bench. “Sleep.”
Zhao Baozhu’s head rested against the bench. At last, he succumbed and closed his eyes, falling asleep in less than half a quarter-hour, even letting out faint little snores. Ye Jinghua looked down at him and smiled softly, he even slept like a kitten.
***
Outside the study, Steward Li approached carrying bowls of milk-stewed pear soup from the kitchen. As he entered, he saw Ye Jinghua reclining against the bench, holding a round fan, gently fanning the brazier. On the other side of the bench, a young boy curled up, his shoulders rising and falling as he slept soundly, still clutching the tassel of Ye Jinghua’s jade pendant.
Steward Li paused and let out a soft “yo,” then quietly set the bowls on the table.
Hearing the movement, Ye Jinghua looked up and spoke in a very soft voice: “Light a bit more calming incense.”
Steward Li smiled and nodded, lighting the incense. Just as he was about to leave, Ye Jinghua added, “Bring a thin blanket.”
Steward Li responded softly and stepped out, but as he turned, he bumped into Deng Yun, who was hurrying toward the study.
“What are you doing?” Steward Li quickly grabbed him and scolded in a low voice, “So reckless, don’t go in yet, they’re coaxing someone to sleep inside.”
“What?” Deng Yun was startled. He craned his neck to look and indeed saw, through the paper window, the faint outline of Ye Jinghua half-holding Zhao Baozhu on the bench. His face immediately turned green and white with jealousy as he muttered, “Since when does someone need coaxing to sleep? The young master treats him far too well.”
“Bah.” Steward Li had no patience for him and jabbed a finger toward him. “If not him, should he coax you? Look at yourself first! You’d probably crush the young master’s fine chair!”
Deng Yun was instantly struck. He looked down at his sturdy arms. He had eaten a bit more over the winter… but that chair was made of fine nanmu wood, it wouldn’t collapse so easily, would it…
Steward Li ignored him and was about to fetch a blanket from the next room when Deng Yun hurriedly stopped him: “Steward Li, I have something important to report to the young master.”
Steward Li paused. “What is it?”
Deng Yun took out a sealed letter from his robe and said in a low voice: “A letter from the south has arrived.”
Steward Li froze, then grew serious. Taking the letter, he glanced at the signature and said, “You go. I’ll deliver it.”
***
A moment later, Steward Li returned to the study, walked quietly over, and gently draped the thin blanket over Zhao Baozhu.
By the warm charcoal fire, Zhao Baozhu slept so soundly that his cheeks were faintly flushed red. People came and went around him, yet he did not wake at all, softly snoring in complete comfort. Seeing how sweetly he slept, and the obvious dark circles beneath his eyes, Steward Li gently shook his head.
“Look at how deeply he’s sleeping. These past few days he must have been staying up every night.” After a pause, he added, “With this kind of determination, he won’t have to worry about making something of himself in the future.”
Originally, Steward Li had merely thought Zhao Baozhu was good-looking and well-behaved. Keeping him by Ye Jinghua’s side meant there was no need to worry about trouble arising. But now, seeing that Zhao Baozhu was genuinely willing to put effort into his studies, and had talent besides, Steward Li regarded him even more highly. Even if he never reached the level of a juren or jinshi scholar, buying a small official post nearby would still be quite decent. After all, keeping him as a nameless servant in the inner courtyard forever would inevitably invite gossip—
While Steward Li’s thoughts wandered through countless turns, Ye Jinghua was not looking at him at all. Lowering his head, with the gentlest trace of a smile at his lips, he carefully brushed a loose strand of hair behind Zhao Baozhu’s ear.
At the sight of such a tender gesture, Steward Li’s heart trembled again.
Just then, Ye Jinghua raised his eyes. Seeing Steward Li still standing there instead of leaving, he frowned slightly. “Is there something else?”
Only then did Steward Li snap back to himself. He hurriedly pulled a letter from his robes and handed it over.
“This letter came from the south—”
One arm wrapped around Zhao Baozhu, Ye Jinghua took the envelope with his other hand. After opening it and skimming through it briefly, he tossed it directly into the charcoal brazier to burn away.
Seeing that Ye Jinghua clearly had his own plans, Steward Li felt slightly reassured. Yet recalling the contents of the letter, he still sighed before turning to leave the study.
However, after only a few steps, Ye Jinghua’s voice sounded from behind him.
“Steward Li, trouble yourself to make a trip and deliver my name card to the Government Studies Bureau.”
Steward Li’s footsteps halted abruptly. He whipped around in shock.
Ye Jinghua was lowering the jade pendant from his waist and stuffing it into Zhao Baozhu’s hand. Without even lifting his head, he said, “Second shelf of the bookcase.”
Steward Li stood frozen for a long while before hurrying over. Pulling open the drawer exactly as instructed, he indeed found Ye Jinghua’s name card resting quietly inside. He had no idea where Ye Jinghua had hidden it before, nor when he had taken it back out.
His emotions in turmoil, Steward Li’s hands trembled slightly as he picked up the card and examined it carefully. Only after confirming beyond doubt that it truly belonged to Ye Jinghua did he look up in astonishment and delight.
“Young Master, you—”
Ye Jinghua raised a hand and paused it midair, signaling him not to continue.
Steward Li could only swallow the rest of his words and withdraw with the name card in hand.
The moment he stepped out of the study, Deng Yun, who had been waiting excitedly around the corner, immediately rushed over.
“Steward Li, what did Young Master say?”
Then he noticed the item in Steward Li’s hand and jumped in shock.
“Th-this, isn’t it Young Master’s name card?!”
Steward Li’s expression was complicated.
“Young Master ordered me to deliver the name card to the Government Studies Bureau.”
Deng Yun’s eyes widened instantly, delight shooting across his face.
“Really? Young Master is finally willing to participate? That’s wonderful!”
“Wonderful how?” Steward Li scolded with a frown. “Have you forgotten that earlier letter?”
Deng Yun froze. It was as though a bucket of icy water had suddenly been dumped over his head.
“R-right… that letter… then what do we do?”
Steward Li shook his head. How was he supposed to know? The name card definitely had to be delivered. He truly could not understand why Ye Jinghua had suddenly changed his mind and decided to participate in the imperial examinations, and at such a timing too.
Steward Li let out a deep sigh, suddenly feeling as though two or three more white hairs had appeared on his head. The thoughts of his family’s Second Young Master truly were beyond ordinary people’s understanding! Once the master and madam learned of this, who knew whether it would be cause for joy or sorrow—
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