Chapter 110: The Birth of Two Foals

In the past, Che Lang had asked Qu Renbin to review and critique several essays written in the traditional eight-legged style. Although some of these essays were penned by others, like Fan Jin and a few other scholars who had studied at the county school, Qu Renbin was familiar with them. However, Zhou Zhi was an ordinary commoner, and Qu Renbin had never heard of him. Therefore, having Qu Renbin critique Zhou Zhi’s essay put Che Lang in a difficult position, fearing that Qu Renbin might respond with great anger.

It was well known that although Qu Renbin was over seventy years old, his temper remained quite fiery.

Che Lang’s face showed a hint of hesitation at this moment.

Fan Jin understood Che Lang’s concerns immediately. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Brother Che Lang, there’s no need to worry so much. Though Master Qu does not know Brother Zhou Zhi personally, perhaps when he reads this essay, he will be pleasantly surprised and develop a fondness for this talent, leading him to offer a thorough critique.”

In truth, Fan Jin said this to soothe Che Lang, but he was equally anxious. He knew Qu Renbin’s stubborn nature well; if the old man found the essay unsatisfactory, he would instantly take offense. Fortunately, Che Lang was Qu Renbin’s favored disciple, so it was unlikely he would be harshly reprimanded.

Though Che Lang was born into a wealthy family, his character resembled that of Lü Xingchuan. He was deeply moved by Zhou Zhi’s determination to pursue his studies despite his impoverished farming background. He admired Zhou Zhi’s ability to produce such an excellent piece of writing.

Glancing at Zhou Zhi and hesitating briefly, Che Lang finally said, “Very well. This time, I will risk Master Qu’s displeasure and let him see this essay, asking for a detailed critique.”

Hearing this, Zhou Zhi immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said, “Zhou Zhi thanks Brother Che Lang.”

Indeed, although Qu Renbin was not yet a great scholar, he was probably the most learned man in the entire Qingdu County. To have him critique one’s work was an immense honor for Zhou Zhi—something he had long dreamed of.

In the northern regions, especially in such a remote place as Qingdu County, esteemed teachers were rare!

Though gentlemen do not impose on others, Che Lang was in a tough spot, but Zhou Zhi set that aside and accepted this as a minor transgression.

The day passed swiftly. At dusk, the group bid farewell to Lü Xingchuan, departed from his residence, and headed home.

Early the next morning, Che Lang took the dozen or so eight-legged essays collected that day to Qingdu County to seek Qu Renbin’s critique. The following days were spent waiting for a response.

Zhou Zhi understood very well that if his essay titled “The Master Said” received Qu Renbin’s appraisal, it would greatly benefit his future writing. More importantly, if Qu Renbin recognized his talent, it would significantly aid his efforts to pass the county-level examination for scholars.

The first stage of the county examination was set by Chen Guangyao, the magistrate of Qingdu County, whose former tutor in elementary studies was none other than Qu Renbin. Chen held Qu Renbin’s scholarship in the highest regard, so any student or essay approved by Qu Renbin would surely receive Chen’s strong endorsement.

Though Zhou Zhi was a time-traveling scholar from the future, with broad knowledge, extensive experience, and strong composure, he still felt anxious now. This was a critical opportunity and his first impression on Qu Renbin. If this attempt failed, passing the county examination next year would be all but impossible.

As he strode toward his home, he pondered this matter deeply. His feelings resembled those of a student awaiting college admission results in the future—anxious yet hopeful.

The reason was simple: Zhou Zhi desperately wanted to pass the scholar’s exam next year.

Just as he reached the courtyard gate, he saw it crowded with people whispering among themselves. Some spoke loudly, “Who would’ve thought? Who would’ve thought! The Zhou family’s fortunes have changed so much…”

Zhou Zhi was taken aback, his heart tightening with unease. What could it be? Had something happened at home?

As soon as the crowd saw Zhou Zhi approaching, they quickly opened a path, their eyes all turning toward him.

Zhou Zhi clearly sensed admiration, fear, and respect in their gazes.

No wonder. In just a few months, the Zhou family had risen from a desperately poor farming household to one of the wealthiest in the village, all thanks to Zhou Zhi. Though he treated others politely and respectfully, he was known for his ruthless decisiveness and cunning mind, earning the nickname “Cold-Faced Butcher.”

More remarkably, this very man had taken up studying and was widely known to be progressing rapidly, planning to take the scholar’s exam next year.

At that moment, Zhou Tie, his father, emerged from the stable with several neighbors, beaming with joy. Seeing Zhou Zhi, he exclaimed eagerly, “Xiao Zhi, the government horse has given birth!”

Zhou Zhi was puzzled. The birth of a foal was expected—why was his father so delighted?

Catching his breath, Zhou Tie continued, “You won’t believe it, Xiao Zhi. Our government horse has given birth to two foals. Haha! Both little colts are healthy and strong!”

Ah, that explained it. This was truly joyous news.

Typically, horses gave birth to a single foal. Twins were exceedingly rare. In Baiyue Village, no one had ever witnessed a government horse produce twins before. How could Zhou Tie not be elated?

In truth, Zhou Tie did not care so much about the five taels of silver the government would reward for each foal. More important to him was the folk legend that when a horse bore twins, it foretold great wealth and rapid rise for the master.

The villagers were well aware of this superstition. Their conversations buzzed with talk of the Zhou family’s forthcoming prosperity, attributing their good fortune to Zhou Zhi. Surely, all glory would fall upon him.

Zhou Zhi was pleased as well. All his hard work over the months had not been in vain, and the government horse had proved auspicious. Today, he finally saw the fruits of his labor.

Joy lifts the spirit. Zhou Tie had already instructed Zhou He to prepare hot water, and they had purchased some tea leaves. In the courtyard, they set up tables and invited everyone to drink tea freely in celebration.

Though the tea was nothing exquisite—far inferior to the renowned Ruicao Kui from Lü Xingchuan’s household—it was a rare treat for ordinary folk, especially impoverished farmers who had only heard of tea but never tasted it themselves.

As they sipped, some complained of a slight bitterness but still exclaimed repeatedly, “Delicious, truly delicious! No wonder those wealthy masters always drink tea after meals!”

This simple hospitality made everyone feel that although the Zhou family was now wealthy and destined for great fortune, they had not forgotten their roots or the struggling neighbors and acquaintances they had lived alongside. This was the true kindness and righteousness of the Zhou family.