Chapter 124: Unable to Restrain One’s Feelings

Following Qu Renbin’s instructions, Zhou Zhi took up residence at the county school, where he received dedicated guidance from the old instructor every day.

Initially, Zhou Zhi had worried that his parents might fret over his prolonged absence, but a few days later, Che Lang arrived at the school. Upon learning that Zhou Zhi had earned the immense favor of Master Qu and had even been accepted as a student by the County Magistrate, Chen Guangyao, Che Lang was overjoyed. He stayed for only a day, just long enough to assure Zhou Zhi’s family that he was safe.

Kou Peihan also remained in Qingdu County. Familiar with the Magistrate and favored by his wife, Madam Chen, she simply moved into the inner quarters of the county office. Whenever she had finished her amusements for the day, she would visit Zhou Zhi at the school. As she had run away from home, Magistrate Chen had already sent a letter to the Kou family explaining her whereabouts. Reassured, the family allowed her to stay and play to her heart's content.

Qu Renbin’s collection of books was substantial, consisting mostly of ancient texts, which proved invaluable to Zhou Zhi’s rapid progress. Qu was a stern teacher; he demanded much from Zhou Zhi, not only requiring him to read but also assigning a prompt every day for an essay, which the master would then carefully review and critique.

Spending his days studying and writing, often catching glimpses of a beautiful face he had grown fond of, Zhou Zhi did not find the time monotonous at all. In the blink of an eye, a month passed, and he found himself reluctant to leave.

During this month, Magistrate Chen Guangyao often visited the school to test Zhou Zhi’s progress. Discovering that the young man possessed a photographic memory and an exceptional ability to grasp complex concepts, the Magistrate was immensely satisfied. He realized that accepting Zhou Zhi as a student at Kou Peihan’s urging was by no means a bad thing. If things continued this way, Zhou Zhi would surely pass the examinations for the xiucai, juren, and eventually the jinshi degrees. It had been many years since the small county of Qingdu had produced a jinshi; the prestige of having such a student would be a great honor for Chen.

During this time, Zhou Zhi also had several encounters with Jiang Bin, the Magistrate’s personal bodyguard. Jiang was a straightforward man, lacking in guile—a typical warrior, strong in body but simple in mind. Yet, Zhou Zhi knew that people change, and as status and circumstances shifted, so might Jiang Bin. History recorded that Jiang Bin was indeed from Beizhili, rising from a soldier of fierce courage to become a high-ranking official close to the Zhengde Emperor. Knowing this, Zhou Zhi felt powerless to intervene, so he focused on his studies, determined to earn his degree and elevate his own standing first.

It was worth noting that Zhou Zhi also learned that although Chen Guangyao was the County Magistrate, his governance was frequently hindered by the County Vice-Magistrate, Yang Tong. Although Yang held a lower rank, he was a local power broker with deep influence, and Chen often had to defer to him. The two were clearly at odds, and Chen was understandably frustrated by this local obstacle.

One day, after critiquing an essay, Qu Renbin smiled and said, "Zhou Zhi, you have read almost all the books in my study, and I have taught you all I know about the eight-legged essay. I am ashamed to say that my own scholarship is limited; I truly have nothing left to teach you. This latest piece of yours, based on a fragmented prompt, is precise and structurally rigorous. I have reviewed it several times and can find no flaws."

Hearing this, Zhou Zhi felt a surge of pride. Indeed, he felt his own progress over the past month had been immense; he could compose essays with ease, his understanding of the classics had deepened, and his perspective had widened. His writing now possessed a distinct vigor.

However, Qu Renbin’s expression suddenly turned cold. "Though your writing has improved, you must not grow arrogant or complacent. Remember that 'pride invites loss, while humility brings benefit.' Cheng Dingbang failed to progress precisely because he was too arrogant."

Zhou Zhi felt a chill run down his spine. He was right; he had not even earned the title of xiucai yet. He immediately composed himself and bowed solemnly. "I will take your words to heart, Master."

Qu’s tone softened slightly. "In Qingdu County, few can surpass you now, but this is a small county. In a place like Baoding Prefecture, where talent abounds, there are countless writers better than you. You must work even harder. Even though I can no longer teach you, you must practice daily, writing at least one essay every day. After you return home, give your essays to Che Lang, and he can bring them to me periodically for review."

"I will remember your instructions," Zhou Zhi said, bowing deeply.

His time at the county school had come to an end. After bidding farewell to Qu Renbin, he went to the county office to take leave of Magistrate Chen, who offered parting words of encouragement.

As Zhou Zhi prepared to return home, Kou Peihan, having had her fill of fun, traveled with him. Their relationship had grown increasingly intimate, and Zhou Zhi could sense the deep affection the willful beauty held for him. As they rode in the carriage, they laughed and chatted happily.

Upon entering Baiyue Village, Kou Peihan pouted, her face flushing red. "Zhou Zhi... you must study hard and pass the xiucai examination as soon as possible." As she spoke, her eyes welled with tears.

Seeing her saddened by their impending separation, Zhou Zhi felt a pang of sorrow. Driven by an impulse he could not name, he reached out to gently wipe away her tears. It was a breach of propriety for them to be in the carriage together, and his gesture was even more improper. Before his hand could touch her cheek, Kou Peihan moved with agility, kicking him out of the carriage. Zhou Zhi let out a cry of pain as he landed on the ground.

Kou Peihan giggled from inside. "You rascal, your courage is growing, trying to take advantage of me!"

Zhou Zhi smiled bitterly to himself. *It was just an uncontrollable impulse,* he thought. *Can't you understand that?*

As the carriage pulled away, her voice, clear as a warbling oriole, drifted back to him: "Zhou Zhi, remember what I said! Pass that examination!"