Chapter Ninety-Three: A Friend Comes From Afar

What made Zhou Tie even prouder was that upon returning home, Zhou He spoke to him about the half-acre of land that hadn’t been planted with wheat; Zhou Zhi had set up vegetable greenhouses there. In just two short months, they had earned over fifty taels of silver, and before the New Year, they would still be able to harvest a crop of chives, bringing in even more money.

Especially after seeing those gleaming silver coins and strings of copper coins with his own eyes, Zhou Tie’s heart nearly stopped beating. It took him a long moment to recover, but then his spirit lifted, and he was filled with immense joy.

He knew all this was thanks to Zhou Zhi; he had wrongly blamed him before, and felt deeply guilty. Yet if Zhou Tie were to admit his mistake and bow to Zhou Zhi, he naturally wouldn’t do so.

Though just forty years old, Zhou Tie’s back was always stiff and unyielding—especially in front of outsiders he became dull and subdued, speaking in low, humble tones. But the moment he saw the silver, his back straightened instantly, and his words grew livelier.

Zhou Zhi couldn’t help but smile quietly at his father’s transformation, but what pleased him most was that the family was reunited and Zhou Tie was happy at heart—that was the greatest happiness of all.

The previous night, Zhou Zhi had stayed out all night. Although the chill was harsh, the vegetable greenhouses were unharmed. The farmers who had learned the tricks were even more meticulous and caring than Zhou Zhi himself, which delighted him greatly.

When Father Zhou Tie returned and learned that the vegetable greenhouses were profitable, the aches and pains all over his body vanished. After a hearty meal at home, he hurried to the greenhouse, declaring that from now on he would take care of it himself and Zhou Zhi needn’t worry.

As for Zhou Zhi, Zhou Tie was very firm: now that the family had money, Zhou Zhi should focus on his studies and could write couplets when tired.

Truly, joy brings vitality; the change in Father Zhou Tie was remarkable. From initially opposing Zhou Zhi’s studies, he suddenly changed his mind, saying Zhou Zhi would surely pass the imperial examinations in the future.

Because the vegetable greenhouses had the farmers’ help, there wasn’t much work left. Zhou Zhi simply obeyed his father and devoted himself to studying and calligraphy at home, occasionally visiting the greenhouse. But even then, a single visit was enough for his father to promptly send him back.

Four days passed quickly. It was worth mentioning that the news of Zhou Tie leading a group of ruffians to rescue some troublemakers from Xinzhuang spread like wildfire.

Especially with the neighbor Aunt Li, a notorious gossip, adding fuel to the fire, the village of Baiyue soon buzzed with tales of the “Cold-Faced Butcher” Zhou Zhi leading his men to storm Xinzhuang multiple times, nearly leveling the place overnight. The villagers of Xinzhuang no longer dared even to dream of Zhou Zhi.

Zhou Zhi simply smiled and dismissed such rumors.

On the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the chives in the greenhouse would be ready for their second harvest in two days—just in time to be sold before the New Year.

***

Zhou Zhi rose early, studying, feeding the horse, and practicing calligraphy. Just after breakfast, the elderly servant surnamed Ding from the Lü household hurried into the Zhou residence. The servant’s attitude toward Zhou Zhi had long since changed to one of great respect. Upon seeing Zhou Zhi, he smiled broadly and said, “Young master Zhou, my master Lü has invited you today and insists you go.”

Since borrowing books from the Lü family, Zhou Zhi had not visited them again until now, so Lü’s sudden invitation puzzled him. After tidying himself, he followed the servant to Shu Lü Village.

On the way, Zhou Zhi asked, “Old steward, why has Brother Lü invited me?”

The servant hurriedly replied, “My master said some distinguished guests from afar are coming and wants young master Zhou to meet them. It’s good for you to get acquainted. As for who they are or their names, I do not know.”

Zhou Zhi nodded thoughtfully, growing more curious.

Distinguished guests from afar? Brother Lü, a countryside scholar, disliked socializing and rarely left home—how would he know such guests? It was puzzling.

However, Zhou Zhi understood that since Lü had asked him to attend, it was likely to help him make more friends. After all, they all shared a common goal: to pass the imperial examinations. Having more friends on this path would be of great benefit.

Following the servant’s brisk pace, they soon arrived after traveling five or six miles.

Just as they entered Lü’s gate, Fan Jin and Wei Haogu greeted them. Fan Jin laughed, “Brother Zhou, you arrived quickly! Haogu and I received word from Lü yesterday about today’s distinguished guests, so we waited outside. But who would have thought they haven’t arrived yet? Is Lü playing games with us?”

Before Fan Jin finished, Lü appeared from the backyard, smiling. “Fan brother, are you speaking ill of me again? Hmph! Fan Jin, you can’t speak a word of sense! I only invited Haogu and Zhou Zhi—why did you sneak along? If you don’t want to wait, you’re free to leave now.”

Lü was not one for jokes but felt at ease speaking freely with Fan Jin, who wouldn’t take offense.

Indeed, the three of them—Fan Jin, Wei Haogu, and Zhou Zhi—were close companions with shared ambitions and casual manners, so they spoke without restraint.

Fan Jin’s face darkened as he retorted, “Hmph! Fine, I’ll leave! Who cares about your Lü family anyway?”

Though he said this, his feet did not move.

***

The four soon began to chat and laugh together.

Though the weather remained bitterly cold, Zhou Zhi wore an extra new padded jacket that his mother, Zhou He, had made for him two days prior, so he felt no chill. Especially while joking with the three friends, his spirits soared, his horizons seemed to broaden, and a fiery passion coursed through him.

As they laughed, the sound of horse hooves came from outside. The four hurried to the gate.

A carriage pulled up, and three men in their twenties quickly stepped down. All were handsome, though their attire varied greatly.

They were similar in height and wore broad smiles. Lü hurried forward to greet them, saying, “Lü Xingchuan greets three worthy gentlemen. You must be tired from the journey—please come inside quickly.”

Though unfamiliar with these men, Fan Jin, Wei Haogu, and Zhou Zhi respectfully clasped their hands and bowed.

The three guests followed Lü into the courtyard.

As they walked, Lü introduced Fan Jin, Wei Haogu, and Zhou Zhi to the newcomers, who greeted them politely in return.

Zhou Zhi pointed to a young man wearing a luxurious fox fur coat with a pale, radiant face and said, “This gentleman is Xu Jing from Jiangyin in Southern Zhili. His courtesy name is Zhifu, and he is this year’s newly minted imperial graduate. Brother Zhifu’s learning surpasses all in the seven counties of Jianning Prefecture—truly remarkable!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhi was stunned.

As a top scholar of a prestigious university in later generations, if one had not heard of Xu Jing from the Ming Dynasty, it would be embarrassing. Even more famous was Xu Xiake, and this Xu Jing was his great-grandfather.

Zhou Zhi carefully studied Xu Jing’s face—pale and glowing, with bright, lively eyes, though not large, they sparkled with intelligence and vigor. He thought to himself that Lü Xingchuan must be acquainted with some impressive figures. Who might the other two guests be?