Chapter 33 – Adding Flowers to the Feast

When Xu Chun returned to the Duke Jing’s Mansion, his expression was far from pleased. The sound of firecrackers still echoed at the main gate as he entered the inner courtyard through a side entrance.

Lady Sheng had already been waiting near the inner gate to greet him, glancing at Xu Chun’s attire and letting out a slight sigh of relief. “Your clothes are fine. Your grandmother and your father are already up front, and so is your brother. You should offer your congratulations, no matter how much, and do not show any displeasure. I’ve already prepared the gifts.”

Xu Chun felt uneasy inside. “Thank you, Mother. I understand. Which rank did Eldest Brother achieve? When is the palace examination? Will he receive an appointment after that?”

Lady Sheng replied, “He ranked fifty-third, quite a good position. According to your aunt, the current emperor, being young himself, tends to favor younger scholars in the imperial examinations. Elder Brother is only twenty years old. If his performance on the palace examination is impressive and he ranks among the top ten chosen by the examiners, he might have the opportunity to answer questions personally before His Majesty. There’s a great chance for him to become a First Class Scholar.”

Xu Chun said, “That’s a good thing. Mother, why don’t you see it through to the end and help him secure a position in the capital by giving him some money?”

Lady Sheng fell silent for a moment. “Money is not an issue. But listen, no matter what your grandmother says later, do not take it to heart and do not hold a grudge.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “What could she possibly say? Why would you say such a thing, Mother?”

Lady Sheng explained, “I just found out myself. Your grandmother has already spoken to your father about this. She mentioned her pity for your late uncle who passed away without a son to carry on the family line, and your aunt who has been a widow for many years, with no one to support her in her old age. Your eldest sister is also without a brother to back her up. So, she plans to adopt Elder Brother into the elder branch and register him under your late uncle’s name to continue the family lineage. Your father has agreed.”

Xu Chun stopped in his tracks, turning to look at Lady Sheng in disbelief. “Elder Brother has studied for so many years, all his food and clothing provided by you, Mother. Every aspect of his preparation for the exams was handled by you. Now that he has finally passed the imperial examination and is about to receive an official appointment, the elder branch wants to reap the benefits?”

“Does Elder Brother agree? Did he know about this all along? The elder aunt comes from a family of scholars, with generations of officials. Grandmother really knows how to play her cards—first using Second Aunt’s wealth to educate Elder Brother and raise him, then relying on the connections of the elder aunt’s family to pave his way in the officialdom. Both sons will now have someone to carry on their lineage. This is indeed a glorious achievement for the Xu family!”

Lady Sheng cleared her throat softly, looking around before whispering, “If Elder Brother is adopted into the elder branch, it will actually be beneficial for you. You’ll no longer have a half-elder brother overshadowing you; you’ll be the legitimate eldest son. Just be careful with your words later, do not defy your grandmother and your father. In the end, this arrangement will work to your advantage.”

“As for the money, it’s nothing. Not only does Elder Brother not need much, but even the entire Duke Jing’s Mansion doesn’t require a significant amount. Although Elder Brother has a lofty personality, he won’t forget your kindness and repay you with ingratitude. He’s going to be an official, and his reputation matters. Besides, I, your mother, don’t care about these things.”

Xu Chun stood still, his eyes reddening. “Mother is a rare woman in the business world, with a generous and magnanimous heart like Mengchang Jun. Naturally, you wouldn’t care about anything. Even if it’s just a half-brother…”

His throat choked up, unable to continue. Afraid of shedding tears, he turned around and walked straight into the inner courtyard. Lady Sheng was alarmed by Xu Chun’s strong reaction and hurriedly followed him. However, they had reached the entrance to the elderly lady’s courtyard, and she didn’t dare to say anything more. Instead, she straightened her clothes and went inside.

Fortunately, Xu Chun managed to hold back his tears all the way. Upon entering, he put on a smile. “Grandmother! I heard that Elder Brother passed the examination? What wonderful news! I’ve already had people prepare a gift, waiting for this day!” He then proceeded to bow to Xu Gu.

The elderly lady was beaming with joy. “Indeed, we must celebrate properly. Only two hundred candidates are selected during the provincial examination, and fifty-third place! He’s only twenty years old! Our Xu family has successors! In the future, you brothers must support each other and bring honor to our family name.”

Xu Chun noticed that Xu Gu, who was standing below, didn’t seem particularly elated. Only his own father stood there with a blank expression and a foolish smile. Lady Sheng quietly entered and stood behind the elderly lady, while Lady Bai wore a full smile. A few half-siblings looked on enviously.

Soon, news came that servants from the Han family had arrived to congratulate them. The elderly lady immediately ordered rewards, but then suddenly remembered something. “In my excitement, I forgot to ask if my grandson-in-law passed this time?”

Lady Bai’s face stiffened slightly. “The servants checked early this morning, and Young Master Han didn’t pass. It seems his studies still need a few more years of refinement.”

The elderly lady smiled smugly. “Young Master Han is still young. Many people study their whole lives and never pass. We must be patient. How many people can pass the imperial examination at the tender age of twenty like our Elder Brother?”

Lady Bai forced a smile, not responding. The elderly lady then instructed Lady Sheng to arrange a family banquet to celebrate, planning a grand feast the next day.

Xu Gu quickly interjected, “Grandmother, I still have to prepare for the palace examination. And if my performance during the oral examination isn’t good enough, there’s a possibility of being demoted. Let’s not have a grand feast just yet.”

The elderly lady smiled, still filled with joy. “There has never been a precedent in this dynasty where someone who passed the palace examination was demoted. Rest assured, the position of imperial scholar is already secure. Now, we just have to see if you can advance further during the palace examination. Judging by your ranking, at least a Second Class Scholar is guaranteed. When the time comes, Elder Sister-in-Law can use her connections at the Hanlin Academy to secure a position there, serving the emperor honorably for a few years.”

Lady Bai quickly added, smiling, “Of course, I will write to my father and inform him. He will definitely agree.”

Xu Gu, seeing everyone’s enthusiasm, didn’t want to dampen the mood, but he still spoke softly. “Grandmother, Elder Sister-in-Law, there’s no need to rush. Let’s wait until after the palace examination.”

The elderly lady replied, “You’re too young to understand. Once the results of the palace examination are announced, it might be too late. Of course, if you manage to become a First Class Scholar, there won’t be any problems. But if you’re a Second Class Scholar, we’ll have to carefully plan.”

As they were talking, Xu Kuai, the eldest daughter, entered. She laughed. “What is Grandmother discussing? Why are you only thinking about a Second Class Scholar? I believe Elder Brother can aim for First Class.”

The elderly lady grinned. “Isn’t that right? I was speaking with your mother, planning to have someone make arrangements to secure a position for your older brother at the Hanlin Academy after the palace examination. Your brother is humble, saying we should wait until after the examination. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at home with your husband? Your brother passed, but your husband didn’t. If you don’t stay with him, he might blame you.”

Xu Kuai chuckled. “The position of imperial scholar is already secure. With my brother’s talent, how could he be demoted during the palace examination? A twenty-year-old imperial scholar, who wouldn’t praise him? Even my mother-in-law, who usually nags when I mention returning to my maternal home, is busy calling for Han Lang today, urging me to go home and visit. She also wants to ask your brother-in-law for advice on his studies. Han Lang won’t come, claiming he’s unwell.”

The elderly lady shook her head. “Your mother-in-law is wrong. He must be upset about not passing. You should stay at home and accompany your husband. Don’t rush over here.”

Xu Kuai laughed, seemingly enjoying her husband’s misfortune. “I’ve always said he wasn’t capable. His studies weren’t mature enough, and as expected, he failed again. But it was within expectations, so it’s not a big deal. I don’t think the family had high hopes for him either. He doesn’t seem to mind and is even sending out invitations for a flower appreciation banquet. Since my brother passed, I naturally wanted to come and congratulate him.”

Xu Chun watched them talk animatedly, feeling that this matter had indeed been planned long ago. They had kept it hidden from the second branch, or rather, perhaps only from his mother and him. After all, his father never opposed anything, and his mother never held a grudge.

Thinking about it, Xu Chun felt even more tormented. Glancing at his mother, he saw that she was also looking at him, worried.

He thought to himself, “Isn’t it just acting? What’s so difficult about that? Adding flowers to a feast, who can’t do that?”

That night, at the banquet, Xu Chun drank himself into a stupor. But instead of staying in the mansion, he insisted on returning to Bamboo Branch Lane, even in his drunken state. Afterward, he fell ill and didn’t return to the mansion for half a month, taking leave from the Imperial Academy.