FIMA Ch54: The Capital

Early morning, Yushu Alley, County Residence.

In the cool autumn wind, Chen Xiaoliu yawned as he stepped out of the gatehouse, walked to the main gate of the residence, and pulled it open with a strong tug.

His master left for studies at Shuntian Prefecture School at this time every day.

Sure enough, just as he swept the fallen leaves at the entrance, a tall, upright figure walked out from the main hall, hands clasped behind his back.

Chen Xiaoliu immediately put on a solemn face and greeted respectfully, “Good morning, Master. Take care on your way.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, and he responded lightly, “Good morning.”

After watching him walk away, Chen Xiaoliu’s face immediately resumed its cheerful demeanor. Although Master Gu seemed cold and intimidating, he was surprisingly easy to talk to. He would always respond to his daily greetings.

Gu Siyuan, unaware of the gatekeeper’s peculiar thoughts, walked steadily out of the alley. He bought a soup dumpling from a breakfast stall on the left side of East Lin Street and headed towards the nearby Fuxue Alley.

Shuntian Prefecture School was located there, and the alley was named after it.

In June, through the Wang family’s connections, they presented the corn to the emperor, and Xie Changyue was rewarded.

After that, their family stayed in Huangyang Village for a few more months.

Gu Siyuan focused on preparing for the upcoming provincial exam in August, while Xie Changyue guided officials from the Ministry of Revenue on planting the second season of corn, as its nationwide promotion would rely on official support.

Time flew by, and at the end of August, after the provincial exam results were released, Gu Siyuan had unsurprisingly achieved the top three honors in succession. He then reluctantly hosted a moderately grand banquet, fulfilling the Gu family’s expectations.

By mid-September, the second season of corn was harvested, and Xie Changyue temporarily stepped down from his duties.

At this point, they began discussing moving.

After Gu Siyuan earned his scholar title, Anping Academy could no longer accommodate him, and he had to attend a more prestigious school. Shuntian Prefecture School in the capital was naturally the best choice.

Conveniently, the county residence bestowed upon Xie Changyue was close to the school, so the family happily decided to move there.

Before heading to the capital, to avoid being labeled unfilial, Gu Siyuan and his father specially asked Old Master Gu and Old Madam Gu for their opinion. The two elders were eager to go to the capital, but the eldest uncle objected.

During the family separation, it was agreed that the eldest branch would care for the elders. If the elders followed the second branch to the capital, it would imply that the eldest branch was unfilial and failed to care for the elders. His son was also preparing for the imperial examination and couldn’t afford such a reputation…

Gu Siyuan had anticipated this outcome.

Usually, his eldest uncle appeared to be as taciturn as his father, but his eldest uncle was much more concerned with appearances and reputation. In this era where husbands were dominant, the fact that Li Xiangtao could behave so brazenly in the Gu family, frequently oppressing and bullying their second branch, couldn’t have happened without the tacit approval or even encouragement of his eldest uncle.

And so, ten days ago, on the third day of the month, the four of them moved from Huangyang Village to the County Lord’s residence in the capital.

After moving in, they spent a few days tidying up and getting familiar with the place. Then, Gu Siyuan reported to Shuntian Prefecture School as planned.

Today was his fourth day of classes.

Thinking this through, he arrived at a grand residence with a blue plaque above the main gate reading “Prefectural School.”

Gu Siyuan stepped through the gate and headed to Class A.

Because his home was nearby and he left early, the classroom was still empty when he arrived. He sat in his seat and ate his soup dumplings.

After finishing and wiping his mouth, a few people began trickling into the classroom. There were both young men in their prime and older men with long beards and hair. Gu Siyuan greeted them with a bow.

As the saying goes: “A fifty-year-old newly minted jinshi is considered young.” This meant that passing the highest imperial examination at fifty was still considered youthful.

In their Class A, which gathered the most outstanding scholars of Shuntian Prefecture, it wasn’t uncommon to see those who had passed the exams in their middle age.

Despite the saying “poor scholar,” which seemed derogatory, it was a matter of perspective.

Take the provincial examination in Tongzhou this year as an example. It was held every two years, and only fifty people were selected each time. In modern terms, this was akin to being in the top twenty of a city, and these were the top students at their respective schools.

After a while, the classroom became slightly more lively as everyone had basically arrived.

Wang Xu, looking tired, glanced enviously at the energetic Gu Siyuan and asked, “Don’t you ever feel sleepy in the mornings?”

Given Wang Xu’s family background, he could have directly entered the Imperial College. However, hearing that Gu Siyuan was coming to the Prefectural School, he decided to follow suit.

Gu Siyuan appreciated his company and, in a rare playful mood, replied, “Because I have something to look forward to. Soon, our teacher will use my essay as an example and praise me in front of everyone. Thinking of this, how could I feel sleepy?”

“…” Wang Xu.

I might be human, but you’re a real dog.

Gu Siyuan continued explaining, “You could ask Minister Wang. If the emperor were to commend him one day, he’d surely wake up earlier than usual for morning court.”

Wang Xu blinked, then realized, “So, you mean only bad students feel sleepy?”

Gu Siyuan remained silent.

Wang Xu felt that he was indeed wide awake now, from anger.

However, his temper was like a gust of wind, quickly changing. By the time classes ended in the evening, he was back to normal.

As usual, Gu Siyuan had packed his writing materials in advance and, as soon as the bell rang, prepared to head home immediately.

Wang Xu stopped him, “I’ve never seen anyone like you, always rushing home after class. What’s so great about going home? I wish I didn’t have to go back. Come with me to Taiping Tower. I heard there’s a new storyteller today.”

Gu Siyuan gave him a cold look and said, “You don’t want to go home because you’re single. I have a spouse at home, so naturally, I want to be with him all the time.”

Wang Xu rolled his eyes and said, “Don’t you sound smug. If our classmates knew that the top scholar is a henpecked husband, your reputation would be ruined.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression didn’t change, “I don’t mind.”

Wang Xu conceded.

After a moment, he smiled and continued, “Alright, let’s skip today. Tomorrow is the Lower Prime Festival, the day of Water God’s exorcism rituals. Qingping Temple on Yuan Street will be bustling with celebrations for the Emperor of the Sun Valley. It’ll be lively. After class, bring your spouse and join us. Compared to you, Brother Changyue is more interesting.”

The Great Zhou Dynasty revered Taoism, and all celebrations, big or small, attracted many followers and were quite lively.

Gu Siyuan thought for a moment and then nodded, “Alright.”

They had been in the capital for a few days now. Initially, they were busy settling in, and in recent days, he had been leaving early and returning late for school. He hadn’t had the chance to take Xie Changyue around the city where he had lived for sixteen years.

That evening, while lying in bed after washing up, Gu Siyuan told Xie Changyue about Wang Xu’s invitation to Yuan Street the next day.

Xie Changyue, who was lying on top of Gu Siyuan playing with his hair, was delighted to hear this.

“I went to Qingping Temple on Yuan Street once when I was a child. It was very lively. I haven’t seen it in many years. I wonder how much it has changed.”

Gu Siyuan asked casually, “You haven’t been since then?”

Xie Changyue, resting his chin on Gu Siyuan’s chest, nodded slightly, looking a bit wistful, “Yes, after I got engaged to Xiao Jingchuan of the Southern General’s Mansion at twelve, Lady Shen wouldn’t let me go out anymore. I didn’t even see strangers.”

“Why was that?” Gu Siyuan frowned. Although he had some understanding of this world through the system, he couldn’t know everything in detail.

Xie Changyue stuck out his tongue and explained, “Although the Marquis of Suining has a title, it’s been sustained by the old man. When it comes to Uncle Shen, the title would be revoked. The Southern General’s Mansion, however, is a rising military power, and Xiao Jingchuan is highly regarded. This marriage was very important to the Shen family.”

“And Xiao Jingchuan’s mother, Lady Kong, is extremely strict and old-fashioned. She only likes well-behaved, dignified, and quiet juniors. Lady Shen hoped I could win her favor, which would help my brother Shen Changye’s career. So, I had to be the most virtuous and obedient little ger in the entire capital.”

At this point, Xie Changyue looked up at Gu Siyuan, very grateful, “Hehe, luckily, I married you instead.”

Gu Siyuan’s lips curled into a slight smile, and he lowered his head to gently kiss Xie Changyue’s lips, his voice dropping, “So… how are you going to thank me?”

No matter how much time passed, Xie Changyue would always be captivated by the deliberate tenderness of his husband, his ears turning slightly red.

However, he was not one to easily admit defeat.

With a light snort, he pressed his hand against Gu Siyuan’s firm chest, slowly straightening up, his legs straddling the slim waist of the man beneath him. His slender, white-as-jade calves and ankles were half-exposed from his slightly loose inner garment, gently rubbing: “Whatever my husband wants to do, just do it…”

The touch was clearly smooth and cool, yet it brought an endless ticklish sensation.

Gu Siyuan took a deep breath, his hands instantly grasping the slender waist of the person on top of him with force, and their positions were reversed in an instant.

Xie Changyue smiled smugly, his red lips parting as he breathed out like orchids: “Husband is so impatient. I haven’t even started thanking you yet?”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, his eyes bottomless, his voice hoarse and magnetic to the extreme: “Later, don’t cry and beg to stop halfway, and that will be the greatest gratitude.”

“Uh…” Xie Changyue felt he might have overplayed his hand.

However, it was clear there was no chance for regret now. Occasionally attempting to escape halfway, he was repeatedly dragged back by his slender ankles.

So, the next day when they went to see the festival, Gu Siyuan could only endure the resentful, coquettish gaze of his husband the entire way.

Xie Changyue, touching the scarf around his neck, whimpered: “My waist hurts, and my neck is covered in marks. I can’t go out and see people like this.”

“…” Gu Siyuan glanced at him, speaking lightly: “If I’m not mistaken, we are currently on the street.”

Xie Changyue, despite feeling wronged, retorted, “Wasn’t it because I couldn’t bear to disappoint your invitation? For someone like me with such thin skin, do you think it’s easy?”

He hoped that next time, even if he accidentally misbehaved again, his husband wouldn’t be too heartless in bed.

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, gently squeezing his slender fingers, his voice low: “Be good.”

That familiar low voice, as if filled with indulgence and tenderness.

Xie Changyue’s legs almost went weak on the spot.

“Oh…” He obediently elongated his response.

Yes, he was just that spineless.

However, when they reached the Er Yuan Street and saw various small stalls all around, Xie Changyue completely revived in spirit. If Gu Siyuan hadn’t held onto him, he might have jumped up to the sky.

Gu Siyuan was also quite interested in this ancient civilian life, so he walked around with him, stopping and looking along the way.

After walking halfway down the street, they could already see the huge altar set up ahead. Xie Changyue finally felt a bit tired, handing the unfinished snack in his hand to Gu Siyuan and standing still, unwilling to move.

He pulled on Gu Siyuan’s sleeve, pouting: “Husband…”

Gu Siyuan pretended not to understand, speaking lightly: “Tired? Do you want to go back? Then let’s go.”

Xie Changyue widened his eyes, quickly holding onto him: “No.”

He had just come out, how could he go back so soon?

He mumbled: “I want my husband to carry me.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, mockingly: “Now, you’re not the shy little one anymore?”

“Ah, I don’t remember, I don’t understand.” Xie Changyue didn’t care about that, spreading his slender arms, he directly and firmly clung to his husband’s neck.

Gu Siyuan shook his head helplessly, bending his legs slightly, and with a forceful lift, he securely carried him on his back.

Lying on his husband’s warm and solid back, Xie Changyue smiled proudly.

Thinking for a moment, he lowered his head and gave Gu Siyuan a light kiss on the neck, sweetly saying: “Husband, you’re the best, I love you the most.”

Gu Siyuan ignored him, this spoiled little fox.

However, the stall owners and customers nearby turned to look at them following this loud confession.

Tsk, the world is really going downhill!

Xie Changyue glared back at them with wide eyes, his eyebrows radiating with pride, showing no sign of shyness or embarrassment.

Not far in front of Tianyun Tower, a few figures were standing, their eyes fixed on the approaching couple.

Shen Changhuan softly said: “Originally, I felt a bit guilty when Changyue returned to the countryside, but unexpectedly, he turned out to be much more capable than I thought, coming back to the capital so openly and proudly.”

A young man in a light red robe next to him sneered disdainfully: “Hmph, truly a peasant’s spawn, only given the title of County Lord by farming. Such frivolous behavior on the street, how can he compare to those of us with noble birth? Changhuan, you really don’t need to take him to heart.”

Whether intentional or not, his voice wasn’t lowered at all, even slightly raised at the end.

This allowed the approaching couple to hear it clearly.