FIMA Ch54: The Capital

Early morning, Yushu Alley, County Lord Mansion.

In the cool late autumn breeze, Chen Xiaoliu came out of the gatehouse yawning. He walked to the main gate of the residence, grabbed the latch, and pulled it back forcefully.

Every day at this time, the Master of the house would head out to study at the Shuntian Prefectural School.

Sure enough, just as he took a broom to sweep the fallen leaves at the doorway, a tall, straight figure walked unhurriedly out of the central hall with his hands clasped behind his back.

Chen Xiaoliu immediately straightened his expression and greeted respectfully: “Good morning, Master. Have a safe trip.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he replied faintly: “Good morning.”

Watching the person walk far away, Chen Xiaoliu’s face immediately reverted to a beaming smile. Although Master Gu looked very cold and intimidating, he was unexpectedly easy to talk to; every day when he greeted him, he would reply.

Unaware of the little gatekeeper’s strange thoughts, Gu Siyuan walked steadily out of the alley. He bought a portion of soup dumplings (guantangbao) at the breakfast stall on his left, and carrying them, crossed Donglin Street toward the Prefectural School Alley not far away.

The Shuntian Prefectural School was located within it, which was how the alley got its name.

Since presenting the corn through the Wang family’s connections in June, Xie Changyue had received his title and rewards.

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

Gu Siyuan focused wholeheartedly on preparing for the Academy Exam coming in August, while Xie Changyue guided the Ministry of Revenue personnel in the fields on how to plant the second season of corn—after all, promoting it nationwide later would rely on the government.

Time flew by in a flash. By the end of August, the Academy Exam concluded, and the results were posted. Without any surprise, Gu Siyuan consecutively secured first place, achieving the Xiao Sanyuan (First in the County, Prefectural, and Academy Exams). At this time, he finally yielded to the wishes of the Gu clan members and hosted a reasonably grand celebratory banquet.

By mid-September, the second season of corn in the fields began to be harvested, and Xie Changyue temporarily laid down his burden.

At this point, their family began discussing moving.

Having obtained the Xiucai scholarly title, Anping Academy could no longer teach Gu Siyuan. He had to go to a more flourishing, higher-level academy, and the Shuntian Prefectural School located in the capital was naturally the best destination.

Coincidentally, the County Lord Mansion bestowed by the Emperor to Xie Changyue was not far from the Prefectural School, so the family happily decided to move there.

Before heading to the capital, afraid of being called unfilial, Gu Er and Gu Siyuan specifically went to the First Branch to ask the Old Master and Old Madam. The two elders naturally wanted to follow them to the capital, but Eldest Uncle Gu disagreed.

During the family division previously, it was agreed that the First Branch would provide for their old age. If the two elders left with the Second Branch, wouldn’t it mean their First Branch was unfilial and couldn’t care for the elders? His son still needed to take the imperial exams; did he want to ruin his reputation or not…

Gu Siyuan had long anticipated this outcome.

On ordinary days, his Eldest Uncle appeared to be a man of few words like his father, but his scheming and concern for face were much heavier. In this era where a married person followed their husband’s family, it would have been impossible for Li Xiangtao to jump around so much in the Gu family, constantly squeezing and bullying their Second Branch, without Eldest Uncle Gu’s tacit approval or even instigation.

Thus, ten days ago, on the third of the month, the family of four moved from Huangyang Village into the County Lord Mansion in the capital.

After moving in, they first spent a few days tidying up and getting familiar with the place. Then, Gu Siyuan went to report to the Shuntian Prefectural School according to his original plan.

Today was his fourth day of classes.

While thinking this, he had already arrived before an imposing residence. The two large characters “Prefectural School” on the blue plaque above the main gate directly entered his line of sight.

Gu Siyuan crossed the threshold and headed toward his Grade A classroom.

His residence was close to here, and he left early. When he walked into the classroom, it was still empty. Sitting at his seat, he first ate his soup dumplings.

By the time he finished eating and wiped his mouth, several people had finally trickled into the classroom. There were young men in the prime of their youth, as well as middle-aged men with long beards and hair. Gu Siyuan exchanged bows and greetings with them.

As the saying goes: Fifty is young for a Jinshi. Meaning, to pass the metropolitan exam and become a Jinshi at fifty is considered young.

And in their Grade A class, which gathered the Xiucai scholars with the highest comprehensive quality in all of Shuntian Prefecture, there was naturally no shortage of those who only passed in their middle age.

Don’t look at how people of the time often said “poor Xiucai, poor Xiucai” as if looking down on them; that completely depended on the identity of the speaker.

Take their Tongzhou Academy Exam this year, for example. Held once every two years, it only accepted fifty people per session. Translated to modern times, that would be the top twenty-something students in a city; distributed to various high schools, they would all be the kick-ass top one or two students of their entire school.

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

Looking sleepily at the highly energetic Gu Siyuan, Wang Xu couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous: “Do you not feel sleepy in the morning at all?”

With Wang Xu’s family background, he could have directly entered the Imperial College (Guozijian), but upon hearing that Gu Siyuan came to the Prefectural School, he had trotted over to follow him.

Gu Siyuan naturally appreciated the sentiment and rarely felt in the mood to joke around.

“Because I have something to look forward to. Soon, the teacher will use my policy essay as an example to explain to you all, and then praise me in front of the whole hall. Thinking of this, how could I feel the slightest bit of sleepiness?”

“…” Wang Xu.

I might not be human, but you are a real dog.

Gu Siyuan continued to explain: “You can go back and ask Minister Wang. If the Emperor were to commend him one day, he would definitely wake up earlier than usual for the morning court assembly that day.”

Wang Xu blinked, realizing what he meant: “So, you’re saying only bad students feel sleepy?”

Gu Siyuan remained silent.

Wang Xu felt he was indeed wide awake now—from being angered.

However, his temper was like a gust of wind and a shower of rain; by the time classes ended in the evening, he had long returned to normal.

Gu Siyuan, as usual, had packed away his brush and ink early. The moment the copper bell rang, he was ready to head straight home.

Wang Xu grabbed him: “I’ve never seen anyone like you, rushing home the moment class ends. What’s so good about going home every day? I wish I didn’t have to go home! Why don’t you accompany me to Taiping Pavilion to have some fun later? I heard a new storyteller arrived today.”

Gu Siyuan shot him a cold sidelong glance: “You don’t want to go home because you’re a single dog. I have my husband waiting in my arms; naturally, I look forward to never being separated for a moment.”

Wang Xu rolled his eyes: “Aren’t you cheesy? If our classmates knew that you, the cold-faced grand hero of the Xiao Sanyuan, are actually a henpecked husband, your reputation and image would be completely ruined.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged: “I don’t mind.”

Wang Xu conceded defeat.

A moment later, he continued smilingly: “Alright, let’s forget it today. Tomorrow is the Xiayuan Festival, the birthday of the Water Official who alleviates misfortunes. The Qingping Temple over on Eryuan Street will be setting up an altar and performing rituals for the Emperor of the Yang Valley. It’ll definitely be bustling with noise and excitement. After class, bring your husband, and let’s go have fun together. Hmph, compared to a cold block of ice like you, Little Ger Changyue is much more interesting.”

The Great Zhou Dynasty revered Daoism. Regardless of whether it was a major or minor celebration, believers would gather, making it exceptionally lively.

Gu Siyuan thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: “Alright.”

They had been in the capital for several days now. Initially, they had to tidy up the mansion, and these past few days he had been leaving early and returning late for the Prefectural School. He actually hadn’t had the chance yet to accompany Xie Changyue for a stroll in this city where he had lived for sixteen years.

At night, after washing up and lying in bed, Gu Siyuan told Xie Changyue about Wang Xu inviting them to Eryuan Street tomorrow.

At that moment, Xie Changyue was lying on Gu Siyuan’s chest playing with his hair. Hearing this, he was indeed very delighted.

“I went to the Qingping Temple on Eryuan Street once when I was little. It’s truly extremely lively over there. I haven’t seen it in years, I wonder how much it has changed.”

Gu Siyuan casually asked: “You never went again after that?”

Xie Changyue poked his pointed chin against his chest, nodded lightly, and said with some melancholy: “Yeah. Ever since I was engaged to Xiao Jingchuan of the Zhennan General’s Mansion at twelve, Second Madam Shen didn’t allow me to go out anymore. I didn’t even see any strangers after that.”

“Why was that?” Gu Siyuan furrowed his brows. Although he understood this world somewhat through the system, it was impossible to know every minute detail.

Xie Changyue stuck out his tongue and explained: “Although the Suining Earl’s Mansion has a noble title, these years it’s entirely propped up by the Old Master. By the time it passes down to First Master Shen, the title will be degraded to nothing. The Zhennan General’s Mansion, however, is a new aristocratic power in the military, and Xiao Jingchuan is highly regarded by the higher-ups. This marriage was extremely important to the Shen family.”

“And Xiao Jingchuan’s mother, Madam Kong, is the most rigid and strict person. She only likes juniors who follow the rules strictly and are dignified and quiet. Second Madam Shen hoped I could win Madam Kong’s favor, which would aid Eldest Brother Shen Changye’s official career in the future. So I had to become a little Ger who didn’t step past the front gate or the second gate, the most virtuous and gentle in all the capital.”

Speaking of this, Xie Changyue lifted his head to look at Gu Siyuan, saying with immense relief: “Hehe, thank goodness I married Husband now.”

A trace of a smile also curled at the corners of Gu Siyuan’s mouth. He lowered his head, gently kissed his lips, and lowered his voice: “Then… how are you going to thank me?”

No matter how much time passed, Xie Changyue would always be captivated by his husband’s deliberate tenderness like this, a faint blush instantly creeping up his ears.

However, how could he be someone who admitted defeat so easily?

Giving a light hum, he propped his hands on Gu Siyuan’s hard chest and slowly straightened his upper body. Draping his legs over the slender, powerful waist of the man beneath him, his fair, jade-like calves and ankles were half-exposed from the slightly loose inner garments, gently rubbing against him: “Whatever Husband wants, we’ll do…”

The touch was clearly smooth and cool, yet it sparked a boundless itch.

Gu Siyuan sucked in a breath. His large hands instantly gripped the slender waist of the person on top of him, and with a single exertion of force, the two swapped positions.

Xie Changyue’s smile was smug, his breath smelling like orchids as it parted his dark red lips: “Husband is truly impatient, I haven’t even started thanking you yet?”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, his eyes bottomlessly deep, his voice incredibly husky and magnetic: “Later, when we’re halfway through, don’t cry and shout that you don’t want it; that will be the greatest thanks.”

“Mmh…” Xie Changyue felt he might have played with fire and burned himself.

However, there was clearly no longer any chance for regret. Occasional midway attempts to escape only resulted in his slender ankles being caught and dragged back repeatedly.

Thus, when it was time to go see the festival the next day, Gu Siyuan was subjected to his husband’s resentful, coquettish glares the entire way.

Xie Changyue touched the neckerchief around his neck, humming and whining: “My waist hurts, and my neck is covered in marks, I can’t even go out and see people.”

“…” Gu Siyuan shot him a glance and said flatly: “If I’m not mistaken, the two of us are walking on the main street right now.”

Xie Changyue’s logic was flawed but his confidence was strong: “Well, I couldn’t bear to let down your invitation. Is it easy for me, a little Ger with such thin skin?”

He just hoped that next time, even if he accidentally caused trouble again, his husband wouldn’t be so mercilessly ruthless in bed.

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, gently pinched his slender fingers, and said in a low voice: “Be good.”

It was that familiar low utterance again, seemingly laden with boundless indulgence and tenderness.

Xie Changyue’s legs went soft on the spot.

“Oh…” he replied obediently, drawing out the syllable.

Yes, he was just that useless.

However, upon reaching Eryuan Street and seeing all sorts of small stalls in every direction, Xie Changyue fully recovered his energy. If Gu Siyuan hadn’t been holding his hand, he almost would have jumped into the sky.

Gu Siyuan was also quite interested in this ancient folk life, so he walked and stopped alongside him to take a look.

After walking down almost half the street, they could already see the giant ritual altar set up ahead. Xie Changyue was finally somewhat tired. He handed his unfinished street snacks to Gu Siyuan and stood in place, refusing to walk any further.

He tugged at Gu Siyuan’s sleeve, puffing out his cheeks and acting coquettishly: “Husband…”

Gu Siyuan pretended not to understand and said flatly: “You’re tired, do you want to go back? Let’s go then.”

Xie Changyue widened his eyes and hurriedly grabbed him: “No.”

He had only been out for a short while; how could they go back so soon?

He mumbled: “I want Husband to give me a piggyback ride.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, teasing expressionlessly: “So now, you aren’t a thin-skinned little Ger anymore?”

“Ah, I don’t remember, and I don’t understand.” Xie Changyue didn’t care about any of that. Spreading his slender arms, he directly hung firmly onto his husband’s neck.

Gu Siyuan shook his head helplessly. Bending his legs slightly, he pushed up with his hands and steadily carried the person on his back.

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

After a thought, he lowered his head, planted a shallow kiss on Gu Siyuan’s neck, and said sweetly: “Husband, you’re the best, I love you the most.”

Gu Siyuan ignored him, this little fox who became spoiled because of favor.

However, the gazes of the stall owners and customers at the nearby stalls were drawn over by this loud confession of love.

Tsk, public morals are degenerating day by day!

Xie Changyue widened his round eyes and stared back at them, his brows and eyes radiating high spirits. Where was there the slightest hint of having thin skin or being embarrassed?

Not far away, in front of the Tianyun Pavilion, stood several figures, their gazes burning as they watched the two walking in their direction.

Shen Changhuan said softly: “Originally, when Changyue returned to the countryside, I still felt some guilt. I didn’t expect him to be much more capable than I imagined, openly returning to the capital so quickly.”

A little Ger wearing a light red shirt beside him heard this and said with extreme disdain: “Hmph, truly the seed of country bumpkins. Getting titled as a County Lord just by relying on farming the land, and behaving so frivolously on the main street—how is he fit to be mentioned in the same breath as people of our origins? Changhuan, there’s absolutely no need to take him to heart.”

Whether intentional or deliberate, he didn’t lower his voice in the slightest; toward the end, it even rose slightly in pitch.

Allowing the couple, who were walking closer and closer, to hear it perfectly.

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