Chapter 102: Misunderstanding a Kind Heart?

Fan Jin laughed immediately and said, "I have naturally heard of the Kou family of Tang County. They are indeed a prominent and prestigious clan, though you, Brother Zhou Zhi, may not know that there are no scholars in the Kou family at present.

"To tell you the truth, the Tang County Kou family rose to prominence during the Yongle reign thanks to Kou Shen. He began as a county student, eventually advanced to the Imperial Academy, and later served in various official capacities. He was renowned for his skill in reviewing and resolving complex cases, earning him the title 'Divine Judge Kou.' His fame was widespread in Tang County, Baoding Prefecture, and even within the imperial court during the Zheng-tong and Jing-tai eras.

"However, the generations that followed ceased their scholarly pursuits and turned toward a martial path. The current head of the family, Kou Dagang, serves as a Thousand-Man Commander at the Daoma Pass garrison and is highly regarded by the imperial court. As far as I know, Kou Dagang has one son and one daughter. His son, Kou Tong, became a Hundred-Man Commander at the age of twenty; he is quite famous in Tang County and is considered a heroic youth. As for Kou Dagang's daughter, I have heard of her as well. Her name is Kou Peihan, and she is said to be exceptionally beautiful. Though she has been raised in luxury, she is also skilled in the martial arts and is an expert archer, earning the reputation of a sharpshooter who can hit a willow leaf from a hundred paces."

This was the exact information Zhou Zhi had been seeking. As for whether the Kou family were scholars or not, he did not care; his concern was simply what kind of family they were. It was now clear: the beautiful woman was undoubtedly Kou Peihan, a true descendant of a prestigious lineage.

As Zhou Zhi contemplated this, his expression grew somewhat vacant. Fan Jin laughed, "What is it? Could it be that you know the Kou family of Tang County? If you are acquainted with such a distinguished family, it would be an honor for all of us!"

Zhou Zhi’s face flushed, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "Not at all! How could I possibly know such a grand family? The furthest I have ever traveled is Gaochang Town. I know very little of the outside world; I was merely curious."

Fan Jin chuckled, not pressing the matter further.

The four men chatted in the study for a while longer, eventually deciding that Fan Jin would take his time to recruit members for their literary society. Such things could not be rushed; those recruited had to be learned, and more importantly, they had to be of like mind.

Afterward, Lu Xingchuan and the others asked about Zhou Zhi's current progress in his studies. When Zhou Zhi mentioned that he had only the *Book of Rites* left to finish, all three were astonished. The speed of his reading was simply too fast. However, they soon recalled his ability to memorize everything he read at a single glance, and his rapid progress seemed logical enough.

Zhou Zhi borrowed several more books from Lu Xingchuan, including various commentaries on the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as the *Classic of Filial Piety*, the *Zuo Zhuan*, the *Gongyang Zhuan*, and the *Guliang Zhuan*. While these did not need to be memorized, they had to be read thoroughly. Only by having such a broad scope of knowledge could he easily compose eight-legged essays in the future. Since Lu Xingchuan had a vast collection of books and was more than happy to lend as many as Zhou Zhi wished, Zhou Zhi accepted them gladly.

After having lunch at Lu Xingchuan’s home, Zhou Zhi wrapped the books in a bundle and started his walk home. Although it was the twelfth lunar month, the sun was bright, and he felt warm.

Just as Zhou Zhi left Shulu Village and stepped onto the main road leading to Bailue Village, a carriage approached, heading toward Gaochang Town. Zhou Zhi stepped to the side of the road to let it pass. Unexpectedly, the carriage stopped right beside him, and a man dressed in a long gown covered by a black-faced, lambskin-lined heavy coat jumped down.

The man had a straight nose and a square jaw, with a refined, scholarly air about him. He wore a brand-new square cap, clearly marking him as a *xiucai* scholar. He was not very tall—shorter than Zhou Zhi—and appeared to be about the same age.

The man took two steps forward and barked at Zhou Zhi, "You must be that Zhou boy from Bailue Village, Zhou Zhi, right?"

Though the scholar looked refined, his tone was incredibly boorish. Zhou Zhi was taken aback but replied, "That is correct. I am Zhou Zhi. May I ask what business you have with me, sir?"

The man tilted his head, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Business? Naturally, there is business. You probably don't know who this young master is, do you?"

His use of the phrase "this young master" made it clear he had come with ill intent. Zhou Zhi kept his patience and said, "Forgive my ignorance, sir; I truly do not know you."

"Hmph! It wouldn't hurt to tell you. This young master is the 'Child Prodigy of Qingdu,' Cheng Dingbang!" Cheng Dingbang declared with an air of immense arrogance and pride.

Earlier, at Lu Xingchuan’s house, Fan Jin had mentioned this "Child Prodigy of Qingdu," who had passed the *xiucai* exam at seventeen. Fan Jin had said he was extremely arrogant, and seeing him now, it was certainly true. However, unlike his brother Cheng Dingye, who constantly used their father, Cheng Ke, to intimidate others, this fellow seemed to think his own fame was enough that he didn't need to hide behind his father's reputation.

Zhou Zhi thought to himself that while he disliked Cheng Dingbang, there was no need to offend him. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "So it is the child prodigy, Scholar Cheng! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner!"

Cheng Dingbang curled his lip in disdain. Seeing this, Zhou Zhi was reminded of Chen Wenju; the two were cut from the same cloth, though Cheng Dingbang was better looking.

Cheng Dingbang said with a cold face, "Listen here, Zhou boy. I heard that for the past two days, Lu Xingchuan’s house has been hosting distinguished guests—talented scholars from the south, *xiucai* and even *juren* degree holders. Even that old dog Fan Jin from Gaochang Town was invited. Hmph! Fan Jin is at least a *xiucai*, so I suppose his presence is acceptable. But I am puzzled—who do you think you are, Zhou Zhi? A poor country bumpkin who has only been reading for a few days—what knowledge do you have to be joining such a gathering? Do you have no sense of shame?"

Cheng Dingbang’s insults caused a surge of anger in Zhou Zhi. His face turned cold, and he retorted, "Cheng Dingbang, is it? Whether I, Zhou Zhi, read books or join gatherings is none of your business. Does it cause you some sort of physical discomfort?"

Cheng Dingbang immediately flew into a rage. "A country bumpkin, and rude to boot! Is this scholar not looking out for your own good? I see that the vegetables you grow in winter are quite good. Though they are expensive, they are fresh. If you just focused on farming, wouldn't your life get better and better? Hanging out with those people all day—what will that accomplish? It only distracts you from making a living! My friend Chen Wenju told me you even want to take the *xiucai* and *juren* exams? Are you really dreaming of such impossible things? Truly, a case of a dog biting Lu Dongbin—you cannot recognize a kind heart!"

Zhou Zhi’s eyes turned icy. "I will tell you this today, 'Child Prodigy of Qingdu': not only will I grow my vegetables well, but I will also pass the *xiucai* and *jinshi* exams. Yes, I am going to have these 'impossible dreams.'"

Cheng Dingbang laughed mockingly. "Oh! Very well! Such ambition! This prodigy will be watching to see the day you pass the *xiucai* exam. Chen Wenju was right—you are a boy who doesn't know the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth. You have a hard mouth and a wild heart. You were born to be a peasant; don't be a toad trying to eat swan meat. By the way, there is a preliminary exam next spring. This prodigy will be waiting to see if you can actually pass it!"

With that, he ignored Zhou Zhi completely, climbed back into the carriage, and it sped away.

Zhou Zhi had been in a wonderful mood, but Cheng Dingbang had appeared out of nowhere like a festering boil, leaving him full of fire. Cheng Dingbang and Chen Wenju were the same breed—petty, miserable people who couldn't stand to see others do well. Zhou Zhi glared at the departing carriage, but then his mood began to lift.

How could a swallow understand the ambition of a swan? A minor character like Cheng Dingbang was nothing; it wasn't worth getting angry over such a person. However, he was now even more determined: he must pass the *xiucai* exam in the upcoming preliminary round.

Zhou Zhi picked up his heavy bundle and strode toward home.

Inside the carriage, Cheng Dingbang smiled at Chen Wenju and Li Shun. "Did you see that, Brother Wenju? I certainly made that brat furious. Still, he looks like he has some ambition, so we shouldn't underestimate him. Especially you, Brother Wenju—you must study harder! Don't let that boy actually pass the *xiucai* exam while you fail!"