24

From that day on, Zhou Chuyu no longer avoided Nie Huanzhang, truly engaging with him in the form of brothers. However, on the first and fifteenth day of every month, he would devoutly visit the temple, offering incense and praying for Ping'an Fu, the amulet of peace, regardless of wind or rain. In any spare moment he could find, Zhou Chuyu diligently transcribed scriptures, inscribing on the cover the solemn request: "Please pray for security for those who travel far away. Thanks!"

Just as the embroidery workshop was getting underway, Zhou Chuqin returned and Zhou Chuyu's provincial examination began. Similar to other dynasties, the examinations in Yuhong Dynasty, known as the three examination, provincial examination, the metropolitan examination and the palace examination, occurred once every three years. They were divided into spring and autumn sessions. The provincial examination, held in the spring, took place in the provincial capitals. Only those who passed the provincial examination were eligible to participate in the metropolitan examination, which was held in the autumn and convened in Jingdu, the capital. After the metropolitan examination, there was a two-month gap before the palace examination, which usually took place in the first day for the new year when the government reconvened. For Zhou Chuyu, the provincial examination marked the first step into his official career and was a way to fulfill the regret of not having a "scholar" in the Zhou family. 

During the three days when Zhou Chuyu participated in the provincial examination, Nie Huanzhang didn't express much concern for Zhou Chuyu. He accepted their current relationship with a calm demeanor, suppressing his deeper feelings for Zhou Chuyu. Zhou Chuqin's return shifted his attention back to the embroidery workshop.

Chuqin remarked:

"I didn't expect you to renovate the embroidery workshop so well, even considering how to protect the embroidery girls' eyes."

Nie Huanzhang explained:

"This was suggested by your mother. She mentioned how delicate the eyes of the embroidery girls are and the need for protection. So, I widened the windows and happened to find some transparent crystal glass at Feng Yuan's shop. It adds brightness and warmth and we don't need to worry about the cold in the winter." 

Zhou Chuqin remarked:

"Transparent crystal glass? It is quite expensive. Usually, only the wealthy can afford to install it in their windows. I've only seen it in Jingdu and I never expected you to use it for the embroidery girls. You two thousand taels might not be enough for such a luxury."

Nie Huanzhang smiled and replied:

"It didn't cost a tael. Feng Yuan provided it for free. Ever since we teamed up in business, he knows I've done a lot for him. So this time he generously helped out."

"Really? Mr. Nie...."

Nie Huanzhang interrupted:

"Please call me Huanzhang."

Zhou Chuqin smiled and said:

"Okay, Huanzhang, to be honest, compared to your business, my scope is too small. I only see my own world. Although I have some ideas and thoughts, when compared to you, I feel like a small fish in a big pond." Zhou Chuqin sighed and continued, "Oh, Huanzhang, here's the thing. This time, when I brought my sister to Jingdu, I discovered that the people in Jingdu really appreciate the embroidery a lot. Last time, Mr. Feng Yuan mentioned that our embroidered products were selling well. It gave me an idea to open an embroidery workshop in Jingdu. After this trip, my determination has only strengthened. After my sister's wedding, I bought a storefront. As a small gift from a protective eldest brother, I gave her half of the ownership and let her run it if she has time. Her embroidery skills are good. What I want to discuss with you is whether we can also sell our embroidered products there or bring them back to Huichun."

Nie Huanzhang pondered for a moment before speaking:

"Actually, it's not necessary to focus solely on Huichun. While I don't have been to Jingdu myself, Feng Yuan mentioned that your embroidered products indeed sell well there. So why not shift your focus to Jingdu? Prices can be set higher, considering most of the richer people lived there. If there is still inventory, you can also sell in nearby areas around Jingdu. It's just a matter of finding good business partners and Feng Yuan can help with that because he has a wide business network. Of course, returning to Huichun is also an option."

Zhou Chuqin said:

"You're right, Huanzhang. Regarding to the embroidery workshop in Jingdu, I plan to split my ownership in half again and give it to you. Setting aside your support for our business, just for your kindness towards Chuyu. Being his eldest brother, I should express my gratitude to you. Please, Huanzhang, accept it."

After speaking, Zhou Chuqin bowed deeply. Nie Huanzhang looked at him and said:

"I might never go to Jingdu in my lifetime and I'm afraid I won't be of much help with that storefront. Taking more ownership doesn't hold much meaning for me. Since Chuyu and Chuqi are both going to stay in Jingdu for a period, why not give that ownership to Chuyu? Consider their expenses while they're in Jingdu."

Zhou Chuqin smiled and replied:

"Huanzhang, you truly are a good person, even considering my two brothers. I had thought about it too. Actually, my share is meant for them and I've already discussed it with Chuqi."

Nie Huanzhang looked at him with a hint of envy and said:

"I really envy Chuqi and Chuyu for having such a eldest brother like you. How you allocate your share is your business. Since you want to give me a share and are so sincere about it, it wouldn't be right for me to decline. So let's do as you suggested. Give it to Chuyu and let Chuqi and him live well in Jingdu. Oh, by the way, I might be away for a few days. I'll leave things here to you. I'll be back when Chuyu's results are announced. I've already informed your parents."

"Sure, rest assured. Although Chuyu won't see you when he returns, he might be upset for several days. Without Chuqi and Zheng at home, it is only me to cheer him up."

Zhou Chuqin said with a smile as Nie Huanzhang bid farewell with a courteous gesture. 

Contrary to Zhou Chuqin's expectations, When Zhou Chuyu returned from the examination and didn't find Nie Huanzhang around, he didn't show any signs of unpleasure. He simply said: "Got it." However, something caught Zhou Chuqin completely off guard. He noticed that Zhou Chuyu had changed. In the past, Zhou Chuyu used to reluctant to accompany their mother and little mom for prayers and offerings. Now, however, he made it a point to go on the first and fifteenth day of each month, devoutly praying for Ping'an Fu. Previously, when their mother asked him to transcribe a Buddhist scripture, he would hastily write it down in two days with messy handwriting. But now, he meticulously transcribed the "Diamond Sutra" with the cover the solemn request: "Please pray for the safety of those journeying afar." and after completing it, he respectfully offered it to the temple. In the past it was very often for Zhou Chuyu to make trouble after school but now he often sat quietly, seemingly study for hours on end. When asked what was going on, he would just smile and say:

"I've grown up and I can't behave recklessly like before."

His transformation made Zhou Chuqin uncomfortable, left Zhou Huai'an unsettled, caused discomfort for Mrs Zhou and little mom and even Zhou Xiang found it hard to adapt. Regardless of their adaptation, Zhou Chuyu had indeed changed. 

As expected, when the examination results were announced, Nie Huanzhang returned to Yucheng. As anticipated, Zhou Chuyu achieved the top rank and became the provincial scholar. Zhou Huai'an couldn't contain his joy, celebrating with grand feasts. The Zhou family now had representatives in the "scholar, farmer, artisan and merchant", fulfilling his long-held wish. Zhou Chuyu, already the favored one in whole family, now enjoyed even greater attention. Nie Huanzhang, genuinely pleased with Zhou Chuyu's success, further suppressed his emotions. The next step was for Zhou Chuyu to enter the imperial academy and participate in the examination in Jingdu in the autumn.

Nie Huanzhang said:

"Uncle Zhou, rest assured, I'll accompany Wangshi to Jingdu."

Since his last deep conversation with Zhou Huai'an, he had changed his tone as Zhou Huai'an's request from Mr. Zhou to Uncle Zhou. Zhou Chuqin looked at Nie Huanzhang with confusion. 

Zhou Chuyu said:

"Dad, it's unnecessary. Uncle Zhao and Guzi will accompany me. Mr. Nie and Chuqin are busy with business and have to go back to Huichun. How can we delay Mr. Nie's affairs for my sake?"

He declined Nie Huanzhang's offer. Nie Huanzhang frowned, glancing at Zhou Chuyu. He was about to say something when Zhou Chuqin chimed in:

"Chuyu is right. I think with Unchle Zhou and Guzi in Jingdu, they can take care of Chuqi and Chuyu. Additionally I'll check whether there is some guest in Jingdu. If we have, let him assist them if they need. Moreover the journey from here to Jingdu, although long, is not only scenic but also quite safe. There shouldn't be any problems."

Zhou Huai'an considered the suggestion and added:

"Yes, I think it's a good idea. Huanzhang, you do what you need to do. There's no need for you to make another trip to Jingdu for Chuyu."

Nie Huanzhang remained silent, feeling a sense of disappointment in his heart. However, he didn't reveal his emotions on his face. Zhou Chuyu stole a glance at him and two days before Chuyu's departure to Jingdu, Nie Huanzhang left Yucheng. As for his destination, he didn't disclose it to anyone.