Chapter 31: The Hardest to Bear Is a Beauty’s Favor

Magistrate Tang took a sip of tea and said slowly, "To be honest, my wife is from the capital. It was only through the mediation of my in-laws that I was fortunate enough to become a county magistrate."

Fan Jin raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that the man had latched onto a "wealthy woman"—indeed, living off one's wife was a sweet deal! Gaoyao County was a fertile and prosperous land; even by just biding his time, he would likely be promoted smoothly in three to five years. With this realization, Fan Jin felt a surge of warmth toward his mentor. "I had no idea you possessed such connections, sir."

Magistrate Tang smiled complacently. "It is a pity that I am dull-witted and have repeatedly failed the metropolitan examination." He looked at Fan Jin and stroked his beard. "However, you are quite the opposite. Your talent is the finest I have ever encountered; you are truly an outstanding figure."

The praise bestowed upon Fan Jin by Zhou Xuedao had already spread throughout Guangdong. As Gaoyao was a major city bordering Nanhai County, the magistrate had naturally heard of Fan Jin’s reputation. Furthermore, as old acquaintances, Magistrate Tang was well-versed in Fan Jin’s character and academic prowess.

Fan Jin was itching to ask a question but feared being abrupt and losing decorum. Magistrate Tang set down his teacup, drew a letter from his sleeve, and said earnestly, "I have already written a letter of recommendation, entrusting my brother-in-law, Chen Xu, to provide you with full support." He then solemnly handed the letter over.

Fan Jin received it with both hands, his expression shifting. He offered his thanks before asking eagerly, "Might I ask what position your brother-in-law currently holds?"

Although the question was blunt, he had no choice. Fan Jin needed to understand the status of the magistrate’s brother-in-law before deciding how to utilize this connection. If the magistrate were merely boasting and his relative held little influence in the imperial court, it would be quite embarrassing. To avoid any misunderstanding, Fan Jin added, "I only worry about being hasty and disturbing the capital without proper preparation."

Magistrate Tang waved his hand dismissively. "Regarding my relative: his surname is Chen. My brother-in-law, Chen Xu, courtesy name Xuanlai, currently serves as a Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel. He is a man of humility and integrity who respects scholars; he is by no means one of those shallow, wealthy aristocrats. That is why I have written this letter of introduction."

Fan Jin’s face brightened, followed by a look of deep respect. "This is..." A Vice Director in the Ministry of Personnel was effectively a "Heavenly Official"—it would be no exaggeration to say he held immense power. It was said that officials in the capital were automatically a rank higher, let alone those in the Ministry of Personnel, a department that held the power of life and death over the political careers of officials across the realm.

"Many thanks, sir!" Fan Jin stood up, adjusted his robes, and bowed deeply.

"Oh, there is no need for such formality," Magistrate Tang said, quickly helping him up. "I only hope that when you pass the examinations and rise to the top, you will not forget my recommendation today and will look back to assist me in return..."

"Having been favored by your kindness today, I shall certainly not fail you!" Fan Jin replied firmly.

They shared a laugh, toasted one another, and drank until they were thoroughly intoxicated. Had Fan Jin not repeatedly declined, they might well have ended up sleeping in the same bed. As the moon deepened and the frost grew heavy, the two local gentlemen, Zhang and Zhou, returned. After a few more drinks, the banquet ended, and everyone retired to their rooms.

The next day.

When Fan Jin woke, the first thing he saw was the dark gray gauze canopy of the bed. He rolled out of bed, tied his robes, and pushed open the window to survey the scene. The flowers were fragrant, the sun was bright, and butterflies danced in the air. The reflections of the distant lake shimmered on the rockery, making the inanimate stones seem almost alive.

Inside the room, the carved bed frame and the quilts, which emitted a faint scent of incense, were surrounded by exquisite wooden furniture—tables, chairs, cabinets—all crafted from, at the very least, yellow pear wood.

The movement in the room likely stirred the servants waiting outside. The wooden door creaked open and then softly closed again. A young maid entered, head bowed, carrying a basin of clear, warm water and a clean towel, which she placed gently on the stand.

Fan Jin observed her closely. As she drew near, he caught the faint, delicate scent of a young maiden.

"Master Fan..." the maid said, dipping the towel into the water.

"Oh," Fan Jin stepped forward, letting her attend to him like a wooden puppet. Soon, the maid carried the basin away. Fan Jin looked down at himself, lamenting that since his body had been "rejuvenated," it had also become full of youthful vigor. His mind drifted, still lingering on the image of that charming maid. At fifteen or sixteen, with skin like congealed fat, eyes like autumn water, and lips like cherry blossoms, she hardly looked like a servant, but rather like the daughter of a wealthy family.

Not long after, a servant arrived to invite him to the front hall for a meal.

"Mentor, Brother Zhang, Brother..."

After exchanging greetings, they all sat down. Whether by coincidence or design, the beautiful maid was there to serve. She stood quietly behind Fan Jin, dressed in a light purple gown, her hair cascading like a waterfall, her figure graceful and lithe. Fan Jin’s gaze drifted to her, and he tugged at his robes, momentarily regretting that he had forgotten to bring a concubine or a maid along for his journey.

This dilemma was, in fact, a perennial one. In ancient times, when scholars traveled for the examinations, they brought attendants not only to carry luggage and manage daily chores but also for other, less speakable purposes. One must admit that perspectives have always differed throughout history. In the past, "the love of men" was prevalent and did not violate social ethics; in some more open dynasties, it was even considered a symbol of refined social status. Likewise, talented men frequenting brothels was not considered immoral and would not lead to being looked down upon. Places of pleasure were viewed as hubs for the elite and the best venues for social networking.

"Brother Fan, do you have an interest in this beauty?" Magistrate Tang seemed to notice Fan Jin’s distraction and laughed as he stroked his beard. "How about I gift Qinghe to you?"

"This..." Fan Jin was unsure if this was a scheme or a genuine offer. He was so full of suspicion that he forgot to refuse outright. He longed to say, "Even if I were willing, she might not be," but he swallowed the words. A newly minted provincial graduate had to tread on thin ice; there were countless examples throughout history of those who had tripped up over women. If he accepted this girl, wouldn't it be like having a nail driven into his side?

"If Master Fan is not willing, then let it be," the beautiful maid, Qinghe, said softly. Her voice was like the first song of a golden oriole—clear and melodious.