Chapter 8: Paying a Visit to Zhou Xuedao—Isn't This My Patron?

Urged repeatedly by Magistrate Zhang, Fan Jin and his family finally moved into the three-courtyard, three-bay mansion on East Gate Street. Watching the servants bustling back and forth, both Fan’s mother and Hu Yingying were left wide-eyed and speechless. Even Fan Jin, who had mentally prepared himself, was stunned, marveling at the sheer extravagance of Magistrate Zhang’s gesture.

Outside, the courtyard was enclosed by plastered walls and draped with green willows. It featured a three-bay gatehouse with hanging flower pendants and covered walkways winding along all four sides. Inside, stone-paved paths connected the grounds, accented by ornate rockeries, lush flowerbeds, and exquisite, delicate details. The back courtyard was filled with trellises of climbing roses, treasure-like flora, and a serene pond.

"A residence as grand as this," Fan Jin remarked with a click of his tongue, "would likely cost over a thousand taels to buy."

Once settled into his new home, Fan Jin followed local customs, spending three days in a whirlwind of performances, banquets, and hosting guests, basking in the spotlight. On the fourth day, Fan Jin rose exceptionally early. In truth, burdened by heavy concerns, he had barely slept a wink the night before. He remembered that, according to the original story, this was the very day his mother passed away. Even though he had preemptively taken precautions, he could not be certain that the events of the original narrative wouldn't unfold, so he remained vigilant, terrified that even the slightest lapse could lead to disaster.

His mother, elderly and a light sleeper, was already up. When Fan Jin entered the main hall, maids and matrons were serving the old lady snacks while chatting idly. The old woman was dressed in fine silks and satins, adorned with precious hairpins and a thick gold collar, while a high-quality jade bracelet peeked from her sleeve—the very image of wealth and prosperity. She sipped some bird's nest soup and a bit of ginseng tea, then turned to her head maid and said, "You girls and daughters-in-law must be careful. These things all belong to others; don't break them."

The servants laughed, "Old Madam, how could they belong to others? They are all yours!"

The old lady smiled, shaking her head slightly. "How could my family possess such things?"

The maids replied in unison, "Why wouldn't you? Not only these things, but even we and this house belong to you, Old Madam! You are our heaven!"

Hearing this, the old lady looked over the fine porcelain bowls and silver-inlaid cups, lost in thought for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. "These are all mine!" With that laugh, she tipped backward, on the verge of falling.

The maids were caught off guard, their faces pale with panic. Fan Jin, quick-witted and agile, caught her with one hand while using the other to deliver a gentle, firm pat to her back!

*Plop!*

A glob of phlegm was suddenly expelled. Before long, the pale, grayish cast of the old lady's complexion began to fade, replaced by a healthy flush. Only then did the maids snap out of their daze, falling to their knees in a flurry of panicked apologies. Fan Jin, too weary to reprimand them, waved his hand impatiently. Seeing this, the servants felt as though they had been granted a reprieve and retreated.

"Mother, you truly frightened us!" Hu Yingying, wearing a sky-blue brocade outfit with her hair in a neat bun, said with a lingering look of terror, "If Brother Jin hadn't been here, what would your daughter-in-law have done?!"

Fan Jin breathed a sigh of relief and added, "Yingying is right. From now on, Mother, you must not let yourself get too excited."

His mother had toiled her whole life; it would be a profound tragedy if, having finally turned her fortune around, she were to pass away before enjoying more than a few days as the mother of a provincial graduate. Furthermore, if she were to pass, wouldn't Fan Jin be forced to observe three years of mourning? Time is money—three years would mean a fortune lost!

The old lady, also shaken, mumbled, "Can you blame me? Only a few days ago, we were living in a thatched hut, eating wild greens, and using chipped, broken bowls. I couldn't find a decent piece of clothing in the whole house. Now, I've moved into this nest of luxury, living a life like heaven, and have become a proper noble matriarch!"

Fan Jin spoke grandly, "Mother, just focus on your health. In time, your son will surely earn a noble title for you—that will be true splendor!"

The scare passed. After comforting his mother and giving his wife a few instructions, Fan Jin prepared a generous gift and set out with a light heart. This trip was, of course, to visit his greatest benefactor, Zhou Xuedao. Zhou Xuedao, whose given name was Jin, shared a background remarkably similar to Fan Jin’s. Zhou had also been quite old when he passed the prefectural examination, which was why he had taken such a special interest in Fan Jin during the civil service examinations. Even more astonishingly, after topping the list in the provincial examination, Zhou Jin’s career had taken flight, leading him to pass both the provincial and metropolitan examinations in quick succession. Since then, his career had been a smooth ascent.

If Fan Jin remembered correctly, in a few years, this same Zhou Xuedao would become the second-in-command of the Imperial Academy—the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. He was a pillar of the scholarly world, a true academic heavyweight with immense influence and prestige. Having already established a bond akin to student and teacher, how could Fan Jin, who aspired to make his mark in the officialdom, miss the opportunity to maintain this connection?

It was a natural network; as he stepped into the official world, he was destined to cross paths with him often. Upon arriving at Zhou Xuedao's residence by carriage and presenting his card, the gatekeeper threw open the central doors, smiling, "Provincial Graduate Fan, the Master has been expecting you for quite some time."

Fan Jin smiled and replied, "I am obliged!" With that, he followed the gatekeeper into the Zhou residence. Once inside the main hall, Fan Jin immediately addressed him as his mentor, bowing repeatedly and expressing his deepest gratitude for the favor he had been shown. If not for this man, Fan Jin might truly have wasted his entire life; this kindness was akin to a rebirth, beyond words.

Zhou Xuedao looked him up and down, nodded slightly, and raised him up with both hands, inviting him to sit. Stroking his graying beard, Zhou asked, "My worthy student, your success this time was due to the maturity of your writing; there is no need to thank me."

The term "worthy student" (xianqi) was a polite form of address from a teacher. Upon hearing it, Fan Jin knew the man had officially accepted him as his protégé. Fan Jin shook his head slightly, saying with emotion, "If not for you, Teacher, I cannot imagine how much longer I would have spent drifting in obscurity..."

Mentioning this, Zhou Xuedao felt a sense of empathy, given their similar life experiences, and he comforted Fan Jin for quite a while.

Zhou asked, "Do you intend to sit for the spring metropolitan examination next year?"

Fan Jin replied honestly, "I am racing against time."

Zhou Xuedao thought for a moment and said encouragingly, "That is fine. I am well aware of your foundation. Besides, a few days ago, I already reported your name to the high officials in power. You need only steady your heart, refine your understanding of the classics, and success will surely be yours."

Fan Jin was overjoyed. He stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said gratefully, "This student will remember your great kindness and nurturing for the rest of his life!"

Zhou Xuedao quickly helped him up and began to inquire about his situation, adding generously, "If you are at all short on funds, I have some savings here..." With that, he pulled a stack of banknotes from his long sleeve. Fan Jin declined repeatedly, but unable to withstand Zhou’s earnest insistence, he finally accepted the two thousand taels in banknotes. After more conversation and a meal, he took his leave.