TTLJDFL Chapter 24

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From their exchange, Li Jin gathered that this young master, Chen Xiran, was the only son of the newly arrived Chen family.

Moreover, from the expectations Master Song placed on him, it seemed that he was being groomed to pass the Xiucai exam next February.

Initially, Li Jin had regarded him as a fleeting acquaintance, neither underestimating nor overestimating him.

But now, hearing Master Song’s words, he was genuinely surprised.

This Chen young master appeared to be about the same age as him and clearly disliked studying…

How exactly did he plan to pass the Xiucai exam?

But since Mr. Song had said so, this person must have some extraordinary qualities.

After reprimanding Chen Xiran, Mr. Song turned to Li Jin.

He introduced the two of them: "You will both be taking the child student exam next February. You might as well get to know each other now and consider yourselves classmates."

Mr. Song introduced Li Jin first: "This is Li Jin, diligent and hardworking, with extensive knowledge and an excellent memory."

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "And this is Chen Xiran. This kid has an exceptional memory and is a good candidate for scholarly pursuits, but unfortunately, he has a tendency to be lazy."

Li Jin's clear gaze landed on Chen Xiran as he said, "Brother Chen, a pleasure to meet you."

Chen Xiran replied, "Let's not be so formal—we already met this morning. My name is Chen Xiran. After class, let me take you to Baishi Restaurant for some good food."

Li Jin: "…"

Mr. Song looked at him with an expression of exasperation. "His father served in the military, so he's been influenced and has a rather rough demeanor. Despite studying for years, he still has no idea what ‘cultivating a refined scholarly demeanor’ means. And yet, he insists on taking the imperial examination."

Li Jin smiled and said, "Brother Chen has a straightforward personality, which I admire."

Mr. Song then tested Li Jin on what he had studied that morning, carefully explaining everything he did not understand.

Chen Xiran listened as well, and it seemed that as long as he did not have to write, he was fully engaged.

Finally, Mr. Song had both of them repeat what he had just taught.

Since Li Jin had already copied the notes earlier and Mr. Song’s explanation was thorough, he recited fluently without any stumbles.

Chen Xiran looked at Li Jin in surprise, but before he could say anything, Mr. Song turned his gaze toward him.

Chen Xiran straightened his back and also repeated what Mr. Song had just explained. Though he paused occasionally, it was still quite impressive. After all, unlike Li Jin, he had not copied the entire Sacred Edict and Amplification multiple times, nor had he memorized it in full.

Mr. Song was very satisfied with both of them. He handed a book of classical commentary to Li Jin, saying, "Take this home and copy it. Tomorrow, I will explain it to you."

As for why all the books had to be copied by Li Jin first—it was because Mr. Song knew that Li Jin likely did not have the money to buy books.

Copying the texts also allowed him to take notes and review them before the exam.

Back when Mr. Song was struggling financially, he had endured in the same way.

Understanding Li Jin’s situation well, he had initially asked him to copy books as a test of his character.

Now that he knew Li Jin better, he simply lent him books to copy.

After dismissing the two, Chen Xiran noticed that the blank pages in Li Jin’s basket from the morning were now completely filled.

Feeling admiration, he insisted on taking Li Jin to Baishi Restaurant for a meal.

"I'm treating, Brother Li. No need to be polite."

Li Jin said, "To be honest, my husband just gave birth. At home, it's just him and the child—I truly cannot feel at ease leaving them alone."

Chen Xiran was even more shocked. "Not only do you have a husband, but you also already have a child?"

Li Jin did not intend to hide it and answered naturally, "Yes."

Chen Xiran then compared their ages.

Li Jin thought to himself, Fortunately, I saw the original owner’s apprenticeship nameplate at home, which recorded his birth year, family members, and address.

When Chen Xiran heard his age, he covered his face. "Brother Li, I’m a year older than you…"

Li Jin’s current body was eighteen, while Chen Xiran was nineteen.

Li Jin thought to himself, In reality, I’m ten years older than you.

But of course, he could not say that out loud.

Chen Xiran sighed, "My father said that if I don't pass the child student exam, I won’t be allowed to marry. I really envy you, Brother Li."

Li Jin said, "Then I wish you success in the exam and a spot on the honor roll."

Chen Xiran felt uncertain.

Previously, he had thought that with his intelligence, passing the child student exam would be easy.

But after meeting Li Jin today, he realized that this man was not inferior to him at all—and in fact, he was much more hardworking.

When someone more talented than you also works harder than you, how is one supposed to survive?

Chen Xiran thought for a moment and admitted, "To be honest, I had already studied Sacred Edict and Amplification under a scholar before moving here, so that’s why I was able to answer today’s questions so smoothly.

"But Brother Li’s responses today were flawless—I truly admire you."

The two chatted for a while longer and agreed to have a meal together on their next day off before parting ways.

—

As Li Jin walked home, he nibbled on a potato and thought, Having a study partner is actually quite nice.

Chen Xiran had good natural talent and had also studied under other scholars before. Having him around provided a useful point of reference.

Competing with each other would help both of them improve.

When Li Jin arrived home, he handed the twenty-four pennies to the young man.

The young man's eyebrows lifted as he smiled happily. He placed the money into a small hole in the bed, then spread the mattress back over it to hide it completely.

After storing the money, Qin Muwen said to Li Jin, "Ah Jin, can you buy some fabric tomorrow? I want to make you some new clothes."

They now had over a hundred pennies in savings. While they could not afford to buy an entire bolt of fabric, purchasing enough for a set of clothes was manageable.

Only wealthy households bought fabric by the bolt.

Li Jin almost forgot about needing new clothes.

Right now, he only had two long robes for studying, which he alternated between washing and wearing.

He had plenty of rough cloth outfits, but those were made of coarse hemp that chafed his arms and shoulders when he worked.

Thinking about it, Li Jin realized that his shoulders had not yet healed from the chafing caused by pulling the cart before.

But then again, he was used to carrying a heavy basket for more than an hour at a time, so by the time he reached his destination, he could barely feel the pain in his shoulders anymore.

It was only when he stopped doing farm work and took a break that he felt the throbbing pain in his shoulders.

Li Jin also knew that this body was too delicate, and if he wanted to transform from a young master who had never done farm work into a man who could take on the responsibility of supporting his family, he had to go through this process.

After all, he was never one to be squeamish.

The sun outside was still high, but it was no longer as scorching as it was at noon.

Li Jin sat at his desk copying the scriptures, while the young man went to the kitchen to cook some mung bean porridge to cool in the well.

The young man’s body hadn’t fully recovered yet, so he couldn’t eat cold food. The chilled porridge was prepared for Li Jin.

Before long, someone knocked on Li Jin’s door—it was Li Dahe’s two sons, carrying a newly made wooden table.

Li Jin quickly opened the door wider so they could bring the table inside.

Li Dahe’s eldest son, who was twenty-five years old and had three children, grinned at Li Jin as he said, “My youngest kid had some of your braised pork yesterday. When my father heard about it, he hurried to finish making this table for you. He also told me to tell you that times are tough for everyone, so don’t mind the kids running around like little rascals.”

Li Jin smiled. “Each child only took a small piece. There was still plenty left for my family.”

The man continued, “Li Daniu used to boast that scholars had an easy way to make money, but from what I see, while they don’t have to do heavy labor like us farmers, their work is no easier.

Every trade has its hardships, so we shouldn’t take advantage of you.”

The people in the village were too sincere—Li Jin didn’t know how to respond.

The brothers helped move the table into the inner room, where it fit perfectly against the other side of the bed, near the window.

The young man brought out bowls of mung bean soup and quickly prepared a simple dish of wild vegetables for them.

Meanwhile, Li Jin fetched the remaining forty wen as payment and strung the coins together before handing them over.

According to village customs, when someone made new furniture for a household, the host would serve a bowl of soup as a token of appreciation.

Since villagers charged much lower prices than craftsmen in town—often only a small labor fee—this gesture was considered a show of goodwill.

After finishing their food and taking the money, the two brothers left.

Li Jin took care of the dishes himself and had the young man sit down on the bed. “You just gave birth—you shouldn’t overwork yourself. Otherwise, how will you have the strength for a second child in the future?”

Hearing this, the young man, who had been about to continue working, immediately stopped moving.

He still wanted to have another child, so he dared not push himself too hard.

Li Jin cleaned up the kitchen, swept away the dust from moving the table inside, and then placed his books and writing materials on the new table.

Standing by the window, he looked at the sunlight filtering through the oiled paper, illuminating the desk in a bright glow.

Moved by the sight, a few lines of poetry came to his mind—

"Burning the midnight oil, rising at dawn,

This is the time for a man to study on.

Too late, when white hair spreads afar,

To regret not reading books from young."

Only then did Li Jin realize that he had misplaced his priorities when it came to studying.

The ultimate goal of reading should be to enrich himself.

Examinations and scholarly titles were merely proof of his learning progress.

However, he thought again—he was, after all, a practical person.

The reason he pursued the scholar’s path was that passing the imperial exams would bring honor, protect his family, and provide a better life. Taking this as his goal wasn’t necessarily wrong.

That evening, after copying half the book, he drank a bowl of mung bean porridge and went to the kitchen to cook a bowl of noodles for the young man, topping it with a poached egg.

He said, “I’m going to continue planting vegetables. After you finish eating, if you feel tired, just go to sleep. Leave the bowl here—I’ll clean it up when I get back, alright?”

The young man nodded obediently. In the past, when he was in the prime minister’s residence, he had heard that concubines needed rest after childbirth, but he had foolishly thought that was just a sign of pampering. Afraid of being disliked, he had never dared to slack off.

But now… he realized that postnatal rest was truly necessary.

The young man nodded again. If he wasn’t too sleepy later, he thought he might just wash his own bowl—just one wouldn’t be too tiring.

That day, Li Jin not only had to sow new vegetable seeds but also water the ones he had planted the day before. By the time night fell, he had only managed to plant half of what he had planned.

He thought to himself that he would have to fetch more buckets of water tomorrow—otherwise, it would take him days to finish planting the entire plot.

Tl Notes:

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