Chapter 62: Ill Intentions

As Shen Shilang went downstairs for a meal, he overheard the scholars below discussing their studies near the staircase. All the tables were occupied, so he approached one with an empty seat and asked, “Is this seat taken?”

“No, no, please sit down,” one person at the table quickly replied.

“I see you’re also here for the imperial examination,” a young man in a blue cotton robe inquired.

“Yes,” Shen Shilang nodded.

“I’m Xu Liangchuan from Jinzhou,” the young man introduced himself with a bow.

“Xu Liangchuan?” someone nearby exclaimed in surprise, hurrying over. “Aren’t you the second-place finisher in the recent provincial exam?”

Xu Liangchuan stood up and replied humbly, “I am, though I’m ashamed to admit it.”

“Brother Xu, that’s truly impressive!” the others exclaimed in admiration.

“Yes, Brother Xu is one of the top contenders for the metropolitan exam.”

“I never expected to meet Brother Xu here by chance.”

Suddenly, Xu Liangchuan found himself surrounded by admirers, all eager to make his acquaintance. He basked in the spotlight.

After a while, Xu Liangchuan seemed to remember Shen Shilang and asked, “Pardon me, but I don’t believe I caught your name, sir…”

Shen Shilang had intended to maintain a low profile, preferring not to reveal his identity as the provincial exam’s top scorer, which tended to draw unwanted attention. He had hoped to slip by unnoticed when Xu Liangchuan seemed to have forgotten about him, but now it seemed he couldn’t avoid it.

Among these examinees, some were bound to pass the exam. Lying now could lead to awkward encounters in the imperial court later, so Shen Shilang had no choice but to bow and say, “Shen Shilang from Chong’an.”

As expected, this revelation drew the attention of everyone who had been surrounding Xu Liangchuan.

“So you’re Shen Shilang!”

“I never imagined meeting this year’s top provincial exam scorer here.”

The crowd that had been gathered around Xu Liangchuan now flocked to Shen Shilang, inadvertently pushing Scholar Xu to the back.

Shen Shilang reluctantly greeted each person, saying, “Please, don’t make such a fuss. Success in literary pursuits isn’t determined by a single exam. Just because I scored well this time doesn’t mean I’ll always be at the top. I might fall behind in the next one.”

“Brother Shen, you’re too modest. You’re sure to be among the top three in the metropolitan exam.”

“With your talent, Brother Shen, you could easily be the top scholar. And you’re so…” one person said bashfully, “so handsome. I wonder how the Emperor will choose between you and the third-place finisher.^[1]This comment refers to the top ranks in the imperial examination system of ancient China. The highest rank, Zhuangyuan (状元), was awarded to the top scorer. The third rank, Tanhua (探花) or … Continue reading”

Shen Shilang’s expression turned serious as he quickly responded, “Please don’t speak like that. It makes it sound as if I already have the top and third positions in my grasp. I wouldn’t dare be so presumptuous or arrogant. People might think I’m boasting if they heard such talk.”

“I misspoke. My apologies,” the person hurriedly said.

After finishing his meal, Shen Shilang quickly returned to his room.

Su Jinshi couldn’t help but comment, “I didn’t expect these scholars to be so smooth-talking! They all flock to the top student like moths to a flame.”

Shen Shilang, unfamiliar with the term “top student,” guessed its meaning and replied, “They’re confident in their own abilities and want to network with others they believe will also succeed, to form their own circles when they become officials.”

“Networking, huh,” Su Jinshi said. “Instead of focusing on their studies, they’re busy with this.”

Shen Shilang smiled, “Actually, maintaining some connections with them isn’t a bad idea.”

As night fell, silence enveloped the inn. Even travelers wouldn’t continue their journey at night.

In this silence, a sudden knock came at Shen Shilang’s door.

Xu Liangchuan’s voice came from outside, “Brother Shen, are you resting?”

With his candle still lit, Shen Shilang couldn’t find an excuse to turn him away. He opened the door to find Xu Liangchuan holding a tray with a jug of wine, two cups, and a plate of peanuts.

“Brother Xu, what’s this about?” Shen Shilang looked at the tray, then back at Xu Liangchuan.

“I never expected to meet you here, brother Shen,” Xu Liangchuan said with a smile. “If we both pass the exam and serve in the court together, it would be quite a fateful encounter. So, I thought, if you have no plans tonight, why not share a drink and enjoy some conversation?”

“To be honest, I’ve also been eager to witness your scholarly abilities firsthand,” Xu Liangchuan added.

Shen Shilang observed Xu Liangchuan, noting his slightly shifty gaze.

Lowering his eyes, Shen Shilang’s gaze fell on the wine jug. In his peripheral vision, he noticed Xu Liangchuan’s grip on the tray suddenly tighten.

The fingers holding the tray turned white from the pressure, and veins stood out on the back of his hand.

Why was he so nervous?

Shen Shilang calmly invited Xu Liangchuan in.

Xu Liangchuan sighed in relief and placed the tray on the table. “Please, have a seat, brother Shen.”

Shen Shilang sat down as Xu Liangchuan apologetically said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m rather short on funds and couldn’t afford any meat dishes.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Shen Shilang replied. “It’s just that I’m not in the habit of eating or drinking so late. If you want to discuss academics, there’s no need for such formalities.”

Xu Liangchuan poured wine into the cups and placed one in front of Shen Shilang without hesitation.

“Brother Shen, I’ve always admired the carefree spirit of the ancients who composed poetry while drinking,” Xu Liangchuan said with a smile. “Even with the metropolitan exam approaching, it’s important to relax at times like these. Why not take this opportunity to unwind?”

Xu Liangchuan poured himself a cup as well, then fixed his gaze on Shen Shilang, determined to see him drink.

Shen Shilang raised the cup to his lips and took a sniff, his lowered eyelashes hiding the mocking gleam in his eyes.

Suddenly, his hand hidden under the table flicked, sending a copper coin from his sleeve flying. It hit the window, puncturing the paper and flying outside.

“What was that sound?” Shen Shilang put down his cup and looked towards the window.

Just as he was about to drink, the unexpected noise had made him stop.

Xu Liangchuan also looked over, hearing Shen Shilang’s surprised voice, “How did the window get a hole?”

As he spoke, Shen Shilang swapped their cups, then stood up and walked to the window.

Xu Liangchuan followed, equally surprised. “Yes, what could have flown through just now?”

“I don’t know,” Shen Shilang looked around but found nothing. Shaking his head, he said, “I can’t see anything unusual in the room. How strange.”

“Forget about that. Brother Xu, let’s drink,” Shen Shilang said, raising his cup.

Xu Liangchuan hesitated, “But the hole in the window…”

“I’ll go downstairs later and ask the innkeeper for some paste to fix it. Let’s drink first,” Shen Shilang insisted.

Relieved, Xu Liangchuan picked up his own cup. Though there had been a small interruption, things were still going smoothly.

After a few drinks, Xu Liangchuan happily returned to his own room.

Shen Shilang then asked the innkeeper for

some paste and repaired the window.

Only then did Su Jinshi ask, “What was wrong with Xu Liangchuan’s cup earlier?”

…