The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 115: Buying a Residence

Chapter 115: Buying a Residence

Qiu Huanian gently remarked, “The mansions in this district are far too high in status for us to inhabit.”

The ceremonial laws of the Yu dynasty meticulously dictated which rank of official or titled noble could occupy residences of what scale. At a glance, Qiu Huanian immediately understood it was impossible; even if the owners truly moved out, they themselves could not lawfully reside here at present.

Shiliu, however, said, “It matters not. Du Yunse will inevitably ascend to high office in the future. A residence is a foundation meant to last a hundred years—better to plan ahead now and acquire it slowly in due time.”

The implication was simple: it did not matter if they could not yet live there. They should first select a house they desired and, little by little, find a way to secure it.

Qiu Huanian thought, The current owners of these mansions are unlikely to appreciate being ‘slowly acquired’ by us.

Shiliu’s way of thinking was, indeed, unlike that of ordinary folk.

Qiu Huanian gave a light cough. “Let us speak of this later. In barely more than a month will be the palace examination; I would prefer to find a house we can move into as soon as possible. Does Shiliu have any recommendations?”

The hui shi (metropolitan examination) was held at the Gongyuan in the eastern city. A month after it concluded, the dian shi (palace examination) would be presided over personally by the emperor, conducted within the imperial city.

Exiting through the imperial city’s main southern gate, Chengtian Gate, one would cross a street to reach the central ministries. Turning eastward again led to Nanxun Ward.

Qiu Huanian thought in practical terms: living here would place them close to the palace examination grounds; the sooner they bought the property and moved in, the better. When other candidates residing farther away had to leave before dawn to queue, Du Yunse could still steal an extra hour or two of rest at home before departing.

Though Du Yunse was highly adaptable, success or failure might hinge upon such minute details.

The chance to compete for zhuangyuan (first place in the palace exam) comes but once in a lifetime!

Shiliu regretfully inclined his head, handed the reins to Xingmi, and motioned for Qiu Huanian to walk alongside him down the street.

They were currently on East Chang’an Avenue, just beyond Chengtian Gate. The soaring walls of the imperial city and the encircling river were clearly visible from here. Only those of at least third-rank officialdom or titled nobles of county-king or earl status were qualified to build residences in this district.

Heading southward into the ward for a few hundred paces, the construction scale of the residences grew less lofty, and Qiu Huanian finally found them within the realm of consideration.

Shiliu’s attire was plain. Though he served as the crown prince’s shadow guard, few had ever seen his face. Walking with Qiu Huanian along the bustling streets, followed at a discreet distance by Xingmi and Baiquan, they drew no attention.

Before turning into a side alley, Shiliu pointed with lingering interest at a residence across the street.

“That mansion spans fifteen mu. Built less than ten years ago, its blueprints were drawn by the foremost architect of Jiangnan. The pavilions and towers within are exquisitely crafted, with multiple courtyards of distinct scenery and even a grand internal garden with winding streams and hollows. You would surely like it.”

Qiu Huanian glanced at the crest engraved above the gate.

Oh dear—it was a residence of second rank proper.

“And the owner of that mansion?”

“Bi Yongshi, Minister of Personnel and concurrently Grand Academician of the Jingshen Hall. But he does not live there now; the usual resident is his eldest son, Bi Zhen.”

“Bi Yongshi…” Qiu Huanian recalled cramming this name in his studies.

“Maternal grandfather of the Second Prince, and father of Consort Wen in the palace,” Shiliu added blandly.

“…”

No wonder Shiliu harbored thoughts of this mansion—it belonged to a faction utterly irreconcilable with theirs.

Bi Yongshi was one of the staunchest supporters of the Second Prince. The Second Prince was famed for martial prowess, while Bi Yongshi’s rank had already reached the summit of the civil bureaucracy: a Grand Councillor. One step further, and he would be Chief Grand Secretary—the pinnacle of civil officialdom. Together, the pair were virtually wen wu shuang quan—complete in both civil and military excellence.

By contrast, the crown prince presently appeared somewhat lacking in backing.

Though the late empress remained a posthumous taboo none dared affront, the dead could no longer shield their child in every matter.

Qiu Huanian pretended not to hear Shiliu’s recommendation. Even if the crown prince ultimately toppled Bi Yongshi, such an outcome would not happen overnight—it lay far beyond his present reach.

As for why Shiliu knew the interior layout of Bi Yongshi’s residence so well, Qiu Huanian wisely refrained from asking.

The two walked south for about a quarter-hour, weaving through alleys large and small. Shiliu was intimately familiar with the area.

Qiu Huanian soon spotted an unusual building up ahead, more akin to a government office than a private residence.

“What is this place?”

“The Imperial Chancellery—headquarters of the Crown Prince.”

Qiu Huanian nodded in understanding.

Other princes seeking to form connections with officials and cultivate personal power must do so in secret, lest they be accused of factionalism or treason.

But the crown prince was different. Within the Yu dynasty’s administrative structure existed a dedicated institution for him—the Imperial Chancellery (Zhanshifu).

The Chancellery answered directly to the crown prince; its head, the Chancery Chief, held third rank, often concurrently serving as a vice minister or minister of one of the Six Ministries. Beneath him were deputy chancellors, assistant chancellors, and clerks who both instructed the crown prince and obeyed his orders.

Although the Chancellery was not located directly outside Chengtian Gate, it lay just across a river from the Six Ministries, connected by a bridge—an exceedingly convenient position.

In the winter of Yuanhua Year 20, when the Jiangnan factional-corruption case erupted, the emperor, in a fury, confined the crown prince and dissolved the Chancellery. Even though the crown prince’s house arrest had been lifted for over half a year, Emperor Yuanhua showed no intention of restoring the institution.

Without the Chancellery’s support, the crown prince’s position as heir apparent lacked rightful formality—a fact heartening to the supporters of other princes.

Shiliu had no intention of bringing Qiu Huanian merely to see the shuttered Chancellery, weeds sprouting along its walls. After answering his question, he continued onward.

They wove through side lanes, turned a few corners, and arrived at the rear wall of a large residence.

“This property,” Shiliu introduced, “covers five mu. Its main courtyard is threefold, with a principal hall five bays wide. It includes a library tower, a three-room subsidiary courtyard, and a modest side garden—adequate for temporary residence.”

Qiu Huanian, cautious as ever, asked first, “And the owner of this residence?”

Without seeing the main gate, it was hard to gauge the occupant’s rank.

“A Section Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel. Formerly an assistant in the Chancellery. During the Jiangnan affair of Yuanhua Year 20, he slandered the crown prince, afterward rising to the Ministry of Personnel and expending vast sums to purchase and renovate this estate.” Shiliu recited the details as if enumerating household items.

Ah—so this was one of the crown prince’s traitors.

The Section Clerk was of fifth rank; the Chancellery assistant of sixth rank. By betraying the crown prince, he had gained only a half-step promotion.

But the Ministry of Personnel was first among the Six Ministries; its prospects far outshone those of the Chancellery. Without powerful backing, he could never have purchased such a mansion in the coveted southwest of Nanxun Ward.

From Shiliu’s cold expression, Qiu Huanian could read clearly: The weather’s turned cold—the traitor’s house is ripe for confiscation.

Indeed, with the crown prince’s shrewdness, the man’s evidence of betrayal must have long been secured.

It had simply been set aside as trivial until now. But since Du Yunse and Qiu Huanian required a residence in Nanxun Ward, it was time to make the man disgorge all he had gained by treachery.

Recalling the crown prince’s words at the imperial farm—“I shall have someone vacate a house for you”—Qiu Huanian was certain this was the property meant to be “vacated.”

Then why had Shiliu, moments earlier, asked which mansion he liked best, even “recommending” Bi Yongshi’s?

…Best to regard it as Shiliu’s hobby—pre-emptively scouting prime real estate for “confiscation and redistribution.”

Turning his attention back to the residence before him: for Qiu Huanian’s current circumstances, a fifth-rank official’s mansion was perfectly suitable. To move in, one need only slightly alter the gate and eaves to meet regulations—not nearly so troublesome as those of first- or second-rank dignitaries.

…Wait—why was he now thinking about the mansions of first- and second-rank grandees?

Qiu Huanian shook his head. It was all Shiliu’s “confiscation real-estate” mentality rubbing off on him.

The present question was: when and for how much could they acquire the property?

Shiliu, perceptive as ever, asked, “When do you wish to purchase the residence?”

“The sooner the better.”

They would still need time to tidy it up before moving in.

“Then let us confiscate it tomorrow.”

“…”

Qiu Huanian was speechless, throat tight with unshed laughter; he raised a thumb in silent admiration—Shiliu was utterly dashing.

Ahem.

“Prepare fifteen hundred taels of silver. The day after tomorrow, officials will come to have you sign the deed.”

“So cheap?”

The property covered considerable ground, stood in a prime location, and had recently undergone costly renovations. Qiu Huanian had assumed it would fetch at least twenty-five hundred taels.

“The man acquired it through favors from his backers, paying only fifteen hundred. The later renovations were too muddled to itemize. Upon confiscation, the sale naturally reverts to the original price of fifteen hundred.”

An argument both shameless and impeccable—and Qiu Huanian found it delightful.

Who would not be pleased to save money? After all, he had earned it properly through tutoring the crown prince—entirely guilt-free.

Shiliu still needed to return to the imperial farm to attend the crown prince and could not linger long. After confirming the residence, he prepared to depart.

At parting, he added, “Besides Bi Yongshi’s mansion, the nearby residences of the Vice Minister of War, the Left Censor-in-Chief, and the Director of the Office of Transmission are also fine. You may compare and see which pleases you more.”

“…”

Was this the crown prince’s kill list?

Qiu Huanian’s lips twitched. He vowed to choose carefully—and to prod Du Yunse to rise in rank swiftly enough to be eligible for such estates.

Shiliu was satisfied by the resolve to spur Du Yunse’s advancement.

“Your health is poor. Do not overtax yourself. His Highness commands the finest physicians and medicines in the realm—when possible, have him summon the imperial doctors to examine you.”

“That request you must raise yourself; I cannot.”

Qiu Huanian wanted to ask why Shiliu deliberately kept his distance, but the man was already striding toward Xingmi, vaulting smoothly onto his horse, and riding away.

…

Returning to the small temporary courtyard in the eastern city, Qiu Huanian found Deng Die out, Wang Yinzhi reading in the side chamber. Entering the main room and shutting the door, he recounted the day’s events to Du Yunse.

Hearing that Qiu Huanian had met the crown prince at the imperial farm, Du Yunse was somewhat surprised but not astonished.

“Who would have thought—those thirty mu of land were excavated from the imperial farm… Still, that is good. At least we need not worry about safety. And we can share in whatever treasures the farm holds.”

“Though we will surely be ‘consulted’ often from now on.”

Qiu Huanian paused, then said, “Does this mean the two of us have both been roped into working for the crown prince?”

Du Yunse smiled faintly. “Huanian possesses the talents of Zhou Gong and Guan Zhong; the capable must shoulder more.”

“…You mock me with your analogies now?” Qiu Huanian ground his teeth.

Unable to restrain himself any longer, Du Yunse rose, gathered Qiu Huanian into his arms, and carried him straight to the bed.

“Mm—!”

Qiu Huanian patted Du Yunse’s firm shoulders twice to no avail, finally surrendering.

Their lips and tongues mingled, the faintly wet sounds of intimacy reverberating through the sealed room. Amidst the rising tempo of heartbeats, their rhythms slowly merged.

Only when dizziness set in, tongue root aching and numb, did Qiu Huanian finally draw breath, while Du Yunse buried his face in his chest, arms still locked tight about his waist.

“…”

With the exams looming, the two had refrained from deeper intimacy these past days. Yet each time they rested, Du Yunse insisted on holding Qiu Huanian and kissing him for a while—then lingering in the embrace for much longer.

Gradually, Qiu Huanian realized: Du Yunse’s behavior was identical to him “snuggling a cat.” This was his unique way of easing pre-exam stress.

…So be it. Let him snuggle. The examinee’s needs come first—and Qiu Huanian hardly lost out.

Resting his chin atop Du Yunse’s head, he nuzzled back and forth.

…

The Ministry of Personnel abruptly dismissed a Section Clerk, charging him with condoning his family’s encroachment on common lands, extorting money, and abducting commoner children as slaves. The evidence was irrefutable; he was imprisoned and his property confiscated that very day.

The case stirred no small uproar in the capital, for this same clerk had once served in the Chancellery. Three years ago, he had abruptly accused the crown prince of ordering his faction to embezzle funds and train private soldiers in Jiangnan, leading to the prince’s house arrest and the stripping of his allies.

With the metropolitan examination imminent, the crown prince’s sudden strike suggested he no longer “devoted himself to agriculture,” but intended to rise anew.

The capital’s factions reacted variously to this fresh display of claws; beneath the city’s splendor, undercurrents surged.

Yet such currents scarcely touched Qiu Huanian. He cheerfully signed the deed with the officials who came calling, acquiring a prime residence in the heart of the capital for fifteen hundred taels in cash.

Shiliu even sent word: the previous owner’s family had only just been “relocated,” and there might be unsavory remnants within. Best to wait a few days before entering.

Mindful of hidden weapons, secret poisons, or sorceries of old, Qiu Huanian obediently resolved to wait until Shiliu’s men had scoured the place before moving in.

With the metropolitan examination looming, his thoughts were wholly consumed by that decisive trial, leaving him little mood to inspect the new mansion alone.

Far better to wait until Du Yunse’s exam was finished and view their future home together.

Time passed swiftly. Before they knew it, it was the ninth day of the second month.

The first session of the metropolitan examination began today.

Before dawn, Qiu Huanian awoke. A dim oil lamp glowed in the room; Du Yunse, already washed and dressed, was checking over the items permitted into the examination hall.

Seeing Qiu Huanian stir, Du Yunse asked, “Did I wake you, Hua-ge’er?”

Qiu Huanian shook his head. “I couldn’t sleep anyway… Light all the lamps.”

Du Yunse lit two more, filling the room with brightness while darkness still blanketed the world outside.

Qiu Huanian sat up, quietly watching Du Yunse inventory his supplies—identity token, brush, ink, paper, inkstone; blanket without hidden compartments; comfortable cotton slippers; soft knitted gloves and wrist guards…

Hugging his knees, Qiu Huanian murmured in wonder, “It feels like only yesterday you were still a mere tongsheng (beginner scholar), and now you’re taking the metropolitan exam.”

The palace examination that followed would not eliminate candidates, only rank them into first, second, or third tiers. In other words, passing the metropolitan exam guaranteed one’s name among the jinshi (presented scholars).

This arduous path of the imperial examinations—they had come to its final gate.

Once passed, it would be “Spring wind proud upon the horse’s hooves—one day beholding all the flowers of Chang’an.”

Footnotes:

• • Hui shi (會試): The metropolitan examination, second stage of the imperial examination system, held in the capital after the provincial exams.

• • Dian shi (殿試): The palace examination, final stage, presided over by the emperor himself; rankings were determined here.

• • Mu: A traditional Chinese unit of land area (1 mu ≈ 0.16 acres or 666.7 m²).

• • Zhanshifu (詹事府): The Imperial Chancellery, an institution unique to the crown prince for education and administration.

• • Zhuangyuan (狀元): The highest scorer in the palace examination; considered the greatest academic honor.

• • Tongsheng (童生): Lowest-level exam candidate, having not yet passed the county-level exam; literally “child student.”

• • The idiom “Spring wind proud upon the horse’s hooves—one day beholding all the flowers of Chang’an” (春風得意馬蹄疾，一日看

盡長安花) is a famous line by poet Meng Jiao, depicting the exhilaration of success in the imperial examinations.