The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 98: The Clan School

Chapter 98: The Clan School

Hu Qiuyan snapped, “Is that friendship with Hua Ge’er yours or mine?”

Baoshan’s expression tightened. “What difference does it make? Aren’t we family?”

“When Yunse hadn’t yet returned, Hua Ge’er went out daily to sell sweets, and you looked after Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng. Later, when they went to the prefectural city for their examinations, those two lived with us for quite some time. Now that they’ve achieved success, you’re pretending those ties never existed?”

Hu Qiuyan spat. “Why not speak of the benefits our family received? Yun Kang studied with Yunse for years, and we never paid a single coin in tuition. The town’s Scholar Sun always praised his intelligence—all thanks to the solid foundation laid by Yunse.”

Seeing Baoshan still brooding, Hu Qiuyan grew furious.

“If it were our own shop, I’d swallow my pride and ask for help. But when it comes to taking money to act on behalf of others—absolutely not. Even if you go to Yunse or Hua Ge’er, they won’t permit it.”

Realizing she was genuinely angry, Baoshan softened his tone. “If I go myself, of course they’ll refuse. But our family’s reputation rests with you. My good wife, if you ask, Hua Ge’er will certainly agree.”

Hu Qiuyan remained unmoved. “Why should I ask? They worked hard to pass the imperial exams and earn their status. Should we now exploit their influence for profit? You’re the elder—act like one.”

“What’s your friend’s name? Return everything, immediately!”

Baoshan stiffened his neck. “I’ve already spent a lot. I can’t return it!”

“You—” Hu Qiuyan, unwilling to argue further, turned and stormed off.

…

When Hu Qiuyan came calling, Qiu Huanian had just finished reviewing a stack of fresh invitations.

Word of their return had spread throughout Zhang County and nearby regions. Gentry and respectable families sent letters of congratulation and invitations to feasts.

For county families, the attendance of a Township Lord at a banquet was a source of immense prestige.

With the ancestral rites still being prepared and not wishing to exhaust himself, Qiu Huanian declined all invitations with courtesy, instead sending gifts in return.

According to local custom, birthdays were met with longevity peaches and noodles; weddings were honored with dates, longans, red paper wrappings, two bolts of cloth, two pairs of embroidered satin shoes, and Qiu’s Six Staples cooling oil.

Recipients were thrilled. The gifts were secondary—being able to display a Township Lord’s present at one’s event was an honor in itself.

Upon Hu Qiuyan’s arrival, Qiu Huanian smiled and asked Old Lady Jin to serve tea.

“Auntie, are you here to see Yun Kang? He and Chun Sheng went to play in the back hills. They won’t return for at least an hour or two.”

“I know,” Hu Qiuyan replied. “Those two have always been close. Just yesterday Yun Kang was saying how much Chun Sheng has improved in his studies.”

Qiu Huanian beamed at the compliment. “Yun Kang is doing quite well himself. Yunse tested him recently and said he hadn’t fallen behind during the past six months. He has a gift for learning.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qiu Huanian remembered something.

“By the way, Auntie, I have a small favor to ask.”

“Hua Ge’er, speak freely.”

“That distant relative of yours who digs ginseng in the northern mountains—could you ask if he has any high-quality wild ginseng?”

Last year, unable to afford an entire root, Qiu Huanian had bought ginseng seeds through her introduction to improve his health—and they’d been remarkably effective. Now that funds were no longer a concern, he wanted to buy the real thing.

In this world, the medicinal efficacy of ginseng was profound. Qiu Huanian had experienced it personally. Wealthy families often kept ginseng for emergencies.

After Du Yunse passed the Jieyuan examination, Old Physician Gu had presented him with several treasured emergency prescriptions, many of which required ginseng.

Thinking ahead, Qiu Huanian wanted to be prepared.

“I’ll send word to him when I return,” said Hu Qiuyan.

“As long as the quality is excellent, price is no issue,” Qiu Huanian added.

They chatted for over half an hour. When all the small talk was exhausted, Hu Qiuyan finally broached the true reason for her visit.

“Hua Ge’er, I have something to say, but please don’t be angry.”

A glint of comprehension flickered in Qiu Huanian’s eyes.

“Auntie, please speak plainly.”

She explained how Baoshan had accepted money from a vague acquaintance, promising to get Du Yunse to write a plaque on their behalf.

“Hua Ge’er, I know Baoshan was wrong. I won’t ask you to help. If he comes to you, don’t give him face—let him suffer a little. He needs to learn a lesson.”

Qiu Huanian nodded. “It’s not that we’re unwilling to help, but this simply can’t be done.”

“Today it’s a plaque. Tomorrow, there may be false accusations, coercive land grabs, or even abuse—all under Yunse’s name. One day, it will bring disaster.”

“Many high officials have been brought down by clans abusing their names to bully merchants and rural folk. In the end, censors impeached them.”

“When that happens, not only will they lose their positions, but their entire clan could face exile or conscription.”

Hu Qiuyan turned pale.

She’d only thought it inappropriate to accept money for favors. She hadn’t imagined the deeper ramifications.

“What should we do? I can’t talk sense into Baoshan. And others in the clan have similar thoughts.”

“Yunse has already considered this,” Qiu Huanian reassured her. “We’ll address it during the ancestral rites tomorrow.”

Hu Qiuyan felt slightly relieved.

As she prepared to leave, she hesitated. “Hua Ge’er, most villagers are good-hearted, but some are blinded by profit and status. Even when you’re doing the right thing, people will grumble and gossip…”

After a long sigh, she added, “It just feels so unfair to you. Being in your position can’t be easy.”

Qiu Huanian smiled. “What in life comes without difficulty? We’re prepared.”

…

At dawn the next day, the Du clan gathered for the ancestral ceremony. According to Yu Dynasty law, newly appointed scholars returning for ancestral rites could offer oxen, and the local officials would hold a secondary ceremony on the emperor’s behalf.

In an era where scholars were exalted above all other professions, their privileges were embedded in every custom, inspiring others to pursue academic distinction.

Du Yunse rose early. After washing and donning his freshly pressed scholar’s robe, he went to rouse Qiu Huanian.

When Qiu Huanian opened his eyes, he saw Yunse standing before him—tall, poised, his jade-like face radiant in the morning light. The bird patch on his robe seemed ready to take flight.

Propping up his chin, Qiu Huanian yawned. “So handsome.”

Yunse paused for a moment.

“Hua Ge’er, time to get up. I’ll have Old Lady Jin help you dress.”

Today, Qiu Huanian would wear the full ceremonial regalia of a Township Lord—so elaborate it required assistance.

With Old Lady Jin’s help, he wrestled his still-drowsy limbs into the many layers of brocade. Once the tortoiseshell and pearl headpiece was secured, he felt both constrained and regal.

He rose to his feet, the palace-woven silver-red silk catching the morning light. Auspicious clouds and cranes embroidered on the robes danced with his every step.

Old Lady Jin, seeing him thus adorned for the first time, held her breath. Finally, she smiled. “Only a Township Lord could wear such garments.”

Her former masters had been wealthy, yet no wealth could purchase the right to wear such ceremonial robes without a title.

“Following you, my lord, I—a mere servant—have truly seen the world.”

Qiu Huanian chuckled. “This is rarely worn—maybe once a year. And frankly, it’s terribly uncomfortable.”

But for ancestral rites, discomfort was irrelevant. The occasion called for formality and display.

As he changed, he hastily nibbled on pastries, then headed out.

The three sacrificial animals—a pig, a sheep, and an ox—had already been acquired. By now, the villagers had slaughtered them in the rear courtyard.

Pigs and sheep were common, but oxen were strictly controlled. As a newly honored scholar, Du Yunse’s privilege allowed the offering of one, purchased from a designated institution.

The pig had cost four taels of silver, the wether five, and the old ox a hefty fifteen.

Their heads, bound in red cloth, were laid on ornate plates atop the ancestral altar, accompanied by four fruits and five grains. As it was autumn, the offerings were plentiful.

The ancestral hall’s great doors stood open, candlelight flickering. Du Yunse stood before the altar, reciting the ritual text with a voice both clear and resolute, reverberating through heaven and earth.

Under many watchful eyes, he first honored the Du ancestors, then bowed to the spirits of his parents. Qiu Huanian, Jiu Jiu, and Chun Sheng followed with their own solemn rites.

Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng were formally entered into the clan registry as Du Quehan and Du Yunsheng. Witnessing their names etched into the record, they stood solemn and transformed, their youth replaced by gravitas.

Once the rites concluded, the clan leader stepped forward.

“This generation of the Du clan has produced a prodigy in Yunse—a great blessing. As long as he flourishes, the entire clan shall prosper.”

“But where there is fortune, misfortune may follow. To protect the clan from internal strife, Yunse and I have decided to institute formal clan rules. In the presence of our ancestors, we establish these today.”

“A state cannot function without law; a clan cannot endure without rules.”

“These laws will clarify what is allowed and what is forbidden. Henceforth, any who violate them—no matter their rank—will be punished accordingly.”

The idea of clan rules had already been floated days prior. Most villagers welcomed it, seeing it as essential to long-term stability.

The clan leader’s eldest son, Bao Ren, stepped forward and read the new rules aloud.

The reaction was mixed.

Much of it merely codified longstanding traditions. But some regulations stood out—for instance:

“Clan members are strictly forbidden from accepting bribes or leveraging official connections for private gain. Violators shall have all illicit profits seized and be expelled from the clan, never to return.”

Many in the crowd knew of Baoshan’s recent dealings.

Ever since news spread of Du Yunse’s academic success, people had flocked to Du Village bearing gifts and requests. Baoshan, being both a relative and elder, had eagerly positioned himself as an intermediary.

Others, with similar ambitions, had waited to see whether he’d succeed.

But with this new law, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse had made their stance abundantly clear.

All eyes turned to Baoshan.

His face flushed crimson with shame. Never had he been so publicly humiliated. Couldn’t they have settled this in private? How could Yunse—

At that moment, Qiu Huanian addressed the crowd.

He reiterated, calmly and logically, all he’d told Hu Qiuyan about the long-term dangers of clans using influence to profit. His explanation left no room for criticism.

This was not only to warn the clan, but to publicly distance their family from corruption. Going forward, anyone offering bribes could no longer claim association.

Even Baoshan now grasped the deeper consequences of his actions. Though still resentful, he lowered his head.

Hu Qiuyan glared at him. Their son, Yun Kang, tugged at his sleeve.

Baoshan took a deep breath and stood silent.

Then Qiu Huanian spoke again.

“While everyone is here, I have good news to share.”

“The Du clan will prosper with Yunse. With these regulations, we must also invest in our future. I intend to establish a clan school to educate the next generation.”

“I will purchase twenty acres of farmland in Zhang County, lease it to tenants, and use the proceeds to maintain the school.”

“All Du clan children under twelve may attend for free. Writing supplies will be provided. Twice a year, we’ll hold examinations—those who pass may continue their studies, and top scorers will be rewarded.”

“Anyone seeking to take the prefectural or academy exams in Xiangping may stay in our family’s villa there and prepare in peace.”

The announcement left the crowd stunned.

A school? Free education for every child of the clan?

Du Yunse was exceptional, but he was one of their own. Now, every household could dream of nurturing their own scholar.

Baoshan’s heart surged.

His son Yun Kang was bright and praised often. With the guidance of Yunse and Hua Ge’er, who could say he wouldn’t father a Jieyuan someday?

His earlier resentment melted away. Regret seeped in—he’d nearly soured his ties over a foolish short-term scheme.

Qiu Huanian had chosen wisely. Education offered every family hope—and united them.

And with education came civility, and the natural decline of chaos.

If this school continued for a few years, talented students would surely emerge—valuable allies for Du Yunse, Jiu Jiu, and Chun Sheng.

Seeing the fervor in the crowd and the clarity on Baoshan’s face, Qiu Huanian nodded with quiet satisfaction.

Then he turned to stand beside Du Yunse, and together they distributed meat from the sacrificial animals—completing the final rite of ancestral worship.