Chapter 319 — Knowing (Bonus Chapter: Pleading for Pink Votes)
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 2 of 4
The Second Old Madam had risen from a young bride to the venerable matriarch she was now. How could she fail to see that Dou Zhiwei was only going through the motions? At this moment, however, she could only shake her head in secret and set the matter aside. "In that case," she said, "have your Third Uncle and Third Cousin both come to the capital. While your aunt has not yet returned to Qingyang, we will sort out the accounts of these past years and hand them over to you." She added, "It happens that Boyan will also sit the spring examination next year. If they come to the capital together, they will have each other for company." Then she sighed. "If Boyan fails again this year, I plan to have him study with your father in Yunqi Temple Lane. To have a Hanlin scholar in the family and not seek his guidance, but instead go everywhere visiting so-called famous teachers who cannot even pass the examinations themselves, would be to put the cart before the horse."
After Boyan failed the examination, he did not shut himself away at home to study desperately, but took two book boys and traveled widely. Among the "Qi" generation, he was the first to achieve scholarly success. The Dou family had great expectations for him, so it was no wonder the Second Old Madam was displeased.
In both her past and present lives, Dou Yan had always thought well of Dou Junqi, considering him upright and unyielding. Moreover, whatever the considerations behind it, she was glad that the property under her name could be recovered so peacefully.
Still, she remembered that Boyan seemed to have passed in the renxu year, that is, next year. It was likely her father would have no chance to instruct Boyan in his studies.
"I only hope Boyan has no such opportunity to study in Longhua Temple Lane," she said, the corners of her mouth curving in a most pleased smile, "but instead writes a fine tale of 'three Hanlin scholars in one household, uncle and nephew both presented scholars.'"
The Second Old Madam was startled for a moment, then chuckled and said repeatedly, "I borrow Fourth Young Madam's auspicious words. I hope Boyan has such an opportunity."
"Boyan is so learned that the Second Old Madam should have confidence in him," Dou Yan said. She chatted with the Second Old Madam about family matters, and after lunch several of them played cards all afternoon. Only at dusk, having eaten little, did Dou Yan return to Yizhi Hall.
Dou Yan asked Ganlu, who was helping her change clothes, "What have Old Chen and the others been doing today?"
"Old Chen and Master Chen went out. Master Duan is at home talking with several guards who did not go out," Ganlu said with a smile. "They said they wanted to look around the capital properly and learn the roads by the way, so that when they accompany you out they will not be unable to answer a single question."
Dou Yan thought for a moment and said, "When Old Chen returns, go over and tell them that in a few days Zhao Liangbi will come to the capital with the Third Master. If any of them want to bring their families, they can come to the capital with Zhao Liangbi."
In the hearts of Ganlu and the others, Zhending was their true home. However fine the capital might be, it could not help but make one feel lonely. Only with a few more fellow townsfolk from Zhending around would life feel lively and secure.
She answered "Yes" brightly and said, "I will go tell Master Duan right away."
Dou Yan nodded, but then said, "I left Zhao Liangbi in Zhending hoping that if anything stirred in the Eastern Dou, he would send me word in advance. In the end, he knew nothing at all." Her tone was rather displeased.
Ganlu was somewhat surprised.
Dou Yan never spoke about the people around her like that. What had gotten into her today?
She had no choice but to smile and say, "Madam, do not be angry. Have a cup of tea first and calm yourself."
Dou Yan looked her over.
Ganlu's eyes were clear, her expression ordinary.