“You have a good idea. Yue Rong, would you be willing to marry Zhang Fang?” Lin Zheng cherished Lin Yue Rong because she was clever and sensible; marrying her off would help stabilize the Lin family’s position. Now that the thought of matchmaking had arisen, Lin Zheng’s first consideration was Lin Yue Rong.
Lin Yue Rong was more than happy with this proposition but pretended to be reserved, saying, “Marriage is a significant matter; my parents should make the decision.”
Lin Zheng nodded in satisfaction and immediately sent someone to deliver an invitation to Zhang Fang, hoping to get him to visit their home soon and finalize the engagement.
The next day, Zhang Fang received the invitation and asked his family to pack his belongings, as he was to leave home that very day.
“Fourth Young Master, you have just been released from prison and haven’t properly rested. Are you really going to the prefecture already?” Old Zhang was concerned for his son.
Old Zhang felt that since Zhang Fang’s mind was so muddled, it was better for him to leave Dou County and head to the prefecture to prepare for the exams. This would also help him focus solely on his studies.
Thus, Old Zhang generously gave Zhang Fang five taels of silver and asked the family to help him pack.
When leaving, Zhang Fang had to take quite a few items with him. He needed to bring an umbrella, several changes of clothes, a pile of books, and some provisions for the journey.
As he put on his backpack, the weight bent his back. It was no wonder that every time Fourth Young Master went to take the prefectural examination, he ended up falling ill. Long journeys were exhausting, and with the changes in climate and the stress on his mind, it would take sheer willpower to face the examination. After the exam, he would faint from exhaustion!
Sighing, Zhang Fang resigned himself to the burden and left home.
The Zhang family sent him off to the village entrance, and a crowd gathered to watch. Upon learning that Zhang Fang was heading to the prefecture early to prepare for the examination, they all came forward to wish him good fortune.
Old Zhang thought for a moment, then pulled Zhang Fang aside, away from the crowd, and secretly slipped him an extra three taels of silver. With heartfelt sincerity, he said, “Take good care of yourself while you’re out there. Do well on your exams!”
“Yes, father. While I’m away, ensure everyone takes their medicines. If any guests come looking for me, just tell them I’m not home. We mustn’t accept any gifts from anyone, as it could affect my reputation. Even if I succeed in my exams, if people plot against me, I could lose my standing.” Zhang Fang said this seriously, without going into further detail.
Old Zhang’s expression turned serious, and he promised, “Don’t worry, I’ll watch over things at home! I won’t let anyone plot against you!”
Although he wasn’t sure how others might conspire against Zhang Fang, Old Zhang had become wary in his heart.
After settling the matters, Zhang Fang boarded a donkey cart and first went to the city. He rented a horse-drawn carriage and went to buy a few jars of good wine, intending to find the jailer, Zhao.
Zhao did not expect Zhang Fang to come looking for him just two days after his release. Yesterday, Zhang Fang had made a name for himself in the teahouse, and Zhao was so pleased that he had planned to visit the teahouse that afternoon to hear the storytelling.
“Brother Zhang, you are truly remarkable now!” Zhao praised him with a smile.
“Brother Zhao, I came specially to bring you some jars of wine! Please try it and let me know if you like it!” Zhang Fang unloaded the wine from the cart.
“Oh! How can I accept this?” Zhao exclaimed happily as he gratefully accepted the jars.
“Since I entered prison, I have relied on your care, Brother Zhao! I’ve always said that if I become successful in the future, I will not forget your kindness! If I weren’t leaving for the prefecture to prepare for the exams, I would love to drink with you,” Zhang Fang had not come solely to express his gratitude; he was trying to use this opportunity to have Zhao help him with getting a travel permit. This was something Lin Zheng must not know; he had to leave Dou County before Lin Zheng could find out!
Zhao indeed asked about Zhang Fang’s trip to the prefecture, and once he learned that Zhang Fang was going to get a travel permit, he took him to see the clerk, Yang, who helped Zhang Fang sign off on the necessary documents.
Having gained fame in Dou County yesterday, the clerk Yang had also paid attention to Zhang Fang. Upon hearing that Zhang Fang was going to take the prefectural exam, he smiled and wished him success, then promptly took care of the travel permit for him.
“Please accept this money for a cup of tea, Clerk Yang. I hope you won’t find it lacking!” Zhang Fang handed over a hundred coins.
Clerk Yang looked at Zhang Fang appreciatively and then posed a question: “May I ask if Zhang Xueshi is already married?”
“A man should prioritize establishing his career first. How can I dare to marry before achieving my goals?” Zhang Fang replied earnestly.
Clerk Yang nodded, thinking to himself that if Zhang Fang really managed to earn a degree, he would be an excellent potential son-in-law for his daughter!
After leaving the county office and thanking Zhao, Zhang Fang parted ways with him. He smoothly traveled out of the city and bought a ticket to board the boat at the dock.
Lin Zheng never considered that Zhang Fang would dare to stand him up. He waited and waited, but Zhang Fang never showed up. Frustrated, he sent someone to the Zhang family to inquire what Zhang Fang was up to.
However, he received news that Zhang Fang had already left Dou County and was heading to the prefecture to prepare for the exam!
He really ran away!
Lin Zheng was infuriated. First, it was the Liu siblings disappearing, now it was Zhang Fang leaving—as if both had little regard for him!
After learning of this, Lin Yue Rong went out of her way to reassure Lin Zheng, saying, “Father, Zhang Lang has great ambitions; he is indeed focused on the examination. He must have missed the invitation. Once he discovers that you invited him, he will surely come. Once the exams are over, he will certainly apologize to you.”
Although Lin Zheng thought Zhang Fang was not being deliberate, he was still annoyed. Now that Zhang Fang had already left, there was no point in chasing him down. It was better to wait until after the provincial examination concluded and then put some pressure on Zhang Fang!
Lin Yue Rong thought for a moment and specially prepared some gifts, sending them to the Zhang family in Lin Zheng’s name as the county official.
Seeing someone come to deliver something, Old Zhang felt a surge of caution. Yet, knowing that the person was sent by the county official, he dared not refuse.
Remembering Zhang Fang’s warning before his departure, Old Zhang hesitated several times, but ultimately gritted his teeth and declined the gifts.
“My Fourth Young Master isn’t at home, so we can’t accept on his behalf. He is quite proud and always says he doesn’t feel deserving; he doesn’t wish to take anything from others.” Luckily, he had accompanied Zhang Fang to the teahouse that day and learned a polite way to refuse.