In the second month after the autumn provincial examinations, during the harsh winter season, fine snow gently blanketed the streets and alleys. The gray stones, dark tiles, white walls, and vermillion pillars transformed into an ink-wash painting. Amidst the sounds of carriages and horses, the pristine snow was crushed into wheel tracks as a carriage slowly made its way through the quiet stone alley.
The carriage’s small window was covered with a thick, dense felt curtain. Unexpectedly, a woman’s hand emerged through a slight gap, casually resting on the windowsill. The hand was as white as tender lotus root, appearing like jade against the frozen landscape.
Her slender wrist bore two gold bracelets, each about the width of a small finger. Though they appeared lightweight at first glance, closer inspection revealed their hollow bodies were intricately woven with fine gold threads—a masterpiece of craftsmanship that only wealthy families could afford.
Each bracelet dangled with a bell the size of a fingernail, creating melodious chimes as they struck the window frame with the carriage’s movement. This drew the attention of passersby who, turning to look, could only catch a glimpse of a young lady’s blurred silhouette beneath the partially lifted curtain.
The women of Jiangnan were known for their beauty, their graceful and gentle demeanor inspiring poetic admiration.
“Today is when they post the autumn examination results. Young Miss, won’t you go to the county office to see the list?” a crisp voice inquired.
Two people sat in the carriage: the young mistress and her maid, who had just spoken.
“Since it’s the day they post results, that place will surely be crowded. I have no interest in joining such a commotion.” The owner of the hand spoke up, her delicate fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill. Though she spoke in the official dialect, her words carried the distinctive, lilting charm of the southern regions.
“Don’t you want to know if Young Lord Lu made the list?”
“With his scholarly abilities, even if he doesn’t secure the top position, he’ll certainly rank among the top three.” The hand’s owner declared with unwavering confidence.
“Young Miss has such faith in him? From what I know, several renowned scholars are taking the provincial examinations this year. Just in our county alone, there are three young prodigies, not to mention the entire Jiangning Prefecture. Though Young Lord Lu is undoubtedly learned and sure to pass, to rank among the top three… Young Miss thinks so highly of him?” The maid giggled with meaningful undertones.
“I trust my judgment,” she replied, her voice rising with overflowing confidence.
“It seems Master shares Young Miss’s good eye,” the maid teased.
“Stop!” She objected, “Don’t compare me to Father. He’s like a fisherman digging ponds to catch fish, selecting whichever grows the fattest. I’m different…” She paused, seemingly sitting up straighter, “I’ve had my eye on Lu Chang since childhood, and I’ve never looked at anyone else.”
Unlike her father, she genuinely liked Lu Chang.
“Young Miss, being so devoted to him, aren’t you worried that he… he…” The maid lowered her voice, hesitating with the air of someone who saw through the situation.
“Worried about what? That he looks down on me?” She responded without sharing her maid’s concerns.
Lu Chang’s disdain was written all over his face—she hardly needed others to point it out or advise her against it.
But what of it?
“One should always fight for what they want. I haven’t done anything shameful—I’m pursuing him openly and honestly. If Lu Chang truly doesn’t want me, could I force him? Man proposes Heaven disposes. Doing my best is enough.” She spoke with bright confidence, free from resentment or worry.
As they talked, the carriage slowly came to a stop—they had arrived at Changkang Lane.
Changkang Lane in Jiangning County was where the poor gathered. Densely packed rammed earth houses stood like blocks of tofu, with makeshift chicken coops and duck pens scattered about. The wooden fences used as barriers had long since rotted from wind and rain, but now lay covered in a thin layer of snow, masking their usual disorder and creating a scene of otherworldly tranquility reminiscent of Tao Yuanming’s poetry.
Lu Chang’s home sat at the end of Changkang Lane, beside an old locust tree.
The lane was too narrow for the carriage to enter, forcing them to stop at its entrance. The wind was strong, causing the two copper lanterns hanging from the carriage’s eaves to sway wildly, their gold-lacquered character “Jian” catching the eye. Without question, this was the carriage of the Jian family from Jiangning Prefecture, and its occupant was none other than the family’s daughter, Jian Mingshu.
The occupants had already descended from the carriage, their footsteps making crisp sounds in the thin snow, accompanied by the pleasant tinkling of bells.
For this outing, aside from the driver, Jian Mingshu brought only her maid Little Qingting. Both carried several boxes of tonics and delicacies, making their progress through the snow somewhat difficult. After just a few steps, beads of sweat appeared on Jian Mingshu’s forehead.
“Since Young Miss prepared such gifts, why not bring some servants along?” Little Qingting complained as they walked. The gifts were too heavy for her to carry alone, fortunately, Jian Mingshu didn’t stand at the ceremony and helped carry some herself.
“Aunt Zeng and Lu Chang both prefer peace, disliking commotion. Too many people wouldn’t be good.” “Aunt Zeng” in Jian Mingshu’s words referred to Lu Chang’s mother, Madam Zeng.
There was another reason as well. Lu Chang already disliked the Jian family’s typically ostentatious ways. If she brought too many people, it would seem overbearing. Thus, whenever she visited Lu Chang’s mother, she kept her retinue minimal.
“What kind of person is Lu Chang that Young Miss must humble herself so?” Little Qingting felt indignant on her mistress’s behalf.
“It’s just a few steps—what’s there to humble about?” Jian Mingshu wasn’t as proud as her maid imagined.
Little Qingting snorted but said nothing more as they approached the Lu residence. The Lu home appeared even more impoverished than its neighbors. The yard was enclosed by wooden fencing, housing several chickens and ducks, with two small vegetable plots. Inside stood a single-story building divided into three rooms: Lu Chang and his mother each occupied one, while the remaining room served as a kitchen, dining room, and reception area all in one.
The yard was empty now, though the snow had been cleared away. Having visited several times before, Jian Mingshu was familiar with the place. She opened the gate herself and led Little Qingting inside. Noticing the damp firewood by the wall, she thought about sending them some coal for warmth, having forgotten during her recent busy period. But remembering Lu Chang’s temperament, she realized he probably wouldn’t accept it, and could only shake her head.
“How curious! Instead of checking the examination results at the county office, the Jian family’s elder sister has come here?” A mocking laugh suddenly came from beneath the locust tree.
Jian Mingshu turned to look and saw a slender young woman emerge from behind the tree. Though beautiful, her eyes tilted upward sharply as she walked around the fence into the yard while speaking.
Jian Mingshu recognized her as Zhao Xian, the daughter of Teacher Zhao from Dongming Private School.
“Master Jian went to the county office to see the results, planning to catch a son-in-law from among the successful candidates, while his daughter keeps watch here. The Jian family has truly cast a net across heaven and earth, leaving no escape route.” Though Zhao Xian’s words were teasing, they dripped with mockery and sarcasm.
In the Great An Dynasty, which valued scholarly pursuits over commerce, scholars endured a decade of study hoping for success in the imperial examinations. Somehow, a vulgar custom had emerged where local gentry and wealthy merchants would try to “catch” successful examination candidates as sons-in-law on the day results were posted, using their wealth as leverage to join the ranks of the elite. Hence the term “catching” a son-in-law, and those who married through such means were called “purchased sons-in-law.”
The Jian family owned a well-known gold shop in Jiangning Prefecture, commanding considerable wealth. Master Jian, unwilling to remain a merchant all his life and having lost his wife early, with only one legitimate daughter Jian Mingshu, had set his mind on catching a son-in-law.
However, Master Jian’s scheme was more sophisticated—rather than “catching,” it might better be called “nurturing.” Each year, many impoverished students in Jiangning Prefecture struggle to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. Master Jian would select several promising poor scholars to support with gold and silver, planning to choose a son-in-law from among them once they achieved success in the provincial examinations. As for why he acted at the provincial level rather than waiting for the metropolitan examination—that was obvious. Once they reached the capital, he would lose his chance. Acting now, he could at least secure a Provincial Graduate as a son-in-law.
This autumn’s provincial examination marked his time to draw in the net.
And Lu Chang… happened to be one of the fish in his pond.
Jian Mingshu played with the bells hanging from her bracelet and smiled, “Who do we have here? It’s my younger sister Zhao. I recall your father is also a candidate in this examination. On such an important day, why aren’t you checking the results, but instead coming here?”
Zhao Xian’s father, already past forty, had only passed the county examination to become a Graduate. Though poor, he never gave up his dream of passing the higher examinations, yet after three attempts at the provincial examination, he still hadn’t succeeded.
“My father studies diligently not for fame or profit, but should maintain a peaceful mind about it.” As Zhao Xian spoke, she entered the small yard and glanced at the gifts in Jian Mingshu’s hands, covering her mouth to laugh. “Coming to give gifts to Aunt Zeng again? Since you can’t win over Brother Lu, you’re trying to get to his mother? Is such persistence worth it?”
Though Zhao Xian was poorer than Jian Mingshu, she took pride in being a scholar’s daughter and looked down on Jian Mingshu’s merchant background.
Jian Mingshu merely smiled, “So you’re here with a peaceful mind, while I’m being persistent? I thought we shared the same intentions. Oh, but you can’t afford gifts—planning to get something for nothing?”
Both were here for Lu Chang—who was more noble than the other?
Having her motives exposed, Zhao Xian’s face reddened. Just as she was about to retort, her peripheral vision caught the tree’s shadow, and she changed tactics. She stepped toward Jian Mingshu, trying to snatch the gifts from her hands. Little Qingting, standing nearby, instinctively stepped between them to protect her mistress.
With a loud clatter, the gifts in Little Qingting’s hands fell to the ground, while Zhao Xian, as if pushed, stumbled backward toward the gate.
A tall figure slowly approached. Just as he entered, he saw the delicate, fragile woman falling toward him, timing her fall to land in his arms.
Though he could have easily caught her in a romantic embrace, he suddenly stepped aside, leaving Zhao Xian to grasp at empty air. Her pretend fall became real as she stumbled forward several steps and crashed into the fence.
With two sharp cracks, the rotted fence broke under her impact, and Zhao Xian fell to the ground along with it, seeing stars from the pain.
Jian Mingshu’s gaze met his in mid-air, but before she could read his emotions, she heard his voice.
“What are you doing at my home?” —Lu Chang had returned.
Zhao Xian, still unwilling to give up, looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “Brother Lu, I came to visit Aunt Zeng and happened to meet Elder Sister Jian. Seeing her servants carrying so much, I wanted to help, but she ordered her maid to push me down.”
“Young Miss, I didn’t even touch a fingernail of hers!” Little Qingting exclaimed indignantly to Jian Mingshu.
Jian Mingshu nodded but didn’t rush to defend herself, only watching Lu Chang.
Lu Chang’s gaze met hers again.
The winter sunlight was cool, casting a desolate light on the long lane and humble dwellings. Only Jian Mingshu stood there in bright yellow, with heavy gold ornaments on her chest, her oval face rosy and beautiful, seeming to illuminate her surroundings. Compared to her, Zhao Xian, still on the ground, appeared delicate and pitiable, most deserving of sympathy.
Unfortunately, Lu Chang neither understood how to cherish fragile beauty nor had any intention of judging their dispute. He didn’t even offer to help Zhao Xian up, merely saying, “Your father passed the examination, but fainted from excitement in front of the results board. He’s already been carried home.”
These words instantly brought Zhao Xian to her feet, her face full of joy that she couldn’t suppress. No longer concerned with competing with Jian Mingshu for attention, she spoke of worrying about her father while hurriedly leaving.
“Wait!” Lu Chang called after her, “Remember to have your father send someone to fix the broken fence tomorrow!”
Zhao Xian’s expression soured. She shot a hateful glance at Jian Mingshu before running away.
Jian Mingshu burst out laughing—when it came to dealing with feminine wiles, Lu Chang had never disappointed her.
Lu Chang turned toward the sound of laughter, his clear eyes showing some emotion as his brows furrowed slightly. “Something for nothing? Who’s the wolf?”
“…” Jian Mingshu couldn’t laugh anymore.
How had he heard that?
Lu Chang stared at her—this father and daughter pair from the Jian family, one treating him like a fish, the other like a wolf, both trying to trap him, were truly detestable.
Each bracelet dangled with a bell the size of a fingernail, creating melodious chimes as they struck the window frame with the carriage’s motion. This drew the attention of passersby who, turning to look, could only catch a glimpse of a young lady’s blurred silhouette beneath the partially lifted curtain.
The women of Jiangnan were known for their beauty, their graceful and gentle demeanor inspiring poetic admiration.
“Today is when they post the autumn examination results. Young Miss, won’t you go to the county office to see the list?” a crisp voice inquired.
Two people sat in the carriage: the young mistress and her maid, who had just spoken.
“Since it’s the day they post results, that place will surely be crowded. I have no interest in joining such a commotion.” The owner of the hand spoke up, her scallion-like fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill. Though she spoke in the official dialect, her words carried the distinctive, lilting charm of the southern regions.
“Don’t you want to know if Young Lord Lu made the list?”
“With his scholarly abilities, even if he doesn’t secure the top position, he’ll certainly rank among the top three.” The hand’s owner declared with unwavering confidence.
“Young Miss has such faith in him? From what I know, several renowned scholars are taking the provincial examinations this year. Just in our county alone, there are three young prodigies, not to mention the entire Jiangning Prefecture. Though Young Lord Lu is undoubtedly learned and sure to pass, to rank among the top three… Young Miss thinks so highly of him?” The maid giggled with meaningful undertones.
“I trust my judgment,” she replied, her voice rising with overflowing confidence.
“It seems Master shares Young Miss’s good eye,” the maid teased.
“Stop!” She objected, “Don’t compare me to Father. He’s like a fisherman digging ponds to catch fish, selecting whichever grows the fattest. I’m different…” She paused, seemingly sitting up straighter, “I’ve had my eye on Lu Chang since childhood, and I’ve never looked at anyone else.”
Unlike her father, she genuinely liked Lu Chang.
“Young Miss, being so devoted to him, aren’t you worried that he… he…” The maid lowered her voice, hesitating with the air of someone who saw through the situation.
“Worried about what? That he looks down on me?” She responded without sharing her maid’s concerns.
Lu Chang’s disdain was written all over his face—she hardly needed others to point it out or advise her against it.
But what of it?
“One should always fight for what they want. I haven’t done anything shameful—I’m pursuing him openly and honestly. If Lu Chang truly doesn’t want me, could I force him? Man proposes Heaven disposes. Doing my best is enough.” She spoke with bright confidence, free from resentment or worry.
As they talked, the carriage slowly came to a stop—they had arrived at Changkang Lane.
Changkang Lane in Jiangning County was where the poor gathered. Densely packed rammed earth houses stood like blocks of tofu, with makeshift chicken coops and duck pens scattered about. The wooden fences used as barriers had long since rotted from wind and rain, but now lay covered in a thin layer of snow, masking their usual disorder and creating a scene of otherworldly tranquility reminiscent of Tao Yuanming’s poetry.
Lu Chang’s home sat at the end of Changkang Lane, beside an old locust tree.
The lane was too narrow for the carriage to enter, forcing them to stop at its entrance. The wind was strong, causing the two copper lanterns hanging from the carriage’s eaves to sway wildly, their gold-lacquered character “Jian” catching the eye. Without question, this was the carriage of the Jian family from Jiangning Prefecture, and its occupant was none other than the family’s daughter, Jian Mingshu.
The occupants had already descended from the carriage, their footsteps making crisp sounds in the thin snow, accompanied by the pleasant tinkling of bells.
For this outing, aside from the driver, Jian Mingshu brought only her maid Little Qingting. Both carried several boxes of tonics and delicacies, making their progress through the snow somewhat difficult. After just a few steps, beads of sweat appeared on Jian Mingshu’s forehead.
“Since Young Miss prepared such gifts, why not bring some servants along?” Little Qingting complained as they walked. The gifts were too heavy for her to carry alone, fortunately, Jian Mingshu didn’t stand at the ceremony and helped carry some herself.
“Aunt Zeng and Lu Chang both prefer peace, disliking commotion. Too many people wouldn’t be good.” “Aunt Zeng” in Jian Mingshu’s words referred to Lu Chang’s mother, Madam Zeng.
There was another reason as well. Lu Chang already disliked the Jian family’s typically ostentatious ways. If she brought too many people, it would seem overbearing. Thus, whenever she visited Lu Chang’s mother, she kept her retinue minimal.
“What kind of person is Lu Chang that Young Miss must humble herself so?” Little Qingting felt indignant on her mistress’s behalf.
“It’s just a few steps—what’s there to humble about?” Jian Mingshu wasn’t as proud as her maid imagined.
Little Qingting snorted but said nothing more as they approached the Lu residence. The Lu home appeared even more impoverished than its neighbors. The yard was enclosed by wooden fencing, housing several chickens and ducks, with two small vegetable plots. Inside stood a single-story building divided into three rooms: Lu Chang and his mother each occupied one, while the remaining room served as a kitchen, dining room, and reception area all in one.
The yard was empty now, though the snow had been cleared away. Having visited several times before, Jian Mingshu was familiar with the place. She opened the gate herself and led Little Qingting inside. Noticing the damp firewood by the wall, she thought about sending them some coal for warmth, having forgotten during her recent busy period. But remembering Lu Chang’s temperament, she realized he probably wouldn’t accept it, and could only shake her head.
“How curious! Instead of checking the examination results at the county office, the Jian family’s elder sister has come here?” A mocking laugh suddenly came from beneath the locust tree.
Jian Mingshu turned to look and saw a slender young woman emerge from behind the tree. Though beautiful, her eyes tilted upward sharply as she walked around the fence into the yard while speaking.
This person Jian Mingshu recognized—was Zhao Xian, the daughter of Teacher Zhao from the Dongming Private School.
“Master Jian went to the county office to see the results, planning to catch a son-in-law from among the successful candidates, while his daughter keeps watch here. The Jian family has truly cast a net across heaven and earth, leaving no escape route.” Though Zhao Xian’s words were teasing, they dripped with mockery and sarcasm.
In the Great An Dynasty, which valued scholarly pursuits over commerce, scholars endured a decade of study hoping for success in the imperial examinations. Somehow, a vulgar custom had emerged where local gentry and wealthy merchants would try to “catch” successful examination candidates as sons-in-law on the day results were posted, using their wealth as leverage to join the ranks of the elite. Hence the term “catching” a son-in-law, and those who married through such means were called “purchased sons-in-law.”
The Jian family owned a well-known gold shop in Jiangning Prefecture, commanding considerable wealth. Master Jian, unwilling to remain a merchant all his life and having lost his wife early, with only one legitimate daughter Jian Mingshu, had set his mind on catching a son-in-law.
However, Master Jian’s scheme was more sophisticated—rather than “catching,” it might better be called “nurturing.” Each year, many impoverished students in Jiangning Prefecture struggle to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. Master Jian would select several promising poor scholars to support with gold and silver, planning to choose a son-in-law from among them once they achieved success in the provincial examinations. As for why he acted at the provincial level rather than waiting for the metropolitan examination—that was obvious. Once they reached the capital, he would lose his chance. Acting now, he could at least secure a Provincial Graduate as a son-in-law.
This autumn’s provincial examination marked his time to draw in the net.
And Lu Chang… happened to be one of the fish in his pond.
Jian Mingshu played with the bells hanging from her bracelet and smiled, “Who do we have here? It’s my younger sister Zhao. I recall your father is also a candidate in this examination. On such an important day, why aren’t you checking the results, but instead coming here?”
Zhao Xian’s father was already past forty, having only passed the county examination to become a Graduate. Though poor, he never gave up his dream of passing the higher examinations, yet after three years of attempts at the provincial examination, he still hadn’t succeeded.
“My father studies diligently not for fame or profit, but should maintain a peaceful mind about it.” As Zhao Xian spoke, she entered the small yard and glanced at the gifts in Jian Mingshu’s hands, covering her mouth to laugh. “Coming to give gifts to Aunt Zeng again? Since you can’t win over Brother Lu, you’re trying to get to his mother? Is such persistence worth it?”
Though Zhao Xian was poorer than Jian Mingshu, she took pride in being a scholar’s daughter and looked down on Jian Mingshu’s merchant background.
Jian Mingshu merely smiled, “So you’re here with a peaceful mind, while I’m being persistent? I thought we shared the same intentions. Oh, but you can’t afford gifts—planning to get something for nothing?”
Both were here for Lu Chang—who was more noble than the other?
Having her motives exposed, Zhao Xian’s face reddened. Just as she was about to retort, her peripheral vision caught the tree’s shadow, and she changed tactics. She stepped toward Jian Mingshu, trying to snatch the gifts from her hands. Little Qingting, standing nearby, instinctively stepped between them to protect her mistress.
With a loud clatter, the gifts in Little Qingting’s hands fell to the ground, while Zhao Xian, as if pushed, stumbled backward toward the gate.
A tall figure slowly approached. Just as he entered, he saw the delicate, fragile woman falling toward him, timing her fall to land in his arms.
Though he could have easily caught her in a romantic embrace, he suddenly stepped aside, leaving Zhao Xian to grasp at empty air. Her pretend fall became real as she stumbled forward several steps and crashed into the fence.
With two sharp cracks, the rotted fence broke under her impact, and Zhao Xian fell to the ground along with it, seeing stars from the pain.
Jian Mingshu’s gaze met his in mid-air, but before she could read his emotions, she heard his voice.
“What are you doing at my home?” —Lu Chang had returned.
Zhao Xian, still unwilling to give up, looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “Brother Lu, I came to visit Aunt Zeng and happened to meet Elder Sister Jian. Seeing her servants carrying so much, I wanted to help, but she ordered her maid to push me down.”
“Young Miss, I didn’t even touch a fingernail of hers!” Little Qingting exclaimed indignantly to Jian Mingshu.
Jian Mingshu nodded but didn’t rush to defend herself, only watching Lu Chang.
Lu Chang’s gaze met hers again.
The winter sunlight was cool, casting a desolate light on the long lane and humble dwellings. Only Jian Mingshu stood there in bright yellow, with heavy gold ornaments on her chest, her oval face rosy and beautiful, seeming to illuminate her surroundings. Compared to her, Zhao Xian, still on the ground, appeared delicate and pitiable, most deserving of sympathy.
Unfortunately, Lu Chang neither understood how to cherish fragile beauty nor had any intention of judging their dispute. He didn’t even offer to help Zhao Xian up, merely saying, “Your father passed the examination, but fainted from excitement in front of the results board. He’s already been carried home.”
These words instantly brought Zhao Xian to her feet, her face full of joy that she couldn’t suppress. No longer concerned with competing with Jian Mingshu for attention, she spoke of worrying about her father while hurriedly leaving.
“Wait!” Lu Chang called after her, “Remember to have your father send someone to fix the broken fence tomorrow!”
Zhao Xian’s expression soured. She shot a hateful glance at Jian Mingshu before running away.
Jian Mingshu burst out laughing—when it came to dealing with feminine wiles, Lu Chang had never disappointed her.
Lu Chang turned toward the sound of laughter, his clear eyes showing some emotion as his brows furrowed slightly. “Something for nothing? Who’s the wolf?”
“…” Jian Mingshu couldn’t laugh anymore.
How had he heard that?
Lu Chang stared at her—this father and daughter pair from the Jian family, one treating him like a fish, the other like a wolf, both trying to trap him, were truly detestable.