Chapter 22: Tremble, Scholars—Let the Competition Begin

"What kind of indulgence are you suggesting?" Li Su asked.

Lin Ze grinned at Li Su. "I promise it’ll be something that makes people happy."

Li Su thought it over. This was the second time they'd mentioned going out to have fun. He figured there was no harm in joining them. "Alright."

After school that day, the four of them went to have a meal at Lin Ze’s family restaurant. When night fell, the three friends took Li Su to the place they called fun.

Standing outside, Li Su gazed at the grand and ornate building before him. Colorful lanterns hung from the eaves, but the air was tinged with a powdery scent of makeup and perfume. At the entrance stood an older woman, flamboyantly dressed, who greeted Lin Ze with effusive enthusiasm.

Li Su realized then what kind of place this was—a brothel of ancient times.

So this was their idea of happiness? With a complex look, Li Su glanced at his three cheerful friends.

Lin Ze said to the madam, "We brought a brother tonight. Find us a few lovely, clean girls."

The madam’s smile was radiant. "Of course, Young Master Lin. Leave it to me—I’ll make sure your guest is satisfied."

Li Su wanted to turn and leave. He had no interest in this sort of thing; he’d rather spend the time reading.

But just as he turned, Lin Ze grabbed his arm. "Su, where are you going? Come on!"

With that, the three dragged Li Su inside, leading him into a private room.

Qin Ming poured drinks for the others. "The wine here is quite good."

Li Su took a sip. "It is." The taste was mellow and unique.

Ren Shuhua observed Li Su’s poised manner as he drank and recalled his usual conduct. "Su, are you sure you’re not from an old noble family?"

Lin Ze and Qin Ming also looked up at him. They, too, had their doubts. The way Su handled himself was so unlike a country lad; he seemed every bit the product of a grand family.

In a sense, they weren’t wrong. Though his parents paid him little mind and each led their own lives elsewhere, he’d never wanted for money. Anything he wished to learn, private tutors were always arranged.

"No," Li Su denied directly. For now, he was just a farm boy—he intended to become wealthy and powerful in his own right.

After a while, the madam entered with a group of young women, all smiles and painted faces. Their garments were revealing, their skin bared, their looks ranging from seductive to pure.

The girls, quick to take the hint, nestled up to the four young men, some trying to slip into their laps.

Li Su’s cold gaze met the eyes of the girl attempting to sit on his lap. She froze, then quietly moved to sit beside him, biting her lip. She’d been drawn to Li Su at first sight, convinced of her own beauty, and she reached to drape her arms over his shoulders...

Meanwhile, Lin Ze and the others were already swept up in the revelry, laughing and joking with the girls.

Li Su calmly took the girl’s hand. "No need. Just pour me some wine."

She sighed softly, filled his cup, her eyes lingering on his face, a trace of regret in her gaze.

Such a handsome, refined man—she’d be willing even without payment. But, as the saying goes, the falling flower longs for love, but the running water is indifferent.

Li Su sipped his wine, nibbled on a pastry, and seeing his friends too caught up in their merriment to bother with him, he pulled out a book.

At the very moment Li Su produced a book, all three of his friends turned to stare at him as if they had eyes in the back of their heads.

Li Su: "..." The sounds of pleasure faded, but the rustling of pages seemed thunderous.

Everyone: "???" Reading a book at a time like this? Is this a joke?

The girls exchanged bewildered glances. They’d never seen anything like this before.

Li Su said coolly, "If you want to play, hurry up. If not, I’m heading back."

The three were momentarily speechless. How were they supposed to continue after that? Did Su really have nothing but studying on his mind?

"Forget it, let’s go back," Lin Ze said, decisive.

If Su worked so hard, they couldn’t slack off either. Compared to passing the county exam, this was nothing. Being abandoned by their brothers was worse than missing out on a little fun.

So the four left just like that. The girls looked at each other in confusion—what was wrong with these four?

"Su, why do you still carry books around with you?" Qin Ming asked, utterly astonished.

"Isn’t it normal for a scholar to carry books?" Li Su saw nothing wrong with it.

The three: "..." With such dedication, Su was sure to succeed in the exams!

By now, the ox carts were gone, so Li Su walked home.

When he arrived, he thought his family would be asleep, but they were still up, waiting for him.

Seeing the candlelight still burning, Li Su felt a warmth in his heart.

As he pushed open the door, Feng Cui breathed a sigh of relief. "Xiao Si, was something the matter tonight?"

"I had dinner with classmates and came home a bit late. Sorry for worrying you," Li Su replied, his voice gentler than usual.

"As long as you’re alright," Li Daping said.

"You all work hard in the fields—there’s no need to wait for me. Rest early," Li Su told his family.

Feng Cui agreed in words, but she would still wait for him in the future.

"We weren’t tired tonight. Many people came to try the plow, so they did all the work," Li Daping said. As he spoke, the family looked at Li Su with pride.

"We did as you suggested and told them they could buy one from Blacksmith Hu. Quite a few seemed interested. If the price is right, many will buy," Li Daping added.

Li Su nodded slightly. "From here on, it’s up to Blacksmith Hu. Everyone should rest."

Having drunk a little, Li Su felt the alcohol as he walked home. He decided to indulge himself for once—not study, just wash up and go to bed.

That night, since deciding to take the civil service exams, it was the earliest Li Su had gone to sleep.

...

When Li Su arrived at the private school, he found Lin Ze, Ren Shuhua, and Qin Ming already reading—they had all become diligent.

Li Su nodded in satisfaction. Yes, this was right—let everyone work hard together.

In truth, he couldn’t bear to see the three of them idle; now everyone was competing.

When the other students saw this, they were unsettled. Why were Lin Ze, Ren Shuhua, and Qin Ming all so serious lately?

They swallowed nervously. Had they been slacking off and not working hard enough?

Suddenly, the entire school was filled with an air of study. Everyone felt a certain tension.

When the teacher entered and saw their diligence, he was very pleased.

Li Su was pleased as well. Yes, just like this—let everyone strive, no one should idle. He couldn’t stand being the only one putting in effort.

Only when everyone worked hard would his first place be truly meaningful. Li Su couldn’t help but smile. Tremble, scholars!

Everyone shivered. Odd, the weather wasn’t that cold.

Lin Ze, Ren Shuhua, and Qin Ming all stuck to their study plans.

Back home, they didn’t rest for long before pulling out their books.

Grandpa Ren wanted to check on his grandson, to make sure he wasn’t just playing around after school.

He pushed open the door, and, unable to believe his eyes, rubbed them in disbelief. Was the sun rising in the west? His grandson was actually studying?

Perhaps he was just pretending, putting "The Great Learning" on the desk as a cover while reading idle books underneath.

Grandpa Ren was convinced he’d seen through the ruse—he would not be fooled by such tricks!

He strode over, ready to expose his grandson’s little act.