Jing Xingzhi’s Daily Life in Ancient Times

Jing Xingzhi followed Wu Mingrui’s words, asking, “What did the chief say?”

Wu Mingrui, not holding back his excitement, clapped his hands together and raised his brows in joy.

“Li Huasui got expelled from the college. Zhu Da and the others had to copy the Analects of Confucius twenty times without any mistakes. The chief mentioned personally checking the handwriting, ensuring it’s neat and error-free!”

Jing Xingzhi, reflecting on it, realized that copying the entire Analects of Confucius, excluding titles, amounted to over fifteen thousand words. Doing this twenty times meant starting from 300,000 words.

Mentally prepared for varying punishments, Jing Xingzhi found the punishment for Zhu Da and others too lenient compared to Li Huasui. It seemed the chief’s severity influenced everyone.

Jing Xingzhi commented, “Zhu Da and the others might not even consider this a minor punishment.”

Wu Mingrui smiled and added, “You forgot, we have a monthly holiday tomorrow afternoon, and after the break, there’s a quiz!”

“What matters most to that Zhu Da guy? Probably being ranked first by the masters repeatedly and receiving praise. This time, he might not secure second or third place.” Wu Mingrui thought, actually looking forward to the quiz.

Quiz?

Jing Xingzhi, observing Wu Mingrui’s smile, wondered if his roommate’s enthusiasm could translate into success.

Having the original body’s memory helped Jing Xingzhi recognized people and avoiding significant mistakes in his actions. However, taking an exam with unsorted knowledge in his mind would likely lead to failure among local students.

But considering his illness and the grievances he endured, the teachers should understand after descending from the first class, right?

Silently organizing his knowledge, Jing Xingzhi envisioned ranking first in the upcoming monthly exam.

“I recall Brother Mingrui being fifth last time. There’s hope for a breakthrough, beating Zhu Da.” Jing Xingzhi encouraged his roommate.

The traditional Chinese characters in the memory featured more complex strokes compared to modern simplified characters. Copying 300,000 words would likely take a considerable amount of time, but the chief’s-imposed punishment left Zhu Da and others with no choice but to press on.

Observing Jing Xingzhi’s focus, Wu Mingrui touched his nose, saying, “I don’t dare to think about surpassing Xingzhi, but I’d like to challenge Zhu Da and put pressure on people like him. It really adds some excitement to life!”

Jing Xingzhi nodded, shifting his gaze back to Wu Mingrui’s face.

Noticing Jing Xingzhi’s scrutiny, Wu Mingrui wondered if something was on his face and asked, “Is there something on my face? You keep looking, Xingzhi, as if there’s anything dirty on it.”

Jing Xingzhi hesitated, uncertain whether he should mention anything, pondering his own ability to read physiognomy.

So, Jing Xingzhi shook his head and said, “It’s nothing, just a face that looked familiar from a book.”

Intrigued, Wu Mingrui asked enthusiastically, “What face? I didn’t know you had some random books here!”

“I might have been mistaken. Brother Mingrui, are you going home tomorrow? You didn’t go last month.” Jing Xingzhi shifted the topic.

Wu Mingrui, rubbing his head with a headache, responded, “I have to go back whether I want to or not. My mother, who lives in the outer courtyard, sent my book boy to remind me several times to go back for leave this month.”

Being nineteen years old and the only son in the family, Wu Mingrui found himself caught in the middle of his parents’ quarrels in the past two months. To avoid the awkward situation, he chose to stay in the academy, abandoning his six-month-old son, whom he dearly loved. Otherwise, considering his affection for his son, he wouldn’t skip going home during the monthly holidays.

Though Jing Xingzhi wasn’t sure about the unfortunate-looking face he saw, he was confident that Wu Mingrui would handle things well when he returned home. So, he poured a mouthful of chicken soup for Wu Mingrui, saying, “I heard that Brother Mingrui is an only son. Although family affairs can be a worry, for the sake of filial piety, you should pay more attention to it. Besides, this is the time when children are learning to talk. If you don’t go back, I’m afraid… you’ll miss your child’s first ‘Daddy.'”

Wu Mingrui sighed, shook his head with a wry smile, and said, “You’re right! I’ll listen to you. When I come back, I’ll bring you some delicious food. We make great pastries at home. Alright, I won’t say anymore as not to disturb your study.”

.

The next day, in the afternoon.

The sun was setting, and the bell signaling the end of classes rang throughout the college. With the bell, the monthly vacation commenced, and classes would resume in three days.

Students strolled back in groups, holding books and laughing as they headed toward the school building.

Wu Mingrui entered the room and saw Jing Xingzhi had packed his belongings. He said, “Xingzhi, you’ve packed everything. Just wait for me for a moment. I’ll walk with you for a while.”

Jing Xingzhi nodded, “Okay, hurry up.”

Wu Mingrui turned to pack his things. After placing two books in his basket, he had second thoughts. He turned to Jing Xingzhi, looked at him with serious eyes, and said, “Hey! Why don’t you stay at my house for a few days?”

Jing Xingzhi, puzzled, responded, “No, I’m still not well.”

Wu Mingrui looked regretful, “My parents have been arguing lately, and it’s tough being caught in the middle. I thought having a guest around might ease things a bit. But if it’s inconvenient, forget it. I’ll invite you next time. It’s inconvenient today; let’s plan for next time.”

Jing Xingzhi did have other commitments, needing to return money to the shuanger who served as a foster wife for the original body. The family was poor, and he relied on this wife, Ah Fang, for support while studying.

Apart from dealing with affairs at home, Jing Xingzhi planned to burn something for his friend Liu Fang and perform a ritual ceremony in his memory.

He was lost in thoughts about Liu Fang when Wu Mingrui’s “Hey” interrupted his thoughts.

“Let’s go.” Wu Mingrui picked up his book basket and wanted to carry Jing Xingzhi’s baggage.

Seeing Wu Mingrui’s intention, Jing Xingzhi immediately held onto his own baggage. “No, Brother Mingrui, I can carry it myself.”

The baggage contained money, and Jing Xingzhi, trusting Wu Mingrui but not fully open about everything, preferred to handle it discreetly. The two walked together for a while before parting ways.

Wu Mingrui’s home was in Huanshui County, where Huanshui Academy was located. Jing Xingzhi, on the other hand, needed to return to Mingxi Town below the county. He planned to take a boat to the small dock in the town and then walk for half an hour back to Jingjia Village.

After parting with Wu Mingrui, Jing Xingzhi bypassed the pier and headed to the streets in Huanshui Town where he remembered finding various funeral supplies.

About a quarter of an hour later, he emerged from the street carrying tightly packed cinnabar, paper money, talismans, and other items. He then proceeded to the pier to catch a boat.

The boat journey lasted about two-quarters of an hour. Blushing against the river breeze, Jing Xingzhi admired the early spring scenery of the south of the Yangtze River.

Upon disembarking, feeling somewhat unsteady, Jing Xingzhi walked toward the “home” in his memory with a swaying step.

As he approached the pier, a middle-aged man with an unshaven beard on the roadside pulled him.

Jing Erniu looked at the red-faced little scholar from the same village with concern. “Jing-xiucai, why are you blushing like this? Are you sick? Hop on my bullock cart, and I’ll take you back. I won’t charge you any money.”

Jing Xingzhi, recognizing the familiar face, replied weakly, “It’s Uncle Erniu. The river breeze is too cold, and I feel chilly. I planned to take the cart today and I’m willing to pay.”

“Just hop on, and don’t worry about payment. Get in and sit down,” Jing Erniu urged, pulling him into the cart, concerned that the little scholar might faint on the way.

In Jingjia Village, everyone knew the struggles of the two children in the family. The eldest, Fang Ge’er, was only eighteen, and the head of the family, Jing Xingzhi, was just fifteen, still a long way from sixteen. Despite the challenges, he persevered in his studies, making his life quite challenging.

When Jing Xingzhi’s admitted as a scholar, with ten acres of land, tax-free income, and two shi of food provided by the school each month, their life gotten better.

Jing Erniu, a villager, noticed the red-faced scholar and offered his jacket to keep him warm.

“Sir, don’t think it’s dirty; just put it on and cover up,” Jing Erniu kindly suggested.

“Thank you, Uncle Erniu,” Jing Xingzhi replied gratefully, wrapping the large coat around himself tightly to ward off the cold.

Jing Erniu, observing the thinness of the scholar, remarked, “Sir, you are too thin. Studying is so hard. You have to take good care of yourself. We are still waiting for you to win the imperial examination and become a Jinshi!”

In response, Jing Xingzhi smiled and assured him, “I’m will grow taller; I just lost some weight.”

As they continued their journey, Jing Erniu shared news from the village, mentioning that Fang Ge’er had made twelve dolls, each sold for twelve taels. Jing Xingzhi was surprised and asked about the appearance of these dolls.

“Fang Ge’er said you drew them, and he just followed your designs. There’s an ox, which is interesting, and there is also a mouse, a dragon, a tiger, all according to the zodiac signs,” Jing Erniu explained.

Jing Xingzhi, considering the possibility that these were puppets, eagerly inquired about their appearance. He had drawn designs, but he didn’t know which ones would sell or if Fang Ge’er could make them.

Jing Erniu laughed, assuring him that Fang Ge’er was talented and admired in the village. He emphasized the importance of treating Fang Ge’er well, “You must treat Fang Ge’er well in the future. For many years, it was Fang Ge’er who provided for the family.”

Jing Xingzhi nodded solemnly, “Uncle Erniu, don’t worry, I know it.”

He didn’t know the real situation about the puppet but he wanted to be good to this Feng Ge’er. Growing as teenager without parents was hard, it was even harder for Feng Ge’er to take care of him.

“Hehe, as long as you understand. I won’t talk too much; my family likes Fang Ge’er and he even gave me a cow doll for my family. My youngest always sleep with it in his arms.” Jing Erniu said with wide smile and narrowed his eyes in joy.

As the ox cart continued its journey, Jing Xingzhi felt increasingly dizzy from the shaking. His mind, however, was consumed by thoughts of the puppets and whatever waiting at Jing family’s house. He couldn’t wait to arrive and address the situation.

Finally, the original body’s house came into view, but the entrance was blocked by five or six formidable individuals, shouting and cursing loudly.

The family was so poor in the early years, they borrowed money from everywhere. It seemed that these people had come to collect debts upon hearing about Fang Ge’er’s newfound success.