Chapter 4

Chapter 4

According to Aunt Song, having me accompany Song Jitong would give her peace of mind, and it would also give us a chance to nurture our relationship.

The Provincial City was far from home, and with the Autumn Imperial Exams approaching, Song Jitong wouldn’t be coming home for the entire month.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” Aunt Song sighed, her voice full of heartache. “I saw that Kongchu had lost a lot of weight when he came back this time. At the dinner table, he only picked at the meat. I suppose the food at the Academy must be too bland, and our Kongchu is suffering for it.”

I was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to respond.

Song Jitong had indeed lost some weight, but his spirits were quite high. Moreover, Songhan Academy was famous for providing excellent meals to its students. Since he hadn’t been home in a while, I had wanted to nourish him, so most of the dishes on the table had been meat-based.

“I originally wanted to go myself, but you know how that boy is. He’s been spoiled over the years and has developed a picky palate… he only likes the food you cook…”

I understood instantly.

Wasn’t this just like being a live-in study companion for the college entrance exams?

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words Song Jitong had casually mentioned yesterday while accompanying me to look at shops suddenly echoed in my ears:

“A close classmate of mine has a shop in his family. It’s in a good location, and the rent is only three taels of silver more than this one.”

He had wanted to haggle with the broker, but I had taken it to heart.

The Provincial City was naturally different from the county seat. If I could go to the Provincial City, it would be for the best, and I could make money faster. Furthermore, I knew that Song Jitong was destined to become the New Top Scholar in the future. When he eventually went to Jingdu, Aunt Song and I would naturally have to go with him, which would be another massive expense.

The hesitation that was about to leave my lips took a sharp turn. I nodded. “I understand. I’ll pack my things and head to the Provincial City. Kongchu has a bright future ahead of him; we can’t let his health collapse just because of his studies.”

“Yes, exactly.” Aunt Song immediately wiped away her tears, her face breaking into a wide smile. “I’ll help you pack. We still have some silver at home; take it all with you. If possible, find a better shop in the Provincial City. Don’t worry about things here at home; I’ll take care of everything…”

Listening to Aunt Song’s rambling yet uncontrollably joyful voice, I felt something was slightly off, though I couldn’t put my finger on it.

I spent a few days packing and getting everything in order. Just as I was wondering how to get to the Provincial City, someone arrived at the door, saying Song Jitong had rented a carriage.

“A carriage?” I looked at Aunt Song with some suspicion.

Aunt Song coughed, finding an excuse. “I had already agreed with Kongchu that I would be the one going to the Provincial City. But then I thought it would be more appropriate for you to go, Miao’er.”

“Then why didn’t Kongchu tell me while he was still home?”

I had my doubts. But before I could ask, Aunt Song happily pushed me into the carriage.

It didn’t feel like a farewell; it felt like delivering a gift.

This was my first time riding in a carriage since arriving in ancient times. Once the novelty wore off, I felt nothing but aches and pains all over my body.

Fortunately, I saw Song Jitong as soon as we entered the city.

“My master helped me find this house, and I’ve already paid the rent. You can live here with peace of mind. I’ll come back whenever the Academy has a break.”

Song Jitong naturally helped me carry my luggage, but he kept his eyes fixed forward, not letting his gaze fall on me for a second.

I gave a distracted “oh” before a realization hit me. “Where did you get the money?”

When Song Jitong had returned home, he had given all the silver he earned from transcribing books to Aunt Song. Now that the family’s situation had improved, there was no need for him to work so hard, but he had insisted on transcribing books in his spare time to earn some money.

“I-”

Song Jitong was momentarily at a loss for words.

He gave a light cough and said stubbornly, “I have my own money!”

I looked up at him but said nothing.

As I carried things from the carriage into the house, I dropped a casual remark as I passed him:

“Kongchu, do you know that every time you have a guilty conscience and lie to me, your earlobes turn as red as rouge?”

Song Jitong instinctively reached for his ears, but he forced himself to stop.

His hand froze mid-air, looking quite awkward indeed.