Chapter Ten: A Well-Intentioned Lie

Pei Min watched Yan Gaoqing and Yuan Luqian depart to the south, gazing at the familiar surroundings. Suddenly, he recalled that just two months earlier he had seen off the Gongsun sisters in this very place. A sigh welled up in his heart: in only two months, he had bid farewell to two pairs of his closest friends. Such is the fickle nature of joy and sorrow in this world.

Gathering his spirits, Pei Min turned back toward the city. His travel pack had been prepared the night before; he needed only to visit the prefecture and the Grand Marshal's office to collect certificates for the literary and martial examinations, then he could return to his hometown to see his mother. At the thought of her, a longing to return surged within him.

He first went to the Grand Marshal's office to bid farewell to Xue Na and collect the martial exam certificate. Xue Na was absent, but arrangements had already been made, and the steward had the necessary documents ready for Pei Min to collect in person.

After leaving the Grand Marshal's office, Pei Min went to the prefecture to pick up his certificate for the literary exam.

The prefecture officials warmly welcomed him, as it was a great honor for a candidate to represent the county in the capital’s imperial exams—all procedures were handled efficiently and simply.

Pei Min, being the top scorer, was received personally by the chief historian of Youzhou.

The chief historian greeted him enthusiastically: “We depart for the capital with our tribute on the eighteenth. Will you travel with us, or go on your own?” Candidates usually journeyed to Chang’an with the local tribute caravan, for ancient travel was arduous and dangerous. The capital was far, and traveling alone risked unforeseen mishaps. Every New Year, the local counties offered their specialties as tribute to the emperor. To accommodate exam candidates, the court advanced the tribute schedule so scholars could travel safely with the caravan and be looked after along the way. Of course, one could travel independently, but that was mostly the privilege of wealthy families who had their own escorts and freedom from constraints.

Pei Min calculated the time; it was the thirteenth day, and things were too tight. “I’ll go on my own, sir, so I may spend more time with my mother.”

The chief historian, aware of Pei Min’s swordsmanship, smiled: “Such filial piety is commendable, but do not delay your journey. Youzhou rarely produces a talent both scholarly and martial—do not let carelessness squander your future. I have read your papers, especially your treatise, which offered refreshing insights befitting a future scholar. I hope you succeed and bring honor to our county. Off you go, then.”

“I understand, sir,” Pei Min replied.

Bidding farewell to the chief historian, Pei Min went to the Yuan residence to collect his pack, then set off without delay for Huairou County.

His little chestnut horse, showing the traits of a Ujumqin steed, galloped tirelessly, covering most of the day’s journey in one stretch and arriving outside Huairou County full of vigor. He recalled how, in the past, his journeys on foot took nearly two days. Now, with a fine mount, the trip was shortened by a day and a half, filling him with joy.

After three months away, Huairou County was gradually emerging from the shadow of the Xian raiders, its natural advantages lending it renewed vitality.

The townsfolk, seeing Pei Min return, greeted him warmly, clearly remembering his life-saving kindness.

Their genuine enthusiasm was met by Pei Min’s cheerful and patient greetings in return.

After three months, Pei Min once again walked the stone path leading home, calling out from afar, “Mother, your son has returned!” His voice rang out powerfully, startling the nearby birds and wild pheasants into flight.

Pei Min’s mother was sewing clothes in her room. Recently, the county magistrate had chosen her to mend uniforms for soldiers in the Youzhou camp, and her skillful handiwork was well praised. Since then, the quartermaster brought batches of damaged clothing for her to mend at regular intervals. Compared to washing clothes for others, sewing and repairing was easier and paid better, so she had given up laundry work to focus solely on mending for the soldiers.

Hearing Pei Min’s call, her eyes reddened with emotion, and she almost pricked her hand in excitement. Hastily putting down her work, she rushed outside and saw her beloved son leading a horse up the steps. Her expression tightened; she strode forward, scowling, and grabbed Pei Min’s ear, saying, “You rascal, you finally remember to come home! I thought you’d forgotten this family.”

Pei Min made no attempt to dodge, twisting his face and crying, “Ow, ow, that hurts!”

His mother softened, loosening her grip but still pretending to be angry. Pei Min was a filial son, and used to return home every two months, never staying long—just a day, but it eased her worries. This time, he had been gone three months, an unprecedented absence. Though Pei Min had sent word that his studies were intense and he’d return later, her heart remained uneasy until now.

Pei Min quickly smiled apologetically, “It’s my fault, Mother, but I have good news! I placed first in the examinations and am now a tribute scholar, qualified to sit for the spring imperial exams next year. If I pass, I’ll bring glory to our family and honor you and Father.”

His mother was momentarily stunned, her eyes brightening as she released his ear with delight. “Is that true?”

“Of course!” Pei Min rubbed his reddened ear and pulled out his certificate from the horse’s saddlebag.

His mother, once a songstress of the Pei family, was skilled in all arts and literate. Seeing the certificate, her face lit up with joy, tears streaming down as she said, “My son has achieved greatness! He’s made something of himself.” After a moment, she said, “But wait…” Her gaze grew doubtful as she looked at Pei Min. “Why did you take the tribute exam? Isn’t it true that Pei family members disdain the imperial exams?”

Years ago, she and Pei Min’s father fell in love. His father was a direct descendant of the Eastern Pei lineage, raised with care by the clan, and was to be recommended for office. But when their affair became known, his recommendation was revoked. Though not expelled, he became a neglected outcast.

When Pei Min was young, his mother, wishing him a good education and future, personally knelt before the Pei clan leader. The Pei family refused to acknowledge her as a daughter-in-law, but accepted Pei Min as their blood, allowing him to attend the Yan Yun Academy and receive the privileges of Pei descendants.

In her mind, Pei Min should have been directly recommended for office at the proper age, not forced to take the imperial exams.

Pei Min smiled, “I made a mistake, Mother. During one assessment, I performed poorly and lost the chance to enter the Jishan Academy. The tribute exam was about to start, so I decided to test myself and signed up. Unexpectedly, I came out on top. I thought, rather than wait for unreliable arrangements from the Pei family, I’d take matters into my own hands and aim for the top scholar’s title. If I pass, I’ll meet the emperor, earn a noble title, and make our name shine in history.”

He lied here, not wanting his mother to feel guilty or for her to know that it was her involvement that cost him the opportunity.