One string a day, thirty strings a month. In that moment, Li Yongyi beheld the young lady before him, scarce a year or two his senior, radiant as if cloaked in golden light. Yet, for a mere study companion, such munificence seemed almost surreal.
The lady, perhaps fourteen or fifteen, offered a gentle smile. "I beseech you, good sir, to tutor my youngerbrother in arcane numeracy. Pray, do not find it beneath you."
Such a post was beyond refusal. Though sixty strings held greater allure, their display was unwise for now. With more string, his departure from Chen would be smoother, his daily life enriched. Li had no cause to decline.
As they departed, several masters saw them off. Master Liu, the numeracy scholar, now wore a sincere smile, a stark contrast to his earlier aloofness. He escorted them to the gate, his warmth effusive, inquiring after their comfort. Noting Li Yongyis company with Lady Xue, he stroked his beard and chuckled, "What fortune! Spurning my humble tasks, you've found a loftier path."
"Ought you not thank me, Little Li?" he teased.
"One word of thanks suffices," Li replied coolly. Requesting brush and paper, he penned a single line with flourishing strokes, handed it to Master Liu, and departed with Lady Xue.
Master Liu's smile faded. Glancing at the paper, he cast it aside, muttering, "He's vexed with me, indeed. Truly, only petty men and women are hard to please."
Ordinarily, he'd honor Rejuvenation Hall's favor, but this was no ordinary time. In Jiangzhou, Chen's capital, a grand event loomed: a venerable numeracy sage, long absent, hastened back to plead for General Yue, pausing here to meet noble clans at Willow Family Academy. Every seat in the numeracy hall was precious, not to be given lightly. Liu had secured the sage's riddle in advance, sharing it with his prized pupils to showcase their brilliance. When they returned, beaming with success, he exulted, "Worthy disciples! Your talent shines!"
Yet the students, young and proud in an age of warring states and noble wanderers, refused to claim unearned merit. "We didn't solve it," they admitted.
"Who did?" Liu asked, startled.
"Did you not summon him inside?" a student replied, puzzled.
Master Lius eyes widened. "You mean… that, that boy…"
"The one in plain garb," the student confirmed.
The words struck like a blade. Lius face paled, then flushed. Recalling the discarded paper, he unfolded it to read, "Why haughty before, yet courteous now?" Realizing he'd let a prodigy slip, he staggered back, collapsing to the ground, fist pounding the earth. "Foolish disciples!" he cried. "Why not speak sooner? You've ruined me!"
The students exchanged bewildered glances, eyeing the bold script on the paper.
…
Seated beside the coachman, Li Yongyi gazed at the passing scenery, imagining Master Lius dismay upon reading his note. A quiet satisfaction warmed him. He held no grudges lightly: kindness he repaid tenfold, slights he answered in kind. To strike a man, aim for his face; to fell him, pierce his heart.
The coachman wielded his whip with deft precision, the horses spirited and swift. As Li answered Lady Xue's queries on numeracy, he calculated: thirty strings monthly, over twenty silver taels, enough in Guanwing City to trade his star-gazing, rat-slaying hovel for a stone-floored home with a warm hearth and sturdy bed. New garments for him and his aunt, fine meals, and—most crucially—the redemption of her white jade amulet.
Spotting the pawnshop ahead, he hesitated, then said, "Lady Xue, might I request an advance of ten strings"
She paused, noting his faded, frayed attire, and replied softly, "My oversight, sir. As our hired tutor, you're entitled to a month's wage upfront."
Maiden Qinger, gaped, as if hearing folly. Lady Xue pressed a finger to her lips, winking for silence, and added, "Your numeracy awed me, and I neglected this custom. Forgive me, sir. Qinger, fetch thirty silver taels."
Thirty taels, worth some thirty-six Strings. Li Yongyi thanked her quietly, then asked, "Might we pause at the pawnshop ahead? I wish to redeem an heirloom of my elder."
The coachman grinned. "Filial piety is noble, young sir. Hold fast." With a crack of the whip, the carriage halted at the pawnshop.
Li Yongyi entered, clutching his silver. Years ago, his auntie's amulet was pawned under a live contract, redeemable unless sold. Fearing its loss, he stated his intent. The pawnbroker's face twitched, his eyes darting aside.
Li's heart sank. The pawnbroker, feigning regret, said, "I recall that amulet, but alas, another has claimed it…"
The curtain parted, and a young man emerged, holding the white jade amulet, laughing to the pawnbroker, "Manger Wang, this piece is fine indeed. Charge it to my account, deliver it next month."
Li recognized him: the young heir of Rejuvenation Hall. Ignoring the man, he stepped forward, voice steady. "I come to redeem this amulet today."
The heir glanced at Li's plain attire, wrinkling his nose and flicking his robe. "Yours? Ha! It's mine now."
Li's tone hardened. "By pawnshop rule, unpaid goods remain unsold. My live pawn stands, and I may redeem it."
The heir faltered, then recognized Li as a former clerk. Sneering, he said, "Redeem it? Keep your strings, lad. This is mine." He moved to shove Li Yongyi aside, shouting, "Out of my way!"
Li's eyes lowered, his inner qi. Then, soft steps approached, carrying a faint orchid scent. A gentle voice spoke: "Mr.Li, why the delay? Has the pawnshop hindered you?"
Lady Xue appeared at his side, hands folded gracefully, her gaze lifting to the heir's outstretched hand. With a serene smile, she said, "What does this gentleman intend, raising a hand to my tutor, Mr. Li?"
The pawnbroker and heir froze, their eyes wide with recognition of the Xue family's crest.
**(End of Chapter)**