Jing Xingzhi’s Daily Life in Ancient Times

A massive crowd gathered outside the government office in Huanshui County, and curious residents of Jingjia Village stood outside, craning their necks for a glimpse inside. Questions from those unfamiliar with the situation prompted them to learn about the impending interrogation of Jing Weizhi and his wife.

In the lobby, Jing Baibai, the head of Jingjia Village, along with two clan elders, Jing Erniu, Liu Fang, and others, observed the proceedings, catching sight of the county magistrate above.

Within the lobby’s dynamic atmosphere, with the beating of the killing stick and resonant sounds, County Magistrate He Zhifang strained to hear the clamor outside. Expressing his displeasure, he questioned, “Who is making noise in the hall, and why is he beating the drum of complaints?”

Jing Xingzhi, donned in a square scarf and a blue t-shirt, identified himself, saying, “I am Student Jing Xingzhi, beat the drum to seek justice for my mother’s grievances and death.”

He Zhifang, responding with a thoughtful “hmm,” urged, “Tell me the details.”

Jing Xingzhi proceeded to recount the tragic events of eight years ago, “My mother died eight years ago because of my brother and sister-in-law, Jing Weizhi and Lan Cao. The two of them locked me in a room, took away all the money and refused to hire a doctor to treat my mother’s illness. I was so young at that time, in the woodshed without knowing about my mother’s fate. I only knew when they let me out that my mother already died. This had been buried for many years, but yesterday, my brother and sister-in-law accidentally told the truth themselves on the street.”

“I have also heard about this matter,” acknowledged He Zhifang, nodding. He turned his attention to the people nearby and, following protocol, queried Mayor Hu of Mingxi Town, “Mayor Hu, what is the connection between this incident and Jing Weizhi? Is there any discrepancy in the scholar’s account?”

Mayor Hu shook his head, affirming, “What I conveyed to you, sir, is accurate. These two individuals have confessed themselves!”

Mayor Hu gestured toward Jing Weizhi and his wife, who were restrained on the ground due to their delirium and attempts to resist.

Observing unanimous agreement, He Zhifang reached for the document approved by Wu Qing on the table and proclaimed, “I will now proceed with the sentencing. Jing Weizhi and Lan Cao have committed a heinous crime, causing the death of their biological mother due to financial concerns. The judgment is as follows: Jing Weizhi will be beheaded after autumn, while Lan Cao will be exiled for three thousand miles, never to return to their place of origin!”

He continued, “The family’s assets, comprising two houses and three shops, will be distributed. One main house and three shops will be awarded to Jing Xingzhi, and the other residence will go to Jing Dabao. In the case of an ignorant child, Jing Dabao was found not guilty.”

Jing Dabao, Jing Weizhi, and Lan Cao knelt together. Upon hearing about the loss of their shop, they wailed loudly, evoking sympathy from some who thought Jing Dabao would lose his parents at such a young age.

However, there were others less compassionate. Jing Dabao’s demeanor, despite being ten years old, appeared strong, fat and much older compared to the pitiable Jing Xingzhi, who had grown up without parents.

Jing Weizhi and Lan Cao, still unconscious, struggled against the imposing yamen servant, attempting to free themselves, their mouths muffled with linen.

Jing Xingzhi cast a glance at the crying Jing Dabao, walking away surrounded by the village chief and others amidst the fading commotion. Once outside, he nodded to Liu Fang, signaling that everything had transpired smoothly without any surprises.

Seeing this, Liu Fang smiled back at Jing Xingzhi.

Liu Hua, seizing Liu Fang’s hand, leaned close, smiling as he whispered in the young man’s ear, “Fang Ge’er, why not grace Hua Amu with a smile? Is it because I don’t look good?”

Liu Fang blushed, replying, “Hua Amu, don’t stir up trouble.”

The front of the building was lively, and the atmosphere remained harmonious.

Although the county government office was closed, He Zhifang seemed dissatisfied. He turned to Wu Qing, the chief clerk, questioning, “Old Wu, why did you return that house to that chubby lad? And the three shops? Mingxi Town’s shops have been thriving in recent years.”

He Zhifang came from a poor family and had a relatively small horizon. Huanshui was a big county and there was a group of county magistrates who could stop him, so there was little way for him to make money. He had been staying in Jiangnan for a few years and enjoyed the lavish lifestyle, he always thinks about way to make money.

Wu Qing, not inclined to reveal the truth, coughed and explained, “The young lad will gain you better reputation if you offer him a modest house. When the three years are up, it could yield benefits when regulating nearby counties.”

Huanshui wasn’t be the most prosperous place in Jiangnan. But it was the rich place where slat administration and shipping were done. But it was something that a rootless official like He Zhifang couldn’t get involved. In fact, Wu Qing believed that He Zhifang was lucky enough to come to Huanshui County.

After serving an official for two years, Wu Qing was the one who controlled everything for him. Wu Qing thought this man had no talent and couldn’t continue to learn more. Anyway, his brain was much better than He Zhifang.

He Zhifang lamented, “That scholar doesn’t appreciate me and fails to show any filial piety.”

He Zhifang felt a little pains in his heart, considering the expenses of maintaining his household with full of concubines.

“Sir!” Wu Qing couldn’t contain his excitement. “Jing Xingzhi is studying at Huanshui Academy, and there’s a high probability he’ll pass the national examination next year. How remarkable is that at his age?”

Wu Qing, if in He Zhifang’s shoes, would undoubtedly commend Jing Xing, ensuring that the young scholar would remember Wu Qing’s initial support when he achieves success. However, He Zhifang, preoccupied with monetary concerns, remained indifferent. Wu Qing, uninterested in sharing too much with him, planned to seek a new employer after the three-year term.

Silently, Wu Qing let He Zhifang bemoan his financial woes.

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After the legal proceedings, a group from Jingjia Village expressed their intent to return to Mingxi Town by boat, but Jing Xingzhi opted to stay. The village chief and others dissuaded him from going back, urging him to focus on his studies since he aspired to attend college.

Though the specific goal wasn’t disclosed, Jing Xingzhi suspected it was another imaginative piece from the “ancestor” in the Guangzong Yaozu series.

Observing his reluctance, Liu Fang decided to stay and accompany Jing Xingzhi around the county academy.

After purchasing new pens, inks, paper, and inkstones, Jing Xingzhi also found two books on physiognomy and Kanyu Feng Shui. Folding a page from the physiognomy book, he thought it might come in handy.

As Liu Fang departed by boat, Jing Xingzhi returned to the academy alone.

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Upon arriving, he found the college master posting a red list. The names of the top twenty students in each exam were showcased on the red paper to motivate them. Wu Mingrui, looking somewhat disheartened, stood alone behind the students.

Jing Xingzhi approached and patted his back. “Brother Mingrui.”

Wu Mingrui turned, finally smiling. “Xingzhi, you’re back. The list will be up soon. It’s a pity you missed it this time. I wonder who will top the monthly exam.”

They both looked forward to the excitement of seeing the results.

Jing Xingzhi and Wu Mingrui exchanged a few words, and students in front promptly began signing up.

“Twentieth place…”

“Eighteenth place…”

Wu Mingrui, noticing the rankings, remarked, “Alright, let’s check this round’s standings first. Otherwise, I’d be fixated on the red list and miss out on important details. Wait until your turn to speak.”

Jing Xingzhi nodded, feigning acquaintanceship with his classmates.

Wu Mingrui appeared anxious, while Jing Xingzhi casually scanned the room, focusing on each classmate.

Some named students expressed joy, a sign of progress in Jing Xingzhi’s eyes.

One individual slapped his thigh in frustration, likely trailing behind.

“Fifth place: Zhu Da.”

As this was announced, the room fell silent.

Zhu Da and his group were perceived as lacking in skill, resorting to underhanded tactics. Unexpectedly, they sacrificed Li Huasui, preventing Jing Xingzhi from taking the exam. Consequently, Zhu Da, typically second in class, plummeted to fifth. It was a standard rank for Wu Mingrui, who studied alongside Jing Xingzhi.

Eyes turned subtly toward Zhu Da. Standing at the front, he suppressed anger and said with a forced smile, “Seems like I didn’t rest well; the impact is significant.”

Surrounding students echoed with comforting words, “Of course, you were busy copying books as punishment.”

Zhu Da felt better after being told about his excuse because of external factor.

Strangely, everyone consoled Zhu Da, but Zhang Kaiwei remained silent. Zhu Da, oblivious, didn’t notice, and his peers paid little attention to Zhang Kaiwei anyway.

The names for the fourth and third positions, unfamiliar classmates from less affluent backgrounds whom Jing Xingzhi didn’t recognize, were announced.

“Second place: Wu Mingrui.”

Jing Xingzhi grinned at Wu Mingrui, saying, “Brother Mingrui, let’s celebrate your second place over dinner!”

Wu Mingrui chuckled, “Certainly, I’ve arranged for a feast from Taibai Restaurant. We’ll have some drinks later.”

Zhu Da, observing the interaction, darkened further.

The person in front declared the first place: “First place: Zhang Kaiwei!”

Upon hearing his name, Zhang Kaiwei remained composed, wearing a gentle smile that added warmth to his demeanor. He looked lika a saying, A handsome gentleman is upright.’

Jing Xingzhi, keenly observant, noticed Zhu Da’s darkened expression and cast a scrutinizing look at Zhang Kaiwei.

While Jing Xingzhi enjoyed the spectacle, Zhu Da on the other side sneered and dropped a bombshell, “I heard the chief is accepting disciples. Brother Zhang must be confident!”

Little did Zhu Da expect that his elaborate plan, aimed at forcing Jing Xingzhi to miss the exam, would result in Zhang Kaiwei effortlessly snatching the opportunity.

Zhu Da wanted to see if Zhang Kaiwei could handle the consequences. If not, Zhu Da’s reputation would be tarnished, and Zhang Kaiwei’s hopes of portraying an innocent image would be shattered.

This remark triggered countless thoughts among onlookers!

Most people arrived at a common realization – Zhu Da’s relentless efforts to torment Jing Xingzhi were all for the chance to become the chief’s disciple!