Hua Zhi's invitation only mentioned the seventh day of the month without specifying a time, yet nearly all recipients chose to arrive early in the morning. By the hour of Chen, quite a few had already gathered.
The tightly shut gate left the crowd exchanging uncertain glances, unsure whether they should step forward and knock.
As they hesitated, the Hua family's main door slowly swung open from within. The scholarly crowd saw two servants carrying a table out to place below the steps, followed by a child of about ten emerging. Dressed in a Confucian robe with his hair tied up in a scholar's headscarf, his fair complexion and delicate features radiated the refined aura of a young scholar.
Behind him stood neatly about twenty other children in similar attire, each holding a basket whose contents remained unknown.
"I am Hua Baiyu, grateful for your presence as promised." The boy performed a standard scholar's bow.
The students, though surprised, returned the gesture one by one.
Seeing that no one mocked his youth, Hua Baiyu secretly sighed in relief and relaxed slightly. Taking a basket from his younger brother behind him, he placed it on the table before him. "With the Autumn Examination approaching, we dare not waste your time. These are provisions prepared by my elder sister that can last for many days without spoiling, intended for your use during the exams. May they contribute to your success."
The crowd exchanged puzzled looks.
"To avoid any appearance of charity, these items must be sold to you."
Again, surprise rippled through the gathering.
"Please prepare exactly one copper coin - no more, no less. If unprepared, you may deliver it later."
"..."
Both spectators and scholars found their emotions stirred by these unexpected turns, momentarily wondering: Was that all? Would there be more?
After a brief silence, seeing that Hua Baiyu showed no intention of further speech, the scholars confirmed this was the Hua family's complete message. Those at the forefront, noticing the boy's growing unease at their lack of response, were first to react. Patting their robes, those who had copper coins promptly stepped forward to offer one.
Hua Baiyu exhaled in relief, dimples appearing in his smile as he pushed an empty basket forward. "Please place it here."
The scholar complied, and Hua Baiyu immediately handed over the basket he'd been holding. When the scholar lifted it, he was surprised by its weight. Glancing at the copper coin, he asked, "No mistake?"
Hua Baiyu blinked in confusion before shaking his head. "Elder Sister said exactly one copper coin."
The scholar immediately realized his question was foolish - even if lightweight, the items wouldn't necessarily be worth a single coin. The exquisite basket alone was worth far more than that.
Once someone took the lead, others followed. Regardless of their private thoughts, having submitted their name cards and come this far, none wished to embarrass the Hua family. Even if the basket were empty, even if she demanded ten taels of silver, none would leave empty-handed.
The Daqing Dynasty recognized a calligraphic style known as Rock Font, created by Hua family ancestor Hua Jingyan.
The Daqing Dynasty was historically the most benevolent toward its meritorious officials. Hua Jingyan had taught them through his own example how to serve as loyal ministers and maintain integrity in their later years.
Even the poorest scholar possessed several hand-copied books with frayed edges from constant study. While the Hua family didn't produce published authors every generation, they maintained the tradition of leaving behind Ink Writings, regardless of quantity.The most recent publication was released the year before last, when Old Master Hua compiled a volume of annotations for "The Great Learning" based on his lifelong studies. Following the Hua family's longstanding tradition, they self-funded the printing and distributed copies to academies, book societies, and libraries across the land. They also provided ink, brushes, and paper so those interested could make their own transcriptions. This practice had been upheld for as many years as the Hua family had stood, and it was impossible to count how many impoverished scholars had benefited from it.
No one could deny the immense contributions the Hua family had made to the Daqing Dynasty or their profound influence on scholars—not even their most bitter political adversaries. These rivals always acknowledged the Hua family's position as the foremost literary household, all while desperately wishing to supplant them.
It was precisely because of the Hua family's such reputation that scholars from all corners of the realm—whether aloof, proud, or arrogant—were willing to show them respect, even if their gestures were insignificant.
The copper coins in the baskets piled up steadily, yet the children remained orderly. Whenever their hands were empty, they would return to fetch another basket and line up behind their brothers, repeating the process again and again.
Hua Baiyu was no longer nervous. For every copper coin placed before him, he handed over a basket. If someone offered silver, he would stop them, his dark eyes fixed intently on the person. No matter what their intentions were, under that gaze, they would either hastily borrow a copper coin from someone behind them or promise to bring one later, then receive a basket in return.
As time passed, the line showed no signs of shortening despite having long exceeded the number of submitted name cards; instead, it seemed to grow longer. Yet, the Hua family continued to distribute baskets one after another, clearly having prepared far more than initially anticipated.
Zhu Ziwen was also in the queue. When his turn came, he smiled and said, "Little Baiyu has grown up."
Hua Baiyu lowered his head slightly in embarrassment. "Elder Sister already had someone deliver one to you, cousin."
"I want this one too." Zhu Ziwen placed a copper coin and accepted the basket with a solemn expression. "I am also a scholar."
Hua Baiyu's eyes suddenly reddened. Before, he had only vaguely understood his elder sister's intentions, but now he fully comprehended them. She not only wanted the Wei Family to recognize the gap between them and the Hua family but also wished him and his younger brothers to understand the significance of the Hua name.
Zhu Ziwen glanced toward the gate, where the hem of a skirt occasionally fluttered. He knew his cousin was there.
She might well be aware that the drawbacks of this act outweighed the benefits, yet she proceeded regardless—likely driven by a pent-up frustration. In this way, she voiced the Hua family's grievances and reminded the world of all that the Hua family had done for the Daqing Dynasty.
Not everyone would grasp her intentions, but those who needed to understand would.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder. "There are plenty of people behind you—don't linger."
Zhu Ziwen turned and glared irritably at his mischievous friend. While others might genuinely be here for the Hua family, these friends were at least half here for the food. The basket he had taken from his cousin that day had barely been touched by him before it was devoured by the others.
Still, their presence was what mattered. Unlike ordinary scholars, they stood here representing their respective families, and their attitudes reflected their families' stance toward the Hua family.
Unnoticed by anyone, the scholar who had been ahead of Zhu Ziwen in line slipped away and subtly scanned his surroundings. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he made his way toward a carriage parked nearby.The carriage appeared somewhat more refined than others, but there wasn't much noticeable difference. If one had to point out distinctions, it would be that the coachman seemed excessively robust and his gaze overly vigilant.
As the scholar approached intending to seek permission, a low, hoarse voice came from within, "Come up and speak."
"Yes."
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