Mr. Zhang left, mainly because Feng Qing'an, under the watchful eyes of everyone gathered, made a solemn promise with a resolute voice.
Of course, it wasn't about becoming an Advanced Scholar, which would be too demanding for a child. He only promised to study diligently and follow the wisdom of the sages and ancient rites.
Since then, Feng Qing'an has cast the Imperial examination aside, his aspiration to focus on cultivation shattered. For now, he could only resort to studying diligently, even if it meant adhering to the norm and, just like his elder brother, participating in the Imperial examination.
Of course, he wouldn't neglect cultivation. The path to transcendence was right in front of him, and there was no way Feng Qing'an would abandon it. Even if it meant making time, no matter how tight his schedule was.
Considering that cultivation as a Guardian Beast Master seemed to substitute for a portion of sleep— even if it couldn't entirely replace it—his current mental state looked rather good.
After Mr. Zhang left and as the sun rose higher in the sky, the Feng family estate returned to its usual hustle and bustle, with visitors coming to pay respect to his elder brother, this time from even farther away.
The celebration of the scholar's homecoming was not a one-day affair. But this noise and commotion didn't concern Feng Qing'an very much at this time.
He was bedridden, nursing his wounds, after all, the beating from his parents, though it didn't cause any injurious harm to his bones or muscles, did quite a number on his skin. It would take three to five days to heal.
Amidst the dullness, Feng Qing'an could only find solace in playing with a puppy in his bedroom. Thankfully, he had this little dog to keep him company; otherwise, the boredom would have been unbearable.
Interestingly, both Yin Shi and his perceived-to-be simplistic father, Feng Shouli, had little reaction to this sudden appearance of a puppy, they were rather pleased with it.
After all, their residence was an expansive mansion, and it was unlikely for Feng Qingping to stay permanently. He would need to return to the Capital City after a short stay at home. Once the elder brother left, the mansion would feel rather empty with only three people. Having an extra puppy didn't seem like a bad idea.
They erected a stone tablet to pay tribute to their ancestors.
Shili Fengjiagang was immersed in a celebratory atmosphere for five consecutive days, with joyous vibes all around. And for five days, the village hosted a continuous banquet for visitors coming from all directions.
Aside from the first day when Feng Qing'an participated in the celebrations, he spent the rest of the days bedridden in his room. That didn't mean he missed out on the feast, though. Every day, before the banquet began, his attendants would send over dishes of fine meats and vegetables to his room, ensuring he was well-nourished and comfortable.
Days of indulging in these rich foods, Feng Qing'an felt he had gained several pounds of flesh. But such good times would not last forever.
His elder brother was returning to the Capital City!
Even bedridden for days, Feng Qing'an got up to see his brother off. His injuries had healed quite nicely by then, and he wondered if it had anything to do with his night-time cultivation with the "Spiritual Soul Condensing Skill".
"Are you leaving already? Couldn't you stay home a bit longer?"
Yin Shi reluctantly held onto the sleeve of her elder son, continuously wiping tears from her eyes.
A mother always worries about her children afar. When her eldest son had gone to sit the Imperial examination earlier, Yin Shi had already been so anxious that she couldn't sleep or eat. Now, having scored the top position, it meant that they would have to live apart.
The Capital City was thousands of miles away from Shili Fengjiagang, and for the first time, Yin Shi realised how challenging it would be to see her not-yet-grown-up child in the future.
"Mother, I am already an Imperial Scholar of the fifth rank now. This homecoming was after requesting a leave from my official duties, and the return date has been set. I can't disobey it now," explained Feng Qingping, holding Yin Shi's hand. Being an official now, he couldn't be as reckless and stubborn as before.
"Indeed, my son is a high-ranking official now," said Yin Shi with both pride and sadness.
"Elder brother, how much would a house in the Capital City cost? With your official salary, how long would it take to buy a house there? It doesn't have to be big, just big enough for our family to live in!" Feng Qing'an sarcastically commented while looking at the mother-son parting feeling touched but grimacing at the cheesiness.
"The cost of land in the Capital City..." Upon hearing his younger brother bringing this up, even the only Six Principalities First Scholar in the Da Jin dynasty shook his head.
"With my current salary, it would probably take three hundred years to afford a commoner's house under the city wall."
"A house under the city wall!" Feng Qing'an's mouth twitched. In a city, areas under the city wall were always the least desirable since the walls blocked sunlight.
"Elder brother, I think it's more viable to rely on you marrying a noble lady rather than saving money to buy a house by getting promotions."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Feng Qingping laughed and scolded.
"It's just that I want to live in a large mansion in the Capital City. Having a mansion, we could bring mom and dad, and myself over to enjoy life better!"
"It's just a mansion. It won't take too long," confidently stated Feng Qingping.
"Sure, I'll be waiting for that!" Feng Qing'an's eyes gleamed with anticipation. And with Feng Qing'an lightening the mood, the emotional parting moment seemed a lot less heavy.
In the end, together with the villagers who had come to bid farewell, the Feng family watched as this top scholar got into a plain carriage. Yin Shi had wanted to express concerns about her son's long journey back to the Capital City, potential dangers he might encounter. But then she saw rugged and commanding knights appearing around the carriage and ended up keeping her worries to herself.
Anyone who considered themselves discerning could tell that those men dressed in regular clothing and riding large horses did not hold ordinary origins.
The majestic horses were far superior to the common cart-pulling horses and mules of the countryside. They were fit for battlefields, not open to comparison.
"This is indeed out of the ordinary. He really has reached new heights!" A villager murmured the sentiment prevalent among many. The display at the scholar's home, though appearing plain and simple, was a consequence of humble and discreet personal characteristics rather being a show-off.
"Does being a scholar of Hanlin Academy carry such perks?" Watching as the carriage disappeared into the distance, Feng Qing'an muttered to himself.
He did not doubt for a moment that those men surrounding his elder brother's carriage, along with the sturdy horses, once donned in armor and armed, would charge fearlessly into the battlefield.
"Snap out of it, stop staring! If you wish to be like your elder brother, focus on studying. Don't fantasize about becoming a Master Official!" Feng Shouli slapped his useless second son. These few days, he had worried and stressed considerably over his son. It was hard for him to imagine that his own flesh and blood could be a playboy official in the future.
"Dad, go easier on the slap. I understand. I will study hard. That day was just a joke!" Feng Qing'an grumbled while rubbing his head.
Although he had suffered these few days, the results had shown. No one was imposing on him to become a scholar or an advanced scholar anymore. As long as he studied diligently to become a good person, acted maturely and normally, everyone would be content.