Chapter Forty-One: A Three-Year Promise

At the banquet table, Ji Yun repeatedly toasted Xu Yuan, recounting the changes that had occurred in the Ji Family Escort Agency over the past year.

First and foremost was their business. The agency’s operations were no longer confined to Qingshan County or the nearby counties; even the commercial guilds in Xishan Prefecture had begun inviting the Ji Family Escort Agency to provide their services. Previously, their assignments involved escorting small caravans of a dozen people, at most a few dozen when guild members were included. But now, their operations had expanded to groups of over a hundred, sometimes even more, leaving the agency short-handed and in urgent need of expansion.

As they spoke, the door swung open and Ji Wen stormed in, his face flushed with anger. Upon seeing Xu Yuan, his expression softened a little, and he greeted him with a respectful bow. “Greetings, Master Xu.”

“Back from your studies, Ji Wen? Come, join us for a meal. What has you so upset?” Ji Yun was in excellent spirits, never one to play the strict father, and often joked with his sons.

He had always been clear about his plans for his children, just as their names suggested. Ji Wu, the elder son, was destined to inherit the escort agency, as tradition dictated. For Ji Wen, he had not played favorites, instead encouraging him to pursue his studies with the best teachers and schools, aiming for a future in officialdom. Both children had bright prospects ahead.

It was not only the agency’s strength and influence that had grown; Ji Wen had also distinguished himself academically. His teachers praised his intelligence and talent, and he recently earned the title of Scholar, the most outstanding among the stipend-holders.

To hold the Scholar’s title was already a mark of distinction for an ordinary family, granting privileges such as speaking with the county magistrate while standing, exemption from forced labor, and protection from certain punishments.

Scholars were divided into three ranks: stipend-holders, supplementary scholars, and affiliate scholars. Stipend-holders, like Ji Wen, excelled in both annual and imperial exams, qualifying for a monthly government stipend that freed them from being a financial burden and allowed them to focus on their studies.

To have achieved this at such a young age was remarkable. Lately, Ji Yun had heard talk among the academy teachers of promoting Ji Wen to the rank of Tribute Scholar—an extraordinary honor that would grant him entry to the Imperial Academy in the capital.

According to the teachers, instead of waiting three years for the provincial exam, it would be better for Ji Wen, still young, to go to the capital now, acquaint himself with the great scholars and resources there, and build a foundation for his future career.

With both sons showing their talents, Ji Yun was overjoyed, his days filled with smiles.

“Don’t mention it,” Ji Wen replied, his face falling once more. Still young, he struggled to control his emotions, and now he slammed his fist on the table, indignantly declaring, “The court is imposing yet another tax this year—double what was required in the ‘Year of Auspicious Signs’!”

The ‘Year of Auspicious Signs’ had already consumed countless resources to collect and deliver auspicious omens to the emperor. Now, the tax was twice as high, supposedly to suppress the rampant banditry. If this policy continues, places that never had bandits before will soon see them rise!

Even ordinary families are struggling, and some of the poorer scholars at the academy can barely manage. Many are now petitioning for the policy’s abolition.

But not only was the petition ignored, the few who led the effort were arrested—simply outrageous!

It is said that one learns martial or literary arts to serve the emperor. The martial path leads to the army; the literary, to scholarly pursuits—studying, becoming an official, governing the country, benefiting the people, and leaving a name in history. This has been the traditional path for thousands of years.

As a Scholar, Ji Wen now had a measure of status, able to express his opinions on state affairs and policies. Of course, whether those in power listened was another matter entirely.

The greatest issue in recent years had been the repeated increase in taxes. The previous occasion was due to the ‘Year of Auspicious Signs’—when a celestial palace appeared, prompting regions to collect omens and send them to the capital.

This time, the excuse was to suppress the now widespread banditry. But in Ji Wen’s view, at least half, if not all, of these bandits had been driven to desperation by the previous tax hikes.

Unable to survive, they were forced into outlawry—what choice did they have?

Oppressive governance is harsher than a tiger!

Yet now, rather than reflecting on their actions, the authorities are imposing even more taxes to deal with those driven to rebellion. What logic is this?

Adding insult to injury, digging the pit ever deeper, solely bent on extracting more wealth!

Naturally, many local scholars banded together to resist and denounce the policy, and Ji Wen was clearly among them. Yet, all they could do was watch helplessly, unable to change anything, while those who led the protests were detained to ‘cool off’ for a few days before being released.

No wonder Ji Wen was so furious—he had studied the words of sages, learning the ways to govern and benefit the world, only to be struck down when he tried to apply them in reality.

This indignation was hard to swallow; even at home, his anger lingered.

“Enough,” Ji Yun said, his smile gone and brows furrowed. He cautioned, “Now that you are home, speak less of state affairs. Though you hold the title of stipend-holder, your voice carries little weight even in Xishan Prefecture, let alone all of Qi Kingdom. Eat only what you are capable of; when you have the power, then offer your advice. Getting angry now achieves nothing—do not bring outside frustration into our home.”

“Father’s advice is sound,” Ji Wen replied after a brief silence, nodding his head.

He understood these truths well enough. But what he saw and heard stirred him to righteous fury.

The Ji Family Escort Agency was prosperous; even with the increased taxes, they could bear the burden without much impact. But what of the countless common folk—how were they to survive?

Is one’s voice always so insignificant?

After a pause, Ji Wen seemed to reach a decision. “Father, Mother, I wish to study at the Imperial Academy!”

Ji Yun and Cai Shulan exchanged a glance. After a moment’s consideration, they nodded. “Very well. But the capital is far and its mountains high; if you are determined to study, you may not return home for several years.”

“I will come back before the next provincial exam,” Ji Wen said, his fists clenched in resolve. “Three years; that is my promise!”