Another morning dawned. As the rooster crowed, every household in Baiyun Village began to stir for the day’s labor.
Inside the Zhao Family home, Madam Chen rose and went first to Zhao Yan’s room. She pressed a hand to his forehead and let out a sigh of relief upon feeling that his fever had subsided; any longer and it would have truly been beyond medical help.
Satisfied that Zhao Yan was alright, Madam Chen turned to head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Zhao Yan slowly opened his eyes. The room was still dim, and it took a moment for him to remember that he had inexplicably transmigrated to this ancient era, where there were no bright, modern electric lights.
He closed his eyes again, but finding he couldn’t fall back asleep, he decided to contemplate his future. He had been here for three days now, lying in bed; if he didn’t get up soon, he felt he might sprout mushrooms on his back. If he didn't die of illness, he would surely die of stifling boredom.
According to the original owner’s memories, he had already earned the title of *tongsheng*, though he had yet to pass the exams to become a *xiucai*. While the *tongsheng* status existed, it was of little practical use to Zhao Yan at the moment. It was merely a stepping stone toward the *xiucai* degree.
Although Zhao Yan was a graduate of a top-tier university, he dared not underestimate the wisdom and the competitive nature of the people of this era. After all, he knew a thing or two about the cutthroat nature of imperial examinations—if he hadn’t eaten pork, he had at least seen pigs run.
Having lain in bed for days, Zhao Yan felt much better. He could get up and walk around today. As a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, he knew full well how to recover from an illness. The trouble was, even a clever housewife couldn't cook without rice. He had the knowledge, but lacked the medicinal herbs; armchair strategies were useless. He would have to wait until he could get out to see what herbs he could find.
More importantly, he needed to avenge the original owner. While Zhao Yan was no great hero, since he had taken over the body, it was only right to do something for him. To seek revenge, he had to find the culprit. Based on the original owner’s memories, he only recalled that Zhao Wei had called him to the riverside, where he had slipped and fallen in. That accident was the direct cause of the fever that had claimed the original owner's life.
However, Zhao Wei had only called him to the river and left shortly after; he had an alibi and could not be easily accused. Yet, Zhao Yun insisted it was Zhao Wei’s doing, and as the original owner’s own sister, she would not lie to upset him. Therefore, he had to confront the suspect, Zhao Wei. Lacking evidence, Zhao Yan decided not to alert the enemy; he would probe Zhao Wei first to see if he could extract any useful information.
He acted immediately. Hearing the sounds outside, he knew breakfast was about to be served, so he slowly hauled himself up and shuffled into the main hall.
Younger Mrs. Li spotted him first but acted as if he didn't exist. Zhao Yan inwardly rolled his eyes, thinking that the old woman didn't even bother to pretend. Were it not for the original owner’s dying wish, he would have left the Zhao Family that instant. No normal person would want to stay in such an eccentric household; their cold indifference was etched onto their faces. He truly wondered how the original owner’s family had survived this long.
But thoughts were one thing, actions another. Zhao Yan dutifully greeted Zhao Dahe and Madam Li, only to be treated like thin air as expected.
Zhao Yan: ...*Well, if they won't give me face, I’ll just have to endure it.*
"Oh, what a surprise, our *tongsheng* is finally out. Always hiding in your room, never to be seen. You haven't even passed the *xiucai* exam yet, but you put on such airs. Our Dalang and Erlang are up studying before dawn every day, unlike you, acting like some high-and-mighty master," Younger Mrs. Li sneered. She was true to form—her tongue was as sharp as ever. Relying on the fact that Madam Li was her aunt, she acted as if she were the second-in-command of the Zhao Family.
It was laughable. Zhao Yan looked at Younger Mrs. Li, seeing the expected sharp, mean-spirited expression on her face. He smiled and said, "Aunt, you’re joking. Everyone in the family knows I’ve been bedridden with a fever after falling into the river. What airs could I possibly have? That’s truly a misunderstanding."
"Besides, studying requires a balance of work and rest. What good is reading if you don't have a healthy body? Aunt, you really shouldn't let my cousins study themselves to death; that won't do." Zhao Yan feigned concern.
"Typical scholar, sharp-tongued as ever. Can't even take a word of criticism. You’ve squandered all the family’s money without ever showing any real progress in your studies. Better to have not studied at all," Younger Mrs. Li continued her wild rant.
Zhao Yan really wanted to snap back, but since she was his elder, he couldn't be too overt. He decided to strike back subtly to vent his frustration.
"You say I’ve squandered the family money, but I can't accept that. After all, I’ve already earned my *tongsheng* title, while my cousins have studied far longer and are still commoners. Aunt, you shouldn't tell such tall tales with your eyes open. Although I am frail, I have studied diligently and never dared to waste a cent of the family's money; I have turned in every coin earned from transcribing books. Why would you think I’m a burden? Or is it that you think I’m standing in the way of my cousins?" Zhao Yan played the part of the aggrieved, innocent victim perfectly.
Even if Zhao Dahe and Madam Li didn't like him, Zhao Yan could not give Younger Mrs. Li any leverage, or he would be fighting her wits for the rest of his life. He wanted to make it clear that he wasn't someone to be bullied; he didn't need to defeat her entirely, but he needed her to be wary enough to keep her distance.
"What nonsense are you spouting? I never said that! I only said your studies were expensive, I never said anything about you standing in anyone's way! Mother, look at Yan-ge'er! He actually spoke to me like that, it must be that bitch Madam Chen teaching him!" Seeing she was losing the argument, Younger Mrs. Li quickly sought refuge behind Madam Li, skillfully casting the blame on Madam Chen.
Though Madam Li disliked Younger Mrs. Li’s stupidity, she loathed Madam Chen and this money-draining grandson even more. Fortunately, Zhao Yan couldn't read minds; if he knew Madam Li thought he was just a drain on their finances, he would have "vomited blood." It was truly a "top-tier" level of ignorance. They were blind and deaf; Zhao Wei and Zhao Yu had studied for eight years without passing the *tongsheng* exam, and yet Madam Li didn't think that was a waste, while the original owner had studied for only five years to succeed, and she considered him a burden. Madam Chen worked herself to the bone, yet received no credit, while Younger Mrs. Li was lazy and gluttonous—yet Madam Li’s favoritism was boundless.
Zhao Yan couldn't be bothered with this bunch of eccentrics. He sat in the spot the original owner usually occupied. Through it all, Zhao Dahe didn't say a word. Zhao Yan thought to himself that it was no wonder the household was in such a state; with a patriarch who played no role in anything, it would be a miracle if things weren't in shambles.
Not long after Zhao Yan sat down, Zhao Gao entered, his face beaded with sweat. Zhao Yan knew he had just returned from fetching water from the river. The Zhao Family had no well and relied entirely on the river, and since this was a grueling chore, it had always fallen to Zhao Gao. Zhao Yan felt a pang of sympathy for this "father" of his.
A moment later, Zhao Wei and Zhao Yu walked in. Zhao Wei paused upon seeing Zhao Gao. Zhao Yan thought to himself, *Finally, I’ve been waiting for you.*