Chapter 29: At Your Mercy

Standing at the entrance, Wang Chengzu felt his confidence wane the moment they arrived.

He leaned down and whispered, "I brought you here just to broaden your horizons. I don’t have money to buy you anything, so don't you dare pester me for food once we’re inside, you hear?"

Wang Xuezhuo acted perfectly obedient. "I know, Uncle. Don't worry, I won't ask for any food."

Satisfied with this promise, Wang Chengzu exhaled and led him through the main gate. The lobby was buzzing with noise. Near the windows, people were dining and drinking, while in the center stood a circular stage furnished with a desk, chair, and a set of writing implements. From the third floor, several scrolls of calligraphy hung suspended above the stage. A group of scholars, dressed in square caps and blue-collared robes, were gathered around the stage, looking up at the characters and discussing them animatedly.

"The provincial examination is next month," someone explained. "To promote the restaurant, the owner of Crane House has posted five opening couplets. Anyone who can complete them all will be hosted personally by the owner, receive a free feast, and be awarded ten taels of silver."

Wang Xuezhuo’s interest piqued. Winning would not only solve his family's immediate financial crisis but also grant him an introduction to the owner of Crane House. It was a golden opportunity.

Taking advantage of his small stature, he pulled Wang Chengzu through the crowd until they reached the front, where he could finally see the characters. The five couplets were arranged from right to left, increasing in difficulty.

"Uncle, how many did you manage to complete?" Wang Xuezhuo asked, looking up at him.

"Your uncle is not as talented as I’d hoped; I only finished three. The later ones are simply too difficult. I suspect the owner is just using this as a gimmick to stump people rather than intending to hand out any real rewards." Wang Chengzu felt somewhat satisfied with his own performance, though he was bitter about the shopkeeper’s deliberate efforts to embarrass him in front of his peers.

Someone nearby snorted with laughter. "Who here couldn't solve the first three? With your level of scholarship, how dare you speculate on the proprietor's intentions?"

The speaker was a young man with delicate features, wearing a fine silk blue robe. Though he was shorter than Wang Chengzu, his words were biting: "I am only nine this year and passed the prefectural examination last year. May I ask, dear uncle, how old are you?"

The surrounding crowd turned to look at Wang Chengzu with strange expressions. The man appeared to be at least thirty, yet this nine-year-old boy shared the same title of *tongsheng*—the disparity was glaring.

Wang Chengzu’s face turned a shade of green. His pride in being a *tongsheng* was shattered by this young brat. "The world is unfair!" he thought.

"Has my elder offended you? You are targeting him simply because we were chatting," Wang Xuezhuo stepped in, refusing to watch his uncle be humiliated. "While it is commendable that a youth of your age has achieved the title, it is surely due to your family’s wealth and the guidance of master tutors. Students from humble backgrounds must struggle on their own. Our starting points are different. Are you mocking everyone who hasn't had your advantages?"

Zhu An’s face flushed with annoyance. "Sharp-tongued brat! Don't try to deflect. Your elder is old and speaks recklessly; he couldn't solve the puzzles and accused the shopkeeper of being difficult! Should he not reflect on his own lack of learning?"

"Who said my uncle couldn't solve them? We can!"

Zhu An sneered, "That’s what you said! If you fail, both of you must write the word 'UGLY' on your faces and walk around Baishan County without covering them, shouting, 'Crane House has Crane Wine, one sip makes life long!'"

The manager of Crane House, having observed the exchange, stepped forward excitedly. "Thank you, Young Master Zhu, for vindicating us!"

The crowd gasped. The highest record so far had only reached the fourth couplet. Now, this young child had committed his elder to such a bet. They looked at Wang Chengzu with pity.

Wang Chengzu was stunned. He hadn't said a word! He was about to interject when Wang Xuezhuo spoke up: "If we lose, we will honor the bet. But if we succeed, what will you do?"

"Whatever you wish!" Zhu An retorted dismissively.

Wang Xuezhuo grinned broadly. "You said it."

"A gentleman’s word is as good as his bond!"

As the bet was sealed, the crowd grew restless with excitement. Even those in the private rooms on the second and third floors leaned over the railings to watch. Zhou Mingli watched Wang Xuezhuo in silence.

Magistrate Zhu laughed. "What youthful spirit. Master Zhou, which one do you favor?"

Zhou Mingli smiled thinly. "Young Master Zhu is talented, but unfortunately, the one betting against your son is a student of Cunzhen. I fear you may be disappointed, Magistrate."

"Oh? That child is a student of Cunzhen?" The Magistrate’s interest deepened.

"Indeed."

"Hahaha! Then I must see what kind of student Cunzhen has produced."

...

Wang Chengzu was now on the spot. He whispered to his nephew, "Are you insane?! If we can't solve these, we’ll be the laughingstock of the city!"

"Don't panic, Uncle," Wang Xuezhuo whispered back. "I wouldn't say it if I weren't sure. My tutor went over these exact couplets privately, and I remember them. Just follow my lead."

Wang Chengzu felt a glimmer of hope. "Are you truly certain?"

Wang Xuezhuo nodded almost imperceptibly. Though still skeptical, Wang Chengzu knew he couldn't back down now. He cleared his throat, smoothed his sleeves, and gestured to the manager. "The bet is made. Bring the brush and ink!"

The manager, smiling, invited them onto the stage. The first couplet was simple: *Using literature to make friends, knowing the world.*

Wang Chengzu wrote without hesitation: *Using reason to serve others, reflecting the ages.*