He would achieve the dream given to him by an angel! And then he would look to the girl next door.
“I am ready to learn,” he repeated to Master Gao. And he was. He ignored his grumbling stomach and prepared to memorize every word the man had to say.
The master stared at him, a grumpy expression on his face.
“Your attitude is good,” he intoned. “Your belief in yourself, however, is misplaced.”
He sighed. He’d had one dream where an angel told him he was blessed. He’d had a thousand more nightmares where he slept through the exam and never again had the chance to prove himself. Or he began to write answers and everything came out as chicken scratches. Or he was running to the exam only to find the doors locked and all latecomers turned away.
“But perhaps you are one of the special ones,” Master Gao allowed. “Tell me what you know about Mencius. Compare his beliefs to Xunzi.” Then he folded his arms as he leaned back. “And then tell me what you believe and why.”
And here, Zhi Hao grinned even wider. Two nights ago, Ling Xin had warned him to study Mencius. She’d said she’d heard her brothers talking about their studies when she was younger. And so, she was able to tell him that Master Gao had harsh opinions of the man as compared to Xunzi. Thanks to her, he was prepared for today’s instructions. And what woman knewMencius’s name, much less was able to help him prepare his answers?
His nighttime lady impressed him. She also absorbed more and more of his thoughts which was a problem he could not afford.
“Are you listening?” Master Gao bellowed at him.
“Yes, Master Gao. You believe Xunzi had man’s brutal nature correct.”
“I think men are beasts if their minds are allowed to wander. Like yours is!”
“Yes, Master Gao. I will devote myself to your instruction.”
He meant it. He needed to focus and not daydream about Ling Xin. One might think it useless to study beneath anyone who had failed the imperial exam—as was Master Gao’s case—but those who passed were busy in governmental positions. Therefore, the only educators were the ones who failed. And indeed, this would be Zhi Hao’s fate if his dreams did not come true. He would eke out a living teaching other hopeful students while his own chance had passed.
As the day wore on, Zhi Hao was berated at every turn for his lack of understanding. It didn’t hurt him. It only made him more determined to not end up like the bitter, cruel Master Gao.
Fortunately, the teacher had to sleep sometime. And in the nighttime quiet, Zhi Hao waited for his reward.
Chapter Four
Zhi Hao hadno doubt that his mischievous neighbor would visit. She had been on the wall watching him nearly every night since he arrived. He doubted one night’s tumble would deter her for long. So it was that he was ready—already half-naked and exercising—when the plants above the wall began to rustle.
He moved in the flow of the steps, making sure to surreptitiously glance at the trees. Sure enough, his daring woman sat there, perched in the shadows to watch.
He kept working through his movements, allowing his grin to break through whenever his back was to her. And then he flowed into a set of punches, kicks, and jumps that had nothing to do with proper form and everything to do with impressing the girl who watched from atop the wall.
He ended right below her, leaping into position and freezing with his arms out.
When she did nothing, he looked up in mock surprise.
“Will you not fall into my arms tonight, angel?”
She snorted. “You know I am no angel.”
“I know nothing of the sort. You did not give me your name.” Though he had heard it. She was Song Ling Xin, the only daughter of the prominent family next door.
No fool, she slanted a hard look at him. “You heard my cousin call my name.”
He smiled. “Will you drop into my arms Ling Xin?”
“No. I should not have done that yesterday, and I have been limping around all day as punishment.”
He frowned. “Did your parents find out?” That could spell disaster for them both.
She shook her head. “I would not be talking to you now if they had.” She glanced over her shoulder, then back at him. “And I should not be here now, so I will not drop down to talk to you.”
“Very well,” he said with a sad smile. “I suppose I shall have to climb up to you.”