Chapter 123: You Remember Me

Sixth Lady Gu had long pondered this matter carefully. Qin Yuan looked down on Xu Zhen and was unwilling to bridge the gap, while Sixth Master Gu was someone who favored outsiders, not only refusing to help but also hindering on the sidelines.

So, she had to think of more ways herself. There’s no such thing as perfect opportunities coincidentally falling into one’s lap.

"Aunt, this... this..."

Xu Zhen was still young and dared not think too much.

Sixth Lady Gu said meaningfully, "You can also choose not to go, but when Young Master Qin becomes an Advanced Scholar and is picked by others as a son-in-law, you’ll regret it. I overheard Third Madam telling Old Madam that he is certain to pass the spring exam next year. Once he becomes an Advanced Scholar, with Qin Jijiu’s many students, they all can become his connections..."

A handsome young Advanced Scholar, how could Xu Zhen miss out on such an opportunity?

Nanny Zhao came with a report, "The Young Master of the Qin Family is visiting Third Madam again for a talk. Who knows what it’s really about."

Xu Zhen lowered her head, lightly biting her lip, and began to think.

If there was a need for a chance encounter, now would be the best opportunity.

However...

They had just returned from Wutong Garden.

Sixth Lady Gu coughed and said, "I heard that these past few days there’s always a peddler with cheap jewelry and embroidery patterns lingering outside the mansion gates, coaxing the little maids and the nannies out of their money. I wonder what new tricks he’s selling."

Xu Zhen’s eyes lit up, her smile blossoming like spring flowers, "Aunt, I’ll go have a look in a while."

Qin Siyuan, as agreed, brought his recent poetry drafts to visit Qin Yuan.

When requesting leave, Lin Ziqi asked publicly, "Why have you been taking so much leave these days?"

Qin Siyuan was always diligent, rarely asking for leave, so the doctor overseeing the classroom asked, "Is there something going on with you lately? Tomorrow is a rest day, can’t it wait? You mustn’t neglect your studies."

"Doctor, my cousin has entrusted me with something to do, requiring me to go to the Dingbei Marquis Mansion for a bit. I’ve already memorized my lessons and written my strategies," Qin Siyuan explained quickly, knowing the doctor was concerned about his upcoming spring exam next year.

Only then did the doctor refrain from saying more.

Lin Ziqi complained, "Elder sister always has some reason for needing you at the Marquis Mansion. Their rules there are strict, and going too frequently from the maternal side might invite gossip. "

Qin Siyuan smiled, "The old feudal lord at the Dingbei Marquis Mansion really likes the elder sister. Ziqi, I know you mean well too. Once I’m done with this, I’ll properly refocus on my studies, don’t worry."

Before Lin Ziqi could ask what it was all about, Qin Siyuan had already hurried away.

This time, as usual, Qin Yuan received Qin Siyuan in the hall, nodded repeatedly after reading his new poem.

The cousin seemed to have broken through an impasse, looking renewed.

"Great, brother’s poetic works are progressing rapidly, though it’s still a bit lacking in conceptual depth."

Her acknowledgment made Qin Siyuan slightly wiggle with excitement.

She continued, "The essence of a concept lies in one’s thoughts and experiences. You’ve traveled the landscape, studied late into the night, and painstakingly analyzed the words of sages. There’s no need for hesitation in poetry and writing."

Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but laugh, "Little sister, you’re really something, you saw through my hesitation at a glance."

Qin Yuan advised him, "Brother, you pursue perfect goodness, but the sea of learning is boundless and life is finite; where is the end of pursuit? If you worry too much and are overly modest, there won’t be any prodigies emerging."

In pursuing a "perfect" character, one might become overly modest, hesitant.

This would mean missing the chance to shine in front of the noble, a pity indeed.

Talent is one thing, but bravery is another.

Qin Siyuan lowered his eyelashes, lost in thought.

Qin Yuan produced a set of poetry she’d prepared, handing it to Qin Siyuan, "Cousin, these are some pieces I’ve done lately in my free time. What do you think?"

In these recent days, she revisited the themes she had written about in her previous life.

Gaining much experience, seeing the hard coldness and warmness of the world, they differ greatly from her youthful style.

After reading, Qin Siyuan sighed deeply, "Little sister’s poems have gained more depth and elegance compared to those days in the boudoir, with precise diction and mature style."

Qin Yuan smilingly took them back, tossing them aside, "Brother, I’ve shared all I know. I’ve got nothing left now. Judging by your recent improvements, you shouldn’t need to worry about the poetry and essay tests when the spring exams come."

Qin Siyuan laughed, "Little sister, if I excel, I will surely come to thank you for your teaching."

Qin Yuan smiled as well.

In a previous life, Qin Siyuan barely made it in at the lower end of the second tier. How many ranks can he advance this time around?

The strategy tests reflect a scholar’s general plans and knowledge, while poetry reveals wit and creativity.

Many have become renowned because of their skill in poetry, remembered fondly by others.

Without going too far back, Qin Yuan thought of the poetry club at Yu Yuantang, certain Qin Siyuan would catch the eye of the influentual.

This time, Qin Siyuan came and went in a hurry and didn’t even greet Old Madam. When he reached the second gate, a figure pounced on him, accompanied by a sweet fragrance, startling Qin Siyuan, who quickly stepped aside.

The maid at the gate was taken aback by his reaction, but managed to hold the person up nonetheless.

Seeing her supported, Qin Siyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Standing aside, he dared not stare and simply asked, "This young lady..."

Originally, Xu Zhen thought someone as bookish as Qin Siyuan would easily fall into her arms, but almost embarrassed herself instead and clutched her jeweled ornaments, now scattered on the ground. Embarrassed and annoyed, she said, "Just now, Young Master Qin..."

With a quick glance, Qin Siyuan recognized her as Sixth Lady Gu’s niece and understood what was going on.

"So, it’s Miss Xu. I almost bumped you, luckily Miss Xu didn’t fall."

Xu Zhen hesitated, then giggled, "You remember me!"

Qin Siyuan replied, "Of course. I must hurry back to the Imperial College, could you have the gate maid help you back?"

Xu Zhen responded disappointedly, "I can, but..."

Qin Siyuan said his quick farewell, "Then I shall take my leave."

Xu Zhen furiously watched Qin Siyuan’s retreating figure, the maids exchanged glances, secretly laughing.

Xu Zhen was exasperated, "Why didn’t you hold me sooner? I almost twisted my ankle."

The maid responded, "Who knew Young Master Qin would be so proper?"

Implying, who knew you wouldn’t succeed.

Xu Zhen "..."

Frustrated to the point of speechlessness.

All she could do was humph, instructing the maid to pick up the scattered items for her.

Taking advantage, the maid pocketed two small items, Xu Zhen’s thoughts were elsewhere, and she took her package and left.

Unexpectedly, Gu Baoshu, feeling bored, sent a maid to find Xu Zhen to practice needlework with her, stumbling upon the scene at the second gate.

One of the maids stationed at Gu Baoshu’s courtyard, familiar with the maid, held a grudge against Sixth Lady Gu and mocked, "Miss Xu just lingered at the second gate to intercept Madam’s family young master, she’s already left."

"Madam’s family young master?"

Ever since Seventh Miss was confined, their comings and goings were strictly controlled, and they were so out of the loop they didn’t even know who Madam’s family young master was.