Qin Yuan was somewhat surprised.

Shen Changle always had a festive demeanor, but he was good at keeping secrets.

Seeing Cui Ming made him so happy; either he wasn’t avoiding Cui Ming, or he had received some great news that he couldn’t calm himself.

Qin Yuan said, "Oh? I wonder what they’ve been discussing to be so happy."

Cui Ming said, "It must be business. Shen Changle and Gu Shiliu often whisper together about how to get back at Book Sea Pavilion."

The two walked past flowers and willows, and as they reached the front corridor, Gu Shiliu greeted them enthusiastically, saying, "Madam has arrived, the Marquis has been waiting impatiently."

Cui Ming was worried, "With all this back and forth, the food might have gone cold."

Gu Shiliu said, "No matter, the food boxes haven’t been opened yet, and it’s only early autumn now. If Madam feels it’s cold, I can have someone reheat it. We’re very quick."

It’s just a matter of a few ups and downs.

Qin Yuan became more curious. Just as he entered, before he could greet everyone, Mr. Songshan sighed, "Young Master Nantang has finally arrived. You’ve been busy entertaining guests these days and haven’t had a moment to gather with us." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

That was an interesting thing to say.

Qin Yuan smiled, "I am but a mundane fellow, entangled in daily trivialities. I don’t have the leisure of Mr. Songshan enjoying the carefree life away from worldly burdens. Why did you summon me today, brother?"

Mr. Songshan stroked his mustache and laughed heartily, "We just wanted you to join in, for without a third-rate talker alongside, we cannot be a Zhuge Liang."

Sixth Master Gu looked at Mr. Songshan with a plaintive glance and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

Gu Jinghui laughed and patted the chair beside him, saying, "Young Master Nantang, come sit and eat first. Once we’ve eaten, we can chat further."

Indeed, Qin Yuan was somewhat hungry, and nodded promptly.

"Even the Emperor wouldn’t let his soldiers starve. Nothing is more important than eating, although Mr. Songshan is used to living off the land, he should join us for some grains here and now."

Mr. Songshan laughed heartily again.

Sixth Master Gu laughed too, "Third Sister-in-law truly has a sense of humor."

Mr. Songshan immediately flicked his finger at him, scolding, "There’s only Young Master Nantang here, where did ’Third Sister-in-law’ come from? You can’t even get your words right and yet dare complain I won’t let you join?"

Sixth Master Gu wailed, dared not fight back, but merely covered his forehead and muttered quietly, "Gentler, I’m clumsy enough, a hit will only make me more clumsy."

Qin Yuan refrained from further courtesies, taking his seat with a smile, "Mr. Songshan, please be lenient. A true scholar should have the demeanor of a scholar. Sixth Master Gu has that demeanor already; it’s alright if he doesn’t possess the essence yet. If you ruin his scholar demeanor, he’ll have no hope to become one."

"Young Master Nantang speaks wisely. Confucius said, ’Too much substance and you become uncouth, too much refinement and you become pretentious; balance brings the gentleman.’ " Mr. Songshan observed Sixth Master Gu for a while then said, "Sixth Master’s appearance is quite good, with pretense upfront; as for essence, a few more years should do. Failing that, then it is indeed too foolish."

Sixth Master Gu blushed under his gaze.

Seeing his own third brother look over, he blushed even more.

Yet, he was delighted inside.

Not only did Third Sister-in-law take his side, but Mr. Songshan also personally said he could become a scholar in a few years.

Qin Yuan curled his lips slightly, instructed Cui Ming to open the food boxes, and set out the dishes one by one. Indeed, they still kept warm.

Cui Ming also poured out some warmed yellow wine.

A light aroma of smoked incense dispersed, the amber liquor looked exceptionally clear against the white porcelain cup.

Sixth Master Gu just stared in a daze.

Everyone knew he was in a trance again.

Mr. Songshan said, "Everyone loves superficial things, but Sixth Master has a naturally honest and unrefined heart. Based on sincerity alone, he surpasses many hypocritical ones. Were it up to me, I’d choose Sixth Master as the scholar."

It seemed that Sixth Master Gu’s performance these days softened Mr. Songshan’s heart.

The Holy Emperor’s encouragement might have added some weight too.

Such an opportunity should naturally be seized.

Qin Yuan laughed, "Sixth Master Gu, aren’t you going to thank Mr. Songshan? In the future, if you can’t become a scholar, go find him."

The realization dawned on Sixth Master Gu upon seeing Qin Yuan constantly making eye gestures, and he swiftly rose to grip Mr. Songshan’s sleeve, performing a profound bow, "Now you’ve accepted the apprenticeship gift, you cannot refuse to teach me anymore."

Mr. Songshan exclaimed, "Rascal, rascal, what a disgrace to elegance."

Everyone laughed.

Gu Jinghui took the chance to ask Qin Yuan, "What was all that literary talk Mr. Songshan was saying just now?"

He was somewhat baffled, yet somewhat understood, knowing it was a good thing, but was not entirely clear about the nuances.

Qin Yuan quietly chuckled, "He appreciated Sixth Brother’s looks and demeanor, finding an excuse to accept him as a student. Sixth Brother indeed has the presence of a scholar. Should he become renowned through art in the future, it would be splendid."

Even if not, it would still be an asset in social engagements.

Far better than being mocked in secret for pretentious elegance before.

Gu Jinghui quickly glanced at his sixth brother.

Truly, Sixth Brother was indeed quite handsome, both gentle and refined.

He couldn’t help but secretly resent his own ruggedness.

Mr. Songshan said to Sixth Master Gu, "I won’t drink the apprentice tea, but I’ll have several cups of apprentice wine. This yellow wine might have some origins. For every cup you toast me, create a quatrain, whether five or seven characters. Make me happy, and it will be complete."

Qin Yuan saw Sixth Master Gu in a bind and laughed, "Hong Ye didn’t heat too much yellow wine overall, as this yellow wine packs quite a punch. If you finish this pot, we won’t be discussing any business. The dishes were specially instructed by the Marquis for the Wutong Garden’s little kitchen; Mr. Songshan has to try a few bites first."

Sixth Master Gu quickly toasted a cup first.

Mr. Songshan took it with a smile, "In that case, let us drink leisurely the next time we’re together."

Qin Yuan nodded, "Then I’ll have Hong Ye warm a couple of pots for you and send them over."

Everyone chatted and laughed as they finished their meal.

Mr. Songshan rinsed his mouth, cleaned his hands, then smiled, "Young Master Nantang, I heard you plan to propose a new poetry theme to praise the Emperor’s virtues and also commend the Marquis and Seventh Miss’s ball skills?"

Qin Yuan nodded, "My little brother suggested it, Shen Changle found it quite good, and asked me about it. I felt that with the Marquis achieving such feats, praising him excessively might be unsuitable, and thus suggested focusing on extolling the Emperor."

Sixth Master Gu couldn’t help but smile, "Brother Heng certainly has quick wit. The other day, he spontaneously recited a satirical poem, and the students followed by composing dozens on the spot, making those Yelv Family members lose their cool. I remember it vividly; it should be noted down for future generations to remember our prowess."

Mr. Songshan earnestly said, "Your brother’s idea is not bad. With Young Master Nantang’s guidance, I reckon Shen Changle’s business will outdo Book Sea Pavilion."

Then he gave a meaningful glance at Gu Jinghui, "The Marquis truly is blessed."

Gu Jinghui looked at Qin Yuan beside him, agreeing, "I think so too."

Mr. Songshan earnestly said, "What do you think I was talking about?"