It truly is a great place to study peacefully.
Upon entering Xiao Shan Ju, Shen Qian first led Lian Manman and Xiao Qi to et Master Chu. Lian Manman had heard Wu Lang ntion Master Chu, but this was her first ti eting him. Master Chu was a sowhat short and stout elderly man, probably just over fifty.
Lian Manman and Xiao Qi paid their respects to Master Chu and expressed their gratitude, presenting him with a prepared gift. Master Chu politely refused twice before accepting.
"The Chinese hour for class hasn’t arrived yet. Ninth Master, please step outside for a break. Jixian, stay here; I shall now test your lessons," Master Chu stated directly after a few brief words.
This indeed indicated a serious intention to teach Xiao Qi, and Lian Manman was naturally pleased and took her leave with Shen Qian.
"Manman, don’t worry. Master Chu will certainly teach Xiao Qi well. I’ll also watch over Xiao Qi to ensure he studies properly," Shen Qian said earnestly to Lian Manman.
Lian Manman glanced at Shen Qian. To be honest, she was a bit concerned that Shen Qian wanted Xiao Qi to study with him rely for companionship. Now Shen Liu was around, but once Shen Liu left, Shen Qian might entice Xiao Qi into playing.
"Really?" Lian Manman asked.
Xiao Qi was a sensible child, aware of the importance of studying. But no matter how sensible, he was still a child. Xiao Qi and Shen Qian were congenial; if Shen Qian led him astray, it might indeed affect Xiao Qi.
"Of course it’s true. Manman, do you not trust ?" Shen Qian seed a bit hurt.
"No," Lian Manman thought for a mont and replied seriously, "I’m just worried that when you two are together, you’ll forget about studying and focus only on playing."
"That won’t happen, Manman." As they spoke, they reached a pavilion by the mountain. Outside the pavilion was a waterfall cascading down along the cliff. The waterfall wasn’t large, perhaps only two feet wide, and it ford a small pool below, with the water flowing east into a small stream. The stone bridge they crossed on the way to Xiao Shan Ju was built over this stream.
Shen Qian and Lian Manman entered the pavilion. Shen Qian waved to a spot, and two maidservants imdiately approached.
One maid was holding a brocade cushion, and the other carried a tray with two cups of tea and two plates of delicate pastries. Upon entering, the maids bowed to Shen Qian and Lian Manman. One arranged the cushions, and the other set up the tea and snacks. After completing these tasks, they bowed again before leaving.
"These are Shao Yao and Agilawood," Shen Qian said as he gestured for Lian Manman to sit, then sat down himself. "They are the maids from my quarters; there are also Xiang Ru and Zi Wan. When you co over, you can direct them if needed."
Previously, Lian Manman only knew that Shen Qian’s servants were nad after dicinal herbs, and now she realized his maids were nad similarly. Was this because of Imperial Doctor Shi’s influence? Since his biological mother passed away early, was he particularly close to his mother’s family?
"Manman, rest assured with Xiao Qi here," Shen Qian continued as Lian Manman was contemplating whether to delve deeper into this sensitive topic. "I didn’t love reading much before, but I’ve changed now. Studying is not for others but for myself. Although attaining the rank of Earl was because of you, Manman, it would an a lot if I could also excel in the imperial examinations."
"I understand that Xiao Qi is aiming for scholarly achievents. Xiao Qi is different from . I know how important studies are for him, so you don’t have to worry about leading him astray. I won’t; I’ll keep an eye on him for you. We arranged for him to study with Master Chu because I’m worried that once Mr. Loo leaves, his studies might suffer."
"So you ca to Nian Garden specifically for this?" Lian Manman couldn’t help but feel moved, seeing Shen Qian’s seriousness. After pondering, she asked with a smile.
"Manman, I don’t want to hide from you. If it were just my decision, I might not manage to co. It’s... it’s because my fifth sister hasn’t been feeling well lately and wanted to go out to relieve her mood, so I persuaded her to co here. Right now, there are so things I’m not at liberty to decide, but in a few years that will change. By then, if I’ve achieved scholarly honors, even if I can’t move to another residence, I’ll be able to make my own decisions."
"Why isn’t your fifth sister feeling well? I couldn’t tell. What’s the reason?" Lian Manman asked.
"That... I’m not at liberty to say. Manman, it’s not that I’m keeping it from you, but if you spend more ti with Fifth Sister, she really likes you, and maybe, she’ll tell you herself," Shen Qian struggled for a mont before replying.
"Master Chu has co out; shouldn’t you go to class?" Lian Manman glanced up, stood, and said.
Indeed, Master Chu was coming out with Xiao Qi.
Shen Qian also stood, feeling a bit dissatisfied. He had only managed to say half of what he wanted, and then Lian Manman had changed the topic. Still, he would be staying for a while, and Xiao Qi would return daily. Surely, Lian Manman would visit. He would have more opportunities to tell her everything, and one day, Lian Manman would listen seriously, understanding his words.
Lian Manman ca out of the pavilion. Xiao Qi seed to have discussed sothing with Master Chu and was heading towards her.
"So, what did the master test you on, and how did you do?" Lian Manman asked as the siblings t.
Knowing that Lian Manman cared about his studies, Xiao Qi answered her questions one by one.
"...The master also had write characters... The master is very strict," Xiao Qi said at last.
"A little strictness is good," Lian Manman replied, noticing it was ti for class. Not wanting to delay further, she gave Xiao Qi so instructions and then bid farewell to Shen Qian.
"Fifth Sister sent soone to pick you up," Shen Qian glanced at the entrance and smiled.
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Adding more Chapters, requesting pink tickets.
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Recomndation for Ruoyan’s completed book: "The Brocade Screen Chronicles," a light house fight farmland tale covering the trivialities, grievances, and entanglents within a grand mansion.
Book Number: 1771214
There’s a direct link below, click to access directly. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to vote for recomndations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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