Over the next few days, Yan Min taught everyone about spices.

For women to blend perfumes is an elegant pursuit.

Spices were also frequently found in the private quarters of official residences.

Every household has things like calming incense, styrax, and sandalwood.

Yan Min gave them a general explanation of how to blend and smell perfumes.

Many ladies enjoy hosting incense appreciation banquets, where everyone can smell and discuss the fragrances together.

If you're attending a banquet, you'll inevitably have to say a few words when others ask. You don't need to be an expert; just be able to say something.

Most importantly, there are certain contraindications to certain spices.

For example, musk can cause premature birth or even miscarriage in pregnant women.

For example, people who are weak and sweat excessively may experience worsened symptoms and adverse health effects if they smell Asarum incense.

Everyone knows the taboos associated with some commonly used incense, but they don't know about others. When Yan Min explained, they all exclaimed in surprise, "Is that so?"

Yan Min not only spoke, but also told everyone some stories she knew about the capital.

Gossip about people using musk to induce miscarriages in their backyards, or using food incompatibilities to poison others—it's all so fascinating that everyone is reluctant to leave get out of class each day.

The boys were living just as wonderful lives on their side.

Now Li Qingyao spends all his time studying with Master Liu, receiving one-on-one instruction only at his home.

In the first two days after they met, Master Liu assessed Li Qingyao's abilities and found that Li Qingyao was very knowledgeable about the classics and history, and also had his own independent insights into the interpretation of the sentences.

Master Liu became more and more satisfied with Li Qingyao. He had originally come for the money and didn't think there could be any outstanding talents in this mountain village.

As a result, a hidden gem was discovered.

Later, when I learned that Li Qingyao's father had been a high-ranking official in Beijing, I suddenly understood. That's what I was thinking.

However, Li Qingyao's excellence is beyond doubt.

Because Li Qingyao was preparing to take the exam next year, Master Liu gave him a lot of questions to do.

Li Qingyao was busy doing homework in the morning, and in the afternoon he would be dragged out by Li Qingduan and the others to practice boxing.

The imperial examination was no easy task; it was extremely demanding. Pan Jinhua worried that he was too stressed and neglected his health, as his body was weak and he wouldn't be able to handle the pressure during the examination.

Every year, a considerable number of candidates couldn't endure the pressure of the examinations and had to withdraw due to illness. The exams lasted three or seven days, requiring intense concentration, and it was not uncommon for some to emerge from them severely ill or even collapse.

Therefore, she instructed the twins to take Li Qingyao to boxing every day to improve his health.

The twins were also very enthusiastic. After deciding to follow Li Qingyao, they paid close attention to him and made him practice boxing and running every single day without fail.

I run laps in the morning and practice boxing in the afternoon. If it rains, I cancel the laps and practice more boxing indoors.

Li Qingyao knew his great-aunt meant well, and after practicing for a few days, he felt it would improve his condition, so he always cooperated. After completing his daily exercise KPIs, he would go back to study and do practice problems, leading a very regular life.

"Brother Yao, let's go."

Li Qingduan shouted at the door of Li Qingyao's house, and Li Qingyao ran out.

"They're here!"

Li Qingyao had already changed into his shorts and was waiting for the twins to arrive inside. He responded immediately upon hearing their voices.

Today was different from usual; not only Li Qingduan and Li Qingyi came, but also a thin servant boy.

“Our servant, Baisha.”

Bai Sha was assigned to the two brothers' group after being trained by Liu Yun for a day or two. She dared not refuse her elder sister's kindness and could only accept it.

However, the two brothers looked down on Bai Sha. They wondered whether Bai Sha was taking care of them or they were taking care of Bai Sha.

He was shorter than the two brothers, and it was hard to believe they were about the same age.

The two brothers are fifteen years old this year, only two years older than Baisha.

"Greetings, Young Master Yao."

Bai Sha greeted the master of manners, having learned these basic etiquettes beforehand in the brokerage business, so he was able to get by.

Li Qingyao nodded and spoke to Li Qingduan and Li Qingyi.

"Want to train with Qing Tong?"

Li Qingyao really enjoyed practicing boxing with Li Qingtong. Although Qingtong was young, he was very skilled at it.

“I won’t go with him. He hasn’t finished the homework the teacher assigned today, and my third aunt is disciplining him. I dare not go and call him.”

Li Qingduan chuckled to himself. A few days ago, when the teachers were assessing his abilities, Qingtong even misspelled Qingjun's name when he was writing.

The third uncle and aunt were terrified, only to discover that Li Qingtong hadn't studied seriously for almost a year and had forgotten how to write characters.

Because his elders had high expectations for Li Qingtong, they were afraid that his lack of effort in his studies would limit his future development.

Now, Auntie Li is keeping a close eye on Li Qingtong's studies. Not only does she have to study hard every day, but she also has to finish her homework before she can practice martial arts.

The brothers are helpless in this matter. The general must not make a mistake; a small error can lead to a huge mistake.

Li Qingtong knew she was wrong, so she didn't dare to argue and obediently stayed home to do her homework.

The three of them went to an open space at the foot of the mountain, which has now become their secret base.

The location is spacious and undisturbed. With fewer people climbing the mountain these days, it's perfect for them.

With people constantly coming and going from home, it wasn't convenient to go anywhere else, so we found this place outside.

Upon arrival, the three of them stretched their arms and legs and loosened their muscles.

This was a preparation exercise. Bai Sha was squatting under the shade of a tree with a bundle on his back, watching. He also had several water bottles hanging on his body.

The few days he spent being bought by the Li family were actually the best time of his life, even better than when he was working at the brokerage firm.

They have enough to eat and new clothes to wear, and the younger sister is doing well with the young lady.

Although the young masters didn't like him, they wouldn't bother him. They took him everywhere they went and would even introduce him to the other young masters.

However, he felt he was still not satisfied and was somewhat greedy.

For example, now, when he sees the young masters practicing boxing, he is eager to learn as well. He desperately hopes that he can grow up quickly so that he can repay Miss and the Li family as soon as possible.

The three of them were practicing their boxing in perfect unison, completely absorbed in their movements. Bai Sha dared not disturb them, keeping his eyes fixed on their every move, not daring to miss a single detail.

An hour passed quickly. Li Qingyao wiped his sweat, took his water bottle, and left first.

Li Qingduan and Li Qingyi were still practicing. Their father said that Master Liu was very confident that Yao could pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, so they needed to practice more.

"Brother, which article are we going to memorize today?"

Let's recite the Four Books.

Li Qingduan made a decision, and now they do this every day. When they practice boxing, they also quiz each other on the classics. Although they don't have a talent for studying, they can still memorize them by rote.

Although I practice martial arts, I must not become a reckless brute, nor can I be unable to understand even the Four Books and Five Classics.

It would be embarrassing to tell anyone.

"Baisha, come quickly and help us tie the sandbags."

"Yes, young master."

Bai Sha quickly ran forward to help the two brothers tie sandbags, following Li Qingtong's method, and tied sandbags to their hands, feet, and bodies.

At first, I was so tired that I couldn't even lift my hands, but now I've gotten used to it, and I'm carrying more and more sandbags on my back.