Qin Zhao sighed in his heart.

He looked at the plaque of the Gu Mansion above his head and asked, "Will Master Gu not take care of this matter?"

"You don't know this. The weaving mills have to pay tribute to the palace with new silk cloth before winter. Master Gu is busy with these things all day long. I heard that he went to the county town in person to supervise the silk production a few days ago. How could he have the time to take care of these trivial matters?" Assistant Instructor Ye explained.

Qin Zhao was silent for a moment, his eyes still fixed on the plaque.

He wanted to come here for more than just money.

Ever since he last met Mr. Gu outside the restaurant, he has wanted to come here again.

He always felt that... that Mr. Gu looked familiar.

The doorman came back quickly and led them into the Gu Mansion through a small door at the side.

They arrived at a reception room in the side courtyard. As soon as they sat down, another maid came in and served them tea.

Even the maids in the Gu Mansion were extremely beautiful, but Qin Zhao ignored them and just lowered his head to take a sip of tea.

Although they were allowed into the mansion, Madam Gu didn't appear immediately. Qin Zhao didn't rush and just sipped his tea. After finishing his cup, the maid came up to refill it. After the third refill, the tea was completely cold, and then he heard footsteps outside the door.

The maids in the room all nodded and saluted, saying in unison, "Madam."

A beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes came into the house, accompanied by two maids, and ordered in a calm voice, "Everyone, go out."

The maids said: "Yes."

Assistant Professor Ye and Qin Zhao also stood up and saluted Mrs. Gu.

"Please don't be polite, please take a seat." Madam Gu sat down in the main seat in front and looked Qin Zhao up and down. Seeing that he had an extraordinary demeanor, she showed an approving look. "Are you a student of the prefectural school?"

"No."

Madam Gu asked again, "Are you a scholar?"

“Not really.”

“…”

Assistant Professor Ye smiled and said, "Madam, he just finished the college entrance examination two months ago and was the top scorer in both the county and college entrance examinations."

Madam Gu was surprised and asked, "Are you Qin Zhao?"

Qin Zhao nodded, but felt a little puzzled.

Is he so famous in the provincial capital?

Assistant Professor Ye explained, "Mr. Gu is on good terms with the prefect, and his wife enjoys reading. She must have read your article a long time ago."

Madam Gu also laughed: "Mr. Ye, why didn't you tell me earlier? If I knew it was Young Master Qin who came, why would I have gone to all this trouble?"

Qin Zhao said, "Character and knowledge are not related. Madam, please test it."

Madam Gu asked, "Did you realize I was testing you?"

"From the moment you step through the gate of this Gu Mansion, you're being tested," Qin Zhao said. "Sending a maid to serve tea is a test of character. Waiting for three cups of tea is a test of patience. And from the moment you enter the mansion until now, your behavior has been tested."

"If my guess is correct, then it's time to test your knowledge. Madam, please give us the questions."

When he said this, not only Mrs. Gu, but even Assistant Professor Ye was slightly stunned.

Madam Gu smiled and said, "There's no need to test your knowledge. I'm confident that there's nothing I can ask the prefect to stump you for the top candidate he's chosen."

The way she addressed Qin Zhao had changed.

"But..." Mrs. Gu hesitated.

Qin Zhao asked, "What does Madam want to say?"

Madam Gu shook her head and sighed, "Sir, your character and knowledge are both excellent. It would be a waste of your talent to have you teach my foolish son."

Qin Zhao: "..."

Qin Zhao said, "If jade is not polished, it will not become a useful object. I have the confidence to teach Young Master Gu well."

"Alas, you don't understand," Mrs. Gu sighed. "Many teachers say this when they first come to my house. Within seven days, they will come to me and say that the child cannot be taught and ask me to find someone else."