Xue Jiyan took the extra amulet and walked over to Jiang Lun, who was concentrating on studying. He patted his shoulder gently and said with a smile, "This is a amulet that Fourth Sister specially asked for. You should take one with you too. It will ensure you a smooth exam."
Jiang Lun put down the book in his hand and took the exquisite amulet. A hint of joy flashed in his eyes. He held it in his hand as if it were a treasure. "Thank you very much for your kindness, Fourth Miss."
Xue Jiyan joked, "When you finish the Spring Examination and become the top scholar, don't forget to go to Baiyun Temple to fulfill your vow. We'll all be waiting for your good news then."
Jiang Lun couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. He stood up and bowed deeply, "Of course. If I pass the imperial examination, not only me, but my mother will also come with me to Baiyun Temple to fulfill my vow."
Seeing his serious expression, Xue Jiyan couldn't help but burst out laughing. He patted his shoulder and said jokingly, "Honestly, when you pass the imperial examination, we'll have to change the way we address each other."
Jiang Lun also laughed. He understood what Xue Jiyan meant. If he achieved good results in this spring examination, then his marriage with Xue Huichun would be more promising.
In the study room on the other side of Yasongzhai, a temporary desk was added.
After Xue Jiyan and Jiang Lun chatted and laughed for a while, he returned to his usual desk next door, gently put down the delicate flowery paper in his hand, made some preparations, dipped the brush in ink, and began to write like flowing water.
Yan Boxi was sharp-eyed and noticed Xue Jiyan's actions immediately. He asked with a somewhat teasing tone, knowingly asking, "Brother Jiyan, why does the thing in your hand look like something a girl's?"
Xue Jiyan was honest and straightforward, saying, "This belongs to my little sister. She doesn't go out much, but she loves these elegant things."
Upon hearing this, Yan Boxi stood up and walked over to Xue Jiyan's desk. He picked up a piece of finished flowered paper and praised it, saying, "This small calligraphy is so beautifully written that it even piqued my interest."
Xue Jiyan remembered that he hadn't finished reading an article before he left, so he took the opportunity to suggest, "Since you're so interested, why don't you help me write a few copies?"
Yan Boxi smiled lightly: "What's the harm? It's just a small matter."
After saying that, he picked up the flowery paper on the table, returned to his desk, and began to write. His regular script was exactly the same as Xue Jiyan's, almost indistinguishable. A moment later, he took advantage of Xue Jiyan's unpreparedness and deliberately left a piece of flowery paper.
As night falls, everything becomes quiet.
Yan Boxi was alone in the study, lighting a solitary lamp, taking out the flowery note left behind, and an inexplicable impulse surged in his heart.
Under the dim light, he secretly wrote on paper, a sentimental poem "The Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix".
Every word in the lyrics reveals deep affection, as if he wanted to pour out all his love on this thin piece of paper.
After finishing writing, he gently blew the ink dry and carefully placed this piece of flowery note filled with love among other flowery notes.
The next day, Mother Han walked to Yasongzhai. Before she stepped into the house, she heard a burst of lively conversation.
"Brother Boxi, you can copy my small regular script so vividly. If you write freely, the handwriting will be even more stunning.
"My mother and I had previously agreed to find someone in Beijing whose attainments in small calligraphy are far superior to mine. Then I could obtain the bluestone Yuntai Duan inkstone treasured by my grandfather. Now it seems that this master is right before my eyes." Xue Jiyan's voice was filled with excitement that was hard to conceal.
Yan Boxi appeared to be extremely modest. He responded softly, "You are too kind. I just tried my best to imitate your handwriting. I really don't deserve such praise."
"I have a humble request," Xue Jiyan said, picking up a brush from the table and handing it to Yan Boxi. "Could you please improvise a few lines of poetry in regular script so that my mother can appreciate your calligraphy?"
Yan Boxi nodded, took the brush, and sat down at the desk. At this time, Mother Han gently pushed the door open and came in. The two people in the room looked up when they heard the sound, and Yan Boxi nodded politely.
Then he picked up the pen and pondered for a moment, then began to write on the paper. His small regular script was elegant, and the flow of his brush revealed a sense of the rolling and unrolling of clouds.
Mother Han simply stood quietly by, not daring to disturb their leisure. She waited until Yan Boxi finished writing before stepping forward and saying with a smile, "Third Young Master, Young Master Yan, the Spring Examination is the day after tomorrow. Old Madam specifically asked me to inquire if everything is ready for you two. Especially Young Master Yan, if there's anything you're missing, we need to get it as soon as possible."
The Jiang Mansion has already sent people to deliver the items Jiang Lun needs for the three-day Spring Examination, so there is no need to make any additional preparations.
Yan Boxi stood up and politely replied, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. The Marquis' Mansion has already prepared everything I need for the Spring Examination. There's no need to buy anything else."
Mother Han nodded and reminded them, "Looking at the weather, it's going to rain in the next two days, and the weather will get a bit cooler. The kitchen has specially prepared ham and spring bamboo shoot soup. When the two young masters review their lessons tonight, don't forget to drink some hot soup to warm your bodies to avoid catching a cold."
"Okay, we will. Thank you for your hard work, Mother Han." Xue Jiyan said, handing the completed stack of flowery notes to Mother Han. "Send these to my fifth sister, Mother. She asked me to write them for her yesterday."
Mother Han took it carefully with both hands, then turned and left the study.
Before leaving, Yan Boxi noticed with his sharp eyes that the piece of flowery note that he had slightly folded was mixed in with the other pieces, but Xue Jiyan obviously didn't notice it.
…
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