In the study in the front courtyard of the prime minister's residence, a gilded bronze sundial stood quietly, like a silent recorder of time. Just then, the shadow of the gnomon's needle quietly slid across the mark marking three quarters past noon. The setting sun, filtering through the delicate veins of the carved window lattices, like strands of golden thread, cast diamond-shaped patches of light on the blue brick floor. These scattered patches perfectly illuminated the still-dry ink in the Duan inkstone on Master Li's desk. The ink, juxtaposed against the light and shadow, exuded an ancient and profound aura.
The old master's expression was solemn. He raised his jujube wood ruler high in his hand and slammed it heavily on the opening scroll of the Analects. With a crisp "snap," the inkstone on the desk rolled half a circle. "Su Mingxuan!" Master Li's goatee trembled with anger, like dry grass shivering in the autumn wind. His eyes were wide open, fixed on a corner.
Young Marquis Su, crouching beneath his desk, secretly nibbling on a candied fruit, shuddered at the sudden noise, nearly dropping the fruit. Sesame candy crumbs fluttered like snowflakes, staining his collar. He hurriedly rose to his feet, his brocade robe still dangling from the spiderweb he'd accidentally snagged while crawling under the table. His movements swayed slightly, making him look both awkward and comical. "Teacher, it's just...it's just that you need to review what you've learned!" The young man, clearly feeling guilty, his eyes darting around. While the teacher wasn't paying attention, he slipped the remaining half of the candied fruit down his sleeve.
"What about 'a friend coming from afar'?" Master Li did not intend to let him off easily, and continued to ask, knocking the ruler in his hand on the table with a series of crisp sounds, as if urging for an answer.
Young Marquis Su panicked. He scratched the back of his head, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Just as he was at a loss for words, he caught a glimpse of his sister, Su Jinli, giving him a look. Her eyes were clear and bright, reflecting the delicate patterns of the window lattice, like a delicate painting. But beneath this painting, a light of advice shone, as if silently guiding him. "It's just... I'm so happy to have a friend from afar!" He slapped his thigh, nearly knocking over the brush washer next to him in excitement.
Upon hearing this, Master Li snorted coldly, his cloudy eyes turning to the quietly seated Su Jinli. "Miss Su, please tell me, besides meaning 'peng', what else does it mean?" Master Li's tone was inquiring, as if he was testing the Prime Minister's daughter.
Upon hearing this, Su Jinli gracefully stood up and saluted. Her moon-white skirt lightly swept across the blue brick floor, raising a cloud of fine dust, like a gentle breeze blowing across the calm lake. Her thoughts instantly drifted back to the time in the side courtyard of the palace in her previous life. At that time, she would always secretly take out the precious "Shuowen Jiezi" to study when Liu was not paying attention. Between the pages, the apricot leaf bookmark left by her mother was still quietly tucked in. It was the warmth and strength her mother gave her. "Reply to the teacher," her voice was clear and pleasant, like the crisp sound of jade colliding with each other, echoing in the study, "Shuowen Jiezi says: 'Peng, the ancient word for phoenix.' Therefore, the word 'peng' was the same as 'feng' in ancient times, and also referred to the same kind. The "Book of Changes·Dui" records: 'A gentleman studies with friends.' Here, 'peng' should refer to people with similar ideals."
Upon hearing Su Jinli's response, Master Li's ruler clattered down onto the table with an involuntary clang. He gazed in amazement at the young woman before him. Half a month ago, she had only a passing understanding of the Analects, yet now, she could cite classic texts and offer fluent answers. Sunlight gently fell on her fair face, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, and the shadow beneath her eyelids swayed softly, like a butterfly fluttering its wings, graceful and beautiful.
The old man was silent for a moment, as if thinking about something, and suddenly changed the subject with a bit of difficulty in his tone: "In your opinion, what's the point of women studying?" This question was like a heavy stone thrown into the originally calm water, instantly causing ripples.
Su Jinli was slightly startled. She recalled the look of astonishment on her father's face when she first heard him say the word "read." She also recalled the sneer in Liu's voice when she had said, "A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent." She slowly raised her eyes, gazing out the window at the vibrantly blooming pomegranate blossoms, their fiery blooms swaying gently in the breeze. Her gaze was firm and bright, like the twinkling stars in the night sky. "Confucius said, 'There is no distinction in teaching.' The teachings of the sages do not exclude women. I believe that reading not only helps us understand the truth and distinguish right from wrong, but also allows us to understand the rise and fall of things and gain a better understanding of the world. Even if I marry, I can educate my children with poetry and literature and assist my husband with wisdom, rather than being trapped in the harem and harboring resentment." Her words, neither humble nor arrogant, flowed like a stream of fresh air through the somewhat depressing study, refreshing the mind.
Master Li was so stunned by her response that he was speechless for a moment. Meanwhile, Young Marquis Su suddenly clapped his hands excitedly, the crisp applause echoing throughout the study. However, his action immediately earned him a stern glare from the old master, who frightened him so much that he quickly shrank back and shut up.
At this moment, the housekeeper Liu Cheng hurried into the study and whispered something in Master Li's ear. Master Li's calm expression changed slightly. He then turned to look at Su Jinli and said, "Miss Su, there's a young man in the front hall who wants to see you. He wants to discuss academic matters with you."
Su Jinli nodded slightly and followed Master Li to the front hall. Standing beneath the moonlit gate was a young man dressed in moon-white scholarly robes. He held a scroll in his hand, his posture erect, his dark hair held back by a soft jade crown. He appeared elegant and graceful. His features were refined, his eyes radiating a refined elegance. It was none other than Li Xiuyuan, son of the Minister of Personnel.
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