Su Zhan chuckled and said, "This is my younger brother, Ye Li, who is related by marriage to me. He is seventeen years old and has read a lot. Now he wants to pass the imperial examinations, so he comes to the academy to study."
Dean Qin looked at Ye Li and asked, "Did you bring any articles?"
Ye Li blushed and said, "Sir, I haven't been to the academy for two years. I didn't want to take the imperial examinations originally. I just wanted to take over my parents' business. Now I have the idea of taking the imperial examinations."
Dean Qin chuckled and said, "In consideration of Wang Youjun's calligraphy, I will make an exception and accept you as my apprentice. Coincidentally, I have a vacancy for an apprentice here."
Ye Li knelt down hurriedly and said, "Thank you, Master, for taking me in."
Dean Qin smiled and stroked his beard.
"Dean, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Ning, Prince Ning's son, are here."
Dean Qin hurriedly stood up and knelt outside the courtyard gate to greet him. "Your Highness, I pay my respects to the Crown Prince."
The prince said, "Teacher, please stand up."
Dean Qin hurriedly stood up and asked, "How come you all have time to come to the academy today?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said, "My uncle came to the academy for something. When my father heard about it, he ordered me to come here with him to see the students."
Gu Ling smiled and said to Dean Qin, "I came here today because I heard that you are recruiting a group of students to be taught by you personally. Li Jun, the nephew of Prime Minister Lin, is very talented and writes excellent articles. He wants to become your disciple."
Dean Qin said with some hesitation, "Junior brother, you've given me a big problem. I just happened to accept my last disciple."
Gu Ling asked, "Oh? Which student is it? To be accepted as your student, his writing must be first-rate."
Dean Qin said, "He has just switched from being a merchant to studying for a degree. Since you came here specifically, I will refuse Wang Youjun's offer."
"Wang Youjun?" Gu Ling was puzzled.
Dean Qin handed the treasure in his hand to Gu Ling as if offering it as a treasure, "Take a look."
Gu Ling was also good at calligraphy. He stepped forward and took a closer look and said, "It really is Wang Youjun. I've really been enlightened today."
Dean Qin smiled and said, "I've already announced that I'll only accept five students. Having one more wouldn't be a good idea. So, Wang Youjun's calligraphy copybook has to be returned for now. Your Highness, please go explore the area while I reject the student I just mentioned."
Zhao Yun nodded slightly, "It's fine as long as my uncle and Gu Yan accompany me."
Dean Qin returned to the study and saw the two people still waiting there. He solemnly returned Wang Youjun's calligraphy to Su Zhan and said, "Brother Su, I am ashamed to say that I have to break my promise and cannot accept Ye Li as my student."
Su Zhan gave the calligraphy copybook to Dean Qin and said, "Dean, there's no reason to take back what you've given away. Feel free to take this copybook. If I can't be your student, I can be a student of Wanliu Academy."
Dean Qin said: "Students of Wanliu Academy now have to take exams to enter. This year's students have already taken the exam in February, and they will have to wait until February of next year to take the exam.
Only my students can enter the academy without taking an exam.
Unfortunately, I have already said that I will only accept five students, and now there is still one spot left. Today, my junior brother, Prince Ning, came to recommend a student, and I can't refuse. I can't let little brother Ye enter the academy, and I really can't accept this copy of Wang Youjun's calligraphy. "
Ye Li lowered his head and shook hands.
Su Zhan said, "Dean Qin, please keep this calligraphy for now. Although my brother cannot enter Wanliu Academy, if he can write well in the future, I hope the dean can help him with some guidance."
Dean Qin said: "This..."
Su Zhan smiled and said, "This copybook is also gathering dust in my warehouse. I'll give it to you. I'll take my leave now."
After Su Zhan finished speaking, he placed the calligraphy on Dean Qin's desk, clasped his hands, and left.
Ye Li also bowed and left. After being overjoyed, he felt disappointed again. He couldn't help feeling a little lonely.
Su Zhan consoled him, saying, "Wanliu Academy is the best academy in Chang'an City, but it's hard to get in. I'll find you another academy. Next year, when you're admitted to Wanliu Academy, I'm sure Dean Qin will take good care of you once you've learned calligraphy from him."
Ye Li was not discouraged and nodded, saying, "Brother Su, I will study hard and try to get into Wanliu Academy next year."
Su Zhan patted Ye Li's shoulder with relief and left Wanliu Academy with him.
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