However, what fascinates Jiang Songyi the most is not the touching love stories in Mr. Zizhu's books, but the images of women in his works who are no less capable than men, as well as the unique and trendy ideas implied between the lines.
In the literary world he constructed, women do not need to be confined to the boudoir. They can also express themselves freely in the vast world, gallop on the battlefield, and even enter the inner world to achieve great things.
At this time, the old lady was trying to improve her relationship with her granddaughter. When she heard that she was going to the study, she gave a tacit look to Aunt Xu who was standing beside her.
Madam Xu then lifted the carriage curtain and shouted to the driver outside, "Please stop in front of the grand Dafeng Study."
Jiang Songyi swiftly jumped off the carriage and said with a smile, "Thank you, Grandma. Please go back to the mansion first. I'll go take a look and then return with the maid later."
However, the old lady followed closely behind, and with the help of Aunt Xu, she also stepped out of the carriage and said, "I'll go with you to take a look."
In the car, Jiang Bochuan witnessed Jiang Songyi and the old lady getting out of the car. Despite his inconvenience in walking, he still gritted his teeth and insisted, dragging his legs swollen from being beaten and slowly getting out of the car.
Watching Jiang Songyi walk towards the study, Jiang Bochuan raised his peach blossom eyes slightly and teased, "Want to buy a storybook?"
A hint of guilt flashed across the old lady's eyes as she looked at Jiang Songyi.
Song Yi has lived in exile for many years. Her adoptive mother, Liao, has been cruel and ruthless to her, treating her like a servant. She has no chance of attending school. Instead, Liao's biological daughter, Jiang Yuyao, has taken on Song Yi's place. She is well-educated, talented, and famous.
At this moment, several noble gentlemen dressed in gorgeous clothes and with extraordinary demeanor walked out of the study.
A young man with a radiant jade crown and a beautiful face, fanning himself with a light silk fan, leisurely strolled over to Jiang Bochuan's side. He rested his arm lightly on his shoulder and looked Jiang Songyi up and down. A sarcastic smile played on his face as he asked, "Is this the Jiang Songyi who caused Miss Yuyao to fall into the water and catch a cold? Are you also trying to emulate Dong Shi, vainly trying to gain the reputation of a talented scholar in the study? How dare you, an illiterate and vulgar person, patronize a bookstore?"
Jiang Songyi recognized the young man's identity at a glance.
Yu Huanshen, the second son of an important cabinet official in the court, has never been interested in officialdom. He prefers romance and often hangs out in brothels, writing lyrics and composing music for the women there. He is also a drinking buddy of Jiang Baichuan.
He prided himself on his talent and extraordinary ability, and looked down upon those rude, ignorant and unlearned country folk. He was especially impressed by Jiang Yuyao, a famous talented woman.
In his previous life, Yu Huanshen had humiliated Jiang Songyi many times because of Jiang Yuyao, making her lose face in front of everyone.
Jiang Songyi naturally had no good feelings towards this conceited talent.
At this time, the old lady coughed lightly.
Yu Huanshen then noticed the distinguished old lady standing not far behind Jiang Songyi, and he quickly bowed with his friends, "So it's the old lady from the Marquis' Mansion who's here. I apologize for the inconvenience."
Jiang Bochuan had no intention of exposing Jiang Songyi's embarrassment of illiteracy in front of everyone, but after hearing Yu Huanshen's words, he felt that his own words seemed to become a little harsh.
He hurriedly pushed Yu Huanshen away, his brow furrowed. "Nonsense! How could that be? Yu Huanshen, when did you learn to gossip like a woman? My sister has lived among the common people for many years and has never been able to read or write, but why should she be afraid? Don't you still have me?"
Jiang Baichuan turned his gaze towards Jiang Songyi, his eyebrows raised, and his tone doting: "Jiang Songyi, what kind of storybooks do you prefer? Second brother will choose and buy them for you. If there are any difficult parts, I will read them to you when we return home. If you are truly eager to learn, you may ask me for help, and I can also teach you to read and write myself."
Even without hearing her voice, Jiang Baichuan could sense the disdain in her gleaming eyes, and he couldn't help but feel a little resentful. "Although I'm not as well-versed in history and modern knowledge as your brother, I'm still more than capable of teaching you the basics of literacy."
Yu Huanshen sneered contemptuously and said sarcastically, "Jiang Er, your sister probably can't even tell the difference between a storybook and a book of poetry in the study. Asking her which storybook she wants to read is like talking to a cow."
At this moment, Jiang Songyi picked up a copy of "Flying Flowers Collection" from the bookshelf.
The nobleman beside Yu Huanshen exclaimed in amazement, "Huanshen, this Miss Jiang is truly discerning. She actually took a liking to your poetry collection at first sight."
Yu Huanshen prided himself on being a man of talent and beauty, and naturally he was delighted that someone appreciated his work, even if it was Jiang Songyi, whom he had always despised. At this moment, he couldn't help but think that although this woman was illiterate, she had an extraordinary appreciation for art.
He snorted coldly, a look of disdain playing on his lips. "It is indeed unique. However, what I compiled is a collection of poems, not those inferior Mr. Zizhu's storybooks. Even if you can read, you may not be able to understand the profound meaning of the poems."
However, Jiang Songyi gently placed the poetry collection in front of the shopkeeper and said calmly, "In the study, except for this copy of 'Flying Flowers Collection', all the other books should be prepared for me."
The shopkeeper had been following Yu Huanshen and his group of nobles for a long time. When he heard Jiang Songyi's words, he immediately realized that this was a big deal and smiled. "Okay, Miss Jiang is really generous. I will select some good books for you and deliver them to your house personally."
Jiang Baichuan, Yu Huanshen and others were all stunned where they were.
No one had revealed the title of Yu Huanshen's poetry collection just now, but Jiang Songyi could actually say the four words "Feihua Yaji" accurately.
Isn't she from the countryside and knows nothing about writing?
Jiang Baichuan watched the books being loaded directly onto the carriage and couldn't help but feel a pang for his wallet. "Sister, are you really planning to buy so many books?"
Jiang Songyi twisted her neck slightly, looking at him with a puzzled look, and asked in surprise, "Second brother usually spends money recklessly in the casino. Can't he really afford these books?"
In fact, he really couldn't afford it.
After all, his silver had just been confiscated by his father and used as military supplies, and the remaining private money had all been given to Jiang Songyi when they first met. Now, he had very few silver notes and loose change on hand.
However, he was well versed in business and had many businesses under his control. With a little fundraising, he could always find the money. At the very least, he couldn't lose face in front of these cronies and Jiang Songyi.
He waved his hand nonchalantly, a faint smile on his face: "Second brother, how can I not afford it? Even if you want the entire study, I will buy it for you without hesitation."
Jiang Songyi smiled slightly and replied softly, "Okay, thank you, second brother. I'll take it."
Jiang Baichuan cursed in his heart: You are not polite at all, you really dare to ask for it!
Seeing that Jiang Songyi had given up his Feihua Yaji and bought all the other books, Yu Huanshen's face turned extremely ugly. "Are you doing this on purpose?"
Jiang Songyi gently stroked the Feihua Yaji in her hand, raised her brows slightly, and said with a smile on her lips, "Yes, Master Yu's pretentious and unnecessary words should be left to be savored by yourself."
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