Chapter 27 Don’t let anyone know that this is my intention
Du Heng's eyes fell on the copy of "Zheng's Record of the Analects of Confucius".
"She told you that all the books in the library are under her control?"
He repeated Qingquan's words, as if asking, but also as if talking to himself. He often heard such playful words from Wanyi.
But Su Ying?
Du Heng pondered for a while.
He had seen her groveling and servile before the maids, and he had seen her skillfully resolve difficult situations without making a sound, but he had never expected that she could be so lively and cheerful and talk and laugh.
Qingquan nodded and replied, "How could I lie to you, sir? After my cousin gave me the book, she asked me if I could write."
Du Heng looked up at Qingquan and asked, "How did you answer?"
"Of course I can. I've been studying with you since I was little, so how could I not know how to read?"
Seeing that the young master seemed quite interested, Qingquan described it even more vividly.
"My cousin said that when we need to get books from the library in the future, we can't be so casual. She said she didn't expect me to come this time, so she only took a piece of paper. She wrote the title of the book and the date and time on the paper, and finally asked me to sign it."
"After I wrote my name, my cousin still felt it was not enough and added a few more strokes to my signature."
Qingquan seemed to be keeping things a secret, so Du Heng couldn't help but ask, "What did she add?"
Qingquan was stunned. He had never seen the young master so leisurely and elegant, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He replied, "My cousin asked me if your name is Heng, as in 'Under the Heng Gate, one can rest for a while,' or Heng, as in 'Never change its constant nature,'"
Qingquan blushed slightly and continued, "Although I can read, I'm not very familiar with poetry. I told my cousin it was Heng, who was 'walking left and right'. I thought she would laugh at me, but she thanked me and wrote on the paper, 'Getting the book for Du Heng.'"
"Oh, right, sir." Qingquan reminded him, as if remembering something. "My cousin said that this book must be returned within seven days. If you need it again by then, you must come back and sign for it again. She will put a borrowing and returning record on the desk, and you can fill it out when you return the book in the future."
When Du Heng heard Qingquan say that Su Ying had asked for his name and then written it on a piece of paper, something inexplicably moved him. At the academy he had previously attended, he had borrowed several rare ancient books, and they had also been required to sign their names when returning them. Still, a tinge of curiosity lingered in his mind. He wondered if Su Ying's requirements were similar at the academy. He wanted to see the paper, to see how he would write on it the next time he went to retrieve a book.
Qingquan saw the young master's gaze return to the "Zhengshi Lu of the Analects of Confucius" without saying a word. He wondered if the young master thought it would be too cumbersome to retrieve books from the library in the future.
Qingquan had only exchanged a few words with his cousin, but he inexplicably felt a sense of respect for her. For some reason, he spoke up for Su Ying, "My cousin is very serious about her work. I saw her copying and writing, and it didn't seem like she was doing it on a whim. She said that although the library is cleaned every day, the catalogue hasn't been taken care of in years. There are some books that are on the shelves but not in the catalogue, and some books need repairing. It doesn't sound like something that can be done overnight. Maybe that's why the young lady asked me to write these. Although it's not like she can just take it and go as usual, it's just adding a title and a signature. It won't take much time."
The young master seemed to have taken his words to heart. He finally took his eyes off the book and turned to look at him, asking, "So, she will be in the library every day from now on?"
Qingquan was about to answer when Xue Yuan's voice rang out from outside the study: "Sir, your servant Xue Yuan has come to bring you some cakes on the orders of your wife."
Seeing the young master nod, Qingquan ran to lift the curtain for Xue Yuan and called her "Sister Xue Yuan".
Xue Yuan came slowly, carrying a food box, and said softly, "Sir, Madam saw that you didn't eat much for lunch, so she asked me to bring you some wolfberry and yam cake. Wolfberries improve eyesight, and yam nourishes the spleen. You might as well use some now. I can go back and tell Madam about it so she can be at ease."
Her every move revealed a carefully thought-out thought, but unfortunately Du Heng never even glanced at her.
Du Heng frowned slightly, his gaze still fixed on Qingquan, and asked, "Where's Chunnuan?"
Qingquan didn't know either, so he shook his head and said, "I just came back from the library, and she's still waiting outside."
A library? Xue Yuan was startled, but quickly recovered her composure and said, "Don't blame me, sir. Chun Nuan went to get the food box that was delivered to me this morning. This morning, I brought you a red date and white fungus soup. I wonder how you enjoyed it?"
Du Heng did not respond, but said to Xue Yuan, "From now on, you can give these foods to Chun Nuan."
After saying that, he waved his hand and asked her to leave.
Xue Yuan bit her lip, lowered her head helplessly and retreated, but the three words "library" were firmly remembered in her heart.
This library was built by the Second Master and the Second Mistress when they were still alive. The Young Master had visited it occasionally over the years, but rarely during his mourning period. Why did he think of it now? Xue Yuan felt suspicious and decided to go and take a look.
After Xue Yuan left, Du Heng fell into deep thought again. His original idea of going to the library in person in the future was put to rest because of the pastries his mother sent him.
His face was calm, and he no longer had the interest he had in listening to Qingquan's report.
With a firm mind, he let Qingquan approach and instructed her, "From today on, you must be more careful. From now on, whether my cousin is copying scriptures in the East Courtyard, taking classes with my cousin in the Main Courtyard, or managing the library, if there is anything missing, or if someone is in trouble, you must lend a hand. If there is anything you cannot help with, please come and tell me."
"There's only one thing you need to remember: don't let anyone know that this is my intention."
"No matter what, she is still the cousin of the Du family. There is no reason for her to be looked down upon. I don't want anyone to say that we in the Du family treat even our relatives harshly."
He felt a complex mix of emotions. This explanation was like a silent apology for everything his mother had done to Su Ying. It was also like a warning to himself not to let his words or actions cause her to be misunderstood again. He put away his curiosity, deciding that instead of getting too close, it would be best to maintain a proper distance, the best way to show respect to Su Ying.
But he couldn't let it go. After all, the servants in the East Courtyard had already looked down on this cousin, so he gave Qingquan such instructions.
There were some things he didn't need to tell too much about, as he knew Qingquan was clever and knew how to act. So, after seeing Qingquan bow and say yes, he raised his hand and let him leave.
He sighed unconsciously and finally reached out to open "The Analects of Confucius by Zheng Shi".
Today's review seemed unsatisfactory, so he decided to focus.
Everything still has to be focused on preparing for the exam. His mother is so suspicious because she has placed too much hope on him. He plans to rest a little tonight and make up for today's unfinished homework, so as not to be negligent and implicate innocent others.
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