Xu Rong turned around and went back to the main courtyard.
Upon entering, he said to Madam Xiao, "Madam, I don't know why the eldest young lady is picking on me. I feel very upset and would like to go for a walk."
She guessed that given Madam Xiao's controlling nature, she couldn't possibly be unaware of what was happening in front of her door; someone must have already informed her. And since Madam Xiao had intended to sow discord between her and Xiao Shan, she would be happy to see this situation and might even make things easier for her.
Sure enough, Madam Xiao only said one sentence: "Why is the eldest maid becoming more and more rude? If you want to relax, then go ahead."
They agreed.
Xu Rong pulled Xiao Xin back and left. She was so impulsive that at first glance it looked like she had a fight with someone. Madam Xiao glanced at her back and smiled with satisfaction.
A maid came from outside the curtain to report: "Madam, the stewards are already waiting in front."
Madam Xiao usually didn't manage household affairs in this courtyard, but in a side room next to the main hall. Upon hearing this, she replied, "I understand."
He stood up, took the hand warmer that the maid handed him, which had just had its charcoal replaced, and walked out unhurriedly.
Chang Shuyin followed obediently behind, keeping a distance of two steps.
The two places were connected by a moon gate. After passing through the gate and arriving at the front corridor, a man strode in, and it was none other than Lord Xiao.
Chang Shuyin, along with the maids and the stewards of the courtyard, bowed and left.
Madam Xiao stopped and raised the corner of her mouth: "Is there something you need, Lord Marquis?"
Lord Xiao showed no smile, his brows furrowed, displaying his authority: "Shan'er came to pay her respects properly, why are you scolding her again?"
"..." Madam Xiao was stunned for a moment before she sneered, "Well, so that's why the Marquis came so early in the morning. So you're here to help someone! You're quick to question me, but why don't you ask what the head maid did and said?!"
Lord Xiao said, "So what if she came a little late this morning? That's because Shan'er is so thoughtful and filial, getting up in the middle of the night to take care of Yi'er. As her stepmother, you should be more magnanimous—"
The people in the courtyard listened to him, unsure how to react, their eyes darting around.
Chang Shuyin was also stunned. She was nudged anxiously by the head maid of Madam Xiao behind her before she came to her senses. She quickly stepped down from the corridor and waved to lead the stewards of the courtyard out.
Behind them, Lord Xiao's accusing voice continued: "And what's wrong with Erlang's wife? Is she acting on your orders, causing trouble the moment she entered the house—"
**
The restless Xu Rong had already boarded the carriage and was heading towards Dongcheng.
The Xiao family's coachman was very happy to receive the tip she gave him as soon as she got in the carriage, and he worked hard to drive the carriage quickly and steadily.
Thanks to the boasting and directions from Xiao Shan and Xiao Yi, Xu Rong already had a general idea of where Mr. Su lived. He just needed to ask around when he got nearby.
Sitting in the car, she mentally rehearsed the possible scenarios and what she would say after meeting Mr. Su. After thinking for a while, she wanted to discuss it with Xiao Xin, but when she turned her head, she saw that his eyelashes were half closed and his lips were moving as if he was muttering something.
Xu Rong looked at him suspiciously for a moment: "Second Young Master, are you reciting a text?"
Xiao Xin seemed to be startled awake, opening his eyes and saying, "—Hmm."
He's also quite cute.
Xu Rong suppressed a laugh and comforted him, "Second Young Master, only those who don't study regularly need to cram at the last minute. You don't need to. Just calm down and don't be nervous. Just do your best in front of the teacher."
Xiao Xin: "..."
He didn't speak, and Xu Rong didn't care. She felt like she was accompanying someone to an exam, and upon closer examination, this feeling could perhaps be considered a form of compensation—compensation for herself.
She had always been a solitary student throughout her academic career. During major exams, the parents who came to send their children off to the exams would fill several nearby streets, but none of that mattered to her.
That doesn't matter. She may have envied it, but that's all in the past.
But—how should I put it—Xu Rong placed her hands on her knees and rubbed her fingertips together. She finally realized that she was actually a little nervous too.
“I will,” Xiao Xin suddenly said.
Um?
Xu Rong snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded: "That's right."
Xiao Xin glanced at her hand, and only moved it away when he saw that she had let go and was no longer pinching him.
With nothing to do on the journey, Xu Rong pondered again: "Mr. Su's initial willingness to meet the Fourth Young Master indicates that he at least doesn't have any issues with the Xiao family, so the problem lies with the Fourth Young Master himself. Does he think he's too young?"
Although Xiao Yi had shown her skill in domestic power struggles, she was still a child after all. She couldn't harbor any ill will towards the child, nor did she speculate about him in a bad way.
Xiao Xin shook his head. He didn't know.
Xu Rong didn't expect him to answer, and thought about it again: "No, when the Marquis went to visit him before, he must have mentioned this basic situation. If Mr. Su disagreed, he could have said so at the time. If he refuses after meeting him, wouldn't that offend people?"
No matter how politely you refuse, it still sounds like you're being disdainful.
So Xiao Yi got sick from anger when she came back.
"Or perhaps the Fourth Young Master was nervous and lost his manners—?"
Xu Rong persisted and guessed again. It wasn't out of curiosity; she only wanted to know the reason for Xiao Yi's failure so that she could avoid falling into the same trap and have a better chance of success.
However, without even having met Mr. Su and knowing nothing about the great scholar's true nature, it was too difficult to guess accurately. Xu Rong finally had no choice but to give up and sincerely said to Xiao Xin, "Second Young Master, from now on, you can only rely on yourself."
Xiao Xin hummed in agreement and nodded.
His expression had become cold and calm.
—If you look closely, you'll find a hint of determination hidden beneath.
**
As the sun rose high, they arrived at the eastern part of the city.
This area is much more down-to-earth than the wealthy and powerful West City. However, since many rich businessmen choose to settle here, the houses look prosperous and orderly.
The coachman slowed the carriage down and called out to ask for the specific destination. Xu Rong and Xiao Xin exchanged a glance, and before they could speak, Xiao Xin said to the outside, "You don't need to worry about where we're going. Just stop when you see a study or a shop selling stationery."
"Oh, yes!"
The driver assumed that the man had been studying lately and needed to buy some related items, so he stopped asking questions and obeyed.
Xiao Xin got off the carriage and went to each shop to inquire.
A man like Mr. Su, when he arrives at a new place, he can stay away from anywhere else, but he can't resist going to these two places, otherwise he would be unworthy of his reputation as a great Confucian scholar.
In contrast, Xu Rong was idle in the car, no longer worried, and just waited peacefully.
Xiao Xin possessed a stubborn and ruthless streak, daring to abandon his family and clan. When provoked into action, he was quick to act.
I asked on the first street, the second street...
When they reached the third street, there were three bookstores side by side. Xiao Xin lingered a bit longer at the middle one.
Xu Rong lifted the curtain and looked out, a premonition forming in his heart.
Xiao Xin finally came back. She stared at him without blinking. Xiao Xin met her gaze and nodded.
Xu Rong blurted out, "Second Young Master, have you found it?"
Xiao Xin said, "Hmm." He turned his head and gave the driver an address.
The driver was a little confused. Since the journey was short—just next alley—he scratched his head, didn't ask, and started driving again.
The carriage creaked and groaned as it turned into the alley. The driver glanced around and said with difficulty, "Second Young Master, this alley is narrow. It might be difficult to turn around once we go in."
Then there's no need to go in.
Xu Rong and Xiao Xin got out of the car and told him to wait by the alley. The two walked in side by side.
Stop at the fourth house in the middle of the alley.
This is a small courtyard house with one entrance. The gate is ajar, and you can see the polished blue bricks in the courtyard through the crack.
Xiao Xin raised his hand, paused, and knocked on the door.
Who is it?
As the question was asked, footsteps came from inside, and then the courtyard gate was pulled open from the inside. An old servant, who looked to be about forty or fifty years old, leaned out and looked them up and down.
Xiao Xin cupped his hands in greeting and introduced himself, saying, "I heard that Mr. Su is here, so I came to pay my respects."
"Xiao? Xiao what?"
The old servant was a little hard of hearing. Xiao Xin wanted to repeat himself, but the old servant waved his hand and turned to walk inside: "Alright, come in."
He muttered to himself, "Another one."
It seems that Mr. Su is quite famous and has received many visitors, especially scholars like Xiao Xin, so much so that the old servant didn't even bother to ask his name.
Xu Rong had a bad feeling; this was not a good thing—it meant the competition was getting fiercer.
There was no time to think about it at that moment. Mr. Su himself was easy to see. He was writing a letter in his study. After receiving a report from the old servant, he put down his pen, clapped his hands, and came out.
His fingers still had some ink on them.
Xiao Xin and Xu Rong stepped forward to greet him. He was very approachable, simply nodding and moving on. Then he laughed and said, "Many people come to see me, but this is the first time someone has brought their wife along."
Xu Rong: "...!"
Oh no, she's forgotten the local customs. Studying isn't really her thing, she doesn't need to get so involved. She should just wait in the car.
She curtsied and was about to leave when Mr. Su asked, "Judging from your age, you're probably newly married?"
Xiao Xin replied, "Yes. I got married four days ago."
His voice was steady, and his expression remained unchanged.
—Of course, he usually doesn't show much expression.
Xu Rong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. All his efforts along the way had paid off; he had managed to hold his own in this crucial moment.
Mr. Su was taken aback for a moment, probably not expecting this newlywed to be so "new," and laughed with amusement, his smile revealing his understanding: "You are the second young master of the Marquis of Changxing's mansion?"
When Xiao Xin requested an audience, he only gave his name. The old servant was hard of hearing and missed the name, only bringing in the character "Xiao". However, this Mr. Su was able to connect the name with the previously visited Marquis Xiao based on this single character. He also knew about the wedding ceremony date and the city-circling ceremony for the welcoming ceremony, so it was not surprising that he had heard about it. He was able to arrive at the correct answer, which shows that the great scholar is indeed a great scholar.
Xu Rong immediately realized: this gentleman was worth the trouble.
The only question now is whether they can snatch it. At this point, she can't help; it's up to Xiao Xin himself.
Xiao Xin replied, "It is I, the junior."
Why didn't you announce your arrival when you came in?
“I admire your knowledge, sir, and wish to become your disciple. This has nothing to do with my family background,” Xiao Xin said slowly, enunciating each word clearly, his clarity revealing his strength. “Just as in the imperial examinations, my background will not make any difference to me.”
Mr. Su laughed: "What, are you determined to take the imperial examination?"
Xiao Xin bowed: "If it weren't for that, I wouldn't dare to take up your time, sir."
Mr. Su pondered for a moment: “What you say is true, and the reasoning is also difficult to understand. However, studying is a difficult task. Given your family’s social standing, it would be better to advance through martial arts. There are more paths to advancement, and it would be easier.”
Xu Rong held back her words and clenched her fingers.
The great Confucian scholar truly lived up to his reputation!
They were able to pinpoint every single point perfectly. For example, the Duke of Ying's mansion, the Marquis of Changxing's mansion, and even the Marquis of Ji'an's mansion all initially earned their titles through military merit. Now, the Marquis of Ji'an's mansion has declined due to the early death of Xu's father and the lack of relatives. The other two mansions still have military influence, especially the Duke of Ying's mansion, which is the most powerful. The Duke of Ying still leads troops outside with his two sons.
If Xiao Xin wants to make a name for himself, this path is indeed easier.
Xu Rong didn't know at first, but after gradually understanding, he stopped asking him—the reason was obvious: if he wanted to climb the social ladder through his family, he would have to bow down to Lord Xiao or Madam Xiao, and he couldn't bring himself to do that.
He's going to forge his own path, and his family can't help him or control him.
A lone wolf.
She realized it later; Mr. Su had pointed it out the moment they met, before they had even exchanged more than a few words.
Xiao Xin lowered his gaze and said, "Please forgive me, but I have my reasons and cannot disclose them."
Out of respect for his elders, he could not openly discuss the various troubles within his family, but he also did not wish to embellish or lie.
Because if the apprenticeship is successful, Mr. Su will find out sooner or later.
Mr. Su hesitated for a moment: "What's the reason? Is there something wrong with your body—?"
He didn't say the words "hidden illness" aloud, but the meaning was clear, and he began to sized up Xiao Xin.
Xiao Xin: "..."
He choked for a moment, "This junior is perfectly fine!"
Mr. Su remained noncommittal, shifting his gaze to look around the courtyard. Suddenly, he pointed to the left side of the steps and said, "Lift up that jar so I can take a look."
The vat was as tall as a person's thigh, with a round belly and a small mouth. It weighed about 180 pounds and looked like a pickling vat. I don't know why it was placed there.
Xiao Xin walked over with a blank face, lifted it up with one hand, and looked into the main room.
Mr. Su nodded in satisfaction: "Put it down. You young man, just say you don't get along with your father. I'm not going to complain about you. Why do you have to say you have some kind of hardship?"
Xiao Xin remained silent, speechless.
"..." Xu Rong tried hard to suppress her laughter.
A glimmer of hope rose in her heart. Mr. Su was no idle street urchin; he wouldn't have made such a playful request if he hadn't taken an interest in Xiao Xin.
“Studying is a tough job,” Mr. Su repeated, “and you need to be in good health. Otherwise, you’ll have to be carried out of the exam room.”
That explains it. Xiao Xin lowered his head and said, "Yes, this junior understands."
Mr. Su sat down in the chair and said calmly, "You said you read books, so I have a few questions for you."
This marks the start of the formal school examination.
Xu Rong couldn't understand a single word—she knew nothing about the eight-legged essay, only that the imperial examinations were held, but she didn't understand how or what the examinations were, and she was too lazy to ask.
At this time, she felt dizzy looking at the books. They were all in traditional Chinese characters, vertically arranged, and crammed together without even a punctuation mark. In her spare time, she preferred to sit under the eaves and daydream.
Now she could only strain her ears and listen blankly as the two of them rambled on and on with their classical Chinese phrases.
It didn't take long to circle around.
After about four questions, Mr. Su stopped.
Mr. Su's expression appeared solemn.
He thought about it for a while, then thought about it again. It seemed he had encountered some kind of problem.
Xu Rong stood by the door staring at him, feeling her heart race—she hadn't been this nervous during her own exams back then.
"you--"
Mr. Su finally spoke: "How old were you when you started your formal education?"
Xiao Xin's voice was tense: "Eight years old."
"Where did you study? Who was your teacher?"
"In the family school, the teacher's surname was You, and his given name was Xuehai."
Mr. Su looked up and thought for a while: "The name is nice—I don't think I've heard of it before."
Xiao Xin paused for a moment, then said, "He is the cousin of my second aunt's brother."
"Oh!" Mr. Su's puzzled expression vanished instantly, and he slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "You cultivated your skills by nepotism? No wonder you're still like a child!"
Xu Rong: "..."
Xu Rong: "..."
Her eyes widened, unable to process what was happening.
She felt that all of Mr. Su's previous questions had been conveyed to her.
What did he say again?
She didn't hear wrong?
Is that what she meant?
Is it because Mr. Su, as a great Confucian scholar, had high standards and strict requirements?
Xu Rong looked at Xiao Xin, and his stiff, silent back told her no.
Perhaps the standards of a great Confucian scholar are a bit higher, but the truth is probably pretty close to the truth.
Past events began to flash rapidly through her mind automatically. Xiao Xin hesitated several times, saying "He may not," "He is not ready yet"... He did leave her clues, but she never paid attention!
Even the most meticulous plans can have flaws, and she made such a complete oversight.
Xu Rong tried to compose herself, but her mind was too chaotic, and she could only stare blankly at Xiao Xin.
Xiao Xin did not turn around.
He didn't need to turn around to imagine how disappointed she was.
He couldn't bear the disappointment.
No one believed in him or had any expectations of him. Even his aunt only advised him to be honest and upright. He wasted his time in resentment and confusion until she walked in.
When they met, she was in a trough even lower than him, but she kept moving forward, always bright, giving him courage and faith, and illuminating his path.
His hands and feet were cold, but a warmth rose on his cheeks—a warmth born of shame and determination.
He couldn't let her down.
We cannot lose this light.
Xiao Xin spoke: "I am skilled at cultivating my noble spirit—"
This is a passage from Mencius. Mr. Su asked me about the preceding sentences, and he answered correctly, but his interpretation was wrong.
He still doesn't know the correct answer; he can only recite it.
I can keep memorizing it.
"Bo Yi, he would not serve anyone who was not his lord, nor would he befriend anyone who was not his friend. He would not stand in the court of a wicked person..."
He recited it chapter by chapter without pausing, his voice gradually becoming hoarse.
Mr. Su initially tried to stop him, raising his hand but then gradually lowering it again.
As time went on, he showed surprise.
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