Qin Yuan was somewhat surprised.
Shen Changle always had a cheerful demeanor, but she was very good at keeping things to herself.
The reason he was so happy to see Cuiming was twofold: firstly, he didn't shy away from talking to Cuiming, and secondly, he had received some great news that he couldn't contain his excitement.
Qin Yuan said, "Oh? I wonder what they've been discussing that makes them so happy."
Cui Ming said, "It must be business. Shen Chang Le and Gu Shi Liu are always whispering together about how to kick Shu Hai Ge while they're down."
The two walked along the flower-lined path, and as they reached the front porch, Gu Shiliu excitedly greeted them, saying with a smile, "Madam has arrived! The Marquis has been waiting anxiously."
Cuiming worried, "With all this back and forth, the food will probably get cold."
Gu Shiliu said, "It's alright. The food box hasn't been opened yet; it's only early autumn. If Madam feels cold, I'll have someone reheat it. We're all on very fast footing."
It's just a matter of a few ups and downs.
Qin Yuan became even more curious. As soon as she entered the room, before she could even greet the people seated there, Mr. Songshan sighed and said, "Young Master Nantang has finally arrived. These days, you have been busy receiving guests all day long and have not had a chance to spend a moment with us."
That's an interesting way to put it.
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I am but a common man, entangled in trivial matters all day long. How can I compare to Master Songshan, who is carefree and unburdened by official duties? Today, you have summoned me here. What are your instructions?"
Mr. Matsuyama stroked his beard and laughed heartily: "Isn't it because we invited you to make up the numbers? We can't make a Zhuge Liang without a cobbler."
Sixth Master Gu glanced at Mr. Songshan with a mournful look, then silently tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
Gu Jinghui smiled and patted the chair beside him, saying, "Young Master Nantang, please sit down and have your meal first. We can talk in detail after we've eaten."
Qin Yuan was indeed a little hungry, and nodded quickly.
"Even an emperor doesn't starve his soldiers. Nothing is more important than food. Although Mr. Songshan is used to eating only the wind and dew, he should join us in eating some grains at this time."
Mr. Matsuyama burst into laughter again.
Sixth Master Gu also laughed: "Third Sister-in-law is really witty."
Mr. Songshan immediately gave him a flick on the forehead and scolded, "There's only Young Master Nantang here, where did Third Sister-in-law come from? Look at you, you can't even speak properly, and you still dare to secretly blame me for not letting you fill in."
Sixth Master Gu let out a groan, not daring to resist, and obediently covered his forehead, muttering softly, "Be gentle, he's already stupid, if you hit him any harder he'll become even stupider?"
Qin Yuan then refrained from further formalities and, after taking her seat, smiled and said, "Mr. Songshan, please be lenient. A true scholar must possess the appearance of a scholar. If Master Gu has the appearance of a scholar first, then having the substance of one is fine. But if Mr. Songshan ruins his appearance of a scholar, then he will have no hope of becoming a scholar."
“Young Master Nantang is right. Confucius said, ‘When substance prevails over style, one becomes rustic; when style prevails over substance, one becomes pedantic. Only when substance and style are in perfect balance can one be a true gentleman.’” Mr. Songshan carefully examined Sixth Master Gu and said after a long while, “Sixth Master has a very good appearance. He is good at embellishment, but as for his substance, a few more years of polishing will be enough. If he cannot, then he is really too stupid.”
Master Gu blushed under his gaze.
When she saw her third brother looking over, her face turned even redder.
But I was still happy inside.
His third sister-in-law was on his side, and Mr. Songshan even said to him personally that he could become a famous scholar in a few years.
Qin Yuan slightly curved her lips and instructed Cui Ming to open the lunchbox and arrange the dishes one by one. Sure enough, the vegetables were still hot.
Cuiming then poured out the warmed yellow wine.
A faint smoky aroma wafted through the air, and the amber-colored liquor appeared exceptionally clear against the white porcelain goblet.
Sixth Master Gu just stared blankly.
Everyone knew he had gone mad again.
Mr. Songshan said, “Everyone loves superficial things, but Sixth Master’s heart is simple and natural, unadorned. Just in terms of intention, he is much better than a bunch of poor scoundrels. If I had to choose, I would also choose Sixth Master as a famous scholar.”
It seems that Mr. Songshan has softened his heart because of Master Gu's behavior these days.
The Emperor's encouragement may have carried some weight as well.
Such an opportunity should naturally be seized.
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Sixth Master Gu, why don't you thank Mr. Songshan? If you can't become a famous scholar in the future, then seek him out."
When Gu Liuye came to his senses, he saw Qin Yuan giving him meaningful glances. Suddenly, he had a flash of inspiration and immediately stood up, grabbed Mr. Songshan's clothes, and performed a deep bow. He then said in a cheeky manner, "Now that you've accepted my apprenticeship ceremony, you can't stop teaching me."
Mr. Songshan shouted, "You shameless scoundrel! This is an insult to culture!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Taking advantage of a moment, Gu Jinghui asked Qin Yuan, "What exactly did Mr. Songshan say in his flowery language just now?"
He was somewhat confused, yet also somewhat clear-headed. He knew it was a good thing, but he couldn't quite grasp the subtle, indirect meaning behind it.
Qin Yuan chuckled softly, "He admires Sixth Brother's good looks and demeanor, and is just using this as an excuse to take him on as a disciple. Sixth Brother does indeed have the air of a scholar, and if he can become famous through painting in the future, it would be a wonderful thing."
Even if not, it's still helpful to have someone to rely on when going out and socializing.
It's better than before when I tried to be cultured but ended up being secretly mocked.
Gu Jinghui quickly glanced at his sixth brother.
To be honest, my sixth brother is indeed good-looking, and also gentle and refined.
He couldn't help but secretly despise his own crudeness.
Mr. Songshan said to Master Gu, "I won't drink the tea offered to the teacher, but I'll drink a few more cups of wine. This yellow wine probably has some history. For every cup you offer me, you should come up with a quatrain, whether it's five or seven characters long. If you make me happy, that's enough."
Seeing that Master Gu was in a difficult position, Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Hongye didn't heat up much yellow wine, because this yellow wine has a strong aftereffect. You've finished this whole pot, so let's not talk business anymore. These dishes were made by the small kitchen of Wutong Garden at the Marquis's repeated instructions. Mr. Songshan should also try a few bites first."
Master Gu quickly offered a toast.
Mr. Matsuyama took it and said with a smile, "In that case, let's wait until we're together in the future to drink it slowly."
Qin Yuan nodded: "I'll have Hongye heat two pots of water and send them over to you then."
The group finished their meal chatting and laughing.
Mr. Songshan rinsed his mouth and washed his hands, then smiled and said, "Young Master Nantang, I heard you're going to start a new poem to praise the emperor's virtues, and also to compliment the Marquis and Miss Qi's ball skills?"
Qin Yuan nodded: "This was suggested by my younger brother. Shen Changle thought it was good and asked me. I thought that if the Marquis made such a great achievement, it would be inappropriate to praise him too much, so I reminded him to focus on praising the emperor."
Sixth Master Gu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Heng'er is quite quick-witted. That day, when he recited a doggerel, the students all followed suit and wrote dozens of poems on the spot, which made those Yelü people furious. Speaking of that day, I still remember it vividly. It should really be written down so that future generations will remember our glory."
Mr. Songshan said solemnly, "Your brother's idea is good. With Young Master Nantang's guidance, I'm afraid Shuhai Pavilion won't be able to take over Shen Changle's business."
Then, he gave Gu Jinghui a meaningful look and said, "Your Excellency is truly blessed."
Gu Jinghui smiled and glanced at Qin Yuan beside him, agreeing, "I think so too."
Mr. Matsuyama said seriously, "What do you think I said?"
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