Qi Mingyue examined it closely for a moment, then nodded in praise, "Indeed a fine inkstone. Where did An Su obtain it?"
"A new stationery shop has opened in the east of the city. The shopkeeper is knowledgeable and has collected quite a few good items." Xie Ansu said with a smile in his eyes. "Would you like to go and take a look tomorrow? I heard that there are some rare and fragmentary manuscripts."
Just as Qi Mingyue was about to reply, she suddenly heard a gentle voice from outside the courtyard: "Young Master Xie is here too?"
Turning around, he saw a strange woman. She appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in a light green dress, with her hair styled in a sloping bun. She had delicate features and a gentle demeanor. She was holding several scrolls in her hands and was smiling gently as she stood under the moon gate.
Xie Ansu was clearly taken aback: "Miss Lin? What brings you here?"
The woman walked in slowly, curtsied, and said, "My father was transferred to the position of Vice Prefect of Yingzhou, so I came with my family. I heard that Young Master Xie is studying here, so I came to pay my respects." She turned her gaze to Qi Mingyue, her smile deepening, "This must be Sister Qi, right? I've often heard Young Master Xie mention your talent, and seeing you today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."
Qi Mingyue returned the greeting: "You flatter me, Miss. I have yet to ask your guidance..."
Xie Ansu hurriedly introduced, "This is Miss Lin Wanqing, the daughter of an old friend of my father's. Wanqing, this is Miss Qi Mingyue, who came from the capital to study."
Lin Wanqing affectionately took Qi Mingyue's hand: "I've wanted to meet Sister Qi for a long time. Young Master Xie often praised Sister Qi's outstanding talent and her humble character in his letters. Now that I've met her, I know that every word is true."
Qi Mingyue withdrew her hand without showing any emotion: "Miss Lin and An Su are old acquaintances?"
Lin Wanqing covered her mouth and chuckled: "More than just old acquaintances. My father and Uncle Xie were born in the same year, and we've known each other since childhood." She glanced at Xie Ansu, "It's just that later, when Young Master Xie came to Yingzhou to study, we saw each other less often."
Xie Ansu looked slightly embarrassed: "Wanqing is joking. Now that you're in Yingzhou, you can visit the academy often in the future."
A look of delight flashed in Lin Wanqing's eyes: "That would be wonderful. I'm just afraid it would disturb Young Master Xie and Sister Qi's studies."
"It's alright," Xie Ansu said. "Mingyue is very hospitable and will definitely welcome you."
Qi Mingyue smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.
In the following days, Lin Wanqing indeed visited the academy frequently. Sometimes she brought homemade snacks, and sometimes she asked for help with her studies. She was always gentle and polite, and quickly became familiar with everyone at the academy. She especially loved being close to Qi Mingyue, calling her "sister" this and "sister" that, and her attitude was very affectionate.
That day, during the piano lesson, the teacher taught "High Mountains and Flowing Water." Qi Mingyue played it effortlessly, the melody natural and beautiful, drawing praise from everyone. Lin Wanqing clapped her hands in admiration, saying, "Sister Qi's piano skills are superb; Wanqing is filled with admiration. May I ask for some pointers?"
Unable to refuse, Qi Mingyue had no choice but to offer some guidance. Lin Wan studied diligently, but kept making mistakes at crucial points. After several repetitions, Qi Mingyue frowned slightly: "The fingering here should be like this..."
Before she could finish speaking, Lin Wanqing's eyes suddenly reddened, and she lowered her head, saying, "It's because Wanqing is too foolish to have let down her sister's good intentions." With that, she turned and ran away.
Everyone present was stunned. Several female students rushed to comfort her, only to find Lin Wanqing sobbing uncontrollably: "Sister Qi must think I'm too dull... Indeed, with my talent, how could I be worthy to discuss the zither with her..."
Soon, rumors began to circulate in the school, saying that Qi Mingyue was arrogant and looked down on the new Miss Lin.
Upon hearing the rumors, Xie Ansu came to find Qi Mingyue and said, "Mingyue, don't take it to heart. Wanqing has been spoiled since childhood and is a bit sensitive. She meant no harm."
Qi Mingyue was practicing calligraphy and didn't even look up: "An Su is overthinking it. I didn't take it to heart."
Xie Ansu sat down opposite her, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Actually... Wanqing... has been frail and sickly since childhood, and her family has been especially doting on her, which has made her a bit spoiled. But she has a good heart, Mingyue, please don't misunderstand."
Qi Mingyue paused slightly as she wrote, then looked up at him: "An Su knows Miss Lin very well?"
Xie Ansu was taken aback, then smiled and said, "We were childhood playmates, so I naturally know her a bit." He paused, then said seriously, "Wanqing isn't as open-minded as Mingyue. Sometimes when she's wronged, she just sheds tears in secret. Since we're old friends, I should take good care of her."
Qi Mingyue was silent for a moment, then said softly, "An Su is loyal and righteous, which is a good thing."
Xie Ansu seemed relieved: "It's good that Mingyue doesn't blame me." He suddenly remembered something, "Tomorrow is the Double Ninth Festival. The school organizes us to climb mountains and compose poems. Would Mingyue like to come along?"
Qi Mingyue nodded: "Of course."
The following day was the Double Ninth Festival, a clear and crisp autumn day. The students from the academy agreed to climb Cuiwei Mountain on the outskirts of the city. The mountain path was rugged, and Lin Wanqing was soon panting heavily. Seeing this, Xie Ansu naturally slowed his pace and accompanied her.
“Young Master Xie, you don’t need to worry about me,” Lin Wanqing said, wiping the fine sweat from her forehead. Her face was pale. “Don’t delay your climb with Sister Qi.”
Xie Ansu said gently, "It's alright. You're not well, so you should walk slowly."
Qi Mingyue walked ahead, then turned around and saw the two of them lagging behind, so she stopped to wait. Seeing this, Lin Wanqing felt even more apologetic: "Sister Qi, please go ahead, don't wait for me, this burden."
Qi Mingyue said calmly, "Since we came together, we'll leave together." She then handed over a water pouch, "Miss Lin, please have some water."
Lin Wanqing took the water and smiled gratefully, "Thank you, sister." She drank a few sips, then suddenly coughed, spilling water all over herself.
Xie Ansu quickly patted her back to help her catch her breath, and then took out a handkerchief to wipe her face. As he did so, a silk handkerchief embroidered with lotus flowers slipped from Lin Wanqing's sleeve.
Qi Mingyue, with her sharp eyes, noticed a small "lotus" character embroidered on the corner of the handkerchief, exactly the same as the one on Bai Lian'er's handkerchief. A thought crossed her mind, but she remained expressionless.
Lin Wanqing hurriedly picked up the handkerchief and forced a smile, saying, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, sister. This handkerchief... was a gift from an old friend, and I always carry it with me."
Xie An praised, "Wanqing is a woman of deep affection, which is rare."
After reaching the summit, everyone composed poems in the breeze, displaying great elegance. Lin Wanqing, quick-witted, wrote a poem that was clear, beautiful, and refined, earning praise from everyone. When it was Qi Mingyue's turn, she simply said, "I am not feeling well today, so I am afraid I will not be able to write anything good. Please forgive me."
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