Chapter 111: Deservedly Unworthy

Qin Siyuan felt even stranger and asked with a smile, "Is there actually someone who would plot against me in the Marquis Mansion?"

Shen Changle appeared peaceful and joyful, leisurely saying, "Cousin, you’ve read many books of poetry, but I’m afraid you haven’t read much into the hearts of men. As a scholar, advancing to Advanced Scholar is only natural, but your marriage might be calculated by those with intentions. You tend to underestimate yourself but must understand the weight you hold in others’ eyes. Once you become an official, more people will try to manipulate you. Affairs within the inner courtyard may just be romantic events, but some could be fatal."

Upon hearing this, Qin Siyuan was startled inside, realizing the logic in these words.

Previously, he only found this person to act prudently and carefully; now, he perceived a certain strategic wisdom, and couldn’t help but feel respect.

Once inside the Wutong Garden, a little maid invited him into the hall to sit down and went to find Qin Yuan.

In no time, Qin Yuan arrived.

Qin Siyuan was just taking a sip of tea when he saw her come in and quickly stood up to greet her with a bow.

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, saying, "Cousin, do you intend to perform a formal bow every time you see me in the future? Although I don’t mind due to my thick skin, others might gossip."

"Sister’s great talent deserves respect," Qin Siyuan said gratefully, "I’ve received guidance from you, feeling as if transformed, though my high ambitions still exceed my abilities, and my poetry lacks finesse. Still, compared to before, I’ve greatly improved."

Saying this, he took out a manuscript from his sleeve and handed it to Qin Yuan fervently, saying, "Please take a look, sister."

Qin Yuan, seeing his eagerness, chuckled and said, "Brother, please sit, have some tea and take a breather."

Holding the manuscript, she didn’t rush to read it but first asked how he had been these days, whom he met at the mansion, and what he talked about.

Feeling more peculiar, Qin Siyuan asked, "What is Shen Changle’s background? I feel like there’s something extraordinary about him, very insightful."

"He is my attendant, and I plan to let him work outside as a shopkeeper first and arrange further matters once he proves himself."

Qin Siyuan nodded and retold the incident about the person who intercepted him.

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "If I hadn’t asked Shen Changle and the nanny at the second gate to watch over you, I wouldn’t know where you’d end up. If you were really heading to the main house, it’s fine; if not, it might have been a trap. Now that you’re an official, you’ll face traps in every corner, and it’s not enough to rely on your gentlemanly manners and extensive reading alone."

"... Weren’t you coming back from the main house?"

Qin Siyuan, after hearing Shen Changle’s implication, and then Qin Yuan’s direct words, couldn’t help feeling uneasy. Even a fool would sense something amiss.

Matters within the Marquis Mansion aren’t easy to discuss with cousin, so Qin Yuan said, "Even a gatekeeper in the Marquis Mansion knows about me in the main house, yet still wanted to send you there. That’s inappropriate. Since you sensed something was off, just refuse. Once in the inner courtyard, if you encounter any woman... it’s hard to say. After all, there are quite a few women in the Marquis Mansion."

Qin Siyuan also understood.

He gratefully said, "Thankfully, sister made arrangements; otherwise, I might have gotten into trouble. You know my mother."

Qin Yuan smiled, saying nothing.

Regarding the second aunt’s thoughts on Qin Siyuan’s marriage, she wasn’t about to comment.

Finishing this topic, Qin Yuan opened the manuscript, studying it carefully, while Qin Siyuan sipped his tea anxiously, waiting quite a while before Qin Yuan said, "Brother’s poems have significantly improved compared to before, but the word selection is still too loose. Many renowned poets would pluck their beard hairs to choose just the right word, showing their diligence in word choice."

"Choosing the most appropriate words for poems isn’t achieved overnight. It might be better for you to choose the poetry style that suits you best, whether steady, generous, humorous, luxurious, or lively... select words according to the style, and it might be faster."

Qin Siyuan was first delighted, then anxious, and upon hearing this, suddenly realized, quickly rising to bow, saying, "Sister, accept my bow. Such great talent is wasted within the inner chambers; it’s truly a pity."

In this dynasty, the Advanced Scholar exam’s first task is poetry. Qin Siyuan sought advice from many but thought he’d never break through again, yet within days, his sister made it clear.

This is indeed more impressive than the great scholars.

Even his uncle couldn’t achieve this.

Qin Siyuan belongs to the Qin Family, and Qin Jijiu never holds back, yet he couldn’t teach him, showing that sister’s insights in poetry far exceed his uncle’s.

Qin Yuan lowered her eyelids, her long lashes concealing her thoughts.

She smiled and said, "If brother can display his talent, I’ll be equally pleased."

Qin Siyuan said, "If uncle knew your capabilities, he might send you to the palace as a female official. Your looks and talent far surpass common powders and rouge."

Qin Yuan shook her round fan, casually lifting her eyes, saying, "Isn’t this better for me?"

Qin Siyuan was momentarily stunned, then nodded, saying, "Yes, I was wrong."

Sister now has status and honor, far better than enduring hardships in the palace, isn’t it?

A little maid reported from outside, saying, "Madam, I just asked at the main house, and the Old Madam is free."

Qin Yuan then smiled and asked Qin Siyuan, "Cousin, do you have time now to visit the Old Madam in the main house?"

Qin Siyuan said, "Of course I have time. Last time I came, I didn’t manage to pay respects to the elders. This time, I must complete my courtesy."

Qin Yuan then led Qin Siyuan from the Wutong Garden to the main house.

Last time Qin Siyuan came, he was in a rush and overwhelmed, not properly observing the Marquis Mansion’s scenery, only remembering its grandeur. Now, following Qin Yuan, they walked through flower gates, bypassed Taihu Stone, passed bamboo groves, and stepped onto the bridge over the pond, causing him to exclaim, "No wonder it was ordered by the founding ancestor, Dingbei Marquis Mansion is majestic and splendid, with many sights."

Implying that sister is blessed.

Qin Yuan just smiled, "There are many sights in the Marquis Mansion I haven’t had a chance to show you, but you’ll definitely visit often in the future. Brother Heng said he wants to learn horse riding from Marquis, so when you come together, it’ll be a joy. The Old Madam and Marquis are very hospitable and like being close to scholars. You’ll know in the future."

Since Marquis Gu can teach Qin Heng horse riding, it’s likely he wouldn’t mind taking Qin Siyuan along either.

Equestrian and archery training is worth it; such an opportunity shouldn’t be missed.

Qin Siyuan looked gratefully at Qin Yuan beside him.

After entering the Marquis Mansion for a short while, not only did Qin Yuan’s complexion improve, but her demeanor was also both amiable and noble, thoroughly embodying her position, like a pearl hidden in the mud, and upon entering the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, the mire was washed away, revealing her radiant brilliance.

Lin Ziqi doesn’t deserve sister.