Chapter 40: Paying a Visit (3)

The matriarch feigned anger, and just as Fu Rong was about to respond, a maid entered to announce that Mr. Wang had arrived. The matriarch instructed, “Quickly, invite Mr. Wang in for a cup of tea offered by the children.”

The maid left, and soon after, she ushered in an elderly gentleman with white hair and beard. Shen Xiling discreetly observed from behind the others. She saw that this Mr. Wang was quite thin but still energetic despite his advanced age. His high cheekbones gave him a stern and unsmiling appearance, which made her feel somewhat afraid. She silently resolved to study diligently in the future and avoid angering the teacher.

Mr. Wang ascended to the main hall, and the matriarch personally rose to greet him. The younger generation respectfully bowed. The matriarch said, “Teacher, you’ve finally arrived. Please sit, please sit.”

After exchanging pleasantries with the matriarch, both took their seats.

Lady Yao addressed Mr. Wang, “Teacher has always been attentive to Jing’an and Jingkang, and now he must also take on two female students. It’s truly laborious, and the Qi family is deeply grateful.”

Wang Qing’s expression remained calm as he replied, “Madam need not be so courteous. This matter was entrusted to me by Jingchen, whom I have always held in high regard. Such a request is within my capacity to fulfill. May I ask where the two young ladies are?”

Upon hearing this, Lady Yao quickly waved Zhao Yao and Shen Xiling over, saying, “Yao’er, Wenwen, come and meet the teacher.”

Shen Xiling immediately stepped forward with Zhao Yao to bow to Wang Qing. Under Lady Yao’s guidance, they presented him with apprentice tea.

Accepting female students into noble families was not a significant matter. Female students didn’t need to pursue official ranks; they only needed to read poetry and literature to cultivate their temperament, avoiding ignorance. Although Wang Qing had high standards for selecting students, accepting female students wasn’t as stringent. Thus, he easily accepted Zhao Yao and Shen Xiling’s apprentice tea and then gave them a brief admonishment: “Scholarship and literary arts require dedication to achieve success. I hope the two young ladies will be diligent and eager to learn, making progress in the future.”

Shen Xiling and Zhao Yao respectfully acknowledged his words and then retreated to the side.

At this moment, the matriarch pulled Fu Rong’s hand and smiled at Mr. Wang, “Teacher, take a look. Do you recognize this girl?”

Wang Qing turned to look at Fu Rong and, after a moment, revealed a look of realization, “Is this Miss Fu, the sister of Little Fu?”

“Indeed,” the matriarch confirmed, “It’s my fault for becoming more forgetful with age. Earlier, I heard that Jingchen had arranged for Yao’er and Miss Fang to seek your tutelage, but I didn’t think to do the same for my granddaughter—would Teacher Wang be willing to grant me this favor and accept my Rong’er as a student?”

Though Zhao Qi didn’t speak, she harbored some thoughts.

She was a concubine-born daughter of the Qi family, not the matriarch’s child. Her mother had been a secondary wife who lived cautiously under the matriarch’s thumb. Zhao Qi knew her stepmother’s strong-willed and calculating nature well. She hadn’t expected her to remain so meticulous even at her age.

Did she think no one noticed? By bringing Fu Rong into the Qi family and now humbly requesting Mr. Wang to accept her as a student, what was she plotting? Clearly, it was to tie the Fu family closer to the Qi family! Ideally, Fu Rong would marry Jingchen, stabilizing the precarious position of the Fu family!

What a clever plan!

Wang Qing hadn’t anticipated the matriarch’s request. After pondering for a moment, he said, “I’ve heard that Miss Fu has studied alongside Little Fu since childhood and has already achieved some proficiency in scholarship and literature. If she were to study with the other two young ladies, it might not be suitable.”

The matriarch responded, “What does it matter? To receive your teachings would be a great fortune for her. Even starting from scratch would be beneficial.”

Turning to Fu Rong, she asked, “Rong’er, what do you say?”

Fu Rong seemed surprised by the matriarch’s sudden move and didn’t know how to react. Seeing the matriarch give her a stern look, she realized the elder had made up her mind. She had no choice but to bow to Wang Qing and say, “If Teacher doesn’t mind, I’m willing to start anew under your guidance and study alongside my two sisters, dedicating myself to learning.”

Teaching female students—whether two or three—didn’t make much difference. Accepting Fu Rong wouldn’t add much effort. Seeing the matriarch’s insistence and Fu Rong’s respectful demeanor, Wang Qing found no reason to refuse and nodded.

The matriarch was delighted, her face glowing with satisfaction. She called for the maids, “Quickly, bring tea.”

The maids brought another cup of tea, and Fu Rong offered it to Wang Qing. He took a small sip, officially accepting her as a student.

Seeing this settled, the matriarch was very pleased and invited Wang Qing to stay for lunch. Wang Qing declined, citing household matters, and promised to return tomorrow for lessons, politely refusing to stay for the meal. The matriarch insisted, but Wang Qing courteously declined again, leaving her no choice but to relent.

Wang Qing turned to the students and said, “Tomorrow’s lesson will begin with an examination. Jing’an and Jingkang should prepare well. The young ladies need not be too nervous—just do your best.”

Qi Ning and Qi Le inwardly groaned. Though the girls knew the exam was merely to gauge their foundation and poor results wouldn’t lead to punishment, the word “exam” still unsettled most people. At that moment, regardless of gender, everyone felt a knot in their hearts.

However, Wang Qing paid no heed to these reactions. After casually dropping this statement, he bid farewell to the matriarch and Lady Yao, declining the Qi family’s offer to escort him out, and left.

Lady Yao smiled, “Now everything is settled. Grandmother has been longing for Rong’er every day. Now that you’ll study with the siblings daily, she can see you every day.”

Fu Rong thanked the matriarch and Lady Yao. The matriarch added, “This is wonderful. Tonight, you’ll stay in the estate, and tomorrow you’ll begin your studies.”

Fu Rong looked troubled, saying, “This is rather sudden. I haven’t yet informed my parents. I must return tonight to speak with them…”

The matriarch insisted it wasn’t necessary and suggested sending a servant to inform the Fu family. Seeing Fu Rong’s discomfort, Lady Yao intervened, saying to the matriarch, “Since Rong’er will be coming, she won’t escape. Why not let her return tonight? We’ll see her again tomorrow.”

With Lady Yao’s support, the matriarch couldn’t insist further and reluctantly nodded. She then asked Lady Yao, “Are Jingyuan and Jingchen home? They haven’t seen their cousin in a while.”

“Jingyuan went out with the eldest daughter-in-law, but Jingchen is rarely home,” Lady Yao replied, “Shall I send someone to call him?”

The matriarch brightened, “Yes, quickly, call him to escort his sister out.”

Lady Yao sent a maid. Zhao Qi silently observed, forming some calculations.

She knew Lady Yao favored Yao’er but wasn’t sure if there was any intention of strengthening ties through marriage. From today’s events, it seemed she didn’t oppose Fu Rong either. Could it be that she found Yao’er too young and hadn’t considered this?

But Zhao Qi felt something was off. She noticed Lady Yao particularly liked the Fang girl, different from her affection for Yao’er. Zhao Qi subtly glanced at Shen Xiling, seeing the girl sitting quietly and modestly. However, when the matriarch mentioned Jingchen earlier, she hadn’t missed the fleeting joy that crossed the girl’s face.

Zhao Qi couldn’t help but sneer inwardly: So even stray cats and dogs dream of climbing into the Qi family. What kind of place is a noble family? Marriages are not trivial matters, especially Jingchen’s marriage, which he couldn’t decide himself. Even if this orphan pleased Jingchen and Lady Yao, her background would never allow her to enter this household.

While Zhao Qi contemplated, a maid entered to report that the second young master had arrived. The matriarch cheerfully said, “Good, quickly let him in.”

Since entering the main hall, Shen Xiling had kept her head bowed unless directly addressed, careful not to listen, look, speak, or move unnecessarily. But upon hearing his arrival, her heart couldn’t help but flutter. She tried to suppress it but couldn’t resist glancing toward the entrance.

Young Master Qi Ying was walking in around the screen. She hadn’t seen him much in recent days, and even when she did, they hadn’t spoken. She had thought they had grown closer, but a few days apart made her feel distant again. Especially now, surrounded by nobility, she sat in an inconspicuous corner, feeling even further away from him.

Just as she was about to lower her gaze, their eyes met. Young Master Qi Ying’s handsome phoenix-like eyes remained cool and aloof, but upon entering, he hadn’t looked anywhere else, focusing solely on Shen Xiling. He quickly shifted his gaze without a trace, seemingly just to confirm the girl was fine.

Their eyes met briefly, and Shen Xiling lowered her head.

Qi Ying walked past Shen Xiling, bowing to the elders in the hall. The matriarch was in high spirits, asking Fu Rong, “Rong’er, it’s been a while since you’ve seen your second brother, hasn’t it?”

Fu Rong smiled and nodded, replying, “Indeed, it’s been some time. During the New Year, my brother visited Fenghe Garden, but unfortunately, I was ill that day and couldn’t join them.”

The matriarch laughed, “It’ll be better now. You’ll see each other every day.”

Hearing this, Qi Ying raised an eyebrow. Seeing his surprise, the matriarch explained with a smile, “Mr. Wang has just accepted Rong’er as a student. I miss her dearly, so I’ve arranged for her to stay in our estate for a while. In the future, you’ll all be around me, allowing me to see you often.”

Qi Ying hadn’t expected such a development. Recalling that the matriarch had hinted at matchmaking between him and Fu Rong during the New Year, he understood the underlying reasons and couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. He glanced at his mother, who ignored his accusing look, calmly examining her nails. The matriarch’s word was law in their household, and neither she nor even his father could easily change her decisions. What could she do?

The matriarch had already set her plans in motion, and Qi Ying couldn’t completely ignore them. Seeing his mother’s hands-off attitude, he had no choice but to reply, “Very well.”

The matriarch was slightly dissatisfied with Qi Ying’s four-word response but knew her grandson’s taciturn nature. She couldn’t force him further. Regardless, with Rong’er’s beauty and talent, she believed Jingchen wouldn’t remain unmoved.

Having made up her mind, the matriarch told Qi Ying, “She’s returning to the Fu family now. Jingchen, go and see her off.”

Seated below, Shen Xiling still kept her head down, hearing Qi Ying utter a simple “Alright.”

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Author’s Note:

He cares about you, so even in a room full of people, his eyes still find you first.

Next chapter preview: The (quiet) genius (Qi Ying) gives pre-exam tutoring the night before, filled with subtle flirtation.