No parent can be entirely in the right. The Marquis of Guangling was fortunate; as a man focused on his career, it was understandable that he might overlook his children. But for the mistress of the inner chambers to be so indifferent to her son's betrothal was inexcusable.
Especially since she was not his birth mother.
Word would inevitably spread, painting her as cruel. While Madam Fang was thick-skinned, that was only within the confines of the estate. She absolutely did not want her reputation tarnished outside. Her future daughter-in-law was a merchant's daughter, lacking in manners and speaking too directly. If this matter were to be exposed one day, a hundred mouths would not be enough for her to explain.
In the biting cold, she broke out in a sweat. She racked her brains to appease Lu Nianfu. In the end, she not only failed to receive any rewards but also had to give a golden hairpin as hush money.
Of course, the token of favor was also handed over.
Lu Nianfu returned victorious and soon boarded the carriage leaving the estate. She casually handed the golden hairpin to Qingya. "The style is a bit dated. Take it and have it melted down to get something you like yourself!"
"Miss, this is gold."
"You don't like it?"
"Who wouldn't like gold? It's just… too precious."
Lu Nianfu said, "It's fine. It's borrowed glory anyway."
Qingya beamed, "Then I'll go to the silversmith later. This hairpin is light, but it's gold. Exchanged for silver, it's enough to make three beautiful hairpins. I'll share some with Qingmiao and Mian'er too."
"Then take another two gold nuggets and exchange them for some small trinkets."
Qingya was even happier, her eyes crinkling into slits from joy. Indeed, she was the young lady's favorite maid.
The carriage stopped steadily at number 133, Hulu Street.
As Lu Nianfu alighted, Shuanzi cried out joyfully, "Miss, you're finally back! Young master has been talking about you for a long time. Every day, he waits by the door. Please go inside, I'll inform the young master right away. He'll be overjoyed to know you've returned!"
With that, he scurried off.
Qingya snorted, "Running so fast. He must be going to claim his reward. The young master is as generous as you, Miss."
Lu Nianfu chuckled, "Don't worry, no matter how generous he is, his rewards won't be more than yours."
If Qingya had a tail, it would have been wagging to the heavens at that moment. She tilted her head proudly, "That's right. I am your favorite maid. How can he compare to me?"
Lu Nianfu: …
She was quick to seize the opportunity. If this girl claimed second place in boldness, no one would dare contest the first.
After her moment of triumph, Qingya asked, "Miss, are you back to see the young master?"
"No, after I see the young master, go find shopkeeper Yan. If you can't find him, you can call for steward Wang."
She knew very well that Yan Qing must have some connection to the Earl of Pingning's estate, and the person behind him was likely the one who had prepared such immense assets for her. However, he was tight-lipped, and she couldn't quite discern which faction he belonged to.
But it didn't matter. Knowing he wouldn't harm her was enough.
Qingya acknowledged with a sound and ran off. A moment later, Lu Fei emerged.
Eleven-year-old Lu Fei had shed his childlike appearance and become much more composed. He walked quickly, but no longer with the bounce and skip of his childhood. As he approached Lu Nianfu, he bowed respectfully. "Sister."
He had grown out of his childish clinginess, but he was still as thoughtful as ever. Lu Nianfu patted his head. "How are you finding it here? Are you settling in?"
Lu Fei said, "Everything else is fine, it's just… it's too cold here."
"It's alright, winter will pass quickly."
"But winter is still here this year."
"By then, you'll have adapted!"
Lu Fei: …
The siblings entered the house side by side. Lu Nianfu said, "I haven't had time to visit you these past few days, but your brother-in-law has already spoken to the Imperial College. Once the Lantern Festival passes, you'll be able to enroll."
Lu Fei asked in surprise, "No exam?"
The Imperial College was the most coveted academy for scholars across the land, a full two levels above the Lurming Academy in Yangzhou.
Lu Nianfu repeated Gu Yanchen's words: "There are two ways to enter the Imperial College: either by demonstrating talent and knowledge, or through ancestral patronage. Your brother-in-law is a third-rank official, so getting you in is no problem."
"But Sister, I can take the exam too."
"You can, but Xiao Fei, the entrance exam for the Imperial College requires not only essays on policy but also the Six Gentlemanly Arts. Ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. Think about what you know; can you pass?"
Lu Fei's spirits immediately sank.
Except for mathematics, he probably couldn't pass any of it. His studies at Lurming Academy for two years had been quite superficial.
Lu Nianfu said, "You are still young, and there is a long road of learning ahead. The only thing I can do is find you the best teachers. It's not terrifying to enter through patronage. As long as you are diligent and work hard, won't you achieve more than those who passed the exam in the future?"
Lu Fei was persuaded. He excitedly asked Feng Shou to inquire about the Imperial College.