Zhou Ying, courtesy name Mingcheng, was a Hanlin Academy editor known for overseeing the compilation of The Records of Emperor Mingzong. He enjoyed considerable prestige within the Hanlin Academy but had a career full of ups and downs due to his overly straightforward nature.
However, he was highly talented, and having the chance to study under him was a rare opportunity.
Duan Mingxi listened as the Third Master asked, “Since you have a letter of recommendation, becoming his pupil shouldn’t be a problem. But Editor Zhou has a peculiar temperament, so you must tread carefully.”
“With Third Uncle’s blessing, I hope to succeed tomorrow. However, my teacher mentioned that Teacher Zhou is not fond of taking students, so I’m not sure it will work out. But I’ll do my best,” Duan Qi replied.
Marquis Dingyuan said, “Then tomorrow, I’ll accompany you.”
The Old Master scoffed, “What business do you have going there? Zhou Mingcheng will probably chase you, a man with no scholarly skills, out with a stick! Just stay home.”
Reprimanded by his father, the Marquis didn’t dare say another word and sat silently.
For some reason, Duan Yu turned to look at Mingxi, only to find that she was also watching him. Their gazes met.
In that instant, Duan Yu suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “Grandfather, how about I accompany my younger brother instead?”
As soon as he said this, he caught the faint smile at the corner of Mingxi’s lips, realizing he had made the right move.
The Old Master nodded approvingly. “Brothers working together can overcome any challenge. As the eldest, it’s excellent that you’re stepping up like this.”
“What about a gift for the meeting?” Madam Jiang suddenly interjected.
The Second Madam looked toward her and said, “Elder Sister-in-law, coming from a scholarly family, do you really need to ask others about this?”
It was clear what Madam Jiang meant—she wanted public funds to be used.
Although the Second Madam now had plenty of money thanks to her ventures with Mingxi, that didn’t mean she’d stand by and let Madam Jiang have her way.
Madam Jiang’s intentions were called out, but after years of sparring with her sister-in-law, she wasn’t fazed. She casually replied, “Of course, we should consult the elders. Didn’t it take Father and Mother’s decision for Jin Ger to travel south to Songshan Academy?”
If your son can use public funds, why can’t mine?
The Second Madam had momentarily forgotten about this point. Her son had been away at the academy for so long that it had slipped her mind.
The Third Madam, eyes gleaming, smiled as she addressed the Old Master. “Father, since Heng Er and Qi Er are around the same age, why not have them both visit Teacher Zhou tomorrow?”
Madam Jiang frowned unhappily. “Third Sister-in-law, Teacher Zhou has his hands full working at the Hanlin Academy. I doubt he has the energy to teach two students.”
“Elder Sister-in-law, that’s a strange thing to say. Whether it’s one student or two, it’s all the same. How can you be so sure Teacher Zhou won’t accept both?”
This was too good an opportunity for the Third Madam to miss out on securing something for her son.
Madam Jiang’s face darkened with anger, but before she could retort, her own son said, “It’s fine if Heng Er comes with me. But even I can’t guarantee Teacher Zhou will accept me, so I might not be of much help. I hope Third Aunt won’t mind.”
The Third Madam beamed. “Good child, how could I blame you? It’s wonderful for you brothers to study together—it’s better than anything else.”
Afterward, she glanced smugly at Madam Jiang, who was so furious her chest heaved.
Duan Huirou looked worriedly at her younger brother. What if Teacher Zhou, annoyed by the trouble, refused to take him as a student?
The matter was thus settled, and the Old Master shifted the topic to Duan Yu’s work at the government office.
Looking utterly drained, Duan Yu said to his grandfather, “Grandson now realizes that being an official isn’t as easy as it seems.”
During the day, he worked diligently at the office, only to return at night to review and analyze cases with the advisors. While it wasn’t quite “hanging by the beam and stabbing the thigh” levels of effort, it wasn’t far off.
He now had so little time to spend with his wife that she treated him with nothing but scorn—her face filled with disdain, her attitude icy.
Big Sister Says, Hard Work Makes Up for Inadequacy
Who could he blame for his shortcomings?
Duan Yu shared with his grandfather some of the frustrations he faced at the yamen. Since starting his job there, he had come to realize two truths about being an official:
- Deference to superiors is crucial.
- Smooth diplomacy is essential.
Both of these traits were challenging for someone like him, a privileged young man born with the title of shizi and accustomed to flattery.
The Old Master gave his eldest grandson a few pieces of advice, reminding him to adapt to his environment and avoid rash decisions. Without a solid foundation, he should focus on learning and not let himself be manipulated by others.
Duan Yu nodded repeatedly. He was slowly gaining an understanding of the intricacies of being an official and felt his grandfather’s words were very apt.
Seeing his eldest grandson so receptive, the Old Master was in excellent spirits.
Among the younger generation, Duan Yu currently held the most promising position, one with actual authority. Being the eldest grandson of the main branch, his mother Madam Jiang couldn’t help but show a bit of pride.
At that moment, Duan Qi spoke up with a smile. “I heard Big Sister helped Big Brother get his position. Big Sister is truly remarkable.”
Caught off guard by being mentioned, Duan Mingxi turned to look at Duan Qi, who was smiling directly at her.
Madam Jiang’s pride froze on her face the moment her youngest son spoke. Why bring this up now?
Setting down her teacup, Duan Mingxi said calmly, “It’s because Big Brother worked hard. Without his own efforts, he wouldn’t have gained a foothold in the Military Selection Division.”
Madam Xiao glanced at the pair and quickly interjected, “It’s time for dinner.”
The Old Madam looked at Madam Xiao. “Then have the meal prepared.”
At the Old Madam’s instruction, Madam Xiao immediately went to the dining hall with the maids to set the table.
“Big Sister.”
Duan Mingxi tilted her head slightly to see Duan Qi standing before her, a faintly apologetic expression on his face.
“When you returned earlier, I wasn’t able to make it back in time to greet you. I’ve felt guilty ever since. I prepared a small gift for you as an apology.”
Duan Mingxi stared at the palm-sized brocade box in his hand, momentarily stunned. She couldn’t quite make sense of his intentions.
In her previous life, he had never given her anything. Now he was presenting her with a peace offering?
“No need,” Duan Mingxi said with a smile. “I understand how difficult it is for you to travel back and forth while studying.”
Duan Qi’s face fell slightly. “This gift isn’t anything extravagant—it’s something I made myself. Won’t you accept it, Big Sister?”
Duan Mingxi frowned slightly. He made it himself?
Their sibling relationship had been non-existent in her previous life, more akin to strangers. Why put on such a show now? Moreover, he had lived with the Jiang family and surely knew about her conflicts with them. Why offer her a gift?
She was about to refuse again when Duan Qi opened the brocade box himself and held it out to her.
Inside was a small ivory carving about the size of a teacup. The craftsmanship wasn’t refined—the lines were a bit rough—but the effort put into it was evident.
A fleeting memory stirred in her mind but vanished before she could grasp it.
Instinctively, she picked up the carving. It felt warm in her hand, not cold as she had expected. As she turned it, she noticed her name discreetly etched in a shaded area.
Such attention to detail?
Duan Mingxi looked at Duan Qi in surprise. What kind of tactic is this?
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Duan Huirou’s reddened eyes.
Oh? If it annoys Duan Huirou, I’ll keep it.
