He Zheng was moved to tears, his eyes glistening as he exclaimed, "Big brother, you’re the best to me! You’re like my own flesh and blood!"
"Don’t forget me!" Wei Xinglu chimed in eagerly. "I can hire a band for you too!"
Not to be outdone, Shen Yibai immediately declared, "Then let’s make it three bands, coming from three different directions at your house! That way, everyone will see and hear—this is the prestige of us, the Four Talented Scholars!"
He Zheng quickly amended his words, "All three of you are my real brothers!!"
"Ha ha ha ha…"
Laughter filled the grand study as the children, armed with their tutors' marked exam papers and highlighted mistakes, resumed their studies with renewed determination.
Outside, in the small pavilion, Jiang Yan and Cheng Zhidong were discussing the children’s future academic plans with Xu Wan. With the Child Scholar Exam and the Autumn Examinations fast approaching, the advanced class was facing challenges.
Jiang Yan said, "Though Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu have learned a lot through debates and discussions alongside the three young masters, their foundations are weak. It’ll be difficult for them to pass the Child Scholar Exam in just over three months. And if they don’t pass, they won’t qualify for the Autumn Examinations, missing this year’s imperial exams entirely."
Cheng Zhidong added, "Earlier, Madam mentioned not prioritizing poetry and prose, so the children’s skills in that area are average—especially Jin Cheng. He has little talent for it. Whenever he’s asked to compose poetry, he exaggerates, and his verses lack depth. But poetry and prose must be improved, or this weakness will cost them in the Autumn Examinations, making it hard to catch up to Qin Ye."
Xu Wan sat by the small table, tapping her fingers rhythmically on the surface before speaking. "For Jin Cheng and the other two, we’ll focus on policy essays for now and work on poetry and prose after the Child Scholar Exam. If they can’t surpass Qin Ye in the Autumn Examinations, so be it. By the time they reach the Metropolitan Exam, poetry won’t be tested anymore. There’s no need to invest excessive time in it."
Cheng Zhidong’s eyes widened in surprise. "Madam, are you suggesting we abandon poetry altogether?"
Xu Wan corrected him, "Not abandon—we’ll still cover the basics. But there’s no need to delve too deeply. Poetry in the Autumn Examinations is just a screening tool. In the later Metropolitan and Palace Exams, and even in official careers, it’s rarely used. With our limited time, we must prioritize wisely."
Cheng Zhidong swallowed hard. This perspective was entirely new to him. As a scholar from humble beginnings, he had always believed in mastering every subject to perfection. Never had he considered such strategic planning. Stunned by the gap between his thinking and Xu Wan’s foresight, he felt as if he had stumbled upon a treasure. "I understand now. Madam is truly wise."
Xu Wan then turned to Jiang Yan. "For the next three months, Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu will focus solely on the Child Scholar Exam syllabus. Their foundational gaps can be filled afterward. But they must continue participating in debates and discussions to avoid falling behind again before the Autumn Examinations."
Jiang Yan nodded. "Understood. We’ll follow Madam’s arrangements."
With that, Xu Wan left. Jiang Yan and Cheng Zhidong exchanged glances before looking back at the five children in the study, sighing in admiration. "These young masters are truly fortunate."
The twelfth month of the year was unusually lively. News of victories poured in from the border—Great General of Pacifying the West Luo Jingfeng had led the army to conquer three enemy cities in succession. Not only had he avenged Great Chu’s century-old humiliation, but he had also invigorated the entire nation, soldiers and civilians alike.
With spirits high, people’s desire to splurge grew stronger. The variety of New Year goods expanded, and Xu Wan and Baili Weihong found themselves dazzled by the endless choices of lanterns and door decorations in the marketplace.
Normally, such purchases were left to the servants, but the festive mood was infectious. What began as selecting decorations for their own courtyards soon turned into shopping for the entire mansion.
"Happy New Year! We’ve grown another year older!"
The crackling of firecrackers ushered in the new year. Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu had returned home for the holidays, leaving only the little troublemaker Zong Jincheng, along with Zong Wenxiu and He Zheng, to pay New Year’s respects to the elders.
"Wishing Mother/Auntie a Happy New Year! Good health and prosperity in all things!"
Xu Wan handed them their prepared red envelopes, smiling warmly. "Go out and have fun. I’ve arranged a boat for you to enjoy all day—just don’t cause any trouble."
"Wow! That’s amazing!! Mom, you’re the best!"
"Come on, let’s go get Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu to join us on the boat!"
Watching their joyful retreating figures, Xu Wan thought to herself—they’re still at an age where they should be playing freely.
At that moment, she suddenly felt the urge to ease up on their studies. Back then, she had been solely focused on securing the promised 100,000 taels, meticulously planning their academic path.
But now, with deeper bonds formed, she realized—wasn’t it exhausting for children their age to shoulder so much?
Xu Wan turned to Cui Zhi and asked, "Do you think I’ve pushed them too hard? Even if they pass the imperial exams at eleven or twelve, they’d have to start working as officials immediately. Isn’t that forcing them to grow up too soon?"
Cui Zhi, thoroughly influenced by Zong Jincheng’s bravado, replied without hesitation, "Isn’t that impressive? Young Master Jincheng can boast everywhere—becoming an official at eleven, bringing glory to the Zong family ancestors, making the old marquis and marchioness proud, being the heir of the God of Literature, a born prodigy, the future greatest second-rank official…"
"Alright, enough." Xu Wan rubbed her temples, cutting her off.
Why even ask? She could already picture it—those cocky little rascals strutting around, basking in their own arrogance.
Never mind. She was overthinking it.
They were clearly loving every second of it.
The New Year break barely lasted two days before Shen Yibai and Wei Xinglu voluntarily returned to class ahead of schedule.
Zong Jincheng had been sending them daily updates about the debates he, Zong Wenxiu, and He Zheng were having. The pressure of falling behind gnawed at them until they couldn’t take it anymore—they rushed back to join forces against the little troublemaker.
The tutors weren’t due back for a few more days, but seeing the children’s enthusiasm, Xu Wan offered triple pay to any tutor willing to return early. To her surprise, all five tutors promptly filled the grand study.
Xu Wan: "…"
Turns out we’re all the same—money talks.
The cold weather in the first month made outdoor activities unappealing, so the five boys spent the entire month diligently studying in the grand study. On the last day of the month, Zong Jincheng waited eagerly for the Crown Prince’s visit—but as night fell, there was still no sign of him.
This was the first time the Crown Prince had broken his promise without sending word.
"What’s going on… Why didn’t His Highness come to see me?" The little troublemaker drooped dejectedly. "Even during the busy New Year’s Eve, he made time to spend a day with me."
Shunzi comforted him, "His Highness is the Crown Prince—his duties are endless. Perhaps something urgent came up, and he couldn’t send word in time."
"Really?" Zong Jincheng wasn’t convinced.
Shunzi said, "Wait one more day. Maybe he’ll come tomorrow."
Another day passed, but the Crown Prince still didn’t appear.
Zong Jincheng could wait no longer. "I’m going to the Eastern Palace to find His Highness."
