In her past life, Su Shuyao had gifted Grand Scholar Li a set of fine white jade Go pieces and, by a twist of fate, ended up saving his daughter’s life. Thanks to that, Su Mingpei had the chance to become his disciple.
In this life, she had originally planned to sit back and watch, to let Su Mingpei fail in his attempt and enjoy the sight of his humiliation.
But on second thought—since she had been reborn, why should she throw away the opportunities from her past life?
Grand Scholar Li was an extremely valuable connection. Even if she couldn’t become his disciple, befriending him would still bring her benefits.
Now, having run into Su Mingli, she had a new idea—since Su Mingpei was heartless and ungrateful, why not support someone else instead?
If she wanted to continue doing business, she needed a shield.
Otherwise, no matter how much money she made, she wouldn’t be able to protect it. Just like now, the Marquis Residence had taken her spice shop with a single sentence.
The Marquis Residence would always be a hidden threat. As an orphaned girl, she had to find herself a backer.
Su Mingli frowned. “Are you joking?”
Su Shuyao stepped forward, her skirt flowing like drifting clouds. “I’m not joking. I can make you Grand Scholar Li’s last disciple.”
“Before the imperial exam, I’ll cover all your family’s expenses.”
Faced with such a pie falling from the sky, Su Mingli felt dazed. “You… do you even know what you’re saying?”
Only now did he look at her seriously.
At the time of the family split, this younger cousin had still been small. His only memory of her was her sitting properly in a chair, head tilted while listening to the Old Madam.
In a blink, she had already grown into a young lady.
Perhaps because she had grown up with the Old Madam, Su Mingli felt she carried the same calm, composed, and dignified presence—
She was only sixteen years old.
“I know exactly what I’m saying.” Su Shuyao’s tone was light as a breeze. “I’ll help you, but not without conditions.”
“What do you want?” Su Mingli asked.
Su Shuyao replied, “When you pass the imperial exam and become an official, I want you to act as my shield.”
In her past life, she had given selflessly, only to be betrayed. In this life, every favor would have its price.
“Not just that,” she continued, “I want you to help me leave the Marquis Residence. Once you have power, find a way to get me a separate household registry.”
She stepped closer, meeting his eyes with a sharp gaze. “Su Mingli, if you become Grand Scholar Li’s disciple, can you place in the imperial exam?”
“Su Mingli, are you someone who keeps your promises?”
Su Mingli’s frown gradually faded.
Before, he had been suspicious of her sudden kindness. Now that she had made her terms clear, he actually felt more at ease.
“I can pass… as long as I can study, I will definitely pass!”
He wasn’t lacking in talent. But even basic expenses—fees, brushes, ink, paper—were unaffordable.
The books he studied now were ones he had taken from the Marquis Residence long ago. This story is hosted at g.com.
He hadn’t written on paper in over half a year. When his brush was still intact, he would dip it in water and write on the table. After the brush broke, he could only use twigs to write in the dirt.
“I will protect you,” Su Mingli said solemnly, “but I won’t do anything immoral or unjust.”
“I, Su Mingli, swear to the heavens—if I break my word, may I be struck by lightning and die a miserable death!”
Su Shuyao smiled faintly. “Good. Deal.”
“Today, I’ll arrange a new residence for your family and hire some servants.”
Over the years, her aunt had suffered too much. She was about the same age as Madam Wan, yet looked years older.
After making the arrangements, Su Shuyao suddenly asked, “Mingli, do you know anything about orchids?”
Su Mingli shook his head. “No. Are you trying to bet on orchids?”
Su Shuyao nodded. “Mm.”
Su Mingli advised, “Don’t. Nine out of ten bets are losses. Only a few ever win.”
He worked as a bookkeeper at the flower shop and helped with manual labor. He had seen many try their luck, only to lose everything.
“I’ll win,” Su Shuyao said with a smile.
In this life, she would win.
She returned to the flower market and bought the “Frog Skin” orchid outright with full payment to avoid Boss Zhou reneging once it bloomed.
Boss Zhou secretly rejoiced, thinking he had met a gullible fool.
Afterward, Su Shuyao returned to the Marquis Residence and waited for the chance to rescue Grand Scholar Li’s daughter, Li Yuan.
Li Yuan had originally been living with her husband in another province. This July, her husband was transferred back to the capital, and she accompanied him back.
Due to the urgency of the move, her husband traveled ahead, while Li Yuan, who was heavily pregnant, followed slowly behind.
On the road, the carriage wheel broke, and Li Yuan began showing signs of premature labor.
Just then, Su Shuyao passed by, helped bring her to a nearby residence, found a midwife, and ensured both mother and child were safe.
If she remembered right, that event would happen in three days.
…
After learning Litang was pregnant, Su Mingpei returned home to find Su Mingzhu. “Mingzhu, are you done with work? Is managing the household going smoothly?”
“It’s fine. Managing the household is easy,” Su Mingzhu replied. “Brother, is something wrong?”
“Mingzhu, could you help ask Mother to bring my wedding date forward?”
Seeing her confused, Su Mingpei explained, “Litang is pregnant.”
The marriage had already been somewhat improper. If Litang showed up with a big belly, it would be even more humiliating.
“Mingzhu, you really are the best sister.”
“Don’t forget your promise to me,” she said.
Su Mingpei blinked. “What promise?”
“To place in the top three of the imperial exam! Don’t forget!”
Su Mingpei grinned proudly. “Relax. I won’t let you down!”
“Oh right, Brother, I heard you’re trying to become Grand Scholar Li’s disciple. How’s that going?”
In her past life, it was said Su Shuyao played a big role in that success.
What a joke. Clearly, her brother’s talent was what impressed the scholar. What did Su Shuyao have to do with it?
She had no real ability—just good at claiming credit.
In this life, once her brother succeeded, she would make sure to rub it in Su Shuyao’s face.
Su Mingpei curled his lips into a smile. “Naturally, there won’t be any problems. I’m heading to Grand Scholar Li’s residence shortly.”
“Once you succeed, be sure to tell me first thing. I’ll arrange a grand banquet to celebrate.”
“No problem.”
The next morning, Su Mingpei couldn’t wait to return to Grand Scholar Li’s residence.
“Young man, has the scholar read my essay?” he asked eagerly.
The gatekeeper said, “Yes, he has.”
Su Mingpei was generous with his bribes, so the gatekeeper instantly recognized him.
Delighted, Su Mingpei asked, “What did he think? Was he impressed?”
The gatekeeper shook his head. “Impressed? No. My master said it was utterly mediocre and that you should go home and study harder.”
Su Mingpei’s expression changed. “What did you say?”
The gatekeeper repeated, “He said your talent is mediocre at best. Stop aiming too high and work on your fundamentals.”
Su Mingpei was stunned.
How could that be? His Autumn Chrysanthemum Essay was even better than the one from his past life. How could it be mediocre?
“You didn’t show it to him, did you?!”
The gatekeeper said, “Of course I did. That Autumn Chrysanthemum Essay, right? My master frowned the whole time and said calling it mediocre was being kind—it was absolute garbage!”
“You—! I’ll kill you!”
Furious, Su Mingpei lunged at the gatekeeper, teeth clenched in rage.