With Madam Wan and Su Mingzhu pleading for mercy, the Family Law was ultimately not carried out. Su Mingpei was instead punished to kneel in the ancestral hall.
He knelt on the cushion, still unable to understand why Grand Scholar Li had criticized him so harshly.
In his previous life, he and Grand Scholar Li had shared a deep teacher–disciple bond. Though he had a bad temper, Grand Scholar Li had never despised him and had even shown him great tolerance. He had regarded Grand Scholar Li almost like a father. How had things turned out like this in this life?
Could it be that the reason he succeeded in becoming a disciple in his past life was really because of Su Shuyao…
The moment the thought appeared, he immediately rejected it. What did Su Shuyao have to do with his success? Everything he achieved in his previous life was earned through his own efforts. He hated nothing more than Su Shuyao’s self-important attitude. Did she really think one Go board could win over Grand Scholar Li?
Was Grand Scholar Li that kind of person?
If he could be bought with a Go board, he would have already taken countless disciples all over the world.
After kneeling for a while, Su Mingpei sighed. His father wanted him to personally go to Grand Scholar Li’s residence to apologize. Maybe… he should send a Go set too…
Suddenly, faint footsteps sounded outside.
Su Mingpei sneered inwardly.
If he guessed right, it must be Su Shuyao coming. She was definitely going to meddle in his apprenticeship matter. He would never let her see him embarrassed. He didn’t turn around. Just now, when their father had planned to punish him with the Family Law, Su Shuyao hadn’t even tried to persuade him.
Unless Su Shuyao apologized and begged him, he would never allow her to help him speak to Grand Scholar Li.
He waited for a long time, yet nothing happened behind him. When he finally turned his head, he realized the footsteps had only belonged to a maid cleaning the place.
Su Mingpei angrily slammed his fist onto the cushion.
Damn it, that hurt!
Even if Su Shuyao cried and begged him, he would never forgive her!
After kneeling a while longer, movement sounded behind him again. This time Su Mingpei immediately turned his head. “Su Shuyao, don’t you dare pretend to be—”
When he clearly saw it was Su Mingzhu, he was stunned. “Mingzhu, why are you here?”
Su Mingzhu squatted beside him and gently said, “Big Brother, I came to see you.”
As soon as she began speaking, her eyes turned red. “Big Brother, you’ve suffered.”
Su Mingpei’s heart softened. He hurriedly comforted her, “Mingzhu, I’m fine. Kneeling isn’t a big deal.”
Mingzhu really was the best to him. Su Shuyao always claimed she was helping him, yet when things truly went wrong, she was nowhere to be seen. Su Shuyao could never compare to Mingzhu.
Su Mingzhu lowered her voice. “Big Brother, don’t worry. I have a way to help you become Grand Scholar Li’s disciple.” Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Really?”
“Of course it’s real. When have I ever lied to you?”
Su Mingzhu hadn’t expected Su Mingpei to fail so miserably at seeking a master. Could it be that, in their previous life, his success had truly been thanks to Su Shuyao?
In their past life, when she returned to the residence, Big Brother had already become Grand Scholar Li’s final disciple. From the servants’ words, she had learned that he succeeded because Su Shuyao delivered a Go set to Grand Scholar Li and even rescued his daughter.
If Su Mingpei’s success really depended on Su Shuyao saving Grand Scholar Li’s daughter, then she could save her too.
She had been reborn by heaven’s favor. Saving someone was nothing but a small matter to her. When that time came, she would be Su Mingpei’s great benefactor and the hero of the entire Marquis Residence.
Although she didn’t know how Su Shuyao had saved the person, she only needed to follow her closely for the next few days, watch her movements carefully, and swoop in at the right moment…
Thinking of this, Su Mingzhu secretly rejoiced.
She cleared her throat. “I haven’t told Mother about Litang’s pregnancy yet. I’m thinking of mentioning it only after Big Brother successfully becomes Grand Scholar Li’s disciple.”
Su Mingpei looked at her gratefully. “Mingzhu, you’re so thoughtful.”
Then Su Mingzhu took out a book from her sleeve. “Big Brother, since you have to kneel all night, you can read to pass the time.”
Now she wasn’t so sure anymore. With him idling outside all day not studying, could he really pass the Imperial Exam as Top Three of the First Class?
Su Mingpei frowned. “Mingzhu, how am I supposed to read while kneeling? You don’t trust that I’ll succeed in the exam, do you? Just like Su Shuyao, you want to monitor my studying?”
Su Shuyao always hounded him. Every time they met, she would ask how many books he had read, how many hours he had studied, and would pull him into endless academic discussions.
It was extremely annoying.
What did a mere woman know about the Imperial Examinations?!
Su Mingzhu shook her head. “Big Brother, you misunderstand. I just didn’t want you to get bored. If you don’t want to study, then don’t. Balancing rest and work is the most effective way to succeed.”
Only then did Su Mingpei’s expression soften.
After leaving the ancestral hall, Su Mingzhu summoned her trusted old maid. “What has Su Shuyao been doing these days?”
The old maid replied, “I heard the eldest miss bought an outrageously expensive pot of orchids. She won it by gambling on plants and has been tending to it herself, saying she’ll raise it into a perfect specimen.”
“A perfect specimen?” Su Mingzhu sneered. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
As if a top-grade orchid was so easy to cultivate.
Without the Spice Shop, Su Shuyao must have lost her mind.
“Have people keep watch at Yilan Courtyard. As soon as Su Shuyao leaves, especially if she goes far, immediately report to me.”
In their past life, Su Shuyao had saved Grand Scholar Li’s daughter around this period. At that time, she hadn’t returned home yet and didn’t know the exact time or location. She absolutely had to keep a close eye on her.
The next day, when Su Shuyao went out to browse the book market, she suddenly felt as if eyes were following her.
Even the coachman noticed. “Miss, a carriage has been following us the entire time.”
Su Shuyao asked, “Do you know who it belongs to?”
The coachman replied, “Though they’re trying to remain hidden, I still recognized it. It’s a carriage from our residence.”
“Our residence’s carriage?” Su Shuyao stepped into a dessert shop, gave the waiter 2 taels of silver, and asked him to deliver cold sweet soup to the carriage behind them.
The waiter came back and reported, “There’s a young lady inside. She seems around the same age as you, Miss. Her face is slightly long, and she looks a bit bitter.”
Su Mingzhu’s face was long.
As for bitterness—on such a hot day, she was wrapped up tightly. Of course it would be bitterly uncomfortable. Su Shuyao had already suspected Su Mingzhu was following her. After hearing the description, she was certain.
For her to come out under such heat and follow her this persistently, she must have something urgent in mind.
Su Shuyao lowered her head in thought. What matter could make Su Mingzhu go this far…
Qiushuang said, “I heard the second miss has claimed she can help the Heir become Grand Scholar Li’s disciple.”
Su Shuyao smiled. So, Su Mingzhu wanted to swoop in and save Li Yuan first.
Since she didn’t know the exact timing, she intended to shadow her.
Although Li Yuan would only arrive in the capital in three days, Su Shuyao still needed to purchase properties and didn’t want Su Mingzhu discovering that.
After leaving the book market, Su Shuyao instead headed to the largest restaurant in the capital, Thousand Cups Drunk, and reserved a private room.
When the attendant came in to pour tea, Su Shuyao tossed him a piece of silver and said, “I urgently need to see Boss Xie. Please help me send word.”
About half a cup of tea later, Boss Xie appeared.
Outside the restaurant, in a carriage, Su Mingzhu lifted the curtain and peeked out. Su Shuyao certainly seemed to be living quite leisurely—buying flowers, purchasing books, and now dining at a restaurant… Was she truly planning to give up competing for control of the Marquis Residence’s Inner Household Affairs?
Or was she secretly plotting something?