He Yunzhao sat in the main hall drinking tea while waiting. Steward Yang Xiaoman came trotting in with a beaming smile, announcing, "Third Young Master, the married lady and her husband are almost at the gate."
Hearing this, He Yunzhao promptly rose and headed toward the side entrance. Standing at the doorway, she spotted two carriages slowly approaching in the distance, flanked by servants and maids.
With a creak and a "Whoa!", the carriages came to a halt right before her. He Yunzhao's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she smiled, only to see the plain curtain drawn aside, revealing a large face leaning out.
Brother-in-law Ning Qian's eyes lit up. "Brother Zhao!"
Why was it him?
He Yunzhao's face stiffened. As her brother-in-law leaped down and gave her shoulder a hearty slap, she instantly rolled her eyes.
He Jinmo, who had just stepped out of the carriage behind him, happened to catch her brother's eye-roll. Covering her mouth with a handkerchief to stifle a laugh, she waved gently and called out, "Little Zhao!"
Only then did He Yunzhao regain her composure. She stepped forward, extending an arm to help her elder sister down from the carriage.
On the other side, Ning Qian finally realized he should turn back to assist his wife, but he was a step too late—He Jinshu had already alighted.
He Jinshu took after her father, with a pair of gentle, large eyes. When she looked at someone, her eyelashes fluttered like two butterflies. Her other features were delicate—a small nose and petite lips—blending together to create a soft, graceful beauty.
All the He family members were blessed with good looks. The He uncle's family in the back alley also had fine appearances, and cousin He Yunxu, in particular, had captivating peach-blossom eyes that seemed to hold deep emotion.
Last time, when He Mingchang shamelessly came to their home asking for money, He Yunzhao suspected his excuse was mostly true. However, rather than believing their superior valued He Yunxu for his abilities, she was more inclined to think this cousin had charmed the man's daughter with his looks.
The last time He Yunzhao saw her elder sister was during the New Year festivities when she visited the Ning family for a banquet. Taking advantage of her youth, her brother-in-law had brought her along for a brief meeting and a few words.
Now that her elder sister had finally returned to her maiden home, He Yunzhao naturally couldn't take her eyes off her gentle sister.
Under He Yunzhao's reluctant gaze, He Jinshu smiled and patted her arm before heading toward the rear courtyard, surrounded by a large group of maids and servants. This left He Yunzhao, the "younger brother-in-law," and her brother-in-law staring awkwardly at each other.
Ning Qian, noticing how his younger brother-in-law was reluctant to part with his wife and even watched her until she disappeared into the rear courtyard, awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Brother Zhao, shall we sit for a while…?"
He Yunzhao turned to look at him noncommittally, lazily gesturing for him to lead the way. "Brother-in-law, after you," she said flatly.
Well aware that his younger brother-in-law would rather be in the rear courtyard chatting with his sister but was stuck entertaining him, Ning Qian felt inexplicably timid around He Yunzhao.
Even when He Yunzhao was younger, the way she narrowed her eyes at people always gave him the eerie sensation of a chill running down his neck.
Ning Qian shrank his neck slightly and tentatively suggested with a smile, "How about we also go to the rear courtyard to speak with Mother-in-law and Grandmother?"
That was exactly what she had been waiting for. He Yunzhao immediately changed direction, grabbing Ning Qian by the arm and pulling him toward the rear courtyard.
Along the way, Ning Qian didn't forget his purpose for visiting and couldn't stop praising her: "That poem you composed has spread throughout the capital. The moment I heard it, I knew it was extraordinary. I originally intended to visit a few days ago, but your sister insisted on bringing some things along, which delayed us by a day."
He Jinshu was gentle and kind-hearted, the most cultured and refined among the He sisters. She was considerably older than both He Jinmo and He Yunzhao.
In her childhood, her grandfather held a high position, her father had a promising future, her grandmother was a noblewoman from a princely household, and her mother came from a scholarly family. She was raised almost like a model young lady of an elite family.
Later, Old Master He passed away, and Father He unexpectedly died young, causing the He family to appear down on their luck.
Nevertheless, the plaque of Kangshun Marquis Manor still hung on their main gate, and with Old Madam He presiding at home, the He family hadn't completely drifted away from aristocratic circles.
Ning Qian was practically the most suitable candidate Old Madam He and Mother He could find after scouring the entire capital.
As the second son of the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, his family background was respectable but undistinguished, since as a second son he couldn't inherit much advantage.
The Ning family's reputation was fairly decent, at least no scandals had emerged. With five or six brothers in the household, Ning Qian wasn't particularly favored. He did possess some innate talent for studies and had received occasional praise.
Ning Qian had a pleasant temperament, always cheerful and smiling, though his academic performance was mediocre—this year he would be retaking the Child Student examination.
His character and family background met the minimum standards, and while he was good-natured but less capable, he happened to suit He Jinshu well.
Had he been one of those widely recognized prodigies who passed examinations early, the He family wouldn't have had the chance to select him.
Along the way, Ning Qian didn't dare test his brother-in-law like others might. Given He Yunzhao's talent and ability, attempting to examine him would only invite humiliation, so he simply shared some recent amusing anecdotes instead.
Of course, Ning Qian was perceptive enough—after nearly two years of marriage, he had gleaned some understanding of his brother-in-law's temperament from his wife and knew the young man actually enjoyed being praised.
"In our circle of families, forget about scholarly clans—even those generations of high ministers have never produced a talent like you. Your late father would be comforted seeing this from heaven."
Noticing He Yunzhao listening attentively with gradually softening expression, Ning Qian smiled and added, "Some friends who heard Meng Lang is actually my brother-in-law even visited, asking me to request a sample of your calligraphy."
Flattered by the praise, He Yunzhao raised an eyebrow with a smile. "That's nothing. Come to my study later—feel free to pick any piece you like, brother-in-law."
She was someone who responded better to gentleness than force, requiring careful handling. Though capable of arrogance at times, there remained subtle differences between masculine and feminine expressions of pride.
Even when He Yunzhao wore the haughtiest expression imaginable, there would always be an undetectable hint of shyness beneath it. This touch of shyness made her appear exceptionally sincere.
Whereas when men displayed arrogance, they often seemed downright detestable—precisely because they lacked that hint of shyness, genuinely believing the world revolved around them.
By the time the two reached the rear courtyard, the four women there had already finished a round of weeping.
First, because He Jinshu rarely visited her maternal home, and Old Madam He, Mother He, and He Jinmo all missed her dearly.
Second, after the He family's decade-long obscurity, He Yunzhao's sudden fame throughout the capital meant the family finally had a worthy successor. The women's tears were those of relief after enduring hardship.
He Jinmo, only a year older than He Yunzhao, felt this less deeply. But He Jinshu, who had personally experienced both the He family's glorious days and the cold treatment after her father's death, couldn't hold back her tears.
Seeing her cry, the others shed tears too—though theirs were smiles through tears, for they had finally persevered to see brighter days.
When He Yunzhao entered with Ning Qian, the weeping women in the room had already composed themselves.
Old Madam He and Mother He hovered around He Jinshu, eager to know how she was faring in the Ning household and what recent matters had occurred.
Mother He frowned slightly upon seeing Yunzhao had already brought her husband inside, suppressing the matters she couldn't well bring up in front of her son-in-law.
When a married daughter and her husband returned to her maiden home, they naturally received the highest standard of treatment. The banquet table was laden with both rare delicacies and light dishes.
Bo Xia Gong and Roasted Clams were both dishes He Jinshu particularly enjoyed. Mother He had specifically instructed the servants to place these two dishes right before He Jinshu.
He Jinshu nearly shed tears again. She hadn't realized it while living at home, but after marriage she understood that her time as an unmarried girl at home had been the happiest period of her life.
After the meal, He Yunzhao proactively took Ning Qian to the study.
Naturally, they wouldn't merely engage in casual conversation. After having servants bring a pot of hot tea, they sat facing each other and began discussing matters related to the Imperial Examination.
Ning Qian said, "This year's Prefectural Examination chief examiner is hard to predict. Several ministers in the cabinet have disagreements, making it truly difficult to guess who it might be."
Recently, there were subtle signs of disorder in the court, all because the current emperor had no biological sons and was already past forty, making it hard for people to believe he could still produce an heir.
Several princes from the close imperial clan were the emperor's nephews, and given their ages, they might indeed succeed to the throne.
As time passed, officials began developing their own schemes.
If the emperor had designated a crown prince earlier, these current troubles wouldn't exist. The problem lay in that the emperor seemed unwilling to accept fate, still believing he could father a son.
A man in his forties wasn't considered old – many had children late in life. But the emperor hadn't produced any children since ascending the throne!
His only princess was born when he was still a prince.
The position of chief examiner had always been hotly contested. In the future, the title of "mentor" alone could rally supporters and naturally form a faction.
He Yunzhao shook her sleeves and leaned forward to pour a cup of tea for Ning Qian. "Brother-in-law, don't worry. Since you seek scholarly honor rather than top ranking, with your substantial talent you need not fear turbulence. Whoever the chief examiner may be matters little to you."
The teacup was warm to the touch, emitting the fragrance of roasted chestnuts – it was premium Xinyang Maojian tea.
Ning Qian took a sip of tea, his eyes downcast with some disappointment. "Unlike you, Brother Zhao, who enjoys literary fame, I'm concerned about my own capabilities."
He Yunzhao fell silent for a moment, then said quietly, "Brother-in-law, didn't you understand what I meant?"
Ning Qian was taken aback. "Understand what?"
He Yunzhao smiled, her eyes clearly conveying two words: awkwardness.
"Brother-in-law, what I meant was that since you're not aiming for first place, why concern yourself with who the chief examiner might be?"
Now Ning Qian understood. His brother-in-law meant that with his limited abilities, he wouldn't be competing for the top spot anyway. The chief examiner's identity wouldn't affect him – if he failed the examination, it would have nothing to do with the examiner and everything to do with his own insufficient capability.
Ning Qian said gloomily, "I'm going to tell your sister."
How could his brother-in-law's words be so cutting!
Yet it must be admitted that Ning Qian's extreme tension eased after He Yunzhao's few words of explanation, the taut string of his nerves suddenly relaxing.
…
That evening, He Yunzhao noticed her second sister's room was still lit. She walked over and knocked twice on the door – tap tap!
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
He Yunzhao saw He Jinmo working under the dim light of a horn lantern, holding a large piece of fur and continuously moving her scissors.
Curiously, she asked, "What are you doing, Second Sister?"
The young maid helping to stretch the fur nearby nodded without pausing her work. "Third Master."
He Jinmo didn't even look up. "Elder sister gifted me an excellent mink cloak today. When I felt the fabric, it was so thin that I thought of remaking it into an outer robe for you."
This mink cloak was entirely purplish-black with glossy fur. What made it most precious was how lightweight the hide was—a cloak that was both thin and warm was truly rare.
He Jinmo tried it on and found it extremely beautiful and warm. She thought wearing it outdoors in winter would surely draw envy.
But after some consideration, she realized she didn't go out much, mostly staying indoors. It would be better to make an outer robe for Xiao Zhao.
He Yunzhao took off her shoes and sat on the opposite side of the kang table. Frowning, she said, "Why make an outer robe for me? You should keep it for yourself."
He Jinmo glared at her. "What do you know! This fabric is light and warm, perfect for your studies. The heating in your Academy isn't sufficient in winter. Besides, you've grown taller this year—last year's fox fur robe is already too short."
He Yunzhao cupped her face and gazed at her second sister, suddenly realizing this sister—whom she often regarded as a younger sibling—had such a gentle side. She blinked and said, "Second sister, I promise you'll have more clothes than you can ever wear, so many you won't even be able to discard them all."
"Hmph!" He Jinmo snorted. "Don't think so far ahead. If you're capable, pass the Cultivated Talent examination this time and bring honor to our household. That would spare me from getting angry every time I see those maternal uncles…"
She cautiously lifted her head to listen for any sounds, avoiding being caught by Mother He, and whispered to He Yunzhao, "…I just get so irritated."
He Yunzhao wasn't particularly fond of her mother's maiden family either. The two exchanged glances and chuckled softly.
Her laughter came out in breathy puffs as she promised, "When I pass the Cultivated Talent examination, you can go boast at our grandfather's house. No one will be able to stop you."
The sisters didn't look very alike, but their mischievous grins at this moment were identical.
…
On the fifteenth of October, a date Ding Hanzhang had chosen himself through divination—being well-versed in classical texts, he naturally included the I Ching among his studies. Though not a master of the I Ching, consulting the book to select an auspicious date was effortless for him.
The apprenticeship ceremony was an extremely solemn occasion. He Yunzhao wore a newly made set of ceremonial robes, similar to the court attire worn by officials but with slightly different colors.
She wore a Liang Crown on her head, a Red Silk Robe over a White Gauze Undergarment with a Blue Trimmed Collar, Red Silk Knee Coverings, and Cloud Head Shoes adorned with ruyi cloud patterns—this pair of shoes alone cost ten taels of silver.
"On this auspicious occasion, the third son of the He family pays respects to Lord Ding as his master!"
The apprenticeship ceremony was rigorous and complex. First, Ding Hanzhang led the assembly in paying homage to Confucius and other ancient sages and teachers.
He Yunzhao stood behind Ding Hanzhang, holding incense solemnly with a serious expression as she followed the steps to worship the ancient sages.
Since the ceremony took place at the Academy, many scholars attended and naturally joined in the worship. He Yunzhao, standing to the side, spotted several familiar faces among them.
The second step was presenting the apprenticeship petition.
The petition detailed the student's name, birth date, family background, and other information, tracing the He family lineage up to Father He. He Yunzhao had personally written of her admiration for Elder Ding's scholarship and her eagerness to study under him.
She bowed respectfully and presented the petition with both hands raised high. Ding Hanzhang, grinning broadly with delight, hurriedly reached out to accept it.
The surrounding observers joyfully praised the occasion.
Only Qi Jun was in low spirits, his dissatisfaction showing on his face. Fang Hongwen, standing beside him, elbowed him in the waist and asked in a low voice with a furrowed brow, "What are you doing?"
Qi Jun felt even more aggrieved. "That was the disciple I had my eye on! Me!"
Who could have imagined that after all these years at Elder Ding's Academy without taking on a disciple, he had assumed Elder Ding had no intention of doing so. That was why he had returned home to make gradual preparations, even having gifts ready for his future disciple. Yet now, someone had snatched the opportunity right from under his nose!
He Yunzhao naturally had no idea that more than one master had their sights set on her.
Under the watchful eyes of the Academy members and numerous guests, she performed the Wo Yu Ritual. Her pale, slender hands were immersed in the water basin, the clear liquid rippling on the surface, symbolizing the washing away of worldly dust and distractions, so she could wholeheartedly devote herself to learning henceforth.
Qu Zhan, who had come to witness the ceremony, could hear people around him quietly admiring Meng Lang's elegant demeanor. Unconsciously, he straightened his collar, trying to appear more handsome himself.
The most crucial part of the ceremony was just beginning—the three kneelings and nine kowtows.
He Yunzhao's emotions were somewhat complex at this moment, as if she had finally grasped the true significance of becoming a disciple. She knelt on both knees, kowtowing three times each, her forehead touching the ground.
Amidst the grand ceremonial music, she could almost hear the thumping of her own heart drumming against her eardrums.
"Once a teacher, always a father"—this was what it meant to have a master.
"Good! Good!" Ding Hanzhang stepped forward himself to help He Yunzhao up. "Good child, youth is fleeting but learning is enduring; not a single moment of time should be lightly wasted. I hope you will cherish your time and study diligently in the days to come."
He Yunzhao replied, "Your disciple accepts your teaching."
In the crowd, Qu Zhan watched as He Yunzhao chatted with others, a smile in her eyes. He shifted his feet restlessly, wanting to approach and speak with her, yet unsure where to begin.
While he hesitated, He Yunzhao walked over. "You look very familiar, sir?"
Qu Zhan's smile froze on his face. Pointing at himself in disbelief, he said, "You don't remember me?"