“I saw Shen Yunhai at the teacher’s house.”
Shen Yunhai was talented in his studies. His academic results had always ranked near the top of the academy. Otherwise, in her previous life, he wouldn’t have caught the examiner’s attention and passed the imperial examination.
Shen Yunzhi didn’t recall that in her past life he had taken on a private teacher in addition to attending the academy.
“You’re studying together. If he provokes you, don’t worry about saving face. Fight back.”
“No, no… It wasn’t that.” Su Jingci’s voice grew quieter. “He went to ask to become the teacher’s disciple, but the teacher didn’t accept him.”
Shen Yunhai was proud and arrogant. Being outshone by Su Jingci in seeking apprenticeship, he certainly wouldn’t let it go.
But he cared too much about appearances to cause trouble openly. Instead, he would create obstacles behind the scenes.
Shen Yunzhi could almost imagine the harsh words he must have spoken after being surpassed.
“From now on, ignore him. If he bullies you, tell Mother.” She gently touched her son’s head. In this life, she would never allow anyone to bully him again.
Seeing that she showed no displeasure, Su Jingci finally felt relieved.
Meanwhile, at the Shen household—
“Get out! All of you, get out!”
After returning home, Shen Yunhai locked himself in his room. Even standing outside, they could hear the crashing sounds of objects being smashed.
Mother Shen’s heart ached.
Most of the family’s valuables were kept in his room. With this rampage, who knew how much silver would be lost?
“My grandson, if something’s wrong, tell Grandmother. I’ll stand up for you,” she urged, forcing herself to speak despite her distress.
“Isn’t it because of your precious grandson?” Shen Yunhai flung the door open, fury blazing. “He stole my chance to become a disciple!”
“That can’t be possible!” Mother Shen stared blankly.
Su Jingci had once studied well, yes — but he hadn’t read books in years. Meanwhile, her grandson Shen Yunhai had already passed the county-level examination. The teacher had said he would certainly pass as a xiucai this time — perhaps even take first place.
In the entire academy, no one surpassed her grandson.
“How is it not possible?!” Shen Yunhai roared. “I saw it with my own eyes today. If he hadn’t interfered, I would already be Master Gu’s disciple.”
“If Master Gu refused you, then he has no eye for talent. Following someone like that leads nowhere. You just focus on your studies. Once you take first place, he’ll regret it.” In Mother Shen’s eyes, her grandson was unmatched.
“What do you know?” Shen Yunhai snapped. “I’ve heard Master Gu has an extraordinary background. Becoming his disciple is like stepping one foot into officialdom. I have no power or backing. Even if I pass the exams, I’d only end up some insignificant minor official. With his help, things would be different — I might even become a capital official.”
“I… I…” Mother Shen didn’t understand these matters, but she sensed it was serious.
“Isn’t Aunt the one who listens to you the most? Go tell her to make Su Jingci give up becoming Master Gu’s disciple.” Shen Yunhai’s expression darkened. As long as Su Jingci stepped aside, he would have another chance.
“Fine. Wait here. I’ll go speak to her now.” The previous matter wasn’t even settled yet, and Shen Yunzhi was stirring up trouble again. If she didn’t stop Su Jingci from studying this time, she would truly disown her daughter.
That very night, Mother Shen hurried to the Su household.
The Su family was still busy preparing ice for the next day, staying up later than most.
When Mother Shen entered, Shen Yunzhi showed no surprise.
She lifted a basin of water and splashed it straight at her.
“You’re not welcome here. Leave.”
Mother Shen hopped back, but her shoes were still soaked.
“You wretched girl! You dare throw water on me? I’ll beat you to death!” Mother Shen rolled up her sleeves and lunged forward.