Chapter 276: line with translation of chapter title

The spring examination is imminent, and Gu Jiu Ling also heard about the incident that happened on the street earlier.

I never expected that my younger brother Gu Kang would actually obtain such an opportunity!

He was actually taken as a closed-door disciple by Mr. Wen, and she couldn't help feeling happy for Gu Kang, after all, not everyone in Southern Qi could have such an opportunity.

Mr. Wen is not only knowledgeable, talented beyond measure, and his character is top-notch, beyond reproach.

Last time she tricked the old man at the poetry gathering, and this time they have taken her younger brother as a disciple.

Such a great favor, Gu Jiu Ling feels she ought to do something in return.

"Yun Duo! Take the gifts and make a trip to the Nan Shan Shu Yuan in the suburbs for me."

Yun Duo hurried over and stood before Gu Jiu Ling, who then handed the two parcels to her.

"This parcel contains some silver, plus the clothes, shoes, and socks I bought, and a set of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—it's heavy for you to carry, so have the servants lift it."

"Take these to Second Master, and don't forget to prepare a hand-warmer brazier, since the academy is on a hillside and prone to chill."

Yun Duo nodded.

Gu Jiu Ling then picked up another parcel, opened it to reveal a square box carved from zitan wood.

A flicker of curiosity crossed Yun Duo's eyes, wondering what was inside.

Gu Jiu Ling always checks her gifts thoroughly before giving them away.

She carefully took out an inkstone from the box, which turned out to be a priceless waterless inkstone.

It is entirely carved from a special material, such that even just pouring clear water onto it can grind out ink.

The ink ground with this stone writes more smoothly and carries a faint natural fragrance.

Mr. Wen has no other hobby besides collecting inkstones; this one he will surely like.

In short, since her younger brother has received Mr. Wen's instruction, as his sister she cannot but express her gratitude.

Gu Jiu Ling gave Yun Duo a few instructions, then left the Rui Wang Fu with the parcels.

She took two servants, mounted her horse, and headed toward the outskirts of the capital.

Wen Yuan Zhuo was the emperor's teacher, later becoming the Crown Prince's tutor; in recent years he has witnessed Emperor Longqing's foolish incompetence, while the eight great clans have risen to prominence.

The Southern Qi court appears prosperous, but its interior has long been hollowed out, like a tottering building on the verge of collapse.

Even a slight wind or rain could cause it to crumble into ruins.

Thus, Mr. Wen grew disheartened; after the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony, he feigned poor health and moved to Peach Blossom Hill in the suburbs, where he built an academy.

The academy is merely a facade; it never formally recruited students or gave lectures—it is simply Mr. Wen's retirement home.

Previously, Consort Duan wanted to send Xiao Wei here to study, and Consort Cao also brought the Sixth Prince to join in the fun, but Mr. Wen refused them both.

Mr. Wen has grown accustomed to his leisure; he no longer likes taking on disciples or teaching them—it's too troublesome.

Who would have thought that, at his age and near death, he would take a fancy to a young sprout.

Yun Duo rode her horse to the gate of the Nan Shan Shu Yuan, then immediately knocked on the door with the two servants.

The academy is not large; it is a three‑courtyard complex built into the hillside.

Initially Mr. Wen disliked spending money, but the funds came from Crown Prince Xiao Ting.

The front courtyard is the lecture hall; although Mr. Wen does not accept regular students, he occasionally selects a few to come in and gives impromptu lessons.

The left and right wing rooms are for receiving guests; behind them to the east stands a two‑story library.

It houses Mr. Wen's collected scrolls and the inkstones he likes.

He often goes to the library to read, sometimes setting up a wooden bed there to sleep.

To the west of the library is Mr. Wen's bedroom; previously he lived alone in the easternmost room, but now that he has taken Gu Kang as a disciple, Gu Kang stays in the room next to Mr. Wen's.

Previously, Mr. Wen had two attendants to look after his daily needs.

One is extremely old and slow‑moving, brought from his hometown, and has accompanied him his whole life.

Now he is also considered to be serving his master in his twilight years; the other is a somewhat younger servant, Zhang Cheng, sent by the Crown Prince.

And there is also Li Quan, the servant that Gu Kang brought this time.

Li Quan was a little beggar rescued from the refugees when Gu Kang fled the countryside.

The beggar's surname is Li; Gu Kang gave him a name, otherwise he would soon forget that he fled from Li Village to the capital to beg for food.

Originally, the beggar was nearly beaten to death over a scrap of spoiled rice, but Gu Kang brought him home.

Gu Kang's side may be poor, but at least they can eat their fill; however, Second Master utters hardly a word all day, buried in his books, seeming rather dull.

Gu Kang told Mr. Wen about the beggar; Mr. Wen praised Gu Kang's benevolence, saying it was no trouble to add another pair of chopsticks, and thus allowed Gu Kang to bring the boy into the academy.

Li Quan is exceptionally smooth and lively in his dealings, and quite a clever child.

He works exceptionally hard; perhaps because Mr. Wen is older, seeing Li Quan reminds him of his deceased grandson who died young of illness, so he feels extra affection for Li Quan and lets him work in the inner court.

The outer court also houses some farmhands who do the rough work, tilling the school fields.

For a while life here was plain and simple, yet with a touch of rustic charm.

Thus Mr. Wen settled into a reclusive life of writing and teaching here, occasionally meeting friends through literature, which was also pleasant.

Mr. Wen actually admires Gu Jiu Ling's talent, but it's a pity she is pregnant—one cannot forcibly drag a pregnant woman into the academy to keep this old fogey company for scholarly discussion.

Yet the Princess Consort of Rui's essay 'The Five Pests' truly leaves him in awe.

Now the Princess Consort of Rui has sent another inkstone via her maid; Mr. Wen is delighted, even having Gu Kang join him for a cup of rice wine.

Seeing his master pleased, Gu Kang also drank a cup.

The sweet liquor slid down his throat, stirring a feeling long buried deep in his heart.

He probably hasn't touched alcohol in a long while.

Before, he indulged in wine, women, wealth, and status for many years; now tasting this cup gives it a somewhat different flavor.

"Kang'er, accompany me to the library! And bring the inkstone your elder sister gave you; I will teach you the essentials of writing—your handwriting is truly awful."

Gu Kang laughed, replied promptly, and helped his master rise to his feet.

The old master truly liked the gift Gu Jiu Ling gave him; this girl's present really hit his heart.

"Bring the inkstone!"

"Yes, Master!" Gu Kang laughed, carefully holding the inkstone, and with his other hand supported Mr. Wen as they walked toward the Cang Shu Ge.

Master and disciple entered the top floor of the Cang Shu Ge; Gu Kang hurriedly crouched to take the snow paper his master used from the box, but the box was completely empty.

Gu Kang frowned; there had been some before—could it be that the servants had tidied them up?

"Kang'er? What's wrong?" Mr. Wen sat at the side of the table.

"Master, please wait a moment; I'll go get paper for you—there's none left in the box."

"Go ahead!" Mr. Wen had overindulged in drink, leaning on his chair, he kindly smiled at Gu Kang and waved his hand.

Gu Kang hurried out quickly, still remembering that some paper was also stored in the front courtyard hall.

He had just hurried out of the Cang Shu Ge when a frail black shadow sneaked up to the outside of the Cang Shu Ge.