Chapter 3: Supreme Marvel

After a while, it was noon.

Yan Buji sat at the dining table, watching the servants bring out dishes one by one; before long, the whole table was filled with the fragrance of delicacies.

A few maids stood aside, serving Yan Buji and the well‑behaved girl beside him.

Yan Buji smiled at her and said softly, "Rou Er, your enrollment is almost settled. From now on I'll arrange someone to escort you to and from school each day."

"Really, father?!" the girl named Rou Er looked up, her pink cheeks and eyes shining like bright gems, and gazed at him with delight.

"Yes, Rou Er, you've been brilliant at study since childhood; I, your father, also support your plan. Don't worry about family matters; I still have decades left and will certainly protect you." Yan Buji said with a smile.

"Mm, thank you, father."

"Thanks for what? Let's eat."

"Alright, father, try this."

"Mm."

After the meal.

"Try the flower cake Uncle Lao Qian brought."

"Delicious, Uncle Lao Qian's flower cake is still so fragrant!"

The scene of a kind father and filial daughter made the few maids enviously watch; even though some of them were not sold into the Yan Residence, women's status in this world is already lower than men's, and a father like this truly incites jealousy!

After finishing the flower cake, Yan Buji looked at Yan Xirou and said, "Your mother, while alive, asked me to take good care of you; I consider myself to have done my utmost. Yet you have never been exposed to the world's complexities. Remember, once you go to the academy, do not get into conflicts; if anyone troubles you, you must endure for a while, do not act rashly. I, as your father, have my own plans for everything."

"Yes, father."

"Mm, of course you're grown now, almost of marrying age, but I still hope you consider these matters only after completing your studies," Yan Buji said with a hint of meaning.

Yan Xirou's face flushed as she scolded, "Father, what are you saying…? I don't want to marry so early!"

"Hahaha, it's a matter of time. I, as your father, only hope you find a good match; the family background doesn't matter, as long as he treats you well. Yet many men are hypocritical; remember not to be swayed by a few words from such men." Yan Buji said seriously.

Yan Xirou's cheek twitched; recalling her father's abilities yet his contentment as a wealthy man, she couldn't help asking, "Then… father, are you also a hypocrite?"

Yan Buji smiled faintly, "Nothing should be forced. Rou Er, opportunities are always reserved for those prepared. I now have a family business and can't bear to part with you or these people; even if a chance arose, I lack the desire to compete. It's a pity you're a daughter; otherwise I would truly nurture you into a high official who could walk the court and bring glory to the Yan household."

"Oh…."

Yan Xirou had also heard the old servants say that her father once spent over ten years preparing for the imperial examination, but for some reason gave it up.

Hearing her father speak like that, she thought perhaps back then some circumstances forced him to abandon it; surely his heart was unwilling yet helpless.

"Could it be that mother fell gravely ill giving birth to me, causing father…?"

Yan Xirou thought silently; the timing matched, and she couldn't help overthinking.

If that were truly the case…

Just as father said, but alas I am a daughter.

Yan Xirou looked at her solemn, resolute father. Though he was thirty‑five, his vigor was excellent, and unlike other wealthy men he was not big‑belly; he still trained daily, his strength surpassing that of the peasants!

Yan Buji rose; his nearly 1.9‑meter height and the broad physique that his robes could not conceal gave Yan Xirou a sense of security.

Now, Yan Xirou thought of the happiness of sitting on her father's shoulders as a child to watch the scenery.

Having grown up, she could only see the low courtyard wall.

Time flies; will the towering father one day become hunched like Uncle Lao Qian?

Thinking of this, the girl felt a touch of melancholy.

A day later.

Yan Buji welcomed a distinguished guest, none other than Zhao Jinzhong of Lingshan Academy.

When he arrived alone to pay his respects, Yan Buji immediately had tea and pastries prepared and personally escorted him into the sitting room, giving Zhao Jinzhong full honor.

"Yan Boss," Zhao Jinzhong clasped his hands and smiled.

"Zhao Talented, any reply regarding yesterday's matter?" Yan Buji returned the clasped‑hands salute, asking with a smile.

"Naturally there is, but since I'm here today, Yan Boss, please first take a look at this letter," Zhao Jinzhong said smiling, pulling a letter from his sleeve.

The surrounding servants brought it forward; Yan Buji opened it, his brows slightly furrowed, and ordered the nearby attendants:

"You all step back."

"Yes, sir."

Seeing the sitting room empty of others, Yan Buji's expression grew uneasy, and he asked, somewhat conflicted:

"This letter… excuse my boldness, but is it truly written by the esteemed Scholar Zhou himself?!"

Zhao Jinzhong's face darkened, saying, "Do you think I'm deceiving you, Yan Boss?"

"Of course not! It's just that Scholar Zhou is a top‑tier great Confucian of Lingshan Academy, already distinguished, and I had heard that he hadn't taken any disciples for years, which surprised me."

Zhao Jinzhong's face brightened, saying, "It was because the lady's essay was very novel and excellent; coincidentally, when we returned yesterday we ran into Mr. Zhou, showed him the essay, and he decided to accept this disciple. As the letter says, Mr. Zhou needs a bit of Yan Boss's funding to attend the Spring Literary Assembly."

"That's certainly no problem! Whatever Mr. Zhou needs, I will comply. Aside from that, financially I will ensure Mr. Zhou feels at ease!" Yan Buji smiled.

"Then congratulations in advance to the lady for becoming a fellow student of our Lingshan Academy," Zhao Jinzhong said, clasping his fists and smiling.

"Hahaha, thank you, thank you." Yan Buji clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

Zhao Jinzhong suddenly added, "By the way, I also have an unreasonable request."

"Oh, right, I can present your remuneration today! Servants!"

"Hold on."

Yan Buji's eyes shifted, surprised, and he asked Zhao Jinzhong, "What's the matter? Talented Zhao is never dissatisfied with payment."

"Not so. I only wish Yan Boss, considering that we have done our utmost in this matter, to fund our participation in the Spring Literary Assembly."

"That… isn't impossible. Besides the great help you've given me and my little daughter, even Zhao Talented's scholarly name alone is enough." Yan Buji hesitated, then smiled and agreed.

"Fine, fine, Yan Boss, this Spring Literary Assembly is no small affair. Should we ever rise to prominence, we will certainly not shortchange you!" Zhao Jinzhong rose, clasped his hands and smiled.

Yan Buji quickly rose, clasped his hands and replied, "Zhao Talented, you're being modest."

As they were about to leave, Yan Buji personally escorted Zhao Jinzhong out.

Watching the carriage go far away, Yan Buji's mouth corner slightly lifted.

Zhou the recommended man, this is an unexpected delight! Not only do I not have to pretend to be so reluctant about money, but I also don't have to wrangle with these scholars; it's wonderful.

Yan Buji's eyes turned, he looked toward the direction of Yan Xirou's residence, and gave a slight nod.