Chapter 30

The setting sun bathed the small courtyard.

Luo Zijun was in front, Su Qingling was behind.

The two entered the small courtyard one after the other.

In the living room, the gazes of the three members of the Sun Family all looked out.

The youth walking in front had a tall, slender build and delicate features; he looked refined and scholarly, truly like a student.

And the young girl following behind was particularly eye-catching.

She was wearing a simple, plain white dress, her figure tall and graceful; under the reflection of the setting sun, her skin was like snow, her brows and eyes like a painting, and her temperament was cold and elegant, like an orchid in an empty valley, as if she were a person who had walked out of a poem or painting.

Seeing this scene, the three were all stunned.

Even Li Zhengshan, who was to the side, couldn't help but exclaim in his heart at the first glance: This girl is so beautiful!

Immediately after, he felt some confusion: When he had seen her before, why hadn't he noticed?

Sun Yan'er's gaze first fell on the youth in the courtyard, and she was dazed for a moment, then it fell on the girl following behind him, and then her gaze could not move away.

"Ling'er! Quick, come in! Big sister made a lot of delicious food for you tonight!"

Luo Jiaorong directly ignored her own brother, immediately went over to affectionately grab Su Qingling's small hand, her face full of smiles, and pulled her straight into the living room, as if she were in a hurry to show off something.

"Uncle Sun, Aunt Chen, this is my Ling'er; Zijun studies medicine and reads books with her every day. A few days ago, Zijun passed the exam to become a budding talent, and I wanted to tell him to study quietly at home and not go to the Pharmacy anymore, hehe, but he couldn't bear to."

Luo Jiaorong said this with smug pride while dotingly stroking Su Qingling's fair and slender small hand, then lifted her small hand up and said: "Look at this small hand, fair and delicate, soft as if it had no bones; one look and you can tell it's a hand with good fortune!"

Just now, her husband had praised the Sun Family Young Lady for having a beautiful face and being gentle and virtuous, and that she would surely be a person of good fortune in the future; Chen Shi had a look of triumph, as she had seen it all clearly!

Hmph!

Now, as long as one wasn't blind, one could see which girl was the most beautiful.

As for the Sun Family Young Lady, she didn't care for her!

Seeing her acting so smug, Li Zhengshan was afraid she would say something else that would make the guests uncomfortable, so he hurriedly said toward the doorway: "Zijun, come in quickly; this is your Uncle Sun, and this is your Aunt Chen. You should know Yan'er, who is beside them."

Luo Zijun was somewhat surprised.

He glanced at the three of them, entered the door, and cupped his hands, saying: "Zijun greets Uncle Sun and Aunt Chen."

Seeing that he didn't mention her, Sun Yan'er pursed her lips, her gaze involuntarily looking toward the cold-looking girl again, then, she couldn't help but look at her chest, lingering for a long time, and finally, it fell under her skirt.

Sun Jintang looked him over and smiled: "Zijun has grown up now, becoming more and more of a fine talent, graceful and poised, and more and more like a scholar. I suppose you will surely be admitted to an academy in the Academy Examination a month from now."

Chen Shi said with a fake smile: "Zijun, if you want to study, you should study seriously. As for studying medicine, Auntie thinks you should just forget it, so as not to be distracted and delay your exams."

Luo Jiaorong immediately laughed: "How could it be delayed? Zijun can also read books at the Pharmacy, and he has his Senior Sister Ling'er to supervise him, right Ling'er?"

She looked affectionately at the girl beside her again.

Su Qingling glanced at someone and nodded, giving plenty of face.

The smile on Luo Jiaorong's face became even more radiant and intimate: "Ling'er, is there anything you want to eat? Big sister will make it for you later."

"Cough..."

Seeing her being too obvious, Li Zhengshan had no choice but to cough and change the subject: "By the way, Yan'er, are you studying at West Lake Academy now? Do you know how much the annual tuition for the Academy is?"

There wasn't much money left at home now, so he had to ask clearly in advance to be prepared.

Once these words were spoken, Chen Shi immediately put on an act and sighed: "The tuition at West Lake Academy is very expensive. Even though we pulled strings at the time, we still felt the pinch. I heard the annual tuition is at least five hundred taels of silver!"

Li Zhengshan was immediately startled: "Fi... five hundred taels?"

Even if they sold him, they wouldn't have that much money!

What if Zijun actually got in? What would they do then?

Luo Jiaorong's expression also changed.

Seeing this scene, the corners of Chen Shi's mouth curled up, and she sighed again: "Yes, it's outrageously expensive. If it weren't for the fact that we only have this one precious daughter, we really wouldn't be able to bear it. But thinking about it, it's fine; after all, studying is a good thing, and West Lake Academy is the number one academy in our Outer City. Even if she only studies there for one year, it's worth it."

The scene went quiet for a moment.

The expressions of Li Zhengshan and Luo Jiaorong were both not very good.

Chen Shi looked at their expressions and became even more smug. Just as she was about to continue showing off, Luo Zijun suddenly spoke up: "Aunt Chen, I specifically asked someone about this these past few days. It seems that for students who pass the entrance exam on their own merit, the tuition is at most ten taels of silver a year, and that includes all kinds of books and miscellaneous fees. Only students who buy their way in need to pay five hundred to one thousand taels of tuition every year, and that doesn't even include books, meals, and other expenses. I heard that teachers basically don't pay attention to such students."

Chen Shi's expression stiffened, and she immediately said: "You... who did you hear that from? Nonsense!"

Luo Zijun said: "A friend from West Lake Academy told me."

Chen Shi immediately sneered: "A friend from West Lake Academy? Zijun, don't let yourself be deceived. You just passed the budding talent exam, how could you know such friends? They must be scammers!"

Sun Jintang immediately glared at her and scolded: "If you don't speak, no one will think you're a mute!"

Then he looked embarrassed and sighed: "What Zijun said is correct; it is indeed like that. When I went to pay the tuition for Yan'er, the teachers at the academy told me the same thing. If it's a student who got in on merit, the tuition is indeed very cheap, and some students with outstanding grades can even have their tuition waived."

Once these words were spoken, Chen Shi's face immediately flushed red.

Sun Yan'er's cheeks also felt a bit hot; she withdrew her gaze from the girl and couldn't help but speak up: "West Lake Academy is the best academy in the Outer City. Every year, many people want to get in but are eliminated. Expensive naturally has its reasons; it's not something those ordinary academies can compare to. Even if some people want to pay, they might not be able to get in."

Chen Shi immediately huffed: "That's right, many scholars want to get in but can't."

Then she smiled and looked at Luo Zijun: "Zijun, I heard you haven't been studying for long, and the Academy Examination is next month; it's really too rushed. Why not take it next year? Your chances will be better. By then, applying to another academy shouldn't be a problem."

Sun Yan'er also glanced at him and said indifferently: "Qingfeng Academy and White Crane Academy, these two academies are both alright. Their score requirements aren't high, and the exams are relatively simple. If you really want to get into a good academy, then study for a few more years and apply to Linfeng Academy. Linfeng Academy is only slightly worse than West Lake Academy, but it is also the second-ranked academy in the Outer City."

Chen Shi smiled again: "And the costs for these academies should be much lower. As for West Lake Academy, hehe, Zijun, Auntie advises you not to even think about it; it's too difficult, and there's no need to waste that energy."

Luo Jiaorong's expression darkened, and just as she was about to speak, a knocking sound suddenly came from outside the main gate.

The main gate was not closed. A young man wearing a Confucian robe stood at the entrance, holding something in one hand and knocking on the door with the other, asking loudly: "Brother Luo Zijun, does he live here?"

Hearing this, Luo Zijun was startled, walked out, and cupped his hands: "I am Luo Zijun. Brother, you are..."

The young man wearing the Confucian robe immediately walked in, his face full of smiles: "Brother Luo, your house is located so far away; it took me quite a while to find it!"

When he arrived at the small courtyard, he hurriedly cupped his hands: "I am Wu Jin, a student of West Lake Academy. Today, I was ordered by my teachers to specifically come and deliver the Admission Notice to Brother Luo."

As he spoke, he lifted a small golden booklet with both hands.

Upon hearing this, Luo Jiaorong immediately came out and said: "What Admission Notice?"

Li Zhengshan also walked out, his face full of confusion.

Sun Jintang and Chen Shi also stood up from their chairs and looked outside.

The young man named Wu Jin smiled and said, "Congratulations, Brother Luo, on being exceptionally admitted to our West Lake Academy in advance. You may report to the Academy as early as tomorrow. Teacher Yuan and Teacher Shangguan also said that when Brother Luo comes to report, you must go and see them."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room was shocked, all suspecting they had misheard.

!

Sun Yan'er felt a jolt in her heart; she walked to the doorway of the living room unconsciously and looked into the courtyard.

Su Qingling's gaze also turned toward the outside.

Luo Jiaorong was stunned for a few seconds, then suddenly said with excited, trembling voice: "West Lake Academy? Exceptionally admitted in advance? Zhengshan, did I hear that right? My Zijun, was admitted to West Lake Academy?"

She gripped Li Zhengshan's arm tightly, her body trembling with excitement.

Li Zhengshan was completely bewildered; he froze for a few seconds and then mumbled, "Could there be a mistake?"

Chen Shi suddenly rushed out from the room and said: "There must be a mistake! The Academy Examination doesn't start until next month, how could he be admitted now? A swindler! This person must be a swindler! How could a student of West Lake Academy come here in person to deliver a letter? Zhengshan, Jiaorong, Zijun, you must not believe him!"

Wu Jin was suddenly caught between laughter and tears, and had no choice but to take his nameplate from his person: "This is the Student Nameplate of West Lake Academy; it bears the Academy's unique symbol and seal. If you don't believe it, you can take it to the Prefectural Office to verify."

"Besides, I am only here to deliver the Admission Notice, not to ask for money. What could I possibly swindle from you?"

The moment she saw this golden nameplate, Chen Shi was instantly dumbfounded.

Because her own daughter had an identical one, though the size was slightly smaller.

Sun Yan'er stood frozen in the doorway, looking at the golden nameplate in his hand, her expression dazed.

The room suddenly fell into a brief silence.

Wu Jin explained further: "The Academy Examination does indeed start next month, but every year, each academy exceptionally admits a few of the most outstanding students in advance, without needing to go through the Academy Examination. Our West Lake Academy only has two such spots this year. After the teachers reviewed Brother Luo's Examination Paper for the budding talent exam, they discussed it and unanimously decided to give one of the spots to Brother Luo. Since I happen to live nearby, I came by to deliver the Admission Notice to Brother Luo."

"Brother Luo is overflowing with talent; the teachers at the Academy are all full of praise for him."

As soon as these words were spoken, all doubts were immediately dispelled.

Luo Jiaorong said excitedly: "Zhengshan! Zhengshan! It's true! It's true! Zijun really got into West Lake Academy! Our brother really got into the best academy here!"

Li Zhengshan was also full of excitement: "It's not just getting in! It's exceptional early admission!"

"Wuu..."

Luo Jiaorong suddenly wept with joy and hugged her brother: "Zijun, Zijun, you are too amazing. You got in even before the Academy Examination. Sister is so proud of you! If Father and Mother were still here, they would definitely be proud of you too. All the ancestors of our Luo Family are proud of you, wuwuwu..."

Luo Zijun felt a bit awkward; he hurriedly took the Admission Notice and cupped his hands: "Thank you for your trouble, Brother Wu. Once I go to the Academy, I will properly thank you, Brother Wu."

Wu Jin smiled: "We will be fellow students from now on, why be so polite?"

At this moment, Chen Shi was still unwilling to let it go and suddenly asked: "The tuition for West Lake Academy must be very expensive, right? I heard that the annual tuition and other expenses cost several dozen taels of silver!"

She knew this family best; let alone several dozen taels a year, they might not even be able to scrape together twenty taels a year!

Wu Jin glanced at her and smiled: "For other students, it does indeed cost several dozen taels of silver a year. Some who buy their way in with money and connections need to spend hundreds to thousands of taels. As for Brother Luo, he was exceptionally admitted by our Academy. Once he goes to the Academy, not only does he not have to spend a single penny, but he will also receive a monthly subsidy of two taels of silver. If he achieves excellent results at the Academy, there are even more generous subsidies."

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Shi was instantly left speechless.

Li Zhengshan, on the other hand, was so happy he was scratching his head and ears.

Sun Yan'er remained frozen there, the expression on her face complex.

After Wu Jin finished speaking, he cupped his hands toward Luo Zijun and said: "Brother Luo, I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave. Remember to report to the Academy tomorrow. If you are not free tomorrow, coming in a few days is also fine."

Luo Zijun cupped his hands and said: "Walk slowly, Brother Wu."

Wu Jin smiled, glanced at Chen Shi and the others once more, and turned to leave, thinking to himself: It seems every household has that one relative who cannot stand to see others do well.

"Walk slowly, Young Master Wu. Next time, remember to come to our home to eat with our Zijun; Sister will cook something delicious for you all!"

Luo Jiaorong immediately wiped away her tears and chased after him to see him off with a blooming smile.

Wu Jin cupped his hands and exchanged a few more polite words at the door before smiling and leaving.

Luo Jiaorong stood at the main entrance and waved her hand vigorously for a long while before turning to come back inside, and then she actually closed the main gate directly.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha..."

Suddenly, an extremely exaggerated and terrifying burst of laughter came from the doorway.

Luo Zijun: "..."

Li Zhengshan: "..."

(End of chapter)