Di Ming

Chapter 141 Play a big game!
Wang Ruifang picked a chrysanthemum, tucked it into her hair, looked at her reflection in the water, and then said slowly and deliberately:
"Everyone knows that the provincial examination is difficult. The difficulty lies in the number of examination slots and the admission process. Let's not talk about the admission process; it's all about ability. But the number of examination slots is where a lot of work can be done."

"Next year is the year of the provincial examination. If we don't have the chance to take it, we'll have to wait a few more years. Who can afford to wait that long?"

"Therefore, the Chrysanthemum Society must secure fifty examination slots for the provincial examination!"

What? Wang Shu and the others looked at each other in disbelief.

"Ju Jun," Xu Yuanjin, the oldest among them, shook his head, "There are only sixty spots for the provincial examination out of more than three thousand students in the entire Southern Yong. Are we supposed to get fifty?"

"Although we are related by connections, the imperial examination is a grand ceremony for the court to select talents, not something we started."

Even Dong Shi, who always fawned over Wang Ruifang, said rather tactlessly at this moment:

"Yes, Mr. Ju, the Nanjing Imperial Academy only has sixty places for the exam. No matter how good the Ju Society is, they can't get fifty places."

"Fifteen spots are the absolute maximum," Wang Shu shook his head. "Even with just fifteen spots, we still have to count those of us with connections. If we don't count those of us with connections, six or seven would be pretty good."

They all thought Wang Ruifang was being delusional.

Wang Ruifang smiled slightly, "That's why I said you are all blinded by a leaf and can't see Mount Tai. You think it's difficult to get fifty spots, because Nanyong only has sixty spots in total."

"But if we increase the number of exam slots in Nanyong to one hundred, adding forty more slots, do you still think it's difficult?"

"What?" Wang Shu was startled. "Second Uncle, how could we possibly have this ability?"

Xu Yuanjin and Dong Shi also found it hard to believe.

Wang Ruifang shook her head. "Don't forget, Nanyong only has sixty provincial examination slots left, and it wasn't always like this. I checked, during the Zhengtong era, Nanyong had three hundred provincial examination slots. During the Yongle era, Nanyong even had five hundred provincial examination slots!"

"The number of candidates for the provincial examination in Nanyong is decreasing, not because of the imperial court, but because of the trouble caused by scholars from the north. Northerners are jealous of the culture and education of the south and criticize the south for having more candidates who are filial and incorruptible."

"The imperial examinations were divided into northern and southern lists to give preference to northerners, but they were not satisfied and even wanted to compete in the provincial examinations."

Wang Ruifang's tone became playful as she said this.

"Do they like to cause trouble? After they caused trouble many times, the imperial court reduced the number of candidates for the provincial examinations in Jiangnan to appease the scholars in the north."

"However, in the various prefectures and counties of Jiangnan, there were people in the imperial court who supported them, and no one was willing to reduce the number of candidates for the provincial examinations. In the end, the blame fell on the Imperial Academy in Nanjing."

"As a result, the number of candidates for the provincial examinations in various prefectures and counties in Jiangnan was not reduced much. On the contrary, the number of candidates for the Southern Imperial Academy was reduced to only sixty because it was the Imperial Academy.

"This is also why Nan Yong declined."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuanjin and the others showed a hint of relief. This was the first time they had heard of such things.

"I see." Wang Shu nodded. "Although Second Uncle is young, he knows more than we do."

Dong Shi became sensible again, "Of course. Ju Jun is the real child prodigy of Nanyong, while Zhu Zhihu is just a show-off."

Wang Ruifang pulled the pipa-playing girl, who was two years older than him, into his arms, and while groping her all over, he continued:
"Even an ordinary county in Jiangnan has thirty slots for the provincial examinations. Yet the prestigious Nanjing Imperial Academy, the top academy of the Ming Dynasty, only has the equivalent of two ordinary counties! Is this reasonable?"

"Nanyong is a thousand-year-old academy that existed since the Eastern Wu period. Emperors Taizu, Chengzu, and Renzong personally lectured there. Now, it only has sixty places left for the provincial examinations. What kind of system is this?"

"Look at Beiyong, it's also an Imperial Academy, but it has 120 places for the provincial examinations, twice that of Nanyong! Is that fair?"

"We have to make a scene too! Only the squeaky wheel gets the grease!"

At this point, he gritted his teeth and pinched the pipa girl hard. The pipa girl screamed "Ah!" in pain, tears streaming down her face.

"What are you howling about! You ignorant brat! Watch your skin!" Wang Ruifang laughed and cursed. "If you don't believe me, then feel the pain! Get down and wait in my room!"

The pipa-playing girl retreated in a sorrowful and resentful manner, drawing a burst of unscrupulous laughter.

Xu Yuanjin said with a mischievous smile, "Ju Jun is indeed exceptionally intelligent. At only thirteen years old, she is better than us even when it comes to women."

Wang Ruifang not only shamelessly accepted everything, but also said with a smug expression:

"Have you ever seen Western and Japanese paintings? Wow, they're truly unbelievable. Tang Yin's paintings are really too subtle."

Upon hearing this, the group's eyes lit up. "Oh? Ju-kun has seen Western and Japanese erotic paintings? May I ask what's so fascinating about them?"

Wang Ruifang chuckled and said, "It can't be said, it can't be said. I have some hidden in my room. Come down to my room later, we'll..."

He suddenly changed the subject again: "We not only want to make a scene, but we want to make a big one, and make a spectacular one. We want to not only get the court to increase the number of candidates for the Southern Yong provincial examination, but also gain both fame and fortune!"

"How do we make trouble? We'll use the name of the Chrysanthemum Society! Once the Chrysanthemum Society becomes the largest society in Nanyong, it can unify Nanyong and represent the scholars of Nanyong."

"At that time, the Chrysanthemum Society, leveraging the power of the Southern Academy, will gather thousands of scholars to jointly petition the court to restore the Southern Academy's quota for the provincial examinations!"

"With our large numbers and impressive presence, coupled with the combined efforts of our elders, protégés, former subordinates, and officials from Nanyong, how could the court possibly turn a blind eye?"

"That's bargaining. The imperial court certainly won't restore the original number; that's impossible. But adding forty or fifty more slots is quite certain. Then my Chrysanthemum Society will be a hero of Jiangdong!"

"Once we add a few dozen more exam slots, how we divide the profits is, of course, up to our Chrysanthemum Society. And if the Chrysanthemum Society decides, then it's up to us a few to decide, isn't it?"

As Wang Ruifang spoke, her expression grew increasingly smug.

"At that time, we'll sell each spot for 1,000 taels of silver, and there will be plenty of people scrambling to buy them. Tens of thousands of taels of silver in profit will easily be in our pockets."

"Tens of thousands of taels of silver! The allowance I get from the household each month is only twenty or thirty taels. What's that enough for?"

"Moreover, these dozens of additional slots are not a one-time thing. Each subsequent provincial examination will have more than sixty slots. That's a huge benefit!"

"This is just about profit, and also fame. Once the Chrysanthemum Society succeeds in this, it will become the most influential society in Jiangnan, and we, the founders, will be able to sway public opinion!"

"When the time comes, whether it's the provincial examination or the metropolitan examination, whoever fails to select us will offend the Chrysanthemum Society, and will be considered blind and unable to recognize talent!"

"As for Zhu Yin, if my Chrysanthemum Society steps in to report and expose him, we can easily pin a label on him and strip him of his quota for the provincial examination. Without a quota, what's the point of him taking the exam? He's bound to lose this bet. Even if I don't pass the exam, I've already won."

"Hahaha!" Xu Yuanjin laughed loudly, "Well done, Ju Jun! You really have a grand vision and a bold ambition. You really dare to think of such things!"

Wang Shu clapped his hands with admiration and laughed, "As long as we work together to strengthen the Chrysanthemum Society, we are 80% confident that this plan will succeed."

"The outside world thinks we are here for Zhu Yin, but in fact, Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Liu Bang. This is a plan to deceive the heavens and secretly cross the Chencang pass."

"A stroke of genius!" Dong Shi said, now more sensible. "This is not childish at all. It is clearly a masterful move that demonstrates keen judgment and achieves great results with minimal effort."

Wang Ruifang was very pleased and her confidence grew even stronger.

Actually, although he devised the plan, it was inspired by his grandfather, Wang Shizhen.

My grandfather mentioned the old days of Nanyong, lamenting its decline, saying that Nanyong had 500 places for the provincial examinations when it was at its peak.

My grandfather also said that the imperial court had neglected Nanyong too much, and the reduction in the number of candidates for the provincial examinations from Nanyong was too drastic and damaged the prestige of Nanyong. If everyone jointly petitioned, the imperial court might increase the number of candidates.

His grandfather's words inspired him at the time.

Therefore, he painstakingly planned and created the Chrysanthemum Society. He believed that with their illustrious family background, the Chrysanthemum Society could very well unify Nanyong.

Xu Jinyuan suddenly said, "The success or failure of this matter depends on the growth of the Chrysanthemum Society. The Chrysanthemum Society has dozens of members in just one day since its establishment. It can be said that it has won a great victory in its first battle."

"But that's not enough. We need to spend money. Hmm, we need to contact a few businessmen and get them to sponsor us. With money as a foundation, Chrysanthemum Society will be able to catch up and become unmatched."

The group exchanged smiles, all brimming with confidence.

Wang Ruifang snapped open her fan, fanned herself twice in the cold weather, and said:

"Talented people emerge in every generation, each leading the way for a few decades, not centuries. Time waits for no one. The ambitions of youth await their prime. While we are young, why not strive for great things?"

"A virtuous person possesses great talent; why should he stoop to self-imposed limitations?"

Wang Ruifang added, "Zhu Yin's backers were Zhuang Tingjian and Hai Rui. It was with Zhuang Tingjian's help that he was able to enter the Imperial Academy; in fact, he was a relative of the people."

"Hai Rui has already gone to Beijing, so there's nothing I can do to help him. Even if I could, Hai Rui wouldn't show favoritism. As for the Zhuang family, although they have some influence, they're not enough to be of any use."

Dong Shi nodded and said, "How powerful could he be? If he were powerful, he wouldn't be taking that baby girl to school every day. Clearly, he has no elders, no brothers or sisters, and not even a reliable servant. There's no one to take care of that baby girl."

Wang Ruifang and others also agreed.

This is also why Wang Ruifang looked down on Zhu Yin's family background.

At first, when Zhu Yin brought the baby girl to school, he thought it was a scheme to curry favor and gain fame.

But later it turned out that wasn't the case.

It must have been because the baby girl lacked reliable care that Zhu Yin had no choice but to take her to school.

This kind of person can't possibly have any significant background.

They didn't know that Zhu Yin brought Ning Qingchen to school not because no one else could take care of her, but because he had offended the local powerful families and was afraid that something might happen to Ning Qingchen.

Wang Ruifang and his ilk are too arrogant. If they had gone to the countryside to investigate Zhu Yin and carefully probed his background, they might have heard some speculations.

But the city and the countryside are two different worlds. How could they know about the rumors circulating in Qingqiao? Even the people in Qingqiao only guessed that Zhu Yin had a connection with the garrison.

Wang Ruifang suddenly revealed a lewd smile and said:
"I've heard that Zhuang Tingjian has a daughter who is exceptionally intelligent and beautiful. Because she thinks too highly of herself, she's not engaged yet. If I were to offer betrothal gifts, I guarantee it would work out."

"If we were to marry into the Zhuang family, I could just say one word and they would abandon Zhu Yin. Without the Zhuang family's support, Zhu Yin wouldn't even be able to get a spot in the exams. A child prodigy? I'd make sure he can't take the exams for several years."

Dong Shi laughed and said, "I do know that girl from the Zhuang family, named Zhuang Shu. She is indeed very intelligent, but she is also arrogant. Of course, with Ju Jun involved, this marriage will most likely be successful."

Wang Ruifang stood up, posed with her hands behind her back in a dignified manner, and said proudly:
"A breeze begins with a ripple on the water, and a wave is formed from a gentle ripple!"

"As the saying goes, 'Unity is strength.' Let's do this great thing!"

"Playing a grand strategy!"

.........

The next day, as soon as Zhu Yin arrived at the Imperial Academy, the entire Southern Academy was buzzing with news of his bet with Wang Ruifang.

A bet was made without his consent by Wang Ruifang, who acted without any regard for martial ethics.

At the same time, it was learned that Wang Ruifang had established the Chrysanthemum Society, which attracted many people.

"Junior Brother Zhu Yin." Dong Shi saw Zhu Yin and immediately appeared in front of him, speaking gently:
“Junior Brother Ju Jun has made a bet with you to see who ranks higher in next year’s provincial examination. This is also a way to encourage each other and improve together.”

"Child Tiger is also known as a child prodigy, he won't refuse, will he?"

Zhu Yin looked up at the fourteen or fifteen-year-old Dong Shi and sneered, "You've all made such a fuss, what good would it do for me to refuse?"

"Bamboo can reach the sky without flowering. But can bamboo really not flower?"

Dong Shi laughed and said, "A gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity. Junior Brother Zhihu is overthinking it; it's just a bet to encourage each other. If Zhihu finds it difficult, he can refuse in public. What's the point?"

Shang Yang stood up and sneered, "Junior Brother Dong, why do you stand up for others? This is unwise."

Dong Shi flicked his sleeves and said arrogantly, "I am not wise, I am not talented, unlike Senior Brother Shang, who is still studying in Nanyong at the age of forty-eight, trying to get a spot in the provincial examination and become successful."

"Oh, Senior Brother Shang will be celebrating his fiftieth birthday next year, right? This is a grand celebration for someone who has reached the age of fifty. But, Senior Brother Shang, have you saved up enough money for your fiftieth birthday celebration yet?"

Han Shang said coldly, "Gentlemen do not speak ill of each other. Junior Brother Dong, you have gone too far."

"So it's Senior Brother Han." Dong Shi seemed to have just noticed Han Shang. "By the way, Senior Brother Han is over thirty. He should be celebrating his fortieth birthday in a few years."

He smiled slightly: "Senior Brother Shang, Senior Brother Han, if you join the Chrysanthemum Society, aside from everything else, we can help you raise the money for your birthday celebrations."

Upon hearing this, both He Bi and Mo Shao remained unmoved.

Dong Shi's words were entirely aimed at exposing people's shortcomings; they were truly despicable.

Zhu Yin said, "Senior Brother Shang, Senior Brother Han, there's no need to stoop to my level." Dong Shi's face darkened. "Zhu Yin, who are you calling a villain?"

Zhu Yin raised his small face, "To remember the ugly and be knowledgeable, to be cunning and treacherous, to follow the wrong and be generous—isn't that what a petty person is?"

“You…” Dong Shi gritted his teeth, then suddenly pointed at Ning Qingchen behind Zhu Yin, “Zhu Zhihu, you speak falsely yet argue, and act wickedly yet firmly. You are the villain.”

Zhu Yin smiled brightly: "Your whole family are scoundrels."

Dong Shi: "..."

Wang Ruifang sat calmly at her desk by the east window, casting a half-smile at Zhu Yin with a mocking expression.

Zhu Yin, carrying Ning Qingchen on his back, bypassed the annoying Dong Shi and walked past Wang Ruifang, saying:
"Those who sit under the east window always like to plot against the east window. Unfortunately, their plots will inevitably be exposed."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruifang's expression changed slightly, and her eyes flickered.

Zhu Yin, observing Wang Ruifang's words and expressions, immediately guessed that Wang Ruifang must have some plans that he was unaware of.

When he had just made a probing remark, Wang Ruifang's expression changed; she was no longer as natural as before.

It is clear that Wang Ruifang's purpose in setting up this Chrysanthemum Society and this betting agreement was not merely to deal with herself; there must have been other, more important objectives.

Would he really go to such lengths just for his own benefit? Is it possible that he's using this as an excuse to secretly plot something else?

It seems we'll have to use intelligence methods against this person.

We cannot let our guard down. After all, this person comes from the Wang family of Taicang, and has considerable influence.

Wang Ruifang's expression quickly returned to normal, and she smiled:
"It's just a bet, what kind of conspiracy could it be? If Zhihu doesn't want to bet, then forget it, I don't care."

Zhu Yin stared into his eyes. "Let's gamble then. I'm not a swineherd, but I've always had good luck gambling."

Wang Ruifang smiled calmly, "What a coincidence. Although I'm not a swineherd and I almost never gamble, I'm quite lucky when it comes to gambling."

"So, Zhihu is going to accept my challenge?"

Zhu Yin leisurely set Ning Qingchen aside, not even glancing at Wang Ruifang.

"You're naive. But I'll take the gamble with you this once."

.........

In the afternoon, Zhu Yin returned to Qingqiao Lane, but instead of immediately teaching his students, he went to find Xu Wei.

He told Xu Wei about his doubts.

Although Zhu Yin didn't know what Wang Ruifang was up to, he was certain that Wang Ruifang's establishment of the Chrysanthemum Society was not so simple.

Xu Wei thought for a moment and said, "Zhihu, your suspicion is correct."

"The atmosphere at the Imperial Academy is different from that of the county and prefectural schools. People there used to like forming cliques and competing with each other. Betting on exams was common at the Imperial Academy."

"However, Wang Ruifang even established the Chrysanthemum Society to suppress you, which is making a mountain out of a molehill."

"He unilaterally initiated the bet, and if he lost, he would be disgraced and become a laughingstock. Wang Shizhen already knew about this. But Wang Shizhen did not stop him. What does that mean?"

Zhu Yin said, "This shows that Wang Shizhen is confident in his grandson and believes that Wang Ruifang can beat me. If he were not confident, Wang Shizhen would not have indulged his willfulness."

Xu Wei sat down, his deep, dark eyes holding a profound meaning, and slowly said:

"Your essays in the eight-legged essay style are no worse than Wang Ruifang's, and your poetry and strategies are even superior. Logically speaking, he should have no chance of winning. So why is he so confident?"

"Think about it, what could he possibly do to ensure the success of the provincial examination bet? What could he possibly do to guarantee your defeat?"

Zhu Yin suddenly understood, "There's only one possibility. That is, I can't take the exam! If I can't even get a spot in the exam, he's still winning even if he doesn't pass, because at least he got to take the exam."

"Does the gentleman mean he wants me to miss out on the exam?"

Xu Wei nodded, his expression resolute. "This is the most despicable trick, but also the most effective. Since there's no guarantee of victory in the exam, we might as well disqualify you from taking it."

"Although you are a student recommended by Magistrate Zhuang, and it seems you can secure the examination qualification—because Jiangning County has many examination slots, it would be easy for Jiangning County to allocate one to you with just a word from the magistrate. But…"

"But what if Magistrate Zhuang changes his mind? If Magistrate Zhuang changes his mind, you will not have a place in the exam. Places at the Imperial Academy are already scarce, and they certainly won't give you a place as a ten-year-old student."

Zhu Yin's expression was somewhat grave. "If they rely on their family background to put pressure on Magistrate Zhuang, Magistrate Zhuang might really change his mind."

Xu Wei shook his head, “You don’t understand officialdom very well. Magistrate Zhuang is the local official, and half of Nanjing is under the jurisdiction of Jiangning County. How can Wang Ruifang and others exert pressure? That would be a taboo and would only provoke Zhuang Tingjian’s rebellion.”

"If you want to change Magistrate Zhuang's mind, you can only win him over and make him willing to give you up."

"Of course, that's the first method. There's another method, which is to have someone expose you right before the exam after you've secured a spot and received the exam voucher."

“I learned this the hard way back then. I was framed before the exam and ended up being disqualified from taking it. This kind of trick is very malicious. Although it is risky, it is also effective.”

"Both methods will prevent you from taking the exam. But the latter method is risky, so the first method is better. Therefore, I guess they should go to Zhuang Tingjian first."

Zhu Yin sneered: "If they go to Magistrate Zhuang and ruin my spot, I'll know immediately."

Xu Wei paced around his study a few times, frowning as he said, "Chrysanthemum Society...examination quota...Wang Shizhen..."

"Zhihu, Wang Ruifang established the Chrysanthemum Society, perhaps to compete for a spot in the provincial examination in Nanyong. But how exactly she will do it, and to what extent, I still can't guess."

"Don't rush. Let's see their attitude after the Propaganda Society is established."

(The term "Mushe" in the previous chapter easily evokes the Muslim religion, so it has been changed to "Xuanshe." "Xuan" means that the saint's good deeds are widely known. "Xuanshe" is a very beautiful term.)
……

After leaving Xu Wei's courtyard, Zhu Yin felt much clearer in his mind.

After discussing with Xu Wei, he gained a deeper understanding of Wang Ruifang and the Chrysanthemum Society's plans.

No matter what the other side does, it will mostly revolve around the core interest of "provincial examination quotas".

However, Wang Ruifang and the Chrysanthemum Society were backed by prominent families, and people like Wang Shizhen and Dong Qichang were providing behind-the-scenes guidance.

How could it be considered naive? It's a behemoth! To a certain extent, it can even represent the Southern Zhili aristocratic group.

Xu Wei speculated that Wang Shizhen and others might use the "childish" Chrysanthemum Society and the younger generation to do something they had long wanted to do.

If we lose, the worst that can happen is that the younger generation is being willful and ignorant.

What could it be?

Once this group realizes that Tian Yi is their patron, they may even be able to transfer Tian Yi back to Beijing ahead of schedule.

They have the capability. They just won't do it unless absolutely necessary.

Even if Tian Yi wasn't transferred back to Beijing ahead of schedule, historically Tian Yi could only stay in Nanjing for two years, and couldn't protect himself forever.

If he lost, he might not even have the chance to participate in the provincial examination, and his career would be stifled, making him a second child prodigy like Xu Wei.

Even before he took office, he sensed the treacherous nature of officialdom and the cruelty of ancient political struggles.

Upon returning to his study, Zhu Yin's first task was to draft the rules for the Propaganda Society.

He held a pen, frowning in thought. Little Black lay at his feet, seemingly asleep but not quite.

Ning Qingchen, who had been holding back all day, looked at Zhu Yin's solemn expression and couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him as she said:

"Why do we have to take the imperial examinations? We have troops on the islands, why don't we just take over a piece of land in Southeast Asia, develop industry and commerce, train an army, and then fight back to rebel? Wouldn't that be more enjoyable than scheming against these petty people?"

Her voice was sweet and childlike, but her adorable little face was serious.

Zhu Yin patted Ning Qingchen's head. "You silly goose. How many Han Chinese immigrants are there in Southeast Asia now? The population is still very scattered. How many Han soldiers can they train?"

"We can't possibly train foreign races to attack the Ming Dynasty, can we? What's the difference between that and a rebellion against the Han Chinese? Those who are not of our race will surely have different hearts. Foreign races cannot be our base."

Ning Qingchen thought for a moment, "Can't we immigrate and go to sea?"

Zhu Yin shook his head: "Chinese people are attached to their homeland. They would only leave their hometown if they couldn't survive there, let alone leave the Ming Dynasty. Look at how many people are willing to go to Southeast Asia now?"

"Besides, the population is all in the hands of the government and powerful families. How can we immigrate? Unless we plunder people like pirates. Even if we could do that, we can't do it."

"Even if we were to raise a large army overseas and fight our way back to the Ming Dynasty, wouldn't that just be a civil war among the Han people? How long would it last? How many of our compatriots would die? Wouldn't the barbarians invade from the south? And even if we won, what price would the country have to pay?"

"So, ducks, we can only take the imperial examinations. Only by obtaining official positions can we gain power and military authority, and seize power at the lowest cost. Even if we still have to fight a war in the end, the intensity, scope, and duration will be limited, and the cost will be much lower."

Ning Qingchen opened her mouth slightly, then lowered her head and said weakly:
"But the officialdom is treacherous. Can you fight against them? What will happen to my sister and me if something happens to you? Will we end up like the Wang family, with our property confiscated and our entire clan wiped out?"

So many people have died recently. Can we stay safe forever?

Zhu Yin put down his pen, picked up the baby, and said, "Qingchen, we come into this era, and we may be swallowed up by the times and become sacrifices."

"I can't guarantee anything, I can only do my best to let you live freely and happily."

"I am also very weak, just a blade of grass. I can't guarantee that I can become a big tree and always shelter you from the wind and rain."

"I can only guarantee that as long as I live, I will not let anyone harm you. But if I am gone, then you will have to rely on yourselves."

"Waaah..." Ning Qingchen couldn't help but cry, hugging Zhu Yin's neck, "Little Tiger... don't say these things..."

Xiao Hei stood up, looked at the crying Ning Qingchen, and seemed to have tears glistening in his eyes.

Zhu Yin held Ning Qingchen in one arm and stroked Xiao Hei's head with the other. A sense of emptiness and sorrow crept onto his innocent little face...

.........

Wuyi Lane, Zhuang Residence.

When Zhuang Shu returned from Mochou Lake and entered the ceremonial gate, she noticed that the servants were looking at her with strange expressions.

Zhuang Shu was incredibly intelligent and immediately understood.

She went straight into the inner courtyard and went to her father's study.

Zhuang Tingjian, dressed in a Taoist robe, was painting a picture of a tiger cub. The tiger cub seemed to leap out of the painting, and he was almost finished, but he hadn't yet painted its eyes.

Zhuang Shu had calmed down. She stood quietly beside her father, watching him paint.

After a moment, Zhuang Tingjian examined the eyeless tiger cub and suddenly handed the paintbrush to his daughter.

Zhuang Shu didn't say anything. She smiled and took the paintbrush, then painted the eyes of the baby tiger.

The finishing touch is on the tiger's eyes!

Her painting skills have already reached a basic level; the tiger cub with eyes painted on instantly becomes adorable and full of wild charm.

"Okay." Zhuang Tingjian said a single word. "You knew everything?"

Zhuang Shu looked at her father and said, "I only know that someone came to propose marriage, but I didn't ask them."

Zhuang Ting nodded. "It's the Wang family."

Which Wang family?

"The Wang family of Taicang!"

P.S.: Here comes a 7,000-word chapter. Thank you, goodnight. Who can guess the Zhuang father and daughter's attitude?

(End of this chapter)