I just wrote a love poem, how did that make me so powerful?

Xiao Wanjin paused for a moment, then continued.

"Why don't you, Young Master Xu, accompany my son to Songlin Academy as a study companion?"

Of course, to be honest, although he is called a study companion, Young Master Xu is actually an honored guest in the Xiao family, and is by no means treated as a servant.

All expenses, including tuition, writing materials, food, and lodging, will be handled by the Xiao family's accounting department. What does Young Master Xu think?

Moreover, Young Master Xu's status as a study companion is not bound by any contract and will not affect his participation in the imperial examinations in the slightest. What do you say?

Xiao Mingyuan, who was listening nearby, was stunned and turned to look at Xu Qing.

"Yes, Brother Qing, it's not easy to arrange another identity, after all, Songlin Academy has quite strict admission requirements. If you don't use the identity of a companion student, an ordinary person like you will have to wait for their entrance exam, which will be next time."

Xu Qing didn't hesitate for long.

He cupped his hands and said, "I would be honored to accept your offer. Thank you very much, Master Xiao."

Xiao Wanjin laughed heartily, his voice booming.

"No, it is I who should thank you. Since you came, my son has suddenly become bright, and his studies have improved by leaps and bounds. To be honest, I never dreamed that he could memorize an entire song and lyrics. Perhaps with you, he can really soar to great heights."

As he spoke, he patted Xu Qing's arm and gently pressed his fingers twice, the gesture carrying a deeper meaning.

Xu Qing remained outwardly calm, but inwardly she understood...

Xiao Wanjin withdrew his hand and instructed Xiao Liu: "Liu Zi, go and prepare a complete set of clothes for Young Master Xu. Clothes, shoes, socks, writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone... everything should be according to Yuan'er's standards, and the best ones should be chosen."

Xiao Liu bowed and agreed.

Xu Qing quickly waved her hand: "No, that won't do. To outsiders, I'm still just a study companion. Dressing too nicely and ostentatiously will only invite gossip. Moderate attire is fine."

Xiao Wanjin was stunned for a moment, then slapped his forehead and laughed even harder.

"Oh dear, I didn't think it through. Alright, it'll be as you say, medium is fine." He turned to Xiao Liu and said, "Did you hear that? Do as Young Master Xu wishes."

Xiao Liu nodded: "This old servant understands."

Xiao Liu took a half step back and carefully wrote it down.

"Then this old servant will arrange it according to the middle standard. Two sets of fine cotton robes from the local blue cloth shop, which are easy to change and wash, and a pair of thousand-layer sole black boots from Xiangyun Shoe Shop, which are not flashy but durable."

I used one wolf hair and one mixed hair brush from Shuangxi Brush Shop, and the ink was pine soot ink from Huizhou. It wasn't the best quality, but the ink color was still even and solid.

I'll take Qingfengzhai's jade-plate Xuan paper; it's better than rough-edged paper and cheaper than Chengxintang's. I'll bring about twenty or thirty sheets. As for inkstones…

I've seen the Duan inkstone from the Plum Blossom Pit that Old Zhao from the front street owns. The stone quality is good, and the price is reasonable.

Xu Qing nodded slightly upon hearing this; the configuration was indeed suitable.

Don't lose face in front of others, and don't attract envy.

Xiao Wanjin stroked his beard beside him and added with considerable satisfaction.

"Although the clothes don't need to be made of Hangzhou silk or Suzhou satin, the cut must be proper and not loose. Young people should have the spirit of youth. Also, buy fifty sheets of paper; using a few more won't be an expense."

Xiao Liu understood: "This old servant understands."

Xiao Wanjin thought for a moment and then instructed, "Also, since the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone aren't top-quality, then we'll provide him with a good one—a celadon one. I have a pair in my storeroom; take one out."

Even if it's not used at the academy, it would be excellent for home use.

Xiao Liu paused, then said, "Master, those celadon brush washers were brought back from Hangzhou by you back then..."

"Things are meant to be used," Xiao Wanjin waved his hand casually. "They'll just gather dust if left unused."

Xu Qing heard this and knew that the pair of celadon brush washers were quite valuable.

But Xiao Wanjin didn't give him a chance to refuse. He turned around and left with Xiao Liu, saying as he walked, "That's settled then. I'll have someone bring the brush washer over later."

Xiao Mingyuan waited until his father was far away before quietly approaching and chuckling.

"My father bought that pair of celadon brush washers in Hangzhou many years ago for one hundred taels of silver. He wouldn't let anyone touch them normally, but today he just gave them to you like this..."

Xu Qing looked towards the courtyard gate, paused for a moment, and then let out a soft breath: "I will remember your father's favor."

Xiao Mingyuan lowered his voice and said, "It seems my father has really decided on you."

Xu Qing didn't respond.

Judging from Xiao Wanjin's expression, it was clear that he had planned this all along.

The so-called "concern for her son's studies" is just the official explanation; there's a deeper layer to it...

Xiao Wanjin was sending a message to the public: Xu Qing, the Xiao family has your back.

fair enough.

With the Xiao family acting as a shield, he doesn't need to deal with many troubles on his own.

Outside the gate, Xiao Wanjin slowed his pace after stepping out of the courtyard.

Xiao Liu followed behind, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke: "Master, there is something this old servant is unsure whether he should say it."

"speak."

"We're so closely tied to Young Master Xu, won't we... cause some trouble?"

The Chen family is eyeing his fiancée, Song Yao. If we get involved, it's like we're openly going against the Chen family.

"Sir, you've always been a man of principle, why this time..."

Xiao Wanjin stopped and turned around to look at Xiao Liu. The cheerful expression on his face faded, revealing a composure rarely seen in Xiao Liu.

"Sixth son, that's why I'm the master and you're the butler."

Xiao Liu quickly lowered his head: "This old servant dares not have any other meaning."

Xiao Wanjin started walking forward again, talking as he went.

"Do you think I can't see what the Chen family is up to? The Chen family has their eye on Song Yao not for the girl herself, but for her father."

Song Yao's father was demoted years ago, and the case caused quite a stir. Suddenly, the Chen family stepped forward to propose marriage...

This indicates there's movement in the capital. In this situation, whoever secures a foothold first will reap the greatest benefits.

He paused, then continued, "That Xu Qing kid, I think he's not simple. The fact that he could transform Mingyuan in such a short time is enough to make me take a gamble. Besides..."

He glanced back at the direction of the courtyard gate. "The Chen family wants to take that piece of meat away, but I won't let them eat it so easily."

Xiao Liu felt a chill run down his spine and replied in a low voice, "This old servant understands."

Xiao Wanjin waved his hand: "Alright, get on with your business. As Xu Qing said, dress moderately, not too flashy, but not shabby either."

"Yes."

……

……

In Xiao Mingyuan's small courtyard.

He sat at his desk, laughing so hard he slapped the table: "Hahahaha! Did you hear that? My father said 'honored guest,' not 'accompanying student'! He said 'honored guest,' so from now on you're an honored guest of the Xiao household!"

Xu Qing was amused by his overly excited expression and laughed, but after laughing, she became serious and said, "By the way, what your father said just now...did you understand what he meant?"

"What did you say?"

He said your studies have improved by leaps and bounds, and that you've memorized the entire song lyrics.

Xu Qing looked at Xiao Mingyuan and said, "I think he's already guessed it. He didn't say it outright because he didn't want to expose you. But you can't show any weakness in front of him anymore."

Xiao Mingyuan's smile froze abruptly, then he swallowed hard: "Then... what should I do?"

"Keep practicing. Practice those poems and lyrics until you can recite them without thinking, until you can answer your father's questions without batting an eye. When you really reach that point, it won't matter whether he truly believes you or not."

Xiao Mingyuan took a deep breath and nodded: "Okay. Come on, let's continue learning."

Xu Qing reopened the book, about to continue the story, when footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.

A servant rushed in, carrying a letter in his hands. He bowed and handed it to Xiao Mingyuan: "Young Master, this is a letter from Zhuangyuanlou."

Xiao Mingyuan took the invitation, tore open the seal, glanced at it, and frowned. He handed the invitation to Xu Qing: "Take a look."

Xu Qing took it and saw a line of neat small regular script written on it:

[To Young Master Xiao: Please join me at Zhuangyuanlou tomorrow at noon. A distinguished guest has traveled from afar, and I hope you will be so kind as to offer your guidance.]

The signature is Su Man.

Xiao Mingyuan scratched his head: "Haven't we already written the poems? Why are you inviting me again? Are there any distinguished guests this time?"