“Achoo!”

“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”

Gu Qingyan sneezed repeatedly.

Mama Liu quickly said, “Are you catching a cold? The mornings and evenings get chilly in autumn, you need to wear an extra layer.”

She went inside to slice some fresh ginger, planning to make ginger tea.

Gu Qingyan was very impatient with ginger tea and quickly replied, “Mom, I’m not catching a cold, my nose is just itchy. Maybe someone’s thinking about me.”

“An itchy nose means a cold is coming. It’ll be fine soon. I’ll put extra brown sugar in it — it won’t be too spicy.”

Gu Qingyan’s face twisted in displeasure.

Sure enough, after a while, Mama Liu came out carrying a big bowl full of ginger tea. “Drink this quickly and sweat it out.”

Gu Qingyan pinched his nose and drank it down. The taste was both sweet and spicy — unbearable.

“Brother, eat some candied fruit.” Gu Shuyan handed him a candied jujube.

Gu Qingyan quickly popped it into his mouth.

Mama Liu laughed, “You’re so grown up and still afraid of ginger tea?”

“I just don’t like the taste of ginger,” Gu Qingyan said with the candied jujube in his mouth, mumbling unclearly.

Mama Liu shook her head, then complained to the two girls, “Since he was little, Brother Yan never liked ginger. Every time we gave him ginger tea, it took three or four tries to get him to drink it.”

“Did he end up drinking it? Did he get better?” the little girl asked.

Mama Liu’s smile faded a bit, “He did drink it, but he still got sick.”

Gu Qingyan didn’t like ginger tea, so Mama Liu was always willing to coax and trick him into drinking it. But Madame Xu wasn’t so patient.

Once, when he refused, Madame Xu forced him to drink it, which scared Mama Liu so much she never dared make him drink ginger tea in front of Madame Xu again.

“It’s strange — when he was kept in the Li household with all their wealth and status, Brother Yan kept getting sick, couldn’t even attend school properly. Ever since he left the Li family, his health has improved.”

Mentioning the Li family, the two sisters exchanged a glance.

Gu Qingyan said casually, “It just shows people can’t always stay cooped up at home. Staying inside makes you sick. Now that I’m running around everywhere, I’m lively and healthy.”

“Running around and making excuses,” Mama Liu joked.

But in her heart, she thought maybe Brother Yan was really incompatible with the Li family; otherwise, why would his health improve the moment he left?

Gu Qingyan cleared his throat lightly. “Wangqing, Shuyan, come here.”

He handed over two large gift packages. “These are newly bought stationery sets — one set each for you. They’re perfect for reading and writing.”

The sisters looked surprised.

Gu Wangqing quickly said, “Brother, we’re just learning a few characters, no need to study seriously. Such expensive things aren’t necessary.”

“Yeah, yeah, these are expensive. Brother, you keep them for yourself,” Gu Shuyan added.

She still remembered how their brother used to spend a lot of silver buying paper and brushes, and the family always worried about the cost.

Gu Qingyan pressed the sets into their hands. “I have enough in my study. And since I bought them, there’s no returning. Might as well give them to you.”

The two sisters held the stationery, unsure what to say.

Gu Qingyan smiled, rubbing their heads. “Brother has money, you two study well — this expense is worth it.”

“But… girls studying is useless,” Gu Wangqing whispered.

Gu Qingyan raised an eyebrow. “Who says it’s useless?”

“Father said so. Before… that person said so too,” Gu Shuyan pursed her lips.

She clutched the stationery tightly and muttered, “They say girls will eventually marry off. It’s enough to know a few characters to keep track of household expenses.”

Gu Qingyan shook his head. “They’re wrong.”

“Think about it: if studying is useless, why do men study? Why is it said that all trades are lowly except studying is noble? Why do your father and that person sell houses and land but still study?”

The sisters looked at each other.

“But we are girls,” they said.

“Being born a girl is indeed a disadvantage. Private schools rarely accept girls. But I heard there’s a girls’ academy in the capital, a place specifically for teaching girls.”

Gu Qingyan said, “Once I pass the provincial exam and head to the capital for the imperial exam, I’ll ask around. If it’s real, I’ll find a way to send you both to study.”

Gu Shuyan’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

There’s a place in the world where girls are allowed to study?

Father and that person were both wrong?

Mama Liu asked curiously, “Brother Yan, is there really such a place that lets girls study?”

Gu Qingyan nodded, “Definitely. I’ve heard others mention it.”

But to get into the girls’ academy, families have to be either wealthy or noble. If he wants to send his sisters there, he’ll need to work harder.

Gu Qingyan smiled warmly, “So you two study well and learn as much as you can. If there’s an entrance exam later, you won’t have to worry.”

Gu Shuyan immediately exclaimed, “Big brother, I’ll study hard!”

“I will too,” Gu Wangqing nodded.

Gu Qingyan was pleased and added, “From now on, every evening I’ll teach you for half an hour. Then you practice writing for half an hour. The rest of the time depends on you to study by yourselves.”

“Won’t that take time away from your studies?” Gu Wangqing worried.

Gu Qingyan said, “No. Teaching you helps me review too. Two birds with one stone.”

After thinking for a moment, Gu Qingyan went inside and took out a copy of the Three Character Classic left by Gu Tongsheng.

When Gu Tongsheng ran his private school, he would copy out the Three Character Classic and hand it to new students who came to apprentice.

When Li Jingting was first learning, he was taught with Gu Tongsheng’s handwritten copy, learning characters and writing hand in hand.

Gu Tongsheng died suddenly, but a few handwritten copies remained in the study, prepared for the next year’s new students.

“This is father’s handwritten copy. You can use it now.”

The two sisters were stunned, their eyes reddening.

Gu Qingyan quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t want to use the handwritten copy? I can buy two printed versions of the Three Character Classic tomorrow, they’re not expensive.”

“No.”

Gu Wangqing took the book from him abruptly. “I like this one.”

She sniffled, lowering her head as she said, “Sorry, I just thought of Dad.”

When Dad was still alive, he didn’t like them going into the study. After Dad passed away, the study became Gu Fengmian’s territory.

These books, the two sisters had never touched before.

Gu Qingyan couldn’t read the girls’ minds and mistakenly thought the handwritten copy reminded them of their father.

He could only comfort them, “Then you should cherish this book well. Dad would be happy to see it even from the underworld.”

“Mm.” Gu Wangqing nodded hard.

That night, the two sisters tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

Gu Shuyan couldn’t help but quietly get up and open her own set of calligraphy tools.

She carefully touched the brush, then the inkstone, afraid she might damage them, moving very gently.

“Hehe,” she couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Gu Wangqing wanted to pretend to be asleep but couldn’t; she spoke up, “Alright, it’s yours from now on. You can use it until you get tired of it.”

“I won’t get tired of it.”

Gu Shuyan returned to bed, her eyes still sparkling in the dark. “Sister, I really think things are good now. Every day is so happy, like a dream.”

Even happier than when Dad and Mom were alive.

Whenever she thought this way, Gu Shuyan felt a bit guilty—after all, their parents were gone, yet she was so happy.

After a long time, Gu Wangqing spoke, “Yanyan, I’m happy too. Big Brother is really good. He’s sincere to us; we should treat him well.”

“Of course, he’s my only brother,” Gu Shuyan huffed.

The next morning, Gu Qingyan had just gotten up when he heard noise outside.

Going out, he saw the two sisters.

“Big Brother, good morning,” Gu Shuyan called out loudly.

Gu Qingyan rubbed his eyes, “Why are you up so early? It’s not even dawn yet.”

“I woke up and just got up. Brother, look, am I carrying it right?”

Gu Shuyan cleared her throat: “Ren zhi chu, xing ben shan…”
(She recited the beginning of the Three Character Classic aloud.)

She recited all the parts she knew.

Gu Qingyan nodded, “All correct. Looks like my little sister has a talent for studying.”

Gu Shuyan beamed, smiling even more happily.

“Brother, don’t praise her too much. She stayed up all night making pancakes yesterday, if you praise her again, she won’t want to sleep tonight,” Gu Wangqing teased her sister.

Gu Shuyan’s face fell.

Gu Qingyan stifled a laugh, “This studying enthusiasm is good, but the key is persistence. Rest well so it lasts long.”

“Got it,” Gu Shuyan agreed.

After breakfast, Gu Qingyan was about to go to the county school.

The two sisters reluctantly saw him off, following him all the way to the big tree at the village entrance.

Gu Qingyan sighed, “I’m leaving now, hurry back home.”

The sisters still hesitated to leave, watching the ox cart go far away until it disappeared, then holding hands to walk back.

“Qingqing, Yanyan, you’re here again to see your brother off to school?”

Gu Shuyan lifted her chin proudly, “Yes! Brother even said he’d teach us to read later and bought us calligraphy tools.”

“Oh, that must have cost a lot. Your brother really knows how to spend.”

Gu Shuyan smiled smugly, “My brother’s the best.”

The little girl had a bit of a proud attitude, and Gu Wangqing couldn’t stop her, only watching her strut past each family they met.

Fortunately, relatives and neighbors joked with them a little but were all happy for them.

The eldest aunt heard this and specially came over to remind them, “Ever since your big brother came back, he’s been spending money and effort, and he really cares about you two. You have to remember this kindness well, treat him better, don’t let him feel disappointed.”

“Also treat that Liu Ganniu well. She’s sweet and hardworking, that’s how you win people over.”

She truly cared about the two sisters.

After all, although Gu Qingyan was their real son, he had been with the Li family for fifteen years and had little feeling with the sisters.

Now that he finally returned, not only did he raise them plump and healthy but also taught them to read. He was really a good person.

The sisters quickly agreed.

Gu Qingyan reached the county town and eagerly headed to the bookstore.

He was too excited yesterday and forgot the bookstore had more than just that set of history books. Many books were on the counter.

“Young master, why are you here so early? Need anything?” The shopkeeper was surprised to see him just opening the store.

Gu Qingyan smiled, “Got up early, the county school isn’t open yet, thought I’d come here to pass the time.”

The shopkeeper laughed, “Young master, I thought about your words all night and made a rule overnight. Since you’re here, help me take a look.”

“From now on, young master can just come to read books here, I won’t charge a single coin.”

Gu Qingyan didn’t refuse.

Looking around, he was impressed.

The shopkeeper had thought things through carefully, dividing the bookstore into two parts: one part was for sale, and the other for rent. The rental was further divided into books that could be taken away and those that could only be read inside the store.

Gu Qingyan praised, “Very comprehensive. Other gaps will have to be seen after implementation and then supplemented.”

“That’s good. Young master, I’ll give you an annual card then. Please honor us with your patronage.”

Gu Qingyan smiled but said nothing.

He went to the counter and began flipping through other books.

[Found a poetry collection. Include it?]

Gu Qingyan rolled his eyes and put it down immediately — it was a poetry collection he had published himself, without fame or talent, no way he’d waste his points on that.

There were quite a few books on the counter, but most were poor quality, some were plays.

Gu Qingyan picked carefully, only including two travel journals, one of which was a travel journal of Guangzhou Prefecture.

Maybe he could read more and have something to write about when he wrote back to Pei Xuan.

After one round, Gu Qingyan was very disappointed.

Lingchuan County was too small, and most of the bookstore’s books were required for imperial exams — he already had those at home, no need to spend points.

The rest were mostly plays to kill time. Gu Qingyan wasn’t willing to spend points on romantic scholar-and-beauty novels.

The shopkeeper noticed his lack of interest and asked, “Young master, didn’t find anything you like? Why not look at that history book set again from yesterday?”

“If you really like it, I’ll let you have it for twenty taels of silver.”

That set cost twenty-five taels wholesale — the shopkeeper was losing money selling it for twenty.

Gu Qingyan declined and asked instead, “Shopkeeper, do you know where I can find more and better books?”

The shopkeeper laughed, “Young master, you’re a county school student; why are you asking me?”

Gu Qingyan looked puzzled.

“There’s a library tower in the county school. Once students receive permission, they can go in to read. I heard the books there far outnumber those in the bookstore, and they even have official bulletins with the court’s policies.”

Hearing this, Gu Qingyan was stunned.

He really hadn’t known the county school had a library tower.

He hurriedly took his leave and headed straight for the county school.

Zhang Cheng and the others were already in the classroom and greeted him with smiles when they saw him.

Gu Qingyan went in and asked, “Does our county school have a library tower?”

Zhang Cheng and the others showed helpless expressions.

“Brother Gu, it’s not that we’re hiding it on purpose, but even if you knew about it, you still couldn’t go in.”

Gu Qingyan was puzzled. “Why not?”

“The library tower in the county school is for students to read and study. I’m also a student, so why can’t I go? Shouldn’t all students be allowed?” he asked, feeling this was unfair treatment.

Seeing that the teachers hadn’t arrived yet, Zhang Cheng lowered his voice.

“It’s not like that. Before, there were a few days each month when everyone could go in to read books. You just had to keep things clean and not dirty the books—there were no other restrictions.”

“But later, Instructor Ma said we hadn’t even mastered the basics. Not a single one of us had passed the provincial exam these years. It showed that we were muddled from reading too many miscellaneous books, so he forbade us from going in freely.”

“Now only those who pass the xiucai exam will be given some leniency and allowed to read in there.”

Gu Qingyan’s expression immediately fell.

Passing the xiucai exam meant at least waiting until next year’s provincial exam—over a year wasted doing nothing.

No, he had to figure out a way. He couldn’t just wait around.

The library tower was right there—of course Gu Qingyan wouldn’t give up.

Since it was Instructor Ma’s order, it seemed he had to start with him.

Waiting left and right, Instructor Ma finally appeared. Gu Qingyan straightened up.

Instructor Ma strode in, his gaze sharp as if feeling a thorn in his back. Suddenly he turned around, eyes burning as they fixed on Gu Qingyan.

“What is this kid trying to do again?”

Instructor Ma had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the next moment, Gu Qingyan stood up.

“Class is starting, sit down,” Instructor Ma said, trying to stay calm.

Gu Qingyan first saluted, then spoke loudly, “Instructor, the student has a question.”

Instructor Ma frowned, “Class first, we’ll talk after.”

“No, student can’t wait a moment longer.”

Gu Qingyan stared at him and continued, “Instructor, you know me well. I’ve always admired your teachings and never forget your words, not even for a moment.”

“What exactly do you want to say?” Instructor Ma asked impatiently.

Gu Qingyan blinked, “I just don’t understand—why is it that if you haven’t passed the xiucai exam, you can’t enter the library tower? Shouldn’t more reading, more learning, and more practice increase the chances of passing?”

Instructor Ma snorted coldly, “The provincial exam tests your fundamentals. If your foundation isn’t solid, biting off more than you can chew will just confuse you. I’m doing this for your own good.”

“I see,”

Gu Qingyan rubbed the corner of his eye, “So Instructor Ma’s intentions are kind-hearted. You care so much for us, student is deeply grateful. You are like a father, brother, teacher, and friend to me all at once. From now on, you will be the most important person in my heart.”

“Instructor, please accept a bow from your student.”

He then stood up, ready to bow.

Instructor Ma was so startled he took two steps back.

He looked suspiciously at Gu Qingyan, strongly suspecting this kid was just looking for an excuse to cozy up to him.

“Like father, brother, teacher, and friend—bah, disgusting.”

But no matter how much he wanted to get rid of him, he dared not be too harsh with him in front of the county magistrate, so he kept his anger to himself.

A thought crossed Instructor Ma’s mind. He said coldly, “But that only applies to enrolled students. You’re an auditor, so you’re not included.”

“What? No, Instructor, you wholeheartedly care for the enrolled students, but how can you leave me out? Does this mean from now on, I’m no longer your favorite student?”

Gu Qingyan shouted loudly.

Those words made Ma Jiaoyu extremely disgusted. “Most beloved student,” he thought bitterly, “When did I ever say that?”

Looking at the other students, one by one their faces twisted — they were all holding back laughter.

Ma Jiaoyu, annoyed, curled his mustache and said, “Go if you want, just shut up. No nonsense allowed in class.”

Gu Qingyan saw his chance and stopped pushing, quietly sitting down.

After all, his goal was achieved. He didn’t expect Ma Jiaoyu to be so easy to handle. This guy just couldn’t stand hearing cheesy flattery.

Whenever he heard it, the old tutor would get goosebumps and look like his hair was standing on end — quite amusing.

For the rest of the day’s lessons, Gu Qingyan caused no trouble, which made Ma Jiaoyu breathe a sigh of relief.

As soon as class ended, Ma Jiaoyu hurried away, afraid Gu Qingyan would start flattering him again.

Zhang Cheng admired Gu Qingyan and said, “Brother Gu, that was brilliant, truly brilliant.”

“Nothing special. I’m heading to the library—do you guys want to come?” Gu Qingyan asked.

Zhang Cheng quickly shook his head. “No thanks, I don’t dare.”

Gu Qingyan wasn’t afraid of Ma Jiaoyu holding a grudge, nor did he worry about being ignored by him. After all, he’d have to take the exams next year and definitely couldn’t afford to offend Ma Jiaoyu.

Seeing they all shook their heads, Gu Qingyan didn’t insist and quickly got up to leave.

“If you want to read any books, just tell me. I’ll copy one for you,” he said.

The library was in the east wing of the county school. Calling it a library was generous—it was actually a small two-story room.

You could tell a lot of care was put into its construction; the lighting was excellent.

The old gatekeeper saw him and waved him off: “No entry now.”

“Old sir, Ma Jiaoyu believes I’m exceptionally talented and that I can already pass the xiucai exam, so he specially permitted me early access to the library,” Gu Qingyan praised himself wildly.

The old man looked at him in surprise. “Really? If you lie, you’ll be punished.”

“Of course it’s true. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Ma Jiaoyu,” Gu Qingyan said confidently.

The old man was half convinced. “What’s your name?”

“Gu Qingyan.”

The old man immediately became excited. “So you’re Gu Qingyan? You’re a great benefactor of Lingchuan County. No wonder Ma Jiaoyu specially allowed you to enter the library. If it’s you, you’ll definitely top the list next year.”

Gu Qingyan smiled modestly, though he wasn’t as confident as the old man.

The old man didn’t stop him and quickly unlocked the door: “Come in. You can stay as long as you like. When you’re done, just call me and I’ll lock the door.”

Gu Qingyan stepped inside and took a deep breath, almost coughing from the dust.

Because no one had been inside for a long time, the library smelled unpleasant.

He covered his nose and waved his hand, planning to take a quick look around and start cataloging the most valuable books.

He would exclude the ones he already had at home and choose rare books that couldn’t be taken out, so his points spent would be worth it.

As he looked, he even took out a handkerchief and began cleaning.

Since he was here, he might as well not just stand idly.

The old man peeked inside and saw Gu Qingyan sweeping. He sighed with admiration.

“No wonder he’s the great benefactor of Lingchuan County. Others come to read books, but he comes to sweep and organize. With this attitude, he’s sure to become the top scorer in the future.”

Poetry collections, poetry collections, and more poetry collections. Why so many poetry books? Many were even published by local Lingchuan authors.

If you didn’t know, you’d think Lingchuan County was some sort of poet-producing place.

Gu Qingyan checked the classics first—unfortunately, he already owned most of the classic books.

The historical books were somewhat rare and strange, though not many. Gu Qingyan collected all of them.

What surprised him was the “zi” section, which took up three large shelves.

It included astronomy, geography, military science, mathematics, medicine, even agriculture, arts, and philosophy.

Gu Qingyan had to carefully select because he felt his points wouldn’t be enough.

Suddenly, he stopped.

“Searching for King Huai’s Tomb”

King Huai’s Tomb — could this be the tomb that the Taiping Sect cultists in the mountains were looking for?

Gu Qingyan didn’t have time to catalog it, he just pulled it out and flipped it open.

[Today, under imperial order, we seek King Huai’s Tomb to obtain King Huai’s jade seal to command the ghosts…]

“Who are you people?”

Outside came a commotion. Gu Qingyan looked up and saw a group of men dressed in black arrow-sleeve tunics storming into the library.

[Cataloged.]

Gu Qingyan quickly shoved the book he was holding to the lowest, most inconspicuous corner, replacing it with a travelogue of Lingchuan County.

“The Imperial City Office is investigating. All idle people must leave immediately.”

The man in charge shouted coldly.

The old gatekeeper, realizing their special status, dared not resist.

Gu Qingyan hurried outside.

“Stop. What are you holding? Hand it over.”

Gu Qingyan handed over the travelogue. “Just a travelogue.”

Someone took it, glanced at it, and nodded.

“Search him.”

Gu Qingyan frowned as two men immediately started patting him down, not even sparing his more private areas. He could only endure it for now.

After the search, the men shook their heads, indicating they found nothing.

“Hurry up and go.”

Gu Qingyan quickly walked out. The old man was still waiting outside, and he only relaxed once he saw Gu Qingyan come out.

“Child, are you alright? Those people were really overbearing. I don’t even know who they are.”

As he was speaking, County Magistrate Hong came rushing over.

When he saw Gu Qingyan there, he was startled and quickly asked, “Why are you here?”

“I came to the archives to read,” Gu Qingyan explained.

Magistrate Hong frowned, muttering to himself that the timing was unfortunate. He instructed, “Leave quickly. Stay in the classroom and don’t wander around.”

Gu Qingyan nodded and left.

Even after walking quite a distance, he could still faintly hear the sounds of the search inside the archive. Even the chests and cabinets were being overturned.

“Found it!” —that was the last thing Gu Qingyan heard.