Chapter 6

The other three Zhen who followed Jingzhen also walked in and looked at Chu Shi in unison

Zhou Rong glanced at Ji Ling's guqin and said, "This is Yunhe, crafted by the renowned contemporary qin-making family, the Yun family. It is quite remarkable"

Even if she is a concubine's daughter, she is still the biological daughter of the master. Ji Ling lowered her head and said: "Sister Shuzhen, you choose first. I have just started learning the piano and do not understand it, so I would not want to waste a good instrument."

Is that true? Ji Ling would be even happier, not expecting that the piano left by others would be so remarkable

Chu Shi replied softly, "Study the piano well from now on"

As Jingzhen stepped in through the door, she said: "What kind of gift has elder brother prepared for cousin Ling? Everyone who meets her should receive a share."

While smiling, she suddenly heard Yulian raise her voice and say: "Back to the old lady, the eldest son has arrived"

The implication is that everyone will have a share. Jingzhen immediately cheered, "It seems that this time we are all benefiting from our cousin Ling's good fortune."

It is expected that Shuzhen should show some humility; if she were to encounter others, she would naturally not approach them. However, with Ji Ling, she has already offended her, so it is done. After all, she is merely a little girl whose parents have long passed away, coming to seek favors.

"Is it given to you by the old lady?" Zhou Rong asked

Chu Shi said: "I understand, Mother"

The old lady let out a cold laugh, and suddenly understood what was going on. Although Zhou Ru was talented, the old lady had never liked her; she was arrogant and looked down on others, and her fate was unfortunate. Her husband had died early, and she had no sons. The old lady felt pity for Zhou Ru, which was why she agreed to Su's request for her to be a teacher, but as a result, she taught the young ladies in the mansion to be increasingly proud and aloof.

The old lady smiled and said, "I understand."

"Yes, my dear, I will pay attention to this and certainly find a good husband for A Ling," said Madam Su

The old lady also understood that she could not allow Ji Ling to surpass Zhenzhen and Jingzhen, otherwise it would be difficult for her to navigate her life in the residence in the future, so she said: "Ling girl, you are right, Zhenzhen, you go ahead and choose first."

The remaining clouds and nature returned to Ji Ling. In fact, she was already extremely happy to have a guqin. Originally, Zhou Rong was supposed to teach her to play in the afternoon, but she ended up without a guqin. On the way back from the school, Ji Ling encouraged herself, wondering if she could muster the courage to speak to the old lady.

It is indeed appropriate, after all, he is the first grandson in our family to get married, so it must be properly arranged. Although the expenses for A Shi's wedding will be covered by the family, as his grandmother, I should also express my sentiments. I will contribute 10,000 taels.

The old lady certainly knows the thoughts of Madam Su. "Don't be fooled by Ling girl; she only speaks well of you and Zhou Ru. However, when we initially took in Wan Zhen and Shu Zhen, Zhou Ru had already repeatedly declined. Given the small size of our temple, we probably cannot afford to host such a revered figure.

Chu Shidao: "Grandmother, I not only did not exaggerate, but I may have even underestimated. For example, my map of Shandong will include all the starting and ending points of both land and water routes within Shandong, detailing the distances and the ease of travel. It will also introduce the scenic spots along the way, local specialties, accommodations, as well as the charges for boatmen and porters, and the customs of the area"

Chu Shi said: "Isn't my book 'Shandong Journey Map Record' about to be printed? Today, Ronggu Xuan asked me to take a look."

Madam Su said: "Regardless, none of this is serious study. You will be going out next year, so you should focus your mind. I also agree with the old lady's opinion; you must not engage in such matters in the future. A mother worries when her child is a thousand miles away. When you are outside, I am always anxious and on edge"

The old lady said: "Among all the women in the world, there are more than just Zhou Runiang with talent. Since her health is not good, I plan to hire another teacher for Ling girl after the New Year. Please help me keep an eye out for this."

Shuzhen naturally desired to call forth the phoenix, and she cast a fierce glare at Jiling.

While Chu Shi was conversing with the old lady and Madam Su, Ji Ling secretly observed him. She understood a little of what Chu Shi said about the "Shandong Travel Map Record" and already felt that it was truly an excellent thing. Moreover, at such a young age, he had already traveled to so many places, which was quite impressive. However, what was even more remarkable was that he could remember all of them.

Chu Shi's statement is by no means an exaggeration. Once his "Shandong Journey Map" was published, it was immediately praised as, "Scholars and gentlemen who possess it can use it as a resource for the four kinds of livestock; merchants who possess it can understand the customs and benefits." Almost everyone going to Shandong for official duties or business had a copy in hand

Zhenzhen did not decline either, and stepped forward to take a look at the five guqin that Beiyuan, Chu Shi's attendant, had brought in and placed on the table. Her standards were exceptionally high, and her gaze was sharp. In the Chu residence, her guqin skills were already second to none, so after just a glance, she selected the best one, "Jia Yu".

Although Mrs. Su is not one to place great importance on wealth, it is evident that the old lady is also pleased with such generosity

Immediately after, Jingzhen also chose "Xiaoxiang Night Rain," while Wanzhen selected "Shiquan." The remaining two, one is Mingfeng, and the other, which is not very well-known, is called Yunhe

Oh, do you know what kind of instrument it is?" Zhou Rong became interested

Upon hearing this, Ji Ling felt it was inappropriate. How could they hire a tutor specifically for someone like her? So she quickly said: "Madam, Sister Rong is very patient and her teaching is excellent. Master Zhou has said that she surpasses her teacher. I am quite dull and can hardly recognize a few characters; it is thanks to her careful instruction that I have learned anything at all. If Master Zhou were to teach me, it would be overkill."

"Why is it uninteresting? Officials can use this book to gain a general understanding of the local customs and culture, preventing them from being deceived by their subordinates. For merchants, it is even more convenient, as they also know where to go to source goods" said Chu Shi

The next day, Ji Ling went to Zhou Rong's place with her instrument, happily saying: "Sister Rong, I have a musical instrument now"

The old lady immediately turned to look outside with Mrs. Su, and upon seeing Chu Shi enter, could not help but ask: "Why are you back home again today? Aren't you afraid your father will scold you again"

As soon as Chu Shi mentioned this, the old lady immediately recalled, "You, you just can't sit still. Last time, Bei Yuan even told me that he followed you all the way running around Shandong, and once you encountered mountain bandits, you almost lost your life there. Was it all for this ridiculous travel map, wasn't it?"

When Madam Su saw the old lady in the evening, she naturally had to question her, "I heard from A Ling that it is not Master Zhou who is teaching her, but rather her family member A Rong who is teaching her?"

Chu Shi said: "Although I have this idea, I also know it is impractical. Just the journey through Shandong alone took a full three years, and I still feel it is not enough. If I were to map out and write down the routes of all the territories of our dynasty, it would likely take at least thirty to fifty years of effort.

However, upon seeing the elderly lady, Ji Ling found herself at a loss for words. Although the elderly lady had a kind and gentle demeanor and treated her very well, Ji Ling still did not dare to make any requests for fear of upsetting her and felt that it would be seen as greedy and ungrateful

Madam Su could not help but glance at Ji Ling, surprised that this girl had managed to win over the old lady's heart in just one day's time

However, she did not expect that the gift Chu Shi would present her in the evening would be a guqin, which was precisely what she desired. Ji Ling held the guqin and bowed to Chu Shi, saying, "Thank you, Cousin Shi."

Chu Shi smiled as if he had a headache, saying, "Fortunately, I thought of bringing a few more instruments for my cousin Ling to choose from"

This week, it is likely that they are also dismissing Ji Ling due to her background. Of course, the Su family probably did not put in much effort either. However, the old lady naturally cannot speak ill of the Su family in front of Ji Ling, so she simply said: "I see. It’s alright, you can first study with A Rong for a while, and after the New Year, I will find you another teacher."

The old lady was amused by Ji Lingtong's innocent words, "It's not like we're making chicken soup, why kill a chicken?"

"Ling cousin, you choose one first," Jingzhen said

The old lady said, "I heard from Beiyuan that you still plan to write down the route maps for other paths in the future?"

The old lady nodded and said, "Learning is secondary; what matters more is having good character. One should not be too arrogant. What is there to be proud of if a young lady has her eyes raised to the top of her head?"

Ji Ling shook her head, "This is a gift from my cousin. He brought a total of 5 guqin yesterday, and the other 4 were given to Sister Zhen and the others."

Chu Shi laughed and said: "Beiyuan is exaggerating; what mountain bandits are they? They are merely a small group of refugees."

Madam Su said: "Indeed. However, as you mentioned, after A Ling finishes practicing her calligraphy, she will still be the one to take care of it."

Ji Ling did not dare to go up first, only shaking her head and softly saying: "Elders go first, younger ones go later, or let cousin go first."

Ji Lingdao: "Master Zhou's health is not good, and Aunt talked to her for a long time, but Master Zhou said she wants to return to her hometown to enjoy her old age. Aunt has no way to change her mind. Sister Rong then took the initiative to say that she would come to enlighten me, and once I can keep up with the progress of the sixth younger sister and the others, I will study with Master Zhou."

Ji Ling also laughed, "I heard that Master Zhou initially agreed only to teach my cousins, but today, for my sake, my aunt pleaded with Master Zhou for quite a while, and even sent him a lot of fine tea from her room."

Ji Ling felt a sense of relief; she had indeed guessed correctly. The old lady naturally did not appreciate her surpassing her own granddaughter. She had to constantly remind herself that she had entered the mansion solely to entertain the old lady.

The old lady's words seemed to include both Zhenzhen and Jingzhen. Lady Su was even more hesitant to respond, diverting the topic by saying: "The daughter-in-law is aware. By the way, mother, shouldn't we start making arrangements for Ah Shi's marriage? It is already September, and I was thinking we could bring the eldest daughter of the Ge family into the family by next May."

Chu Shi said: "Yesterday, I did not prepare a meeting gift for my cousin Ling, so I will make up for it today"

Madam Su then realized that the old lady had long harbored resentment towards Zhou Ru. Now that Zhou Ru had further gone against the old lady's wishes, it was difficult for her to speak favorably on Zhou Ru's behalf.

The old lady understood Madam Su's intentions; she was certain that Chu Shi would achieve success in the imperial examination, and then, coupled with the wedding night, it would be a tale of double happiness.

Jiling's words are indeed hard to find fault with, but to the ears of the youngest, Shuzhen, they are quite unpleasant. Does this not imply that she is the last one to be chosen? Jiling not only took her place in front of the old lady, but now she seems to be opposing her again

Ji Ling was gazing at Chu Shi, but when she saw Chu Shi looking back at her, she was startled and quickly lowered her head

Shuzhen didn't even say thank you, and directly stepped forward, "I want this Mingfeng."

The old lady said, "Where is there such exaggeration?"

"Ah, how complicated that must be! What is the point of this?" asked Madam Su.