Before leaving, Madam Fu repeatedly urged Fu Changqin, "You must focus on studying with Mr. Changshan and stop playing around."
Fu Changqin said pitifully, "Mother, Mr. Changshan only has me as a student. Even if I wanted to play, there's no chance."
Annoying, there's simply no opportunity!
Madam Fu gave it a thought and reiterated, "Make sure not to upset the marquis, hurting their health is something our family cannot afford."
Fu Changqin looked even more distressed, gazing resentfully at Fu Shinian, "Niannian, why are you so heartless to me."
Fu Shinian responded with a smile, "Brother is very wise. Even if he doesn't work hard at the academy, as long as he pays even a bit of attention, the teacher will definitely praise him. If he can be guided by a renowned master, wouldn't he stand out even more?"
"Really?" Fu Changqin couldn't believe it. His sister regarded him so highly when his parents always criticized his lack of progress. He thought Fu Shinian felt the same.
Being praised by Fu Shinian, Fu Changqin stood a little taller.
"Of course, especially given my brother's intelligence. There's no need for day and night study. Just as long as he studies attentively and finishes his homework before playing freely, he can leave his peers far behind." Fu Shinian looked at Fu Changqin admiringly, "My brother is just that remarkable."
"Indeed." Filled with confidence from Fu Shinian's praise, Fu Changqin handed over the apprenticeship gift to his servant Suixin, then supported Fu Shinian, "Come, let me help you into the carriage!"
As if he had received a burst of energy.
Madam Fu: "..."
This only made her more anxious, what should she do?
Arriving at the marquis's mansion, Fu Shinian first took Fu Changqin to pay respects to Old Madam Xiao before seeking out Xiao Chengyu.
Xiao Chengyu was off duty today, conveniently at home.
Fu Shinian entrusted Fu Changqin to Mr. Changshan, then told Xiao Chengyu, "Marquis, I have a matter to discuss with you personally, is that possible?"
Seeing Fu Shinian's serious expression, Xiao Chengyu nodded, "Come to the study with me."
Inside the study, only Jing Lai was present, Shaoyao was nowhere to be seen, which Xiao Chengyu didn't mind much.
Fu Shinian then explained about having the Cheng Family nearby draw supplies from the warehouse for the military.
"Marquis, do you think this method can work?" Fu Shinian spoke truthfully, "I admit, if it succeeds, the Cheng Family benefits. But since I devised the plan, if it's viable, there's no reason to profit outsiders."
"Besides, if the Cheng Family truly succeeds in undertaking this task, it's of great importance, with any mishap also affecting the Fu family." Fu Shinian said, "The Fu family hasn't simply gained a free advantage."
Xiao Chengyu pondered in silence for a while before slowly nodding, "Indeed feasible, since you've come to discuss it, it seems the Fu family and Cheng Family have considered it and are willing to bear the risk."
"Yes." Fu Shinian nodded, "If we step out, there's no easy benefit."
Xiao Chengyu didn't ask why Mr. Fu didn't submit such an obvious matter.
Considering Fu Shinian could come up with this plan, she's certainly no fool.
Fu Shinian's handling at the marquis's mansion, from Old Madam Xiao to Auntie Liu, shows she's a clever person.
The little girl, possessing some cleverness, didn't concern Xiao Chengyu.
But until this moment, he realized the little girl before him was more than just clever.
"In that case, I shall immediately draft a memorial to request the emperor's approval." Xiao Chengyu said, "Prepare the ink."
"Sure." Fu Shinian quickly picked up the ink, earnestly grinding.
Xiao Chengyu paused, "I didn't mean for you to grind."
Fu Shinian, a daughter from a noble family, shouldn't be doing such tasks.
Unexpectedly, the girl's previous cleverness now turned into earnest simplicity.
Listening to him, she truly started grinding the ink.
"Where is Shaoyao?" Xiao Chengyu asked Jing Lai.
"Old Madam summoned her earlier." Jing Lai promptly replied.
Xiao Chengyu didn't like crowds, aside from sweeping servants, only Jing Lai and Shaoyao were close by.
Originally, he didn't even want a maid.
To prevent some maids from entertaining inappropriate thoughts.
But detailed tasks like hair styling, Jing Lai couldn't manage.
Shaoyao was allowed near because she was already betrothed to her cousin, set to marry in the spring next year.
"Miss, allow me." Jing Lai quickly came forward, took the ink from Fu Shinian and began grinding for Xiao Chengyu.
Fu Shinian stepped aside as Xiao Yingyue's voice came from outside the study, "Shinian!"
Fu Shinian quickly left the study, but was held by Xiao Yingyue, "You came and didn't seek me?"
"My brother is here for his first time studying, and I worry he might be nervous, so I wanted to check first." Fu Shinian explained, "How could I not seek you? I've wanted to see you!"
"Really?"
Xiao Chengyu paused his movement holding the brush.
Didn't they just part last night?
After just one night, did she truly miss that much?
For some reason, in the girl's words, he seemed to sense the tone of a dashing young man amusing a lady.
Afterwards, silence resumed.
As Fu Shinian was whisked away by Xiao Yingyue to play.
Suddenly quiet, without Fu Shinian's voice, it felt strangely unfamiliar.
When Fu Shinian visited the marquis's mansion, Old Madam naturally wouldn't let her leave so early and insisted she stay for a meal.
Old Madam prepared to summon Xiao Chengyu when Housekeeper Jiang came to report, "Marquis was called to the palace by the emperor."
Fu Shinian thought, it was likely regarding the Cheng Family managing military provisions.
The emperor clearly valued it greatly.
Xiao Chengyu submitted a memorial in the morning and was summoned to the palace soon after.
Old Madam was concerned about Xiao Chengyu's health, lamenting, "Even during rest, duties can't be neglected."
In the afternoon, the kitchen sent over pastries.
Old Madam worried about Xiao Chengyu, asking, "Has the marquis returned yet?"
"The marquis just returned, going to the study. Mentioned he would come greet you shortly." Housekeeper Jiang said.
"Tell him not to rush." Old Madam smiled at Fu Shinian.
Upon hearing this, Fu Shinian wanted to know the emperor's decision. Could the Cheng Family be assigned the task, and said, "Old Madam, I suppose my brother has finished his studies, I'll go check on him."
"Very well. Also, take the pastries to let your brother taste them." Old Madam instructed, "They contain nourishing ingredients, good for his studies. Also, deliver some to the marquis and make sure he eats."
"When I send a maid to deliver them, he tends to set them aside and forget. The maids dare not remind him. If you go, he won't dare ignore it." Old Madam advised.
Upon hearing they were for health, Fu Shinian quickly agreed, "I'll make sure marquis eats them."
Now, she certainly needed to find ways to ensure Xiao Chengyu's longevity.
Xiao Chengyu, despite poor health, didn't take proper care.
Though Fu Shinian noticed Xiao Chengyu's current condition, nothing suggested he only had two years left.
Fu Shinian carrying the pastries back to Xiao Chengyu's study, was surprised to find Fu Changqin there too.
Xiao Chengyu's study now had an extra desk that wasn't there in the morning.
At the moment, Fu Changqin was seated behind the desk, concentrating on his writing.
While writing, he'd glance at Xiao Chengyu. As soon as Xiao Chengyu glanced back, Fu Changqin quickly lowered his head to continue writing, not daring to slack.
Fu Shinian couldn't help but cover her mouth in a giggle, surprised at how afraid Fu Changqin was of Xiao Chengyu.
"Niannian!" Fu Changqin, seeing Fu Shinian, cheerfully stood up.
Xiao Chengyu merely cast him a cold glance, causing Fu Changqin to dejectedly resume writing.
"Marquis, I've brought you pastries." Fu Shinian placed the food box on the table, noticing Fu Changqin eyed it eagerly.
Fu Shinian said, "I also brought some for my brother, and he can eat them once he's done."
Fu Changqin wiped away a tear of hardship and continued writing.
Xiao Chengyu remarked, "Just as well, I intended to send someone to find you."