After several days of arduous travel, they finally arrived in Jinzhou. Qin Ke jumped down from the carriage and stretched, feeling as though his bones were about to fall apart.
In his previous life, he occasionally had to travel for work. For nearby destinations, he would drive himself, and even two or three hours behind the wheel left him exhausted. This, however, was a carriage with no shock absorption at all, jolting along muddy, uneven roads—Qin Ke felt as though his backside had nearly been shaken to pieces.
Compared to him, Li Nanqiao and Lu Youqing were far more accustomed to such travel. Lu Youqing could even read inside the carriage. The fact that Qin Ke hadn't thrown up already was a minor miracle.
He reached out to help Lu Youqing down. Both he and Lu Youqing were visiting Jinzhou for the first time. Li Nanqiao had been here before to purchase saltpeter, but she hadn't explored much either.
After arriving in Jinzhou, the three of them first found an inn to rest and recover. They expected to stay for over a month, and it wouldn't be practical to lodge at an inn for that long. After settling in, they planned to find a house to rent instead.
However, before Qin Ke even had time to go out and ask around, the next morning the inn's attendant came knocking, saying someone was looking for him.
At first, Qin Ke was puzzled. He was a complete stranger here—who would be looking for him?
When he went downstairs, he saw a man dressed in dark robes, lean in build, with sharp, alert eyes. Upon seeing Qin Ke, the man stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "My name is Gu Zhong. The head of the Gu family sent me to escort you to a residence."
Qin Ke let out an "oh." It seemed Gu Lanxi had already known they would be coming to Jinzhou and had someone keeping an eye on their movements. Most likely, as soon as they checked into the inn the previous night, word had reached her.
She had allowed them to rest properly for a night before sending someone to fetch them the next morning.
The Gu family's residence in Jinzhou was imposing and expansive, with exquisitely carved stone lions standing on either side of the entrance.
Following Gu Zhong inside, a wide bluestone path led to the main hall. Flying eaves, bracketed roofs, carved beams, and painted rafters—restrained yet luxurious.
This was, by far, the grandest estate Qin Ke had seen since arriving in this era.
Gu Lanxi was likely busy in her study. After asking a maid, Gu Zhong led them there instead.
"Family Head, they've arrived," Gu Zhong announced, knocking lightly on the door.
With a creak, a maid in pink opened it. "The Family Head says the two of you may enter."
As Qin Ke and Lu Youqing stepped inside, a faint, elegant scent of sandalwood greeted them. An exquisite incense burner stood in the center, thin curls of smoke drifting upward and filling the room.
The furnishings were refined and antique, arranged with careful balance. Every detail reflected meticulous craftsmanship. Several landscape paintings adorned the walls, their brushstrokes delicate and fluid, the ink rich and lingering.
The mistress of the residence sat upright at her desk, a thick stack of ledgers piled before her. When the two entered, Gu Lanxi lifted her gaze and said bluntly, "You may stay here temporarily before the provincial exam. Gu Zhong will take you to Lixiang Courtyard shortly. It's a bit secluded, but quiet and well-suited to your needs. If you require anything, speak to Gu Zhong."
Fine. Qin Ke had already grown accustomed to this decisive style.
"Thank you for your consideration, Family Head Gu," Lu Youqing said, lowering herself in a brief bow.
Qin Ke could tell Gu Lanxi was genuinely busy. She waved them off and immediately returned to her work.
Lixiang Courtyard lay in the northwest corner of the Gu estate. Ink-colored brick walls, blue tiles, and decorative brickwork enclosed it, with green willows hanging overhead. Several ornamental rocks dotted the courtyard. Just as Gu Lanxi had said, the winding paths led to a tranquil retreat—an excellent place for quiet study and rest.
The courtyard even had a separate side gate, making it convenient for them to come and go.
At noon, Gu Zhong delivered their meal, setting it on the table before bowing slightly. "I will deliver your meals at the proper times each day. If you have any other needs, please let me know."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Much of the food resembled dishes from Caiyue Pavilion—clearly the cooks had been trained together.
That night, after quickly unpacking, Lu Youqing lay in Qin Ke's arms and said softly, her voice tinged with unease, "I wonder whether the master will agree to take me on."
Qin Ke tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer. "Since the Eldest Princess gave you a letter of introduction, he'll at least give her face some consideration. Besides, you're so intelligent—anyone would like you."
Not just intelligent, but incredibly disciplined as well. In modern terms, she was a textbook top student.
What teacher wouldn't like that?
"Do you know who Master Yang is?" Lu Youqing lightly tapped his arm.
Of course Qin Ke didn't know—he could barely keep track of official ranks.
She hadn't expected him to. Continuing on her own, she said, "Master Yang once served as the Eldest Princess's tutor. After retiring due to age, I never imagined he would now be teaching in seclusion at Bailu Academy."
Qin Ke understood immediately—the Eldest Princess had introduced her former teacher to Lu Youqing.
That was an extraordinary honor.
No wonder Lu Youqing's attitude toward the Eldest Princess was so respectful afterward.
All through the next day, Lu Youqing remained anxious, her heart pounding incessantly, making even Qin Ke feel tense by association.
The academy was located on the outskirts of Jinzhou, surrounded by tranquil scenery. After alighting from the carriage, Qin Ke saw two young attendants in blue robes standing guard at the entrance.
As they approached, one attendant looked them over and said somewhat arrogantly, "This is Bailu Academy. Unauthorized persons are not allowed entry."
Bailu Academy was the most renowned academy in Jinzhou. Many of its instructors had once passed the imperial examinations as jinshi. For ordinary families, gaining entry was extremely difficult.
Lu Youqing handed over the letter of introduction.
The attendant's expression changed instantly upon seeing it. After discreetly sizing Lu Youqing up, he bent forward respectfully. "Please follow me."
Lu Youqing had only ever heard of academies before—she had never had the chance to enter one. Curiosity filled her heart as she followed the attendant, constantly observing the layout and surroundings.
It was likely class time. Clear, resonant voices reading aloud could be heard in the distance. Many young scholars in blue robes walked about with books in hand, swaying slightly as they recited. The atmosphere of learning was thick and pervasive.
The attendant led them through numerous buildings. The deeper they went, the quieter it became, until they reached the innermost part of the academy.
After announcing their arrival, Lu Youqing was ushered inside. Qin Ke and Li Nanqiao were asked to wait outside in a stone pavilion.
After giving Qin Ke a reassuring look, Lu Youqing took a deep breath and stepped inside. Compared to Gu Lanxi's study, this place was exceedingly plain—but the bookshelves were packed tight with volumes, and calligraphy, paintings, and copybooks covered the walls.
The room was saturated with the scent of ink.
"Student Lu Youqing greets Master Yang," she said, bowing deeply.
Yang Jingzhi stroked his beard and examined her carefully, making no move to tell her to rise.
Lu Youqing remained bent in place like a statue. The air seemed to freeze, and an uncanny silence settled over the room.
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Currently at chapter 228 for advance chapters
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