Dad, open the door. I'll bring your mistress back for you.

Chapter 312 Xie Xiuqi's Visit

As early as in Shandong, it was agreed that Xie Xiuqi would become Shen Qinghai's disciple.

Therefore, as soon as he arrived in the capital, he went straight to the gate of the Shen family with the carefully prepared apprenticeship gift.

Coincidentally, this day happened to be a day of rest for the court.

As a result, Shen Huaizhong and Shen Qinghai were able to test Xie Xiuqi's knowledge together.

Whether it was the profound and obscure meaning of the classics or the complex and varied policy essays, Xie Xiuqi handled them with ease and every answer showed his unique and profound insights.

Faced with such an outstanding performance, Shen Huaizhong and Shen Qinghai were very satisfied and couldn't help but nod in praise.

Shen Qinghai stroked his beard as he spoke slowly, "I have to teach at the Imperial College twice a month, so I think I have some understanding of the current level of candidates. In my opinion, Xiuqi, your knowledge is no less than others. If you can perform at about 80% of your level today when you actually take the exam, you will definitely have a place in the top three."

Shen Huaizhong, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but ask, "Logically speaking, with your outstanding talent, you should have taken the imperial examination last time. If His Majesty hadn't specially opened this special examination, would you have planned to hold off until two years from now?"

Hearing this, Xie Xiuqi smiled slightly and responded, "Actually, my grandfather always thought I was too impulsive and worried that I was too impetuous, so he wanted me to calm down and temper my mind a little more. I never thought that this time, I would catch up with His Majesty's special imperial examination, and receive such affirmation from Prime Minister Shen and my teacher. Naturally, I feel more confident. I will give my all and will never let Prime Minister Shen and my teacher down!"

Shen Huaizhong nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, and then said earnestly: "While learning is certainly important, how to behave in society is even more important. I have to say that your grandfather was truly far-sighted and prudent. By the way, have you arranged a place to stay when you come to Beijing this time?"

Xie Xiuqi looked shy and hesitated as he spoke, "I'm only thinking about coming to you to learn from you, so I haven't found a place to stay yet. I plan to book a room at the inn next to the Imperial Examination Hall. That way it will be more convenient for me when the exam comes."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingjiang smiled and waved his hand, saying generously, "Since we're already home, why bother staying at an inn? Just stay at our house."

Upon hearing this, Xie Xiuqi quickly shook his head, "That's absolutely impossible! Staying in your house would be very inconvenient, so I'd better not bother you."

Shen Qingjiang laughed heartily and said nonchalantly, "Look at what you're saying! Our Shen family does have a clan school, and we often had children from relatives staying at our mansion. Furthermore, your grandfather was my second brother's mentor, and now you've become my disciple, so how can you be considered an outsider?"

After hearing this, Xie Xiuqi turned his gaze to Shen Huaizhong standing beside him, as if wanting to seek his opinion.

Shen Huaizhong smiled and nodded. At this time, Xie Xiuqi clasped his hands together and said to Shen Qingjiang respectfully, "Thank you for your kindness, teacher, and for not bothering me. I will have no choice but to obey your command."

Shen Qingjiang nodded with satisfaction, reached out and gently patted Xie Xiuqi on the shoulder, and said kindly, "Then you can settle down and feel at ease! If you encounter anything you don't understand, just come to the main room and find me."

Xie Xiuqi hesitated for a moment, then mustered up the courage to continue, "I do have one more thing to ask. When Miss Shen was in Shandong, we got along quite well. This time in Beijing, I've brought a gift for her. I wonder if I'll have the honor of meeting her and personally presenting this gift to her?"

After listening to this, Shen Qingjiang called a little maid to take Xie Xiuqi to Ningfengzhai.

When Xie Xiuqi gradually walked away and disappeared from sight, Shen Qinghai turned to look at Shen Huaizhong, his face thoughtful, and asked, "Dad, what do you think of Xie Xiuqi?"

After a moment's hesitation, Shen Huaizhong replied, "This boy is truly exceptional in his studies and has the potential to become a top scholar. Now that he has become your disciple, you must teach him with all your heart. If he achieves something in the future, it will undoubtedly be a powerful force for our Shen family."

However, Shen Qingjiang curled his lips slightly, as if he was not satisfied with what he said, "Dad, that's not what I meant."

Shen Huaizhong asked suspiciously, "Oh? What do you mean?"

Shen Qingjiang's eyes flickered, and he lowered his voice and said, "I mean, what do you think of this child? Is he a good match for our Xiaojiu?"

Shen Chuning is already past the age of coming of age, but the second brother and his wife are not at all anxious about this matter.

They even took the young Xiaojiu to a remote place in Shandong.

Now, after much anticipation, the second son's wife finally returns to Beijing with Xiaojiu, but she still hasn't arranged a marriage for her daughter.

If Xiaojiu had been adopted into the eldest wife's family, with her character, appearance and talent, the threshold of the Shen family would have been trampled down by those who came to propose marriage.

Shen Huaizhong couldn't help but frown, a hint of displeasure appearing on his face. He said in a reproachful tone, "You've only just met this guy once, and you're so hasty to tell Xiaojiu about him. If Xiaojiu gets to know about this, I'm afraid he'll blame you and won't recognize you as his uncle anymore!"

Shen Qinghai pointed at the article Xie Xiuqi had just written. "Look at Xiuqi's article! His writing is like a sharp sword, striking directly at the heart of the matter. His perspective is unique and distinctive. His logic is rigorous and clear, impeccable. His writing style is unconventional and truly eye-opening! As he wrote his response, his thoughts flowed like a spring, effortlessly crafting a masterpiece that will amaze everyone. Furthermore, his knowledge is truly profound. Whether it's poetry, songs, or historical allusions, he can effortlessly draw upon them, applying them to perfection. His writing is truly magnificent! Such a talented person, I imagine, must have a style that reflects his writing. And as they say, a person's character is reflected in his handwriting. Look at Xiuqi's handwriting—the delicate structure and powerful strokes—I'm sure he must be a person of good character and dignified demeanor."

"Didn't you hear him say that the elders in his family thought he was too unconventional, to the point of affecting the imperial examination? I really don't know how excessive it must be to be like this." Shen Huaizhong frowned and expressed his objection with a serious face.

"Oh, Dad, this is the child of the Xie family in Mount Tai. Even if he is not very good, how bad can he be?" Shen Qinghai explained hurriedly.

"As a father, I naturally know that you value talent, but the husband of our Xiaojiu must be good in all aspects, not just good enough." Shen Huaizhong still had a stern face and responded in a cold tone.

At this moment, Shen Qinghai realized that he seemed to have acted too hastily, so he quickly nodded and agreed, "Yes, yes, Daddy is absolutely right. We need to consider everything carefully and observe it carefully."

……

In Ningfengzhai, Shen Chuning was reading a medical book when she heard Cuiwei announce that the maid from the study had brought Xie Xiuqi over.

Shen Chuning immediately put the book aside, stood up and ordered, "Go and put the tea in the pavilion in the courtyard."