C8 You Took the Initiative to Acknowledge Him as Your Master

In her past life, the one who cared for her the most in the family was her grandmother. Unfortunately, she had been too timid back then and was easily influenced by Lan Qingwan's manipulations, making her feel that her grandmother didn't like her. She rarely dared to approach her grandmother, which led to a gradual cooling of their relationship.

Later, just before her marriage, it was her grandmother who informed her that her mother had left a dowry, managed by Mrs. Lau. At the time, she didn't dare to ask Mrs. Lau for it, but her grandmother intervened, pressuring Mrs. Lau to hand it over. She doubted that Mrs. Lau had given everything and suspected some had been embezzled. In her past life, she didn't dare to fight for it, but this time, she wouldn't be so forgiving. She intended to claim what was rightfully hers, down to the last penny.

Lan Qingjia was momentarily lost in thought but quickly regained her composure. When everyone was enjoying themselves, she no longer stayed silent like before. Instead, she joined in the conversation, making the Old Matriarch laugh heartily.

Seeing her grandmother in good spirits, Lan Qingjia seized the moment. "Grandmother, today is your special day. Your granddaughter is here to shamelessly ask for a favor. You wouldn't refuse, would you?" Lan Qingjia blinked at the Old Matriarch, her expression a mix of innocence and a touch of slyness, with just the right amount of charm.

With her attitude, she seemed just like a little granddaughter taking advantage of the moment to bargain with her grandmother, full of playful charm and wit, unknowingly drawing the two closer together.

Sure enough, when she spoke, the Old Matriarch wasn't angry. Instead, she looked intrigued. "You little rascal, I knew it. You're buttering me up for a reason. Come on, what are you trying to get from me?"

Lan Qingjia chuckled, "Grandmother, everything you have is wonderful, and I wouldn't dare ask for it. But I heard there's a place outside the city called the Exquisite Pavilion. The scenery is so beautiful that people can't help but linger. It has five challenges that many young folks from the city are eager to try. Those who succeed receive a grand prize from the pavilion's master. Even if you don't succeed, you can still enjoy the gardens, making the trip worthwhile.

I've heard that next month during the Flower Festival, my younger siblings are all planning to visit the Exquisite Pavilion for some fun. Although I know I'm not particularly talented and probably can't pass the challenges, I still want to see it for myself. That's why I'm asking for this favor from you, Grandmother. Please grant me this wish!"

Lan Qingjia's words left everyone present a bit stunned. The Exquisite Pavilion was a landmark in the city, renowned for its five challenges.

Whether it's a game of strategy, a riddle in verse, or a test of the six arts, the challenges are ever-changing, intricately designed, and incredibly diverse, with a high level of difficulty. To date, no one has successfully completed all the challenges. Even among the top scholars, only a few have managed to pass the fifth level.

Because of its difficulty, it has become a place that all the scholars and noble youths in the city are eager to visit. The host of this place is known by the elegant title: Young Master Xuanji. However, this Young Master Xuanji is shrouded in mystery—his age, background, and appearance are all unknown. Yet, everyone in the city praises his unparalleled intellect, and even the most arrogant of noble heirs show him respect.

The Exquisite Pavilion is not a place just anyone can enter. First and foremost, you need money. To attempt the challenges, each person must pay an entry fee of one hundred taels. For the average person, this is a significant sum, so only those from noble families can afford to go.

The suggestion to visit the Exquisite Pavilion this time came from Lan Qingwan. Confident in her own talents, she doesn't claim to surpass the top scholars, but she believes she can pass the first five levels. If she does succeed, her reputation for brilliance will spread far and wide!

She made her request to Lan Zhenkun, who has always doted on her. In the end, he instructed Mrs. Lau to allocate funds from the family finances, giving each child from the First and Second Branches one hundred taels for the entry fee, allowing them to broaden their horizons.

However, among these children, Lan Qingjia was not included. Everyone assumed that Lan Qingjia lacked talent and virtue, and might embarrass herself by failing at the first hurdle. So why waste a hundred dollars for her to make a fool of herself?

In her past life, Lan Qingjia didn't dare to go because she feared being the one to bring shame. But in this life, she was determined to visit the Exquisite Pavilion.

In her previous life, Moo Jihe was the only disciple of Young Master Xuanji. This special status brought Moo Jihe many advantages, and everyone in the capital treated him with respect. While Moo Jihe undeniably had some talent, as a student from a humble background with no connections, he could never have risen so quickly without the support of being Young Master Xuanji's disciple.

Young Master Xuanji was Moo Jihe's greatest asset. If she could become Young Master Xuanji's disciple first, cutting off Moo Jihe's advantage, wouldn't that be a brilliant move?