C14 Enrolling

Jing Bao was both surprised and doubtful. He quickly threw on his coat and rushed out.

In the main hall, Second Old Master Jing was having tea with Shen Changgeng. Seeing Jing Bao hurrying in, he felt as uncomfortable as if he'd swallowed a fly.

Jing Bao stepped forward, "Student Jing Bao, at your service, Lord Shen."

Shen Changgeng nodded, carefully reviewing the registration records to prevent any impersonation, then handed over a letter.

"Lord Gu has recognized your talent. You've been admitted to the Imperial College!"

Jing Bao accepted the letter, tears welling up in his eyes. He murmured, "Lord Gu appreciates me? He really appreciates me?"

Shen Changgeng awkwardly scratched his nose, thinking: Fool, I'm the one who truly appreciates you. Without me, you'd be left out in the cold!

No way, I can't let Gu Changping take all the credit.

"Mr. Jing, do you have a courtesy name?"

"Lord Shen, I don't have one yet!"

"In that case, how about I give you one?"

Shen Changgeng forced a smile, bestowing a courtesy name that would remind Jing Bao of his kindness for a lifetime.

"Please, go ahead!"

"Let's call you Wenruo!"

"Wenruo?"

"As the saying goes: 'Wenruo is like the beauty of spring, thoughts flowing like a fountain.'"

With tears in his eyes, Jing Bao quietly protested, "Lord Shen, isn't that name a bit too feminine?"

Feminine? Shen Changgeng nearly lost his mind on the spot!

"Why criticize the name for being too feminine? Why not mention how you look a bit feminine yourself?"

Shen Changgeng stood up abruptly and stormed off, his sleeves swishing dramatically.

Jing Bao snapped back to reality, hurried after him, and bowed deeply to his retreating, indignant figure. "Thank you, Master Shen, for bestowing the name Wenruo upon me. It suits me perfectly."

Master Shen responded with nothing but a proud, retreating silhouette.

Mrs. Lu was overjoyed, her smile so wide it seemed to shave years off her appearance. Meanwhile, the Second Old Master sat in the grand chair, looking somber.

Jing Bao approached with a smile, "Aren't you happy for me, Second Uncle?"

Second Old Master Jing forced a smile, his expression softening slightly. "Of course, I'm happy. But remember what I said—don't bring trouble to the Jing family!"

"Thank you for the advice, Second Uncle."

Jing Bao set down her teacup, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've spent so many years in the capital and hardly know me. I'm not one to cause trouble, but if it comes my way, I'm not afraid to face it."

Second Old Master Jing felt a chill run through him.

Jing Bao watched her uncle's face grow darker and slowly smirked. She had been in the capital for less than a month. Apart from standing up for Fourth Miss and offending the Shea family, no one in the city would bother with a newcomer like her.

But this man in front of her...

She had to give him a little warning!

Just then, word came that the eldest daughter and her husband had returned.

"Congratulations, brother-in-law! Now that you're in college, study hard, and you'll surely achieve great things."

Jing Bao smiled, "Thanks for the encouragement. I'll do my best."

"Do your best, huh?"

Ruosu shot her husband a look, "Why don't you step outside for a bit? Let us siblings have a private chat."

"Private chat can wait. Little Seven, let's go grab a drink."

The voice was Lu Huaiqi's. He pulled back the curtain and walked in, flashing a bright smile. "Brother Wu is here too. Perfect timing! Let's all celebrate for Little Seven today."

Wu Chenggang perked up at the idea and, without further ado, grabbed Jing Bao by the arm and led him out, leaving Ruosu fuming. She turned to Mann and said, "Next time you see that young cousin master coming, just kick him out!"

Mann nodded vigorously.

Ruosu lowered her voice, "Has Bao... you know, started her cycle yet?"

Mann shook her head, "Not yet, but I think it's coming soon. Lately, Little Seven's been complaining about chest pain."

Ruosu looked worried, "Living on campus is going to be tough. You're a girl and can't stay with him. What are we going to do?"

Mann was just as concerned, "Maybe I could disguise myself as a boy and sneak in?"

Jing Ruosu poked her forehead and said, "You and your servant both talk nonsense. You're driving me crazy!"

Mann chuckled, "Don't worry, Miss. Mrs. Lee already brought a clever young boy from the south. His name is Yuanji."

Jing Ruosu's eyes lit up. "Is he reliable?"

Mann replied, "He's from the estate that came with Madam's dowry, so he's trustworthy. Plus, with my brother's help, there shouldn't be any issues."

Jing Ruosu felt a pang of worry. Had her mother planned for Bao to be her son forever?

---

At the Fragrance Seeking Pavilion, a small square stage was set up in the front courtyard, where they were performing "The Peony Pavilion." Laughter from the women in the back courtyard could be heard faintly.

Jing Bao glanced at Wu Chenggang, who was ordering drinks and snacks, feeling uneasy. The food and fruit were quickly served, along with a fine brew of Liu'an Laojunmei tea.

Just as the three were about to enjoy their meal, a waiter came over with a jug of wine. "Who's Seventh Master Jing?"

Jing Bao responded, "That's me!"

The waiter placed the wine on the table, looking a bit nervous. "Someone asked me to bring this wine to you, and they wanted me to tell you they'll take good care of you at the Imperial College!"

Jing Bao frowned. "May I ask who sent it?"

The waiter, relieved that Jing Bao wasn't angry, pointed discreetly in a direction. "It was that gentleman over there!"

Jing Bao shifted his gaze and saw that it was none other than Shea Shun. Beside him stood another man, broad-shouldered and imposing, bearing a striking resemblance to Shea Shun. This must be the other culprit responsible for Fourth Miss's death, Shea Hu!

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