C8 Heart Is Big

"Sir, there’s been another funeral at the Marquis Mansion. It seems the old lady has passed away."

Qi Lin frowned, feeling a touch of sympathy for the recent events at the mansion.

Gu Changping, hearing this, remained calm. "Alright, I'll pay my respects when I get the chance."

In his past life, the old lady of the Marquis Mansion had passed around this time too, so he knew he needed to start preparing early.

At the Marquis Mansion, once the old lady’s funeral was over, the place was left in a state of disarray. The Marquis ordered everyone to stay indoors and not to venture out unnecessarily. He even brought in a good tutor to ensure his children and grandchildren focused on their studies.

Sometimes, it takes a significant setback to truly understand one's situation.

With all the commotion settled, there were only three days left until Jing Bao’s exam at the Imperial College. That evening, she was studying in the library when her brother-in-law, Wu Chenggang, and cousin, Lu Huaiqi, walked into the courtyard together.

She was surprised. How did these two end up together?

Jing Bao asked and found out they had met at the mansion's gate. One was sent by his wife, and the other had sneaked out.

Both had the same goal: to take Seventh Master Jing out for a drink and some theater to help him relax before the exam.

It was understandable for Brother-in-law Wu, but Lu Huaiqi was still in mourning. How could he think of drinking and theater?

Lu Huaiqi had a ready excuse: "Didn't you promise the old ancestor you'd place third in the exam? I'm worried you won't make it, and the old ancestor might come looking for you at night!"

Jing Bao: “...”

The Pine Crane Tavern is the most luxurious establishment in the city, with its sign personally inscribed by the Crown Prince, adding an air of nobility. As the three stepped out of their carriage, they heard a woman singing along to the melody of a fiddle.

Jing Bao found the tune familiar. “Isn't that a song from our southern region?”

“The owner of Pine Crane Tavern is from the south,” Wu Chenggang chuckled. “I heard the performers here are all brought in from down south, and they're as stunning and graceful as angels!”

Lu Huaiqi winked at Jing Bao. “With Brother Wu treating us today, you're in for a treat, cousin.”

Jing Bao pretended not to notice and followed Brother Wu up the stairs to the second floor. The first floor of Pine Crane Tavern was a large hall, the second floor had private rooms, and the third floor was reserved for the elite.

A row of large, ornate windows was propped half-open with rods. By one of these windows sat a young man, leisurely enjoying his drink and the music. He was in his early twenties, dressed casually, yet exuded an extraordinary presence. His handsome face bore the marks of someone who had spent considerable time in the northern territories.

This was Duke Lee Junxian.

Across from him sat Gu Changping, sipping his drink slowly, with a somewhat indifferent expression. Lee Junxian glanced at his personal guard, who immediately dismissed the tavern staff and quietly closed the door as he left.

Lee Junxian: "The Imperial College is about to welcome new recruits. If there are any promising ones, keep an eye out for me."

Gu Changping set down his glass and said, "Let's see how they turn out first."

Lee Junxian: "Do you have anything to tell me about the Xuanping Marquis?"

Gu Changping: "You saved hundreds of lives in his mansion. That kind of favor is immense."

"So..." Lee Junxian tapped his long fingers on the table.

Gu Changping: "So, instead of waiting for those recruits to grow wings, why not ally with someone who's already established?"

Lee Junxian: "The Xuanping Marquis Mansion has lost everything now."

Gu Changping shook his head. "A camel, even when thin, is still bigger than a horse. Even if they're not as useful, cutting off a finger from the Crown Prince is something you'd want, isn't it?"

Lee Junxian raised his eyes slightly, studying him with a probing gaze.

Gu Changping met his gaze, his eyes calm and deep.

After a moment, Lee Junxian looked away, speaking with a hint of exasperation, "Do you know the risk I took saying that in front of the entire court?"

Gu Changping poured him another drink. "Fortune favors the bold, and here you are!"

Lee Junxian pointed a finger at him, "You're buying this round."

"Of course, it's on me!"

Gu Changping raised his glass in a toast.

Lee Junxian clinked glasses with him and downed his drink.

They continued to eat, drink, and chat. Halfway through their meal, Lee Junxian looked out the window with a sharp gaze. Following his line of sight, Gu Changping saw three people seated in a private room on the second floor.

One of the people sitting by the window, disguised as a man, was savoring the meal with great enjoyment. Gu Changping lowered his eyes, hiding the coldness within them.

Of all the students recommended from various states and prefectures, only half could pass the entrance exam of the Imperial College. With just three days left before the exam, this person not only had a lot of courage but also a big heart!

Lee Junxian muttered, "Is the food at this place really that good? How is that person eating so heartily without getting tired of it?"

"Such a crude person, not worth paying attention to!"

Gu Changping paused for a moment, his voice deeper than the night outside, "Qi Lin, close the window."

"Wait a moment!" Lee Junxian leaned halfway out, squinting his eyes. The young person in the light blue attire, with a simple blue headscarf, looked so elegant.

Jing Bao was enjoying the meal when she suddenly sensed a gaze upon her. Looking up, she saw it was a guest from a private room on the third floor. What are you staring at?

Jing Bao glanced at Yan behind her, who immediately stepped forward and shut the window with a "bang."

Jing Bao put down her chopsticks, picked up the cup of green tea beside her, rinsed her mouth, and said, "I'm full. Let's head back!"

Wu Chenggang laughed in exasperation, "What's the rush? The singer hasn't even arrived yet."

Lu Huaiqi chimed in, "Exactly, let's listen to the song before leaving!"

Jing Bao's expression showed a hint of concern, "I need to go back and study. I promised my grandmother I would return with a third-prize scholar title. A gentleman's promise is worth its weight in gold."

Wu Chenggang felt a lump in his throat: "Look at that ambition!"

Lu Huaiqi looked guilty: "Wow, our Little Seven is really... driven!"