Chapter 63: The Bookboys - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 63: The Bookboys

“Alright, don’t worry. With Fourth Uncle and Cousin here, who would dare touch me? And even if something happens, Second Brother will be there, right? Who would dare mess with the Feng family?” Feng Jinyao reassured Yunxu.

Hearing this, Yunxu’s worried expression finally relaxed. The Second Young Master of their family was known for being fearless, and anyone who dared to provoke him had probably not been born yet or had already reincarnated.

With this reassurance, Yunxu saw Feng Jinyao off.

When she got into the carriage, she found only Fourth Uncle Bai and Bai Siruo inside. Bai Chaohai looked helpless, while Bai Siruo was full of excitement, chatting non-stop.

“Oh, I’ve really been tricked by this girl, insisting on joining in the fun.” Bai Chaohai lamented. But it was too late to regret now. Looking at the two little bookboys in front of him, he worried that people might suspect he had some peculiar preferences, making his expression quite troubled.

Bai Siruo, however, was bold. “Don’t worry, Father. We promise to just watch and not speak, ensuring no one discovers our identities.”

“You’d better remember that. Not a single moment of carelessness, understand?”

“Don’t worry, we won’t slip up.”

The carriage headed towards Changchun Tower and stopped in front after just the time it took for two cups of tea.

The manager of the tavern, seeing the character 'Bai' on the carriage, immediately knew it was Fourth Master Bai’s carriage and warmly welcomed them.

“You’ve arrived early, sir. The other scholars have not yet arrived, but everything in Dengyun Pavilion is ready. Would you like to go directly there or rest in a private room for a while?”

“Let’s go to Dengyun Pavilion.”

As a junior, it was appropriate for him to wait for the other three scholars.

“Certainly.”

The manager respectfully made a gesture of invitation, leading the three into Dengyun Pavilion.

Dengyun Pavilion lived up to its name. The entrance featured a straight cloud-patterned staircase made of Huanghuali wood, which was heavy yet elegant, carved with images of carp leaping over the dragon gate, symbolizing good fortune.

The thirty-six steps resembled a path to the clouds, surrounded by plain curtains, giving it an ethereal and otherworldly feel.

Inside the pavilion, a casual glance revealed masterpieces everywhere. Even Bai Chaohai, accustomed to seeing many rare works at Yunqi Academy, was slightly stunned.

It was clear that a significant amount of money had been spent to acquire these unique pieces.

Every three steps displayed an item, and every five steps a treasure, allowing Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao to see what truly pleased the refined scholars.

Ink from Huizhou, paper from Yuzhou, brushes from Xuanzhou, and racks from Wanzhou, all were the best of the best.

Bai Chaohai, noticing the manager’s luxurious attire, asked curiously, “Does Changchun Tower have only one manager?”

“Sir, you flatter me. I’m merely an overseer. The arrangements in Dengyun Pavilion were ordered by my master.”

That explained it. Businesses in the capital naturally had intricate connections with the nobility, though ordinary people wouldn’t know the true backers unless someone mentioned it.

Bai Chaohai, not one to pry excessively, simply said, “Your master has good taste.” and said no more.

The manager, being astute, served good tea and then left, allowing the three to appreciate the surroundings.

Bai Siruo, usually uninterested in calligraphy and painting, was captivated by a painting titled 'The Old Farmer Cooling Under a Banana Tree.'

In her previous life, Feng Jinyao had seen this painting in Wen Mengsheng’s study, and he mentioned it was by Monk Mingzhi from the previous dynasty.

This monk was a famous wanderer who, despite becoming a monk, didn’t confine himself to the temple but traveled widely and loved agriculture, leaving many great works.

Unfortunately, the previous dynasty’s emperor, influenced by others, tried to capture and kill this monk and burned many of his paintings. Only fewer than ten authentic pieces remained.

Having a genuine piece in Dengyun Pavilion indicated the power of its backers.

Feng Jinyao was lost in thought looking at the painting when Bai Siruo tugged her sleeve, signaling that more people had arrived.

The two quickly stood behind Bai Chaohai, heads down, pretending to be obedient bookboys.

Many people arrived. After some pleasantries, they took their seats.

The most senior was Lu from Shanju Academy, over seventy years old, with an ethereal presence. On his left was Xing from Hanhai Academy, in his fifties and slightly plump. On his right was Wang from Wenjin Academy, a female scholar with a memorable cold elegance.

Bai Siruo, seeing Wang’s back, thought of her friend Xu Mingyue and smiled.

Feng Jinyao frowned and tugged her sleeve, making Bai Siruo lower her head quickly, not daring to reveal anything.

As for Bai Chaohai, though not a scholar himself, his background and his marriage to a princess meant his knowledge was respected, placing him next to the Hanhai Academy scholar.

“Master Lu, should we invite the students in?” the manager asked carefully after the four were seated.

Master Lu, as the head scholar from Shanju Academy, was the most senior and an honor to have, so extra care was given.

Master Lu, not pedantic, smiled kindly and said, “No need for formalities. Today’s stars are the students. Please, invite them in.”

“Yes, sir.”

With that, the waiting scholars were led into Dengyun Pavilion.

Hundreds gathered, most wearing light blue or green robes, indicating their scholarly elegance.

Feng Jinlin, like many others, wore a light blue robe with silver cloud patterns, adding a touch of nobility.

Feng Jinyao spotted her second brother at once, looking confident and sociable.

Beside him was a modestly dressed young man, slightly thinner, in an old but clean and fragrant robe. His demeanor was calm and unflustered, likely the friend Feng Jinlin had mentioned, Yin Canwen.

A future top scholar indeed stood out.

Feng Jinlin knew Bai Chaohai would be a judge today. Smiling, he looked over but froze seeing the two behind him, quickly masking his surprise.

Those two bold girls dared to come anywhere.

It must be Bai Siruo’s idea. Feng Jinyao wouldn’t have come otherwise.

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