The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

"Jinshi…" Xu Wan gently murmured the word, sighing, "What a pity, such a talented person giving up on his official career."

Cui Zhi tentatively asked, "Madam, do you want to keep this person? Should we investigate who he offended?"

If Jiang Yan had offended someone influential, the Marquis Manor might face trouble by taking him in.

Xu Wan pondered, "Let's see if he writes about it himself. I have a feeling he'll bring it up on his own."

Cui Zhi nodded—that was possible.

Baili Xi, sitting behind them, waited until the three candidates finished writing before reviewing their papers. Stroking his beard, he remarked, "They're all quite good."

Xu Wan: "…"

Please don’t do this.

She said, "We only need one person for this recruitment."

Baili Xi raised an eyebrow. "Then let it be Jiang Yan. I’ve read his background. He merely offended a few petty individuals—nothing serious. Besides, Jiang Yan has the highest level of knowledge. Aside from tutoring Yibai, he can also help Cheng Zhidong with the children’s study plans. He’ll be a great asset to you."

Although Baili Xi was advanced in age, he greatly admired Xu Wan’s teaching methods and had thoroughly familiarized himself with her system.

Xu Wan smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I’ll have someone draw up the contract with him."

Baili Xi pressed further, "Ah… but the other two scholars are also quite good. Are we really going to let them go?"

Xu Wan was about to say they only needed one.

Suddenly, a maid entered and announced, "Madam, Lady Wei, the wife of the Right Censor, has brought her son Wei Xinglu to see you."

Xu Wan: "…"

Cui Zhi, hold on, don’t rush.

Baili Xi couldn’t help but chuckle.

It seemed all three scholars might have a chance to stay. With the resolution of the dance hall case, Jin Cheng’s reputation had soared, and Xu Wan, the mastermind behind his success, was now being courted by the noblewomen.

Xu Wan, exasperated by Baili Xi’s laughter, scratched her head in frustration but still led the way to the front hall. Lady Wei immediately stood up upon seeing her and warmly greeted her, "Sister! I feel like I’ve known you forever!"

Xu Wan put on a professional smile while internally weeping.

Another day, another sister…

After some small talk, Lady Wei got to the point. She wanted the four young troublemakers to reunite and become the Four Great Scholars of the capital, destined to become pillars of the nation.

Xu Wan: Thank you, I’m truly grateful for your trust in me.

Lady Wei continued, "Sister, look at how radiant your skin is! Spending time with children must be so joyful. We, on the other hand, are stuck in endless household squabbles, aging by the day."

Xu Wan: "…"

I’m only nineteen, and you’re over thirty. Of course, my skin is better than yours.

But she couldn’t say that outright, so she weakly added, "Taking care of children is quite taxing…"

"Exactly!" Lady Wei eagerly agreed and gestured for someone to bring over a gift. "This is bird’s nest from the southern tribute. It’s excellent for beauty and health. You should have more of it, sister. Your skin will stay smooth and glowing!"

Xu Wan knew that such tribute items were impossible to buy.

She was sorely tempted.

But…

Lady Wei pulled Wei Xinglu over and nudged him to speak. "Auntie, I’d like to study with Jin Cheng and the others. Can I join you?"

Xu Wan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "You’re volunteering to study?"

She remembered Wei Xinglu once came to the Marquis Manor to spray Jin Cheng with talisman water, convinced he was possessed by a bookworm spirit. Less than a year later, and now he loved studying?

Wei Xinglu forced a smile. "Yes, I’m volunteering. I really want to…"

Help me, he thought. That so-called elite class at the Marquis Manor was a nightmare. He’d suffocate if he had to stay there too long.

But his mother had cut off his allowance and, following Xu Wan’s example, dismissed many of his servants. The only way to regain his privileges was to agree to study properly.

Wei ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‍Xinglu knew better than to resist outright. He’d pretend to comply, get his money back, and then figure out how to skip class with Shen Yibai.

Xu Wan noticed his evasive gaze and knew he wasn’t being sincere. But the boy spoke earnestly, and with Lady Wei egging him on, she somehow ended up alone with Wei Xinglu in the front hall.

"…" Xu Wan pinched the bridge of her nose. "Your mother is quite persuasive."

Wei Xinglu grimaced. "That’s not all. She hits hard too."

Xu Wan: "…" It seems you’ve suffered greatly.

"Auntie, I’ll go find Jin Cheng now."

"Alright, go ahead. I’m in the process of selecting a tutor for Yibai, so I’ll pick one for you as well."

"…Sure."

At the Marquis Manor’s elite class, the other children were stunned to see Wei Xinglu arrive with his belongings.

"Xinglu?!"

"Wei Xinglu, what are you doing here?"

"Are you… are you joining the class too?"

"Finally, the four of us are reunited!"

Wei Xinglu rolled his eyes and complained to the Little Demon King, "Yeah, buddy. You’re out here making waves in the capital, and we’re stuck at home getting scolded. Now we’re being dragged here to suffer with you."

As he spoke, he set down his things and pulled out his writing tools, his expression utterly lifeless.

The Little Demon King laughed heartily, plopping down on Wei Xinglu’s desk and slinging an arm around his shoulders. "This is the reunion of the Four Great Scholars, not suffering. You’ll soon discover the joy of studying. Right, He Zheng?"

He Zheng nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling. "Xinglu, it’s true! Studying is so much fun!"

Wei Xinglu deadpanned, "I’ve studied before. You two lunatics, why don’t you let Shen Yibai speak?"

Shen Yibai, sensing a comrade, quickly chimed in, "Exactly! I agree with Xinglu. Studying is pure torture, both mentally and physically!"

Wei Xinglu nodded emphatically, firmly joining Shen Yibai’s troublemaking alliance.

"Tch." The Little Demon King stood up from the desk. "Well, you’re here now, aren’t you?"

He glanced outside and spotted the Wei family guards, ostensibly there for protection but clearly keeping an eye on Wei Xinglu. There was no escaping.

Wei Xinglu wasn’t worried. He winked at Shen Yibai. "There’s plenty of time, right, buddy?"

Shen Yibai caught on immediately and grinned. "Got it, brother. I’m with you!"

The Little Demon King saw right through their scheming and immediately declared, "Since our elite class is growing, I think it’s time to lay down some ground rules. Break them, and even if you’re my brother, you’ll face the consequences."

"What rules?" the children asked in unison.

The Little Demon King turned to Zong Wenxiu. "Brother, you write while I dictate."