dkrc Chapter 98 Self-taught
Chapter 98 Self-taught
After spending the day studying historical materials and classics at the Hanlin Academy, Wen Zongji returned to the Marquis's residence after his shift.
Before he even arrived at Yunguang Courtyard, Wen Chuanhong summoned him to his study.
Wen Zongren was also there.
"Father."
Wen Zongji first greeted Wen Chuanhong, then looked at Wen Zongren and said, "Congratulations, elder brother, on passing the final exam and being able to stay at the academy."
While Wen Zongji accompanied Pei Rujing on an outing, Wen Zongren had already completed the final examination of the Hanlin Academy and successfully obtained a first-class grade, thus being able to stay in the Hanlin Academy.
His three years spent in the Hanlin Academy were not in vain.
Having successfully put one worry to rest, Wen Zongren felt much more relaxed and laughed, "To be honest, I'm a few years older than you, but now we're on the same starting line."
After passing the final examination, Wen Zongren was also granted the official position of compiler in the Hanlin Academy.
Wen Zongji: "Brother, you are mistaken. You have been in the Hanlin Academy for three years. Compared to me, who is new here and still has to read books to pass the time, you must have already been assigned a position."
The three years that a junior scholar served were not wasted.
Wen Chuanhong explained, "Every new official joining the Hanlin Academy needs to read classic texts. This is to familiarize you with the Hanlin Academy. Once you start your shift, you'll be assigned tasks. Can you handle them?"
Wen Zongji accepted the lesson: "It was my son's inappropriate wording."
Wen Chuanhong said, "There's no need for formalities between us, father and son. I called you here only to remind you that entering the Hanlin Academy is just the first step into the imperial court. Don't be impatient, and do things step by step."
"Yes, son will follow father's teachings."
Wen Chuanhong then told the two men some tips on how to be officials, and then let them leave.
After leaving Juanqinzhai, Wen Zongji asked, "I didn't see my elder brother today. Were you in another office?"
Wen Zongren nodded: "We officials who stayed at the academy after becoming probationary scholars are all in another office, right next to yours. If you need anything, just come to me."
This arrangement was made to avoid conflict.
After all, it took a junior scholar three years to reach Wen Zongji's starting point, so it was inevitable that he would feel uncomfortable seeing them.
"If needed, I won't stand on ceremony with my elder brother."
Wen Zongren was pleased to hear this: "That's exactly right."
The two brothers parted ways, and Wen Zongji returned to Yunguang Academy.
The kitchen has prepared dinner and is just waiting for Wen Zongji to return.
When Pei Rujing saw him enter, she instructed the servants to set out the meal: "Anfeng came back and said that your father-in-law wants to see you?"
Wen Zongji was summoned to Juanqinzhai by Wen Chuanhong. Not knowing how long he would stay, he sent An Feng back to deliver a message to prevent Pei Rujing from waiting for too long.
Qinghe brought a basin of water for Wen Zongji to wash up.
"They just asked about the arrangements for the first day of duty and told us to work diligently and not to rush."
"Oh," Pei Rujing instantly lost interest: "I thought you'd be upset that I dragged you to work on the last day."
Wen Zongji wiped his face, turned around and sat down next to Pei Rujing: "So the county princess knows too."
Pei Rujing put down the storybook in her hand, stood up and leaned against him, looked up at him, and said in a sweet voice, "I just want you to spend more time with me."
Wen Zongji hooked her nose: "So, I wasn't with you?"
If Wen Zongji didn't want to, he wouldn't have let Pei Rujing drag things out until the last day.
Anyway, it's within the rules.
Pei Rujing beamed and praised him generously: "My husband is the best."
Soon after, dinner was served, and the two sat down to eat.
Wen Zongji served food to Pei Rujing: "Where did you go today?"
"I went to a mahjong club gathering," Pei Rujing said, then remembered something, her eyes darting around, and added, "There's a member in the club whose husband is always frequenting brothels and staying out all night. She asked me what to do."
Wen Zongji was listening when he noticed that Pei Rujing had stopped talking and was staring straight at him.
With a sudden inspiration, Wen Zongji cooperatively asked, "How did the county princess teach her?"
Pei Rujing smiled and said, "I suggested that she castrate her husband so that she wouldn't have to worry about him going to brothels again."
Wen Zongji: "...The County Princess is mighty!"
As expected of the county princess.
Solve the problem directly at its root.
Pei Rujing looked at him: "What do you think of this idea?"
Alarm bells rang in Wen Zongji's mind, and he said without hesitation, "Excellent! This is how a man who has no self-respect should be dealt with."
Pei Rujing smiled and said, "I knew my husband would agree with me. I believe he wouldn't be like that person and want to experience what it's like to be a eunuch."
"Absolutely not!"
Wen Zongji expressed his loyalty.
But in her heart she wondered, could it be that women are also naturally adept at guarding against their husbands' infidelity?
His wife's words inexplicably made him feel uneasy!
Pei Rujing knew how to give a slap and then a sweet treat, and said with a sweet smile, "Just kidding, I love my husband the most, how could I treat you like this."
Wen Zongji smiled and changed the subject, saying, "We bought quite a few things this time. Besides those for the main courtyard and the Jade Pavilion, we also prepared things for my mother-in-law. Please remember to send them to her tomorrow, Princess."
"Is there anything left for Mother?"
"This is different; this is our filial piety!"
"All right."
Pei Rujing nodded in agreement.
After finishing his dinner, Wen Zongji took a bath. When he came out after drying his hair, he saw Qinghe and the others still wringing Pei Rujing's hair.
Women take longer to bathe than men.
Seeing Wen Zongji come out, Pei Rujing looked up at him, her bright eyes full of affection, her delicate face full of dependence, and her voice soft: "Husband, help me."
How could Wen Zongji refuse?
He waved for Qinghe and the others to leave, then walked behind Pei Rujing and used a handkerchief to dry her strands of hair.
Pei Rujing sat in front of the dressing table and saw Wen Zongji bowing his head slightly as he wrung out her hair through the bronze mirror.
A smile unconsciously crept onto her lips as she looked at him through the bronze mirror, her heart filled with a sweetness akin to honey.
Wen Zongji sensed Pei Rujing's silence, looked up, and met her gaze through the bronze mirror.
Pei Rujing tilted her head, a smile spreading across her face.
Wen Zongji, caught up in her joy, also smiled: "Is the county princess so happy?"
"Yes, I'm very happy."
"That's good."
Being happy is better than anything else.
After a long while, Wen Zongji helped Pei Rujing dry her hair.
Pei Rujing turned around and raised her fair, lotus-root-like arms to Wen Zongji: "Hug me!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Wen Zongji bent down, picked up Pei Rujing, and carried her step by step to the bedside. He put her down and then got up—
Pei Rujing hugged Wen Zongji's neck tightly, preventing him from getting up, and asked in a sweet voice, "Where are we going?"
"I lowered the curtain."
Pei Rujing looked up at the curtains hanging on both sides, then her gaze returned to Wen Zongji: "Don't worry about it."
As soon as she finished speaking, she raised her head and kissed Wen Zongji's lips, completely burying herself in his arms.
Wen Zongji's gaze deepened, his throat bobbed, and he leaned in to deepen the kiss...
In the blink of an eye, the room was filled with spring sunshine!