Chapter 572 - Chapter 572: Chapter 559 Zhuang Qinglan (1/2)

Chapter 572: Chapter 559 Zhuang Qinglan

“I bore no ulterior motives, I simply liked that poem.” Zhuang Qingsui replied earnestly, “I find this poem to be succinct yet powerful, capable of expressing the poet’s emotions in an exceptionally thorough way. It truly is a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time.”

“Furthermore, isn’t it precisely because this poem is written so well that so many people recite it, making it a verse known to all, that it is so popular?”

“You make a fair point,” the teacher nodded, “Many scholars tend to view popularly known works as mundane, believing that possessing esoteric knowledge truly demonstrates one’s own distinct cultural refinement and intellectual depth—a point they overlook.”

“You, despite your young age, have an unusually clear understanding of many things. This is indeed impressive.”

The teacher looked carefully at the name Zhuang Qingsui had written below the dictation, asking with a smile, “Your name is Zhuang Qingsui?”

“Indeed,” Zhuang Qingsui nodded.

“Mr. Ye, it seems to me that this student can bypass your task and proceed directly to the next level,” the teacher laughed and suggested to one of his lean tall female colleagues.

“Indeed,” Mr. Ye nodded slightly, “Upon proving such profound insight, the student has undoubtedly achieved the necessary level of qualification. You may proceed to the next task now.”

“Thank you very much, both of you,” Zhuang Qingsui bowed thankfully, received the scroll Fan Wenxuan gave her, and went on to the third stage where she handed over the scroll.

Mr. Feng, who was in charge of the third stage, received the scroll and opened it. After scrutinizing it for a while, he asked with a knitted brow, “You have…?”

“This was written by my mentor. I hoped to offer it as a token of my respect,” Zhuang Qingsui explained with a smile.

“And may I ask what your mentor is known as?” Mr. Feng continued to question.

“His name is…” Zhuang Qingning began to respond.

But before she could finish, a woman dressed in red from the side interrupted, “I suppose it’s just some anonymous teacher from a private school who hasn’t even passed the examination for an academic degree.”

“It’s inappropriate to present such a piece, moreover, it’s not even your own work. This certainly shows a lack of respect. Mr. Feng, I would advise you not to accept it.”

“And you are…?” Mr. Feng put down the scroll momentarily and looked at the newcomer.

“Good day, Mr. Feng.” The lady in red offered her greeting with a curtsy, “My father is Magistrate Zhuang Qisheng of Ningming. My family name is Zhuang and my given name is Qinglan.”

Zhuang Qinglan?

An interesting name, quite similar to her own and her sister’s.

Upon hearing the name, Zhuang Qingsui took an astonished look at Zhuang Qinglan.

Zhuang Qinglan, thinking Zhuang Qingsui was startled by her stature, became increasingly confident and raised her eyebrow in a derisive smile.

“So, it is the esteemed daughter of Master Zhuang,” Mr. Feng smiled, “Last winter, a series of heavy snowfalls damaged several houses. The roofs began to leak, and the academy couldn’t find suitable workers for repairs. We were fortunate that Master Zhuang heard of our plight and sent help, sparing our students the discomfort of a dripping roof. I have yet to extend my gratitude for this.”

“Oh, Mr. Feng, you are too kind. My father merely considered it an easy task and no more than his responsibility. It is certainly nothing to thank us for,” Zhuang Qinglan responded modestly, her face alight with a radiant smile. She opened the box in her hand and declared, “This is a set of rosewood paperweights. It was an unexpected acquisition of my father’s—something he has cherished greatly and only kept for special occasions. He asked me to present them to you.”