My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 672: Chapter 672: Even More Scheming

The shouts spread out wave after wave.

They were already across from Ranxiang Inn, and it wasn’t long before the scholars surrounding the entrance of the inn got the news. They marveled, ”Mr. Songshan truly has profound knowledge. Not long after, Book Sea Pavilion conceded. It seems the poetry contest with the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp ultimately still...”

Since Book Sea Pavilion has bowed down to Mr. Songshan, there’s no need to go to their poetry contest.

If you want to make a name with poetry, just leave a poem on the poetry wall at the entrance of the garden party.

Why take the long way?

Upon first hearing about it, Mr. Songshan was also surprised, but he immediately stroked his beard and said with a lighthearted smile, ”Knowledge is acquired in stages, those who understand first are the pioneers. One day, even I will seek instruction from Book Sea Pavilion.”

Everyone sighed; a true master is remarkable in every aspect, even making humble remarks sound so appealing, making it hard not to be convinced.

Qin Siyuan quietly asked, ”How could Book Sea Pavilion, after creating such a commotion, concede so easily? I’m afraid Seventh Miss and the others...”

He couldn’t quite bring himself to say words like using deceit, forceful seizing, and the like.

But if it were true, such actions would certainly not be those of a gentleman.

Mr. Songshan said, ”The rigid easily break, you’ve surely heard this saying before.”

Qin Siyuan lowered his head, ”Yes.”

Mr. Songshan said, ”Do you know why Confucius killed Shao Zhengmao?”

Qin Siyuan said, ”Because Shao Zhengmao held a high position and was cunning and eloquent. The earlier Confucius acted, the sooner he could prevent him from corrupting the world and minds of people.”

Mr. Songshan nodded, ”You understand, so why don’t you comprehend it now?”

Qin Siyuan said no more.

But in his heart, he was still somewhat uneasy, so he entered Ranxiang Inn to find Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan was inquiring from the guard sent back by Gu Baoshu.

Qin Yuan asked, ”Did those strong men mix in?”

The guard replied, ”Yes, they mixed in together, helping to criticize the owner and shopkeeper of Book Sea Pavilion. Now, the ones shouting the loudest outside that Book Sea Pavilion has conceded are them.”

Qin Yuan nodded, ”They want to publicly link themselves with the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, intending to entrap it in infamy in the future.”

The guard said, ”... That...”

”Don’t mind them. If they want to add fuel, let them add it.”

Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but interject, ”Little sister, we must quickly find a way, can’t we just wait and let the fire reach the rooftop?”

Qin Yuan laughed, ”What’s so difficult about it? Mr. Songshan’s knowledge is beyond compare, you and I both know it, and now people outside know it too. It’s not unusual for even rogue scoundrels to bow to his learning.”

Ugh.

Qin Siyuan shook his head.

Now, it’s not just Mr. Songshan, even his usually steady and prudent little sister seemed off.

Then he heard Qin Yuan command, ”Later, when you go out, spread the word that the people of Book Sea Pavilion, after hearing Mr. Songshan’s words, are utterly impressed and have conceded.”

The guard smiled and said, ”Yes!”

Qin Siyuan: ”...”

Qin Yuan continued, ”Then send someone to Book Sea Pavilion, have them come to Ranxiang Inn to hear Mr. Songshan speak, say that after the owner of Book Sea Pavilion listened, he wanted to become Mr. Songshan’s disciple, and urge them to attend the garden party. Solving the riddles will not only earn them exquisite prizes but also the chance to consult with Mr. Songshan personally.

Moreover, the poems left on the poetry wall at the entrance of the garden party will be compiled and printed by Dingbei Marquis Mansion for sale, possibly catching the Emperor’s eye.”

Qin Siyuan: ”...”

Goodness!

Combining Mr. Songshan and Gu Baoshu, they can’t outmatch little sister’s craftiness, oh no, her capabilities.”

The guard thought for a moment, then said, ”I don’t understand what Lin Junren is thinking either, as the owner of Book Sea Pavilion doesn’t show him a good face, yet he still follows along with a smile, it’s somewhat...”

Qin Yuan chuckled, ”Ignore him.”

Lin Ziqi is adept at scheming and, seeing no hope here, plans to shine in the poetry anthology of Book Sea Pavilion.

The guard replied, ”I’ll get to it right away.”

With that, he hurriedly stepped out.

People from Book Sea Pavilion were stuck near Ranxiang Inn, unable to move an inch, providing him the perfect opportunity to dash off to Book Sea Pavilion.

Qin Siyuan stood, face wooden, for a moment, then asked Qin Yuan, ”Aren’t we being... somewhat... excessive... targeting Book Sea Pavilion this way...?”

Qin Yuan was indifferent.

Scholars immersing themselves in sage books will sooner or later face such trials.

”When you enter the bureaucracy, you’ll understand what this means. In the court, there’s no place for those who don’t engage in factional disputes, and where there’s factionalism, means are involved. Scholars turning vicious can be worse than others.”

She paused before continuing, ”It’s all about business, after all, and abilities vary naturally. If they succeed today, who knows how they’d trample over us. If you remain so gentlehearted, how will you stand your ground in the court?”

Qin Siyuan sighed, ”Then I’d rather be posted elsewhere to serve as a local official.”

Qin Yuan laughed heartily, thoroughly entertained, ”I should have made you travel more before taking the Advanced Scholar exam, but alas, opportunities don’t wait. You’re thriving now, so prepare well for the Spring Examinations.

Actually, you needn’t be so constrained.

Isn’t Mr. Songshan’s scholarly insight profound? Isn’t what he said reasonable?

The owner of Book Sea Pavilion only managed to pass the imperial examination to become an Advanced Scholar, and has long been out of practice. Compared to Mr. Songshan’s erudition, it’s like comparing a small hill to Mount Tai.

Not that I’d say it, but even if he came seeking guidance on his own accord, Mr. Songshan might not be willing to teach him academic pursuits...”

Qin Siyuan pondered, ”Perhaps I’m overthinking things.”

Qin Yuan gravely said, ”To be frank, once you become a local official, you’ll find out how perilous the world is.

Officials in our dynasty, when appointed, must bring a lot of personnel with them; even the gatekeepers are crucial.

You know why?

In our dynasty, officials at the county, state, and prefecture levels are all appointed and dismissed by the court, and they can’t hold office in their home territory, nor can they wander the countryside without reason.

The clerks in the government office are the unyielding force; they’re the local bullies who’ve been managing for generations. If you want decrees implemented, you need their support, and there’s no part they won’t try to profit from.

The local gentries aren’t any easier to deal with either.

As the saying goes, judgment lies in schools, but in southern states and prefectures where scholars abound, the parents’ officials have to befriend scholars or risk their reputation being tainted by public opinion.”

Qin Siyuan asked, puzzled, ”Isn’t it said that scholars shouldn’t involve themselves in politics? That’s a rule set by the Grand Ancestor.”

Qin Yuan scoffed, ”Burying yourself in studies, ignoring the outside world. Passing the Scholar exam, taking the Scholar exam, then entering the Imperial College, followed by the Advanced Scholar exam—your academic journey is smooth. You must realize, most scholars never pass the scholar exam in a lifetime and have to plan for something else.

In places like Fujian, scholars are as numerous as cattle. There’s a rumor that scholars are in control of government offices, referring to the antics they pull. Even the officials are helpless against them.”

Qin Siyuan listened, tongue-tied.

Qin Yuan waved her hand, her expression teasing, filled with anticipation, ”Anyway, I wonder when the owner of Book Sea Pavilion can return to Book Sea Pavilion. Thanks to them for coming to me to build momentum.”

Qin Siyuan: ”...”