Chapter 738: Chapter 738: Generous Soul

Qin Yuan felt helpless.

"We cannot do without sir, and Zhegui Square’s gazette will rely greatly on sir in the future."

Only then was Mr. Songshan satisfied.

"Quickly go and invite Sixth Master over so we can discuss properly."

Seeing his eagerness to settle matters, Hong Ye couldn’t stop giggling.

Shen Changle hurriedly walked to the corridor, instructing the little maid outside to run errands.

Soon, Sixth Master Gu arrived.

His sleepy eyes were hazy, hair cascading down to his waist, with a small portion tied with a green jade hairpin. He wore a light green Daoist robe, the hem painted in shades of gold mud, stone blue, and stone green, appearing ragged and unkempt.

No longer possessing the previous sleek and elegant demeanor.

Mr. Songshan praised him, "It seems you are slowly reaching a higher state; good, good, good. With precise thoughts, technique improves daily."

Sixth Master Gu lowered his head: "It’s not as good as sir says. Alas, the more I read, the more I feel my own shallowness; the more I paint, the more I realize my crude skills. Nowadays, eating and sleeping feel like wasting time; how good it would be to awaken sooner! Truly, one often regrets studying late."

Hong Ye, shaking while pouring tea, nearly spilled it outside the cup.

Separated for three days, indeed one must view them anew.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Songshan began his preamble.

"Remaining locked up daily is not the way; pursuing knowledge requires secluded study, but one must frequently communicate with fellow scholars to make progress."

Sixth Master Gu sighed: "Brother Qinxian is busy preparing for exams, while sir is occupied with many affairs, and as a student, I am also not always free."

"You cannot only associate with Mr. Qin. If he is selected for office outside the capital, what will you do?"

Sixth Master Gu sighed even louder.

"Just thinking of parting with Brother Qinxian makes life seem meaningless."

Qin Yuan was startled, looking up to see Sixth Master Gu’s handsome face overwhelmed with sadness, his peach blossom eyes expressing genuine grievance.

"Fool!" Mr. Songshan said: "You are young, yet how can you be so stubborn? Mr. Qin’s diligent study makes him outstanding, yet he doesn’t choose friends arbitrarily. However, you seem incapable of finding another worthy person in the whole Capital City?"

"No, no, no," Sixth Master Gu waved his hand in shame, "It’s just that too few are willing to sincerely associate with me despite my meager skills."

"As if you place too much importance on yourself!"

Mr. Songshan continued relentlessly, "Awareness of shame is close to bravery, but being aware without striving to improve is even more shameful."

Sixth Master Gu lowered his head further.

Hong Ye felt Mr. Songshan was overdoing it.

Qin Yuan said, "If sir wishes Sixth Master to engage more with scholars, just say it outright. No need for fright, Sixth Master and Third Master are both straightforward people; they cannot bear this."

Mr. Songshan finally put away his strict demeanor and chuckled, "For your sister-in-law’s sake, I’ll guide you clearly.

Though you deeply delve into poetry and painting, your foundation is weak, and strengthening it won’t happen overnight.

Why not take advantage of your official title for external travels? It will boost your reputation and provide comparisons through interaction with others. Over time, making friends will benefit your studies."

Sixth Master Gu showed a bewildered expression.

Seeing this, Mr. Songshan flared up again: "At least you have the garrison commander’s title. Though it’s a military position, it’s better than having no standing. I know shallow scholars outside may look down on military roles, but if you were Zhegui Square’s owner, it would be different!"

"Zhegui Square?!"

Sixth Master Gu was even more confused: "When did I become the owner of Zhegui Square?"

He puzzledly glanced at Qin Yuan, then at Shen Changle.

Shen Changle chuckled, "Mr. Songshan is impulsive. We’re just discussing that Zhegui Square’s business needs a facade, and Sixth Master is the best fit. Young Master Nantang and Mr. Songshan can’t take the stage."

"How could this work?" Sixth Master Gu waved his hand.

Mr. Songshan clenched his fist in frustration.

Sixth Master Gu further remarked, "If Brother Qinxian is suitable, Zhegui Square should not fall short of the Book Sea Pavilion, whose owner is an Advanced Scholar."

Mr. Songshan’s face turned again to disappointment.

Qin Yuan said, "Could Mr. Songshan be lesser than the owner of the Book Sea Pavilion?"

"Naturally not."

Sixth Master Gu hastily responded.

Mr. Songshan glared at Qin Yuan, "Could Young Master Nantang be lesser than the Book Sea Pavilion’s owner?"

"Cough, of course not."

Sixth Master Gu quickly answered, nearly choking on his saliva.

Qin Yuan said, "My cousin intends to enter officialdom, making him unsuitable for external business as an owner. Moreover, the business is Shen Changle’s invention as a rivalry with the Marquis Mansion and Book Sea Pavilion; it’s effectively my dowry business."

A bride returning to help her maiden family would not sound well publicly.

Sixth Master Gu was flustered and stumbling over words: "Sister-in-law, I, I didn’t mean that; I’m just feeling my skills are insufficient. Brother Qinxian, he, he."

Qin Yuan said, "Sixth Brother is the most suitable person in the mansion now. If Sixth Brother does not assist, Zhegui Square cannot negotiate with the Wuxi An Family. I ask Sixth Brother’s support."

Shen Changle added, "The Wuxi An Family used copper movable type for printing the ’Wuzhong Water Control Chronicles,’ ’Yan Lu Gong’s Collection of Writings,’ even the late Emperor praised these texts for their accurate and wide distribution. If An Family could print and sell Zhegui Square’s gazette, there would be no scholar unaware of Zhegui Square."

"This, this, if sister-in-law needs my help, just say the word, I’m willing to go through fire and water."

Sixth Master Gu’s spirit was rekindled.

No longer resembling the previous muddled figure.

Mr. Songshan straightened his beard, now with a smile.

Qin Yuan said, "If Sixth Brother trusts me, become a partner as an owner, and later help us deal with scholars and merchants."

Sixth Master Gu hesitated.

Qin Yuan lowered her eyes, gently probing, "Is Sixth Master skeptical about associating with merchants, feeling it’s beneath status?"

Sixth Master Gu quickly negated.

"Absolutely not! My title was merely bought with money. If it wasn’t for a fortuitous birth, there would be no place for me.

I’m just worried I might not manage well, impacting sister-in-law’s business.

Seeing a bright future for Zhegui Square, my lack of administrative knowledge would be taking unfair advantage as a partner."

"Inheritance is a skill!" Mr. Songshan couldn’t help but exclaim: "Your sister-in-law isn’t the type to exploit without reward; she won’t use people for free without offering benefits. If you don’t contribute as a partner, how can I?"

Sixth Master Gu understood: "Then I’ll join."

Now Mr. Songshan was satisfied.

"My share will be put forth by the Marquis."

Qin Yuan nodded with a smile.

Sixth Master Gu immediately said, "Then I’ll also contribute for Brother Qinxian, as a gift for his future Advanced Scholar achievement."

Hong Ye couldn’t help but praise aloud.

Sixth Master Gu asked, "Girl, what are you doing?"

Hong Ye giggled, "This servant sees Sixth Master is truly generous, not only towards romantic interests but also friends, spending lavishly without hesitation."

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