The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Zong Wenxiu was somewhat surprised.

He had expected his younger brother to fly into a rage the next moment, turning around to start smashing the stall. But instead, his brother just clenched his fists, venting his dislike for Qin Ye while calming himself down.

Though still quick to anger, he wasn’t as impulsive as before. Zong Wenxiu glanced at Xu Wan. Could this be the result of her guidance?

The ignorant fear nothing, but the knowledgeable fear deeply. The more one learns, the more one realizes the gap between oneself and others.

His brother had grown.

Zong Wenxiu felt relieved, his patience even greater than before. He patted his brother’s shoulder and said, “Qin Ye started studying years earlier than you. He’s talented and hardworking, so it’s only natural that he’s achieved what he has. I know you’re jealous, and I am too, but we should turn that jealousy into motivation. Work hard to catch up with him, surpass him, and make sure everyone sees only the more outstanding you in the future.”

Zong Jincheng nodded firmly. “You’re right! I’ll show them who’s truly the top scholar of the Four Academies, who’s the greatest prodigy in the capital!”

“Keep working hard, and it will definitely be you!” Zong Wenxiu encouraged.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‍little troublemaker was overjoyed. Now, hearing others praise Qin Ye didn’t bother him as much. Hmph, let Qin Ye hold the top spot for just one more month. Once he joined the Child Prodigy Class next month, he’d crush Qin Ye under his feet in no time!

After the matter was settled, Xu Wan bid farewell to the academy dean and, under the watchful eyes of the other students, took the two children home.

On the way, Xu Wan teased Zong Wenxiu, “This exam has made you quite famous. When you go to report for class, even more people will recognize you. Oh, and the tuition for reporting in three days—Steward Liu will prepare it in advance, so you don’t need to dip into your savings.”

Zong Wenxiu paused, then smiled. “It’s fine, I have some silver.”

“Keep it for yourself. Having some savings brings peace of mind,” Xu Wan said honestly, as that was how she felt too.

Zong Wenxiu nodded. “Thank you, Aunt.”

The little troublemaker chimed in, “Brother, so you’re going to study in the Child Prodigy Class now? You won’t keep studying at home?”

Xu Wan hadn’t decided yet.

But Zong Wenxiu shook his head firmly. “No, I’ll still study at home.”

He had promised Xu Wan that he would accompany his brother in his studies. Even if he didn’t make it to the top tier himself, he would ensure his brother did.

Though it had been a while since Xu Wan mentioned it, he would keep this promise close to his heart, regardless of whether others remembered.

“Huh? Why?” Zong Jincheng asked. “Didn’t you want to be in the same class as Qin Ye?”

Zong Wenxiu smiled. “I can still take the monthly exams there. I’ll be on the same ranking list as Qin Ye. Besides, the pace of the Child Prodigy Class might not suit me. At home, Teacher Zhao and Master Baili tailor the lessons to our progress, so it’s more convenient.”

Though he was curious about what classes in the Child Prodigy Class were like—it would be nice to experience it for a few days—he didn’t say so. In fact, he deliberately changed the subject, afraid Xu Wan might notice.

The little troublemaker thought it made sense. “True, studying at home is faster. I’ll surpass Qin Ye in just a month!”

Xu Wan: “...I never promised you anything like that.”

If you could surpass Qin Ye in a month, you’d need a whole new brain.

Dream on, kid.

The little troublemaker lifted his chin proudly. “Hmph, I’ll get into the Child Prodigy Class next month too!”

Xu Wan rolled her eyes. “Getting into the Child Prodigy Class and surpassing Qin Ye are two different things. Please keep that in mind, okay?”

The little troublemaker frowned and glared at her. “You should stop talking. Nothing you say is pleasant to hear.”

His brother was much better.

Xu Wan: “!”

This little rascal. She really wanted to flick his forehead twice.

The Old Marquis and Old Marchioness were set to return in three days—the same day Zong Wenxiu was to report to the Child Prodigy Class. Since it was just a matter of paying the tuition, Xu Wan asked Steward Liu to accompany him.

The little troublemaker had wanted to go too, but after thinking about his grandmother’s return, he hesitated for days before deciding whether to join. In the end, Zong Wenxiu couldn’t take it anymore and told him not to come.

Zong Jincheng protested, “But what if someone bullies you when I’m not there?”

Xu Wan interjected sharply, “Isn’t it possible that if you don’t go, Wenxiu won’t get into trouble in the first place?”

The little troublemaker: “!!!”

How infuriating! This woman never knew how to say anything nice!

Xu Wan then turned to Cui Liu. “You go with Wenxiu. After paying the tuition, come back quickly. You might even make it in time to greet the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness.”

“Understood.”

And so it was settled. Early the next morning, Zong Wenxiu set off with Cui Liu and Steward Liu to report to the Child Prodigy Class.

Meanwhile, the entire Yangyuan Marquis Manor was bustling with activity. The already spotless courtyard was scrubbed once more. Mother Zhao, the housekeeper, led the maids in inspecting every corner of the estate, fearing they might have missed a spot.

Xu Wan, observing the commotion, was amazed. She asked Cui Zhi, “Was it always like this in the past?”

Cui Zhi shook her head. “Not at all. The Old Marchioness has never been away from the manor for so long. She’s very particular about cleanliness, so Mother Zhao is worried she’ll be displeased if she finds anything amiss upon her return.”

Xu Wan thought of the Old Marchioness’s kind and gentle demeanor and asked curiously, “What’s the Old Marchioness like when she’s angry? Does she still smile?”

Forgive her, but she had only seen the Old Marchioness once, and all she remembered was her smiling face.

Cui Zhi chuckled. “Madam, you might have misunderstood the Old Marchioness.”

“Oh?”

Cui Zhi explained, “The Old Marchioness isn’t as mild-tempered as she seems. The Old Marquis has never won an argument with her.”

Xu Wan: “???”

The Old Marchioness dared to argue with the Old Marquis?

And she never lost???

Wasn’t she from a merchant family?

Though wealthy beyond measure—a modern-day heiress—this was ancient times, where merchants were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

For the Old Marchioness to marry into the Yangyuan Marquis Manor was already a significant step up. Who would have thought her status in the household was even higher? Was the Old Marquis that henpecked?

At the gates of the manor, the old couple hesitated before entering. They inspected each other’s attire, adjusting it once more to ensure everything was perfect.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Remember, you must hold back later. Don’t let Jincheng’s sweet talk sway you into giving him everything. We can’t ruin Xu Wan’s plans.”

“You too. You’re usually the one who spoils him the most. We need to remind each other. If you feel weak, just cough a few times.”

“Right, and we should have a signal. If things get out of hand, we’ll excuse ourselves to speak with Xu Wan privately.”

“Good idea. Let’s do that.”