flstandardbreds Chapter 150 The Villainous Female Supporting Character's Mind Was Read 5
Chapter 150 The Villainous Female Supporting Character's Mind Was Read 5
Time rewinds to after receiving the original storyline...
Qiqi: [Wanwan, which cheat system do you want to choose this time?]
Lin Shuwan carefully recalled the entire plot, then suddenly tapped her fingertips on the bed board, a name flashing through her mind:
(Where is Gu Yanli now?)
Qi Qi: [Let me see... Oh! Wanwan, he's a servant from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. What a coincidence! He's the one who rescued you from the pond, but his name is Gu An now.]
[Eh, is he also from another world?]
Wow, he's got quite a background! He was a prime minister in his past life!
(The Prime Minister... very good.) Lin Shuwan lowered her eyes, flipping through the pages of the cheat system, her fingertip suddenly tapping a spot. (Then let's choose this one this time.)
The ball of light, Qiqi, bounced in mid-air: [“The South Wind Knows My Heart?”]
Lin Shuwan nodded: (Hmm, I should be able to control what I want to be heard, right?)
Qiqi: [Yes, but why did Wanwan choose this?]
Lin Shuwan's eyes stared aimlessly at a point in the void: (Some things, if said aloud, are easy to arouse suspicion, but if they are heartfelt words, then there is much more room for maneuver.)
*
After Lin Shuwan left, Gu Yanli resumed his leisurely time recuperating from his illness.
Meals were delivered every day, and the family doctor visited daily. In his spare time, he would read books, and when he was tired, he would sleep.
After a few days, his previously thin body gained weight, and he fully recovered from his illness.
At this moment, Madam Lin sent someone to invite him to meet.
On the way there, Gu Yanli was in a great mood, feeling that the future was bright.
Yes, the crape myrtle flowers in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion are blooming very beautifully. It is said that there is a crape myrtle garden in Lin'an, where "the beauty is as radiant as the morning glow" (Note 1).
Why don't we leave the capital and stay in Lin'an temporarily?
It's likely that Old Madam Lin would be pleased with this outcome, and might even give him extra money to keep him safe, and send someone to escort him to Lin'an, because of his sensibility (taking the initiative to leave Shengjing).
In my previous life, I suffered from physical ailments and never left the capital.
This period of time can be used to appreciate the peach and plum blossoms in Lin'an in spring, and to enjoy tea around a stove, which is quite elegant.
The thought swirled in his mind, and he arrived at Old Madam Lin's courtyard.
As the people in the manor said, Old Madam Lin had a kind face and a scholarly air about her, making her look very elegant.
Gu Yanli dared not look any longer, and bowed his head, saying, "Greetings, Madam."
"You must be Gu An, good boy. Get up quickly. We owe you a lot this time." Madam Lin gestured to Liu Mama beside her to help him up.
Gu Yanli obediently straightened up and declined, saying, "I wouldn't dare. It is my duty to take care of the master's safety."
Madam Lin said bluntly, "This is your indenture. I have already asked Steward Xu to inform the government. From now on, you will be free."
Granny Liu then handed the wooden box containing the indenture to Gu Yanli.
Gu Yanli remained calm, bowed respectfully to Madam Lin, took the box, quickly glanced at it, and after confirming that it was correct, a look of joy appeared in his eyes.
Gu Yanli immediately wanted to resign, but Old Madam Lin interrupted him.
"I've heard you have plans to take the imperial examinations?"
Gu Yanli once again regretted his quick tongue that day: "Exactly."
"Good, that's ambitious!" Old Madam Lin praised, then continued, "The next children's examination is next February. What are your plans for the future?"
Gu Yanli offered the explanation he had prepared beforehand: "I thought that there were many talented people in Lin'an and that the study culture was very popular, so I thought I would first go to the Lin'an Academy to study for a while, and then take the imperial examination after I was fully prepared."
"Hmm, a good idea." Madam Lin nodded in agreement. "However, the journey from Shengjing to Lin'an is indeed long and arduous, with mountains and rivers to climb, and there may be unforeseen events along the way; furthermore, although Lin'an values education, it also values enjoyment, and listening to too much decadent music may make it difficult to calm the mind..."
Gu Yanli's heart tightened, and he had a bad feeling for no reason.
This premonition was confirmed the next second.
Madam Lin continued, "Why don't you continue to stay in the mansion? The bamboo garden in the mansion is rarely visited by people, making it a good place to study in peace."
"I will also assign you a page to help you with miscellaneous tasks and chores, and I will also hire a tutor to teach you to read."
"You don't need to worry about your identity. I will inform the whole household that you are my distant grand-nephew, and that we recognized each other just a few days ago. Is that alright?"
Madam Lin was kind, but her words blocked all his options.
Gu Yanli could only belittle himself, saying, "I am grateful for the old lady's kindness, but perhaps An has no talent for studying and will be wasting the old lady's good intentions."
Madam Lin was quite open-minded: "How about we set a five-year timeframe? If you can rise to prominence within five years, that would be wonderful. I would also be shameless to ask you to lend a hand to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion in the future."
"It doesn't matter if you can't, you'll still learn something and be able to make a living in the future."
"As for Wanwan, you don't need to pay any attention to her. If she disturbs your studies, just kick her out. My granddaughter is very childish and will probably stop looking for you in a few days."
"So, what other concerns do you have?"
Gu Yanli sighed inwardly. Given Lin Shuwan's skills, he and his pageboy probably wouldn't be able to get rid of her.
However, the terms offered by Old Madam Lin were so generous that, given his current status, refusing would seem ungrateful. So he had no choice but to accept, saying, "It would be impolite to refuse."
Well then, Gu Yanli comforted himself as he left Madam Lin's courtyard.
If they were to stay in Lin'an temporarily, it would take at least two years. Including the travel expenses to return to Shengjing, the silver given by Old Madam Lin and the copper coins that the original owner had saved would definitely not be enough.
He had to find another way to make a living, but entering officialdom meant he couldn't engage in commerce, which would inevitably restrict his movements.
Thinking about it this way, living in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion would be much more convenient; one only needs to show off one's knowledge in front of the tutor.
It's a pity that the Ziwei Garden in Lin'an is missing someone who understands and loves flowers like him.
Gu Yanli shook his head with considerable regret.
However, Old Madam Lin had a clear understanding of the situation in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
……
“Yesterday, I thought that Master only agreed because the young master was annoyed by him, but today it seems that’s not the case. Master, why do you insist on keeping him here?” Granny Liu asked, pressing on Old Madam Lin’s forehead.
Madam Lin explained slowly, "Judging from his clear and bright eyes, which exude a righteous spirit, and his conversation with me was neither humble nor arrogant, this child's future is immeasurable. Wanwan will be of marriageable age in a year. If they can get together, it will be a wonderful story."
Granny Liu had some concerns: "But isn't Gu An's status too much of a disservice to the young master?"
Madam Lin: "In the end, it still depends on Wanwan's own choice. If Gu An is willing, he will naturally earn a good reputation for my grandson. If not, it doesn't matter. He can be taken as a son-in-law, so that he can be taken care of."
The rest of the words were not convenient to tell Granny Liu.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has been prosperous for far too long, so long that the current level of apprehension towards it is growing daily.
Although her husband and son had long intended to relinquish their military command, they were troubled by the fact that no one capable of taking over had yet come of age.
If power is relinquished now, the barbarians, who were previously hesitant due to the reputation of the General of the Cavalry, will likely launch an attack and invasion, resulting in increased casualties.
Therefore, it can only be delayed again and again.
At this critical juncture, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion cannot have the slightest private involvement with the princes.
Wanwan is innocent by nature, and the Third Princess deliberately tries to get close to her, even bringing her to her brother, the Fifth Prince.
She wouldn't believe it if there weren't some ulterior motives involved.
It was also her fault. When Wanwan first returned to the capital, she thought that Wanwan was still young and only had the Third Princess as a playmate, so she turned a blind eye.
Wanwan will be of marriageable age in just one more year, and things can't continue like this.
As for Gu An, he was an unexpected surprise.
Even though Wanwan herself didn't say it, how could her grandmother not know that her granddaughter liked handsome men?
She had a good impression of the Fifth Prince because of his exceptionally handsome face.
Now, Gu An's appearance is even more striking...
Since his granddaughter was interested, and Gu An wasn't some hopeless fool, he decided to let her give him a push.
If it works out, great. If not, with these five years, if she rises to prominence in the future, even if Gu An doesn't like Wanwan, he will protect her out of consideration for her.
……
……
……
(Note 1: Selected from Li Liuqian of the Song Dynasty)
Crape Myrtle
The crape myrtle in front of the courtyard is just beginning to bloom, its beauty as radiant as the morning glow.
Who has the leisure to be so impatient as to listen to the clamor of bees and butterflies?
Your Excellency's writings are quiet and serene, able to dispel the loneliness of my beloved.
Even the most ordinary plants have their cycles of prosperity and decline; the cold, mocking yellow flowers accompany Tao Yuanming.