Gu Jianzhang returned to the study and saw that his son was no longer there, while his father-in-law was drinking a steaming cup of tea. Gu Jianzhang approached him and said, "Father-in-law, wise as you are, you have accepted such an excellent disciple." No matter how much one hears about it, seeing it in person is far more shocking, and Gu Jianzhang was even more astonished at Yueyao’s learning attitude, which truly could be described as tireless. Mr. Yu Shan was very proud. Accepting Yueyao as his closed-door disciple was indeed the most correct thing he had done, "Still lacks a bit of skill. But as long as she continues to work this hard, it won’t take her ten years to surpass me." Gu Jianzhang revealed a shocked expression, "Father-in-law..." His father-in-law was indeed the most renowned person in the painting circle, and the thought of Yueyao surpassing him in just ten years was astonishing. Chapters fırst released on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⁂𝕟𝕖𝕥 Mr. Yu Shan smiled and did not say more. Seeing this, Gu Jianzhang did not mention it any further but instead said, "Father-in-law, there are various discussions about Zichang outside. Father-in-law, what do you think..." Mr. Yu Shan shook his head and said, "Her path is her own to walk. I will not intervene." Mr. Yu Shan initially considered matchmaking Yueyao, but after what happened last time, he no longer entertained the idea. Yueyao was a very decisive person who knew what she wanted. Since Yueyao had not approached him about marital matters, it indicated that the young woman had her own plans. Gu Jianzhang felt somewhat regretful. Upon his return, he had thought that Yueyao and his cousin were of similar age, and he had intended to ask his father-in-law to arrange the marriage, but now it seemed impossible. Xiang Wei looked at a chest full of books and muttered, "Mr. Yu Shan really worries about you getting idle!" The previous chest of books was only half-read, and now there was another chest, making her wonder if Mr. Yu Shan had given all his books to the young lady. Yueyao laughed, "Many people want these books and can’t get them. If someone heard you, they would be guaranteed to spray you in the face." Yueyao had learned the word "spray" from Xiang Wei. Xiang Wei pursed her lips but said nothing. Mr. Yu Shan’s items were indeed in high demand, "Miss, Zhaohua Temple has already sent someone to make inquiries; there should be no problem. When do you plan to depart?" After thinking for a moment, Yueyao replied, "The day after tomorrow, two days is too rushed." Yueyao was preparing to spend the New Year at Zhaohua Temple, so she had a lot of things to pack. Yueyao was discussing with Xiang Wei her plans to visit Mingzhu in the next two days and to inform her about going to Zhaohua Temple. Just then, a maid came and said, "Miss, Li Mansion has sent something for you. It’s outside right now." Upon hearing this, Xiang Wei coldly said, "Have them take it back. We’re not lacking that little bit." Insulting someone and then trying to compensate with some items, it’s appalling what some people can do. Yueyao calmed Xiang Wei down and then said, "Let them come in!" Yueyao looked at the gift list and estimated the value of the items on it, then smilingly said to Xi Yu, "Go to the storeroom and get a hundred-year-old ginseng." Hundred-year-old ginseng was rare and sought after. Apart from the ginseng, Yueyao sent nothing else. Reciprocal gifting was indeed very particular; if Yueyao’s gift matched the value of the items Lady Li sent, it would signify that Yueyao intended to maintain a normal relationship with the Li family. Although Yueyao was somewhat displeased with Lady Li’s actions, she did not want to spoil relations over this matter. Despite everything, she and her brother had received many favors from the Li family. Xiang Wei snorted, "Tingzheng has received favors from the Li family, not you. Let Tingzheng repay them." Yueyao laughed, "Xiang Wei, putting yourself in their shoes, what do you think of Uncle Li’s treatment of us siblings?" Yueyao believed that Li Guoxing had exhausted his kindness to them. She could not forget the favors Li Guoxing had shown their family because of what Lady Li had done. Xiang Wei kept her head down and after a long pause said, "Miss, have you never wondered why Li Guoxing is so good to you and your brother? Maybe there’s a reason you don’t know about." Yueyao helplessly said, "Xiang Wei, you should use a reliable reason to sow discord." Xiang Wei shrugged, "Alright, forget I said anything." Excluding the vile thing Lady Li did this time, she also felt that Li Guoxing had been impeccable toward Yueyao and Tingzheng. Perhaps, Li Guoxing was genuinely a noble man. Xiang Wei used ’perhaps’ because nothing could be 100 percent certain. When Yueyao went to Ma’s Mansion to see Mingzhu, Mingzhu’s belly was already showing. Mingzhu supported her waist as she came to the door to greet Yueyao.