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

The people around did not know how to react, and could only agree repeatedly.

Perhaps it was the encounter with the scholars after entering the city that stirred different thoughts in the old man who had repeatedly failed to pass the exams.

In Black Wind Village, it would never have been like this.

Lin Ziqi was boasting in front of Qin Siyuan at this moment: "Prince Qi is indeed wise to think of such a good method, and since I happened to be nearby, I was entrusted with this heavy task."

Then, in a regretful tone, he tried to probe: "Mr. Songshan only focuses on discussing strategies, and you only focus on listening. Otherwise, one should really be Mr. Songshan’s disciple, Brother Siyuan."

Qin Siyuan smiled faintly: "I dare not, dare not. I have only asked Mr. Songshan for advice a few times and dare not refer to myself as his disciple. The gentleman is talented and extremely knowledgeable, offering some guidance from which I greatly benefit.

Ziqi, the capable have more work; if the articles come to the attention of the nobles, scholars across the world will have to acknowledge Ziqi’s contribution."

Lin Ziqi grew increasingly proud and, seeing Qin Siyuan’s lack of jealousy, couldn’t help but add: "Brother Siyuan knows my status. It’s only because Prince Qi sees things on my father-in-law and brother-in-law’s account."

Qin Siyuan laughed: "Ziqi, why be so modest? Even Gan Luo became a prime minister at twelve; he first recommended himself to display his talent, let alone us? If preparation for the exam can be managed, I might even lend you a hand, but... I truly feel somewhat powerless, so please forgive me, Ziqi."

Lin Ziqi, initially jubilant, felt uncomfortable listening further.

This time should be spent preparing for the exam; wasting effort on this matter seems improper.

But to miss out on this opportunity for climbing up...

Lin Ziqi furrowed his brow.

A mutual acquaintance scholar squeezed through the crowd and greeted with a smile: "So, you two are chatting here, making me search for half a day."

Seeing the newcomer, Lin Ziqi smiled: "Why is Brother Wu here too?"

"Both the renowned Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang are coming; how could I not be here?" He added, "Brother Ziqi, at such a moment... do you think Young Master Nantang will actually appear tonight?"

Lin Ziqi confidently replied: "Marquis Gu personally went to invite him; he will definitely come."

"I heard Young Master Nantang is difficult to invite, not even royal relatives can succeed."

Lin Ziqi chuckled: "Young Master Nantang and Mr. Songshan are friends. Mr. Songshan is a distinguished guest at Dingbei Marquis Mansion; how could he not give Marquis Gu this favor?"

Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but add: "Young Master Nantang is a man of his word; Marquis Gu should be able to invite him. But..."

"But what?" Wu Junren eyed Qin Siyuan, his tone somewhat sour: "I hear Brother Siyuan received guidance from Young Master Nantang and was accepted as a disciple by Mr. Songshan. Surely next year’s spring examination will bring you glory, making us envy you. Brother Ziqi, when you soar to success, do not forget your old friends."

Qin Siyuan quickly waved his hands: "Indeed, I was fortunate to receive guidance from Young Master Nantang, but never became a disciple of Mr. Songshan. Mr. Songshan is a renowned figure in Wu and Chu; my talents are shallow, merely fortunate enough to receive a bit of guidance from him, not daring to call myself his disciple."

Wu Junren, with some acidity, said: "As the saying goes, first find the moon at the water’s edge; Siyuan, being a relative of the Marquis Mansion, can receive enlightenment from two distinguished masters, how could we have such karma."

Lin Ziqi hurriedly added: "Don’t say that; I’m also a relative of the Marquis Mansion, yet I don’t have such karma either."

"Oh?" Wu Junren looked at them deeply.

Lin Ziqi remained silent.

Qin Siyuan couldn’t help but frown slightly.

Buried in books at home for days, he hadn’t seen Wu Junren for over a month, and the hint of malice in his speech was apparent.

He could not recall when or how he might have offended him.

"Brother Wu, if you want to consult Mr. Songshan, why not take this opportunity, submit a note to Ranxiang Inn, and if chosen, Mr. Songshan would naturally share his knowledge generously."

Lin Ziqi suddenly laughed: "Mr. Songshan’s scholarship needs no mention. He was undaunted by discussions of political affairs and scholar governance just now. We all know he’s well-read and retentive, but as for next year’s spring examination, the key is to answer the Eight-Legged Essay, an area where he may not match the theory writers at the Book Sea Pavilion."

Wu Junren concurred: "Brother Ziqi’s argument makes sense. Though Mr. Songshan is a notable figure in Wu and Chu, few in the Capital City know him, that’s one point. Secondly..."

"Secondly what?"

With Qin Siyuan silent, Lin Ziqi chimed in, ensuring his point didn’t get overlooked.

Wu Junren smiled: "What Brother Ziqi meant was that the collection from the Book Sea Pavilion seeks those skilled in writing Eight-Legged Essays; these individuals are either Hanlin scholars, top ten advanced scholars from past years, or even academies’ Mountain Masters. Mr. Songshan is a gentleman, not needing to take civil exams."

Lin Ziqi nodded repeatedly.

Their joyful discussion drew the attention of nearby scholars.

Just as Qin Siyuan was about to retort, Gu Baoshu shouted: "Brother Qin, come quickly, Mr. Songshan is looking for you."

Qin Siyuan immediately replied: "Coming."

Then nodded to the two envious and jealous men: "You two continue the conversation."

Once Qin Siyuan walked away, Wu Junren quietly asked Lin Ziqi: "Was that the Seventh Miss of Dingbei Marquis Mansion just now?"

"Indeed."

"Once it’s accomplished, can you really help me arrange the marriage proposal?"

Lin Ziqi laughed: "As the saying goes, success depends on human effort. I dare not guarantee, but indeed can say a few words; her brother of the same mother is originally my friend, known to all as Sixth Master Gu."

Wu Junren also laughed.

He had indeed heard of what kind of person Sixth Master Gu was.

He whispered: "Then let’s wait for Young Master Nantang to come..."

Lin Ziqi nodded, eyes full of determination.

Qin Siyuan approached Mr. Songshan, bowed, and said: "What is it that the gentleman wishes to teach?"

Mr. Songshan said: "Young Master Nantang will come later; I am a bit thirsty and plan to take a break. Today I intended to extract some topics for discussion, but was delayed due to continuing queries. Have you noted all that was said earlier? Shen Changle plans to publish it tomorrow and requires a draft, it would be best if you could commit it to memory."

Implying he didn’t wish to continue, and for those scholars to wait for Qin Yuan instead.

Qin Siyuan chuckled: "Young Master Nantang mentioned it’d be best for the gentleman to discuss strategies all day today and the more the better. If she doesn’t have to appear, it’ll be even better."

Mr. Songshan swallowed: "Even storytelling in the theater requires breaks for the old man, let alone discussing strategies, which she proposed initially; it should focus on her."

He blew his whiskers and glared: "Just now when the old man hadn’t finished speaking, Prince Qi asked everyone to submit articles to the Eastern Palace, while Lin Ziqi looked ingratiatingly with no semblance of scholarly pride. This made strategy discussion turn into political debate."