CHAPTER 326: CHAPTER 307: DAMN IT

However, most of the Zhi generation in business have at least a Scholar’s education. Zhao Zhiquan is the only one of his kind who isn’t even a student.

When Yu Xiaolian heard that Zhao Zhiyun had eight rooms full of books, her eyes widened like saucers.

Is this... an ancient library?

"Not everyone gets to read my big brother’s books. Even if his own daughter or son wants to read them, they need his permission, record them as borrowed, and then they can take them to read.

If they finish reading and the book has even the slightest damage, the borrower must write out a new copy in full to replace it.

Once, my seven-year-old nephew borrowed a book of poetry from my big brother and accidentally spilled a little tea on it. My big brother raged and demanded compensation.

My little nephew spent three months painstakingly copying a new one for him, and in the end, he still complained about the handwriting and demanded it be recopied.

Do you think he’s human? The child was only seven! It was already commendable that he could copy a new one. He had such high demands that my nephew was driven to despair.

Fortunately, my mother intervened to protect my nephew, and he didn’t have to copy it a second time."

Zhao Zhiquan, full of disdain, continued to list his big brother’s quirks.

"Hey, you should know my little nephew. My nephew is Zhao Xudong, who studies at Shuren Academy. You know him, right?"

Yu Xiaolian nodded, "I know him!"

Listening to Zhao Zhiquan, Yu Xiaolian finally understood why Zhao Xudong said he didn’t want to take the Scholar’s exam at all.

Yes, to pass the Scholar’s exam means going to Jianyin Academy, where the dean is his uncle.

Zhao Xudong is terrified of his uncle.

Having such a stern and meticulous uncle is indeed suffocating.

Yu Xiaolian felt a twinge of sympathy for Zhao Xudong and then bowed to Zhao Zhiquan, "I really must go!"

Zhao Zhiyun’s poetry gathering was set for the evening. Although it was still before noon, Yu Xiaolian had to go back and prepare.

Because Zhao Zhiyun might unexpectedly present her with a difficult challenge, she needed to be prepared.

Yu Xiaolian returned to the third floor of Zhenpin Pavilion and went into a small annex to rummage through her family’s storage room.

She remembered having a copy of "Three Hundred Tang Poems."

After searching for a while, she didn’t find "Three Hundred Tang Poems" but did find a required collection of ancient poems for elementary and middle school students.

It’ll do, better than nothing.

Yu Xiaolian began to review.

As she memorized, she couldn’t help but grumble about Zhao Zhiyun. If it weren’t for that old man repeatedly inviting her, she wouldn’t be forced to pick up her textbooks again.

Yu Xiaolian studied tirelessly for two hours. Fortunately, she had a foundation from before, so it wasn’t too difficult to memorize.

After finishing a book of poetry, Yu Xiaolian realized she was thirsty and hungry and quickly grabbed a piece of cut steak from the fridge to pan-fry in the kitchen.

She seared the steak to medium doneness in a frying pan and opened a bottle of red wine.

This wine wasn’t from the supermarket; it was an excellent vintage from her dad’s wine cabinet.

Yu Xiaolian enjoyed a piece of steak and sipped a small glass before leaving her space contentedly.

Yu Xiaolian changed her clothes, bade farewell to Zhao Erya, and leisurely headed towards the Zhao Family residence in the west of the city.

She had never been to Teacher Zhao’s house, but once she was in the west city and asked anyone where the Zhao Mansion was, no one wouldn’t know.

It was only upon arrival that Yu Xiaolian realized just how grand Zhao Zhiyun’s poetry gathering was.

Everywhere she looked was a throng of people. The house was bustling, and everyone was dressed in long robes, some of fine silk and others of coarse cloth.

Zhao Zhiyun was delighted to see Yu Xiaolian arriving, knowing that previously, he was too prideful to invite women to his gatherings. Now, he had already changed the rules to prevent Yu Xiaolian from being embarrassed at the event.

Hence, the recent poetry gatherings hosted by the Zhao family drew many knowledgeable women, including the Feng sisters and Ma Xiyue, who were also present.

Yu Xiaolian was invited by Zhao Zhiyun to sit at the front seat.

Barely settled, Ma Xiyue approached.

Though Ma Xiyue disliked Yu Xiaolian, after their last competition, her father sternly advised her on the pros and cons, urging her not to offend Yu Xiaolian anymore.

She not only shouldn’t offend her but should also try to make friends with her.

Ma Xiyue slightly curtsied and greeted Yu Xiaolian, "Teacher Yu, last time I mentioned that if I lost, then from now on, I’ll let Teacher Yu decide..."