Encountering Zhao Ruyu on the Road

"Hahahaha..." Kang Shilin laughed loudly, pointing at Zhao Ruxi and saying to Wu Huaisi and Gong Cheng, "Look, isn't this child amusing? Ah, I've finally found a worthy disciple for this old man."

He then looked at the two of them with obvious disdain. "Look at you two, you've both become old hags, and since you became officials, you've been so lifeless. Every time we meet, you're more than happy to keep this old man entertained than to annoy me."

The disliked duo. "..."

Wu Huaisi was able to become the Minister of Ministry of Personnel because he was naturally more shrewd and eloquent than Gong Cheng.

He smiled and said, "So it is our good fortune that Master was able to receive such a spiritual child as Junior Sister."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Zhao Ruxi: "In the future, I will trouble you, junior sister, to visit Master more often."

Just as Zhao Ruxi was about to speak, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, followed by the entry of a man in his thirties.

He first bowed deeply to Kang Shilin: "I'm sorry, Master, I'm late. I went out of town to handle a case and just got back."

"It's alright." Kang Shilin waved his hand and said to Zhao Ruxi, "Well, ever since your portrait came out, the first person to pester you so much to learn painting is your third senior brother. His name is Wu Zong, and he works at the Court of Judicial Review. He often has to use other people's descriptions and portraits to track down murderers. You should teach him well."

Wu Zong's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "You must be Miss Xu Xi? When does your painting class start? I'd like to ask the government for leave so I can study under you."

"Zhao Ruxi. I have now officially recognized my ancestors and am called Zhao Ruxi." Zhao Ruxi stated this first before adding, "Classes begin tomorrow." She then turned to Kang Shilin to confirm, "Master, right?"

"..."

Watching his daughter chat confidently with these people, radiant and full of energy, showing no sign of inferiority or unease despite her young age and low status, and always speaking with substance, Zhao Yuanxun thought of his eldest daughter Zhao Ruyu, his second daughter Zhao Ruzhu, who were already married, and his third illegitimate daughter Zhao Ruxin, who was waiting to be married. Zhao Yuanxun truly understood the meaning of Kang Shilin's words.

Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Ruzhu were well-mannered and truly virtuous young ladies. When they went out in front of those wealthy and noble women, they were praised by everyone.

But they were always bound by rules, their every word, action, smile, and gesture conforming to regulations. Like the carefully tended flowers in the garden, they were beautiful, but lacked Zhao Ruxi's unrestrained and vibrant life.

And that's precisely what Mr. Kang and his colleagues appreciated.

At this moment, Zhao Yuanxun was completely relieved.

He was worried because of the identities of Kang Shilin, Wu Huaisi, and others. He feared that his daughter might offend someone if she wasn't careful, and given his current status and position, he wouldn't be able to protect her.

So he planned to tell his daughter who these people were when he got home and teach her how to get along with them. He even considered spending a lot of money to hire a palace matron to teach his daughter manners.

But now he realizes he was wrong. If he had done that, he would have harmed his daughter.

Watching his daughter enthusiastically take out her charcoal pencils to demonstrate her drawing skills to the group, Zhao Yuanxun smiled contentedly.

"When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their resolve, strains their muscles and bones, starves their body, empties their resources, and frustrates their endeavors..."

My daughter was exchanged by the Lady Wei and suffered, but like a wildflower in the mountains, she was nourished by the spirit of heaven and earth, created her own painting style, and achieved a unique destiny. I should really thank Heaven for its favor.

On the way back, Zhao Yuanxun told Zhao Ruxi about Kang Shilin's extraordinary status and the official positions of her three senior brothers.

But Zhao Ruxi's focus was clearly off. "How come my master, who is such an indifferent person, has disciples who are all in officialdom? And they are all doing so well."

"Official slicker"—this term isn't used lightly. In the officialdom, no matter how proud and principled you were initially, you'll eventually be worn down. If you don't become slick and worldly, you'll be eliminated.

"Your master has a keen eye for talent. These people are not only gifted in painting, but also extremely capable in other areas," Zhao Yuanxun said with a smile.

"Your eldest brother's ability to be an official is first-rate. But your second and third brothers are not only that; they also make a living through their painting skills. Your second brother works in the Ministry of Works, where he is responsible for drawing plans for building houses and gardens. In addition, he is shrewd and capable, and with the help of your eldest brother, he was promoted to Left Vice Minister. As for your third brother, you probably already know what he does at the Court of Judicial Review. He has now reached the fourth rank."

Zhao Ruxi nodded. "I see." Her master really has sharp eyes; it's quite impressive that he recognized her at a glance.

"Heh." The system let out another cold laugh.

Just as Zhao Ruxi was about to retort to this idiot, Zhao Yuanxun continued, "Furthermore, your three senior brothers all come from noble families, some quite prominent. For example, your eldest brother is related to your master. You'll gradually learn about these things later."

"I see." Zhao Ruxi indicated that she understood.

Seeing her calm demeanor, Zhao Yuanxun couldn't help but ask, "Don't you feel apprehensive when you hear about their illustrious status?"

Zhao Ruxi looked at him, puzzled. "Why should I be afraid? Shouldn't I Gao Xing? From now on, I can walk around the capital with my head held high."

"..."

Zhao Yuanxun was about to give his daughter a few words of instruction when his gaze inadvertently fell on the scene outside the window. His eyes narrowed, and he sat up straight.

Seeing him like this, Zhao Ruxi couldn't help but turn her head curiously. "What's wrong?" She immediately saw Zhao Ruyu.

She was walking out of a teahouse, with Fushu beside her. Zhao Ruyu's eyes were red, as if she had just been crying.

Fushu raised her hand, signaling the coachman waiting on the other side of the road to bring the carriage over, but suddenly noticed that the carriage slowly passing by bore the insignia of the Earl's Mansion. Turning her gaze, she met Zhao Yuanxun's stern eyes through the carriage window.

She was startled and quickly tugged at Zhao Ruyu, gesturing for her to look at the carriage.

"Stop the car," Zhao Yuanxun ordered the driver.

The carriage stopped, and he bent down and stepped out. Zhao Ruxi hesitated for a moment, then followed him out.

Zhao Ruyu could guess why Zhao Ruxi was here even with a fool's eye.

The novel describes Zhao Ruyu and Fu Yunlang's secret rendezvous many times. They meet in a teahouse near the Earl of Suiping's Residence, usually in the evening. In her previous life, Zhao Ruyu failed to get into the Women's Academy, but Fu Yunlang only had time to come out at this time.

Today, the Marquis's mansion is dividing its assets. Madam Lady Wei is still imprisoned and hasn't been beheaded yet, and Zhao Ruyu didn't go to school, but that didn't stop her from meeting her lover. It's currently her usual time to get out of school.

"Uncle, Uncle," Zhao Ruyu called out to Zhao Yuanxun tremblingly.