binnovel Chapter 166 The Villainous Female Supporting Character's Mind Was Read 21
Chapter 166 The Villainous Female Supporting Character's Mind Was Read 21
The prefectural and provincial examinations came one after another, and Gu Yanli lived up to Lin Shuwan's expectations, winning the top three honors in one fell swoop.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was naturally overjoyed, but Song Huaiyun suffered a series of setbacks, always falling behind Gu Yanli, earning him the nickname "Song the Second".
He was unwilling to accept this, and when he learned that Gu Yanli was temporarily staying at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, he became a frequent visitor to the mansion, running there every few days.
They claimed that working in isolation is pointless, and that mutual discussion is essential for progress.
In reality, she wanted to find out Gu Yanli's strengths and weaknesses so that she could finally get her revenge in the next round.
Gu Yanli was well aware of Song Huaiyun's ulterior motives, but he simply chose not to reveal them.
It's rare to meet someone who is both intelligent and whose character suits him.
Giving advice occasionally can be considered as forming a good connection.
Because of this, Song Huaiyun's attitude towards Gu Yanli changed repeatedly.
From initially looking down on them, to regarding them as formidable rivals, and now to considering them as close friends, it has only been a few short months.
Later, finding the back-and-forth travel too troublesome, he simply stayed in a guest room at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
Unexpectedly, Gu Yanli not only studied but also "emphasized" exercise, so they even joined in the morning exercise.
He declared righteously that he would "share weal and woe" with Brother Gu!
Lin Shuwan naturally agreed.
Who would refuse a "target" that's offered up to practice on?
However, Song Huaiyun could only hold on for two days before he couldn't take it anymore.
He left in a hurry that day without even packing his things, and didn't come back for several days afterward.
Once he had finally recovered, he shamelessly came over to study with Gu Yanli.
Gu Yanli teased, "Didn't we agree to share joys and sorrows? Why did you run away?"
Song Huaiyun was not annoyed. Instead, he said confidently, "I travel back and forth between the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and the Duke of Chengguo's mansion every day. How can that not be considered sharing hardships?"
Lin Shuwan looked disgusted after hearing this: "You have the nerve to complain about the hardship of coming by carriage? If you're so tired, you might as well not have come at all."
(So as not to delay Xiao Anzi's studying.)
Although it had only been two days, Song Huaiyun had already developed a fear of Shanglin Shuwan, especially after seeing the long whip she wore at her waist.
Song Huaiyun took a step back, then immediately straightened his back and said, "That won't do. Brother Gu and I still need to discuss our studies together. How can we give up just because of the trouble of going back and forth!"
"Tch." Lin Shuwan rolled her eyes and turned to leave.
(He still topped the exam even when he was alone.)
(Never mind, it's rare for him to have a study companion. What if he really runs away and then asks me to stay with him?)
(Just thinking about it gives me a headache.)
"Phew—they're finally gone."
Song Huaiyun patted his chest and placed his other hand on Gu Yanli's shoulder:
"Brother Gu is indeed an extraordinary person. He can remain calm and talk and laugh in the face of this wicked woman. I truly admire him."
"She meant well, but her methods were a little extreme. However, she was careful and wouldn't really hurt you," Gu Yanli explained.
For some reason, although he had also complained about Lin Shuwan's unconventional way of supervising, he still felt uneasy when he heard Song Huaiyun complain.
"I can't accept such kindness. Who supervises with a whip in hand?"
Song Huaiyun muttered something, then perked up and said, "Let's not talk about that. I've come to bring Brother Gu some good news today."
"What is it?" Gu Yanli asked casually.
“My master, Su Lu Jushi, would like to invite you to his home for a gathering.”
As Song Huaiyun spoke, he took out an invitation from his sleeve:
"I didn't come here a few days ago because I went to see my master. He mentioned you during our conversation and wanted to meet you. Maybe he wants to take you as his disciple!"
His fellow disciples, when they did take the exams, were all top scholars.
Judging from the current situation, unless Gu Yanli is promoted to the third-ranked scholar due to his outstanding appearance, he will not be able to become the top scholar.
If he only gets second place, it would indeed be a disgrace to his school.
But if Gu Yanli also becomes a disciple of Su Lu Jushi, then the two of them, one a top scholar and the other a second-place scholar, would be a wonderful story.
Moreover, this would make him Gu Yanli's senior brother.
In terms of knowledge, he couldn't compare.
But in terms of seniority, he still has some advantage.
Song Huaiyun thought about it and it made more and more sense: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were from the same school?"
Gu Yanli accepted the invitation and was about to refuse, but stopped himself before he could say it.
With his abilities, passing the imperial examination with the highest score wouldn't be difficult.
Becoming prime minister is only a matter of time, but it will take at least a decade or more.
However, if the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were to encounter any trouble during this period, he would probably be powerless to help it and have no connections to do anything for it.
When Su Lu Jushi was an official, he made many good friends and had more or less connections with the older generation of virtuous and capable officials in the court.
His disciples, not counting Song Huaiyun, had at least been in officialdom for several years.
His eldest disciple served as an official for over a decade and is currently the Minister of Works.
Furthermore, the lay Buddhist Su Lu also supported many poor students, who were scattered throughout the court in positions of varying importance.
These intertwine to form a vast network of connections that can always come in handy at the right time.
It seems that he is determined to obtain the title of disciple of the lay Buddhist.
Gu Yanli opened the invitation, quickly glanced at the time, and replied, "I am honored by your invitation, sir. Please convey my regards to you, Brother Song, that I will definitely pay a visit on the seventh of this month."
Song Huaiyun patted his chest: "No problem, no problem, I will definitely pass on your message."
*
As Song Huaiyun had expected, after talking with Gu Yanli, Su Li Jushi immediately expressed his intention to take on a disciple.
Gu Yanli became the sixth disciple of Su Lu Jushi, and also his last disciple.
The lay Buddhist is now over sixty, but he is still very healthy, and there are always things that make one's mind clear when talking to him.
Therefore, Gu Yanli respected him even more.
The lay Buddhist asked, "Is there a name you wish to choose?"
"Replying to you, sir, it has already been retrieved." Gu Yanli replied with a cupped hand. "The name Yanli is derived from the meaning of peace and tranquility, and being knowledgeable and courteous."
"晏 means clear sky. It is composed of 日 (sun) and 安 (peace). It signifies a clear and peaceful sky. It is a good character."
The lay Buddhist praised, "I also came up with one, but it is inferior to yours. Whoever came up with this for you must have put their heart into it."
Gu Yanli unconsciously curled the corners of his mouth: "He can also be considered a gentleman."
Knowing that he was going to visit the hermit Su Lu, Lin Shuwan secretly approached him yesterday and wrote down these two characters.
He was startled when he saw those two words again.
Lin Shuwan found out that he had been brought back to life.
Just when I was filled with anxiety, I heard her heartfelt words and realized it was just a false alarm.
According to her, Su Lu Jushi liked to give her disciples names.
But as his first husband, how could she let someone else take the place of choosing his courtesy name?
So I spent several days flipping through books, deleting and revising, before I finally came up with these two words.
Of course, in order to show off her knowledge, she came up with that word casually, easily, and in a flash of inspiration when she spoke to him.
Gu Yanli naturally smiled without saying a word.
Unexpectedly, the name she chose for him happened to be his name from a previous life; it was a kind of fate.