Chapter 1516: Flirtatious Glances

Fu Yunjin was led out, and Madam Fu also took her seat. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, her position was arranged next to Madam Jiang and Madam Guan.

Guan Shuyan had once attended Grandmaster Fu’s lectures, and naturally, Madam Guan was familiar with Madam Fu. The two occasionally corresponded, and now meeting again, they seemed more intimate than others.

"It has been several years since last we met, yet you appear to have slimmed down. Have you come to Beijing for your esteemed son?" Madam Guan asked with a smile.

Someone exclaimed, "Oh, I’ve forgotten—this year in the Jiangnan exam, I heard the top scorer is named Fu. Could it be the young man from Madam Fu’s family?"

Madam Fu, with a smile at the corner of her eyes, humbly replied, "Indeed, it’s my eldest son, Shixian. The boy is unworthy, but luckily he managed to earn the top title."

"You are too modest. Grandmaster Fu is immensely knowledgeable; his grandson would hardly be an ordinary person. Hasn’t he achieved the top scorer title? And that’s not all—the student of his, the first young master of the Song Family, has also passed the exams. They count as classmates now. Grandmaster Fu truly educates skillfully."

Everyone else joined in the praise, their words carrying tones of envy and admiration. Might their own children also shine brilliantly if they could be accepted by Grandmaster Fu?

Madam Fu looked at Song Ci and Madam Song and said, "My eldest son only passed the exam after his coming-of-age ceremony, unlike Huaiyan and his brothers, who became scholars before theirs. The Song Family truly educates excellently."

Song Ci cheerfully waved his hand, saying, "Today, I’ve heard quite a few words of praise, to the point my ears are getting thick with it. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Regardless of age, serving the Emperor and being loyal to the country are all good things."

"You are absolutely right."

Princess Anping asked Madam Fu, "Then, you have come to Beijing this time for Fu Jieyuan’s participation in the spring imperial exams next year?"

Madam Fu nodded affirmatively: "The residence in Beijing has been empty and needs some managing. Also, there’s the intention to prepare for his spring exams. The old master has decided that after the new year begins, he will let the old lady come to Beijing for a couple of years to see old friends."

Hearing this, everyone exchanged a glance.

The Fu Family has been out of official affairs for many years, yet now their eldest grandson participates in the autumn exams and next year in the spring exams, seemingly with great assurance.

It appears the Fu Family intends to return to the center of the Beijing Circle’s power.

Madam Guan inquired: "Has Fu Jieyuan been betrothed? Or is he waiting for an arranged marriage after the results?"

Madam Fu covered her mouth with a handkerchief, laughing: "He’s already betrothed—to the eldest daughter of the prominent Xiao Family from Shandong, the legitimate eldest daughter of the current Shandong governor, Mr. Xiao."

Madam Guan was quite surprised: "This news hasn’t leaked out at all."

"It was arranged by the old master in August."

Madam Jiang couldn’t resist, and laughingly asked: "Fu Jieyuan is betrothed, while the third Fu Miss, with her graceful appearance and talent, has surely had proposals from numerous families?"

Madam Fu laughed again: "My husband is especially fond of this girl, even considering taking in a son-in-law, and keeping things undecided. Now the old master has spoken, not allowing him to be capricious."

"That’s right, for a girl, if kept waiting, it becomes a resentment; better to find a good match," Princess Anping laughed and said, "With a daughter in the family, there are requests from a hundred families. Madam Fu, you may end up like Madam Jiang with an overwhelming choice."

Madam Jiang’s eyes sparkled, looking at Madam Fu with a particularly ambiguous gaze.

Song Ci quietly picked up a sip of tea with a smile.

Everyone saw clearly: "..."

Such conspicuous glances, they were all too obvious!