Chapter 1517: Thick-Skinned and Shameless, Going with the Flow

The Song Mansion hosted guests, with Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie, as the main attractions, being the busiest figures. They first made an appearance among the women, receiving a heap of praises and after showing their faces, followed the elders in entertaining the male guests and contemporaries invited over.

It is worth mentioning that the top scorer of this grand exam, Fu Shixian, who is the eldest grandson of Grandmaster Fu, also came with his grandfather and is now talking with Grandmaster Fu and Song Zhiyuan.

"Xiu Yuan is the top scorer, and the Grand Tutor didn’t host a banquet to celebrate. Our family, on the other hand, is quite ostentatious, letting you have a laugh at us," Song Zhiyuan said, with a tone of embarrassment.

He was referring to Fu Shixian’s courtesy name, who stood up, cupped his hands and replied, "Prime Minister, you overpraise me. I merely got lucky, far less than Huaiyan and the others."

Grandmaster Fu glanced at Song Zhiyuan, thinking, your tone is one of embarrassment but not your face, which is full of pride.

However, as his eyes drifted to the two graceful young men, he sighed; the Song Family indeed knows how to cultivate their offspring. These two children, indistinguishable in merit, equally outstanding, Song Yunzhi indeed has reason to be proud.

"Twin talents passing the exams is a cause for joy in any family. These children, at such a young age, already have honors to their names. What’s wrong with a little high-profile celebration?" Grandmaster Fu waved his hand, looking at Song Lingsu and the others and said, "Just one thing, celebrations aside, remember to stay humble and vigilant. Don’t let temporary success make you complacent, for you have much greater exams to face in the future."

Song Lingsu quickly said, "Huaiyan dares not go against teacher’s words."

Song Lingjie also cupped his hands and bowed, "I will heed the Grand Tutor’s teachings."

Grandmaster Fu smiled at him and asked, "Su’er has a courtesy name now, how about you?"

"His own brother took the name Huaijin, so I gave him the courtesy name Huaiyu. What does the Grand Tutor think?" Song Zhiyuan asked with a smile.

Grandmaster Fu stroked his beard and recited, "Cherishing jewels in hand, unknown to be impoverished, Huaiyu, your uncle sees you as precious jade, hoping you will become more polished and radiant with time."

Song Lingjie looked at Song Zhiyuan and bowed deeply, "I will surely remember uncle’s expectations in my heart."

Grandmaster Fu then asked, "You have now passed the Scholar exam, but whose disciple do you wish to become?"

Song Lingjie glanced at Song Zhiyuan, and said, "In response to the Grand Tutor, I often accompany the Crown Prince, so I wouldn’t choose another Academy. As for the mentor, I’ve already regarded Uncle as my educational master."

Song Zhiyuan was somewhat surprised.

Grandmaster Fu nodded, "That’s not bad. Your uncle is knowledgeable, having topped the imperial exams back then. Being your educational master is sufficient."

"If the Grand Tutor is willing, can I accompany my brother and listen to your lectures when I’m free?" Song Lingjie asked, his eyes gleaming.

Now, it was Grandmaster Fu’s turn to be astonished. Looking at the sly Song Lingjie, he felt an inexplicable familiarity.

He glanced at the smiling Song Zhiyuan, then at Song Lingjie, and suddenly understood.

This boy is a replica of young Song Yunzhi.

"You have your uncle teaching you, why need the old man’s lessons?" Grandmaster Fu raised an eyebrow and asked.

"As the saying goes, ’In the company of three, there is a teacher among us.’ There might be things that Uncle can’t teach, perhaps I can glean one or two from you, Grand Tutor, gathering collective wisdom," Song Lingjie said with a cheeky grin.

Grandmaster Fu pointed at him mockingly, "I think you’re not gathering collective wisdom, but learning your uncle’s best trick, being cheeky and climbing up any opportunity."

Song Zhiyuan laughed heartily and said, "Why not agree? Most days, I accompany the court, and if he’s in the Eastern Palace with the Crown Prince, there’s limited teaching he could receive."

"Alright, it seems the old man owes the Song Family. If you want to come, just come. Whatever you learn will be your skill," Grandmaster Fu said, feigning helplessness.