Song Ci sat in the elegant room, thoroughly enjoying the view. The antique jewelry from ancient times was indeed crafted with great ingenuity, both exquisite and intricate. Unable to resist, she decided on several pieces of jewelry as gifts for the women at home, ensuring that everyone received something. The shopkeeper was so pleased that his eyes nearly formed a line from smiling.
Having indulged her eyes in the elegant room, she then took the little chubby boy upstairs, where ancient books, paintings, and the Four Treasures of the Study were sold.
"You will be going to the clan school soon. Choose a set of the Four Treasures of the Study as a gift from your ancestors for starting school," Song Ci said, looking down at Song Lingzhou.
Song Lingzhou smiled and thanked her, saying, "Aunt said that there are pens and ink in the clan school, so there’s no need to bring them."
"But you’ll still need them for practicing calligraphy," Song Ci said. "I just bought the girls jewelry; you boys should have something too. You go ahead and pick, and choose a gift for your brothers as well."
The attendant standing by smiled and said, "Madam, we also have several high-grade inkstones here, and although they may not be as valuable as those in the Prime Minister’s Mansion collection, they are still of excellent quality. Would you like to take a look?"
This attendant was very clever, with a talent for sales.
Song Ci praised him and went with Song Lingzhou to take a look. In truth, she didn’t know much about the quality of inkstones, but Shangzhen House was a large store, and her status was evident, so they wouldn’t deceive a customer. Therefore, she bought whatever the attendant recommended.
Just when Song Ci was about to settle on a couple of Duan inkstones, a voice interjected.
"Actually, if Madam is choosing an inkstone for the young grandson, he is still in the early stages of learning. If money is not an issue, why not choose this Tao River inkstone? It’s slightly superior to the Duan inkstone. The Tao River inkstone is also a renowned one. It grinds ink quickly, is durable, holds water for a long time, and is rich in color and moisture, making it ideal for his age. Naturally, it can also be collected as it’s a renowned inkstone."
Song Ci turned her head to see a young man dressed in a blue robe, his hair fastened with a nanmu wooden hairpin, a silver-white cloud-patterned belt around his waist, and a green jade medallion hanging from it. He held a purple bamboo flute and smiled at her.
Seeing Song Ci looking his way, he clasped the bamboo flute with one hand and greeted her, "This young man is Cui Changxiao. Greetings to Madam Song, wishing you good fortune."
Such appearance, such demeanor, such voice—what a fine talent.
Just, she didn’t recognize him.
She looked towards Nanny, curious about his background.
Nanny whispered a few words in Song Ci’s ear.
Oh, wow, a member of the Cui clan from Qinghe, genuine nobility with a long lineage, producing countless Scholars since ancient times, flourishing with many branches. The current Clan Leader, Cui Yonglian, though not serving in an official position, is the Mountain Master of Dragon Mountain Academy, immensely knowledgeable, with countless students.
And this Cui Changxiao is the legitimate youngest son of Mountain Master Cui. At twenty, he was born late to elderly parents, and it’s said his mother had him at forty-three, almost costing her life. He is cherished like a pearl or gem.
Cui Changxiao is already a Scholar, with outstanding literary talent. He is rather free-spirited, preferring to roam the world without wanting to participate in the examinations.
Otherwise, he could have become a Scholar in the imperial exams at seventeen the year he passed the county examination, but he refused to go, and even now, he still won’t participate in the civil service exams or get married, saying he doesn’t want to ruin a girl’s life without titles, which nearly gave his mother a stroke from anger.
Upon learning his background, Song Ci thought, here is someone truly born with a silver spoon in his mouth with genuine noble roots. His taste should be distinguished, right?
Song Ci wrinkled her face into a wolf granny’s smile and said, "Young Master Cui, I have a rather inconsiderate request, would you be willing to grant it?"