Chapter 688: Chapter 685: Exceeding the Boundaries_1

“How has Shuoyang been while I was away? Has it been stable?” Bai Qingyan asked.

Bai Qingping nodded: “Everything in Shuoyang is fine. Sister, are you injured?”

“It’s nothing serious!” Bai Qingyan said. “How are things at the military camp?”

“Recently, many people have come to join the military camp. Because they heard that they could learn to read and write, many people have sent their children here, even from neighboring counties! After all, ordinary people… can’t afford tuition. There are also few schools, and it’s rare for a village to produce even one literate person. Now that soldiers can learn to read in the military camp, naturally, many come.”

The status of literate people was different. Who wouldn’t want someone in their family to be literate? Even if they couldn’t become a scholar, being able to write letters for others could provide a living.

“In my opinion, Shen Yanzong is a capable manager of the troops, handling everything in an orderly fashion without needing much from me.”

“The Governor and Magistrate Zhou are waiting for Sister at the tea pavilion by the city gate. If you are not feeling well, I can go ahead and inform them, and the carriage can head straight back to the Bai Mansion.”

“No rush. We’ll greet them before leaving!” Bai Qingyan said. She then asked Bai Qingping: “How effective has Mr. Ziyuan, who came from Dadu to teach literacy at the camp, been?”

“I was just about to tell Sister about this.” Bai Qingping spoke without hiding his admiration for this Mr. Ziyuan. “This Mr. Ziyuan is extraordinary in both knowledge and demeanor. Father has spoken with him several times and found Mr. Ziyuan to have profound insights. Father intends to invite him to teach at our Bai Clan’s academy but is unsure of his background. Father plans to discuss it with you upon your return. What are your thoughts?”

“Has this Mr. Ziyuan behaved well in the military camp? Did he send any letters outside or show any intention to leave?” Bai Qingyan asked.

Bai Qingping shook his head: “There’s no sign of that. This Mr. Ziyuan seems to enjoy teaching. He is particularly patient with soldiers willing to learn, and they like him very much.”

“In a couple of days, bring Mr. Ziyuan to the Bai Mansion. I want to meet him.”

“Yes!” Bai Qingping responded.

After discussing Mr. Ziyuan, Bai Qingyan asked Bai Qingping again: “Did you find out the background of the Governor’s family from Shen Yanzong as I instructed?”

“Sister, I must apologize!” Bai Qingping frowned. “I was investigating through Shen Yanzong, but somehow it was discovered. Governor Shen came to me personally and said… The Shen family’s background is clear. If our Bai family is interested, the Governor will visit you in person to explain everything upon your return to Shuoyang!”

Bai Qingyan could see that this Governor Shen was not simple.

Previously, it was said in Shuoyang that county magistrates came and went like water, but the Governor’s position was always held firmly by Master Shen.

It was unclear whether he had offended a high-ranking official at court, preventing his promotion, or simply had a lackluster performance with no merits to warrant advancement.

“You need not blame yourself for this. Governor Shen is deeply concealed. You are still young… naturally not his match. Let the Governor come to the Bai Mansion and speak with me directly. It will save us the trouble.” Bai Qingyan comforted Bai Qingping.

Bai Qingping was still young, yet he managed affairs in Shuoyang adeptly in her absence, keeping the city well secured, which was commendable.

Bai Qingping nodded and then said to Bai Qingyan, “Yesterday, Wei Kingdom’s esteemed Mr. Min Qianqiu arrived in Shuoyang City and met with Madam. He wishes to write a family history for the Bai family. Upon hearing that Sister would return today, he is staying at an inn in Shuoyang City, waiting to meet you. Do you wish to see him?”

“Mr. Min!” Bai Qingyan’s heart tightened. Mr. Min Qianqiu wished to write a family history for the Bai family!

In the current era… those worthy of being called great scholars include Bai Qingyan’s mentor, Mr. Guan Yongchong, Mr. Cui Yanshi, and Mr. Min Qianqiu.

Mr. Min dedicated his life to history, traveling to various nations, writing many books. His most famous works were “Records of the Warring States” and the widely circulated “Gongsun Chronicles.”

Many noble families and even the Imperial Family sought Mr. Min to write their histories. However, Mr. Min, with the integrity of a true scholar, was high-minded and stubborn, writing only from his heart, never bowing to power or being swayed by wealth.

Bai Qingyan sat up straight and solemnly instructed Bai Qingping, “Call Xiaosi over!”

Bai Qingping quickly complied and went to fetch Bai Jinzhi, who was leading the way at the front.

Bai Jinzhi rode up quickly, turned her horse to approach the carriage, and called out, “Eldest Young Lady, I’m here…”

Bai Qingyan lifted the curtain of the carriage and whispered, “Mr. Min Qianqiu, the great scholar of Wei Kingdom, is currently staying at an inn in Shuoyang City. Shortly, I want you and Bai Qingping to go personally and inform Mr. Min that I have returned to Shuoyang but am severely injured and cannot visit him in person. If he doesn’t mind… I would earnestly await his arrival at the Bai Mansion.”

“Rest assured, Eldest Young Lady. I’ll go as soon as we enter the city!” Bai Jinzhi responded.

“Change into formal attire before going to avoid Mr. Min feeling that you are disrespectful.” Bai Qingyan reminded.

Seeing Bai Jinzhi nod, Bai Qingping, who was next to Bai Jinzhi, said, “This Mr. Min has a significant reputation and a reserved temperament. After arriving in Shuoyang, both the Governor and Magistrate Zhou brought substantial gifts to visit, but Mr. Min’s student turned them away, refusing all gifts.”

“Mr. Min is upright and not an ordinary person.” Bai Qingyan tightened her fists and further instructed the two, “When you invite Mr. Min to stay at the Bai Mansion, remember to observe all the etiquette.”

“Rest assured, Eldest Young Lady!” Bai Jinzhi cupped her hands and said, “Mr. Min is a literary giant on par with Mr. Guan Yongchong and Mr. Cui Yanshi. I will be respectful and not act rashly before the esteemed Mr. Min.”

Bai Qingyan nodded, her gaze shifting to the Governor and Magistrate Zhou, who had emerged from the tea pavilion.

Bai Jinzhi understood and quickly led the convoy to pause briefly at the city gate.

The Governor and Magistrate Zhou approached and greeted Bai Qingyan: “Greetings, Princess of Zhen.”

Chun Tao lifted her lowered eyes and opened the curtain for Bai Qingyan.

In front of outsiders, Bai Qingyan clutched her chest and coughed gently, appearing weak.

The dazzling noon sunlight highlighted Bai Qingyan’s bloodless, refined features. Though a beautiful woman stood before them, her serene and deep eyes instilled a sense of awe and respect.