Chapter 11: The Gentleman in the Painting, She Is Also a Woman, So What’s the Point…

The hem of the robe fluttered, like the surface of a lake stirred by the wind, rippling outwards layer by layer.

Shen Yuan tightly pressed his lips together, and with one step, he headed out.

“Young Master!” Huai An followed, his heart pounding with fear.

Fortunately, Shen Yuan did not go after the Fifth Princess’s horse, but quickly walked into the small alley next to the mansion.

He was finally able to catch his breath.

However, if the young master had a falling out with the Fifth Princess, what was the reason for standing in front of Miss Su’s door now?

Recalling the various ways Shen Yuan had teased Su Jin, Huai An’s heart trembled. Could it be that his young master had come to vent his anger?!

This wouldn’t do, he had to persuade him.

“Young Master, the wife-master will wake up soon. Why don’t we return to the mansion first?” Huai An rarely saw Shen Yuan’s cold face, and his voice trembled as he spoke.

His bean-sized eyes stared intently at Shen Yuan’s outstretched hand, and just before he could knock on the door, Huai An steeled himself and advised again, “Young Master, Miss Su might be reading right now. It’s best not to disturb her.”

“Wasn’t it you who earlier encouraged me to seek her out to ask about lessons?”

Huai An was on the verge of tears, his fingers clutching Shen Yuan’s sleeve instantly losing strength. It was true that he had said those words, but…

“You-Young Master.” His bean-sized eyes narrowed flatteringly into slits. “Didn’t the Fifth Princess say there’s no need for you to study and learn? The Fifth Princess favors you so much, which man in the world wouldn’t envy that? Since she’s willing to dote on you and indulge you, why bother yourself with those difficult books?”

So he should be content with being a plaything that serves with his looks?

Shen Yuan coldly sneered, “Such favoritism, I’d rather not have it. Besides, even if she’s willing, one must ask if I’m happy with it.”

“Moreover, I’m just going to ask a few questions. Why are you being so long-winded and stopping me!”

Since childhood, his mother had always said that the purpose of studying was to enlighten the mind and understand principles, regardless of gender or age. Shen Yuan had always thought others, at least Gu Zhi, thought the same way. But now, suddenly hearing Gu Zhi’s true thoughts, Shen Yuan realized how terribly wrong and naive he had been.

Gu Zhi had been taught by her own mother for several years, yet still didn’t think men’s studies were beneficial. Let alone what others might think in their hearts.
The total word count of this book is: 725,135 characters Even the gentlemen he was friendly with had said that it was enough to learn a bit of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Even if one studied diligently, such talents would mostly end up as mere bedroom amusements. If married to a scholarly lady, it might cater to her interests, but if married to a martial lady, these skills would only be shelved away.

Shen Yuan had always sneered at such remarks, but now Gu Zhi’s words had startled his heart. He just wanted to find someone, anyone, to jointly refute Gu Zhi’s fallacies.

But she is also a woman, would she… think the same way?

A breeze blew through the alley, and moon-white fingers were about to knock on the wooden door, but suddenly withdrew.

Come to think of it, why should he care what others think about this matter?

She is also a woman, so what’s the point of asking.

In any case, he won’t marry Gu Zhi, let alone Su Jin.

“Let’s go.”

“Young Master?” Huai An didn’t understand. Shen Yuan had rushed here in such a hurry, only to knock lightly on the door and then turn back?

But he dared not say more, fearing he might provoke anger. Just as he was about to take a step, there was a creak—

The wooden door behind them opened gently, revealing a pair of curved eyebrows.

Su Jin’s skin was fair, paired with bamboo-green clothes. Although dressed simply, she was elegant and proper. With her back always straight, she walked step by step, naturally graceful.

Not to mention her voice, like a spring breeze caressing flower petals, infinitely gentle, “Young Master Shen.”

Shen Yuan pressed his lips together, turning his face slightly, and responded indifferently.

He hadn’t knocked loudly, and the wind in the alley could have covered the sound. How did she still hear it? Could it be that this person was lazy and not seriously studying?

This world doesn’t like men to enlighten their minds and understand principles, but even women don’t know how to improve themselves.

One after another, they’re all just bewitched by appearances.

Shen Yuan frowned.

Disgust gradually rose in his phoenix eyes, and even his voice became increasingly cold, “Miss Su, have you made any progress in your recent studies?”

As soon as the words fell, Huai An’s heart trembled.

It’s terrible, whenever the young master plans to punish someone by making them copy books, he always asks this question.