Chapter 3. Visitor on the Wall From Today On, You Will Stay in the Outer Courtyard of the Mansion…

Footsteps sounded from behind the screen, steady and sure. A figure in ink-black colors slowly approached, and upon seeing Su Jin, a smile appeared in their eyes, “Run Yuan.”

Shen Meng called Su Jin by her courtesy name, which she had personally bestowed, meaning to nourish all things and not forget one’s roots.

Thinking of how in half her life she had taken many disciples, yet those who were truly intelligent and perceptive were few and far between, it was rare to encounter someone like Su Jin, who also had a diligent and hardworking nature. Naturally, she felt immensely gratified.

Seeing her mentor, and recalling Shen Yuan’s words from earlier, Su Jin felt increasingly guilty. She hurriedly bowed, about to kneel, when her arm was gently grasped by Shen Meng, who lifted her up.

Compared to half a month ago, Su Jin’s face had grown even thinner. Shen Meng sighed, asking her to sit down, “You must have endured many hardships on this journey.”

Shen Meng was well aware of Su Jin’s family circumstances.

If she didn’t speak of her difficulties, as her teacher, Shen Meng couldn’t help but think about them.

Upon hearing that Su Jin was planning to depart five days ago, she had secretly sent a carriage to assist her. Not only did they not find her, but even tracing the official road all the way back to the capital, they didn’t catch sight of Su Jin.

Su Jin was meticulous in her studies, but awkward in her interactions with others. Shen Meng worried she might have gotten into a dispute with someone, causing trouble.

Shen Meng had been so anxious about this that she couldn’t sleep soundly, fearing Su Jin might have encountered some misfortune on the road. Unexpectedly, today she finally saw her.

“Run Yuan, where have you been these past few days?”

From Yangping to the capital, it takes a day by carriage. Even on foot, it would take at most two days. Yet Su Jin had spent a full five days on the road, which couldn’t help but worry Shen Meng.

“This student took a detour to Sangjiazhen to seek out Lady Weng.”

Reaching into her bundle to take out the xuan paper she had protected throughout the journey, Su Jin carefully presented it with both hands. Compared to the paper used for the paintings in the hall, it was indeed several grades inferior. She secretly observed Shen Meng’s expression.

There was no sign of displeasure on her face, only a fixed gaze on the roll of xuan paper, looking it over again and again.

As she remained silent, Su Jin felt somewhat embarrassed, suddenly unsure if this gift was too modest. “Mentor has guided this student greatly. Now that this student can enter Qingshan Academy to study, it is also thanks to mentor’s recommendation. This student has no way to repay you. Please accept this paper as a small token of my gratitude.”

How could it possibly be on the way from Yangping to Sangjiazhen and then to the capital?

Shen Meng was stunned, seemingly not having expected that Su Jin had set out early, enduring hunger and fatigue along the way, all to save money to buy xuan paper.

“Run Yuan, your thoughtfulness, this teacher accepts.”

The maid beside her lowered her head, respectfully receiving it from Su Jin’s hands.

Shen Meng looked at the obviously deflated bundle behind her, her heart sighing several times. She said gently, “However, two days ago, someone reported suspicions of leaked questions in this year’s spring examination. As such, the academy has closed its doors for self-investigation, sending all students home to rest. It will reopen at the beginning of next month.”

“Thank you for informing me, mentor.”

For this journey to the capital, only bare walls remained at home. Su Jin lowered her eyes, unable to hide her disappointment. Fortunately, before she left, the private school in town had intended to hire her as a copyist.

Now that she was going back, the copper coins saved in her bundle could just barely sustain her. By copying more books to save some money, she could gather enough travel expenses for her next trip to the capital.

Su Jin’s mind was slightly at ease, and she was about to take her leave when she heard Shen Meng say, “This teacher has also considered that your round trip is indeed too time-consuming. How about this: from today on, you will stay in the outer courtyard of the mansion. When next month begins, you can then report to the academy.”

“Mentor, that would not be appropriate. There are family members in the mansion, Run Yuan dares not impose.” Su Jin hastily declined.

Shen Meng’s face held a smile, her heart increasingly approving of Su Jin.

If it were others, just for the two words “Shen Mansion,” they would gladly accept. Not to mention, Yuan’er’s appearance was as beautiful as an immortal, and many students racked their brains, hoping to ascend to heaven in one step, with double happiness.

Yet Su Jin avoided it like a flood.