After rebirth, the Queen of Madness has gone against the will of Heaven

Yu Zhenzhen's face didn't look very good. She hesitated and wanted to stay, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had just said very firmly that she wanted to leave Jinxiu Villa without leaving any room for negotiation. Now, after hearing what Bai Jinhua said, she could only nod and admit her bad luck.

So Bai Jinhua called a maid to accompany Yu Zhenzhen out, and she took Yu Qingli to Bai Jinshu's study.

The fragrance was still everywhere. The rich floral scent made Yu Qingli frown slightly. The smell was really suffocating.

Xiluo followed closely behind her, but his eyes were wandering around. This place was indeed as unusual as the young lady said. The path that was clearly not there before suddenly appeared among the flowers, but was connected to other roads. The combination was indescribable, making it impossible to distinguish them.

Bai Jinhua took Yu Qingli along the way and soon arrived at a courtyard. The courtyard had a good location and was the best lit in the entire manor. The round archway was antique and the carved wooden railings had a bit of the flavor of the Jiangnan water town. On the not-too-high wall was a patch of green ivy and a few red apricot branches were swaying on the wall.

There are three big characters engraved on the archway, "Library" is written in Liu style small seal script. The handwriting is elegant and simple.

Bai Jinhua saw the admiration in Yu Qingli's eyes and said with a hint of pride, "This library was specially built by my eldest brother for the people in the village to read. No matter your social status, you can come here to choose the books you like. Many literate servants also come here to borrow books from time to time."

"The owner of the manor is truly a thoughtful person. This place is truly exquisite. Was this plaque written by the owner of the manor himself?"

"Yes, speaking of which, the layout here is based on the style of the Jiangnan area. I wonder if the princess likes it."

"This courtyard really brings back my homesickness, but I wonder why Master Bai built such a small courtyard?"

Bai Jinhua's expression darkened noticeably. "Before this became a library, it was my mother's courtyard. She was from Jiangnan, and because the distance was too long, she couldn't go back often, so she built this small courtyard. Later, both my parents passed away, and my brother was worried that we would be saddened by the memories, so he turned this place into a library. It was also a way of encouraging my second brother to study hard when he was young, and whenever my eldest brother didn't study hard, he would bring him here to face the wall and reflect on his mistakes..."

Bai Jinhua seemed to be lost in her own memories, and Yu Qingli couldn't help being moved. She didn't expect that the owner of Bai Manor was such a filial person.

"Sorry, I got off topic. Please follow me."

Bai Jinhua came back to her senses and quickly apologized to Yu Qingli. Yu Qingli shook her head to show that she didn't care and followed Bai Jinhua into the yard.

As expected, unlike the layout of the entire villa, this courtyard is exquisite and small. There are several apricot trees planted in the courtyard, as well as rockery pavilions, lotus ponds and koi. It can be said that although it is small, it has everything!

A two-story building was built in the middle of the courtyard. It did not have the simplicity and grandeur of the houses in the imperial capital at all. It was completely based on the style of small buildings in the south of the Yangtze River, which made Yu Qingli feel a little familiar.

As soon as they entered the building, a man who looked like a scholar stood up and came forward to greet Bai Jinhua, "Hello, Fourth Miss."

Yu Qingli took a look at the man. He had a tall and slender figure, thick eyebrows and big eyes. He looked very comfortable overall. He was wearing a light blue robe and looked like a scholar, but he didn't have that sour Confucian air. He was holding a copy of "The Art of War" in his hand, and he didn't even put it down when he saluted Bai Jinhua.

Yu Qingli found this person more and more interesting, and couldn't help asking, "Who is this..."

"Oh, this is Mr. Chen Simin, the accountant of the mansion. Mr. Chen is a scholar and is preparing to take the imperial examination this year."

Yu Qingli was surprised. She hadn't expected to meet the future runner-up here. Logically, wasn't his father the Minister of Rites? How could he be working as an accountant in a merchant's home?

In her previous life, Yu Qingli had only heard Murong Feng mention this person. When he was conferred the title of Marquis Dingguo, she had already been banished to the cold palace, so she didn't know much about him. She only heard that this person gave up writing to join the army, and was very famous in the entire Canghe.

When Bai Jinhua gave the painting to Yu Qingli and Chen Simin, Chen Simin was also looking at Yu Qingli.

The young man in front of me has a face as handsome as a crown jade, as handsome as Pan An, with red lips and white teeth, and is very handsome. His every move is elegant and noble. He must be a royal noble without a doubt.

Chen Simin immediately straightened his expression, "This young man is..."

Bai Jinhua was about to introduce, "This is..."

"My last name is Huang. Greetings, Mr. Chen." Yu Qingli interrupted Bai Jinhua. She obviously had no intention of revealing her identity. Bai Jinhua did not continue speaking, knowing that it would be inappropriate for her to reveal her identity today when she came out with the Crown Prince.

"It turns out to be Mr. Huang. I'm honored. Are you here to read a book as well?" Chen Simin was quite generous and there was a hint of arrogance in his words and tone.

Yu Qingli smiled and said, "I originally came to visit the manor. I heard that Master Bai has a rich collection of books, so I came to bother you."

"I wonder what kind of books you like, sir. I can recommend a few."

"From what Mr. Chen said, you know all the books in this building by heart?" Yu Qingli asked curiously, "Have you read all the books here?"

Chen Simin also laughed, "I can't say I know everything about it, but I've only glanced over it briefly."

Yu Qingli pretended to be surprised and said, "Sir, you are really amazing. With so many books, I wouldn't be able to finish reading them in eight or ten years."

"It's not that exaggerated. It will take more than two years to finish it."

He's been here for over two years, Yu Qingli thought to herself. It seems this Chen Simin must have some connection to the Bai family. Could it be that Murong Feng changed his schedule to come to Jinxiu Villa just because he knew Chen Simin was with the Bai family? Or perhaps this man is already Murong Feng's retainer, otherwise how could an accountant have so much free time to come to the library to read?

Everything is weird!

Yu Qingli's eyes were filled with admiration. "Sir, you are truly extraordinary. With such extensive reading, you will surely win first place in this year's imperial examination."

"Thank you for your kind words, sir."

Seeing that they were enjoying their conversation, Bai Jinhua said, "Since Young Master Huang and Mr. Chen are getting along so well, I won't bother you any more. Please take your time reading. I'll come back and treat you when it's time for dinner."

Bai Jinhua's tact was exactly what Yu Qingli wanted. Without Bai Jinhua present, she might be able to uncover more secrets of the Bai family.

So Yu Qingli nodded slightly and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Miss."

Bai Jinhua also said a few polite words before leaving the library.

Yu Qingli's eyes fell on the "Art of War" in Chen Simin's hand, and she asked curiously, "Mr. Chen, are you planning to take the exam for the top martial arts champion?"

Chen Simin was stunned for a moment, then his eyes fell on the book in his hand. He smiled and said, "This isn't for the martial arts exam, but for arranging military formations."

"Oh? Sir, you are knowledgeable about troop deployment. I like this as well..."

Next, Yu Qingli made some remarks about his combat experience in two lifetimes and the various military strategies and formations on the battlefield. Chen Simin was stunned and surprised!

When I first saw this Mr. Huang, I just thought he was a young man from a noble family who was ignorant of the world. But after listening to what he said, I felt that he was a soldier who had personally experienced the baptism of war. However, according to his age and status, it should be impossible for him to go to the battlefield. But the words that came out of his mouth did not sound like hearsay, nor did they sound like empty talk.

It is really rare to find someone who is so to one’s liking!

Chen Simin was extremely excited. Although he was a Confucian scholar, he had an inexplicable desire for the battlefield. If it were not for satisfying the wishes of his family elders, he would not even want to take the imperial examination and would directly join the army.

It is really gratifying to know that this seemingly young young man shares the same ideals with himself. Especially seeing Bai Jinhua's respectful attitude towards him, this man is definitely a royal noble.

Chen Simin has been here for three years and has some understanding of the affairs of this manor. It is impossible for ordinary people to enter the manor for sightseeing. Moreover, it is obvious that the young man in front of him is using a pseudonym, Huang Zhehuang, and he must be unwilling to reveal his identity casually. If he can make friends with such a person, it will definitely be beneficial to his future.

Chen Simin is indeed knowledgeable and well-read. He can discuss military strategies with Yu Qingli with ease, which makes Yu Qingli admire him very much. It seems that this person does have some talent. Although some of his current theories are still just talk, this person is very smart. No wonder he has become Murong Feng's right-hand man.

Yu Qingli and Chen Simin had a very happy conversation. Time passed by unknowingly. When both of them felt dry mouth, they realized that they had been talking for more than two hours.

The two couldn't help but smile at each other. Yu Qingli spoke first, "I'm really sorry to bother you today. I wonder if it has interfered with your work."

"No problem. It's rare for me to meet such an opportunistic person. In fact, it's me who has disturbed the young master's reading."

Yu Qingli smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you are too polite. However, I have one question: why would you, with all your talent, be the accountant of this manor? It seems like a waste of talent."

Chen Simin suddenly fell silent, obviously not wanting to answer the question. Seeing this, Yu Qingli quickly said, "If it involves your personal affairs, you don't have to say it. I am being rude."

"It doesn't matter what I say. I'm just bending over backwards for a few pieces of silver. I'm staying here to repay the owner of the manor for his kindness."

Chen Simin's words were somewhat vague, but they largely solved the mystery in Yu Qingli's heart. She didn't continue to ask questions, so she changed the subject and said, "I see! I really admire you, sir. I wonder if there's a chance for us to be friends."