High-class maid

Looking at her, Granny Zhou chuckled and said, "Look how scared you are! It was Madam who gave us permission to leave the manor this afternoon to buy kitchen utensils. Throw all of these away!"

"Oh, I see. That's a good idea! I've never been out shopping before." Hearing that it was about going shopping, Chen Shan's wife immediately became motivated and quickened her pace.

Granny Zhou washed her hands and turned to join the work of steaming buns, then said...

"I heard from Madam that she wants to buy two cooks. I heard that Steward Shen has already gone to the slave trader to check."

"We're short two cooks. We're both too busy, and we don't know if we have any suitable ones today," Chen Shan's wife said.

Granny Zhou shook her head and said, "I hope so."

“It’s such a waste to throw these utensils away. Look at this plate, how exquisite it is.” Chen Shan’s wife picked up a plate. The animals on it were lifelike, and the colors were exquisite and beautiful. Each one would cost at least a silver coin outside.

“Yes, the masters are always making do. Take this plate, for example. It was originally a pair, but the former cook broke one of them, so naturally the masters won’t use this one,” said Granny Zhou.

In ancient times, people valued even numbers, and the rules were even more elaborate in wealthy and powerful families. For example, with tea sets, even if one was damaged, the masters would not use the rest.

"I'm not that particular. I'll take this plate with me when I leave. It's so pretty! Old Zhou, why don't you go pick one out too?" Chen Shan's wife said.

Granny Zhou smiled and shook her head, saying, "You can choose. You have a family and a daughter-in-law, but I'm all alone and don't need one."

"This... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that..." Chen Shan's wife hurriedly apologized.

"Alright, I know you too well. You can choose whatever you want. If you can't finish it all, just put it in my bag later!"

Chen Shan's wife nodded and continued picking out kitchenware that her masters didn't want.

Wu Xunzhi, on the other hand, was able to enter the academy smoothly by presenting his visiting card.

"Young man, is the master at the academy today?" Wu Xunzhi asked the young page who was leading the way for him.

"Yes, young master, you've come at just the right time. Our teacher just returned from lecturing in the capital the day before yesterday, and he only started meeting with students who want to enter the academy today. You are the first person he meets with today."

"Then I am truly honored." Wu Xunzhi quickly straightened his clothes, touched his hairpin to check if it was crooked, and was filled with anticipation as he was about to meet the famous Mr. Ouyang.

Upon entering the academy, he saw a tea room. The page boy explained, "This is the reception room specially set up by the master. He usually receives guests and students here."

Then the page knocked on the door, and a clear voice came from inside: "Come in."

Wu Xunzhi lowered his head and followed the young page into the room. He could smell the aroma of tea filling the air. Looking up, he saw an old man in a green robe sitting at a tea table, his long white beard resting on his lap.

"Sir, the person has been brought." After saying this, the young page bowed and withdrew, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

After the young page closed the door, Wu Xunzhi hurriedly bowed and said, "Junior Wu Xunzhi greets Mr. Ouyang."

"Don't be too nervous. Here, try some of the tea I brewed." With that, she handed him a cup of tea.

Wu Xunzhi quickly took it, took a small sip, and said, "Don't laugh at me, sir. I don't know much about tea, but I find it fragrant and has a mellow aftertaste."

"Haha, you're quite the honest kid. So many people have tasted my tea, and they all flatter me regardless of whether they understand it or not. It's so boring. Sit down."

Mr. Ouyang was very satisfied with his honesty and smiled as he pointed to the chair behind him.

"Brother Zhang, I heard you're from the capital?"

Wu Xunzhi paused as he reached for the letter in his sleeve, and said, "So you already know, sir."

Mr. Ouyang stroked his beard and said...

“I went to Beijing a while ago and took the time to meet with Brother Zhang. He spoke highly of you. I have known him for many years, but this is the first time I have heard him praise these younger people.”

"No, no, I just enjoy reading. Many of the principles in books are things we don't encounter in real life."

After listening, Mr. Ouyang nodded and then said, "What you said makes sense. Many young people nowadays are too restless and can't settle down to read. Don't bother taking out that letter anymore; Brother Zhang has already informed me."

"Yes."

"There's paper and pen next to you. Write an essay and let me see it." This is to assess his abilities; if he writes well, he can smoothly enter the academy.

Wu Xunzhi steadied himself and picked up the brush on the table to write.

After a short while, Wu Xunzhi handed over the completed article.

After reading it, Ouyang nodded and said, "Not bad, just as your husband said, the article has its own insights, and the author is indeed a rare talent, but the writing style is still a bit immature."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, sir."

"Don't be discouraged. It's already quite good that you've written so much at such a young age. If you can calm down, you'll definitely be able to write even better articles in the future."

"Yes, I will definitely study hard."

"Alright, tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), bring your luggage and come to the academy to find the little page who guided you today. He will take care of everything for you."

"Yes, this junior will go back and prepare immediately," Wu Xunzhi said happily. Although he knew he could enter Ouyang Academy, he was still extremely excited to hear it with his own ears, and his eyes uncontrollably reddened.

Seeing his excitement, Mr. Ouyang felt as if he were seeing his younger self. He said, "Don't rush back. I'll have someone show you around the academy so you can get familiar with it."

So Wu Xunzhi went out again with the pageboy.

The legendary Ouyang Academy was magnificent and imposing. Upon entering, one saw three rooms with plaques on the doors: the Hall of Legacy, the Lecture Hall, and the Refined Study. The students inside did not look up, seemingly unaffected by Wu Xunzhi, all engrossed in their books.

Beyond another covered walkway lay the kitchen and the students' living quarters. Looking at this place, Wu Xunzhi felt even more excited about his life at the academy.

After Wu Xunzhi left the tea room, Song Wenyang emerged from behind the screen. He poured himself a cup of tea with practiced ease, sat down in a chair, and ignored Mr. Ouyang's disdainful look.

"Sir, what do you think of this person?" Song Wenyang asked after taking a sip of tea.

"Who exactly is that person? You all want to ask him that," Mr. Ouyang didn't answer his question, but instead asked him in return.

As Song Wenyang followed his question, he recalled his previous life. Due to the inaction of the current emperor, there were many corrupt officials, but Wu Xunzhi was a rare good official. He was dedicated to the people, kept himself clean, and had only one wife, without even a concubine.

In his previous life, before his death, he heard that someone had impeached him, but Song Wenyang had a gut feeling that this person was not a corrupt official. However, before he could see how the person fared, he himself kicked the bucket.

Now, for various reasons, he has unexpectedly met Wu Xunzhi in his youth. He is filled with curiosity and wants to see if this person is a corrupt official. If not, he will be an asset to him and the Second Prince in the future.