Chapter 6: Su Mingyue Fiercely Protects Her Man

“Young Master Shen, your calligraphy is truly wasted on mere book copying. If you insist on doing it, you may take any book in the shop, but I can only offer you one or two taels per book.”

Hearing such praise from the shopkeeper, Su Mingyue was even happier than Shen Xiuyan.

Hehe, her Shen Lang really was amazing—even his handwriting was this beautiful. No wonder she had her eye on him!

But when she heard it was only one or two taels per book, she was displeased. In her opinion, this handwriting was worth at least ten taels.

Before Su Mingyue could speak, the shopkeeper, wearing a respectful smile, quickly explained, “This is the highest rate set by the master. Even though I’d like to offer Young Master Shen more, it’s beyond my authority.”

“That’s fine. I have no objections. Let’s follow the rules.”

Shen Xiuyan couldn’t help but laugh at Su Mingyue’s pouty displeasure. Since when did people help outsiders over their own shop?

Seeing him laugh, Su Mingyue gave him a disapproving stare. “What are you laughing at?”

Shen Xiuyan obediently put away his smile and said seriously, “Nothing. From now on, half of the money I earn from copying books is yours.”

Su Mingyue responded demurely, “No need to give it to me. Just keep it yourself.”

Hehe, if Shen Lang was already willing to let her spend his money, didn’t that mean he wanted to spend his life with her?

What a wonderful man. If he became an official and earned a salary in the future, wouldn’t he obediently hand it over at home?

Sigh, she didn’t know when she’d be able to make their relationship public…

Definitely not now. Her father would never approve of a mere tongsheng. If only he were a xiucai—it would be so much easier.

After lingering for a while, Shen Xiuyan noticed it was getting late and took his leave. As he left, he brought a few books to copy. Thanks to Su Mingyue, the shopkeeper didn’t even ask for a deposit and even provided the paper he’d need.

On the way to catch the ox cart back to the village, Shen Xiuyan spotted a butcher. After a moment of thought, he pulled out the last fifty wen from his pocket and, gritting his teeth, bought twenty wen worth of meat.

He rode the slow-moving ox cart back to the village. When Shen Yuanming took the meat from his hands, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Was the sun rising from the west? This was a first.

In the past, his brother would never have spent a single wen on the household, but ever since he fell into the water, he’d really changed.

It even made him wonder if something unclean had possessed his brother. But then, thinking about how well his brother knew the family’s situation, he quickly dismissed the unrealistic idea.

Maybe walking the line between life and death had opened his mind…

When Shen Xiuyan got home, he took advantage of the remaining daylight to return to his room and start copying books.

Now that he had someone he liked, he had to work even harder. Thinking of the Su family’s enormous wealth and then looking at the mere thirty wen left in his pocket, he let out a little whimper.

No more staring. Just get to work!

He quickly picked up his brush and began writing.

Thanks to his grandfather in his previous life being a professor of language and literature, Shen Xiuyan had been immersed in this world from a young age. He had been practicing calligraphy since he was three and had developed an excellent hand. Naturally, now it came to him with ease.

In no time, he had copied over a dozen pages.

The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.

In the days that followed, Shen Xiuyan threw himself into work, either copying books or on the way to copy books.

At last, he finished all three books he had brought back.

When he brought the completed copies to the shop, the shopkeeper was incredulous. “Young Master Shen, you’re finished already?”

Could he have slacked off and done a shoddy job…?

Nervously, he flipped through all three books and let out a huge sigh of relief. The handwriting was flawless—not a single flaw to be found.

The shopkeeper couldn’t help but praise, “With such speed and quality, Young Master Shen has a promising future ahead.”

Even if he never passes the imperial exams, with handwriting like this, he could still make a name for himself in time.

Shen Xiuyan gave a mysterious smile. “I’ll take that as a blessing.”

This level of calligraphy was nothing—copying was a core tradition in Huaguo’s education system, and he’d been doing it since childhood. Writing quickly and beautifully was his specialty.

At this moment, he was especially grateful for all his teachers growing up…

Sigh, best not to dwell on it—it just made him more emotional.

With three warm taels in hand, Shen Xiuyan decided to buy a gift for the one he adored.

He entered a gold shop, where the attendant respectfully greeted him. “Young Master, what are you looking for? Let me show you around.”

“I’d like to see some hairpins.”

“Certainly, please come this way.”

Shen Xiuyan immediately set his eyes on a gold and silver hairpin inlaid with a ruby. One glance and you could tell it wasn’t cheap.

He asked, “How much is this one?”

“You have a good eye, sir. This just arrived today, and it’s the only one. The price isn’t high—only two taels of silver.” The attendant eagerly promoted it.

Shen Xiuyan clutched his chest. “Not high,” he said—it was nearly two-thirds of everything he owned…

But thinking of Su Mingyue’s radiant smile, he decided it was worth it.

“I’ll take it. Wrap it up.”

“Right away.” The attendant grinned so wide his eyes nearly vanished—another commission earned.

Turns out the seniors were right: never judge a customer by their appearance. Every customer who walks into a gold shop deserves equal treatment.

Just look at this poorly dressed scholar—he still had the resolve to buy such an expensive hairpin. The lucky girl who marries him will surely have a good life.

And how could the attendant be so sure the young man wasn’t already married? Just look at those patches—clearly sewn by someone older. Young ladies preferred to add embroidered touches, even to patches, choosing the prettiest fabric.

While waiting for the gift to be wrapped, Shen Xiuyan heard raucous laughter coming from the next room.

“You really went all out this time, Young Master Zhao.”

“No choice—Su Mingyue has discerning taste. If I don’t spend big, she won’t even look at me.”

“Then here’s to your success—may you win Miss Su’s heart in one swoop. And don’t forget us once you’re married.”

“Don’t worry. If I’ve got food, you’ll have wine. Once I marry Su Mingyue and take over the Su Family estate, then—” he dragged out his voice in a lewd laugh, “Hehehe~”

The room erupted in wicked laughter.

A moment later, someone spoke hesitantly, “But what if Miss Su doesn’t like the gift?”

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t spoil the mood. With someone as handsome and dashing as Young Master Zhao pursuing her, how could she not be moved? It’s in the bag.” Then he shoved the speaker aside.

“Exactly, exactly.”

Hearing Su Mingyue’s name, Shen Xiuyan couldn’t bear it any longer. He stepped forward and shouted, “Under the clear skies and bright sun, how dare you speak so carelessly about a young lady and slander her reputation? Is that something a decent person would do?”

The group turned toward him. Their leader, Young Master Zhao, sneered. “Where’d this mutt come from, barking away? Someone, beat him.”

His tone was utterly lawless.

Seeing the thugs about to charge, Shen Xiuyan knew things were about to go badly. He’d acted impulsively—but even if given another chance, he would’ve spoken out.

No one had the right to talk about the woman he loved!

Just as he was debating whether to call for help or run, a sharp voice rang out from behind a partition: “Zhao Dabao, I dare you!”

Everyone looked up and saw Su Mingyue walking out slowly.