The term "small" simply means being obedient, always bending to others’ wishes.

His young wife, in every way she speaks and acts, is reasonable, so even being obedient is no big deal.

If there’s truly something she cannot agree to, she promises first and then gradually works on it later.

Without realizing it, the wooden-headed, obstinate Gu Jinghui grasps the true essence of serving a superior.

Whether life’s enlightenment comes or not, it turns out the distinction lies in whether one has taken a wife.

Qin Siyuan, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but feel a bit closer to his brother-in-law, responding with laughter: "The name Nantang is wonderful, indeed this younger sister’s Young Master Nantang lives up to his name."

Qin Yuan laughed and said: "Brother, you’re teasing me."

Sixth Master Gu felt quite envious and secretly thought that tomorrow he’d scour the poetry books to find a good title for himself, to use for writing and painting later on, which would be very stylish.

Marquis Gu laughed heartily and said: "I suddenly have an idea, not sure whether I should share it."

Qin Jijiu replied: "Son-in-law, speak freely." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Lord Sacrificial Officer is increasingly satisfied with Marquis Gu as his son-in-law.

Gu Jinghui cleared his throat and said: "Today’s gathering is indeed an elegant one, hearing that fireflies are also called Poetry Worms, and you all have such fine talent; upon seeing this beautiful scene, wouldn’t it be wonderful if today’s poems and songs were compiled into a collection like when you visited Jade Spring Pond?"

Sixth Master Gu immediately applauded: "Excellent, excellent, today’s poets are far stronger than those of the last time."

Qin Jijiu promptly said: "Ah, one mustn’t say that, last time’s collection included the works of Lord Minister and Lord Academic Administrator."

Qin Siyuan laughed: "Sixth Master’s comment was just a slip of the tongue."

Qin Jijiu said earnestly: "One must always be cautious, both in action and speech; once you hold office, you’ll understand that a careless word can bring trouble. We are not like Mr. Songshan, who can act freely and without exceeding the bounds, yet others will praise him for his true temperament and elegance."

Mr. Songshan laughed heartily: "Lord Sacrificial Officer, even while lecturing your children and nephews, you also involve me, this storyteller."

Qin Jijiu replied: "Brother, your great talent is hidden within the teahouse, surely with deep meaning, I wouldn’t dare speculate. But for you to act like this, it’s beyond common people like us."

Qin Yuan smiled to mediate: "Father, one sentence from others brings forth such a heap from you, originally composing poetry and songs, yet with you it becomes writing essays."

Qin Jijiu pretended to strike his daughter.

Everyone laughed heartily.

Sixth Master Gu sighed: "Truly envious of Brother Siyuan, having elders who tirelessly guide him, caring in every detail."

Marquis Gu thought to himself, it seems he’s been too lax with Sixth Brother’s discipline; turning aside, he saw Qin Yuan stifling a laugh with her sleeve.

Marquis Gu quietly asked: "What are you laughing at?"

Qin Yuan gestured with her eyes.

Just then, Qin Jijiu said seriously: "Nephew, after reviewing the poetry collection from Jade Spring Pond, I prepared a book list, yet worried you might find me pedantic and intrusive, so I hadn’t given it to you. Hearing from Siyuan that you’re very diligent, eager to learn, and study whenever possible, today I offer it to you. If you complete the list, your knowledge will solidify."

Marquis Gu’s eye twitched involuntarily: "..."

He hadn’t managed to read much of the Spring and Autumn Annals yet.

Oblivious to the challenge, Sixth Master gratefully took the list, and upon opening it, his gratitude froze on his face.

The list was absurdly long, filled densely with names written in tiny calligraphy, overwhelming at first glance.

Qin Jijiu further remarked: "The real work lies outside poetry, nephew, if you wish to compose fine poetry, you must put more effort into reading."

Mr. Songshan craned his neck over to look, sighing: "No wonder you teach people to write poetry like this, your nephew’s poetry isn’t good."

Already resembling a crane, his extended neck enhanced the image.

Qin Jijiu questioned: "This has been traditionally passed down, instructed by my erudite teachers, what insights does Mr. Songshan have?"

Mr. Songshan unreservedly said: "No special insights, but I heard that in the Three Kingdoms era, even Zheng Xuan’s maids were elegant, skilled in poetry, especially responsive with Mao’s Poems. Could the maids possibly read such many books? Your daughter could guide your nephew, yet no matter how much you try, it’s ineffective; hence reading alone isn’t enough. But Sixth Master does indeed need to read more, otherwise when others cite classics, you won’t know their origins."

This remark caused Sixth Master’s and Qin Jijiu’s expressions to turn red and pale.

Qin Yuan stopped laughing and added: "My father’s talent isn’t in poetry, my cousin has plenty of study, only lacking some creativity; after all, a nine-tiered tower begins with soil piling. As for my younger brother, Brother Heng, he can’t be guided."

Mr. Songshan said: "Exactly, let’s go, talk more and it’s dawn."

Originally a storyteller, here he was not mere an entertainer.

Before the words settled, Qin Jijiu agreed: "Indeed, the collections to come mustn’t fall short, lest we lose face for our son-in-law."

Mr. Songshan and Qin Jijiu conversed on academic matters as they walked to the largest pond in Marquis Mansion, where willow trees grew by the shore, their long branches drooped, with a sliver of moon moving through the clouds above, its reflection painting the open water between lotus leaves.

Points of glowing light danced, weaving through willow strands, beneath the trees Qin Yuan glanced back, seeming veiled in mist, dreamlike.

"The moon comes out bright, the lovely person appears."

Sixth Master Gu murmured admiration, yearning to instantly paint a beauty under the moon.

Deep within the lotus leaves, a flat boat emerged.

After a night of catching fireflies, Qin Heng and company grew weary.

Brother Kang and Fuguo’er lay immobile in the boat, only Gu Baoshu was still lively, shaking the lotus leaves to stir more fireflies, laughing: "You compose, I’ll lend you a hand."

Qin Heng squatted at the boat’s edge, releasing the large bag at his side, a swarming stream of fireflies erupted, transforming the serene scene into chaos.

Qin Siyuan looked amazed and laughed at the few on the boat: "I’ve suddenly got a poem."

Sixth Master Gu eagerly asked: "No rhyme, no theme limitation?"

Mr. Songshan shook his head: "No need, any restriction ruins good poetry."

Qin Yuan looked up at the idle Marquis Gu beneath the tree and smiled: "I have one too."

Someone had already prepared brush and inkstone, and they all started writing on paper.

Soon, a stack of papers was written.

Mr. Songshan jokingly suggested: "Why not find someone to start, whether five-word or seven-word, everyone grabs a sentence to link into a poem, see what comes out."

Gu Baoshu wished to see what kind of talent Qin Siyuan was, having jumped ashore, joining Qin Heng and Qin Siyuan in camaraderie. Upon hearing this, she nudged Qin Heng: "Aren’t you going to start? Everyone else has written poems, except you."

Qin Jijiu considered his younger son, though his poetry talent isn’t great, it seems a bit better than Sixth Master, said: "That’s right, you’ve played all night, let me see if your studies have improved recently."