The night was deep, and the gentle breeze flowed, thick wine had been poured several times, filling the pavilion with a rich, sweet aroma.

The Marquis’s thick eyelashes drooped like feathers. Despite it being a wonderful night, Yuan’er inexplicably felt a hint of severity. She smiled and said, "Cao Cao and Liu Bei brewed wine to discuss heroes; the Marquis uses wine to share his thoughts with me. However, they drank green plum wine, while we drink yellow osmanthus thick wine."

The Marquis’s lips curved into a slight smile. He moved the pot to one side, chuckling, "Yuan’er, try the fruit wine I made."

Others brew fruit wine; his was cooked.

Yuan’er also laughed, watching as the Marquis personally strained the wine. Only after it cooled did she bring it to her lips and drink it all. The Marquis’s eyes were intense, focused on her expression as if this moment was all that mattered.

Only when she showed a satisfied smile did Gu Jinghui cheerfully say, "General Jin mentioned that his wife loves this wine, with additions of osmanthus and yellow peach, fragrant, rich, and sweet, much to a woman’s liking."

Yuan’er nodded, "Indeed delicious. Does Madam Jin also enjoy that tea?"

The Marquis paused, "General Jin did not mention."

The two fell silent again, and Gu Jinghui poured another cup for Yuan’er.

Feeling a bit warm from the wine, Yuan’er walked to the pavilion’s railing, leaning to watch the water’s ripples. At this time, more fireflies appeared, flitting about, as she looked on happily. Behind her, Gu Jinghui’s voice drifted softly, "Cao Cao and Liu Bei pursued the world together. Yuan’er and I are husband and wife. Naturally, we should be open with each other."

Yuan’er was startled, turned to face the Marquis, met his sharp gaze, and nodded, "Indeed, if the Marquis has made plans, I will offer my support so that even the Director of the Hospital couldn’t find fault."

Gu Jinghui was momentarily surprised, then burst into laughter, approaching her and lightly holding Yuan’er’s slim waist, "Excellent, having such a wife is a blessing."

Yuan’er smiled and said, "Now that we’ve spoken, tea is drunk, wine is tasted; shouldn’t we take a stroll? Do not forget how you coaxed me here."

"Naturally," Gu Jinghui smiled, raised an eyebrow, and whistled towards the shore. Soon, a flat boat emerged from beneath the clustered lotus leaves, quickly docking below the pavilion.

Yuan’er chuckled, "You have prepared everything well."

The Marquis nodded, "This is nothing difficult. I can fight battles, can I not prepare this?"

Saying this, he wrapped his arms around Yuaner’s slender waist and gracefully leaped into the boat, causing Yuan’er to exclaim, "Husband, such skill."

The Marquis’s smile deepened, yet he did not look at her, pretending to seriously admire the scattering glow of fireflies, murmuring, "Petty skills."

One by one, the colored lanterns extinguished, leaving only the solitary lamp on the boat. Above, the sparkle of the fireflies competed with the starlight. The small boat gently swayed on the water, as did the two hearts drawing closer.

After that night, Yuan’er gained several unique Firefly Poems. When Mr. Songshan saw them, he urged Sixth Master Gu, "Look at how marvelous Young Master Nantang’s poems are. If you do not push yourself, how can you face the challenge? You must finish memorizing the Complete Tang Poems in the coming days."

The listless Sixth Master Gu sighed, "The talent of Young Master Nantang cannot be matched by me. Forget him; even the works of the elementary students in the Imperial College are stronger than mine. Though I love composing poetry, I have self-awareness; besides, the matters of the Xu family have been troubling enough, and I cannot focus on studying poetry."

Mr. Songshan chuckled coldly, "Indeed, talent exists; some study for decades and remain apprentices, while others excel at a young age. But I have never heard that memorizing the Complete Tang Poems relies on innate talent."

Sixth Master Gu started to argue. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Mr. Songshan continued, "After weighing the pros and cons of the Xu family’s affairs, do what needs to be done. Do you think sitting around worrying will solve anything?"

Sixth Master Gu quickly shook his head, "Certainly not."

Mr. Songshan pressed further, "Are you truly troubled by the Xu family’s affairs, or are you worried about the consequences of handling the Xu family’s matters poorly?"

Sixth Master Gu was stunned.

Mr. Songshan said, "Ask your heart, and it will tell you."

Sixth Master Gu was flustered, "I never thought of it that way, so I am unsure. Please do not scorn my ignorance; I ask you to teach me."

Mr. Songshan said, "If you worry about the Xu family’s affairs, you should think of ways to solve them. Whether seeking help or devising your own solutions, there are always ways. How could you be so troubled that nothing can be done? If you concern yourself with the results brought by various outcomes, focusing on gains and losses, only then will you worry and achieve nothing."

Sixth Master Gu was first stunned, then shouted in sudden realization, muttering, "I see, I see."

Mr. Songshan, with a disdainful look, said, "As they say, this world is without problems; only fools cause their own worries."

Sixth Master Gu, upon hearing this, was not angry. He grinned sheepishly, saying, "I am indeed a foolish person, I have some self-awareness of this. No wonder I am anxious all day, restless. Without your teaching, I would not know what I worry about; it turns out I am not afraid of failing to handle the Xu family’s issues, but of the consequences they bring."

Mr. Songshan glanced at him and said, "So do you think you can memorize the Complete Tang Poems now?"

Sixth Master Gu said, "After I immediately consult with my third brother and sister-in-law to settle the matters, I will be able to memorize them."

Mr. Songshan gave him another look, hesitating to speak, finally saying, "Once you finish, seek out Si Yuan for guidance. Isn’t Qin Jijiu working on compiling firefly poems with his young son? Memorize them all, then judge the good verses, compile them into a book, and come see me."

Sixth Master Gu bowed deeply, "Thank you for teaching me."

Mr. Songshan sighed, "Where is this teaching? I merely discuss poetic knowledge with you. But before discussing, one must have some content within, don’t you think?"

Sixth Master Gu blushed, laughing awkwardly, "Indeed, Mr. Songshan speaks rightly. I will prepare myself and then come to you."

Mr. Songshan said, "Go on, Sixth Master. I will be staying in the estate for a long time, giving us plenty of opportunities to discuss poetry. But without dozens of poetry collections in your stomach, how can we discuss anything?"

Sixth Master Gu hesitated, "Actually, over the years, I have read many poems too. Even when the mansion was sealed, I read a lot, but it was of little use."

Mr. Songshan said, "Reading without understanding is useless. That’s why you must memorize them."

Sixth Master Gu’s face brightened, hurriedly bowing to Mr. Songshan before heading to find his third brother. Before he reached the study’s entrance, the servant guarding the door called out from afar, "Sixth Master, please walk elsewhere. The Marquis is inside the study discussing important matters with Gu Shiliu and Shi Ba."