The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

A few days later.

Zong Zhao took Wenxiu out once, and the young scholars of the elite class craned their necks in curiosity, wondering what had happened.

Only Zong Jincheng, who knew the truth, pretended nonchalance and said, "Who cares? If my brother keeps skipping classes like this, even He Zheng might surpass him."

He Zheng turned around in horror. "Big bro, I’m not that capable!"

Though he studied hard, Wenxiu was just as diligent. A day or two of extra effort wouldn’t be enough to catch up. Such flattery was terrifying—it could easily breed arrogance.

Shen Yibai and another boy patted He Zheng’s shoulders from either side. "Bro, since you lack confidence, leave it to the two of us."

He Zheng: "..."

Big bros...

Auntie says this is called blind confidence.

When Zong Zhao returned that evening, Buyan waited outside the courtyard—a brilliant plan he’d devised after countless failed attempts.

Zong Zhao strode back toward his quarters.

Buyan followed closely, eager to please. "General, handling cases alone must be inconvenient, no? Buyan is familiar with the capital’s affairs and can help clear any obstacles for you."

"No need." Zong Zhao refused bluntly.

He ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‍was used to working alone; having Buyan around would only feel awkward.

Buyan swallowed hard and pressed on. "General, what if Buyan spars with you? You’ve been so busy since returning to the capital, with no time for the training grounds. Buyan can help you loosen up right here in the courtyard."

No matter what, he had to make this work today.

Return to the general’s side!

No more being those brats’ enforcer!

Zong Zhao halted and glanced at him sideways. "Keep an eye on Jincheng. That’s all you need to do."

Buyan: "!!!"

What kind of thunderbolt was this? Couldn’t the general soften the blow? He wasn’t mentally prepared at all!

Buyan’s hopeful heart finally died. His forced smile collapsed into dejection. "Understood..."

After Buyan left, Xu Wan and Cui Zhi could no longer hold back their laughter—though their amusement carried a hint of mischief.

Zong Zhao looked at them in confusion before realizing. "You knew all along?"

Cui Zhi tactfully signaled for dinner to be served.

Xu Wan chuckled. "Of course. Buyan’s usually quiet and oblivious, but ever since you returned, he’s been buttering you up every chance he got. It was obvious he wanted to come back. But we all knew you wouldn’t take him, and it wasn’t our place to tell him outright—so we let him figure it out the hard way."

Zong Zhao washed his hands at the basin stand and asked casually, "Does he dislike being around Jincheng?"

Xu Wan burst into laughter. "Who’d want to stay by Jincheng’s side, helping him climb walls and pick fights? That kid causes trouble everywhere, leaving Buyan to clean up the mess. On paper, Buyan’s his protector, but in reality, he’s just his hired muscle."

Zong Zhao didn’t get it. "What’s the difference? Both involve fighting."

Xu Wan: "..."

She paused, then replied, "‘Hired muscle’ isn’t exactly a compliment."

"Sounds fine to me," Zong Zhao said, taking the towel she handed him to dry his hands. "When I wasn’t here, at least Buyan could step in and fight for you. He deserves a reward."

Xu Wan blinked and suggested, "That’s a great idea. I’ll raise his monthly pay tomorrow—consider it compensation for emotional distress."

Zong Zhao laughed. "As you wish."

With his increased salary, Buyan’s mood visibly improved. He practically glowed with youthful energy, proving just how powerful a pay raise could be.

At the Marquis Manor’s elite class, Xu Wan presided over a heated debate on "Yellow River Flood Control: Divert or Block?" as the young scholars passionately argued against the little troublemaker.

After over a year of debate training, they no longer fell for Zong Jincheng’s wild arguments like before. Instead, they’d grown alongside him—citing classics, sharpening their rhetoric, and boosting their confidence tenfold.

Xu Wan sipped tea while watching them argue, occasionally glancing at the scribes’ shorthand notes.

By the sixth round, the debate remained unresolved. Zong Jincheng and Shen Yibai were now standing on the table, shouting at each other, while the tutors wiped flecks of spit from their faces.

"Mom, tell me—divert or block? I’m right, aren’t I?"

"Nonsense! We’re the ones who won! Auntie, settle this—isn’t Jincheng dodging the real issue?"

With neither side willing to back down (and physical fights off the table), they turned to Xu Wan, putting her on the spot.

She took another sip of tea and smoothly replied, "Both sides made excellent points. Flood control requires a balance of diversion and blockage. But this topic is neutral—there’s no need to force a winner."

"Huh?" The boys were stunned.

What kind of twist was this?

Every past debate had ended with a clear victor. Though Zong Jincheng’s team usually won, rotating teams ensured everyone improved.

Xu Wan smiled. "Throughout history, many methods have been used to control the Yellow River. The debate was meant to help you thoroughly analyze the pros and cons of each approach. So now—the debate is over. Let’s shift to a discussion. Summarize how to implement a comprehensive flood control plan."

The scribes promptly handed over their notes.

"!!!" The boys were electrified.

Suddenly enlightened, they huddled together, chattering excitedly. "First rule of flood control..."

Five heads crowded in unison, seamlessly transitioning into discussion mode.

The tutors marveled at the sight. When it came to adapting to new ideas, the kids were lightning-fast, following Xu Wan’s lead without hesitation.

After addressing the boys, Xu Wan turned to the five tutors. "When you have time, think of more neutral debate topics like this—ones that encourage synthesis rather than extreme positions. It’ll make writing essays much easier."

Previously, she’d come up with all the topics herself, but her ideas were limited. It was better to involve the tutors in brainstorming ways to refine their writing.

The tutors humbly replied, "Madam’s ingenuity is beyond our reach."

Xu Wan laughed. "Enough with the flattery. For every topic accepted, the proposer gets ten taels of silver."

The tutors: "!!!!"

No sleep tonight—I’m brainstorming a thousand ideas!