Falling in Love Online with an Ancient General

Xu Linghe said, "Of course you can. Although not many women attend the poetry gathering, there are always a few each year. In fact, last year's Spring Poetry Gathering's qin music champion was a woman."

"That woman was originally just a concubine's daughter, but after winning the championship, her fame skyrocketed. Suitors came one after another, and she eventually married into a marquis's family."

"However, in all these years, she's been the only female champion. If you want to go, we can go together."

Feng Qingyi shook her head, "Since you've already made plans with Young Master Zhao, you two should go together. I don't want to intrude. Just tell me where it is, and I'll go by myself."

Xu Linghe replied, "That works too. I'll just be a spectator then, watching you two shine."

Feng Qingyi asked, "So, Young Master Zhao is going to participate as well?"

Xu Linghe answered, "Young Master Zhao's calligraphy is unparalleled. This is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills, especially since the Spring Poetry Gathering only happens once a year."

"Although there's another Winter Poetry Gathering in December, not many people attend that one. Those who go are mostly unknown, with no formidable participants."

"Even someone of Shangguan Yi's caliber could win at the Winter Poetry Gathering, which shows you the standard of that event."

Feng Qingyi inquired, "Do we need to prepare anything for the gathering?"

"You don't need to prepare anything. The Literary Garden will provide everything needed – musical instruments, chess sets, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. By the way, what are you planning to participate in?" Xu Linghe asked.

Feng Qingyi recalled her studies. She had completed all her painting courses and was now advanced in qin music. She could probably try both of these. As for chess and calligraphy, she was at an intermediate level, which might not be enough to compete with the experts.

"Can one person participate in multiple events?" she asked.

Xu Linghe nodded, "As long as you have time, you can do as many as you like."

"That's good. I haven't decided exactly what I'll do yet. I'll see when we get there the day after tomorrow," Feng Qingyi said.

Xu Linghe said, "My parents want me home for lunch today, so I can't stay with you any longer. I'll head home now."

Feng Qingyi nodded, "Alright, you should go then. See you the day after tomorrow."

After Xu Linghe left, Feng Qingyi sat in her chair, taking a sip of the tea the waiter had just brought.

Just as she took a sip, Qian Jue strode in and casually sat down next to her.

"I just heard you talking about the poetry gathering. Do you want to go too?" he asked.

Feng Qingyi replied, "Yes, I heard you're the painting champion."

"It's just a trivial skill. It's only because there aren't any painters in Shengjing better than me," Qian Jue said.

Feng Qingyi retorted, "Don't boast. You might end up eating your words."

"From the way you're talking, it sounds like you want to go to the gathering to challenge me?" Qian Jue asked.

Feng Qingyi countered, "What, am I not allowed to go?"

"Of course you can go if you want to. But if you're hoping to beat me in painting, you'll need to practice for a few more years," Qian Jue said as he ate a couple of pastries from the table.

"I don't know if I can beat you yet, but I have to try. Who knows, maybe people will prefer my paintings!"

Although she knew she still had a gap to close with him, it wasn't like her to shy away from a challenge. After all, she was still young, and even if she didn't win, she had nothing to lose. It was a great opportunity to test her skills.

"I admire your courage. I look forward to seeing you there. The gathering has invited me as well, so I'll take you along the morning after tomorrow," Qian Jue said, looking at Feng Qingyi with some admiration.

"Can't I go in by myself?" Feng Qingyi asked.

Qian Jue replied, "As a four-time consecutive champion, I naturally have some privileges. If you come with me, you'll be the center of attention."

Feng Qingyi said, "Center of attention? I'll pass. I prefer to keep a low profile."

Qian Jue laughed, "I'm just joking. But as my disciple, you should naturally come with me."

"If I remember correctly, I don't think I ever agreed to be your disciple," she said, having almost forgotten about this matter until he brought it up again.

Qian Jue said, "You accepted the jade and the safety charm. I thought that meant you agreed. Are you trying to back out now?"

"...Fine, whatever makes you happy!" She couldn't be bothered to argue with him. After all, she wasn't losing anything.

Qian Jue quickly finished the pastries on the table. "These cookies are good. Are there any more?"

"In the kitchen," Feng Qingyi pointed towards the back.

Qian Jue said, "Pack some for me to go."

"...Remember to pay," Feng Qingyi reminded him.

Qian Jue retorted, "I gave you this teahouse, and now you're charging me? Have you become a miser?"

"As my master, you should consider my situation. I'm still a college student and can't earn much. I need to start saving now for future expenses like housing, cars, food, and daily necessities," she replied.

Qian Jue asked, "Don't you have that general? Why do you need to worry about these things?"

"Whether he's around or not, I still need to earn money. Who doesn't like having more money? I'm going to pack some cookies for you," Feng Qingyi said as she walked towards the kitchen.

In the end, Qian Jue paid for the cookies and left with a package wrapped in oiled paper.

Feng Qingyi stayed at the teahouse for a while longer before returning to the villa.

...

In the evening, Feng Qingci received a call from Nan Hao. He put it on speakerphone.

Feng Qingyi sat with him on the sofa, listening.

Nan Hao said, "Qingci, Nan Yue will finish her exams on the 8th. I've bought her a plane ticket for the 10th. Could you pick her up at the airport?"

Feng Qingci replied, "Understood."

Nan Hao continued, "That's why I called. Nan Yue is graduating from high school, so you and your sister should prepare some graduation gifts for her."

"Girls like clothes and cosmetics. I see your sister always dresses so fashionably. One outfit must cost several thousand, right?"

Feng Qingci responded, "We're just students. We don't have money. My sister's clothes are bought by our mother."

Nan Hao said, "Your father is the CEO of the company, earning hundreds of thousands a day. And your mother, well, she earns millions just by singing a song. You're their only son, so all of that will be yours in the future."

"If you take some money to buy clothes for your cousin, they won't mind. When your cousin grows up, I'll have her help out at your company."

Feng Qingci quickly hung up the phone, but the caller rang back almost immediately.

Feng Qingci turned off his phone, and soon after, Feng Qingyi's phone started ringing.

"Should I answer it?" Feng Qingyi looked at Feng Qingci.

Feng Qingci said, "Go ahead."

As soon as Feng Qingyi answered the call, the caller's voice came through, "Qingyi, I was just on the phone with your brother. Why did he suddenly hang up?"

"He's in the hospital. The signal there is poor," Feng Qingyi lied without missing a beat.