Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam? - Chapter 27 - What to Do When You're Too Popular

On this day, Lin set off from Hexi Village, first visiting her son, Cui Yu, and then her nephew, Cui Xian. When she arrived at the gates of the Pei Mansion, she hesitated, unsure whether to approach such an imposing entrance.

At that moment, three luxurious carriages, accompanied by attendants and lavish gifts, arrived at the Pei Mansion for a visit. Lin hid in a corner, waiting for these distinguished guests to enter before she gathered the courage to approach the gatekeeper. “Excuse me… Excuse me, Ge’er, do you know Cui Xian?”

The gatekeeper, initially indifferent upon seeing a rural woman, suddenly widened his eyes at her words. “I do, I do! And you are?”

The gatekeeper’s attitude became unexpectedly warm. Lin was taken aback, feeling uneasy, “I… I came to bring him something and have a few words.”

Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper became even more attentive. “Are you family of Xian-Ge’er? Please, come in with me to meet the Old Madam.”

The Old Madam would surely offer a warm welcome upon learning that Xian-Ge’er’s family had arrived. Lin, however, panicked at the suggestion. “No, no need! I’ll wait here. Could you please ask Cui Xian to come out?”

Xian-Ge’er was a Study Servant at the Pei Mansion. With the strict rules of such a prestigious household, Lin feared causing trouble for Xian-Ge’er, hence her reluctance to enter.

The gatekeeper scratched his head at this, puzzled, but complied and went to find Xian-Ge’er.

Lin herself was confused. She was merely visiting her nephew, so why was there talk of meeting the Old Madam of the Pei Mansion?

Inside the Pei Mansion, in the main hall, Madam Gao, Madam Li, and Madam Zhuang were eagerly waiting with their sons. Their attendants filled the hall with gifts.

Madam Pei and Pei Jian, grandmother and grandson, stood with expressions as if facing a formidable challenge. These three families were sparing no expense to win over Xian-Ge’er, shamelessly so!

When Cui Xian was summoned by the Steward, he was puzzled. As he approached the main hall and saw the impressive scene inside, he was taken aback.

Inside, the ladies’ eyes lit up upon seeing Cui Xian. The April sunshine was bright, a gentle breeze blew, and azaleas, crabapples, and peonies were in full bloom.

The handsome young boy walking from the corridor had fair skin, striking features, and a straight posture with an outstanding demeanor. He was like a graceful young gentleman, more charming than the flowers.

The ladies, already here to win over Cui Xian, were now truly captivated by his appearance!

In the midst of everyone’s astonished gaze, Madam Gao, the battalion commander’s wife, stood up and pulled Cui Xian into her embrace as he entered the hall. “You must be Cui Xian, indeed a remarkable young man. I am Gao Qi’s mother, you may call me Aunt Gao.”

“Recently, Gao Qi has been diligent in his studies, all thanks to you. We’ve brought gifts to express our gratitude.”

Huh?

Caught in the fragrant embrace of a stranger, Cui Xian was bewildered.

He struggled to free himself from her embrace, blushing as he said, “Oh, it’s Aunt Gao. Brother Gao Qi is naturally gifted and full of talent. His dedication to studying is his own doing; it has little to do with me.”

Oh my!

This child is not only handsome but also has a sweet tongue.

Madam Gao felt her heart melt, further solidifying her resolve to bring Cui Xian into her family.

But then, unexpectedly, Zhuang Jin’s mother suddenly pushed Madam Gao aside and warmly took Cui Xian’s hand, laughing, “Good boy, I’m your Aunt Zhuang, Zhuang Jin’s mother.”

“Let me have a good look at you. Oh, how handsome!”

As she spoke, Aunt Zhuang couldn’t resist touching Cui Xian’s charming face.

Cui Xian’s face turned red, “Auntie… there’s a difference between men and women.”

Aunt Zhuang laughed so hard she couldn’t straighten up.

Taking advantage of her laughter, Li Heyu’s mother ‘snatched’ Cui Xian over, saying warmly, “I’m Heyu’s mother. You can call me Aunt Li. Xian-Ge’er, Auntie has brought you many good things today.”

The Li family’s dozen servants immediately presented gift boxes before Cui Xian.

“Carved blue brick paperweight, mortise and tenon pen holder, ceramic tile inkstone, camphor wood carved pen rest… Do you like them?”

Madam Li introduced each item and added, “If you don’t find anything you like, it’s okay. Come home with Auntie, and you can choose anything you want at the manor.”

Cui Xian was amazed by the display.

Madam Zhuang scoffed, unwilling to be outdone, “Xian-Ge’er, take a look at what Aunt Zhuang has brought you.”

The Zhuang family’s dozen servants also presented gift boxes for Cui Xian to see.

“Red lacquered gold box, cloisonné Nine Rings, tortoiseshell-framed ivory abacus, velvet-topped desk, rhinoceros horn cricket jar, Silver Longevity Lock, Yue kiln celadon pillow… If you come to Auntie’s manor, there are even better things waiting for you.”

Wow!

Cui Xian’s eyes widened.

Madam Gao, not to be outdone, said, “Xian-Ge’er, Aunt Gao has gifts for you too.”

Thus, the Gao family’s dozen servants pushed aside the servants from the Zhuang and Li families, crowding around Cui Xian.

“Birch wood horn bow, bamboo cowhide shield, copper tiger token pendant, wooden iron training spear, and a glossy young stallion… Come with Auntie today, to Auntie’s home, and learn riding and archery with Gao Qi.”

Cui Xian was dazzled by the array.

It turns out the real power isn’t the big brother.

It’s the big brother’s mother!

But these gifts, Cui Xian dared not accept.

He keenly sensed that the atmosphere in the main hall was somewhat tense.

The three aunties were subtly competing.

Li Heyu, Zhuang Jin, and Gao Qi were all watching him intently.

Big brother Pei Jian looked extremely uncomfortable.

It seemed the three ladies had laid all their cards on the table.

Old Madam Pei couldn’t sit still any longer. With the authority of the host, she spoke loudly, “Xian-Ge’er, since the three ladies have given you gifts, you should accept them.”

“But you should continue to stay at the Pei Mansion and not trouble the three ladies.”

“There’s something I haven’t mentioned to you yet. You’re such a well-behaved child, and I really like you. So, in a few days, I plan to discuss with your elders about sending you to the Pei Family’s clan school to study with Jian-Ge’er.”

“I’ve also prepared a gift for you.”

With that, a dozen Pei Family Household Servants marched in with gifts, exuding an air of superiority, as if determined to outshine the other three families’ servants.

They had heard that these three ladies were here to ‘snatch’ Xian-Ge’er.

How could they let that happen!

“Xian-Ge’er, this is a handwritten copy of ‘Instructions for Young Learners.'”

“This is a bamboo-handled brush, a coarse porcelain brush washer, pine soot ink stick, a Shexian gold-star inkstone, and a brass book pointer…”

Madam Pei introduced each gift and added, “In the future, you’ll go to the clan school with Jian-Ge’er. Remember to help each other and make progress together.”

The moment Madam Pei presented these gifts, the other three families were awestruck.

Truly a family of provincial graduates!

Pei Jian looked smugly at his three friends.

Then he said to Cui Xian, “Xian, my grandmother gave these to you, so just accept them. Don’t refuse. After all, I’m your big brother.”

The three ladies looked utterly unwilling.

Li Heyu, Gao Qi, and Zhuang Jin anxiously looked at Cui Xian, their expressions filled with urgency.

Their message was clear: Xian, choose me, I’m the one who truly cherishes you!

Come with me, and I’ll treat you well for a lifetime!

Feeling the intense gazes from all around, Cui Xian felt immense pressure.

What to do when you’re too popular!

Bracing himself, he ignored the fervent looks from the ladies.

Cui Xian bowed to Madam Pei, “Thank you, Old Madam, for your kindness.”

This was his way of choosing to stay at the Pei Mansion.

Madam Pei nodded with a smile, her gaze subtly sweeping over the three ladies who were gritting their teeth, thinking to herself:

“Trying to take someone from this old lady? You’re still too young for that.”

Pei Jian chuckled to himself.

The other three young masters were green with envy.

How infuriating, why are you so smug!

We’re all spoiled brats, why do you get to be Xian’s big brother?

Gao Qi was the first to shout, “Xian, you clearly liked the gifts my mother gave you. But because you’re staying at the Pei Mansion, you’re too embarrassed to say so!”

“Why don’t you come stay at my place for a few days, and then we can decide.”

In other words:

Xian, you must have your reasons for choosing Pei Jian. But deep down, the person you really want to be close to is me!

Hearing this, Cui Xian thought to himself, this isn’t good.

This is heading towards a confrontation!