Chapter 4

It was originally a sunny and pleasant day, but in the blink of an eye, a drizzling rain began to fall. Such weather made outdoor activities seem daunting.

Hao Fenglou's enthusiasm was driven by necessity. The weather grew colder each day, and the silver in his hands was dwindling. If he didn't find a way, he would soon be hungry and cold. Wu Er had registered him, and today was the day for the recruitment. Although there was no warm sun or gentle spring breeze, Hao Fenglou was well-prepared.

He wore a raincoat borrowed from the inn, but while it shielded him from the rain, it did little to block the cold wind, causing his body to shiver. Despite this, he did not complain. After turning several street corners in the rain, he found himself in front of a white wall that concealed many buildings. Occasionally, branches extended beyond the wall, and through the high wall, he could see the rooftops of the staggered pavilions.

It was said that today was the last day for recruitment, and after this deadline, there would be no more opportunities. Therefore, the number of people gathered here was not small. Many came in the rain, and some left with clenched fists and stomping feet.

Hao Fenglou's heart sank when he saw many people leaving in disappointment. He quickly grabbed a well-dressed young man and said, "Brother..."

The young man sneered at him, "Are you here for the recruitment too? I advise you to give up. Do you really think it's that easy? Let me tell you, someone like you won't even pass the old nun's test. In the past few days, hundreds of people have come to apply in Zhenjiang, but only one has passed the old nun's test. When the old nun glared at me, my heart turned cold. She even made me recite the 'Four Books for Women.' Ha, this old nun is crazy. I can't even recite the Four Books, let alone the 'Four Books for Women.' This isn't a recruitment for a teacher; it's an exam for the top scholar."

It seemed this young man had just been kicked out, and his heart was full of grievances. Without waiting for Hao Fenglou to ask, he vented his frustration.

Hao Fenglou was initially confused, wondering about the nun and the top scholar, but then he understood.

The nun must be a woman, and likely a stern and rigid one, with a fighting spirit that surpasses the aunties at the dormitory gates. One glance from her can make you reveal your true self.

As for the exam, it was the 'Four Books for Women.' These are four books specifically for women: 'Admonitions for Women,' 'Inner Training,' 'Women's Analects,' and 'Concise Records of Women's Virtues.' They contain hundreds of thousands of words and are essential for any well-educated woman.

Hao Fenglou felt the difficulty. Reciting the 'Four Books for Women' was insane, no wonder so many people had failed. Many were just here to take advantage, not even knowing what the Four Books were, purely to cause trouble. Even those with real talent might be able to answer questions about the Analects or the Book of Rites, but the 'Four Books for Women'...

After hesitating, Hao Fenglou gritted his teeth, "If I can't pass such a difficult test, how can I talk about winning back Miss Lu? Hmph, my master taught me so many skills; why should I back down just because I'm in this era? What's there to fear?"

He quickened his pace to the stone steps in front of the Lu family's gate, where many people had already gathered. However, more people were leaving than entering, and the gatekeepers were vigilantly watching everyone, calling one person in every so often.

Among those gathered outside were simple scholars and young men who still fanned themselves in the cold winter. However, everyone's expressions were serious.

Every person who came out either looked frightened, shaking their heads when asked, or came out with clenched fists, shouting about unfairness.

"Unfair, unfair, this is outrageous. This isn't a recruitment for a teacher; it's harder than passing the imperial exams..."

Sure enough, another disgruntled failure came out, shouting loudly.

A few strong gatekeepers exchanged glances and moved to confront him. One of them growled, "This is the residence of the naval commander; how dare you make a commotion here..." He rolled up his sleeves, ready to attack.

The man, seeing this, knew better than to provoke a fight. He was not a hero but a weak scholar with thin arms and legs. He shrank back and fled.

The people outside laughed, and someone said, "This man really doesn't know better. The gatekeepers here are all trusted by the commander, who has fought through countless battles. To cause trouble here is to court death."

The atmosphere lightened slightly, but the continuous stream of failures left many feeling disheartened.

Hao Fenglou, however, was relaxed. It wasn't that he was unafraid of the challenge, but as a master of love, he had excellent mental fortitude. His master had warned him that if he trembled at the sight of difficulties, how could he face them? As the 18th-generation single heir of the Love Master, he needed to uphold the name and would encounter many challenges. He must be prepared to face them head-on.

"Fenglou, which one is Fenglou?" a gatekeeper called out.

His name was Fenglou, which was quite unusual, but the gatekeeper remained expressionless, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Hao Fenglou quickly replied, "It's me, it's me, student Fenglou..."

He was about to bow formally, but the gatekeeper, impatient, said, "Please follow me, sir."

Hao Fenglou rolled his eyes at the gatekeeper's arrogance but decided not to argue. He followed the gatekeeper through the gate, feeling many people watching him with a sense of schadenfreude, as if they could already predict his failure.

Hao Fenglou was not in a hurry and followed calmly, turning into a small hall. The hall was elegantly decorated, simple yet refined, creating a calming atmosphere.

However, the woman sitting in the hall made it hard to remain calm.

This woman was not old, at most in her thirties, with an ordinary appearance. Her face seemed to suggest that someone owed her money or that she had lost her virtue to someone. Her eyes were sharp and intimidating, and when they fixed on you, a strong sense of pressure followed, making you feel uneasy.

Strangely, this woman seemed unaware that others disliked her gaze. After Hao Fenglou entered, her eyes remained on him, as if her gaze could pierce through his body and into his heart.

"No wonder many people call her an old nun," Hao Fenglou thought, then smiled and bowed, "Student Fenglou, I greet you, Miss."

Hearing "Miss," the woman was taken aback.

At her age, many called her Aunt or Madam.

However, she was indeed a Miss, as she had not yet married.

But...

Hao Fenglou's address did not improve her expression; her face remained stern, but her sharp eyes showed a hint of confusion.

She unconsciously touched the beautiful red jade bracelet on her wrist.

"Are you Fenglou, from Songjiang? How come you don't even have a degree?" The woman's voice was hoarse, and her question clearly showed dissatisfaction with Hao Fenglou. Most people who came here were at least scholars, and while there were no juren (imperial candidates), there were many xiucai (scholars).

If it were someone else, they would have been at a loss for words after such a question, but Hao Fenglou answered calmly, "Miss, you may not know, but my family was once well-off. Although I studied, I had no intention of pursuing a degree. But now..." He feigned a bitter smile, leaving the rest for the woman to guess.

The woman's expression remained unchanged, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with his answer. However, the repeated use of "Miss" made her feel more at ease, and her expression improved slightly as she prepared to ask a question.

Hao Fenglou suddenly said, "Miss, this bracelet looks very valuable and has a beautiful design. When my family was still well-off, I once accompanied my father to visit the governor of Songjiang, and his wife wore a similar bracelet."

Hao Fenglou had noticed that the woman often touched the jade bracelet on her wrist, leading him to guess that it was a cherished possession.

As a master of love, his greatest skill was to win a woman's heart. To do so, he needed to observe, listen, ask, and understand. By observing her eyes, he could see that although she appeared calm when he entered, her body instinctively shrank, indicating a natural aversion to men. However, deep down, she might have some longing, a common reaction among unmarried women.

When she heard him call her "Miss," her eyes, though still sharp, showed a hint of resentment. Hao Fenglou deduced that although she was still a "Miss," she did not want her identity to be known, as it was embarrassing for her to be unmarried at her age.

However, the more he called her "Miss," the more she adapted, revealing a complex mindset. She was a proud woman who disliked being seen through but was secretly proud of her unmarried status.

These two feelings seemed contradictory, but such contradictions are common. For example, a man with many women might feel proud in front of his friends but ashamed in front of his elders.

More importantly, whenever she felt uncomfortable, she would touch the jade bracelet, indicating its significant meaning to her.

As expected, a gentle smile appeared in the woman's eyes.

When something you cherish is noticed and appreciated, it always makes you feel good.

The woman proudly said, "This was a gift from the lady."

Every cherished item is often given special meaning by the person who owns it. Even a worthless pendant can be treasured if it has special significance.

Hao Fenglou quickly realized that the woman had deep feelings for the lady she mentioned and that she was a trusted confidant in the Lu family.

He immediately showed admiration, "Such a valuable jade bracelet, and the lady was willing to give it to you. It shows that she not only trusts you but also has deep feelings for you. What a wonderful lady. If it were another lady, she wouldn't be so generous."

The woman's eyes brightened, especially when Hao Fenglou sincerely praised the lady. She quickly said, "Yes, my lady is not only kind but also has a good heart."

The relationship between them seemed to warm up, and the woman, who had been cold and stern, now seemed eager to talk, sharing many stories about how the lady treated her subordinates. Hao Fenglou listened patiently.

After a while, Hao Fenglou asked, "May I know your name, Miss?"

The woman replied, "I am Yingchun. You can call me Sister Chun."

"Sister Chun..." Hao Fenglou smiled and quickly followed up, then shook his head in regret.

Seeing Hao Fenglou's regret, Yingchun asked, "Why are you sighing, sir?"

When Hao Fenglou entered, Yingchun was not so polite, but now her tone was much softer, and her cold expression had vanished.

Hao Fenglou sighed, "Now I understand why Sister Chun is still unmarried. I imagine it's because you are unwilling to leave the lady. If I were in your position, I wouldn't want to leave such a good lady either."

Yingchun, as an older woman, felt some resentment about being unmarried. Now, hearing Hao Fenglou's words, she felt a sense of satisfaction, as if it was not that no one wanted to marry her, but that she was unwilling to leave the lady. A hint of joy appeared on her face.

Hao Fenglou continued, "However, you should also think about yourself. I noticed that the gatekeeper who led me in had a crush on you."

Hao Fenglou was referring to the strong gatekeeper who had led him in.

Yingchun was initially pleased but then scolded, "Lu Wu? He is always improper. Such a person is truly detestable."

Hao Fenglou laughed, "Yes, yes, Sister Chun wouldn't look at him. He's just a toad dreaming of eating a swan."

By this point, their relationship had become much closer. Yingchun found Hao Fenglou increasingly likable and asked, "You don't seem like a poor man. Why are you here to apply for the position of teacher in the Lu family?"

Hao Fenglou gathered his thoughts, "Earlier, I observed and listened. Now, it's time to ask and understand. Whether I pass or not depends on my answer."

He quickly said, "Sister Chun, you may not know, but my family was once well-off. However, our fortune has declined recently. To be honest, I now have no money, and I can't do any physical labor. Fortunately, I read some books when I was young. Today, seeing the Lu family's recruitment, I decided to try my luck." He sighed heavily, as if recalling a sad story.

Born into a wealthy family, he had faced a sudden change in fortune, which naturally evoked sympathy. Yingchun, though seemingly cold, had a woman's heart. After sharing her thoughts with Hao Fenglou, she now saw him as a close friend and said, "I see, I didn't expect your background to be like this."

She paused and then said, "Alright, we've talked enough. You are here for the recruitment. Now, I will ask you some questions. Please pay attention."

Hao Fenglou sat up straight and said, "Please ask your questions, Miss."

Yingchun smiled, "Recite the 'Three-Character Classic' for me."

"Ha ha ha... Others recite the 'Four Books for Women,' but I only need to recite the 'Three-Character Classic.' Truly, the Love Master's skills are extraordinary." He thought of the disappointed people outside and wondered if they would be envious if they knew his question was the 'Three-Character Classic.'

Unfortunately, although he knew the 'Three-Character Classic,' he gave a bitter smile, "This... is a bit difficult... Sister Chun, I'm afraid I might make a mistake..."

Sister Chun encouraged him, "Try it. It's okay, don't be nervous."

Hao Fenglou had some memory of the 'Three-Character Classic' and began, "At the beginning of human life, nature is inherently good. Nature is similar... The three elements are heaven, earth, and man. The three lights are the sun, moon, and stars. The three principles..."

By this point, Hao Fenglou was out of words, and his tone became hesitant.

Sister Chun smiled, "That's enough. It seems you are familiar with it. However, the 'Three-Character Classic' is for beginners, so it's understandable to forget some parts. You have passed the initial test. Please wait in the side hall. I still need to test a few more people. After the initial test, the lady will personally conduct the final exam at noon. I can only help you this far. Be careful, do you understand?"

Hao Fenglou was overjoyed. At least he had passed this round. According to what he had heard, only one person had passed so far, and with him, there were now two. The next round would be a one-in-two chance.

He quickly bowed, "Sister Chun's care, I will remember it in my heart."

Hao Fenglou left, and behind him, he heard Yingchun's cold voice, "Call the next one, Wu Tianze."

Hao Fenglou walked slowly, and a scholar brushed past him. This must be Wu Tianze. Then, Wu Tianze entered the hall, and Hao Fenglou heard him say, "Student Wu..."

Yingchun then said coldly, "Recite the 'Admonitions for Women'..."

"Ah... I... I..."

"Come! Send him away!"