Song Zhiyuan looked at Yuan Hao, scrutinized him carefully for a mont, then turned to Bo Ning with a smile and said, "This grandson of yours does look rather unfamiliar to , though I can see a few points of resemblance to you."
Bo Ning puffed out his chest, glanced at Yuan Hao, and said, "No wonder he looks unfamiliar to you. This is my eldest son’s eldest boy, third in rank among the males of the household."
Song Zhiyuan feigned surprise: "Gui Ping’s son? He’s co back?"
Bo Ning nodded. "He entered the city yesterday. You could say I finally reeled this unfilial brat back in. Otherwise, I fear his old man would have kicked his legs out straight and gone to the grave without ever clapping eyes on this branch of the family."
Yuan Hao: "..."
I hear you can put away two bowls of rice every al and drink a pot of wine a day, with more vigor than my father.
Song Zhiyuan couldn’t help but chuckle as well. "Now that is just you talking in anger."
Bo Ning gave a cold snort. "This old man isn’t just talking in anger. It’s precisely because I can’t have too many good years left that I all the more want the whole family gathered neat and whole."
As he spoke, he cast another sidelong glance at Yuan Hao.
Yuan Hao fixed his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart.
Song Zhiyuan smiled, beckoned Yuan Hao over, and asked how old he was this year, at what age he had started his prirs, and how far he had gone in his studies.
"I started my prirs at three, I’m eleven this year. I’ve already studied the Four Books and Five Classics, and on ordinary days I also learn the eight-legged essays and mathematics from my father."
Song Zhiyuan’s brows lifted slightly. He picked out a few subjects and tested him; seeing that he answered readily, with a calm and open confidence, he couldn’t help but nod inwardly.
While he was examining Yuan Hao, Bo Ning was drinking tea, yet the corner of his eye was trained on their side. When he saw the satisfied look on Song Zhiyuan’s face, his own brows and eyes relaxed.
Even Pri Minister Song praises him; it shows this child is not unpresentable, and his learning counts for sothing.
Song Zhiyuan removed a Jade Pendant and gave it to Yuan Hao as a eting gift, and Yuan Hao hesitated a little.
"Take it and play with it. Your father and I were once classmates. Though we haven’t t for many years, the bond of the schoolroom hasn’t changed. For , as your elder-brother, to give you a eting gift is only right."
Hearing this, Bo Ning imdiately followed along the ladder he’d been handed, saying, "When a senior bestows a gift, one does not dare decline. Well, aren’t you going to thank your Uncle Song?"
Listen to that—from Pri Minister Song to Uncle Song; that single change in form of address narrows the distance quite a bit.
Song Zhiyuan did not point it out, only watched Yuan Hao with a smile. Only then did the latter accept it with both hands, thank him solemnly, and fasten the Jade Pendant to his own belt.
Just then, Song Lingsu arrived with his two younger cousins. First they bowed to Song Zhiyuan, then, introduced by Song Zhiyuan, they bowed to Bo Ning, and afterward exchanged courtesies as peers with Yuan Hao.
Bo Ning looked at these two graceful youths, Song Lingsu and Song Lingjie, his eyes shining. He drew out two wallets from his sleeve and stuffed them into their hands as eting gifts. Naturally, Song Lingzhou did not go without, but Bo Ning’s gaze barely left the two brothers.
Song Lingsu felt his scalp prickle.
He had gotten wind of the foolish business his grandfather had been up to; now, seeing Bo Ning, he had the distinct feeling of having been marked.
Only the upbringing he had received kept him from turning tail and fleeing.
Song Zhiyuan said with a smile, "Su’er, you take Young Lord Yuan and go play. It’s rare for him to co to the residence; see that you entertain him properly."
Song Lingsu felt as if granted amnesty. He imdiately looked at Yuan Hao and said with a smile, "Brother Yuan, would you care to co along with us?"
Yuan Hao knew as well that the elders had matters to discuss. He cupped his hands to him. "I’ll trouble you, brother."
Only then did Song Lingsu make his farewells to the two elders present and, taking Yuan Hao along, lead a group of boys out of the study.
Once they had gone, Bo Ning sighed over the absent Old Master Song. "The young gentlen of your noble house are all elegant in manner and extraordinary in bearing. Brother Gui Ping truly is blessed."
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