The elders had high hopes for Lin Yan.
After all, they had been keeping an eye on the younger generation of their family, and it seemed that only Lin Yan had the potential to truly bring about the rise of the Lin family.
They didn't know about the children who hadn't yet grown up, but among those who had, none possessed greater talent than Lin Yan.
However, the direct lineage of the family seemed to suffer from poor health. Lin Yan's grandfather and father had both been sickly, and Lin Yan himself wasn't very strong at birth, remaining rather frail over the years.
They genuinely worried that he wouldn't be able to endure the rigors of the imperial examinations.
Lin Yan was unaware of the elders' concerns. She was currently seeking guidance from her former teacher.
Although she wouldn't need to visit as frequently after passing the Tong Sheng examination, Lin Yan still paid her tuition fees, she just didn't attend as often as before.
Her former teacher was merely a Xiu Cai. Despite the Lin family's wealth, they didn't have the means to hire a Ju Ren as her tutor.
After receiving her teacher's instruction, Lin Yan went to the town's bookstore to see if there were any new books.
The town was too secluded, and Lin Yan felt she should find a business opportunity for her family to earn more money and move to the county town.
She needed to absorb more knowledge and obtain more information. In a town like this, there was very little to gain.
Lin Yan browsed through the books, contemplating how to make money.
"You, are you Student Lin?" a hesitant voice asked.
Lin Yan snapped out of her thoughts and looked up in the direction of the voice. She saw someone dressed in a scholar's robe standing not far from her.
"I am Lin Yan, may I ask who you are?" Lin Yan was certain that neither she nor the original owner of the body recognized this person.
"My name is Li Jie, and I am also a scholar. Though I am a few years older than you, I haven't yet passed the Tong Sheng exam." Li Jie's gaze towards Lin Yan was filled with envy.
"Oh, right, someone at our private school is hosting a gathering at the Huibin Tower. Do you, Student Lin, have time to grace us with your presence?"
He had mustered up his courage to approach her. Their private school was not far from Lin Yan's, and the teachers from both institutions were always comparing them.
Lin Yan had always been praised by their teacher, especially after passing the Tong Sheng exam this time.
Now that he saw her here alone, he wanted to invite Lin Yan to join their gathering.
"Then I thank you, Brother Li, for your generous invitation." Lin Yan also wanted to see what it was like. Although she didn't know this Li Jie, she had some impression of the private school he mentioned.
Upon receiving Lin Yan's reply, he happily led the way for her.
Lin Yan settled the bill for the two books she had chosen, took them with her, and walked towards the Huibin Tower with Li Jie.
It was a small gathering among friends, and Lin Yan's arrival surprised them greatly. They invited Lin Yan to sit and eat. When they poured her wine, Lin Yan refused.
"I have never drunk alcohol before, and my family is very strict. I would never dare to touch alcohol," Lin Yan repeatedly refused.
Although Lin Yan's body was now in good health, she still didn't want to start drinking.
While her refusal dampened their spirits somewhat, everyone still understood. After all, Lin Yan was young and would surely be strictly disciplined by her family.
As the group clinked their glasses, Lin Yan accompanied them with tea. From their conversations, Lin Yan also gained a considerable amount of information.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lin Yan waited for everyone's bookboys to fetch their young masters before finding a cart to take her home.
The private school Li Jie belonged to was filled with students from merchant families. The current dynasty permitted the children of merchants to participate in the imperial examinations, but only from the third generation onwards.
In other words, everyone at that table was a "rich third generation." Lin Yan's attendance at their meal was also to glean some information about commerce from them.
Having more friends meant more opportunities, and Lin Yan felt that it was worthwhile to cultivate relationships with these people.
By the time Lin Yan returned home, her grandmother and mother were already waiting for her to have dinner.
After paying her respects to her grandmother and mother, Lin Yan first went to her room to put away her books, washed her hands, and then joined her grandmother and mother for the meal.
Lin Yan's grandmother did not inquire about her whereabouts outside. She seemed to have come to terms with the situation.
Since Lin Yan was to live as a man, she would turn a blind eye to Lin Yan's activities outside.
As long as Lin Yan did not go too far, she would not interfere, and she believed that Lin Yan would not do anything outrageous.
Lin Mu wanted to ask Lin Yan why she came home smelling of alcohol, but since the grandmother had not spoken, she hesitated and remained silent.
After the family finished their dinner in silence, the clan elder's young grandson came to find Lin Yan, saying that the clan elder wished to see her.
"Then Grandmother, Mother, I will go to the clan elder's house," Lin Yan said.
Lin Yan left with the clan elder's grandson.
The clan elder's grandson was named Sen Ge'er. He was named so because his fate was said to be lacking wood in the five elements, hence the name Lin Sen, five woods, ensuring he was no longer lacking.
He was stout and robust, bouncing ahead of Lin Yan with great vitality.
"Sen Ge'er, why does Grandpa Clan Elder want to see me?"
"I don't know, but many great-uncles have arrived at the house, and they all want to see you," Sen Ge'er stopped to wait for Lin Yan. "Brother Yan, you walk a bit slowly. Everyone at home is getting anxious."
"Alright, I will walk faster." Although she said she would walk faster, Lin Yan's pace did not increase much. Walking too quickly after dinner could lead to stomachaches.
However, knowing that elders were waiting, she still quickened her steps a little.
When Lin Yan arrived at the clan elder's house, she saw that all the Lin clan elders were seated inside.
Because the direct lineage of the family was sparse, the elders present were from collateral branches. In truth, the Lin family had fallen so far that there was little distinction between direct and collateral branches anymore.
They were all from the same clan, merely differing in the closeness of their blood relations.
"Greetings, Grandpa Clan Elder and all esteemed elders," Lin Yan bowed to everyone upon entering the room.
"There is no need for excessive ceremony. This matter concerns you, so please sit down," the clan elder gestured to the stool reserved for Lin Yan.
After thanking him, Lin Yan sat on the stool.
"Brother Yan, we have called you here today because there is a recommendation letter from Maolin Academy. We would like you to consider going there. What are your thoughts?" the clan elder stated directly.
Maolin Academy could be considered a renowned academy in the region. It was far superior to ordinary private schools, with countless students from each cohort passing the Ju Ren and Jin Shi examinations.
To have a recommendation letter from Maolin Academy in their family was a pleasant surprise for Lin Yan. However, after a moment of thought, Lin Yan shook her head and refused.