[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 15

Although Qingqiu had casually said it was “nothing special,” once she returned home, she couldn’t stop thinking about the sights and objects she had seen in the Forbidden City.

Especially after developing the photos, she eagerly showed them to Mrs. Leng, explaining each one with visible excitement—far from the indifference she’d claimed to feel.

After all, it was the imperial city, a place that had witnessed five hundred years of history. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by it?

Seeing Qingqiu’s growing interest, Yan Hui began sharing various stories about national treasures that she had read before. Although not the most eloquent speaker, her familiarity with historical documentaries helped her speak with surprising clarity and confidence.

Collecting antiques had long been a favorite pastime among scholars and intellectuals. Having grown up in a large, traditional household, Qingqiu had naturally absorbed an appreciation for such things. But with the Leng family’s limited finances, these interests were luxuries they couldn’t afford, and so they were rarely indulged.

Yet the allure of those dazzling treasures—their history and mystery—still captivates people even in this era of information overload. How could they not fascinate someone like Leng Qingqiu?

Even Mrs. Leng and the Han couple found themselves charmed by Yan Hui’s storytelling. It became a small tradition: after dinner, the family would gather beneath the locust trees in the courtyard and listen to Yan Hui spin her tales.

At first, the stories were genuine. But as time passed and her memory faded, Yan Hui began inventing new details, and her narratives gradually took on a more dramatic and fantastical tone.

Mrs. Leng and Han Guanjiu didn’t notice. But Qingqiu, sharp as ever, caught on quickly. Still, she said nothing—only watched with a quiet smile as Yan Hui embellished the tales and added suspenseful twists.

Later that night, the two of them lay side by side on Qingqiu’s bed. Qingqiu teased, “You should apply to the Palace Museum. The official guides aren’t half as interesting as your stories.”

“Oh, so you noticed.” Yan Hui wasn’t the least bit embarrassed. “It’s just to pass the time—what does it matter if it’s true or not?”

“That’s true,” Qingqiu said with a soft sigh. “I haven’t seen Mom so happy in a long time. She always said she preferred peace and quiet, that she didn’t like going out anymore. I actually believed her. What a fool I was.”

She understood now why Mrs. Leng avoided going out. First, as a widow in a conservative household, she feared gossip and judgment. Despite the changing times, many elders remained bound by tradition.

Second, the family’s limited income meant every penny had to be carefully spent—especially with Qingqiu’s schooling and social obligations. Leisure was a luxury they simply couldn’t afford.

And yet, Qingqiu had once accepted that as normal. Only now, after starting to earn her own money, did she truly grasp the weight of Mrs. Leng’s sacrifices.

Noticing Qingqiu’s shifting mood, Yan Hui quickly changed the subject. “Isn’t everything good now? Why dwell on the past? Focus on your story. Have you decided what to write next week?”

Qingqiu paused, caught off guard by the reminder.

She was always punctual with her submissions, but somehow, being nudged like this made her feel a little awkward.

Seeing through her silence, Yan Hui added, “I just had a thought—after you finish your current story, why not write about the treasures of the Forbidden City? It’s a hot topic right now. I bet it would be well-received.”

In Yan Hui’s time, antique literature had been common, but it seemed rare now. A fresh, historical theme would stand out from the usual romance fare, making it easier for Qingqiu to distinguish herself and leave a lasting impression.

Fame aside, it would likely boost her royalties too.

Qingqiu hadn’t considered that angle before. But since she’d already heard so many of Yan Hui’s stories, the idea felt accessible. Plus, a collection of short stories focused on artifacts would be far less demanding than her current long-form work.

“That’s a great idea,” she said, sitting up with renewed energy. “Let me jot it down.”

“There’s no rush,” Yan Hui chuckled. “You can write it down tomorrow.”

Qingqiu hadn’t yet fleshed out any concrete ideas, but the concept was fresh in her mind—she wouldn’t forget it by morning. So, she lay back down and closed her eyes. “Alright, then. Sleep early.”

After a few minutes of silence, she remembered something and asked, “Didn’t you say you’d take me somewhere truly new? Did you forget?”

“Of course not.” Yan Hui had indeed forgotten, but she wasn’t about to admit it. “Since you brought it up, let’s go tomorrow.”

It was Sunday, so there were no classes. The two woke up early, had breakfast, and then took a car out. When they arrived, Qingqiu stepped out and saw Yanyuan before her. At once, she understood what Yan Hui had meant.

Even in all of China—let alone just Beijing—there might not be a place more “new” than this.

It wasn’t the buildings or grounds that felt new—it was the people.

This was the nation’s most prestigious academic institution, a gathering place for scholars and patriots alike. New ideas, trends, and movements bloomed here, lighting the way for the future. Everyone walked with purpose and energy. Just being among them was inspiring.

“How’s this?” Yan Hui asked. “New enough for you?”

Qingqiu took a deep breath and nodded. “You were right.”

“Wanna go inside?” Yan Hui offered.

Both dressed in modern clothes, they blended in easily on campus. It was the weekend, so there were no classes—just students scattered around the grounds. Some read poetry, others scanned newspapers, some exercised, while others painted or played music. The atmosphere was vibrant and invigorating.

It felt entirely different from the all-girls high school Qingqiu attended.

After a short walk, they found a quiet spot by the lake and sat down. Yan Hui asked, “Do you like it here?”

“Of course,” Qingqiu replied, looking around with a smile. “How could anyone not?”

Even someone like Jin Yanxi, who cared little for studying, would be drawn in by this energy. Without academic pressure, he’d probably enjoy it here too.

Just as that thought crossed her mind, Yan Hui asked, “What if we aim to take the entrance exam and study here after we graduate?”

Qingqiu turned to her, eyes wide with surprise.

“What?” Yan Hui smiled. “Don’t you want to?”

Qingqiu took a deep breath. “It’s not that I don’t want to. But we can’t just decide and expect to get in.”

“But how will we know if we don’t try?” Yan Hui replied.

Suddenly, Qingqiu realized: the three tutors who helped Yan Hui were top students from this university. Maybe this had been Yan Hui’s goal all along.

Qingqiu, on the other hand, had never set her sights this high. She’d planned on attending university someday, but hadn’t thought about which one. Her grades weren’t outstanding—she figured she’d go wherever she could get in.

This place had always felt like a world away.

Until today.

Now, standing here, everything felt different. That once vague goal—to go to college—had taken shape. It now had a name, a place, and a direction.

And if the people around her were already chasing this dream, how could she be content with mediocrity?

If you never even dare to imagine something, how could it ever become real?

Having glimpsed a wider world, Leng Qingqiu no longer wanted to return to her old path and live a life of quiet resignation.

Just months ago, she couldn’t have imagined standing here, much less contemplating such a future.

Before she met Yan Hui, her greatest ambition had been to marry the prime minister’s son and live in luxury.

She turned to glance at Yan Hui, who only looked back at her with a casual smile, as if her bold suggestion had been nothing more than a passing thought.

Yet somehow, Qingqiu didn’t find it absurd at all.

“Then…” she began, her voice a little dry but steady, “Let’s give it a try.”