Fortune Across the World

Chapter 36: Opportunities and Difficult Choices Ahead

The crossbow business, unlike the Curved Leaf Plow, wasn't rushed, and Ding Qiyu didn't want to overexert herself. She paced the work and completed everything just over half a month before the New Year. Deliveries were made in batches, and Steward Huo was very pleased with the new bows and crossbows. With the task successfully completed, Ding Qiyu could finally enjoy some downtime, and her family had already settled comfortably into their new home.

The first thing Ding Qiyu did during her break was fulfill her promise to treat Lu Weiming to a meal. During dinner, Lu Weiming teased her about making big money, noting that she chose the finest place to dine. Ding Qiyu joked back that for a distinguished guest like him, she wouldn't skimp even if she had to borrow money.

Knowing Ding Qiyu could rest for a while, Lu Weiming often invited her out for fun. After completing her first round of inspections, Ding Qiyu's efficiency improved, allowing her to finish her duties quickly and have time to accompany Lu Weiming. However, she felt the need to study mechanical arts, but unfortunately, the General's Mansion library didn't have related books, nor did Xingcheng provide resources, leaving the academically-inclined Qiyu quite frustrated.

One day, Ding Qiyu and Lu Weiming sat in Mingyue Tower, sipping tea and watching scholars debate poetry. Despite the cold winter, Lu Weiming carried a folding fan at his waist, embodying a refined nobleman. He tossed a peanut into his mouth, glanced at the arguing scholars, and sighed, "Ah... the New Year is coming..."

Ding Qiyu, puzzled, asked, "The New Year is a joyous occasion. Why do you sound unhappy?"

Lu Weiming sighed heavily again, "My father wants me to go to Canghuan Academy after the New Year... I'm dreading it..."

Ding Qiyu found his aversion to studying amusing, "Haha, do you dislike studying that much? You could discuss it with General Lu."

Lu Weiming shook his head, "No room for negotiation this time. My lack of martial skills already disappoints him. There's no escaping study now."

Hearing this, Ding Qiyu said seriously, "Brother Weiming, you should consider your future. It's okay not to excel in martial arts or love studying, but you need to find something you're truly passionate about and willing to work hard for!"

Lu Weiming slumped over the table, "I want to, but I haven't found it yet..."

Seeing him like this, Ding Qiyu sighed, "Then try studying; you might like it."

"Well... I have no choice but to try this time..." Lu Weiming buried his head for a moment, then suddenly sat up, startling Ding Qiyu. He excitedly said, "Brother Yu! My father said I could take a study companion. Will you come with me?" His eyes pleaded, hoping Ding Qiyu's presence would make studying more bearable.

"Huh? Me, accompany you?" Ding Qiyu was taken aback, though... studying?

Seeing her hesitation, Lu Weiming knew it was a big ask—being away for half a year was no small commitment. Yet he earnestly hoped she'd join him, quickly adding, "Weixi will probably come too!"

Hearing this, Ding Qiyu felt embarrassed. She liked Miss Lu, but did it mean she had to go if Miss Lu did? She stubbornly replied, "What does Miss Lu going have to do with me?"

Lu Weiming teasingly watched her redden, "Are you sure it doesn't matter? Many talented young men will attend Canghuan Academy, and our Weixi is outstanding. She'll surely be..."

As his words grew more outrageous, Ding Qiyu quickly interrupted, "Alright, alright, let me ask: does the academy have many books?"

Lu Weiming, puzzled by the question—were books more enticing than his sister?—answered truthfully, "Of course! Canghuan Academy is the largest and best in Daqian. Even the imperial tutors come from there! The library, Yun... something, is the most comprehensive."

Ding Qiyu pondered. The largest library in the kingdom should have mechanical arts books, right? Plus, Brother Weiming wanted her to accompany him, and Miss Lu would be there... Ding Qiyu felt awkward, wondering why she was thinking of Miss Lu again.

Considering all factors, Ding Qiyu felt she should go, but her main concern was leaving Aunt He and Lian'er. She didn't know when she'd return from the academy.

Seeing her contemplative, Lu Weiming waved a hand in front of her, "Brother Yu? What do you think? Come with me... At Canghuan, you'll find all the books you want, and Weixi will be there for sure!"

Ding Qiyu snapped back, "How long will we be gone?"

"Hmm? Oh, less than half a year! We'll leave after the New Year and return by mid-June. Canghuan only teaches for half a year."

"No coming back in between?"

Lu Weiming shook his head, "I asked, and students usually can't return mid-term. Plus, Canghuan is far from Xingcheng—a round trip takes about a month."

"So long without coming back..." Hearing this, Ding Qiyu felt conflicted.

Sensing her hesitation, Lu Weiming hastily assured, "Brother Yu, if you're worried about your family, I can have Uncle Feng arrange trusted people to watch over them. They can stay in the mansion, with maids to serve them. I'll double your stipend or give you however much you need, delivered monthly to Aunt He!"

Ding Qiyu facepalmed. Brother Weiming was thorough in persuading her to join him! Unable to decide immediately, she said, "Uh, I'll discuss it at home and let you know."

Discussing it meant hope, and Lu Weiming, anticipating her agreement, nearly leapt with joy, "Great! I'll start making arrangements for Aunt He!"

After leaving Mingyue Tower, Ding Qiyu wandered the streets alone. Winter nights came early, and Xingcheng's northern street was already bustling with New Year excitement. Torn, she pondered how to tell Aunt He and Lian'er. Aunt He would support her unconditionally, though privately saddened. As for Lian'er... she'd probably cry on the spot.

But could she maintain the status quo forever? Ding Qiyu knew she was at a bottleneck. Without deeper understanding of mechanical arts, she'd never become a master. Even if no such field existed, she had to explore it to create something new from her studies.

Watching children play, called home by their parents, Ding Qiyu resolved to stop fretting. Going to the academy was like leaving for university—she'd been at university nearly seven years already. She should be used to temporary separations. Shaking her head, she headed home.

After dinner, Ding Qiyu solemnly gathered Aunt He and Lian'er in the main hall, saying, "Mom, Lian'er, there's something I want to discuss."

The two exchanged glances, nodding attentively.

"Well, Brother Weiming... is going to Canghuan Academy after the New Year. He wants me as his study companion. Canghuan is Daqian's most renowned academy. I think I could advance my mechanical arts there, so..." Ding Qiyu paused, considering how to phrase it gently.

Aunt He interjected, "Where's Canghuan Academy? How long will you be gone?"

"It takes a month round trip, and it's a half-year stay. Plus, no coming home in between," Ding Qiyu admitted.

"What!" Lian'er exclaimed—half a year without returning?

Aunt He sighed, "Qiyu, do you want to go?" Though she already knew the answer.

"I..." Seeing her mother's reluctance, Ding Qiyu hesitated but had to speak, "If I go, Brother Weiming will ensure your safety, and I'll write often. Half a year will fly by... If you don't want me to go, then..."

Lian'er interrupted softly, "Qiyu, stop. Just take care of yourself; it's so far away... I know you're pursuing something. We'll be here waiting for you." She forced a smile, recalling Qiyu's dream of mastering mechanical arts—how could she hold him back?

Ding Qiyu stared at Lian'er, whispering, "Lian'er..." Overwhelmed with emotion, she hadn't expected Lian'er to be stronger than Aunt He, not shedding a tear.

Lian'er stood, "Well? If you're going, let's enjoy the New Year at home. Study hard and make us proud. I-I'll rest now..." She quickly retreated to her room, fearing her composure would crumble.

Watching her retreat, Ding Qiyu sighed, "My little crybaby..."

"Qiyu, Lian'er's right. Go and learn well. Wherever you go, remember you have a home and us waiting," Aunt He said, her voice softening, tears in her eyes. "Rest early, Qiyu. I'll do the same." She retreated to her room.