As a woman, Shen Zhiwei opens a village school. With an inkstone and half a scroll of poetry, she gently tends to her little corner of the world and raises her young brother, Shen Zhixue. Gentle and composed, she teaches children to read and write, and to keep their hearts true and their character upright. Under her guidance, a group of youths grow into principled people, each with their own brilliance.
“Elder Sister, I’ll study hard, pass the imperial examinations, and become a high-ranking official. Then no one will ever bully you again.” Shen Zhixue’s eyes shine with sincerity. From childhood, protecting his sister has been his deepest wish. The young boy who studies diligently by the inkstone gradually sets out on the path of the examinations, entering the turbulent world of court politics while remaining his sister’s steadfast support.
She meets Xiao Jingyuan, the gentle and modest Seventh Prince. Caught up in the struggle over the succession, he nevertheless keeps the people in his heart and treats her with particular tenderness. “Teacher Shen teaches more than poetry and books. She teaches us about the human heart. Whatever storms lie ahead, I’ll protect you and the young people at your school.” He cherishes her talent, respects her virtue, and gives her his heart. Amid a whirlpool of political schemes, he creates a haven of safety for her.
Within the school, ink and brush shape character, and young classmates help one another. Wen Yu, Xie Yunlan, Chen Zixuan, and Lin Xiaoman each set out on their own path. At court, fortunes shift. Xiao Jingyuan advances cautiously, Shen Zhiwei supports him with her wisdom, and the young people put their talents to use as they work together to break through each crisis.
From the warmth of the inkstone to the machinations of court, from a brother and sister relying on one another to lovers bound by deep affection, she makes gentleness her blade and poetry and books her shield, while he offers his kingdom as a betrothal gift and protects her with his true heart. A generation of youths grows up and follows the light, while a devoted couple stands together as one. Amid the rise and fall of a troubled age, they write a tender legend of deep affection by the inkstone and a shared promise to protect their land.
"Yan Bian Jiao" reads with a very ancient charm, elegant writing and delicate stories. The heroine is not just weak, she has her own character and talent, and she acts calmly and measuredly, making people comfortable to watch. The male protagonist is deep-thinking and his affection is hidden in everyday moments. The relationship between the two is natural and touching. The plot and emotions are intertwined just right, neither too slow nor too slow, and not deliberately sensational. The overall writing style is gentle and the characters are vivid. The more you read, the more interesting it becomes. It is an ancient proverb that is worth reading slowly and calmly.