Chapter 918: 916: A Hint

Words : 1272 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 918: Chapter 916: A Hint No matter how worried County Magistrate Lv Wenguang was, the day when the dignitaries arrived in Jing County came nonetheless. Lv Wenguang had long prepared a list of names for welcoming the dignitaries, including officials from the County Yamen, his trusted Master, as well as the head of the academy, accompanied by teachers and scholars with academic titles. Additionally, retired local scholars and notable figures from various backgrounds in Jing County mostly came. The roads had already been cleaned spotless, with golden sand laid down early to clear the dust. As for the street by the riverside dock, it had been cordoned off by the government officials, preventing the common folks from approaching it easily. Lv Wenguang led a large group early in the morning to wait at the teahouse by the dock. Uneasy about waiting, Lv Wenguang shamelessly invited Old Doctor Du upstairs in the teahouse, claiming to chat leisurely but actually intending to gather information about the temperaments of Governor Chen and Minister Zhu to mentally prepare himself. Imperial Doctor Du was originally sitting downstairs in the teahouse, having just returned to his hometown after decades away, almost not recognizing anyone. Thus, he sat in a corner sipping tea, not engaging in conversation. The news of Imperial Doctor Du’s return was known only to Lv Wenguang, Ninth Master Lee, Wang Yongzhu, and the Qin Family, while others were unaware that this seemingly solitary and unwell-looking old man was once the Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Most people were familiar with each other and gathered in groups of two or three at tables to chat casually with their close friends. Those who could sit downstairs in the teahouse had some status. Although not recognizing this unfamiliar Imperial Doctor Du’s identity, they remained cautious, aware of the imminent meeting with the dignitaries, only speaking a few casual words with their acquaintances. This only accentuated Imperial Doctor Du’s solitary presence. Imperial Doctor Du was indifferent, having spent most of his lifetime in the imperial palace, accustomed to caution and preferring silence. It wasn’t until the head of Changqing Academy arrived with the teachers and students from Changqing Academy that he looked up, surprisingly seeing Song Chongjin among them. Imperial Doctor Du took another glance, unexpectedly acknowledging that the man had some skills. Being brought by the head of Changqing Academy to such an occasion was itself a signal, a symbol. It proved that Changqing Academy had high regard for him, and he was much valued by the head and teachers of the academy. Narrowing his eyes, Imperial Doctor Du lowered his head to drink tea. As soon as the head of Changqing Academy entered, he exchanged greetings with other academy heads and sat to the side. The teachers gathered together as well, leaving the students glancing at each other, unsure whether they should serve the teachers or find a place to stay themselves. One teacher said, “You are young, don’t be constrained in front of us old folks. You can find a seat or walk around, just don’t wander far!” Normally, it would be appropriate for the students to greet each other, but in today’s circumstances, it was better to be cautious. The scholars from Changqing Academy who came along included Song Chongjin, Gu Zikai, and two other students. After hearing this, Gu Zikai and Song Chongjin first excused themselves, and the two other students elegantly took a step back as well. The teahouse didn’t have many spare seats to begin with, and at this moment, aside from the table in Imperial Doctor Du’s corner which had a few empty seats, all other spots were taken. The other two students hesitated, unsure whether they should stay indoors or wait outside. Song Chongjin immediately noticed Imperial Doctor Du and whispered a few words to Gu Zikai before both walked over. The two scholars exchanged glances and followed behind. Arriving before Imperial Doctor Du, Song Chongjin paid his respects first. After all, he had heard from his wife that after the Bath Orchid Festival, he would apprentice under Imperial Doctor Du. His wife’s teacher would also be his own teacher, not an outsider. Imperial Doctor Du lifted his eyes, grunted without speaking, and accepted the greeting. He glanced at Gu Zikai, his seemingly dull eyes quickly reflecting something, and slightly nodded: “Sit down!” Though his tone wasn’t kind, there were at least seats available. Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai thanked Imperial Doctor Du and sat down, followed by the two scholars who also expressed gratitude and took seats beside them. Song Chongjin acted respectfully and poured tea for Imperial Doctor Du first, then for the others before sitting down. Imperial Doctor Du received the tea: “Why hasn’t your wife come to my place these days? Is she being lazy at home again?” Song Chongjin promptly responded: “She’s been busy with memorizing books at home, you see, tomorrow is the Bath Orchid Festival, and there are many things she has to manage! She must get everything ready after the festival as well; this is her first time formally becoming a student, everything must be done properly! Otherwise, it would let down your kind intentions?” Imperial Doctor Du grunted, and his eyes finally showed a hint of a smile: “Enough with the flattery, whatever decreases my irritation in the future will show her filial respect.” This meant he had fully accepted Wang Yongzhu as his disciple. Gu Zikai, knowing Imperial Doctor Du’s identity and aware of Wang Yongzhu’s apprenticeship, merely listened with a faint smile. The other two scholars, hearing the conversation in confusion, only understood that Song Chongjin knew this elder. Wanting to say something but seeing Imperial Doctor Du’s disinterested attitude after speaking, swallowed their words again. They felt uneasy, and after exchanging a look, found an excuse to leave urgently. After those two scholars left, Imperial Doctor Du quietly advised, “You both should keep a low profile today, don’t draw attention to yourselves.” This was considered timely advice. Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai understood promptly, thanked Imperial Doctor Du, and diligently poured him tea again. Imperial Doctor Du was thinking of Wang Yongzhu, so he gave a suggestion accordingly. Since he had decided to take a student, he had to look after the disciple’s husband as well, didn’t he? Plus, there was that young fellow from the Gu Family; unexpectedly he came to Jing County. Having had some past camaraderie, he reminded them both together. Giving only this advice was already Imperial Doctor Du’s limit; he said nothing more afterward. Until Lv Wenguang sent someone to invite Imperial Doctor Du upstairs, the three quietly drank tea without speaking, feeling no awkwardness. The person sent to fetch Imperial Doctor Du glanced at Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai but asked nothing further. Upon going upstairs and hearing Lv Wenguang’s words, Imperial Doctor Du initially intended not to speak, but now being retired, the present County Official was but asking about the temperaments and personalities, which wasn’t excessive. In the future, he might need this County Magistrate’s assistance—it wouldn’t do to strain the relationship. Thus, after pondering for a moment, Imperial Doctor Du selectively spoke a few things and then fell silent, mentioning that he didn’t have much acquaintance with them, knowing only this much. He merely described Governor Chen as easygoing and open-minded, despite being academically inclined, possessing a noble character. Zhu Haoran, he said, was consistently amiable and rarely had conflicts with others. Although it was just a few words, Lv Wenguang at least felt reassured and less anxious.

Chapter 918: 916: A Hint

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