Chapter 922 - 920: Closed-door Disciple

Words : 1155 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 922: Chapter 920: Closed-door Disciple However, Song Chongjin was guilt-free, so he remained very calm. Whatever Zhu Haoran asked, he answered without saying a word more or deliberately concealing anything, showing great openness. Beside them, Governor Chen and the Imperial Physician naturally realized something was amiss. Having mingled in officialdom for many years, whether it’s genuine interest or something else, these old foxes can tell just by the smell. Governor Chen couldn’t help but glance at Song Chongjin more closely, feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to recall where he’d met him. Song Chongjin appeared tall, with skin darker than other scholars. Despite wearing a straight long robe, his uncovered muscular arms indicated he wasn’t a weak scholar. Governor Chen himself, despite being well-read, was poor in his youth, so besides studying, he had to handle all the physical labor at home and later apprenticed under a martial arts master, gaining decent skills. Thus, he particularly valued scholars who combined literary and martial knowledge. Seeing Song Chongjin, who clearly possessed martial arts skills, and hearing about the hardships he endured through Zhu Haoran’s inquiries, Governor Chen’s gaze softened considerably. But the Imperial Physician was displeased. How could he allow his own children to be bullied? He snorted coldly, "What is it? Is there something wrong with the two kids I’ve chosen?" Zhu Haoran was startled, not expecting the Imperial Physician to speak. He quickly smiled and said, "How could there be anything wrong with those chosen by Old Du? I was just happy to see talent and asked a few more questions." Meanwhile, Zhu Haoran couldn’t help but mutter to himself. The Imperial Physician waved his hand, "Alright, it’s getting late! There’s nothing more for you here, better head back earlier! Don’t keep your wives waiting at home!" Upon hearing this, Song Chongjin quickly bowed, saying, "Yes!" He was about to leave. Despite having thoughts, Zhu Haoran had to hold them back, smiling as he watched Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai bid farewell. After saying goodbye, Song Chongjin didn’t head towards the front door but instead glanced around and walked towards the kitchen. The Imperial Physician frowned, "Didn’t I tell you to leave? What are you lingering for?" Song Chongjin turned back, walked over, and whispered in the Imperial Physician’s ear, "Today, there was a tofu skin bun on the table that tasted good. I want to pack some to take back to Yongzhu and my mother-in-law to try." Though his voice was low, many people around could hear it, and they showed curiosity. But the Imperial Physician rarely smiled and said, "Seems like you’re a considerate fella, still thinking about your wife! Go ahead, hurry up!" Song Chongjin then bowed again and headed towards the kitchen. Someone had informed the kitchen earlier, as soon as Song Chongjin arrived, the tofu skin buns were packed neatly, steaming hot in the food box. Song Chongjin thanked them, took the food box, and rewarded the kitchen with several Silver Pieces, then strode grandly across the hallway. Upon reaching the entrance, the Imperial Physician seemed to remember something, "Tell your wife today to circle over to my house tomorrow and take me and her master’s wife to the viewing stand! Don’t forget!" Song Chongjin was startled, turned back, and saw the Imperial Physician casually mention this, as if it was nothing. He couldn’t help but feel warmth in his heart, respectfully bowed to the Imperial Physician, saying, "Yes!" Once Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai left, Zhu Haoran couldn’t help but ask, "Old Du, what did you mean by that?" He couldn’t quite believe his ears; had Old Du taken a new disciple? And a female disciple? Governor Chen was equally surprised. The Imperial Physician took a sip of wine, "Since you’re here, stay if it doesn’t disrupt your affairs. I’ve recently taken on a new closed-door disciple; after the Dragon Boat Festival, we’ll hold the disciple ceremony. You should stay as witnesses!" Those present weren’t fools; considering all this, the closed-door disciple was clearly Song Chongjin’s wife. Many young men couldn’t help but feel envious. What luck was this? Bringing home a wife who could manage a household was one thing. But Song Chongjin’s wife was boosting his fortune! Zhu Haoran didn’t react immediately, but Governor Chen quickly chimed in, "That’s a rare joyful event! Regardless of what others say, I’ll be sure to ask for a cup of disciple ceremony tea!" This was an agreement. While Zhu Haoran had a brief moment of awkwardness, he quickly regained his composure, laughing as if nothing happened, "Old Du, rest assured, your taking on a closed-door disciple is a grand event. I’ll surely bask in the joy. And you can be sure I’ll prepare a generous meeting gift!" Everyone listening was smart; Lv Wenguang also quickly stated he would definitely attend. Others chimed in, realizing based on the attitude of the two officials, the Imperial Physician should be well-connected. This ready-made reason was too beneficial to overlook. Everyone was engrossed in excited discussions, completely ignoring the members of Baiyun Academy. People from Baiyun Academy grew pale; they hadn’t expected to offend such an inconspicuous old man who turned out to be so influential, with even the two officials treating him with courtesy. Initially anxious, they thought if the two officials asked, they could apologize in turn, acting humble, maybe even complain about the oppression faced at Changqing Academy, to explain their loss of control today. Put the blame on Changqing Academy and the people of Jingxian. Even if the officials wouldn’t say anything due to the Imperial Physician’s face, surely their affection for Changqing Academy would lessen? Moreover, in front of so many people, this old man, an Imperial Physician retired to his hometown, couldn’t erupt on the spot, right? Even if he had to show generosity, he would at least wait a couple of days? Once the Dragon Boat Race ended, they would immediately head back to the academy without worrying about repercussions? Plan well, their excuses circled in their minds repeatedly, waiting for the officials’ inquiry or the Imperial Physician’s anger. Unexpectedly, the situation didn’t unfold according to their imagined script. The Imperial Physician didn’t mention them at all, instantly bypassing them. Instead, he earnestly brought the two students from Changqing Academy before the officials, emphasizing their presence. This disparity in treatment nearly drove Baiyun Academy’s people mad with envy. Of course, a few clear-minded individuals exchanged looks, retreating a few steps. After all, Baiyun Academy’s Teacher showed some reason, realizing they were going to face a definite loss tonight. No one anticipated a retired Imperial Physician would suddenly emerge, intimately connected with Song Chongjin. Perhaps this whole display by the Imperial Physician tonight was a warning for their previous actions. With this thought, the Teacher of Baiyun Academy suddenly broke into a sweat, swallowed, and quietly said, "Bear with it! We’ll talk after returning!"

Chapter 922 - 920: Closed-door Disciple

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