Chapter 941 - 939 Saline Water

Words : 1267 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 941: Chapter 939 Saline Water Gradually, the remaining dragon boats also reached the finish line, marking the end of the dragon boat race. Each team slowly paddled their dragon boats towards the shore, and as per tradition, the Lord County Magistrate would soon award the top three teams from the platform in the middle of the stands. The academy students who participated in the race had to quickly change into clean robes upon reaching the shore to attend the award ceremony. The locals by the riverside were also aware of this tradition and started to gather their things and head towards the stands. Wang Yongzhu had instructed Old Madam Ding earlier to boil two large pots of water and chill them with cold water, making them perfectly warm to drink at this moment. Wang Yongzhu personally added salt to the water, stirred and dissolved it, tasted it, and nodded only when he could detect a faint salty taste. At this time, Wang Yongzhu estimated that Song Chongjin and the others should have reached the shore, giving them some time to change and freshen up before going on stage to receive their awards. Immediately, he requested Old Lady Li’s husband to deliver the two large pots of water and two boxes of snacks over to Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai for a quick refreshment. Old Lady Li’s husband naturally agreed without hesitation, and Xiao Wu, overhearing this, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, you carry the water, and I’ll take the food box. Let’s go together to avoid any delays." Wang Yongzhu glanced at Xiao Wu, recalling his previous cautious and diligent demeanor, and seeing his current eagerness, felt reassured and generously said, "Then I’ll trouble Xiao Wu." Xiao Wu repeatedly said he dared not refuse, swiftly took the food box, and led the way. Having run errands at the Bathing Orchid Festival for several years, he naturally knew where the students of Changqing Academy would change and rest. Old Lady Li’s husband followed carrying the two large pots of water. Upon reaching the resting place for Changqing Academy students, many people had already brought items there, making the entrance quite lively. In previous years, one only needed to mention the student’s name to enter, but this year, due to the presence of a noble patron from the Capital City, government officials and guards stood watch, requiring names to be reported and called inside for students or their attendants to come out and receive the items without allowing entrance. Upon arrival at the entrance, Old Lady Li’s husband reported the names Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai. The government official called out inside, and soon Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai came out, with Lang Hao following behind with a glowing face. They had already changed into clean clothes; Song Chongjin appeared spirited, while Gu Zikai’s face looked somewhat pale. Seeing Old Lady Li’s husband, Lang Hao couldn’t hold back, speaking excitedly to him: "Father, did you see? Our young master and Scholar Song have achieved great feats today—" Old Lady Li’s husband, an honest man, though showing joy, could only bashfully say he saw, unable to say anything else. Gu Zikai then asked, "What is this? Who asked you to bring it? Was it Aunt Li or my younger sister-in-law?" Old Lady Li’s husband quickly replied, "Lady Wang was concerned about Scholar Song and the young master, saying you have worked hard today and achieved a great accomplishment by taking first place. She specially instructed me to bring water and some snacks to tide you over." Upon hearing this, Song Chongjin’s usually unreadable face softened slightly at Wang Yongzhu’s conveyed words, and he asked further, "Have all the guests been properly entertained today? It’s her first time entertaining so many guests, and she must be very tired; why bother with us?" Old Lady Li’s husband honestly replied, "Lady Wang has taken care of all the guests very well, with Madam from Old Master Du’s family bringing help, and no mistakes were made whatsoever." Song Chongjin then relaxed, couldn’t help but ask another question: "Is my grandmother pleased today?" Old Lady Li’s husband immediately smiled, "The old lady is extremely happy today, clinging onto Madam from Old Master Du’s family without letting go, constantly praising Scholar Song, and urging Lady Wang to book two tables at the city’s largest restaurant to celebrate the two of you tonight!" Song Chongjin’s mouth curled into a smile unconsciously. Before he could speak, Gu Zikai, feeling unbearably thirsty, couldn’t wait anymore. Having sweated considerably during the race, he found only a large teapot with some kind of red tea brewed from unknown leaves at the resting place, with not a hint of tea flavor. The most unbearable part was that with so many people, there were only three or four cups; those who arrived early couldn’t help but drink several cups, while the thirsty ones would snatch someone else’s cup for a quick drink, quenching thirst first. But Gu Zikai was always particular about cleanliness and couldn’t accept this. Therefore, despite his throat feeling parched, he hadn’t had a sip of water. At this moment, seeing someone bring water with matching cups, he couldn’t hold back and disregarded his image, grabbing a cup and gesturing for Old Lady Li’s husband to pour him a cup, downing it in one gulp before freezing up. With a mouthful of water, swallowing it felt wrong, but spitting it out felt equally wrong. Noticing Gu Zikai’s expression, Song Chongjin asked concernedly, "What’s wrong?" Clenching his teeth, Gu Zikai swallowed the water painfully, revealing a look of distaste, "Why is this water salty?" Song Chongjin then understood and, taking a clean cup, poured himself some water, slowly explaining while drinking, "It’s a local tradition here. If you’re doing farm work or heavy labor, you add some salt to the boiled water. Drinking it prevents exhaustion. I guess you’re not used to it—" Gu Zikai was hearing this theory for the first time but, seeing Song Chongjin leisurely drinking, clenched his teeth and poured another cup, gulping it down. After two cups, his taste buds grew numb; at least this salty water was clean, so Gu Zikai drank a few more cups, finally quenching his thirst. Whether it was an illusion or truly effective, shortly after drinking, Gu Zikai felt his body less fatigued, and his heart, which had been pounding, returned to normal. Old Lady Li’s husband hurriedly asked Xiao Wu to pass over the food box: "There’re snacks inside. Lang Hao quickly take it to serve the young master and Scholar Song." Song Chongjin couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Wu, "Who’s this?" Old Lady Li’s husband quickly answered, "His name is Xiao Wu. He’s been helping with errands because he’s clever, and Lady Wang had him run errands to deliver things today." He then addressed Xiao Wu, "Xiao Wu, this is Scholar Master Song, Lady Wang’s husband." Xiao Wu smartly stepped forward and greeted, "Xiao Wu greets both Scholar Masters!" Gu Zikai only glanced briefly, remaining silent. Song Chongjin looked at Xiao Wu, nodded, "Alright, you may go back. The other side is mostly women; if there’s a need to run an errand, you not being nearby would be inconvenient. Don’t worry about us; you just go back and tell grandmother and my wife there’s no need to book the restaurant, too many people go today, it’s inconvenient. We’ll have a proper celebration in a few days." After finishing, he looked at Xiao Wu again, "Xiao Wu, right? Stay here; you might need to convey messages later."

Chapter 941 - 939 Saline Water

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