Chapter 970 - 968 Plans

Words : 1361 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 970: Chapter 968 Plans Front courtyard. After three rounds of drinks, the main course was served, and Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin finally had a moment to step into the side hall. There, a small vegetarian table had long been prepared. The two didn’t pay much attention to many things, especially Song Chongjin; right after arriving in the morning, he was sent by Imperial Physician Du to greet guests at the second gate, leaving him tired and thirsty. He first drank half a pot of tea in one go, then hurriedly wolfed down a few bites of food to pad his stomach, before rushing off to accompany Wang Yongzhu next to Imperial Physician Du. The guests had almost finished eating by that point. The banquet had been cleared away, and they were served with clear tea. After taking just a few sips, those who were observant began to rise and take their leave. Imperial Physician Du still needed to sit inside with Governor Chen and others, hence this task naturally fell to Song Chongjin, who dutifully stood at the second gate, gradually seeing the guests off. Back in the main room, the remaining guests were now only Governor Chen, Zhu Haoran, Lv Wenguang, and Old Master Qin. Upon seeing Song Chongjin return, Wang Yongzhu, feeling sorry for him, personally poured him some tea. Song Chongjin couldn’t help but flash a smile. The few individuals seated above saw the subtle interaction between the young couple, they couldn’t help but laugh as well. They were accustomed to seeing Song Chongjin’s usual expressionless demeanor and had thought he wouldn’t know how to smile. At that moment, he looked somewhat like a young man of eighteen or nineteen. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, it was customary for Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran to take their leave as well, yet the two sat firm and unyielding, with an apparent intention to have a candlelit conversation with Imperial Physician Du. Lv Wenguang and Old Master Qin were no fools; seeing this, they quickly rose in succession to say their goodbyes. Old Master Qin was the first to leave. Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin escorted him to the door, apologizing for the inadequate hospitality today. Though Old Master Qin would commonly clash with Imperial Physician Du, he was quite understanding toward the younger generation, waving his hand. "We aren’t strangers; no need to be overly formal. Your master will likely have more tasks for you to settle these days, so you may not have the leisure. Once you do, let your master bring you over to my place to meet a few of your senior brothers." "Yes, Master Uncle!" Wang Yongzhu knew this was Old Master Qin acknowledging him and promptly agreed. Old Master Qin then patted Song Chongjin’s shoulder: "Are you exhausted today? Your master has quite the temper. You two are still young, bearing some hardship and challenges won’t do any harm." Song Chongjin was not someone unappreciative of kindness and replied with utmost respect, "Master Uncle, I understand, Master doesn’t treat Yongzhu and me as outsiders. We are grateful for Master’s good intentions and are incredibly appreciative." Old Master Qin nodded in satisfaction. At their age, observing a disciple’s aptitude was naturally important, but what was more essential was their temperament and clarity of mind. Old Du lucked out; this disciple is excellent, and even the disciple’s husband is discerning. With a comforting nod, he boarded the carriage and departed. Lv Wenguang also took his leave shortly after. He was there primarily to accompany the two distinguished guests, and seeing that the two clearly intended to converse with Imperial Physician Du, he didn’t want to overstay. Noticing Old Master Qin leaving, he stood up to bid farewell as well. Imperial Physician Du intended to rise to see him off, but Lv Wenguang stopped him. Kidding aside, earlier he was unaware, only knowing the Imperial Physician had retired; neglect could be excused. Now, understanding that these two superiors treated Imperial Physician Du with respect, should he dare let Imperial Physician Du send him off, he might soon find his official hat unstable. Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu respectfully escorted him to the door and expressed words of apology for the poor hospitality, asking the Lord County Magistrate not to take offense. Lv Wenguang, smiling, showed no hint of displeasure and didn’t rush to leave, instead asking about Song Chongjin’s situation in detail at the door. He could tell that today, though it was Imperial Physician Du accepting a female disciple, the gazes of the two esteemed guests were intermittently directed toward Song Chongjin. Others standing further away might not have noticed, but accompanying them closely, following along with the esteemed guests’ gazes, once or twice was fine, but seven or eight out of ten times were pointed at Song Chongjin; he had insight into this. Lv Wenguang didn’t ponder much, merely considering Song Chongjin had made a significant impression earlier, coupled with his wife now being Imperial Physician Du’s disciple, his stature was recognized by the superiors. Though a scholar at present, as long as he passes the provincial exam in the future, his path would be smooth, with connections like Imperial Physician Du’s, eventually requiring him to seek Song Chongjin’s favor. Why wait till then to establish rapport, when it costs nothing to cultivate goodwill now? Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu understood Lv Wenguang’s intentions all too well; they also had plans. Given their current situation in Jing County, many matters had to go through Lv Wenguang, such as issues with the Tian Family or the Huang Family. Concerning Lv Wenguang, Song Chongjin had some insights; while ambitious, he retained some scholarly aspirations, possessing ordinary capability, yet honest intentions, lacking the intent to exploit or oppress the common people. Both parties hoped for amicable relations, hence, within the exchange, each understood the other’s intentions. Lv Wenguang nodded internally, sensing potential from Song Chongjin, appreciating his pragmatic nature beneath the seemingly aloof exterior. After exchanging pleasantries, both parties satisfyingly bid farewell. Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu then returned to the main room. In the hall, Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran were pestering Imperial Physician Du, hoping he would spare some tea leaves. Since Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran tasted the tea leaves that day, drinking other tea afterward left them feeling something was lacking. Seeing the gift of apprenticeship with its hefty box today, likely weighing a pound, they developed a plan, thinking they had to bring some back. Imperial Physician Du was unwilling to relent, persistently avoiding concession. When Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu entered, the trio was still in a stalemate. "Old Du, exchanging a pound of the special tea for one tael, isn’t that possible?" Governor Chen held onto Imperial Physician Du relentlessly. Zhu Haoran, however, upon seeing Wang Yongzhu enter, his eyes twinkled with an idea: "Come, come, virtuous niece, today is our first meeting, though I’ve come unprepared. Take this to play with." He reached into his chest and pulled out a string of agarwood Buddha beads, handing them to Wang Yongzhu. He casually remarked, "These were bestowed by the Emperor, blessed by Master Liaoran, the abbot of Huguo Temple, best for calming the mind and dispelling evil." Whether or not the agarwood was immensely valuable, considering the lengthy prefix, being Emperor-bestowed and blessed by the abbot, it was evident how prized the item was; not easily accepted. She quickly refused, "This humble girl dare not accept, it’s too precious, I ask for your esteemed self to take it back." Governor Chen immediately realized Zhu Haoran’s intentions, clenched his teeth, and retrieved from his sleeve a small, intricate Tian Yellow Stone carving of a yellow raccoon cat. The raccoon cat appeared adorably charming, naturally appealing. It was originally acquired for his own daughter, but alas, he couldn’t keep it now. Wang Yongzhu had never seen such a piece before and couldn’t help but admire it. Governor Chen mentally apologized to his daughter before cheerfully handing over the Tian Yellow Stone raccoon cat, "True, it was all rather rushed today; this little item, niece, keep it as a trinket."

Chapter 970 - 968 Plans

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