Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji had promised Wei Yuan the other day that she would visit to apologize again. While that was merely something she said to show respect, she must go as she had promised.
Wei Yuan felt uncomfortable with her, but refrained himself from showing it. As a result, his face was stiff, despite his effort to soften his attitude. Jiang Pengji observed his complicated expression.
“Master, have you recovered from the cold?” she asked, seemingly with concern. “You look quite pale.”
“It’s nothing. I’ve taken medicine and will soon get better.” Wei Yuan touched his beard in an embarrassed manner. What troubled him was not a cold, but shame.
The master had a different way of interpreting the intention of her visit.
When the Liu’s had asked him to teach their langjun personally at their place, they offered him quality bunches of pork, which were common gifts for new teachers. In addition, he received considerable wages each month, valuable presents at festivals, and considerate greetings from time to time.
The family’s offer was one of the best in Hejian.
However, Wei Yuan had affected the pupil’s progress recently by taking a long leave. Although he was compelled to do so due to mortifying reasons, he admitted it was unfair to his student. Therefore, he suspected Jiang Pengji was there to remind him of their lessons.
The thought made Wei Yuan more restless. His face was burning with mortification.
Jiang Pengji had learned about his scandal. Although she did not make it explicit, the wise master would not have ignorant hopes about her noticing nothing, which made it even harder for him to instruct this pupil. In no way could he bear to see her every day and be reminded of what had happened!
While the student was bowing to him in a proper manner, she did not do it out of respect. What was more, her dark eyes glanced at him as if she could see everything in his mind. He felt like a naked person forced to the street.
Wei Yuan knew he was overthinking but he could not help it. She knew what he tried so hard to hide. How could he maintain his intimidating image? He already wished to shun her, let alone when they had lessons again.
The matter further complicated his feelings.
As if she did not perceive his varying expressions, Jiang Pengji gently pushed her luxurious gift towards him. “Master, I’m sorry for not visiting you earlier. I hope you’ll recover soon. Please accept this as my apology.”
Wei Yuan had intended to decline it, yet he changed his mind as he remembered something, and let an attendant take it away.
“As you said yesterday, Zhongqing has come back.”
Jiang Pengji nodded. “My father returned from Xu a few weeks ago, but he has been too exhausted after the journey to visit any of his acquaintances. He has always longed to learn from you. I shall be glad to help bring a message if you would pay us a visit.”
Wei Yuan sighed quietly. “Liu Xi” was, again, the student he had known before, like a distinct person from the sharp youngster in his backyard that night.
“Let’s not disturb your father,” he teased as he laughed. “And I don’t believe your father ‘longs to learn from me,’ for he is the most knowledgeable man in Hejian.”
“Oh Master, you are being humble. We know you specialize in different aspects. My father’s strength was helping civilians in Xu, while yours is studying at home to establish new academic perspectives. My father may be a better official, but you, Master, certainly have a lot my father could learn from, too.” Jiang Pengji smiled, praising him matter-of-factly.
Wei Yuan had to admit that the kidnapping had changed the pupil significantly from a boring, shy child to a worldly, wise teenager. Even a strict, stubborn scholar like him was pleased.
However, her smooth answer also made him unable to utter the speech he had prepared.
As he had been “sick,” he had planned to resign as her teacher and suggest Liu She to instruct her personally. “Your father and son may spend more time with each other after years of separation” was his excuse.
However, if he mentioned switching after Jiang Pengji’s flattery, it would appear that he was unfeeling and was determined to give her up.
A struggle thus commenced in his mind.
While Jiang Pengji observed with indifference, some viewers started to feel impatient. They did not enjoy the pointless chats between two “ancient people.”
Xinro Bingqing: “Boring. When can we watch something else?”
Although Wei Yuan’s appearance was not bad, he was not handsome, either.
Jiang Pengji replied to their complaint playfully.
Host V: “Really? I find Wei Yuan’s psychological activities quite interesting.”
The audience: “…”
Was she kidding? They had stared at him all that time just to see an unchanged countenance. Where did she capture those activities?
It was common for teachers to test the pupils during their meeting, and Wei Yuan was no exception. Understanding Liu Xi’s progress and talent, he raised relatively simple questions.
After a while, he again touched his beard and sighed. “I’m glad you have worked hard these days.”
“Your teaching has been truly inspiring.”
Wei Yuan returned a bitter smile and shook his head. “It’s because of your father’s help.”
That was no flattery. Liu Xi had been a timid pupil, seeming to have understood nothing, yet was too shy to ask or express her views. Sometimes when the Master scolded her for that, the child would drop her head as if she was going to cry, forcing Wei Yuan to soften his tone.
