Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Liu She had noticed the youngster behind Wei Yuan at their arrival, and Wei Yuan’s
intention was clear: he wanted to introduce the teenager to him so that he may look
after him at the court in the future.
Still, their subject at the moment was solely Wei Yuan’s resignation.
Wei Yuan joked with a bitter smile, “Liu Zhongqing, you’re going to make me say it,
aren’t you? You know your child and I can’t get along, and it will do more harm than
good if I continue teaching him. I figured out I should leave before you ask me to.”
“Still…” Liu She was hesitant. “What about Lanting’s study?”
“Certainly, I hope all the best for him. After all, I’ve taught him for some time.” Wei
Yuan took out a reference letter from his sleeve.
The father opened it with confusion, and then appeared shocked. “How can Lanting
become Master Yuanjing’s pupil? The child is so plain!”
The teacher shook his head. “He doesn’t have to become Yuanjing’s pupil in order to
learn from him. We’ve all heard about the strange man and can tell Lanting’s
temperaments will not suit his taste. I recommend the child go there because Langye
is a place that accommodates the most talent in the kingdom. It’s time for him to
leave home and make friends in a new environment.”
While one-on-one teaching at home was desired for many families, Wei Yuan found
Liu Lanting too shy and timid, and thought that he should go out to acquaint his
peers. If he had come from the modern times, he would call Liu Lanting a couch
potato—too lazy to take a step outdoor.
It would be the best if Yuanjing accepted the role of Jiang Pengji’s master. If not, she
could still read and socialize in Langye Academy. She needed friends and allies to
survive in the court, especially when her father was an influential bureaucrat with
many competitors. Those men would not show mercy to the feeble kid of their rival.
Since Jiang Pengji would be confronted by her dad’s opponents, she had to expand
her social network as soon as possible.
These were all Wei Yuan’s concerns for Jiang Pengji. Liu She was of the same
opinion. He was planning to visit Wei Yuan about his resignation if he had not come
on his own initiative. Since he was there, however, it saved much trouble for Liu She,
and he thought he should thank him for it.
“Gongcao, you’ve done a lot for my child.” Liu She sighed as he carefully folded up
the letter. “It’s been years since our last meet. Will you stay for lunch?” Their
friendship was a little more than a common acquaintance, although the two were not
close friends.
“I can’t say no to your invitations.” Wei Yuan laughed and touched his beard. Liu
She’s response was as he expected.
Liu She raised and ordered for their meals. Then, as if he had just noticed the
youngster next to Wei Yuan, he faked a surprise look and teased, “Is this a member
of your family?”
Qiguan Rang had stared at the ground quietly during their previous chat, and only
gestured to show respect when Liu She mentioned him.
Wei Yuan smiled. “Not yet, but soon.”
Liu She immediately understood that the boy was his soon-to-be son-in-law, and he
observed Qiguan Rang curiously. It was a youngster with a pleasing air. His
elegance was not affected by his rough clothing.
Liu She praised, “I wonder where Gongcao met this exceptional young man!”
Wei Yuan was proud of his choice. Qiguan Rang, at the same time, held his hands
into loose fists and remained silent. The usually composed teenager could barely
conceal his nervousness in front of his idol—he was one of most popular figures in
Dongqing at the time.
Wei Yuan showed his humbleness for both Qiguan Rang and himself, so saying that
was flattering.
“How should I call you?” Liu She asked amiably. Wei Yuan let Qiguan Rang reply for
himself. He had taken the youngster with him to meet Liu She so it would be better if
the two could have a chat.
“I’m Qiguan Rang. Good day, Officer Liu.”
Inexplicably, Liu She fell into silence, and then smiled. “Where are you from?”
“Shangyu at the northern border,” replied the teenager.
Liu She looked down solemnly, and his voice further softened. “Do you have another
name?”
“Yes, it’s Wenzheng. It’s given by my teacher.”
“…” Liu She guessed that he needed peace for a moment.
Qiguan Rang, also called Qiguan Wenzheng, was born in Shangyu. He had lost his
wife at a young age…
That alone could not astonish Liu She. He also knew Qiguan Rang would become a
cruel man who would burn the palace a few years later and order beheadings to all
royalty in favor of the master he would serve.
What was more, he was one of the few who could defeat the force of Empress Chen,
Liu Xi, at the moment, with his unpredictable intrigues.
Still, if that was everything he had learned, he would not lose his words.
According to Gu Min, the future master of Qiguan Rang was susceptible to rumors.
He had distrusted Qiguan Rang because of the rumors and had imprisoned him, and
Qiguan Rang retaliated by designing the master in prison and forcing him into
hopelessness.
On the day that Empress Chen defeated the master, Qiguan Rang opened the town
gate to receive her. He would then work for her.
“A wise man chooses the most competent master, like a bird picks the strongest
branch to live on. My old master has deserted me. Now, I’m his rival.”
