Chapter 102

Chapter 102: Don’t Die, You Fool

As the lady before him walked away, leaving behind the words “coward,” Lu Xiaoliu scratched the back of his head.

He wanted to defend his Brother Xiao.

But Lu Xiaoliu also felt that Sister-in-law had a point.

Still, he believed Brother Xiao hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Indeed, matters of the heart are harder than studying. Brother Xiao has it tough…”

Lu Xiaoliu sighed and continued digging up bamboo shoots.

After filling half a basket, Lu Xiaoliu thought it was enough, slung the bamboo basket over his shoulder, and headed back.

Returning to his courtyard, Lu Xiaoliu took down a piece of cured meat from the eaves, chopped some firewood, started a fire, and steamed a small pot of rice.

Though at his current level, Lu Xiaoliu no longer needed food,

he, like most cultivators, still preferred eating.

Habits formed over decades aren’t easily changed.

Even if you skip a meal and don’t feel hungry, your heart will still ache with hunger.

Soon, the aroma of cured meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots and rice wafted out of the courtyard.

“Cough, cough, cough”

Just as Lu Xiaoliu sat down in the yard with his bowl of rice, ready for a hearty lunch, a series of coughs came from outside the courtyard.

Lu Xiaoliu shivered, standing up abruptly.

Turning around, he bowed respectfully to the old master behind him, sweat beading on his forehead, looking somewhat awkward: “Dean, what wind brought you here?”

The Dean of White Deer Academy, Qi Zhengju, chuckled: “It was the enticing aroma of your cooking that blew me here. How bold of you—stealing my cured meat two years ago, collecting my eggs last year, and now digging up my bamboo shoots.”

Qi Zhengju glanced at the food on the stone table in the courtyard: “Oh my, you’ve cooked everything! Have you been waiting three years just for this meal?”

“It’s not that,” Lu Xiaoliu smiled, “It’s purely coincidental. Would you like to join me, Dean?”

Qi Zhengju didn’t reply but looked at the fence blocking his path.

Lu Xiaoliu immediately understood and quickly opened the fence: “Please, Dean.”

“Hmph, that’s more like it.” Qi Zhengju sat down at the table, and Lu Xiaoliu quickly served him a bowl of rice.

The Dean of White Deer Academy took a bite of the bamboo shoot stir-fried with meat, then sampled the scrambled eggs with chili, smacking his lips: “Not bad, young man, your cooking skills have improved.”

“Thank you, Dean, I’m glad you like it.” Lu Xiaoliu didn’t hesitate, sitting beside the Dean and eating his meal.

Silent during meals.

Neither spoke, just ate.

In no time, the food was almost entirely devoured.

Only one piece of cured meat remained when both Qi Zhengju and Lu Xiaoliu’s chopsticks reached for it.

Qi Zhengju looked at Lu Xiaoliu.

Lu Xiaoliu grinned sheepishly and withdrew his chopsticks.

Satisfied, Qi Zhengju picked up the last piece of cured meat, ate it, patted his belly contentedly, sipped tea: “Do you know why I’ve come looking for you?”

Lu Xiaoliu looked at the Dean: “Dean, surely you didn’t come just for the food?”

“Am I the type to casually visit students?” Qi Zhengju tapped Lu Xiaoliu’s head with the other end of his chopsticks.

Lu Xiaoliu, feeling aggrieved, muttered: “Anyway, all the ingredients are yours, so you decide.”

“What did you say?” Qi Zhengju asked.

Lu Xiaoliu quickly shook his head: “Nothing, nothing.”

Qi Zhengju picked up a toothpick to clean his teeth: “There’s something I need you to do.”

“Me?” Lu Xiaoliu pointed at himself.

“Yes, you.” Qi Zhengju gave Lu Xiaoliu an exasperated look, “I need you to go to the Wu Kingdom.”

“The Wu Kingdom? What for in the Wu Kingdom?” Lu Xiaoliu questioned.

“Have you heard of Xu Ming from the Wu Kingdom?” Qi Zhengju said.

“Of course, isn’t he the famous prodigy from the Wu Kingdom? His poetry is amazing. At such a young age, he created world-renowned verses, truly impressive.” Lu Xiaoliu nodded, “And I heard he recently topped the imperial exams.”

Qi Zhengju nodded: “Go check him out. Investigate whether he meets our academy’s standards. If he’s suitable and willing, invite him to the academy.”

Lu Xiaoliu asked curiously: “Is that all?”

“And Xiao Mochi,” Qi Zhengju calmly said, “Go persuade him. Tell him not to give up and die.”

“…” Lu Xiaoliu furrowed his brows, stood up, and deeply bowed to the academy’s dean, “Understood, I’ll take care of it.”

At the residence of the Chancellor in Wudu of the Wu Kingdom, Xiao Mochi stood with his hands behind his back outside the Chancellor Fang’s study.

The door to the study was open.

Inside, an old master held a pen, writing a memorial.

Outside, the rain poured heavily, large droplets splashing onto the courtyard paved with blue stones, creating ripples.

Beneath the eaves of the study, the raindrops fell like notes on a stringed instrument, big and small pearls landing on a jade plate, akin to an ancient zither playing a distant tune.

On either side of the eaves, lanterns swayed in the rain, reflecting against the gray bricks and black tiles. A nearby ancient bridge appeared faintly through the curtain of rain, with maidservants and attendants hurriedly walking across, holding oiled paper umbrellas.

The air was filled with the scent of earth and a faint floral fragrance, mingling with the freshness of the rain.

For literati, they generally enjoyed the rain.

Xiao Mochi was no exception.

Xiao Mochi liked listening to the rain and emptying his mind, which was the best way for him to relax.

But now, Xiao Mochi’s heart carried a bit of disorder.

Regardless, Xiao Mochi had never doubted his decision.

“I’m done.” Chancellor Fang stepped out, handing the folded memorial to Xiao Mochi, “Do you want to take a look?”

Xiao Mochi shook his head: “Unnecessary, thank you for your trouble, Chancellor.”

Fang Ling didn’t hesitate, taking the memorial, hands behind his back, gazing at the drizzling rain outside the study: “Tomorrow, I will present this memorial, requesting retirement. Mo Chi, don’t forget the promise you made to me.

If you do, I won’t let you off.”

Xiao Mochi nodded: “Junior understands, please rest assured, Chancellor.”

“No, you actually don’t understand.”

Fang Ling sighed, patting Xiao Mochi’s shoulder, walking into the study.

“Xiao Mochi, though we differ in many governance philosophies, I admire you.

You, don’t die.”