Chapter 133 – Wei Yuan, Resigning from His Post (Part One)
Although it was merely a formality, Jiang Pengji mentioned that she would visit Wei Yuan the next day to apologize, and she actually planned to go.
However, there was a certain unspeakable awkwardness lingering between them, which Wei Yuan couldn’t allow to show too obviously.
Caught in this dilemma led to Wei Yuan maintaining a cold and stern expression. Despite his internal struggle to soften his demeanor, his attempts only made things worse, leading to a conflicted look that Jiang Pengji observed all too well.
“Has your cold improved, Sir?” Jiang Pengji asked with concern, “Your complexion seems a bit pale.”
“It’s nothing serious; I’ve taken my medicine, and I will be fine in a couple of days,” Wei Yuan awkwardly stroked his beard. He wasn’t suffering from a cold; he was clearly just fuming.
Due to their different mindsets, Wei Yuan had his interpretation of Jiang Pengji’s visit today.
In an effort to entice Wei Yuan to teach Liu Xi as a private instructor, the Liu residence had offered a generous salary.
Not only was there a salary, but there was also a considerable amount of monthly silver, along with lavish gifts during festivals, and frequent inquiries about his well-being.
Throughout Hejian County, the benefits from Liu residence were indeed among the best available.
However, Wei Yuan had been taking leave repeatedly lately. Despite having reasons behind it, it was also a fact that it disrupted his student’s education. Wei Yuan felt that the student visiting him likely also meant to urge him to return to teaching soon.
Thinking about this made Wei Yuan feel somewhat uncomfortable with an unexplainable embarrassment creeping up his old face.
This student could see his scandal, and although both parties were tacitly avoiding the subject, Wei Yuan wasn’t so easily fooled. How could he not know that Jiang Pengji was already aware of everything?
In this situation, teaching this student felt awkward, as facing her every day brought an unsettling vibe.
In the past, if there were issues with Liu Xi’s studies, he could rebuke him firmly without a shred of hesitation, but now?
He imagined such a scenario, and an uncomfortable scene unfolded in his mind that made him even more uneasy.
He simply couldn’t tolerate it!
While the student pretended to bow respectfully, there was no sincerity behind it. Instead, her eyes seemed to see right through him; it felt as if all his clothes had been stripped away in broad daylight.
Wei Yuan knew he was overthinking, yet he couldn’t help the wild thoughts in his mind.
This student knew about his embarrassing scandal, which made it hard for him to stand tall as a teacher.
And they weren’t even at school yet, but he was already feeling the sting of being humiliated.
With this in mind, Wei Yuan’s feelings grew increasingly complicated.
Jiang Pengji seemed unaware of Wei Yuan’s expression, as she pushed forward the prepared gifts, saying, “Sir, you haven’t been feeling well lately, and I should have visited earlier, which is a failure on my part. If you don’t mind, please accept this token of my gratitude.”
Wei Yuan initially hesitated to accept, but after thinking it over, he had a change of heart and instructed a nearby maidservant to take the gifts.
“I heard from you yesterday that Zhongqing has returned?”
Jiang Pengji nodded, “My father has been back from Hujun for over half a month now. However, after such a long journey, he’s still resting at home and hasn’t been able to socialize yet. He has always admired your talents, Sir; if you wish to pay him a visit, I can inform him of your interest.”
Wei Yuan shook his head secretly. At this moment, Liu Xi was just like before, lacking that previous sense of urgency.
“Since Zhongqing is still recuperating, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to disturb him,” Wei Yuan suddenly smiled and teased, “As for your praise, that’s quite exaggerated. Who doesn’t know that Liu Zhongqing is famous for his extensive knowledge in Hejian?”
“What you say, Sir, is humble. My father’s expertise differs from yours; how can they be compared? My father is the governor of Hujun, serving the people, while you prefer to stay home, dedicated to learning and honing your intellect. In matters of governance, you may not compare with my father, but in terms of scholarship, I fear my father cannot match you,” Jiang Pengji replied with a smile, seemingly speaking the truth, but layered with flattery.
Despite his reluctance to admit it, Wei Yuan had to say that this somewhat dull student had certainly learned to speak more since the calamity.
If it were in the past, she would have stated a harsh truth, inadvertently offending him and putting him in a bad mood.
Though Wei Yuan was a serious and meticulous scholar, deep down he still enjoyed hearing compliments.
Yet, while it felt nice to hear, Jiang Pengji’s smooth responses made it impossible for him to continue with the plans he’d crafted.
He initially intended to blame a bout of illness and take a temporary break from teaching Liu Xi, allowing Liu Zhi to personally guide him for a few months.
He had even thought it through: after such a long separation, Liu Zhi and his son certainly needed some time and space to reconnect.
But now, if he continued down that path, he would only appear unfeeling and deliberately trying to give up on this student.
With that thought, Wei Yuan felt a renewed sense of turmoil inside him.
Jiang Pengji observed coldly, while the audience in the live stream were starting to feel a bit restless, asking what was interesting about watching two “ancients” exchange courteous words.
【Heart Like Ice Clear】: So frustrating, Host! When can we stop watching him?
Although Wei Yuan’s looks could be considered decent for his age, he wasn’t some ridiculously handsome uncle; even the eye candy factor was lacking.
Jiang Pengji chuckled at the readers’ complaints.
【Host V】: Bored? I think Wei Yuan’s psychological turmoil is quite colorful and fun to watch!
Endless ellipses filled the chat.
Everyone: “…”
Host, don’t make fools of us!
Our eyes are already sore, and we can’t even tell what expression Wei Yuan’s face is supposed to show, let alone analyze his psychological state.
Between teacher and student, the most inevitable part was the teaching and assessment phases, and Wei Yuan was no exception.
He understood Liu Xi’s academic progress and knew his talents in this area; thus, his questions were relatively easy and understandable.
After quite some time, Wei Yuan stroked his beard with a hint of emotion, saying, “Very good, you haven’t fallen behind in your studies these days.”
“Your guidance is excellent, Sir.”
Wei Yuan let out a bitter smile and shook his head, saying, “It should be your father who taught you well.”
That wasn’t a mere polite statement; that was the honest truth.
In the past, no matter how he taught, Liu Xi had always acted like a wooden block, never asking questions when he didn’t understand and remaining silent when he did, keeping everything bottled up and leaving Wei Yuan anxious and helpless, while Liu Xi still maintained a confused expression.
When he got frustrated and scolded the poor boy, Liu Xi would shrink his neck like a sad little puppy, and Wei Yuan couldn’t bear to say anything too harsh.
