Chapter 315 – Three Years in Langya (Part 15)
As soon as Jiang Pengji laid eyes on Meng Heng, the system’s voice echoed in her ears.
【System: Congratulations, host, for completing the instant task—assist Meng Heng, and earn the reward “Mysterious Gift Pack.” Please check the inbox in the backend to claim your reward.】
Was that all it took?
Jiang Pengji chuckled lightly; the system must be at its wits’ end to be so eager.
She surveyed Meng Heng with her usual expression. Unlike Meng Liang’s exquisite features, Meng Heng appeared somewhat rugged at first glance, wearing a scholarly robe that seemed oddly mismatched, but upon closer inspection, he radiated a spirit of determination.
Rather than a well-read scholar, Meng Heng seemed more like a skilled warrior.
Noticing the thick calluses on his hands, remnants of years wielding blades and guns, it was clear that even if Meng Heng’s martial skills weren’t remarkable, his physique was undoubtedly strong.
“Are you Cousin Heng?”
Jiang Pengji exchanged a few words with Mr. Yuanjing before following the young servants and guards to meet Meng Heng.
Initially, Meng Heng was seated inside a carriage, draped in a gray cloak, the charcoal basin inside had long extinguished with no residual warmth, and the carriage’s adornments were simple, resembling ordinary students from humble backgrounds, giving no hint of his status as the legitimate son of the Meng Clan.
“Who are you?”
Furrowing his thick black brows, Meng Heng couldn’t quite recall when he had met Jiang Pengji.
“My mother often speaks of Cousin Heng, always worrying about your days at the Meng residence…”
Jiang Pengji implied her background without stating it outright, and Meng Heng seemed to grasp her situation.
“You are… the younger cousin from the Xi family?” Meng Heng stared at her in bewilderment, evidently surprised that this spirited youth was the rumored second son of Liu Zhi. When he heard Jiang Pengji mention Gu Zhen, his expression clouded over, “How has mother been these past years?”
When Gu Zhen left the Meng residence, Meng Heng was just old enough to remember, so he knew a bit about what had transpired back then.
Understanding the consequences of Gu Zhen not having divorced, Meng Heng felt no resentment towards his biological mother; rather, he held a deep respect and compassion for her.
The Meng residence was not an ideal place; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come all the way to the capital for his studies to escape the messy affairs.
Jiang Pengji replied, “At the start of this year, mother fell seriously ill and nearly didn’t pull through. But fortune and misfortune coexist; after recovering from that illness, she even managed to cure some ailments from her younger years. She’s doing very well now.”
Meng Heng said, “If mother is well, that’s the best news.”
Jiang Pengji asked him, “I heard from your servant that there’s a problem with the carriage wheels?”
A slight flush of embarrassment crept onto Meng Heng’s face as he mumbled, “Yes.”
Jiang Pengji discreetly glanced at the broken wheel and instantly understood the cause of the issue.
That carriage had probably seen many years of service, chronically neglected; the wheels had likely been in use for quite a number of years and finally gave under pressure.
The esteemed eldest son of the Meng Clan was riding in such an old carriage, clearly highlighting how difficult life had been for him at the Meng residence.
Stepping out in heavy snow, there was hardly enough charcoal fire inside the carriage, and even his clothes were old garments that had been washed countless times.
“If Cousin Heng isn’t in a hurry, why not join me? It would be good to look out for each other,” Jiang Pengji invited, sounding like a mischievous twelve-year-old, “Mother, in her ill state, often calls out for Cousin Heng’s childhood name at the door. Now that we’ve met, I must ask you well, so I can reassure her when I return.”
Hearing this, Meng Heng’s heart stirred as a vivid scene flashed in his mind.
His childhood memories were scarce, but he still had some impression of Gu Zhen—a tranquil and beautiful lady, as if she had stepped out of a painting, evoking a sense of peaceful nostalgia. How could he not feel moved knowing she thought of him even in her illness?
Feeling warmth in his heart, he said, “If that’s the case, I shall intrude. It has been many years since mother remarried; it’s a regret I’ve not visited her, a filial son such as I should gather news about her.”
“Of course.”
Jiang Pengji had three carriages with her, and after tidying up a bit, there was still room to accommodate Meng Heng.
Upon learning that the legendary Mr. Yuanjing was in their midst, Meng Heng nearly stood there in shock, momentarily at a loss for words.
“You’ve entered Mr. Yuanjing’s tutelage now, cousin?”
“Not yet, Mr. Yuanjing is quite strict with his apprentices; I’ve only studied at his academy for a few years but have gained much.”
Though he didn’t appear particularly bright at first glance, Meng Heng was grounded in his words and actions.
Hearing that his cousin could study at Langya Academy, he couldn’t help but nag her a bit, merely encouraging her to study hard and make progress every day.
A delicate youth might have shown annoyance, but Jiang Pengji welcomed it.
Meng Heng was like a lotus blooming from the muddy waters of the Meng residence, genuinely unique.
Mr. Yuanjing’s students had quite the temperament, and not everyone fit in.
Some classmates had been together for years, barely exchanging a few words, their relationships quite thin and significantly rejecting outsiders.
Meng Heng noticed this, often staying in the carriage, occasionally coming out to converse with Jiang Pengji, while rarely engaging with Mr. Yuanjing’s other students.
Having completed this simple instant task effortlessly, Jiang Pengji ignored the “Mysterious Gift Pack” in her backend inbox. The system, unable to contain itself, urged her to open it, but Jiang Pengji replied, “I’ll wait for an auspicious day, when the vibes are good.”
System: “…”
I have a thing or two to say right now!
She didn’t annoy the system, and the next day took the chance to ask Wei Ci.
“I heard from Mr. Yuanjing, Zixiao is skilled in divination—can he read faces?”
Wei Ci lifted the carriage curtain, inquiring with his gaze.
What sort of antics are you planning?
“How’s my luck today?” she asked.
Wei Ci’s face turned dark, and his eyes held a tinge of disapproval as he looked at Jiang Pengji.
“I’m genuinely asking, not trying to tease you.”
He maintained his cold demeanor, “Your forehead is red, and there’s no malice present; that’s very auspicious.”
He had never seen her forehead dark before, so even with any external malice entering her, it could not suppress her innate fortitude.
Jiang Pengji responded with an “oh,” urging her horse, Big White, to gallop forward obediently.
Wei Ci: “…”
Enough with the theatrics; Jiang Pengji finally clicked on that “Mysterious Gift Pack.”
The gift burst open; fragments floated in the air before coalescing into a golden entity like fine sand.
Heh… Jiang Pengji pinched it between her fingers, with a pleased squeak.
“System, look at me—I’m so lucky!”
The system fell silent for a while before finally speaking, “I shall serve tea to the Empress of the Mountain Spirit.”
She exerted a slight pressure to crush the card, and a selection option appeared before her.
【The Little Angel System kindly reminds you, the host is currently a Level 2 streamer. Using this card will directly elevate you to Level 3, expanding the live audience capacity to fifty thousand. Confirm to use the “Level-Up Card”? A. Yes; B. No】
Yes!
