C104 – Well Done!
After dedicating several days to the study and practice of martial arts, Zuo Shaoqing found himself engaged in a whirlwind of daily activities. However, the results were substantial. Not only did his appetite increase, but his physical strength also grew, and his mind sharpened during his training sessions.
Yinyi had acquired a mental cultivation technique from an undisclosed source, which allowed him to replenish his energy and find solace for his mind. Each morning, he dedicated an incense stick’s worth of time to meditation.
Even more heartening was the progress he achieved after strenuously training his Qing Gong for a few days. He could now return before the Yin hour and had high hopes for further improvement.
On the third morning, he finally received an answer to the question that had been troubling him for the past two days. In his half-awake state, he felt a warm body beneath his blanket.
Initially, it didn’t concern him much. At that moment, he was too fatigued to rouse himself. However, his awakening came abruptly when unfamiliar lips met his own, and a foreign tongue intruded, nearly causing him to bite down.
Acting on instinct, he pushed the intruder away. As he squinted his eyes and recognized the face of the unexpected visitor, he was rendered speechless by sheer shock.
Never would he have imagined that the seemingly straightforward Master Lu would launch a surprise nocturnal attack.
Recalling the familiar embrace from his dreams, Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t pretend ignorance to the fact that it was Lu Zheng who had lifted him out of the bathtub that day.
After being apart for just a few days, the mutual longing between them was ablaze. They exchanged glances before embracing and kissing passionately once more. After a passionate tangle that lasted a while, they finally relented.
Zuo Shaoqing found himself perplexed by Lu Zheng’s consistent restraint, as if he were deliberately adhering to certain boundaries during their intimate moments. He even wondered if Lu Zheng had reservations about the way they slept together.
However, he refrained from hastily confronting Lu Zheng on this matter. Moreover, given his recent physical condition, he was in no position to address such concerns, so he kept his doubts to himself.
That evening, upon returning to his room, Zuo Shaoqing was surprised to find Luo Xiaoliu, who typically retired early, waiting for him at the door.
“Master, you’ve returned. This humble servant has been waiting here for most of the night.”
The corner of Zuo Shaoqing’s mouth twitched as he resisted the urge to respond sharply and simply replied with a gentle “yes.”
“I have already prepared hot water for you. Please go in and freshen up.”
Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback once more. Usually, Luo Xiaoliu waited until their return and then was awoken by Liu Tie to boil water. However, as Zuo Shaoqing returned earlier and earlier, Luo Xiaoliu had taken it upon himself to prepare the hot water.
The residents of the manor were no longer taken aback. They were well aware of San Ye’s nightly bathing ritual, which raised a perplexing question: why did he consistently retire to bed so late? To read books, especially with the impending Conference Test?
There were even some servants who couldn’t help but scoff, saying, “Take a look at your lordship. You adhere to your morning routine with unwavering confidence. As for your master, well...”
Such rumors had always circulated. Apart from Zuo Yunwen, who harbored a glimmer of hope for young Zuo Shaoqing, no one else in the Zuo Family believed that a fourteen-year-old master could secure a spot in high school in a single attempt.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
Upon entering the room, Luo Xiaoliu promptly sealed the door from the outside. Zuo Shaoqing paused, navigated through the outer chamber, and swiftly accessed the inner room. As anticipated, he found someone reclining on the bed.
He lifted the thin bed curtain, revealing Lu Zheng, who was propped up on the bed. Lu Zheng beckoned him over and gestured toward the incense burner on the table. “Impressive. You’re fifteen minutes ahead of last night.”
Zuo Shaoqing accepted the items gratefully, while silently cursing, “Carrying such a large box into the Academic Institution might make me the subject of ridicule, won’t it?”
However, considering Lu Zheng’s intentions, he had no choice but to bring the items along, even if it meant enduring mockery.
Duke Zhen Manor had just dispatched these supplies when several well-informed families on the other side received the news.
Jiang Che carefully pondered the information several times, his brows furrowing as he asked one of his followers, “Did Madame instruct someone to relay this information?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t help but feel that something is amiss... Have you ever seen Madame show such fervor for anyone in all these years?”
The follower responded as if it were a matter of course: “Haven’t you heard that Master Lu has taken a liking to Miss Zuo from the Zuo Family? It’s only natural for the two families to grow closer since they’re soon to be joined in marriage.”
“No...” Jiang Che shook his head with a pensive expression. After a moment of reflection, he muttered to himself, “Don’t you find this whole situation a bit peculiar? If Lu Zheng genuinely had feelings for Zuo Shuhui, why would he allow her to be mistreated by Zhan Yunxiang? I’ve heard they’re hiding at Cheng Shaoqing’s residence. Even if Lu Zheng wants to remain discreet, the old lady should have voiced her opinion.”
The follower was puzzled, asking, “Are you suggesting...?”
Jiang Che tapped his fingers on the table, trying to make sense of the connection between Lu Zheng and the Zuo family. Regardless of how he examined it, he couldn’t see genuine admiration from Lu Zheng towards Zuo Family’s young miss.
Instead... he widened his eyes and urged, “Retrieve that information that arrived three days ago! The one about the military camp on the outskirts of Beijing!”
After studying the information, he suddenly slapped the table and chuckled, “Haha... So that’s the way it is! Sneaky Lu Zheng, it appears you almost fell for it!”
“My Lord?” The follower wasn’t naïve; he could sense the underlying meaning in that brief statement.
Jiang Che laughed heartily for a while before crossing his legs and speaking candidly, “He’s nearly twenty and still unmarried. Everyone thinks that Master Lu postponed his marriage for the sake of the nation and its people. Who would have guessed he had no intention of marrying at all?
This revelation not only clarified their relationship but also made it appear as if the two families were on friendly terms. People believed that Master Lu had taken an interest in Zuo Family’s eldest daughter, but they were completely mistaken about the Lovers Index.
The unfortunate Fifth Princess continued to fixate on Zuo Shuhui, unwilling to let go. It resembled a futile struggle between a sandpiper and a clam. Bravo, Third Master Zuo! Bravo, Top Scorer! “Haha...”
“My Lord, if we were to spread this information, wouldn’t it...?” Wouldn’t that damage Master Lu’s reputation?
“No need to rush. Who would believe it?” “Most will assume that someone is intentionally tarnishing Duke Zhen’s reputation. Even if they did believe it, it’s just a male companion. Aren’t there government officials who keep young men as companions?”
The follower recalled the several exceedingly handsome young men in Lord Jiang’s residence and sighed inwardly.
Jiang Che scratched his chin, contemplating for a while. Finally, he said, “Speaking of which, this Top Scorer Zuo is indeed exceptionally handsome and happens to be one of my favorites. What should I do?”
The retainer’s expression froze, as if he hadn’t heard anything.
“Draft an invitation and arrange a gathering with the distinguished Young Master from the Zuo Family. Considering that the Conference Test is fast approaching, and as the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel, it’s crucial for me to assess the character of the students in advance.”