Chapter 131: A Lazy Scoundrel!

Chapter 131: The Lethargic Rogue!

After Li Huaiyu departed, Chen Yi was "compelled" to pen two calligraphy works. One in Wei Qing’s style, the other in clerical script. Each character bloomed with grace, radiant hues surrounding them, casting light upon the dimly lit study veiled by gloomy clouds. It made Master Yue Ming blush so intensely he could barely contain his joy, chattering on and on.

But he admired only briefly before hastily rolling up the scrolls, cradling them like treasures into a box, and placing them deliberately beneath the desk’s lowest drawer. When Chen Yi’s gaze flickered oddly, Yue Ming whispered, "The other masters at the academy are quite particular about propriety."

"If they happened to see these, they might cause you trouble. I did this for your sake."

Chen Yi rolled his eyes in secret, content to eat alone if he must. The excuse was… not half bad.

Chen Yi himself disliked trouble.

Plus, with so many entanglements lately, fewer affairs were better.

In the days that followed, Master Yue Ming, in his role as academy head, guided him through the grounds. The book repository, the study hall, the qin room where gentlemen honed their six arts, the archery range, the stables—half a day’s stroll encompassed it all.

Chen Yi grasped the academy’s general state.

Beyond that, from its collection scale and building layout, Meiyuan should rank among the top twenty in the Wei dynasty. Those spanning greater acreage, with more abundant texts and structures, were but a handful of ancient academies: the Jinling Academy and Donglin Academy in Jiangnan’s capital, the Yushan Academy; in the Central Plains, Yuelu and Bailu Academies, and Daliang Academy.

These institutions, famed for their eminent scholars and masters, drew countless students who revered them, eager to study under their banners.

Chen Yi, however, knew only their reputations, never having seen them firsthand, so he deemed them merely more prominent than Meiyuan.

At noon, Yue Ming led him to the academy’s dining hall, where they partook of vegetarian fare. The taste was unremarkable, merely sustenance.

Yet the merit was clear—free meals.

"Our academy now houses eight hundred students, from eleven-year-olds to thirty-one-year-olds."

"Though most come from scholarly families in Shuzhou, two hundred or so are impoverished orphans. Tuition already strains their means; making them distracted from study over meals is unjust."

Seeing Yue Ming’s earnestness, Chen Yi smiled. "Well said, Master. You’ve considered everything thoroughly; the students hold you in high regard."

Yue Ming’s face brightened, about to speak, when several masters emerged from outside. He summoned them, introducing Chen Yi.

"This is Zhuo Ying, who oversees the classics and histories. His learning surpasses even me."

"Zhuo Ying, I’ve encountered him before, Chen Yi."

"No need for formalities. Earlier, Yue Ming suggested inviting you to teach here—I agree wholeheartedly."

Beside him, a stout, kindly-faced elder set down his wine cup. "Yi, don’t listen to him. Remember when he said you were young?"

"...It’s been ages since we’ve played a game. Tomorrow, I’ll vanquish you on the board, leaving not a scrap of armor behind!"

"Come then, I’ll await you later."

From that moment, the scholarly atmosphere turned raucous.

Other masters backed Zhuo Ying, others supported the jovial elder.

Chen Yi, the academy’s new instructor, felt like a mere spectator, even the usually composed Yue Ming overlooked, wearing a strained smile.

"Yi, you’ve just arrived. Some matters aren’t as they seem… *cough cough*."

Chen Yi nodded at the bickering masters. "I do enjoy this academic ambiance."

Perhaps because Shuzhou lies far from the Central Plains, these masters aren’t all old scholars.

From Yue Ming onward, aside from their studies, they’d play Go, compose calligraphy, or play the qin in their leisure.

On that count, Chen Yi could blend in seamlessly.

If only the academy built a pond, stocked it with fish, and added fishing as a pastime—he’d surely linger longer.

For now, it was mere wishful thinking.

After all, he’d only arrived a day prior. Time to grow familiar with these people would tell.

By afternoon, Chen Yi accompanied Yue Ming to several classrooms with students, announcing his appointment as instructor.

The younger pupils merely glanced curiously.

But the older ones—some looked bewildered, others outright hostile.

Chen Yi chuckled inwardly.

The haters weren’t strangers. They’d been among the scholars at Li Huaiyu’s wedding. Two of them, no less, had been punished by Yue Ming for copying the academy’s statutes a thousand times because of him.

If it were him, he’d likely feel the same.

Chen Yi noted this, then dismissed it with a smile.

His purpose in joining Meiyuan—apart from Yue Ming’s earnest invitation, Lady Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan’er’s persuasion—was to secure Li Huaiyu’s favor.

The rest, he cared little for.

After declaring his role, Yue Ming drafted a contract. Signed and sealed, it was filed away.

Yue Ming hesitated. "Our academy’s funds are modest—just a couple of taels monthly. I hope you won’t mind."

Chen Yi smiled. "Master, be assured."

"Money is but external. I care not for it."

Not mentioning his monthly stipend from Hou Du, or his earnings as manager of the Pharmacy for the Suffering, or the countless taels from Bai Caogong alone, Chen Yi could afford to lounge and count silver.

He needed none of it.

Yet Yue Ming, unaware, praised him for his integrity.

By dusk, they finished tea, chatting idly, then rose to part.

Before departing, Yue Ming reminded, "Yi, your first class begins in three days. Prepare accordingly."

Chen Yi nodded. "Rest assured, Master. I’ve got this under control."

Teaching calligraphy, after all, posed no challenge.

Moreover, the Great Wei’s examinations now focused on essays and classics; calligraphy was but a minor pursuit for most academies.

In fact, most academies do not have dedicated calligraphy instructors.

From this perspective, it is not difficult to discern Mr. Yue’s regard for him, or rather, his fondness for those calligraphy copies.

After bidding farewell to Mr. Yue, Chen Yi departed directly.

In the meantime, he encountered some students who had received news and bowed respectfully.

"The students have the honor of greeting Master Qinzhou."

"No need for such courtesy."

"The students—"

No, this feeling of being greeted respectfully everywhere he went was quite pleasing to Chen Yi.

Yet, upon exiting the prestigious Yun Academy, the streets of Kangning in the rain seemed to calm his troubled mind.

The usual passersby hurried along, not even glancing at him, let alone offering greetings.

Chen Yi lifted his oil-paper umbrella, glanced at the drizzling sky, and let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

"A wall’s separation creates two distinct worlds."

"Still, one must face reality."

The "reality" Chen Yi saw in his eyes was none other than the Xiao family’s current circumstances.

Thus, after a moment’s pause, he headed toward the Fung Spring Tower.

Half an hour remained until the ninth watch, leaving ample time.

Chen Yi walked and paused at leisure, stopping to inspect anything worth admiring.

He even purchased some stationery supplies, which he would use to adorn his quarters.

That leisurely, carefree appearance, to outsiders, merely marked him as a wandering scholar.

Just like the scholars and beauties strolling the streets of Kangning.

Not long after, Chen Yi arrived at the Fung Spring Tower and spotted a cart bearing the Xiao family’s red flag at its entrance.

Then he saw Gu Lang III lounging in the cart, one leg dangling, surveying the surroundings.

Chen Yi glanced at the sky and felt a twinge of confusion.

At this point, less than half a minute remained until the ninth watch—how could Gu Lang III be so slow?

Perplexed, Chen Yi approached and patted his shoulder, "Old Three."

Gu Lang III turned, relief evident, "Master, you’re not at the mansion, so you’re loitering here?"

Chen Yi sensed a tension in Gu Lang III’s posture and smiled, "I visited Mr. Yue during the day; I stayed late at the academy."

"Though I have good news—now I’ve become an instructor at the prestigious Yun Academy."

Gu Lang III blinked, then managed a smile, "Congratulations, Master. With your expertise, serving as an instructor here is quite fitting."

Chen Yi nodded, asking, "Are you waiting for someone? If convenient, could you escort me to the mansion?"

Gu Lang III hesitated, "Master Cheng’s morning appointment with Lord Dongcheng—I’m here to fetch him; it might not be convenient."

"Uncle Dongcheng? Rest assured, I’ll go meet him—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Chen Yi’s mind flashed an image:

[Opportunity +10.]

[Evaluation: When one reaches their destination, yet neither voice nor scene has manifested, and opportunity descends unclaimed—this is the mark of a slothful nature.]

After reviewing this, Chen Yi smoothly shifted the subject, "After considering, it doesn’t seem quite right."

He patted Gu Lang III’s shoulder and headed toward the Fung Spring Tower.

"I hear the ice brick cakes here taste excellent; I’ll take some to try with Wu Ge."

(The chapter ends.)