Chapter 58

After a few heavy rains, the signs of spring have become more evident, especially at the Golden Terrace in the northern part of the city.

In the early hours of the morning, the shops and houses, closely lined up, were all open, but there were very few pedestrians on the streets. The Golden Terrace, however, was still brightly lit, and the staff was clearing up the remnants of a banquet.

On the eve of the examination results, the students had spontaneously gathered, and the banquet was specially arranged at the Golden Terrace.

Since the results would be announced the next day, some would advance, and some would fall behind, but at this moment, everything was unknown, so there was still a glimmer of hope.

The door creaked open, and the light flickered. Ye Qing, who was in the warm embrace, was startled. He had been drunk and unaware, but now he opened his eyes and asked, "What time is it now?"

The maid, who was supporting him on the bed, was startled by his gaze but quickly composed herself and said, "Young Master, it's the end of the hour of the Tiger."

Ye Qing responded with an "Oh" and looked out the window at the dark night sky. "It's almost dawn, then."

The maid blinked. "Yes, Young Master Ye, you and your friends were very drunk last night and made quite a commotion. We saw you all drunk here, so we sent you to your rooms to rest."

Ye Qing nodded and disentangled himself from her embrace. "In that case, I'll go back to my inn now."

As he spoke, he left a piece of silver and walked away, leaving the maid standing there in a daze. "Why do I feel so close to this young master, wanting to get closer, but he's so cold? Does he look down on me?"

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel tears welling up.

Leaving the Golden Terrace, he looked back at the magnificent building, where the sounds of the banquet could still be heard faintly. Seeing no one around, Ye Qing checked his own aura.

"Hmm, the aura suppression is indeed gone, which is why I woke up in the middle of the drinking!"

"Is it because the results are already determined, so it's no longer needed, or because it couldn't be suppressed anymore?"

After a moment of deep thought, he couldn't come to a conclusion. He stretched his limbs and turned to leave.

The night was cold, and the streets were empty. The wind brought a bone-chilling cold, and a watchman in a thick cotton robe was walking the streets, striking a gong. "Dry weather, be careful of fire."

Ye Qing, now physically strong, was not afraid of the cold. He exhaled a long white breath, gazing at the full moon in the west, surrounded by twinkling stars, gradually setting.

In the east, the morning star stood still.

"Qianqian must be waiting anxiously." Ye Qing thought as he headed toward the inn, a smile playing on his lips.

By the time he reached the inn, the sky was already light, and the morning light was like water.

At this time, the inn was usually quiet, but now a lean middle-aged scholar was sitting there. Seeing Ye Qing approach, Lu Shangjing quickly walked over, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Master!"

After speaking, he stood up and looked at Ye Qing. Ye Qing steadied himself and finally recognized Lu Shangjing. Compared to his former destitute state, he now looked lean and had a different aura, which made Ye Qing quite surprised. "Mr. Lu, didn't you go home to visit your family? It's been just a few days, and you've changed so much that I almost didn't recognize you!"

Lu Shangjing smiled at this. "Is that so? You didn't recognize me just because I changed my clothes?"

Ye Qing secretly observed and saw that his aura was full and faintly tinged with a light blue. His heart stirred, but he didn't want to ask too many questions, so he took Lu Shangjing's hand and led him to the second floor, knocked on the door, and instructed the beautiful young maid, "Qianqian, go prepare some hot water. I'm covered in dust and need to wash up properly."

Qianqian, seeing the stranger, naturally composed herself and respectfully agreed, then retreated to the side room.

A moment later, she brought a basin of clear water and a towel, holding them in front of her as she served. Ye Qing washed his face and then turned to Lu Shangjing with a smile. "This is my personal maid who has been with me since childhood. She was the only one who stayed by my side during difficult times... Now, we're all family, so Mr. Lu, feel free to speak your mind."

Qianqian's face turned slightly red, as this was the first time she had been introduced to a stranger in such a way. She felt a mix of shyness and sweetness, and a thought flashed through her mind: "In recent days, Young Master has often spoken of Mr. Lu Shangjing, praising his talents. Now, introducing him like this, is he testing Mr. Lu's reaction? Young Master is so cunning..."

Lu Shangjing was momentarily stunned by her beauty but quickly regained his composure. He no longer treated her as an ordinary maid and bowed respectfully. "I have been temporarily hired as your tutor, and I greet Miss Qianqian."

Qianqian curtsied and remained silent.

After the formalities, Ye Qing's face showed joy. This attitude clearly indicated a willingness to help sincerely, rather than just being a nominal tutor who didn't offer advice, like a "Xu Shu" who was in Cao Cao's camp but his heart was with Liu Bei.

They sat down in the small parlor, and Lu Shangjing sighed. "When I left home, my wife advised me—'A drop of water should be repaid with a spring of water. Since a noble person has helped, one should serve with all one's heart.' I feel quite ashamed, as she always knew my ambitious nature and my desire to find a wise master, but her words woke me up. If I don't use my talents, who will know my abilities? It was the same when I was at Mr. Ding's house."

At this point, a vague idea in his mind became clear. After a moment of silence, he looked at Ye Qing sincerely. "Previously, when you, Young Master Qing, mentioned the deadline, I felt ashamed. I see that you are no ordinary person and that there must be a place for me to use my talents. If you don't reject me, I am willing to serve as your advisor."

Ye Qing was shaken and felt a surge of joy.

"Your wife is truly virtuous..." He praised, then instinctively looked at himself. A golden aura surrounded him, with a red glow inside. His mind was clear, and a thought flashed through his mind: "In seven days, it must be that the position of scholar has been determined. Although the official list hasn't been announced, there is a sign of advancement to a red aura... Without this minimum position of scholar, it would be impossible to attract such talent."

His mind raced, but his face showed genuine emotion. "Mr. Lu, what are you saying? To have your assistance is a great joy for me, and I would never reject it!"

Lu Shangjing bowed again. "Greetings, Master!"

With the formalities settled, their auras intertwined, and both felt a slight rise. They smiled at each other, and just then, Qianqian brought some breakfast, and the three of them ate together.

Lu Shangjing was secretly surprised that the maid could sit with the master. Although she ate quietly and respectfully, she was not arrogant. Her natural demeanor suggested that this was not a temporary show but a habit formed from regular meals together. Even though this was a "private family banquet," it showed her status in the master's heart.

It also revealed another piece of information: "This new master is indeed approachable and not bound by trivialities."

"Perhaps my rare impulse to join this master was not without reason," he thought, feeling a bit melancholic.

After the meal, a pot of clear tea was served, and the conversation deepened. Ye Qing's eyes sparkled, and he had an idea.

"Mr. Lu, you have come at the right time. I have a problem and need your advice."

"Please, speak freely, Young Master."

Ye Qing did not hide anything and recounted the events from the Dragon Lord's banquet to the current situation, explaining the enmity with Yu Fan and the uncertainties of the results. Finally, he looked at Lu Shangjing. "What advice do you have for me?"

When Lu Shangjing heard the name "Yu Fan," he was momentarily dazed, as if the person was very familiar and close. But he quickly shook off the feeling. "What am I thinking? I just became Young Master Qing's advisor, and I'm already having other thoughts? Am I a petty person?"

He suppressed this thought and remained silent, deep in thought. After a moment, he dipped his finger in the tea and wrote four characters on the table: "Calm and composed."

He then explained, "There might be a hidden plot. As you know, the ability to see through such schemes is a skill of the imperial scholars, which I have not learned."

"However, I have studied the art of physiognomy, which is quite mysterious. I see that your aura is rising red, with no signs of suppression. At this point, how could you possibly be demoted? Even if you face a storm, you are about to reach the shore. This crisis will be like a passing cloud once the official list is announced. Once you officially become a scholar, you should remain calm and composed, accumulating strength for the August provincial examination."

Ye Qing felt a surge of joy and sighed. "On this journey, I have been used to breaking through various crises, but I didn't expect this one to resolve itself. If not for your reminder, I would have truly missed it..."

"You shouldn't say that!" Lu Shangjing smiled and smoothly changed the tone. "Rising from humble beginnings, I am not capable of such feats. Only your skills can lead to success. With you, I have a place to serve, so how can I claim any credit?"

"Ha ha..." Ye Qing knew this was flattery, but it felt very comfortable. He thought that this person, who had been the prime minister of the Yu family, was indeed well-deserved.

Although he was still the master, not the lord of this person.

"Of course, my master is the best!" Qianqian couldn't help but interject, her fair face slightly flushed with pride and admiration. Her sincere attitude had a special charm.

Ye Qing felt a warm, ticklish sensation and leaned closer. "Look at my Qianqian, she's learning the art of flattery. This is the highest level of flattery!"

But he scolded her lightly, "Qianqian, don't be impolite. You'll make Mr. Lu laugh at us."

Qianqian lowered her head obediently.

Ye Qing then smiled humbly. "Mr. Lu, you are too kind. The list hasn't been announced yet, so I dare not say I will definitely pass. Why don't we go to the examination hall together and wait for the results?"

"Agreed!" Lu Shangjing responded.

But as he agreed, he felt a sense of loss, as if he was gradually moving away from something very precious.

But when he thought about it carefully, he couldn't pinpoint the source of this feeling.

In the early morning, the dawn light passed through the rosy clouds and illuminated the earth, bringing vitality to the land. The candidates woke up, ignoring the cold, and headed to the government office.

Today was the day the results would be announced, and whether they would become scholars would be revealed.

Ye Qing and Lu Shangjing went to a teahouse near the government office, ordered some tea and snacks, and watched.

Many candidates gathered in front of a huge wall at the government office. The wall was large and pure yellow, where the results were posted for the candidates to see.

If they passed, they would be notified by the government officials.

"Brother Fang, what do you think of our chances this time? How likely are we to pass? Will we be eliminated directly and have to wait another three years?" A few students gathered at the entrance, discussing among themselves, clearly from the previous year's failed candidates.

"Poor us, how sad. We've studied for ten years, reading the classics, but we didn't pass last time. If we don't pass this time, when will this cycle end?"

"Ah, let's not talk about it. I still have some money left. Let's go have some tea. Life is too hard; why should we deprive ourselves?"

Hearing their discussion, both Ye Qing and Lu Shangjing fell silent. Ye Qing looked at the dazed Lu Shangjing and smiled inwardly.

This was just a small test. As long as Lu Shangjing continued to devise strategies against the Yu family, the karmic ties would diminish. This was a secret technique from Earth, and it was quite suitable for use here.

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