Chapter 2: The Bu Father and Son

Upon hearing this, both Jiang and Zhao felt somewhat embarrassed, as they had ultimately damaged someone else's property. Jiang Yu pretended to be nonchalant as he brushed his sleeves and said, "Later, I will send the compensation to your residence, please accept it, Brother Lin"

By going around Lake Daqi, we can reach the young master's residence," Xiao Yang continuously reassured. He was well aware of the hardships Miss Lin had endured along the way.

Although the decor of the Qinduxiaozhu is not impressive, its location is indeed excellent. Lin Wenqing walked into the guest room next to the master bedroom, and upon opening the window, he could see sailboats racing across the Daqi Lake. In the distance, he could still hear someone shouting something from the shore.

"Young Master, ahead is Lake Daqi," said a young servant in a gray cloth robe, looking at the azure-green water ahead with delight

"Alright! Don't just stand there. If you continue like this, what kind of decorum is that?" Bu Zixia could no longer tolerate his son provoking his limits and exclaimed.

Lin Wenqing raised his eyebrows at Jiang Yu and Zhao Fuyang, demanding an explanation

Lin Wenqing nodded slightly, thinking to himself: Could it be that he did not expose my disguise because he wanted to go against his father?

Are they familiar with Xiao Jing?" Lin Wenqing asked softly, looking at the two teams that had split into two, glaring at each other like drenched chickens.

Since the matter has been resolved, let us not disturb Wenjing while he recuperates. We should all return now. His Majesty the Qi King is still waiting for our report. It is rare for him to personally oversee the boat race, yet you have caused such a significant embarrassment. We do not know what kind of repercussions there will be in the palace. " Bu Zixia said with a furrowed brow. Jiang Yu, upon hearing this, also darkened his expression and turned his head away.

Although Lin Wenqing did not understand why Bu Huichuan did not expose her, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was truly afraid that she would leave a bad impression on the Bu family official during their first meeting. That would be greatly detrimental to her future life at the academy

The King of Qi accomplished this significant task. Unfortunately, it is unknown how people a thousand years later will evaluate its benefits and drawbacks for the State of Qi

The doorkeeper, Lin Shiba, was originally yawning when he saw the "young master" and Xiao Yang returning after nearly two months. He immediately straightened his posture and shouted loudly: "Young Master!"

On the left side of Daqihu Lake is Shugong Mountain, which gives the lake a scenic spot known as "Lake Light and Mountain Color," one of the Eight Scenic Views of Yucheng. The Lin family patriarch used his wealth to pave the way and purchased the best location to view "Lake Light and Mountain Color" for his son, constructing the Qindu Xiaozhu for his son's temporary residence. The entire building is in the opulent style of Mr. Lin, showcasing as much wealth and ostentation as possible. Gazing at the resplendent Qindu Xiaozhu before him, Lin Wenqing couldn't help but be taken aback.

Hmm. Lin Wenqing, lying on the white horse, nodded and said: "Xiao Yang, I would like to take a shower first, then sleep, and then..."

Lin Wenqing also looked at him with apprehension, fearing that he would reveal the truth that she was merely pretending to be ill

This refers to the master and servant, Lin Wenqing and Xiao Yang. The two of them, having traveled through dust and fatigue for over twenty days, finally arrived at the shores of the Great Qi Lake outside the capital city of the State of Qi, Yu City. The Grand Internal Court is built by the Great Qi Lake, where a few white-walled, red-tiled houses are subtly dotted among the green mountains and clear waters, creating a somewhat otherworldly atmosphere.

After a moment of stiff motion, Lin Wenqing resumed the action of waving the fan, secretly letting out a sigh, knowing that her plan for a break had been ruined

The young servant naturally took his leave, and the drenched individuals felt uneasy. Upon seeing this unfamiliar young man extend a helping hand, they hurriedly followed suit. However, Jiang Yulin took a moment to glance at Lin Wenqing before departing, his eyes reflecting a sense of inquiry. Lin Wenqing responded with a poised smile and said, "Brother Jiang, is there anything else?"

Sigh, Father, you truly are something else. Lin Wenqing silently sighed in her heart and walked slowly inside.

"Cough, Brother Lin need not be overly courteous." Jiang Yu, upon seeing the host emerge, restrained his impulse to continue the "bullfight" with Zhao Fu and turned to return the greeting to Lin Wenqing

Jiang Yu saw that he had already apologized first, so he could only kneel down and bow his head, saying: "The student also has faults. I implore the esteemed teacher to forgive me"

At last, with a thunderous sound!

Lin Wenqing nodded calmly and turned to the young servant, saying: "You take these few elder brothers to tidy up, and then go to the main hall. I will open the middle door to welcome the esteemed masters."

... ...

Is Lin Xianmei available to chat with me for a moment now

Bu Zixia looked at the two and said: "One of you is a prince of the Great Qi, and the other is a member of the royal family of the Great Zhou. In the future, you will both bear the heavy responsibility of pacifying your respective regions. Your fathers have entrusted you to this institution in the hope that you will become wise and virtuous individuals. Yet now, over a mere boat race, you act impulsively and recklessly, unable to control yourselves. How will you bring peace to the world in the future?"

Bu Zixia sat in the resplendent hall, his already stern face further contorted into a frown resembling a twisted doughnut.

Zhao Fu coughed once, cleared his throat, and said: "Today is the annual dragon boat race of the Guangnei Prefecture. The masters must have come to see the situation after I clashed with Brother Jiang at Brother Lin's residence, intending to clean up the aftermath."

The Guangneifu faces the vast Qihu Lake and is backed by Shugong Mountain. In front of the gate of the residence stands a stele, inscribed with the words "Guangneifu" written by the current King of Qi, Jiang Hong, in a vigorous and powerful style. Lin Wenqing, with his hands clasped behind his back, carefully examined the calligraphy of the King of Qi and quietly remarked: "This King of Qi, His Majesty, perhaps the best thing he has done is to revive the Guangneifu. Just for this deed, a thousand years from now, there will surely be people who remember him."

The world has become tranquil

Others, caught in the corner of Bu Zixia's eye, did not dare to openly gawk, but could only stretch their necks long, eagerly watching the fat man fiddle with the porcelain vase. They saw his chubby fingers leave one greasy fingerprint after another on the jade-like porcelain, each one silently cursing, what a waste!

Although Lin Wenqing had learned archery and horseback riding from a young age under the tutelage of a family instructor, and was praised for her talent surpassing that of Lin Wenjing, she was ultimately a young lady raised in seclusion. Even though she had studied, how could she possibly have the opportunity to gallop on horseback every day? Therefore, these days of continuous travel have truly been arduous for her. Not only have her thighs been chafed and blistered, but her internal organs have also begun to rebel due to the constant jolting. She often finds it difficult to swallow food, and at times can only drink a little water to get by, causing her to lose weight significantly. Thus, these days of continuous travel have indeed been a great hardship for her, with her thighs chafed and blistered, and her internal organs rebelling from the bumpy journey. She frequently struggles to eat, sometimes surviving on just a bit of water, leading to her severe emaciation.

After handing over the compensation fees to Wen Jing, everyone went up the mountain to reflect. Seeing that everyone had a good attitude towards admitting their mistakes, Bu Zixia stroked his beard and announced the punishment

However, beside him stood a stout man who completely disregarded the old man's seriousness, admiring a nearby vase and exclaiming in praise, "No wonder the Lin family is the richest in the world. Just look at this vase, it's authentic jade porcelain"

After resolving matters here, Bu Zixia turned to Lin Wenqing, kindly patting him on the shoulder, and said: "Wen Jing, since your health is no longer a concern, please return to the academy in a few days."

Xiao Yang, seeing the study that belonged exclusively to the young master in sight, quickly nodded and reassured, "Young master, rest assured, I will prepare it for you right away"

The atmosphere in the State of Qi encourages horseback riding and archery, and its young men are all outstanding figures who excel in both literature and martial arts within the academy. The young master is not fond of sports and is introverted; in fact, he has hardly stepped out of the courtyard in the past six months

Bu Hui looked at Lin Wenqing's makeup with a smile that was not quite a smile, loudly interrupting her words, and said: "Lin Xian, you need not be so polite. I have been taught by the Medical Sage since my youth and consider my medical skills to be somewhat superior to those of your family's renowned physician. Allow me to take a look at you." He grasped Lin Wenqing's hand and began to take her pulse. After a short while, he exclaimed.

You! Just as Bu Zixia was about to erupt, a voice suddenly interjected, saying: "Wen Jing has arrived late, and I ask for the forgiveness of all esteemed masters."

The teachings of the Master are indeed profound

What happened? Bu Zixia, not understanding medicine, hurriedly asked upon seeing her son's strong reaction. She was also worried that if Lin Wenjing were to come to harm, it would be difficult for her to explain to her old friend

Yes

Lin Wenqing feigned surprise as he glanced at the broken dragon boats, saying: "Wen Jing has been recuperating for quite some time, yet I am unaware of why several elder brothers have suddenly intruded into my residence. This Listening to the Rain Pavilion and the Surprised Swan Bridge..."

"I have met several senior brothers!" Lin Wenqing stepped forward and saluted. The Imperial Academy recruits a group of students every three years, and all currently enrolled students entered in the same year, addressing each other as senior brothers.

"Ah." The scholar in a white shirt replied weakly, "I didn't expect that walking such a long distance would be so exhausting. If I had known, I wouldn't have agreed to that guy Xiao Jing. I feel terrible."

Lin Wenqing propped her chin on her hand and, after observing for a while, realized that there seemed to be a dragon boat race taking place on the lake. The two leading boats were flying a ginger flag and a Zhao flag, respectively, engaging in a fierce competition, neither willing to yield to the other. To her dismay, Lin Wenqing discovered that both dragon boats were heading straight towards her humble study, allowing her to eventually see the faces and expressions of the people on board clearly

At this moment, a young servant burst in and said: "Young Master, a group of people has arrived outside, claiming to be your master and classmates, and they are clamoring to come in. I have instructed the others to stop them."

"Are you referring to Doctor Bu? He is the only son of Minister Bu and also a direct disciple of the esteemed physician, Lord Zheng Yun," Xiao Yang explained. "His temperament is quite good, and everyone in the academy, regardless of age or gender, likes him. I heard he has friends all over Yu City."

"Wen Jing, please wake up." Bu Zixia, seeing him in this state, furrowed his brows and recalled how his friend had brought him here years ago, when this young man was lively and full of energy. He couldn't help but feel guilty towards his friend. He then turned to Bu Hui and said, "Hui'er, come and check Wen Jing's pulse to see if there is any way to remedy his condition."

Upon turning his head, Bu noticed a pale-faced youth with dark circles under his eyes, who, supported by a servant, bowed and prostrated himself before Bu Zixia.

"The person at the forefront on the left is named Jiang Yu, the second prince of the State of Qi. The one at the forefront on the right is Zhao Fu, a member of the royal family of the State of Zhou," Xiao Yang whispered in Lin Wenqing's ear.

Lin Wenqing looked up at the azure lake, as if feeling the inviting warmth of a comfortable bed and hot water calling to her. Thus, she gained a bit more motivation, urging her horse forward with both hands and feet.

... ...

After Lin Wenqing sent everyone out the door, he hurriedly pulled Xiao Yang over and asked, "Who is that Bu Hui?"

Lin Wenqing did not expect anyone to overhear her private remarks, and she was taken aback. When she turned her head to look, she found Zhu Huizheng smiling at her, and the deep voice she had just heard seemed hardly to have come from him.

"Wait a moment." He grabbed her shoulder, pulling her back, and said with a smile, "Lin Xian-di, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Or should I call you Lin Xian-mei?"

A few days later, Lin Wenqing felt that the time was about right, so she tidied herself up and cheerfully headed towards the Grand Inner Court. If it had not been for Lin Wenjing's earlier lie about being gravely ill, she would have rushed to the academy long ago and would not have wasted these days.

Lin Wenqing did not expect that there were practitioners of medicine here. She quietly rolled up her sleeves and hurriedly said: "There is no need to trouble this elder brother; we have already engaged a renowned physician at home who is currently providing treatment. It is said that after a while, I will be able to return to my studies. Let us instead discuss why the master has come..."

Zhao Fu merely cast a faint glance at Lin Wenqing, frowned, and called out: "Brother Lin!"

Lin Wenqing propped his chin on his hand and murmured, "Could this be what is referred to as taking down everyone from the age of eighty to the age of eight"

Lin Wenqing stared in astonishment as the fence between her pond and Daqi Lake was shattered by an unstoppable dragon boat. Then, the Jiang-style dragon boat crashed into the pavilion built by the lakeside, while the Zhao-style dragon boat broke through the nearby flowing small bridge. A dozen people on the boat, as the vessel began to sink, leaped towards the lotus flowers that were abundantly planted on her lake in an ungraceful frog-like manner. In an instant, water splashed everywhere, creating quite a commotion.

When this person smiles, his originally bright and spirited eyes narrow into a slit, resembling the popular A-Fu doll from Tang Guo. This highly deceptive appearance always manages to perfectly conceal his cunning nature. During her second encounter with this individual, Lin Wenqing deeply understood the meaning of not judging a book by its cover, and in the years that followed, she was never again deceived by his outward appearance

... ... It's nothing. " Bu Hui then took a closer look at Lin Wenqing and said to the librarian, "I just wanted to get to know the renowned physician in Lin's family. From the pulse I observed, it is evident that Lin has indeed suffered from a serious illness, and to recover so quickly is truly remarkable.

Oh! A pale scholar weakly leaned against the horse's back and replied

Lin Wenqing glanced at him lazily, weakly waved her hand, and said, "Step back." She instructed Xiao Yang to hand the horse over to Lin Shiba, and then led herself to the guest room

With a chuckle, he touched his remarkably elastic double chin and said, "I just want to lighten the mood, Father. Today is the boat racing day, so you shouldn't be so serious. It's one thing to scare people, but it wouldn't be good to frighten all this gold, silver, and antiques in the room."

Lin Wenqing did not expect that Jiang Yu was such a mischievous person. With a smile, he exchanged a knowing glance with Jiang Yu and turned around confidently to Xiao Yang, saying: "Xiao Yang, I will go back to freshen up a bit to welcome the masters."

"All down? Not at all. At least he would never bring down his father, even if he were to die for it," Xiao Yang quickly shook his head and said. "The Minister of the Bu family has always been strict; I don't know why he raised such a son who is prone to laughter and anger. The two often clash, and sometimes Doctor Bu also enjoys opposing the Minister of the Bu family."

As several people were busy with their antics, the more than ten individuals who had gone to change their clothes had already arrived in the hall. Zhao Fu, upon seeing Lin Wenqing's attire, was momentarily taken aback, then snorted and turned his head to bow to Bu Zixia, saying: "Bu Fu Cheng, the students have been overly spirited and have damaged items in Lin's home, which is truly inappropriate. Please impose a punishment."

Lin Wenqing quickly turned his head, looking at Bu Hui with a face full of horror, unable to utter a single word.

The young servant, seeing his master in distress, spoke to comfort him, "Young Master, you will be able to rest soon. Please bear with it for a while."

"Nothing, nothing. I just feel that Brother Lin's complexion is exceptionally good, quite unlike your claim that he cannot leave the bed for three steps and is unhappy without medicine. In a moment, Minister Bu will see..." Jiang Yuchong winked at her and said, "I fear that may not be appropriate."

"Yes, Master." Lin Wenqing replied respectfully

Lin Wenqing snapped her folding fan shut with a whoosh, already having a rough idea of how her brother had been living for the past six months. Fortunately, due to his habit of staying within the confines of their home, she was no longer afraid of being exposed.

"Doctor Bu." Lin Wenqing cupped her hands in salute. To this person who pretended to be ill without revealing the truth, she felt no sense of familiarity; instead, she was always haunted by an ominous premonition, wanting nothing more than to rid herself of him as soon as possible. "The early bell has rung. I must go to my morning class now. Goodbye."