Chapter 114: Sir, Your Nobility of Spirit

As they emerged from Daonan Hall, Li Qiyu looked at the dejected Zhu Zihe and offered some comfort: "You should be content. The Magistrate skipped me entirely..."

Zhu Zihe studied Li Qiyu for a long moment before recognizing him as the follower of 'Qiji', and he gave a bitter laugh. "I would have preferred it if he had skipped me too."

"Sigh..." The two let out a synchronized, heavy sigh, suddenly feeling a sense of shared misfortune.

Su Lu, however, was filled with suspicion and unease. He did not know what had transpired in Daonan Hall earlier, so he could not fathom why Magistrate Lu had looked at him as if he were prey to be devoured.

Could it be that the Magistrate had a penchant for handsome young men? Su Lu had heard gossip from his fellow students about the perverse habits of high-ranking officials, and he knew that Magistrate Lu already had a somewhat unsavory reputation...

That didn't seem right, though. Zhu Zihe was even more delicate than he was. Could it be that Zhu was untouchable due to his background? Alas, if that were the case, he was in trouble—could his uncle, the Flag Lieutenant, even protect his own nephew?

Although he was likely worrying over nothing, in such matters, one slip could lead to eternal regret. Better safe than sorry. He decided he should leave the academy immediately. If necessary, he would take two days off just to ensure he was out of harm's way.

As fate would have it, his fears materialized. Headmaster Qian hurried after him, pulling him aside. "Come with me. The Magistrate wants to see you alone!"

"Huh?" Even though Su Lu was mature for his age, he was startled.

"What 'huh'? This is a great opportunity!" Headmaster Qian held his hand, beaming. "If you cling to the Magistrate’s coattails, your future will be smooth sailing!"

Su Lu broke into a cold sweat, struggling to pull his hand away. "I’m not going. I’m still young; I haven’t reached that point yet."

"What, you don't like using connections?" Headmaster Qian asked.

"Obviously!" Su Lu replied, somewhat annoyed. "I am a man of integrity; I will never destroy my purity for the sake of a career!"

"Sigh... you are still too young and naive. You don't realize that what you are spurning now might be the only opportunity of your life." Headmaster Qian spoke earnestly. "When I was young, I also looked down on using connections. Only later did I realize, what is wrong with it? If you don't take that path, you can't even get through the door, you understand?"

"Set aside your useless pride. Flattering someone who can determine your fate is not shameful." He patted Su Lu on the shoulder. "Go. Magistrate Lu is practically dying of love for you! Do not let him down..."

"Is this just a matter of setting aside pride?" Su Lu remained unmoved. "Even if I, Su Lu, were to starve to death, die in poverty, or jump off Wumeng Mountain, I would never do such a thing!"

With that, he turned and walked away.

A flash of admiration crossed Qian Huairen's eyes, as if he saw his own stubborn younger self, but he sighed aloud, "Sigh, you will live to regret this."

Su Lu didn't look back; he raised his hand and gave him the middle finger—unfortunately, the headmaster didn't understand the gesture.

"Su Lu, what are you doing?!" Just then, Mr. Zhang Yanchiu, noticing he hadn't gone in, came out to find him and saw him walking away.

"Sir." Hearing the voice of the teacher he respected most, Su Lu stopped obediently.

"Ay, this child thinks he's being asked to use back-door connections, and he refuses to go in," Qian Huairen sighed.

"That is only natural!" Mr. Zhang said, his face full of pride. "The students I teach all have a bit of backbone!"

He then turned to Su Lu: "Don't worry, it's not about using connections. I submitted your 'phonetic symbols' to Magistrate Lu. He is very interested and wants you to go inside to explain the details."

Only then did Su Lu realize he had completely misunderstood. His face turned beet red, and he bowed deeply to Mr. Qian. "This student misunderstood the Headmaster’s kindness. Please punish me!"

Fortunately, Mr. Qian didn't understand the gesture he had made earlier and smiled kindly. "It's alright. Go on in. In the future, try to be a bit more flexible. Remember, it is better to be without books than to believe everything in them."

"Yes, I will keep your teachings in mind." Su Lu bowed again and hurried after Zhang Yanchiu to the guest quarters outside Daonan Hall.

He noticed Mr. Zhang stopped at the corridor.

"Sir, are you not coming in?" Su Lu asked.

"I have said everything I needed to say." Mr. Zhang shook his head, his face turning stern. "Talking to officials is a torture for me. Do you wish to continue torturing me?"

"I wouldn't dare," Su Lu quickly replied.

"Go in. Remember: a gentleman seeks harmony but not conformity, and he gathers with others without forming factions." Mr. Zhang waved his hand, signaling him to hurry.

Watching Su Lu enter the room after being announced, he stood there for a while longer, worried. Only when he heard laughter from inside did he turn and leave.

~~

By this time, Chiliarch Ma and Centurion Li had also left Daonan Hall.

To be honest, Chiliarch Ma was quite frustrated. He was the local leader for a hundred miles around, and his jurisdiction was separate from the county's. Yet, he had treated Lu Zhaoye with the protocol reserved for a Commander, meeting him twenty miles out and cleaning the streets for his arrival. He had given him more than enough face!

But Magistrate Lu? He hadn't returned the courtesy at all! He didn't show up for the luncheon, and for the banquet, he sent his aide, Mr. You, instead. No matter how much the Chiliarch tried, he couldn't get the Magistrate to grace them with his presence, so he had left feeling quite sullen.

"He gave us plenty of face yesterday," Centurion Li, standing nearby, said, equally puzzled. "He came as soon as we invited him to the banquet, and he only politely declined the entertainment programs..."

"It seems his back injury is genuine," the Chiliarch shot him a look. "Why did you have to be so intense?"

"It wasn't that intense," the Centurion whispered. "Just some zither music and singing. It was very civilized..."

He felt more guilty as he spoke. The Magistrate's attitude toward him today was like night and day. And just now, when summoning the students, the Magistrate had spoken to everyone except his follower, Qiyu...

Was it intentional or accidental? Did he even need to ask?

The Centurion muttered to himself, wondering if the Magistrate's back injury really had something to do with him. But he dared not let the Chiliarch know; otherwise, the petty man would hold a grudge against him for a year.

Just then, seeing Flag Lieutenant Su waiting outside the Qingshin Gate, he quickly changed the subject. "Oh, Brother Su, I've long heard your nephew was impressive, but I didn't realize he was this impressive!"

Chiliarch Ma was indeed distracted, laughing heartily at Su Youjin. "Youjin, I truly had eyes but failed to recognize a precious jade. I neglected your nephew last time!"

"Huh?" Su Youjin was stunned. "What did Qiu-er do?"

The two men recounted what they had seen and heard in Daonan Hall, describing it vividly.

Though they had been sitting there as companions, no one had paid them any mind. The scholars looked down on military men and didn't even welcome them into the academy.

Yet, a son of their own military household had stolen the spotlight, treated by the Magistrate as a precious treasure. Naturally, the two officers felt a sense of pride and were happy to embellish the story, enjoying the thrill of the conversation.

Su Youjin listened, dumbfounded, his heart blooming with joy, though he feigned modesty. "That child, he doesn't know when to be humble. How could he steal the spotlight from his peers? When I get back, I’ll have to have a talk with him..."

"He deserves nothing but praise!" the Centurion laughed. "I think your family is really going to produce a scholar!"

Before leaving, the Chiliarch added with a smile, "Youjin, bring Su Lu to my house for a meal later."

"Yes, of course," Su Youjin nodded repeatedly. He didn't leave, however, because his task today was to wait here, keeping in touch with the Chiliarch and handling any errands Magistrate Lu might have...

He didn't feel slighted at all. Being able to stand here was proof that he was a favorite of the Chiliarch!

~~

Su Lu followed the attendant into the room and saw Magistrate Lu wearing a Taoist robe, lying prone on a daybed, with Headmaster Zhu sitting nearby.

Only then did his worries vanish completely. He bowed deeply. "This student pays his respects to the Magistrate."

"Su Lu!" Magistrate Lu gestured with a beaming smile. "Come, come, sit."

"This student wouldn't dare," Su Lu said quickly.

"If the Magistrate tells you to sit, then sit. Don't be so formal," Zhu Liu said with a smile. "You must have felt the Magistrate's appreciation for you just now, right?"

"Yes, this student is deeply honored and trembling with fear. By what merit do I deserve the Magistrate’s favor?" Su Lu replied, looking flattered.

"Hahaha, no need for false modesty, young man. It is not just me who thinks highly of you," the Magistrate laughed. "Sit down. Looking up at you is quite uncomfortable."

"Yes." Su Lu gingerly sat on the official's hat chair opposite the Headmaster.

Magistrate Lu explained, "The reason I am receiving you while lying down is that my back flared up on the way here. I have no choice."

"This only goes to show how much you thirst for talent, Magistrate," Zhu Liu added, flattering him even more skillfully than Qian Huairen.

"Haha, ouch..." The Magistrate was about to laugh heartily but immediately put on a pained expression. It seemed his 'back injury' was indeed serious.

In truth, he had been better by the afternoon, but after getting carried away and pacing back and forth, he had ended up in this state.

"After hearing so much about your achievements from Brother Dejia and Mr. Zhang, I am deeply moved," the Magistrate said after his attendant served tea.

"Especially the set of... phonetic symbols that Mr. Zhang presented to me. It is truly extraordinary! I had to invite you here to inquire about the details."

"You are too kind, Magistrate. Please, ask whatever you wish, and I will answer everything I know," Su Lu replied.

"Did you come up with this plan entirely by yourself?" the Magistrate asked curiously. "I don't doubt your ability, but these phonetic symbols are so ingeniously simple—it's a masterpiece!"

"No," Su Lu shook his head and answered honestly. "I only provided the initial idea; the majority of the subsequent work was completed by Mr. Zhang."

"Oh?" The Magistrate was surprised. "Then why did Mr. Zhang not mention that it involved him? He insisted it was entirely your achievement."

"Yes, when he spoke to me yesterday, he said the same," Zhu Liu nodded.

"That is just how my teacher is. He spent several sleepless nights helping me finish this phonetic scheme, but he refused to let his name be signed alongside mine," Su Lu said with deep gratitude. "But this scheme was truly a joint effort!"

"Excellent, excellent! Truly, like teacher, like student! The teacher has high moral character and does not compete with his pupil for fame. The pupil is sincere and honest, never forgetting his teacher's kindness."

He didn't forget to praise Zhu Liu: "A good academy run by a good headmaster, with good teachers and students."

"Educated by the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, learning the way of the gentleman—this is only as it should be," Headmaster Zhu said with a faint smile, as if the cold-blooded man who had shouted 'we are not here to educate' half a year ago was someone else entirely.

"Excellent, excellent. You are worthy of being the 'descendant of Liao Weng.' You value molding character even more than nurturing talent." After heaping more praise, the Magistrate asked Su Lu:

"Young friend, what is your family situation like? What does your father do? I heard your family background is not very well-off?"