Chapter 10

They had come to apologize, likely because of that "sweetheart."

He suddenly chuckled. Seeing Rong Xi's surprise, he said, "We were the ones who placed you in danger. We should be the ones apologizing."

When the yamen runners launched their sudden attack, Chen Erlang and the other three had leaped onto the roof beams to hide. But Chen Dalang's leg was injured, and he could not support himself atop the beams, so he had no choice but to put on a vivid, sensual performance with Rong Xi.

Rong Xi's vile reputation was known far and wide, and his fondness for men was common knowledge. Having a beauty in his bed was perfectly normal. Yet after this, his reputation for being wanton would only be spat upon even more.

If Minister Rong heard of it, his blood would surely surge with rage, and he would bring out the family discipline.

They all understood such consequences.

Chen Chuangu's expression was solemn as he gave Rong Xi a deep bow. A scholar's reputation was like a woman's chastity. Rong Xi's sacrifice left them endlessly grateful.

Chen Erlang also nodded with a smile. "I shall remember Rong Langjun's kindness."

"You need not be so formal. Since you are lodging at Rong Residence, this is what I ought to do." Rong Xi shook his head with a smile.

He did not care what became of his reputation.

After that day, Rong Xi's name once again became fodder for idle gossip.

When the news reached Shengjing, Minister Rong was indeed furious beyond measure. He repeatedly called him a "rebellious son" and sat in silent meditation in his study for an entire night.

Within Rong Residence, all was calm.

As dawn broke and morning clouds spread across the sky, Liu Zishi practiced his stances in the courtyard. Sweat poured down like rain, but there was not the slightest sign of giving up on his face.

To show his gratitude, Chen Erlang sent a strong servant to teach Liu Zishi martial arts.

Liu Zishi was strong and sturdy. Compared to studying literature and learning characters, he was better suited to martial training. After testing him, the strong servant said he possessed a modest talent and could make something of himself through martial arts.

The young man was thrilled. His body was brimming with strength and he had not known where to put it; now that he could train in martial arts, it suited his wishes perfectly.

If he mastered superior martial skills, he would be able to protect Rong Langjun completely.

Several days later, Chen Dalang's leg injury had gradually improved. He could occasionally get out of bed and walk a few steps, so he came to the courtyard and gave Liu Zishi some pointers.

Chen Chuangu had already become familiar with Rong Xi. Leaning closer, he teased, "For Zishi to receive Eldest Brother's guidance is truly a fortunate thing."

"Chen Langjun is generous indeed. It is truly Zishi's good fortune." Rong Xi scooped bean sprouts from a bucket and placed them into a bamboo basket.

His pale, tender hands were fairer than the bean sprouts. Chen Chuangu shifted his gaze to Rong Xi's face and saw that his forehead was full, his brows sharp as blades. Though the rest of his features were distorted somewhat by excess flesh, his true appearance could still be seen.

Minister Rong had regular features and an extraordinary bearing. Rong Xi's birth mother had also been praised for her beauty, and both had been tall and slender. Why, then, was Eldest Brother so exceptionally fat and stout?

As a physician, Chen Chuangu was particularly perceptive about such matters.

"Eldest Brother, my hands are itching for a diagnosis. Would you be willing to lend me your pulse?" His tone was teasing, but his expression was stern.

Rong Xi seemed to sense something. Hearing this, he smiled. "Brother Chen is so kind; I would not dare refuse."

He placed the bamboo basket in the kitchen, then entered the main hall with Chen Chuangu. Sitting cross-legged, he extended an arm across the table.

Seeing how completely Rong Xi trusted him, Chen Chuangu's feelings were complicated. He settled his mind and seriously took Rong Xi's pulse.

A moment later, his fingers left the wrist.

"Eldest Brother, were you often ill as a child?" Furrows formed between the handsome young man's brows.

Rong Xi received the original owner's memories, pondered briefly, and replied, "Brother Chen's skills are divine. I was frequently ill in childhood. My mother pitied me and gave me many tonics, which is why I became as I am today."

Minister Rong's first wife had died when Rong Xi was one year old. Chen Chuangu knew that the mother Rong Xi spoke of should be his stepmother.

He had no wish to interfere in another family's household affairs. Yet Rong Xi truly suited his eye, and he did not want him to be burdened by his body.

"Eldest Brother, do you know the principle that a weak body cannot bear heavy nourishment?"

Rong Xi looked faintly surprised, his eyes flickering. "I would like to hear the details."

Chen Chuangu let out a heavy sigh. "You were weak as a child and should have been carefully nursed back to health, avoiding excessive tonics. Only then would it have been proper. Yet all those highly nourishing things went into your mouth. Not only did they do no good, they instead exhausted your body, leaving you weak within and fat without."

If this continued for long, it would breed even more ailments.

Chen Chuangu did not voice those words, but Rong Xi already understood.

"Thank you for the guidance, Brother Chen." Rong Xi did not wish to age prematurely again, so he asked, "Does my condition have a remedy?"

Chen Chuangu was about to answer when he saw the strong servant rush over.

"Physician Chen, a guest has arrived at the residence. Second Young Master asks you to move to the guest room."

Chen Chuangu had no choice but to rise and hurry toward the guest room. Yet beneath the corridor, he saw the man entering the residence: tall and robust, carrying a nearly semicircular object in one hand. It was most peculiar.

What was that?

Jiang Weiping had shut himself away to study for more than half a month before finally producing a thin iron wok.

He came excitedly. Upon reaching the main hall, before Rong Xi could exchange pleasantries with him, he set the iron wok on the floor and said with agitation, "Eldest Brother, please look."

Rong Xi's eyes lit up at once, and he was overjoyed.

"Brother Shouyuan, this is truly an extraordinary skill!" He praised him without reservation, holding the wok as he examined it closely.

Liu He brought tea and food. Seeing Rong Xi so pleased, he could not help laughing as well. "Langjun, may I ask what this pot is used for?"

It had countless uses!

"Uncle Liu, first wash it with boiling water. After wiping it dry, place it on the stove over a gentle flame. Use chopsticks to grip a piece of pork and rub it along the inner surface until it leaves residue. Then wash it clean again, coat it with soybean oil, and leave it for a full day and night. Can you remember that?"

Liu He did not understand its purpose, but he sincerely followed the instructions, carrying the wok away.

"What does Eldest Brother mean by this?" Jiang Weiping asked in confusion.

Rong Xi drank his tea and flashed a bright smile. "A new wok should be protected with this method. If Brother Shouyuan does not mind, I will invite you and Brother Xuan Shi another day to taste some new dishes."

That would have to wait until the Chen Clan left.

"Eldest Brother is too modest. When it comes to cooking, Eldest Brother has already reached the clouds. Xuan Shi and I will be the ones with blessed mouths." Jiang Weiping said with an honest smile.

The two chatted for a long while. Then Jiang Weiping's expression suddenly turned serious. "Today, while passing through the streets, I heard some rumors concerning Eldest Brother."

Seeing his worried expression and knowing he harbored no suspicion, Rong Xi was touched. He rose and bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Brother Shouyuan. I am unharmed. Given time, the rumors will eventually fade."

"I do not know what wicked person ruined your reputation. It is truly venomous!" Jiang Weiping angrily flung his sleeve.

"Haha." Rong Xi laughed heartily. "Brother Shouyuan, do not dwell on it. I am innocent, so I do not fear others' wild talk. Please wait a moment; I will fetch the money."