Chapter 10

Coming to offer an apology now must have been because of that "darling."

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

When the bailiffs launched their surprise attack, Chen Erlang and the other three had flown up to hide in the rafters. But Chen Dalang's leg was injured, and he could not support himself there, so he had no choice but to put on a vivid, suggestive performance with Rong Xi.

Rong Xi's vile reputation was well known, as was his fondness for men. Having a beauty in his bed was perfectly normal. But after this, his reputation for being frivolous would surely be even more despised.

If Minister Rong heard of it, he would surely boil with rage and punish him with the family rules.

They all knew the consequences.

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

Chen Erlang also nodded with a smile. "I will remember Young Master Rong's kindness."

"You need not be so formal. Since you are staying in the 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 the subject of idle gossip.

When the news reached Shengjing, Minister Rong was indeed furious beyond measure. He repeatedly called him an "unfilial son" and sat silently in his study all night.

Within the Rong residence, all was calm.

As dawn broke and rosy clouds filled the sky, Liu Zishi practiced stances in the courtyard. Sweat poured down like rain, yet he showed no sign of giving up.

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

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

The young man was ecstatic. His whole body was brimming with strength, and he had not known where to direct it. Now that he could train in martial arts, it suited him perfectly.

If he learned superior martial skills, he would be able to protect his young master.

A few 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 to offer Liu Zishi some guidance.

Chen Chuangu had already grown familiar with Rong Xi. Leaning closer, he teased, "For Zishi to receive Dalang's instruction is truly fortunate."

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

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

Minister Rong had regular features and an outstanding bearing. Rong Xi's birth mother had also been praised for her beauty, and both of them had been tall and slender. Why, then, was Rong Dalang so exceptionally fat?

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

"Dalang, my hands are itching. Would you let me examine your pulse?" His tone was teasing, but his expression was solemn.

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

He set the bamboo basket in the kitchen, then entered the main hall with Chen Chuangu. Sitting cross-legged, he stretched out his arm across the table.

Seeing how much Rong Xi trusted him, Chen Chuangu's feelings were complicated. He calmed himself and seriously took Rong Xi's pulse.

A moment later, his fingers left Rong Xi's wrist.

"Dalang, were you often ill as a child?" A furrow formed between the handsome young man's brows.

Drawing on the original owner's memories, Rong Xi pondered briefly before answering, "Brother Chen's skills are truly remarkable. I was often ill as a child. My mother pitied me and gave me many nourishing supplements, which is why I became as I am now."

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

He did not wish to interfere in another family's affairs, but Rong Xi had truly caught his eye, and he did not want him to suffer because of his health.

"Dalang, do you know the principle that a weak body cannot bear excessive nourishment?"

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

Chen Chuangu gave a heavy sigh. "You were frail as a child and should have been carefully nursed back to health, avoiding strong tonics. That would have been proper. Yet all those heavily nourishing foods entered your stomach. Not only did they do no good, they greatly burdened your body, leaving you weak and fat."

If this continued for too long, it would give rise to even more illnesses.

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

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Chen." Rong Xi did not wish to age prematurely again, so he asked, "I wonder if there is any remedy for my condition?"

Just as Chen Chuangu was about to answer, the strong servant hurried over.

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

Chen Chuangu was helpless. He could only rise and hurry to the guest room. Yet beneath the corridor, he saw the person entering the residence: tall and powerfully built, carrying a nearly semicircular object in his hand. It was most unusual.

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 to the main hall. Before Rong Xi could exchange pleasantries with him, he set the iron wok on the floor and said with great excitement, "Dalang, look."

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

"Brother Shouyuan, you truly possess an extraordinary skill!" He praised him lavishly as he held the wok and examined it closely.

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

It had countless uses!

"Uncle Liu, first wash it with boiling water. After drying it, place it over the stove on a low flame. Use chopsticks to hold a piece of pork and rub it over 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. Have you remembered?"

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

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

Rong Xi drank his tea and smiled brightly. "A new wok must be seasoned this way. If Brother Shouyuan does not mind, I will invite you and Brother Xuan Shi another day to taste a new dish."

That would have to wait until the Chen family left.

"Dalang is too modest. When it comes to cooking, Dalang has already reached the clouds. Xuan Shi and I are the ones in for a treat." Jiang Weiping said this with an honest smile.

The two chatted for a long while. Then Jiang Weiping suddenly turned serious and said, "As I passed through the streets today, I heard some rumors concerning Dalang."

Seeing the concern on his face and knowing he harbored no suspicion, Rong Xi felt touched. Rising to give him a bow, he said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Shouyuan. I am unharmed. Given time, the rumors will eventually fade."

"I do not know what wicked person sought to ruin your reputation. It is truly vile!" Jiang Weiping angrily flicked his sleeve.

"Haha." Rong Xi laughed heartily. "Brother Shouyuan, do not take it to heart. I am innocent, so I do not fear others' slander. Please wait here a moment. I will go fetch the money."