Page 29

"Haha, don't be angry. I was only joking." Seeing this, the man said no more.

The people of Linxi Town were not fools. Ever since Young Master Rong had been rescued from the water, Rong Residence seemed to have been living well.

The Liu Clan grandparents and grandson had changed into new clothes and often went to the market to buy grain. In the past, where would they have found such money to spend?

But once they considered Rong Xi's identity, everyone understood.

Although Minister Rong had sent Rong Dalang back to their ancestral home in a fit of anger, Rong Dalang was, after all, his legitimate eldest son. How could he truly bear to let him live in poverty?

Rong Residence.

After dinner, Liu Zishi took a walk to aid digestion, then practiced punches and kicks in the courtyard. Seeing how earnest and hardworking he was, Rong Xi felt gratified and asked, "What plans do you have for the future, Zishi?"

Without a moment's thought, Liu Zishi replied, "Naturally, I will serve by your side, Young Master."

"And besides that?" Rong Xi did not intend to bind the youth to his side. If he had ambitions, Rong Xi would certainly support him.

Liu Zishi considered it for a moment, then suddenly flushed and said softly, "This servant wants to become a great hero like Prince Qin."

Prince Qin.

Rong Xi had heard a little about him.

It was said that he was Great Wei's god of war. Among Great Wei's neighboring states, he was known as "Yama." First, because he was brave and formidable, having slain countless enemies on the battlefield; second, because he liked to cover his face with a savage mask, making him resemble Yama.

Thus, very few people knew what he truly looked like.

Yet regardless of whether he was handsome or ugly, in the hearts of Great Wei's people, he was their undisputed guardian deity.

While chatting with Hu Yulin and the others, Rong Xi had heard stories of Prince Qin's exploits, all of which painted him as though he were a god descending to earth.

Rong Xi smiled and stroked the youth's topknot. "It is not easy to become a hero."

Especially in an age of imperial power, Prince Qin, whom the common people revered as a god, must surely have been walking on thin ice.

Not understanding his meaning, Liu Zishi gave a simple, foolish grin. "This servant was only thinking about it."

"Mm. Going into battle, killing enemies, and defending one's country are also the deeds of a hero," Rong Xi encouraged him.

But Liu Zishi shook his head. "If this servant goes to war, no one will be left to serve you, Young Master. This servant should remain by your side."

His words were sincere and his gaze clear. Hearing them, Rong Xi felt warmth surge through his heart.

He had come alone to this foreign world. No matter how composed and calm he appeared, he could not conceal the loneliness in his heart. Yet everyone he had met was kind and warmhearted, gradually giving him a sense of belonging.

"Rest early." Rong Xi smiled faintly as he instructed him, then turned and returned to his room.

Several days later, all the work in the fields had been completed, and the farmers once again had nothing to do.

When they heard that Young Master Rong was hiring people to build a stone mill, they became restless with anticipation. Liu He selected several experienced men, and within a few days, the stone mill was newly completed in the courtyard.

Rong Xi had already purchased a large quantity of soybeans and stored them in the storeroom.

Just as he was about to start grinding the beans, someone knocked at the residence gate.

Liu Zishi hurried over to open it. Seeing a stern-faced old man with a flowing, beautiful beard outside, he asked in surprise, "Master Gao? Why have you come here?"

The old man's surname was Gao and his given name was Bai. He was a teacher at the town school. Liu Zishi had once listened outside the school and recognized him.

Gao Bai snorted lightly, putting on quite an air. "Where is Rong Xi?"

Intimidated by his bearing, and naturally respectful of teachers, Liu Zishi was momentarily speechless. Only after several breaths did he come back to his senses.

"What business does Teacher Gao have with Young Master?" Though he respected him, he still understood his duty.

Gao Bai shot him a sidelong glance, clearly somewhat displeased. But he had accepted someone else's request and had to carry it out. Unable to refuse, he could only come in person.

He only hoped that the Rong Clan youth was not as unruly as the rumors claimed.

"Give this letter to Rong Xi. He will understand once he reads it." He took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Zishi.

Liu Zishi accepted the letter, returned to the courtyard, and gave it to Rong Xi.

Rong Xi unfolded it and read it. Then he shook his head helplessly, rose, and went to the residence gate. Bowing deeply, he said with neither servility nor arrogance, "This junior greets Master Gao. I was neglectful just now; I hope Master Gao will forgive me."

After speaking, he welcomed Gao Bai into the residence.

Seeing that his manners were impeccable, Gao Bai felt slightly relieved. After taking a seat in the main hall, he stroked his beard and said, "You have clearly read your father's handwritten letter. What are your plans?"

Rong Xi personally poured him tea and said with a smile, "Master Gao is learned and highly respected. Having you teach an unruly person such as myself is truly a waste of your talents. However, my father has instructed me to do so, and this junior does not dare disobey. It is only that this junior is dull-witted by nature and fears becoming a burden to Master Gao."

"It is no matter." Gao Bai looked entirely undaunted. "So long as you are willing to learn, this old man will teach you with all his heart."

He thought Rong Xi did not look like a foolish person, so his earlier words must have been modesty.

"Tomorrow, Xi will go into town and seek Master Gao's instruction in his studies," Rong Xi replied with a smile.

Gao Bai was stunned.

He had assumed that he would need to come every day to teach, much like a private tutor in the homes of officials and nobles. He had not expected Rong Xi to make such a decision.

Seen in this light, he was rather a fine child who respected his teacher and valued learning.

Gao Bai stroked his beard and left in satisfaction.

Once the residence gate closed, Liu Zishi asked, "Young Master, are you truly going?"

"It is fine. In just a few days, Master Gao will surely be disappointed and give up."

No matter how patient someone was, they could not endure an apprentice utterly devoid of talent.

The next day, Rong Xi went to Gao Bai's home as promised to seek instruction.

Gao Bai questioned him carefully. "How far did your early education go?"

"I studied for a few years," Rong Xi answered honestly.

Gao Bai wished to test his ability, only to discover that Rong Xi truly had no knowledge at all. He was ignorant of even the most elementary principles, things that children with tied-up hair could recite by heart.

His aptitude was truly unbearably poor!

Gao Bai felt immense regret, yet he was unwilling to give up. The sages said that one should teach according to a student's aptitude; he should not judge people solely by their natural talent.

Yet ideals and reality were ultimately worlds apart.

For several consecutive days, Rong Xi could not even understand the first sentence of his beginner's text. No matter how Gao Bai explained it a hundred times each day, Rong Xi would forget it all by the next day.

At times, Gao Bai was furious beyond endurance, but whenever he met Rong Xi's aggrieved, sorrowful gaze, he forced himself to calm down again.

If he continued teaching him, he would surely lose years off his life!

Seeing his expression, Rong Xi knew he had reached his limit. Today, he would surely decline this matter and give Rong Xi his freedom.

Unexpectedly, after the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Gao Bai's expression suddenly became resolute, and he spoke solemnly.

"Though you lack natural talent, your temperament is refined and quiet. It would be truly regrettable if you had no learning to support you. Though this old man is incapable, I cannot simply abandon you."