Page 29

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

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

The Liu Clan grandfather 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 when they considered Rong Xi's identity, everyone understood.

Although Minister Rong had sent Rong Dalang back to his ancestral home in a fit of anger, Rong Dalang was still 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 earnestly he worked, Rong Xi felt gratified and asked, "What plans do you have for the future, Zishi?"

Without a moment's thought, Liu Zishi answered, "Naturally, to serve at your side, Young Master."

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

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

Prince Qin.

Rong Xi had heard a little about him.

Rumor had it that he was the God of War of Great Wei. Among Great Wei's neighboring states, he was known as "Yama." First, because he was valiant and peerless in battle, having slain countless men on the battlefield; second, because he liked to cover his face with a ferocious mask, making him resemble Yama himself.

Thus, very few knew what he truly looked like.

Yet whether he was ugly or handsome, in the hearts of Great Wei's people, he was without question their guardian deity.

When Rong Xi had chatted with Hu Yulin and the others, he had heard of Prince Qin's deeds. Every account painted him as though a god had descended to earth.

Smiling, Rong Xi 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 walked as though treading on thin ice.

Not understanding what he meant, Liu Zishi gave a guileless smile. "This servant was only thinking about it."

"Yes. Going into battle, killing enemies, and defending one's home and country also makes one a hero," Rong Xi encouraged.

But Liu Zishi shook his head. "If this servant went to war, there would be no one to attend 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 like a current.

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

"Rest early." Rong Xi gave a faint smile as he instructed him, then turned and returned to his room.

Several days later, all matters concerning the fields had been settled, and the farmers had nothing left to do.

When they heard that Young Master Rong was hiring people to build a stone mill, they could not help but stir with eagerness. Liu He selected several experienced men, and within only a few days, a stone mill emerged fresh from the courtyard.

Rong Xi had already purchased a great deal of soybeans and stored them in the storeroom.

Just as he was about to begin grinding the beans, someone knocked on the residence gate.

Liu Zishi hurried over to open it. Seeing an old man outside with a stern face and a beautiful beard flowing in the breeze, he asked in surprise, "Teacher Gao? Why have you come here?"

The old man's name was Gao Bai. He was a teacher at the town school. Liu Zishi had secretly listened outside the school before, so he recognized him.

Gao Bai gave a cold snort, putting on quite an air. "Where is Rong Xi?"

Startled by his imposing manner, and with deep reverence for teachers, Liu Zishi was momentarily speechless. Only after several breaths did he come back to himself.

"What business does Teacher Gao have with my young master?" Though he respected him, he still knew his duty.

Gao Bai cast him a sidelong glance, clearly somewhat displeased. Yet having accepted another's request, he had to see the task through. Unable to refuse, he could only come in person.

He could only hope that this son of the Rong Clan was not as obstinate and 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 and read it. Then he shook his head helplessly, rose, and went to the residence gate. Bowing deeply with clasped hands, he said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "This junior greets Teacher Gao. I failed to receive you properly just now; I hope Teacher Gao will forgive me."

After speaking, he invited Gao Bai into the residence.

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

Rong Xi personally poured him tea and smiled. "Teacher, your learning is profound and your virtue highly esteemed. To teach such an unruly fellow as myself would truly be using a great talent for a petty task. Yet my father has instructed me, and this junior dares not disobey. It is only that this junior is dull-witted by nature, and I fear I may burden Teacher."

"No matter." Gao Bai wore an utterly fearless expression. "So long as you are willing to learn, this old man will teach you with all his heart."

Rong Xi did not appear to be a foolish person. His earlier words were likely mere modesty.

"Rong Xi will go to town tomorrow to seek Teacher's instruction in his studies," Rong Xi replied with a smile.

Gao Bai froze.

He had originally thought he would need to come teach every day, like the private tutors in the homes of high officials and nobles. He had not expected Rong Xi to make such a decision.

Looking at it this way, he was a fine child who respected teachers and valued the Way.

Stroking his beard, he left in satisfaction.

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

"It is nothing. In a few days at most, Teacher Gao will surely be disappointed and give up."

No matter how patient someone was, he 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 several years," Rong Xi answered honestly.

Gao Bai wished to test the depth of his learning, only to discover that Rong Xi possessed absolutely no knowledge. Some exceedingly basic principles that even children with hair tied in little knots could recite by heart left him utterly baffled.

His aptitude truly was unbearably dull!

Gao Bai was deeply distressed, yet unwilling to give up. The sages said one should teach according to a student's abilities; he should not judge a person solely by innate talent.

Yet ideals and reality were, in the end, as far apart as heaven and earth.

For several days in a row, Rong Xi could not even understand the first sentence of the elementary primer. No matter how he taught it a hundred times each day, Rong Xi would forget it all by the next day.

At times, Gao Bai was so furious that he could scarcely contain himself. But when he met Rong Xi's wronged, sorrowful gaze, he forcibly calmed himself again.

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

Watching his expression, Rong Xi knew he had reached his limit. Today, Gao Bai would surely decline the matter and return Rong Xi his freedom.

Unexpectedly, after the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Gao Bai's expression abruptly turned resolute. He spoke solemnly.

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