Taking on a Disciple

Mo Yu happened to catch the look in his eyes and could not help shuddering. What was wrong with His Highness? Why was the way he looked at Deputy Minister Shen so frightening?

Bai He had come along today and noticed Xiao Jinyi's gaze too. He understood what it meant even better than Xiao Jinyi himself did.

After all, he too had someone he could never stop thinking about. Glancing at the man who still had not caught on, Bai He rubbed his forehead with a faint headache.

The very person he longed for was still wondering why Xiao Jinyi's gaze had suddenly become so frightening!

Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi entered the Heavenly Fragrance House. Xiao Jinyi had already booked a table in a Heavenly-Class private room on the top floor, and a waiter led them upstairs.

Once they were seated, the waiter greeted them enthusiastically. "What would our honored guests like to eat? Here at the Heavenly Fragrance House, we can cook anything that flies in the sky, swims in the water, or runs on the ground!"

Watching the silver-tongued waiter, Shen Shixu forgot the rather strange atmosphere between him and Xiao Jinyi earlier. With considerable interest, he asked, "Really? This is the first time either of us has eaten here, so we don't know much about your dishes. Why don't you recommend a few specialties?"

Hearing this, the waiter tossed the towel in his hand over his shoulder and began introducing the dishes with a beaming smile. "We have plenty of specialties! There's cherry pork, duck braised in soy sauce, charcoal-grilled turtledove, braised crispy fish, lotus root and pork rib soup..."

Shen Shixu chose two dishes to suit his tastes. "Then I'll have the lotus root and pork rib soup and the braised crispy fish. That's all for me. Your High— ahem, Jinyi, order a couple of dishes you like too!"

It was the first time Xiao Jinyi had heard him say his name. How could he describe it? A strange feeling stirred in his heart. Coming from Shen Shixu's lips, even his name sounded much gentler.

When Xiao Jinyi realized what he was thinking, he became convinced that he might be ill. Once they finished eating, he would have to go back and have an imperial physician examine him.

"Ahem. We'll have sliced poached beef, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and fried shrimp balls. Bring us two bowls of rice and a pot of good wine too."

Hearing him order wine, Shen Shixu raised a hand to stop him. "The law forbids drinking while on duty. I still have to work this afternoon!"

Xiao Jinyi paused at his words before coming to his senses. "I'd have forgotten all about that if you hadn't mentioned it. No wine, then. We can drink together on your day off. I remember having a jar of excellent Drunken World at my place."

As Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi were eating, someone suddenly knocked on the door. The waiter came in with an awkward expression. "Honored guests, this elderly gentleman says he has business with you. I really couldn't stop him."

The visitor was none other than Duke An.

Shen Shixu did not know him. Since he had only been in the Capital for a few days and knew very few people, he assumed the man had come to see Xiao Jinyi. He paid little attention and lowered his head to continue eating.

Who would have thought the man would head straight for him, seize his hand, and shake it up and down? Shen Shixu stared at him in bewilderment. He could swear he had never met this man in his life.

Seeing Shen Shixu's utterly baffled expression, Xiao Jinyi stepped forward and freed him from Duke An's grip, demanding, "Duke An, what are you doing?"

Duke An had wanted to seek out Shen Shixu for some time, but he had heard that Shen Shixu was investigating a case and had kept waiting. Upon learning that the case had finally been concluded today, he had rushed over without delay.

He had been so excited that he lost control and frightened Shen Shixu. Embarrassed, he withdrew his hand and bowed in apology. "I'm terribly sorry. I must have startled you! I wanted to visit you two days ago, Deputy Minister Shen, but I heard you were busy. Today, I finally learned that you had finished your work, so I hurried over to thank you.

"Thank you for saving my little grandson on the day of your horseback procession. I prepared a few modest gifts, which have already been sent to your residence..."

Before Duke An could finish expressing his gratitude or explain his second reason for coming, Shen Shixu sprang to his feet, looking anxious and flustered. "Oh no! My brother's at home. If he sees a whole crowd bringing gifts over, he'll definitely misunderstand. They might even get into a fight. I have to hurry back!"

Seeing him about to rush off, Xiao Jinyi reached out and caught his wrist. "Don't panic. We'll go back together. Duke An, you should come too!"

Xiao Jinyi had a feeling that Duke An had not finished explaining himself. He probably had another reason for seeking them out besides offering thanks.

The three of them returned to the little courtyard where Shen Shixu lived. Sure enough, Shen Zexi, Xiaoshi, and Jin Bao were blocking the entrance, each holding a weapon as they faced off warily against the people opposite them. A crowd had gathered around, pointing and commenting.

The man leading the group confronting Shen Zexi and the others wore dark teal cloth robes. He looked helplessly at Shen Zexi and explained wearily, "Young master, we really are from Duke An's Residence. These things are for Official Shen, but they aren't bribes. They're to thank him for saving our young heir two days ago."

Shen Zexi did not believe a word of it. "Stop lying! My brother never told me he saved some heir. Whatever you say, I'm not letting you in. Leave now, or I'll start hitting people."

Shen Zexi was beginning to regret letting Shen Shixu take the examinations to become the top scholar. If people dared carry so many things over to bribe him in broad daylight, who knew how they offered bribes behind closed doors? How could someone as untainted as his younger brother survive in such a corrupt official world?

Just as he was considering whether to persuade Shen Shixu to resign and come home, he heard his brother calling loudly, "Brother, it's a misunderstanding! They really are from Duke An's Residence, and they aren't here to offer bribes. Besides, who would bribe someone in broad daylight with so many people watching?

"I only just found out that the child I saved two days ago was the heir of the Duke's Residence. Otherwise, I would have told you."

Only after hearing this did Shen Zexi lower the broom in his hands. He looked at the people he had barred from entering, feeling rather embarrassed.

But on second thought, there was nothing wrong with being cautious. What if someone jealous of his brother came to frame him?

"So that's what happened. Sorry about that, sir. I grabbed a broom and tried to chase you away before I understood the situation. I didn't hurt any of you just now, did I? I'm truly sorry."

The steward from Duke An's Residence waved it off, unbothered. Seeing that the duke had arrived, he hurried forward and bowed. "Your Grace, I failed to carry out your instructions. I'm deeply ashamed!"

Duke An waved a hand. "Don't blame yourself. I didn't think things through."

Duke An stepped forward and once again thanked Shen Shixu in front of everyone. Then he bowed and made his request. "Besides expressing my gratitude, I prepared all these gifts because I hoped to presume upon your kindness and find a teacher for my grandson."