Chen Cong frowned slightly. "Aren't you afraid those old hardliners in the imperial family will object?"
Chen Xiaojun chuckled and said unconcernedly, "Are they afraid a Titled Douluo will emerge from an official academy under their own authority?"
"Hmph, what have we done? All you did was give Elder Zhuo a few medicinal herbs and a few jars of wine as his colleague."
"Whether he succeeds still depends mainly on Elder Zhuo himself."
Then he added with carefree abandon, "As long as everything looks proper on the surface, what can they do even if they find out?"
"Your willingness to support a colleague also shows how wholeheartedly you serve the academy."
Chen Xiaojun's tone grew somewhat teasing. "As for whether they really can't wrap their heads around it, then let them stay confused."
"There are plenty of things that rub them the wrong way. One more won't make much difference."
"We don't live for their sake. Why should we care what they think?"
"When things are good for you, good for me, and good for everyone, that's when they're truly good."
Although his words sounded rather sly and sarcastic, they were the plain truth. Did they really have to be one big family that loved and fought each other in equal measure?
Chen Cong fell silent, and Chen Menglin likewise sank into thought.
After a long while, Chen Cong sighed and said, "I was too caught up in appearances, too weighed down by misgivings."
"Old Meng, when Old Qiu comes back, have him bring a precious herb with both wind and lightning attributes. Prepare the other things as well."
Chen Menglin nodded and replied, "Very well."
Chen Cong turned back to Chen Xiaojun and instructed him, "Once Old Qiu arrives, Xiaojun, let Old Zhuo know to come over."
Chen Xiaojun