The Rogue Master and Disciple Duo

Madam Cui coughed lightly from the side. "Actually, there is a way."

Kang Shilin stared at Madam Cui with wide eyes. "Tell me quickly, stop keeping me in suspense."

Madam Cui looked at him earnestly and said, "As long as you take Zhao Ruxi as your disciple, I guarantee no one will dare to criticize her."

The room suddenly became very quiet.

Zhao Yuanxun and Lady Zhu were shocked, while Zhao Ruxi was bewildered—she still didn't know Kang Shilin's true identity.

Kang Shilin remained silent, stroked his beard, considered for a moment, and looked at Zhao Ruxi: "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Zhao Ruxi hesitated.

In this era, it truly is a case of "a teacher for a day is a father for life." She already has a father figure, who will likely be in charge of everything she does from now on. Does she really need another father figure?

Besides, she knew nothing about this father's character or background. If the father she'd taken in was a troublemaker, could she return him?

Seeing Zhao Ruxi standing there dumbfounded and not saying a word, Lady Zhu immediately became anxious.

She nudged her daughter and said, "Are you Gao Xing? What are you standing there like an idiot for? Hurry up and kowtow to your master." As she spoke, she winked at Zhao Ruxi.

The mother and daughter have developed a strong rapport through their close collaboration during this period.

In the blink of an Lady Zhu, Zhao Ruxi knew that choosing this master was a good idea; there could only be benefits and no drawbacks. Otherwise, her mother wouldn't be in such a hurry. Her mother would never harm her child.

Zhao Ruxi immediately knelt down in front of Kang Shilin and kowtowed three times. "Disciple Zhao Ruxi greets Master." There's no shame in kowtowing to your sugar daddy.

"Hey, get up quickly."

Kang Shilin helped Zhao Ruxi up and then rummaged through his clothes, looking for a gift for Zhao Ruxi.

But he was lazy and never liked to carry anything bulky on him, except for a jade pendant hanging from his waist.

He thought for a moment, then simply took off the jade pendant and handed it to Zhao Ruxi, saying, "Here, my good disciple, this is a gift from your master."

Zhao Yuanxun was startled.

Kang Shilin was a simple-minded man whose heart and eyes were only focused on painting, and he paid no attention to any other worldly affairs. The late emperor, being an emperor, was suspicious and thoughtful, and he couldn't even tell the empress or his children about his troubles. But Kang Shilin was different; because there was no conflict of interest between them, it didn't matter what they said to him. This guy was also tight-lipped and never participated in court disputes. Anyone who tried to win him over was always turned down by him.

Therefore, the late emperor often invited Kang Shilin to drink and chat.

As a result, Kang Shilin received many rewards from the late emperor. Whatever good things the late emperor had, as long as Kang Shilin liked them, he would give them to him.

This jade pendant was highly favored by Kang Shilin because of its color, texture, and carving. After being bestowed upon him by the late emperor, he had worn it on his person for many years. No prominent person in the capital was unaware of this jade pendant.

Now Kang Shilin has actually given this jade pendant to Zhao Ruxi!

With this jade pendant, Zhao Ruxi could at least be less likely to be offended in the capital, if not completely unruly.

Zhao Ruxi had no idea about any of this.

She accepted the jade pendant and Gao Xing bowed to Kang Shilin again. "Thank you, Master."

Seeing this, Madam Cui was secretly Gao Xing. She had finally achieved the purpose of her trip.

So what if Kang Shilin's disciple isn't a resident of Beining County? Who would dare to gossip about her studying in Beining? Aren't they afraid that Old Master Kang would come to their door to scold her? With this identity, Grand Princess Shangde won't be in a difficult position. If someone speaks up, she can use Old Master Kang as a shield. This way of handling the matter couldn't be more perfect.

This is truly a happy ending for everyone.

Kang Shilin had not accepted any disciples for many years, but now he accepted Zhao Ruxi. Although it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, he was still very satisfied.

Zhao Ruxi pioneered a new style of painting at a young age, and although he hadn't studied painting with her for long, he could see that the child had talent. Most importantly, this child was different from those aristocratic girls in the capital who appeared virtuous but were full of petty calculations, or who had become wooden figures from studying etiquette.

Just because this child dared to talk back to him, dared to glare at him, and dared to accept his tuition of three thousand taels of silver, he felt that he was very compatible with the child's temperament.

This girl will definitely be a great help when you argue with someone in the future.

But none of that is the point. The point is...

"Girl, no one dares to look down on you now. When exactly is your art class starting? Can it start tomorrow?" he asked.

"No problem. You're my master, so whenever you say it'll open, it'll open." Zhao Ruxi was also a master of flattery, her words never betraying any hint of sarcasm.

Kang Shilin was indeed delighted by her words, and felt even more pleased with his new apprentice.

"Alright, we'll open tomorrow," Kang Shilin said. "Let's set it for late afternoon first, so everyone can meet and have them pay their fees." That's the important part.

Now that this child is our own, the money earned is practically ours too, so naturally we have to pay first before selling the goods.

He glanced sideways at Madam Cui: "If Beining Academy doesn't want you, that's even better. We won't go to Beining the day after tomorrow; we can just teach at my villa in the capital. There'll be no need to travel back and forth and get tired. I'll also resign from my teaching position in Beining, so I can paint with you and pass on my skills to you."

"You are my last disciple, so you must learn my painting techniques to avoid tarnishing my reputation. Don't think about anything else, like the imperial examinations. What would a girl like you do for that? Will it make you an official or a high-ranking minister? Just learn to paint with me honestly, and you'll become a renowned scholar."

Master is now protecting his own.

Xu Xi smiled and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I'll do whatever Master says." She was incredibly obedient.

Kang Shilin smiled and stroked his beard.

This young apprentice is indeed very much to his liking.

Madam Cui gave a wry smile and quickly said, "The academy certainly won't reject Miss Zhao. Now that Miss Zhao is your disciple, Master Kang, isn't it only right and proper for you to bring a disciple to listen to your lectures? Who in the capital would dare to object? I'm sure Grand Princess Shangde wouldn't have any complaints either."

Kang Shilin was finally satisfied.

His disciples may choose not to attend Beining Academy, but they absolutely cannot be expelled like this. Doesn't he have any pride?

It's fortunate that Beining Academy was sensible; otherwise, he might have gone to Grand Princess Shangde's residence to hurl insults.

"Alright, that's settled then." Kang Shilin stood up and looked at Zhao Ruxi. "Are you alright now? Come with me to the manor and meet your senior brothers."

It was dinnertime, so those guys should all be free.

Upon hearing "my fellow senior brothers," Zhao Yuanxun's body trembled again.

But ignorance is bliss, and his clueless little daughter nodded happily, "It's alright, Master, I'll go with you now."