Chapter 133
Chapter 133: Wei Yuan Resigns (I)
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Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Jiang Pengji had promised Wei Yuan the other day that she would visit to apologize again . While that was merely something she said to show respect, she must go as she had promised .
Wei Yuan felt uncomfortable with her, but refrained himself from showing it . As a result, his face was stiff, despite his effort to soften his attitude . Jiang Pengji observed his complicated expression .
“Master, have you recovered from the cold?” she asked, seemingly with concern . “You look quite pale . ”
“It’s nothing . I’ve taken medicine and will soon get better . ” Wei Yuan touched his beard in an embarrassed manner . What troubled him was not a cold, but shame .
The master had a different way of interpreting the intention of her visit .
When the Liu’s had asked him to teach their langjun personally at their place, they offered him quality bunches of pork, which were common gifts for new teachers . In addition, he received considerable wages each month, valuable presents at festivals, and considerate greetings from time to time .
The family’s offer was one of the best in Hejian .
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However, Wei Yuan had affected the pupil’s progress recently by taking a long leave . Although he was compelled to do so due to mortifying reasons, he admitted it was unfair to his student . Therefore, he suspected Jiang Pengji was there to remind him of their lessons .
The thought made Wei Yuan more restless . His face was burning with mortification .
Jiang Pengji had learned about his scandal . Although she did not make it explicit, the wise master would not have ignorant hopes about her noticing nothing, which made it even harder for him to instruct this pupil . In no way could he bear to see her every day and be reminded of what had happened!
While the student was bowing to him in a proper manner, she did not do it out of respect . What was more, her dark eyes glanced at him as if she could see everything in his mind . He felt like a naked person forced to the street .
Wei Yuan knew he was overthinking but he could not help it . She knew what he tried so hard to hide . How could he maintain his intimidating image? He already wished to shun her, let alone when they had lessons again .
The matter further complicated his feelings .
As if she did not perceive his varying expressions, Jiang Pengji gently pushed her luxurious gift towards him . “Master, I’m sorry for not visiting you earlier . I hope you’ll recover soon . Please accept this as my apology . ”
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Wei Yuan had intended to decline it, yet he changed his mind as he remembered something, and let an attendant take it away .
“As you said yesterday, Zhongqing has come back . ”
Jiang Pengji nodded . “My father returned from Xu a few weeks ago, but he has been too exhausted after the journey to visit any of his acquaintances . He has always longed to learn from you . I shall be glad to help bring a message if you would pay us a visit . ”
Wei Yuan sighed quietly . “Liu Xi” was, again, the student he had known before, like a distinct person from the sharp youngster in his backyard that night .
“Let’s not disturb your father,” he teased as he laughed . “And I don’t believe your father ‘longs to learn from me,’ for he is the most knowledgeable man in Hejian . ”
“Oh Master, you are being humble . We know you specialize in different aspects . My father’s strength was helping civilians in Xu, while yours is studying at home to establish new academic perspectives . My father may be a better official, but you, Master, certainly have a lot my father could learn from, too . ” Jiang Pengji smiled, praising him matter-of-factly .
Wei Yuan had to admit that the kidnapping had changed the pupil significantly from a boring, shy child to a worldly, wise teenager . Even a strict, stubborn scholar like him was pleased .
However, her smooth answer also made him unable to utter the speech he had prepared .
As he had been “sick,” he had planned to resign as her teacher and suggest Liu She to instruct her personally . “Your father and son may spend more time with each other after years of separation” was his excuse .
However, if he mentioned switching after Jiang Pengji’s flattery, it would appear that he was unfeeling and was determined to give her up .
A struggle thus commenced in his mind .
While Jiang Pengji observed with indifference, some viewers started to feel impatient . They did not enjoy the pointless chats between two “ancient people . ”
Xinro Bingqing: “Boring . When can we watch something else?”
Although Wei Yuan’s appearance was not bad, he was not handsome, either .
Jiang Pengji replied to their complaint playfully .
Host V: “Really? I find Wei Yuan’s psychological activities quite interesting . ”
The audience: “…”
Was she kidding? They had stared at him all that time just to see an unchanged countenance . Where did she capture those activities?
It was common for teachers to test the pupils during their meeting, and Wei Yuan was no exception . Understanding Liu Xi’s progress and talent, he raised relatively simple questions .
After a while, he again touched his beard and sighed . “I’m glad you have worked hard these days . ”
“Your teaching has been truly inspiring . ”
Wei Yuan returned a bitter smile and shook his head . “It’s because of your father’s help . ”
That was no flattery . Liu Xi had been a timid pupil, seeming to have understood nothing, yet was too shy to ask or express her views . Sometimes when the Master scolded her for that, the child would drop her head as if she was going to cry, forcing Wei Yuan to soften his tone .