Chapter 145
Liu She had noticed the youngster behind Wei Yuan at their arrival, and Wei Yuan’s
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intention was clear: he wanted to introduce the teenager to him so that he may look
after him at the court in the future .
Still, their subject at the moment was solely Wei Yuan’s resignation .
Wei Yuan joked with a bitter smile, “Liu Zhongqing, you’re going to make me say it,
aren’t you? You know your child and I can’t get along, and it will do more harm than
good if I continue teaching him . I figured out I should leave before you ask me to . ”
“Still…” Liu She was hesitant . “What about Lanting’s study?”
“Certainly, I hope all the best for him . After all, I’ve taught him for some time . ” Wei
Yuan took out a reference letter from his sleeve .
The father opened it with confusion, and then appeared shocked . “How can Lanting
become Master Yuanjing’s pupil? The child is so plain!”
The teacher shook his head . “He doesn’t have to become Yuanjing’s pupil in order to
learn from him . We’ve all heard about the strange man and can tell Lanting’s
temperaments will not suit his taste . I recommend the child go there because Langye
is a place that accommodates the most talent in the kingdom . It’s time for him to
leave home and make friends in a new environment . ”
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While one-on-one teaching at home was desired for many families, Wei Yuan found
Liu Lanting too shy and timid, and thought that he should go out to acquaint his
peers . If he had come from the modern times, he would call Liu Lanting a couch
potato—too lazy to take a step outdoor .
It would be the best if Yuanjing accepted the role of Jiang Pengji’s master . If not, she
could still read and socialize in Langye Academy . She needed friends and allies to
survive in the court, especially when her father was an influential bureaucrat with
many competitors . Those men would not show mercy to the feeble kid of their rival .
Since Jiang Pengji would be confronted by her dad’s opponents, she had to expand
her social network as soon as possible .
These were all Wei Yuan’s concerns for Jiang Pengji . Liu She was of the same
opinion . He was planning to visit Wei Yuan about his resignation if he had not come
on his own initiative . Since he was there, however, it saved much trouble for Liu She,
and he thought he should thank him for it .
“Gongcao, you’ve done a lot for my child . ” Liu She sighed as he carefully folded up
the letter . “It’s been years since our last meet . Will you stay for lunch?” Their
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friendship was a little more than a common acquaintance, although the two were not
close friends .
“I can’t say no to your invitations . ” Wei Yuan laughed and touched his beard . Liu
She’s response was as he expected .
Liu She raised and ordered for their meals . Then, as if he had just noticed the
youngster next to Wei Yuan, he faked a surprise look and teased, “Is this a member
of your family?”
Qiguan Rang had stared at the ground quietly during their previous chat, and only
gestured to show respect when Liu She mentioned him .
Wei Yuan smiled . “Not yet, but soon . ”
Liu She immediately understood that the boy was his soon-to-be son-in-law, and he
observed Qiguan Rang curiously . It was a youngster with a pleasing air . His
elegance was not affected by his rough clothing .
Liu She praised, “I wonder where Gongcao met this exceptional young man!”
Wei Yuan was proud of his choice . Qiguan Rang, at the same time, held his hands
into loose fists and remained silent . The usually composed teenager could barely
conceal his nervousness in front of his idol—he was one of most popular figures in
Dongqing at the time .
Wei Yuan showed his humbleness for both Qiguan Rang and himself, so saying that
was flattering .
“How should I call you?” Liu She asked amiably . Wei Yuan let Qiguan Rang reply for
himself . He had taken the youngster with him to meet Liu She so it would be better if
the two could have a chat .
“I’m Qiguan Rang . Good day, Officer Liu . ”
Inexplicably, Liu She fell into silence, and then smiled . “Where are you from?”
“Shangyu at the northern border,” replied the teenager .
Liu She looked down solemnly, and his voice further softened . “Do you have another
name?”
“Yes, it’s Wenzheng . It’s given by my teacher . ”
“…” Liu She guessed that he needed peace for a moment .
Qiguan Rang, also called Qiguan Wenzheng, was born in Shangyu . He had lost his
wife at a young age…
That alone could not astonish Liu She . He also knew Qiguan Rang would become a
cruel man who would burn the palace a few years later and order beheadings to all
royalty in favor of the master he would serve .
What was more, he was one of the few who could defeat the force of Empress Chen,
Liu Xi, at the moment, with his unpredictable intrigues .
Still, if that was everything he had learned, he would not lose his words .
According to Gu Min, the future master of Qiguan Rang was susceptible to rumors .
He had distrusted Qiguan Rang because of the rumors and had imprisoned him, and
Qiguan Rang retaliated by designing the master in prison and forcing him into
hopelessness .
On the day that Empress Chen defeated the master, Qiguan Rang opened the town
gate to receive her . He would then work for her .
“A wise man chooses the most competent master, like a bird picks the strongest
branch to live on . My old master has deserted me . Now, I’m his rival . ”