Chapter 108

 After the Cannon Fodder Gong Turns to Farming, He Gets a Happy Ending with the Aloof Protagonist (Transmigration)

"Qingchuan, what do you think?" After making arrangements for Lu Lizhi and returning to the Lu family estate, Old Master Lu turned to the young man standing before him.

Lu Qingchuan was still somewhat lost in thought, but he managed to answer the question: "It is likely true."

Old Master Lu chuckled, half-amused and half-exasperated. "Do you think I can't tell what's true or not? I'm asking about the praise Master Qishan heaped upon him."

Lu Qingchuan had been standing right beside him while the letter was read; being a quick reader, he had naturally taken in every detail of its contents.

"I have read his essays," Lu Qingchuan said. After the provincial examinations concluded, the essays written by the top scholars (*jieyuan*) of each province were invariably transcribed and circulated; major bookstores would even compile and sell them, and they were highly sought-after items.

As someone with his sights set on the future, Lu Qingchuan naturally made it a point to familiarize himself with the writing styles and content of every top provincial scholar—and indeed, all the top ten successful candidates.

He was already a humble and prudent person, and he had even correctly guessed that Master Qishan might have taken Lu Lizhi on as a disciple—a conclusion most people would never have reached.

Yet, he was still shaken by the true reason behind Lu Lizhi's arrival.

Master Qishan had said of him: "He is more than capable of guiding your academy; there is no need for me to come and do something superfluous."

"What are his essays like?" Old Master Lu could see that his beloved grandson had taken a blow; it was a rare sight indeed, for he had never seen the boy so silent throughout his upbringing. "He is a worthy rival—a true match for you."

The implication was clear: Lu Qingchuan wasn't quite up to the task of mentoring him.

After all, Master Qishan surely understood why Old Master Lu had been so solicitous in his invitation, even invoking a past favor; the fact that he agreed to the arrangement anyway demonstrated that, in his eyes, Lu Lizhi was a worthy successor.

It was a matter of being on a different level entirely.

"However, Master Qishan did mention that he had already tutored Lu Lizhi for a few months; that likely played a part in his decision."

Lu Qingchuan felt even more disheartened.

For years, his grandfather had repeatedly tried to secure a place for him as Master Qishan’s student, only to be rebuffed with various excuses. Even though the master acknowledged his exceptional aptitude, he clearly hadn't deemed him worthy enough to take on.

"This is an opportunity, too. If he is a man of integrity, he will surely offer his guidance without reservation, allowing you to better understand your rival. If he isn't a true gentleman—well, the people in the Cabinet and His Majesty dislike that sort of character, so that works to your advantage as well."

"Besides, although he has made an appearance before the court, his renown still pales in comparison to yours."

Yet, what Lu Qingchuan was thinking about was the contrast between them: he had the colossal Lu family backing him, whereas Lu Lizhi stood alone, having clawed his way up step by step from a destitute village.

Even if he won, it wouldn't be a glorious victory.

With a heavy heart, he opened the door to leave, only to run into someone standing right there on the threshold. "Uncle."

Lu Changhuai nodded distractedly. "What did you discuss with your grandfather?"

"Academic matters."

Seeing that his nephew had little desire to talk, Lu Changhuai had no choice but to go inside and try to sound out Old Master Lu.

There were quite a few people who, like Lu Qingchuan, found the situation baffling and demoralizing; Lu Qinghong was among those hit the hardest.

He couldn't figure out where things had gone wrong. He had already secured the status of *Qingyuan Jun*—a title sufficient to outshine Lu Lizhi, who was merely a *Jieyuan* (top provincial scholar)—and there was Lu Qingchuan there to deal with him, too.

Yet, in a sudden turn of events, Lu Lizhi had transformed; not only was he no longer under their thumb, but he was now poised to be the one instructing them!

"Qinghong, Qinghong, what exactly is Lu Lizhi's background? Tell us about him!"

"And are people with the surname Lu just naturally more brilliant? You all share the same surname, after all." A crowd of curious onlookers pressed him for information about Lu Lizhi.

Lu Qinghong loathed the feeling of having the spotlight stolen—and by Lu Lizhi, no less. He claimed ignorance, but the others’ interest remained undiminished; they were full of anticipation about being instructed by Lu Lizhi—a *Jieyuan* who was not only their peer but actually several years their junior.

Naturally, there were also those who wanted to see him make a fool of himself; disbelieving that he possessed the necessary qualifications, they had already prepared various ways to give him a hard time.

In the courtyard reserved for the instructors of the Lu Family Academy... Lu Lizhi and the other instructors were each allocated a separate courtyard—essentially a self-contained residence equipped with all the necessities. It was one of the perks of teaching at the Lu Family Academy, allowing them to live there with their families.

As soon as the door closed, Lu Lizhi asked the guard behind him, "Was it that person from earlier?"

The guard stepped forward and unfastened his clothes, baring his chest to fan himself.

Lu Lizhi helped him take off his outer garment; seeing he was drenched in sweat, he even wiped him down. "Why put yourself through this? Why be a guard?"

"This way, I can stay by your side every moment and keep you safe—even if my martial arts skills don't quite measure up to those professionals," Jiang Baiye said with a smile.

Wei Feng had originally found several candidates for the job, but Jiang Baiye discovered that one of them had been on the same pleasure boat as them back then. Alarm bells rang in his mind; after dismissing that man, he began to view the others as potential threats, too.

The mere thought of another man accompanying Lizhi—providing close protection and perhaps even sharing the same room—made Jiang Baiye feel terrible. He decided to pick just one guard—a short, scrawny man who was as straight as an arrow but incredibly agile—and then joined the ranks himself.

"Aren't you happy that I'm the one accompanying you?"

Although he spoke in a joking tone...

...he glanced at him. "Are you imagining rivals again? Terrified that someone might whisk me away?" ”

“Aren't there enough imaginary rivals already? There are so many of them at the academy.” Jiang Baiye made an exaggerated sweeping gesture with his arms.

“They don't cherish you the way I do.” Lu Lizhi tried hard to suppress the corners of his mouth from curling up, yet he leaned in to plant kiss after kiss on him.

“So, you aren't allowed to look at anyone else too much.”

“I’m keeping you on a tight leash.” His voice was laced with sweetness. “When we’re on the painted boat, you’d better not look at those people much.”

“Was I looking at them? I was clearly looking at them with disdain.” After all, that was how he’d spotted a fellow 'cut-sleeve' and managed to dodge a potential risk in time.

Lu Lizhi gave a soft harrumph and cupped Jiang Baiye’s face, leaning in for a kiss; just as their lips touched—before he could even part them—someone suddenly banged on the door.

Like an old married couple, one hurriedly climbed off the other while the other quickly got dressed, acting for all the world as if he were truly a bodyguard serving his master.

It was the two young attendants sent by Master Qishan; just as Lu Lizhi turned to tell Jiang Baiye, he saw that the latter had already ducked into the wardrobe.

Lu Lizhi: “……”

“Wait, why am I hiding?” Jiang Baiye emerged clutching some clothes and gave a soft cough.

The two attendants exchanged a look: *...These two play games far too wild for us to fathom.*

They had come to convey a message from Shen Feng: essentially, he was not to foolishly give away everything he knew—he needed to keep some cards close to his chest. He should also take this opportunity to learn more at the Lu Academy himself, as his own mastery was not yet absolute.

This was a gentle reprimand from Master Qishan, but also a sign of his favoritism.

Had Shen Feng not spoken up, Lu Lizhi might well have given everything away. He would have reasoned that if others could learn from him and surpass him, that was simply a testament to their own ability—or proof that he himself was not yet strong enough—much like the situation with Tu Huanwen back in the day.

But the Lu Academy was not a place where he could afford such open-hearted naivety, and the Imperial Examinations were no mere trivial pastime.

There was only one *Huiyuan*—only one ultimate victor!

As long as one did not resort to underhanded, malicious tactics, any method of competition was permissible.

Consequently, during his first class, when countless individuals—feigning a desire to learn but actually intending to pick his brain clean—came asking questions, Lu Lizhi offered only enough insight to touch upon the subject, regardless of the malice they harbored.

Insight. To what level they grasped it was their own affair.

For Lu Qingchuan, however, Lu Lizhi’s decision to stop at just a hint of insight had actually helped him a great deal. Undeniably, it differed from much of his own understanding, yet it offered a fresh, stunning perspective.

He was unaware that Lu Lizhi’s mindset had imperceptibly absorbed the influence of his life with Jiang Baiye.

The wisdom and experience—accumulated over thousands of years—that he had gleaned from Jiang Baiye were not things just anyone could simply learn.

Lacking such a unique person in their own lives and without Lu Lizhi’s ability to draw broad inferences from specific examples, others could naturally never attain the depth of insight and understanding he possessed.

In fact, Lu Lizhi’s approach earned him the respect of some, who viewed him as someone with hidden depths—treating those profound concepts as trivial matters he barely needed to mention, let alone explain in detail.

While some accused him of affectation or claimed he didn't truly understand the concepts himself, this did nothing to hinder the growing number of people who admired and believed in him.

"You seem to have figured a few things out."

"Exactly! That part about 'putting the people first'—it was truly stirring. I’ve never heard the concept of 'taking from the people and using for the people' articulated that way. If Mr. Lu were to become an official, he would surely be an honest one who truly benefits the populace!"

"Is this why Master Qishan sent him here?" Many instructors at the Lu Academy marveled. "He certainly knows his stuff."

"Hmph, there’s plenty of time yet; a mule or a horse—their true colors will be revealed soon enough." ”

While engaging with them, Lu Lizhi did not miss the opportunity to foster dialogue.

For instance, by asking questions.

When Lu Qinghong was singled out, he couldn't answer a single thing.

Lu Qinghong had all but lost face, and the gazes the others cast his way grew increasingly strange and complex.

He also questioned Lu Qingchuan—after all, it was a chance to understand his opponent.

Lu Qingchuan fell into deep thought, a sudden sense of crisis washing over him.

He had assumed Lu Lizhi considered him important—frequently asking for his views and opinions—only to realize that Lu Lizhi played no favorites; he questioned everyone.

Yet, the person he questioned most often was the one sitting in the far back corner.

"Student Jiang, tell us: what is meant by 'preserving heavenly principles and extinguishing human desires'?"

Jiang Baiye, who had been watching with keen interest as the man lectured with such solemn earnestness, was left speechless: "..."

"Hmm?" "Extinguish human desires? Why? Desire is part of human nature; one should acknowledge it and respond to it..."

With every word Jiang Baiye spoke, Lu Lizhi’s fingers curled tighter, fearing the other man might say something truly scandalous in public.

"There is no shame in it; desire can even be a driving force..."

In the end, despite the rambling nature of his speech, he managed to articulate a surprisingly sound argument.

The crowd was struck with a sudden sense of enlightenment; this disjointed style of answering had somehow revealed a brilliant insight that left them awestruck.

Wait a minute—was the bodyguard by Lu Lizhi’s side actually this talented?

Lu Lizhi had originally intended to use this exchange to warn Jiang Baiye to tone it down, as he couldn't bear the man's burning, intense gaze; he had hoped to stump him with a difficult question.

But just as the words reached his lips, his heart softened.

This was his man, after all—what good would it do him to see him make a fool of himself?

Jiang Baiye sat back down with a beaming smile, continuing to stare at him—a gaze so intense it made Lu Lizhi’s scalp tingle. Several times, she almost lost her composure.

Struggling to control herself, she managed to glare at him, revealing a side of herself she'd never shown before…

Lu Qinghong, who knew their relationship, felt like he'd been force-fed a mouthful of cold, icy dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing a public display of affection).

Lu Lizhi's calligraphy was exceptional, and the teachers at Lu Clan Academy had sincerely invited them to a lesson.

Thinking of the incident with Jiang Baiye's calligraphy, Lu Lizhi considered it for a moment, but ultimately didn't refuse.

It seemed like a long time since he'd tested him.

After explaining his techniques and methods, Lu Lizhi had them practice, then pretended to check and instruct them before strolling to the last row.

Jiang Baiye was lying face down on the table, head down, studying with extreme concentration.

Both their posture and demeanor were quite convincing, even more so than those of the students. @Unlimited Good Articles, all at Jinjiang Literature City

It looks like... ...an exemplary student.

Lu Lizhi cast a surprised glance his way and saw him carefully writing out characters, stroke by stroke.

Although Jiang Baiye’s handwriting was still nothing to write home about, he had become quite adept at handling a brush through his business dealings; the intense focus he displayed now was entirely due to what he was actually writing—

"Lu Lizhi, Jiaojiao’s *daddie*—when will you be able to marry me?"

As he finished writing that final question mark, Lu Lizhi felt a tingling sensation in his chest, involuntarily recalling the time, two years ago, when they had first met.

Back then, he had said they were friends—the best of brothers.

At that time, Lu Lizhi had viewed him as his sole salvation; those sheets of paper held a record of every conversation they had shared and every signal of their hearts' true feelings.

He had kept almost all of them; the few he had burned due to a misunderstanding remained a source of regret—yet they also marked a moment of genuine heartache and sorrow he had truly lived through.

In the end, the bitterness... ...sweetness followed the bitterness, eventually brewing into a jar of honey.

Lu Lizhi had fled in a panic.

Jiang Baiye had no choice but to keep writing on the paper—one hundred times, two hundred times...

The bell rang, and many students, who had been holding back all lesson, cheered. They couldn't quite figure out why Master Lu’s mood had suddenly turned so gloomy, making them feel uneasy.

He was usually a man of steady temperament who never lost his temper or even raised his voice.

Yet, he always gave the impression that his anger was something ordinary people could not easily withstand.

Seeing Jiang Baiye still writing, several students crowded around, curious about what he was doing; Lu Lizhi pursed his lips, barely able to maintain his composure.

At the crucial moment, Jiang Baiye stopped writing, blew the ink dry on the final sheet, and gathered up his work to leave.

The guard stationed outside approached and whispered, "Someone was lurking furtively outside this classroom for quite a while just now; the moment they sensed me, they slipped away immediately."

"Who was it?"

"It appeared to be a student, but I got the feeling he was someone trained in martial arts."

Even Jiang Baiye lacked such keen observational skills; his expression instantly turned serious. "Step up security. Keep a close watch at night, too—don't overlook the slightest disturbance."

"Understood." The man was certainly conscientious; given the generous price Jiang Baiye had offered, he was determined to get the job done right.

However, that night, after keeping watch for a long time, he stepped away briefly to relieve himself—only for a figure to suddenly dart out from behind him!

He quickly turned to dodge the attack; after just a few exchanges, the black-clad intruder, realizing he was outmatched, fled rapidly.

The guard considered giving chase but feared it might be a ruse to lure him away from his post. Not daring to leave his station unguarded, he hurried back, only to see another dark figure attempting to push open the door to Lu Lizhi’s room.

Inside, hearing a faint noise, Lu Lizhi was just about to look over warily when Jiang Baiye gave his hand a reassuring pat.

Moments later, the sound of a scuffle broke out outside.

Less than ten minutes later, the intruder was hauled in—bound tightly with rope—and dumped heavily onto the floor, letting out a muffled groan.

Lu Lizhi stepped forward. "Were you sent by the Master of the Lu family?"

The man made muffled, unintelligible sounds, as if What is he talking about?

"Stop the act. What did Lu Changhuai send you here to do?"