Chapter 22: The Shameless Gu Huaizhi

At the Fengwei Pavilion, on the second floor, in a serene private room.

Gu Huaizhi, dressed in a long cyan robe, with jet-black, soft and shiny hair, had a clear and handsome face. He sat cross-legged on a reed mat, with his head slightly bowed, and his slender fingers holding a teapot, pouring tea with a fluid grace. His every move exuded an air of noble elegance.

The gentle sunlight from outside the window sprinkled on his face, highlighting his sickly paleness. However, his narrow and cold eyes, were tinged with a touch of warmth.

He poured two cups of tea, and placed one cup on the opposite side of him with both hands: “Senior brother, please have some tea.”

“Offering courtesy when there is no need, is either trying to deceive or to steal.” Dean Lin raised his hand to pushed the tea aside. His face was imposing and solemn, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Gu Huaizhi, who appeared calm and indifferent. With a slight snort from his nose, he asked, “You came to see me this time because you want your younger brother to enter Xihe Academy, right?”

He had heard that Gu Jingyun had been expelled and was not allowed to study in the private school, so he had been waiting for Gu Huaizhi to come and ask him.

With this thought, Dean Lin put on airs.

Gu Huaizhi’s lips curled with a faint smile: “Senior brother’s kindness is hard to decline, and it would be improper for me to refuse. I will send Jingyun to Xihe Academy tomorrow.”

Dean Lin’s eyes widened: “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t use the back door?”

“One may do it once or twice, but not thrice. Senior brother, you have already been refused once by me, and to refuse again would inevitably hurt our fellowship.”

Gu Huaizhi spoke with a refined tone, smiling gently, and poured another cup of tea for Dean Lin: “He will enter by following the rules, taking the exam on his own.”

Dean Lin choked with anger, and glaring fiercely at Gu Huaizhi.

A year apart, and he seemed even more shameless than before!

He said angrily: “I did not invite Gu Jingyun to Xihe Academy today!”

“It’s me who requested it, senior brother.”

Seeing how direct he was, Dean Lin suspected that he had heard wrongly and couldn’t help but glance at Gu Huaizhi.

Gu Huaizhi covered his mouth with a coarse cloth handkerchief and coughed several times. His thin shoulders trembled and his face became paler.

Dean Lin sighed: “How’s your health? Haven’t found a cure?”

Gu Huaizhi’s gaze was calm, and he shook his head slightly.

“Today, our teacher fainted on the street and was saved by a young lady. Doctor Zhou said he couldn’t have been saved, if not for that lady’s superb medical skills. Tomorrow, Doctor Zhou will inquire about her identity and ask her to treat you.”

Dean Lin mentioned the old man and told Gu Huaizhi: “I’m going to the county town tomorrow. Bring Jingyun to the academy the day after.”

“Alright.” Gu Huaizhi didn’t take the matter of treatment to heart.

His poison is incurable; he can only prolong his life.

Dean Lin lifted the tea and took a sip, then expressed his confusion: “When you first fell ill, you left Peach Blossom Village for three years to seek treatment from famous doctors, and you clearly improved. You fell ill again during the imperial examinations, and then you left for another year, but your condition didn’t improve, rather it got worse. Did you not find that doctor?”

Gu Huaizhi’s hand paused while holding the teacup, and he smiled: “He couldn’t cure it.”

Dean Lin expressed his regret.

After lunch, the two of them leave the restaurant together. Dean Lin stood by the carriage and asked: “Are you going to visit our teacher?”

“Cough cough…” Gu Huaizhi coughed a few times, and looked rather helpless, “No, seeing me makes his condition worse.”

Dean Lin thought of the grudges between the master and disciple, both stubborn as mules.

He didn’t insist: “I’ll take you home.”

“No need, I still have things to do.” Gu Huaizhi declined politely.

Dean Lin, unceremoniously, got into the carriage and left.

Gu Huaizhi watched the carriage depart, then turned around to see Su Wan leaning against the wall, with her arms crossed, and gazing at him leisurely.