My Lady Always Lacks Ambition

Chapter 695 - 679: Slapping Faces is My Forte

Yan Qishan’s old friend is also a Great Scholar who teaches and nurtures others, being the head of the most famous Yuhang Academy in Yuhang, Mr. Wen Fulin.

Mr. Wen Fulin and his wife were in perfect harmony, much like a pair of intimate zither and qin instruments. For years, they had only one daughter named Wen Jinshe, who was raised like a boy since childhood and became a famously distinguished young lady in Yuhang. She ran a women’s academy, and her husband Zhang was a son-in-law who married into the family. Moreover, he was one of Mr. Wen Fulin’s most talented disciples.

Wen Jinshe and Zhang Hua had brought two sons into this world; the elder son took the surname Wen, while the younger carried on the surname Zhang. The couple was affectionate and respectful towards each other, like guests in their own home. If it weren’t for the sudden onset of Zhang Hua’s grave illness, their family would have been extremely happy.

"My old friend’s outstanding son-in-law also possesses remarkable literary grace. Although he has only attained the rank of scholar, he is already preparing to succeed as the next head of Yuhang Academy. It is indeed sigh-worthy that he has suddenly contracted this terrible disease," Yan Qishan lamented.

Qin Liuxi said, "You can become the next Mountain Master without passing the Imperial Examination?"

"As long as one’s knowledge is ample and their talent sufficient, naturally it is possible. Educating others does not necessarily require the status of an Imperial Examination graduate. In fact, not all scholars around the world are willing or suited to enter officialdom. Some are more fit to be teachers. There are also many who choose teaching over joining the bureaucracy after passing the Imperial Examination, like your teacher Tang Zishi, and me who resigned after only two years in office," explained Yan Qishan.

Alright then, literati always mingle with other accomplished literati. My apologies for the oversight.

Yan Qishan was rather proud and said, "This Mr. Zhang, although a son born of a concubine and not favored by his family, has married into the Wen Family. Due to his modesty and humility, Mr. Wen is quite satisfied with him."

"Born from a concubine? An official’s son?"

Yan Qishan nodded, "He is the son of the Jiangnan Governor, Zhang Zhiyuan."

"Even as a son born from a concubine, he has a noble status. How could he end up marrying into another family?" Qin Liuxi was very curious.

How could such a household, even with a son born of a concubine who was also talented rather than a playboy, be willing to let him marry into another family?

Taking the imperial exams, becoming a scholar, and entering officialdom would surely be an asset to his family.

"Why is he not favored by his family? Because when he was young, he and his legitimate elder brother were kidnapped by traffickers. He survived, but his brother died in an accident," Yan Qishan said. "There is also a rumor that he harmed his legitimate brother, but after thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the Eldest Young Master Zhang indeed died at the hands of the kidnappers. Both were abducted; yet, he survived. How could Mrs. Zhang stand him? She almost flayed him alive in her belief that he caused his brother’s death."

"Fortunately, at that time, the Zhang Family had only two sons. The old lady of the Zhang Family, though heartbroken, could not bear to give up her only surviving child. Hence, from a young age, he was sent to be fostered in the old mansion. Later, Mrs. Zhang herself became resilient and gave birth to two more sons, which slightly mitigated her grief for losing her son. Ever since Zhang Hua’s incident, he has been a vegetarian all year long, seeking to accrue blessings and virtue for his deceased legitimate brother."

"As for your question about marrying into another family, why would the Zhang Family care about a son born of a concubine when they have a legitimate son? Furthermore, in marriage alliances between noble households, benefits are of utmost importance. He married into the Wen Family, but correspondingly, he also brought the Wen Family’s connections to the Zhangs. And how many pillars of society has the Wen Family’s academy produced?" Yan Qishan continued with some embarrassment, "The Zhang Family may not like him, but they can’t bear to let go of the benefits he brings. It’s like they suppress him on one hand and suck his blood on the other."

"It sounds rather pitiful. But don’t forget, without the family’s permission, how could he have become so talented? True suppression would not allow a son born of a concubine to be educated and excel," Qin Liuxi said indifferently. "As for the matter of flirting with women, the people involved are now dead. Without the dead to testify, how can we know the whole truth?"

Yan Qishan was taken aback, shaking his head, "It should really have been an accident. Zhang Hua is indeed known to be humble and modest in character."

Qin Liuxi, however, recalled Cheng Wenyan of the Changchuan Marquis Mansion, "You can’t judge a book by its cover. After such a tragedy, people become even more cautious. Some are adept at pretending and might be wearing several masks."

Yan Qishan looked at her, "How come you seem not to believe in this Zhang Hua?"

"I can’t comment without knowing the whole picture. I haven’t met him, so I’ll refrain from judgment," Qin Liuxi spread her hands.

But deep inside, Yan Qishan was feeling somewhat uneasy. The more she acted this way, the tighter his face felt, and he sensed that he might end up being on the receiving end of a blow.

After all, I have already had the experience at Zishi’s place.

It won’t be a slap in the face... right?

The carriage stopped in front of the Wen Residence, where the Steward personally came forward to lower the footstool and helped Yan Qishan down.

Qin Liuxi followed closely and jumped down.

"Old Cang, this is the doctor I mentioned who is very skilled," said Yan Qishan with a smile, introducing Qin Liuxi. "He is the Junior Temple Master of Li City Qingping Temple and also a Daoist doctor."

The Steward, surprised at Qin Liuxi’s young age, did not display any disrespect and, with hands clasped in a salute, said: "Thank Mr. Yan and the Junior Temple Master for coming before nightfall."

Qin Liuxi nodded in acknowledgment.

The Steward led them inside, passing through the deep courtyard to Wen Fulin’s study, where they exchanged courtesy greetings before heading to the courtyard of Zhang Hua and the others.

Wen Fulin tugged at Yan Qishan’s sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Isn’t this child a bit too young? Can he truly cure my son-in-law’s terrible illness?"

Yan Qishan replied, "I can’t say with absolute certainty that it will work, but she indeed has some skill. Anyway, since your son-in-law has not been cured by the numerous doctors before, trying a new doctor won’t do any harm and won’t lead to a loss." Pausing for a moment, he remembered his old friend’s temperament and added: "However, no matter what, keep your critical and grouchy attitude in check. Don’t lose your temper at others if this doctor doesn’t cure the illness or if something else is discovered."

Wen Fulin glared at him annoyed, as if to say, look how you’re defending her; are you afraid she’ll eat someone?

Wen Jinshe had received the message and was already waiting at the entrance of the courtyard. Seeing Qin Liuxi, he was slightly surprised and greeted her with a smile.

Qin Liuxi returned the gesture with a Taoist ceremony and, upon seeing Wen Jinshe’s haggard face, her gaze deepened.

Wen Jinshe then paid respects to Yan Qishan and his own father, before leading them into the west wing room where Zhang Hua, after falling seriously ill, had moved in to live.

As soon as Qin Liuxi entered, she faintly detected a foul smell, but without altering her expression, she proceeded into the room where the odor was even stronger.

Zhang Hua was propped up in bed, slightly curled up, and attempted to rise to greet the visitors.

Wen Jinshe came forward to support him: "Don’t move."

Perhaps due to the disease, Zhang Hua was extremely thin, his cheeks sunken in, and he raised his head to apologize to Yan Qishan and the others.

Qin Liuxi looked at Zhang Hua with detached concern.

Yan Qishan had been watching Qin Liuxi’s expression closely, and seeing her with an impassive face, he grew anxious and said: "Jinshe, let the Junior Temple Master have a look at your uncle’s illness."

Wen Jinshe hurriedly got Zhang Hua to turn around and pulled down his undergarment, only to suddenly tremble, stepping back in shock with a pallid face as she shrieked: "How... How did it become like this?"

Yan Qishan and Wen Fulin were startled, standing there dumbfounded.

Qin Liuxi saw it, looked at Yan Qishan, and with a semi-smile said: "When it comes to ’a slap in the face,’ I am quite the expert!"