Chapter 228: Chapter 229: Leaving the Examination Cell

Gu Dashishi knew he couldn’t win an argument with Li Cuicui, so he simply turned and walked into the kitchen, taking a dried fish with him.

"Grandma, I want to eat fish too," Gu Lehua said, but only after Gu Dashishi was far away.

"Your grandpa took the last fish. We’ll just have something simple for lunch." Li Cuicui paid her no mind and went straight to the backyard to see what vegetables she could pick.

"Grandma’s so stingy," Gu Lehua pouted.

"Your mother isn’t stingy, is she? Dumping you two little rascals here and not even sending over any decent food. All she gave was a bit of corn flour, and you still dare to ask for so much," Gu Yuanfeng scoffed from the doorway, holding a little girl.

"Auntie, at least my mother gave some corn flour. What have you given Grandma?"

"Hey, you little brat! Who taught you to talk to your aunt like that? I’m living off my own parents, it’s none of your damn business."

Gu Lehua shot back, "Well, I’m eating my grandpa and grandma’s food. What’s it to you?"

Gu Yuanfeng pointed a finger at Gu Lehua. "Just like your mother, so sharp-tongued. Believe it or not, I can make Grandma stop looking after you."

Gu Lehua made a face. "No, you can’t."

"Le Hua, don’t talk to her anymore. Let’s go over there and play," Gu Le’an said, coming over to pull Gu Lehua away. The two of them started to run outside.

But Gu Yuanfeng called out from behind them, "Then you’d better take Le Shun with you! If you leave him here, I’m not looking after him."

Without turning back, Gu Lehua shouted, "Then just let him stay in the yard."

Gule Shun, who had been sitting there quietly playing with rocks, went, "Goo goo..."

&

On this day, even with his strong constitution, Ancient Wen Heng’s legs felt a bit weak as he walked out of the main gate.

After being cooped up for several days in a tiny examination cell, his mind and body would have collapsed if he hadn’t been completely engrossed in answering the questions.

Hong Tianbao walked over and took his food box, offering an arm to support him, but Ancient Wen Heng waved him away.

It wasn’t just because he reeked of stale sweat, but also because he wasn’t quite that weak.

Headmaster Lü Sheng and Wang Biyi came over to examine his complexion. Seeing that he looked relatively normal, they just nodded at him and told Hong Tianbao to quickly take him back to rest.

Ancient Wen Heng didn’t refuse, naturally, and climbed into the waiting carriage.

"Headmaster, what do you think of Wenheng’s chances this time...?"

Headmaster Lü Sheng raised a hand to stop him. "It’s too early to say anything. What’s done is done. All we can do now is wait patiently."

Wang Biyi nodded and continued to stare at the main gate. After all, there were still other students who had yet to emerge.

Ancient Wen Heng took a full two days to recuperate before he felt refreshed and revitalized again.

He noticed the inn had shed its recent tranquility and was now filled with a boisterous clamor.

"How are you? All recovered?" Lu Ping, who had been missing for a few days, reappeared before him, waving his fan.

"It’s already autumn. You should probably put that fan away." Ancient Wen Heng couldn’t understand it. ’Is it really that hot?’

Lu Ping fanned him twice. "You just don’t know how to appreciate style. This is the look of a dashing young gentleman."

Ancient Wen Heng propped his chin on his hand, trying his best not to laugh. "And what business might this dashing young gentleman have today?"

Lu Ping said, "I was afraid you’d get bored staying in the inn, and besides, I must fulfill my duties as a host. Come on, I’ll show you around the city."

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "Then you’ll have to wait a moment. I need to go inform my teacher and the headmaster first."

Recalling Deng Yuanhang’s embarrassing predicament from the other day, Lu Ping stifled a laugh and said, "Alright, I’ll wait for you out front."

Ancient Wen Heng didn’t understand what was so funny about that. He shook his head. ’His sense of humor is so strange.’

"Wenheng, are you well-rested?" Lü Sheng asked with a wide smile upon his arrival.

Ancient Wen Heng bowed with his hands clasped. "Thank you for your concern, sir. I am fully rested.

A friend came to invite me out today, and this student would like to go for a walk."

Lü Sheng patted his shoulder. "You should go out and relax. But I’m curious, how confident are you about your performance this time, Wenheng?"

Ancient Wen Heng said humbly, "Fifty-fifty, I’d say."

Lü Sheng laughed. "You sly rascal.

Alright, we old fogeys won’t be a bother. You’ve certainly been under too much stress for too long. Be careful when you’re out."

&

"Brother Wen Heng, is there anywhere in particular you’d like to go?" Lu Ping asked magnanimously. "It’s my treat today, so don’t be polite with me."

But Ancient Wen Heng just pointed to the street ahead. "Let’s just walk. After being cooped up in the examination cell for days and then lying in bed for two more, I’m desperate to move my limbs."

If circumstances allowed, Ancient Wen Heng would have gone for a jog.

Lu Ping said, "You really don’t know how to enjoy the good life. I even have a carriage ready for you. If you’re feeling tired and sore, I can take you somewhere to... loosen up."

Seeing the mischievous grin that followed, Ancient Wen Heng took Hong Tianbao and walked right past him. "If you’re not coming, I’m going."

"I’m coming, I’m coming," Lu Ping said, hurrying to catch up. His servants followed at a discreet distance.

"I heard that workshop of yours has already started production," Lu Ping said as he fell into step beside Ancient Wen Heng, bringing up the old topic again.

"You’re certainly well-informed."

"You can’t blame me. My older cousin has more clout than I do; she’s already placed two orders with your wife. That’s just playing favorites." As Lu Ping thought about it, he felt a little indignant. ’Do I really have to go through the womenfolk?’

’If all else fails, maybe I should go and meet some of those girls from good families my mother mentioned?’

"I really wouldn’t know about that," Ancient Wen Heng said, spreading his hands shamelessly. "As you know, I’ve either been at the academy or stuck here lately. I haven’t had any hand in matters at home."

"A man should be the master of his house," Lu Ping said, shaking his head. "And it’s not just me rushing you now. Prince Bai sent a letter. He said to prepare some of your more exquisite items. He’s planning to present them as a tribute."

Ancient Wen Heng didn’t react at first, which Lu Ping misinterpreted. "Are you stunned with joy? If this really happens, your family’s workshop will be set for life!"

Ancient Wen Heng chuckled inwardly. ’My real backer is already secured. This just has to be kept secret for the sake of certain people’s reputations.’

"When I get back to the inn, I’ll write a letter home. If it really works out, I’ll treat you to drinks."

Lu Ping asked, "You’re going to fob me off with just one round of drinks?"

Ancient Wen Heng held up two fingers. "If one isn’t enough, then two. I can manage that."

Lu Ping: "..."

"Brother Wen Heng, we’ve been walking for the better part of the day. Let’s find a place to rest," Lu Ping finally caved, now needing someone to support him as he walked.

Ancient Wen Heng glanced at him, his voice full of mock pity. "We worked so hard to get your legs in shape at Yingshan Academy. How long has it been? You can’t even walk this little bit. If Mr. Nan found out, imagine how disappointed he’d be."

Lu Ping replied, "Don’t worry! He’s so far away, Mr. Nan will never know.

But I know that I can’t walk another step."