Chapter 104 - Well Done!
After dedicating several days to the study and practice of martial arts, Zuo Shaoqing found himself engaged in a whirlwind of daily activities. However, the results were substantial. Not only did his appetite increase, but his physical strength also grew, and his mind sharpened during his training sessions.
Yinyi had acquired a mental cultivation technique from an undisclosed source, which allowed him to replenish his energy and find solace for his mind. Each morning, he dedicated an incense stick's worth of time to meditation.
Even more heartening was the progress he achieved after strenuously training his Qing Gong for a few days. He could now return before the Yin hour and had high hopes for further improvement.
On the third morning, he finally received an answer to the question that had been troubling him for the past two days. In his half-awake state, he felt a warm body beneath his blanket.
Initially, it didn't concern him much. At that moment, he was too fatigued to rouse himself. However, his awakening came abruptly when unfamiliar lips met his own, and a foreign tongue intruded, nearly causing him to bite down.
Acting on instinct, he pushed the intruder away. As he squinted his eyes and recognized the face of the unexpected visitor, he was rendered speechless by sheer shock.
Never would he have imagined that the seemingly straightforward Master Lu would launch a surprise nocturnal attack.
Recalling the familiar embrace from his dreams, Zuo Shaoqing couldn't pretend ignorance to the fact that it was Lu Zheng who had lifted him out of the bathtub that day.
After being apart for just a few days, the mutual longing between them was ablaze. They exchanged glances before embracing and kissing passionately once more. After a passionate tangle that lasted a while, they finally relented.
Zuo Shaoqing found himself perplexed by Lu Zheng's consistent restraint, as if he were deliberately adhering to certain boundaries during their intimate moments. He even wondered if Lu Zheng had reservations about the way they slept together.
However, he refrained from hastily confronting Lu Zheng on this matter. Moreover, given his recent physical condition, he was in no position to address such concerns, so he kept his doubts to himself.
That evening, upon returning to his room, Zuo Shaoqing was surprised to find Luo Xiaoliu, who typically retired early, waiting for him at the door.
“Master, you've returned. This humble servant has been waiting here for most of the night.”
The corner of Zuo Shaoqing's mouth twitched as he resisted the urge to respond sharply and simply replied with a gentle “yes.”
“I have already prepared hot water for you. Please go in and freshen up.”
Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback once more. Usually, Luo Xiaoliu waited until their return and then was awoken by Liu Tie to boil water. However, as Zuo Shaoqing returned earlier and earlier, Luo Xiaoliu had taken it upon himself to prepare the hot water.
The residents of the manor were no longer taken aback. They were well aware of San Ye's nightly bathing ritual, which raised a perplexing question: why did he consistently retire to bed so late? To read books, especially with the impending Conference Test?
There were even some servants who couldn't help but scoff, saying, “Take a look at your lordship. You adhere to your morning routine with unwavering confidence. As for your master, well…”
Such rumors had always circulated. Apart from Zuo Yunwen, who harbored a glimmer of hope for young Zuo Shaoqing, no one else in the Zuo Family believed that a fourteen-year-old master could secure a spot in high school in a single attempt.
Upon entering the room, Luo Xiaoliu promptly sealed the door from the outside. Zuo Shaoqing paused, navigated through the outer chamber, and swiftly accessed the inner room. As anticipated, he found someone reclining on the bed.
He lifted the thin bed curtain, revealing Lu Zheng, who was propped up on the bed. Lu Zheng beckoned him over and gestured toward the incense burner on the table. “Impressive. You're fifteen minutes ahead of last night.”
Zuo Shaoqing inquired, “You're aware of all this?” It had to be Yinyi's doing. Otherwise, how could Lu Zheng be privy to last night's events when he hadn't been present?
Lu Zheng merely arched an eyebrow, refusing to respond. He had stationed at least ten individuals both inside and outside the small Zuo Mansion. It was not solely Yinyi, as Zuo Shaoqing had assumed.
After a refreshing bath, Zuo Shaoqing slipped into bed, wearing a lightweight shirt, and playfully remarked, “I must apologize for troubling Master Lu to be my bedwarmer. It's truly a wicked indulgence!”
Lu Zheng extended his arm, drawing Zuo Shaoqing closer into an embrace. He gently pinched the young man's arm and inquired, “Then how do you plan to express your gratitude?”
Zuo Shaoqing's captivating eyes sparkled with a mischievous grin. “How about we reciprocate with our bodies?”
Lu Zheng captured his wrist and, with their palms pressed together, transmitted a surge of internal energy into Zuo Shaoqing's body.
As warmth spread throughout Zuo Shaoqing's entire being from his palm, the soreness from earlier training gradually faded, leaving him with a comforting sensation.
Since his initial awakening, his feet had been sore to the point of hindering his mobility. Every night, Lu Zheng would assist him in channeling his energy. Whether he was awake or sound asleep, he could only discern Lu Zheng's visits based on his physical condition when he awoke the following day.
As he was on the brink of falling into a peaceful slumber, Lu Zheng released his hand and lightly pinched his cheek, jolting Zuo Shaoqing back to alertness.
Zuo Shaoqing luxuriously stretched his limbs, eliciting satisfying cracks from his muscles and joints. He leaned against Lu Zheng and inquired, “It's getting late. How long will you be staying tonight?”
Lu Zheng lowered his head and tenderly brushed his lips against Zuo Shaoqing's, savoring their softness as if tasting the most delectable treat. “Until dawn.”
Zuo Shaoqing nodded. He had no desire to close his eyes, fully aware of Lu Zheng's recent preoccupation with critical matters, likely gleaned from Beidi's spies.
Nonetheless, Zuo Shaoqing refrained from inquiring about these matters, as he recognized that his assistance would still be insufficient. At this moment, the top priority was to prepare for the imminent Conference Test.
Instead, he embraced Zuo Shaoqing and remarked, “The Conference Test is just three days away. With your current physical condition, you should at least avoid fainting during the examination. Take a break tonight.”
The Conference Test was akin to the home exams, spanning nine consecutive days of tests. The only difference was that the capital's temperature was much lower during the cold winter, despite the Academic Institution's continuous use of charcoal stoves. Many students still struggled to endure the chill.
Zuo Shaoqing was apprehensive about enduring the cold, but thanks to the training of the past few days and Lu Zheng's attentive care, his cold resistance had improved.
“The necessary items will be delivered tomorrow at Duke Zhen Manor. Don't forget to bring them.”
Zuo Shaoqing regained his composure and asked with a grin, “May I know your name?”
“Naturally, the steward would consider such trivial matters.”
The following day, as soon as Zuo Shaoqing woke up, he saw the steward entering with an unfamiliar attendant, placing a set of writing utensils and a box containing food and clothing on the table.
“Reporting to the third master, Duke Zhen's residence sent these items. They mentioned that the old lady had added them as gifts for the two young masters,” the steward reported solemnly. He thought to himself, “Even Young Master San is attracting attention. Duke Zhen's residence is indeed quite considerate.”
The unfamiliar attendant who accompanied them chuckled in a neither subservient nor arrogant manner and added, “Madame wanted me to wish the two young masters success and first place in the exams! All these items have been registered with you, and you can rest assured that you can take them into the Academic Institution.”
Zuo Shaoqing accepted the items gratefully, while silently cursing, “Carrying such a large box into the Academic Institution might make me the subject of ridicule, won't it?”
However, considering Lu Zheng's intentions, he had no choice but to bring the items along, even if it meant enduring mockery.
Duke Zhen Manor had just dispatched these supplies when several well-informed families on the other side received the news.
Jiang Che carefully pondered the information several times, his brows furrowing as he asked one of his followers, “Did Madame instruct someone to relay this information?”
“Yes.”
“I can't help but feel that something is amiss… Have you ever seen Madame show such fervor for anyone in all these years?”
The follower responded as if it were a matter of course: “Haven't you heard that Master Lu has taken a liking to Miss Zuo from the Zuo Family? It's only natural for the two families to grow closer since they're soon to be joined in marriage.”
“No…” Jiang Che shook his head with a pensive expression. After a moment of reflection, he muttered to himself, “Don't you find this whole situation a bit peculiar? If Lu Zheng genuinely had feelings for Zuo Shuhui, why would he allow her to be mistreated by Zhan Yunxiang? I've heard they're hiding at Cheng Shaoqing's residence. Even if Lu Zheng wants to remain discreet, the old lady should have voiced her opinion.”
The follower was puzzled, asking, “Are you suggesting…?”
Jiang Che tapped his fingers on the table, trying to make sense of the connection between Lu Zheng and the Zuo family. Regardless of how he examined it, he couldn't see genuine admiration from Lu Zheng towards Zuo Family's young miss.
Instead… he widened his eyes and urged, “Retrieve that information that arrived three days ago! The one about the military camp on the outskirts of Beijing!”
After studying the information, he suddenly slapped the table and chuckled, “Haha… So that's the way it is! Sneaky Lu Zheng, it appears you almost fell for it!”
“My Lord?” The follower wasn't na?ve; he could sense the underlying meaning in that brief statement.
Jiang Che laughed heartily for a while before crossing his legs and speaking candidly, “He's nearly twenty and still unmarried. Everyone thinks that Master Lu postponed his marriage for the sake of the nation and its people. Who would have guessed he had no intention of marrying at all?
This revelation not only clarified their relationship but also made it appear as if the two families were on friendly terms. People believed that Master Lu had taken an interest in Zuo Family's eldest daughter, but they were completely mistaken about the Lovers Index.
The unfortunate Fifth Princess continued to fixate on Zuo Shuhui, unwilling to let go. It resembled a futile struggle between a sandpiper and a clam. Bravo, Third Master Zuo! Bravo, Top Scorer! “Haha…”
“My Lord, if we were to spread this information, wouldn't it…?” Wouldn't that damage Master Lu's reputation?
“No need to rush. Who would believe it?” “Most will assume that someone is intentionally tarnishing Duke Zhen's reputation. Even if they did believe it, it's just a male companion. Aren't there government officials who keep young men as companions?”
The follower recalled the several exceedingly handsome young men in Lord Jiang's residence and sighed inwardly.
Jiang Che scratched his chin, contemplating for a while. Finally, he said, “Speaking of which, this Top Scorer Zuo is indeed exceptionally handsome and happens to be one of my favorites. What should I do?”
The retainer's expression froze, as if he hadn't heard anything.
“Draft an invitation and arrange a gathering with the distinguished Young Master from the Zuo Family. Considering that the Conference Test is fast approaching, and as the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel, it's crucial for me to assess the character of the students in advance.”
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