Chapter 111 - Decompression
Zuo Shaoqing instructed Yinyi to keep a close watch on Zuo Shaoyan's residence. He composed himself and contemplated the key aspects to focus on during the upcoming exam.
Lu Zheng had meticulously arranged all the items he needed to bring along. Apart from making a few substitutions to suit his preferences, he had covered all his daily necessities.
His plan for calligraphy involved using the Willow Body script he had been practicing since his rebirth.
In fact, his forte was the Little Plum Blossom script. In the past, he had used this style to transcribe Buddhist scriptures for his grandmother. However, the elegant and pristine nature of Little Plum Blossom might be deemed too refined, potentially creating an impression of lacking vitality among the examiners.
Assessors often judged an examinee's character based on their handwriting and writing style. The excessively delicate and sophisticated Little Plum Blossom script could easily give the impression of lacking vigor.
He recalled a fellow student who held him in high regard and had used his own specialty, the wild grass script, during the exam. Furthermore, not every examiner could decipher those characters.
Besides, not all examiners could recognize those characters.
On the eve of the Conference Test, Zuo Shaoqing's anxiety had reached its zenith. He was so preoccupied that he couldn't even think about eating, and his entire demeanor betrayed his nervousness.
This state persisted until Lu Zheng's arrival. The moment Zuo Shaoqing laid eyes on Lu Zheng, it was as if he had found a pillar of support, and his anxiety miraculously abated.
Lu Zheng entered unreservedly. To ensure that Zuo Shaoqing could rest well before the exam, Zuo Yunwen had relocated everyone from the vicinity, fearing any disturbances to his son's peace.
Lu Zheng easily scaled the wall and made his way in. Upon entering, he was met with three pairs of beseeching eyes. With an amused smile, he approached Zuo Shaoqing, touched his forehead, and inquired, “Are you nervous?”
Zuo Shaoqing nodded and shook his head simultaneously. Leaning against Ye Zichen's chest, he confessed, “I stop feeling nervous when I see you.”
“So I possess such a power,” Lu Zheng mused as he wrapped his arms around Ye Zichen's waist and guided him to a chair next to the table. “I haven't had my meal yet. Join me for dinner.”
Luo Xiaoliu headed to the kitchen to order an additional hot meal. After all, the master had declared that tonight, San Ye could have whatever he desired, and anything not available at home would be procured from outside.
When she learned that the kitchen had delayed his dinner, Madam was almost tempted to confront San Ye herself.
Luo Xiaoliu placed an extensive order of dishes, typically considered challenging to consume. As he gazed at the cheerful kitchen manager, he finally savored the sensation of preordering a meal.
Throughout the dinner, Lu Zheng continued to feed Zuo Shaoqing. Despite eating only a few bites, Zuo Shaoqing couldn't help but realize that Lu Zheng was simply using this as an excuse to ensure he ate enough.
After he had eaten his fill and set down his bowl and chopsticks, he finally confessed with a flushed face, “I must be quite a joke to Master Lu.”
In theory, he should have been more prepared than anxious. However, he couldn't deny that his state of mind felt peculiar, perhaps because he had overestimated the significance of the upcoming Conference Test.
Lu Zheng gestured for the other two individuals to step back and then lifted Zuo Shaoqing onto his lap, gently patting his back.
Words of comfort wouldn't suffice, and he couldn't take the exam for Zuo Shaoqing. All he could offer was a reassuring embrace.
Sensing that the person in his arms had regained some composure, Lu Zheng chided softly, “Losing hope won't do you any good.”
Zuo Shaoqing gripped his hand tightly. This Conference Test wasn't only pivotal for his standing within the Zuo Family, but it also held the key to the clarity of his relationship with Lu Zheng.
If he were just an ordinary, nameless student, once their relationship became public, he would be subjected to relentless gossip and scrutiny, making him feel unable to hold his head high.
However, being a top scholar would change the dynamic. While there would still be criticism, at least he wouldn't be subjected to malicious whispers and sneers.
Being a cherished companion and the lover of two partners were entirely distinct concepts.
“Master Lu, this time, I'm determined to secure the top scholar position!” Zuo Shaoqing locked eyes with Lu Zheng, radiating confidence and determination.
Lu Zheng looked at him for a moment, then gently kissed his eyelids and spoke in a low, husky voice, “Then let me offer a small reward to the future top scorer of the Zuo Family.” With those words, he lifted Zuo Shaoqing and carried him to the inner room.
One moment, Zuo Shaoqing was solemnly making a vow, and the next, he found himself in an amorous situation. He was left feeling both embarrassed and indignant, exclaiming, “Don't be playful; tomorrow is the Conference Test!”
He absolutely didn't want to lose control of his focus during the Academic Institution's exams because of tonight!
Lu Zheng lowered the bed curtain and gently pressed down on the person lying on the bed, saying, “Calm down, I'm simply trying to alleviate the pressure on this side of the wall.”
His hands skillfully undid Zuo Shaoqing's belt, gradually removing each layer of clothing until his fair chest and rosy nipples were exposed. Leaning in, he delicately took one pill into his mouth and administered it to Zuo Shaoqing.
The tip of Lu Zheng's soft, moist tongue traced circles around a sensitive spot on Zuo Shaoqing's chest. Each movement resembled a feather lightly brushing against his heart, creating a tingling, ticklish sensation. Occasionally, Lu Zheng's teeth grazed against that spot.
“Master…” Zuo Shaoqing let out a prolonged moan, his voice unsteady, while his hands moved rhythmically across Lu Zheng's body, caressing it.
This time, Lu Zheng didn't waste any time and proceeded directly to the main act, causing Zuo Shaoqing to gasp and push him away. The whole process took just a little over a quarter of an hour.
Zuo Shaoqing turned his body and buried his face in the blankets. His body was still trembling from the climax, and his skin was flushed with a warm, rosy hue.
He never expected that Lu Zheng would employ such a method to ease his mind. The satisfaction he felt now was even greater than the physical release he had just experienced.
Sensing the weight on his body lifting, Zuo Shaoqing perked up his ears and listened as Lu Zheng got up from the bed. Not long after, Lu Zheng returned to sit on the bed, and Zuo Shaoqing felt something brush against his lower body.
Blushing, he pushed Lu Zheng's hand away, took the towel from him, and casually wiped himself clean before pulling the blanket over himself, revealing a pair of clear, bright eyes.
Lu Zheng couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration as he observed the appearance of his shy spouse. He yearned to claim him right then and there.
In recent days, he had gained considerable knowledge about the intimacies between men and women, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice with Zuo Shaoqing.
Zuo Shaoqing, trembling with anxiety, pulled the blanket up to cover his eyes. Normally, he would playfully tease Lu Zheng and engage in light banter, but tonight was different, and he didn't dare to provoke Lu Zheng.
Hearing the rustling of fabric near his ear, Zuo Shaoqing's heart raced even faster than when he was anxious.
The blanket was lifted, and a warm body joined him. Zuo Shaoqing was immediately enveloped by the familiar, strong embrace.
With their limbs entangled, Zuo Shaoqing distinctly felt the firmness against his lower abdomen and clenched his teeth before reaching out his hand.
Just as he was about to reach his target, a strong hand clamped onto his own. Lu Zheng's deep voice whispered near his ear, “Still not planning to get some sleep?”
Zuo Shaoqing swiftly withdrew his hand and placed it on Lu Zheng's waist instead. He playfully brushed his mouth against Lu Zheng's chest and replied with a muffled smile, “I want to sleep!”
Zuo Shaoqing had worried that he might not get any sleep tonight, but to his surprise, Lu Zheng had fallen asleep so quickly. When he woke up later, the space beside him was already chilly, and he had no idea when Lu Zheng had left.
“Yinyi…” Zuo Shaoqing sat up, clutching his blanket as his vision slowly cleared.
Yinyi emerged from the corner, retrieved the clothes hanging on the screen, and tossed them to Zuo Shaoqing. With a stern expression, he said, “Young Master San, it's time to rise. You have preparations to make.”
In other words, Zuo Shaoqing had just two hours to get up, freshen up, and organize his belongings for his journey to the Academic Institution.
“When did Master Lu depart?” Zuo Shaoqing dressed at a leisurely pace, sensing warmth in his Dantian, which meant his internal energy was richer than usual.
Without a doubt, it was Lu Zheng's doing. He must have been concerned that Zuo Shaoqing wouldn't have enough energy during the exams.
“He left two hours ago. The Beidi envoys have already set out for the capital. In another half a month, there will be a peace treaty between the two nations. I'll be quite occupied during this time.”
Zuo Shaoqing's clothing paused momentarily as he recollected. Beidi had been defeated and was now compelled to submit to Great Yang. This spring marked the signing of the treaty between the two nations.
He also recalled an intriguing tale that circulated during this period. It was said that when Beidi's emissary arrived in the capital, the imperial court's civil officials displayed some defiance, even daring to haggle during negotiations. However, Master Lu made a dramatic entrance, riding in on a warhorse with a long spear in hand, striking terror into the hearts of the entire envoy.
Although the story had likely been embellished when it reached Zuo Shaoqing's ears, it confirmed Beidi's fear of Master Lu.
Eventually, with a stern expression, Master Lu slammed his hand on the table. The terms were set: Beidi would provide five thousand fine horses, ten thousand sheep, ten thousand cows every three years, and one hundred thousand taels of silver.
The Beidi emissary had no choice but to reluctantly accept, his face filled with bitterness.
Dealing with this nomadic group was one thing, but a hundred thousand taels of silver was a staggering sum for Beidi's nomadic way of life.
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