Song Chongjin was taken aback for a mont and quickly put down his wine glass, standing up: "Yes."
Though Gu Zikai nearby had a few drinks, his mind was still clear. He grabbed Song Chongjin and whispered a reminder: "Be cautious!"
Song Chongjin exchanged a glance with Gu Zikai, pretending nothing was amiss as he followed the servant upstairs.
The other scholars looked enviously at Song Chongjin’s back: "In this dragon boat race, Brother Song has truly stood out, catching the eye of the dignitaries from the Capital City."
Gu Zikai snorted coldly, as these people only saw Song Chongjin’s seemingly glorious entrance into the eyes of the important figures, oblivious to the layers of crises that this glory might conceal.
Following upstairs, there was nothing much but Imperial Doctor Du considering that Song Chongjin was still observing mourning rites and thus couldn’t consu most of the dishes at the feast.
Originally, he instructed a servant to prepare so simple snacks in the kitchen for Song Chongjin to fill his stomach, but this was overheard by Zhu Haoran, whose mind stirred and demanded that Song Chongjin be called up.
Although Imperial Doctor Du didn’t quite understand, having been in the Imperial Palace for many years, he could sense things by the scent of the wind, and naturally felt a hint of displeasure in Zhu Haoran’s special focus on Song Chongjin.
Though unsure of the reason, after pondering for a mont, he agreed. He wanted to see what kind of trick Zhu Haoran intended to play.
Song Chongjin ca up and greeted everyone first.
Governor Chen waved his hand: "Alright, sit down then!"
Imperial Doctor Du gave Song Chongjin a look, signaling him to sit beside himself, and imdiately soone brought clean bowls and chopsticks.
Two steaming hot plates of simple vegetarian snacks were placed before him.
Knowing this was the kind gesture of Imperial Doctor Du, Song Chongjin thanked him, eating only two pieces to settle his stomach.
Previously unsure of what everyone was discussing, seeing Song Chongjin eat only two pieces before putting down his chopsticks, Zhu Haoran laughed while swirling his wine glass: "I hear from Old Du that your family is from Shiqiao Town in Jing County?"
Though it sounded like casual conversation, Song Chongjin dared not be careless, rely nodding: "Yes."
Zhu Haoran appeared to casually enquire about things such as age of attending school and whom he studied under.
Song Chongjin answered whatever Zhu Haoran asked but ensured not to say a word more or offer any explanations.
In everyone’s eyes, Zhu Haoran’s overly mild attitude seed like idle chat without any airs, even with a small scholar.
Yet, it appeared the scholar was either nervous or sothing else, only replying with two or three words throughout a heap of questions, unwilling to add any more.
However, upon hearing the ntion of whom he studied under and Xu You’s na, a gleam appeared in the eyes of both Zhu Haoran and Governor Chen.
The two exchanged subtle glances, Governor Chen laughing heartily: "Ah, you are indeed his student, no wonder! A great teacher produces outstanding students!"
Zhu Haoran seed eager to ask more but was restrained by Governor Chen’s gaze.
After a while, Governor Chen stated that it was getting late, everyone had had a tiring day, and suggested they return to rest early.
Lv Wenguang and others naturally stood up to comply, respectfully escorting Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran.
Governor Chen rose, took a couple of steps, seemingly rembered sothing, and turned back to Imperial Doctor Du: "Old Du, has the date for your closed-door disciple’s initiation ceremony been set? Is it tomorrow or...?"
Imperial Doctor Du paused in realization, smiling: "It’s set for the next couple of days. Certainly, I’ll invite both misters to witness the ceremony then."
Governor Chen nodded, particularly reminding: "Old Du, don’t forget."
Then he proceeded downstairs.
The other officials quickly followed behind, escorting the two downstairs.
Imperial Doctor Du glanced at Song Chongjin, signaling him to follow him.
Once downstairs, the students had already been notified, stood upright lining both sides of the restaurant entrance, watching as the guards escorted Governor Chen away, dispersing only in scattered groups afterward.
Originally planning to wait for Song Chongjin to return together, Gu Zikai heard Imperial Doctor Du say: "I’ll go with you. Let’s discuss the matter of the disciple ceremony."
Gu Zikai, being a clever person, imdiately understood that Imperial Doctor Du had sothing to talk about with Song Chongjin, and swiftly indicated having other matters to attend to and left first.
Imperial Doctor Du took Song Chongjin onto his carriage, knocked on the carriage wall, and the carriage began to move slowly.
Leaning against the carriage compartnt with closed eyes for a while, Imperial Doctor Du finally spoke: "What connection do you have with Zhu Haoran?"
Song Chongjin didn’t hide, recounting the events encountered in Qi City thoroughly.
After a long while, Imperial Doctor Du glared at Song Chongjin: "You have quite the guts! Daring to involve yourself in such matters! You..."
Song Chongjin didn’t defend himself, simply bowed his head without speaking.
Imperial Doctor Du still wanted to say sothing, the carriage already stopped: "Sir, we’ve arrived."
"We’ll settle accounts later!" Imperial Doctor Du snorted, lifting the curtain and stepping down from the carriage.
Song Chongjin followed suit, knocked on the door, and heard Old Granny Wu’s voice from inside: "Who is it?"
Song Chongjin replied: "It’s ."
The door imdiately opened, Old Granny Wu’s voice filled with delight: "Master is back! Just in ti, the old lady and the mistress are dining with the maternal old man. They’ve been waiting for you for quite a while; the al was just served."
Done speaking, she spotted Imperial Doctor Du behind Song Chongjin, montarily stunned.
Song Chongjin respectfully invited Imperial Doctor Du into the courtyard, raising his voice to announce: "Yongzhu, Old Master Du is here—"
Soon, Wang Yongzhu erged from the main room to greet him. Seeing Imperial Doctor Du, she bowed and with a smile gestured: "Master has arrived! Please co inside, surely you haven’t eaten well at the restaurant, let’s have so more?"
Imperial Doctor Du snorted: "You haven’t even initiated the ceremony, calling master already?" Though complaining, his legs moved forward ahead into the house.
Wang Yongzhu sweet-talked him: "Alright, Master. Call you upon the initiation ceremony, okay? Co inside, Master—"
anwhile, she cast a glance back at Song Chongjin, questioning how he accompanied him?
Song Chongjin mouthed the words, Wang Yongzhu imdiately understood.
Supporting Imperial Doctor Du inside, Old Granny Zhang and Yang Zongbao rose to welco them at the door.
After exchanging greetings, they also invited Imperial Doctor Du to the chief seat, providing bowls and chopsticks.
Imperial Doctor Du looked at the table, besides a few main dishes, there were mostly ho-style dishes, looking appetizing.
He hadn’t eaten much during the earlier feast, felt hungry seeing this, and didn’t hold back.
Old Granny Zhang and Yang Zongbao seed sowhat surprised by Imperial Doctor Du’s arrival, but seeing Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin still in good spirits, they sowhat eased their minds.
Considering everyone had their concerns and were hungry as well, nobody stood on ceremony, and all delved into filling their stomachs first.
Old Madam Ding and Gu Yu brewed another pot of tea, and Imperial Doctor Du took his tea, glanced at Yang Zongbao, appearing sowhat hesitant, prompting Wang Yongzhu to speak promptly: "Master, please don’t worry. This is my uncle, not an outsider, feel free to say whatever you need. Besides, my uncle can’t even speak—"
Imperial Doctor Du did gaze at Yang Zongbao for a mont, but urgent matters were at hand, he coughed once and directly stated: "The situation in Qi City, Chongjin has already inford —"
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