"In this world, the emphasis is on advocating filial piety. To become an official, one requires a recommendation. Nobles take on ranked official positions, while those positions not ranked are disregarded by them; they even disdain to engage in them, lest they lose face. Just like Chai Chuanxin who, despite struggling to even eat, would never deign to become a scribe." Zhang Chen felt somewhat melancholic.
"However, as long as we work hard, the future might hold opportunities for us." Han Suzhen’s voice pulled Zhang Chen back from his thoughts: "Have you encountered any difficulties in your studies these past few days?"
Zhang Chen certainly had questions, as the content he acquired sparked more uncertainties in his mind, despite some resolution.
The mentor and disciple engaged in a Q&A session in the courtyard, while from inside, Chen Sanliang’s voice came through: "Chuanxin, come into the room. I’ll explain the classics to you."
Chai Chuanxin stood up, ignoring Zhang Chen, and entered the room straight away.
Thus, a scene formed in the small courtyard: inside the room were Chen Sanliang and Chai Chuanxin, while outside were Zhang Chen and his master, each teaching their respective knowledge without interacting.
Han Suzhen instructed Zhang Chen for two hours before going to the kitchen to cook, leaving Zhang Chen to grasp the principles she elucidated in the courtyard.
Having received nine years of education in his previous life, comprehending Han Suzhen’s teachings through his past life’s perspective wasn’t particularly challenging for him.
An hour later, the aroma of rice wafted through the air, accompanied by the scent of stewed meat.
The rice and stewed meat were laid out on the table, and Chen Sanliang called out to Chai Chuanxin: "Chuanxin, let’s have lunch here today."
Chai Chuanxin did not object, implicitly agreeing to Chen Sanliang’s suggestion.
"Zhang Chen, come over for a meal."
At this moment, the master brought a plate of pickles from the kitchen and called out to Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen was about to move when Chai Chuanxin suddenly spoke, disbelief lacing his voice, as he knelt down before Chen Sanliang: "Master, I am unworthy. I must speak my mind—why are you teaching a commoner literacy? And now even inviting him to dine with us—a commoner! I simply cannot accept this."
The air in the small courtyard seemed to freeze. Zhang Chen halted mid-stride, his fists slowly clenching inside his sleeves, and his eyes pierced through the doorway towards the kneeling Chai Chuanxin, a flicker of anger roiling in his gaze.
"Zhang Chen, we won’t keep you for lunch today. Go and eat at home. Return once you’ve finished." Chen Sanliang directed his gaze towards Zhang Chen.
"Bang~"
At that instant, Han Suzhen abruptly slammed the pickles to the ground, broth splattering everywhere. Raising her voice, she broke her previous gentleness: "Chen Sanliang, what is the meaning of this? Why can your disciple stay for lunch, while mine is sent away because of a single comment? Each grain and drop of oil on this table is bought by my disciple—how can you treat him like this?"
"A red gate is a red gate, and a wooden gate is a wooden gate. Can a mere commoner compare with Chuanxin? I’ve tolerated your acceptance of him for subsistence, and your teaching him literacy. But sharing a meal with Chuanxin—this is the greatest insult to Chuanxin!" Chen Sanliang’s voice brimmed with ire.
"If you have the nerve, stop eating the food my disciple brought." Han Suzhen, unwilling to back down, added icily.
"Incomprehensible! In any case, he must not break the rules again today." Chen Sanliang skirted the issue of skipping the meal but refused Zhang Chen’s presence.
Han Suzhen wanted to argue further, but Zhang Chen gently took her wrist, whispering in a soothing tone: "Master, please, do not quarrel. Family harmony is most important. It hasn’t been easy for you and Master to walk this road together. I’ve already arranged a meal with friends at a restaurant; I cannot break that appointment. Please do not be angry—such trivial matters are not worth it."
Hearing Zhang Chen’s words, Han Suzhen felt a surge of tears in her eyes, her body trembling visibly. She gazed at Zhang Chen, and after a long while, sighed, "I am sorry."
Zhang Chen smiled: "It’s nothing—just a meal. Does it matter where I eat?"
Comforting Han Suzhen, Zhang Chen cast another glance at the kneeling Chai Chuanxin before turning to leave through the main door.
Only after exiting did the smile fade from Zhang Chen’s face, replaced by an angry gaze as dark as still water, with a hint of murderous intent flickering.
"Did you see all that?" Zhang Chen summoned Fox Fairy Nannan, inquiring in a low tone.
"Can’t entirely blame Chai Chuanxin; this is the way of your Human Race. The chasm between nobles and commoners is an impassable void." Fox Fairy Nannan offered a word of consolation, her eyes rolling slyly:
"Do you want me to rob his home, or dispose of him? Those Martial Dao experts are responsive and sharp—I might not be their match, but to take the life of a mere scholar requires only the flick of a finger."
"Just look at that impoverished figure. If he had money, would he wear such ragged clothes?" Zhang Chen sneered coldly.
Fox Spirit responded peculiarly, "Still, he is a fallen noble. Who knows what heirlooms might have passed down—never underestimate such people. As for finishing him off, I advise against it; the unexpected death of a noble would certainly draw investigation from both Prince Pingbian’s Mansion and the Inspection and Supervision Department. Were I to act and escape detection, all would be well, but if they caught on, it would bring undue attention. The scrutiny of the Inspection and Supervision Department is all-encompassing; we are better off developing in secret without their notice."
Recalling the Twelfth Tier Mysteries of the Great Victory Dynasty’s founding, Zhang Chen pondered momentarily before instructing, "Keep an eye on him! Locate his residence, and I’ll follow up. Should any treasures surface, it would be ideal. Failing that, break his leg so I might have some peace while pursuing my studies."
After issuing instructions to the Fox Spirit, Zhang Chen entered a nearby restaurant, ordering three small dishes and leisurely dining.
Once full, he waited a while, noting that Chai Chuanxin hadn’t emerged, likely studying through the afternoon. Unperturbed, he ordered a pot of tea to enjoy at his leisure.
Zhang Chen spent the entire afternoon drinking tea, until dusk fell when he finally saw Chai Chuanxin emerge from Wang Family Lane, and Fox Spirit adeptly signaled to Zhang Chen and trailed him.
Half an hour later, Fox Spirit returned with intelligence: "That brat’s home isn’t here. He’s a traveler from the South, seeking study. What’s the next move?"
"Break his leg so he’ll be laid up for months. I don’t want to see him in the coming days," Zhang Chen directed the Fox Spirit.
Fox Spirit hesitated, concern coloring her features: "Tracks of the Inspection and Supervision Department cover the city. If I break his leg out of thin air, the Department might sniff us out, potentially bringing you trouble."
This time, her concern was rare yet sincere.
"I’ve dealt with their kind before," Zhang Chen dismissively remarked, then scolded the Fox Spirit, "Why would you take action directly to break his leg? What if a convenient pillar were to fall, or he took a tumble from a high place, or was struck by a beam while sleeping? There are plenty of methods, yet your approach is so blunt!"
Fox Spirit gave Zhang Chen a sidelong glance, inwardly musing, "This boy truly handles things ruthlessly!"
The next moment, she vanished like the wind from the restaurant.
Likewise, Zhang Chen tossed down payment for the tea and blended into the bustling crowd.
As for Chai Chuanxin, upon returning to his rented courtyard and climbing the second-floor loft, he gazed at the view outside when suddenly he felt a force push from behind, sending him tumbling downwards.
Seizing the opportunity of nightfall, Fox Spirit lifted a roof beast hung from the beam, dropped it with precision and a crunch on Chai Chuanxin’s leg.
This beast decoration had been secretly loosened by her earlier and now replaced specifically for this purpose.