coobybook Chapter 406 The Confident Young Master
Chapter 406 The Confident Young Master
Yang Qingfeng raised his head, his gaze slowly sweeping across the bustling capital: the bustling streets, the rows of shops, the ornate garments and sedan chairs of dignitaries. All this bustle and bustle felt strangely unfamiliar to him. He took a deep breath, then turned to look at Li Shenghui, who stood beside him with a forlorn expression.
Yang Qingfeng gently patted Li Shenghui's shoulder and said slowly, "Shenghui, look at the prosperity of the capital. It seems so desirable, but in reality it is full of intrigue and endless struggle. Our Futian Village is peaceful and tranquil. There are familiar mountains and rivers, friendly neighbors, and a warm home. Spending every day with family, sowing in spring and harvesting in autumn, such a simple yet stable life, isn't it also a great joy in life?"
Li Shenghui nodded heavily. He had no intention of revenge, he just wanted to become a teacher.
Wenyuan Academy
"Master, someone wants to see you."
Not long after Yang Qingfeng and Li Shenghui left, the scholar guarding the gatehouse came in again, trotting all the way.
Bowen, resting his eyes in his armchair, was startled by the sudden report. He said impatiently, "Who is it again? It goes on and on all day long. Does anyone want to enter the Great Yan Kingdom's number one academy now? Do you really think this is a place where anyone can come?"
The gatekeeper hurriedly handed over the letter of recommendation. Bowen took it with a look of displeasure and roughly tore open the envelope. His brows furrowed as he glanced over the contents of the letter. When he saw that it was written by the magistrate of Qingshui County, his expression darkened even more.
The new Qingshui County Magistrate was the son-in-law of the Jizhou Prefect, who was in turn a member of Concubine Sun's family. Bowen's brow furrowed tightly, the veins in his forehead throbbing faintly, and he clenched the letter in his hand.
The Qingshui County Magistrate couldn't have been unaware that the Prince was behind Wenyuan Academy, so why would he have written this letter of introduction? What kind of conspiracy and calculation was hidden in this? Thinking of this, his eyes revealed a deep sense of vigilance.
"Bring people here."
Wen Bo pursed his lips tightly, and a low voice came out of his throat, sounding a little gloomy.
A moment later, an elegant young man, accompanied by his servant, stood in front of Wenbo at a leisurely pace.
The young man was wearing a brocade robe embroidered with exquisite patterns and a jade-inlaid belt around his waist. He had an upright posture and an extraordinary demeanor.
When the young master saw Wen Bo, who was in charge of the prestigious First Academy, there was no trace of servility on his face. His bright eyes looked straight at Bo Wen without any intention of dodging.
"Student, Long Qiushan, the teacher is polite."
He bowed slightly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, with an innate confidence.
When the servant Xiaodengzi behind Long Qiushan saw that his master had finished paying his respects, he hurried forward and presented an exquisitely crafted brocade box with both hands. The box was carved with delicate patterns, making it look particularly luxurious.
"This is a small gift prepared by our master. It is a painting and calligraphy by Mr. Wang Yuelun." Xiaodeng lowered his head slightly and spoke in a humble tone.
When Wen Bo heard that the calligraphy and painting were from Mr. Wang Yuelun, the foremost scholar of the Great Yan Kingdom, he leaped up from his armchair. He eagerly took the brocade box, not caring about his distinguished status as the head of the First Academy.
He opened the box impatiently, took out the calligraphy and painting with trembling hands, and then carefully unfolded it.
When he saw the amazing calligraphy, his eyes were filled with fascination and wonder. The vigorous and powerful strokes seemed to hold an endless charm that captivated him. He was unable to extricate himself from it, and he stammered to himself, "This... this is truly Mr. Wang's authentic work!"
"This painting, 'Mountain Dwelling', was created on Mr. Wang's 60th birthday. At that time, Mr. Wang was inspired and completed it in one go. This painting embodies his life's talent and insights, and it is priceless!" Xiao Dengzi explained vividly.
Bowen carefully put away the calligraphy and painting with trembling hands. When he looked at Long Qiushan again, his expression softened and his tone was no longer as cold as before. "I wonder if Young Master Long has come here this time to pursue a career in government, or if you intend to study hard in my academy and pursue academic excellence?"
Long Qiushan raised his head slightly and said casually, "Nine out of ten students in the world study in order to enter the government and seek fame and fortune. But I, Long Qiushan, do not want that. I do not want to study for the purpose of becoming an official. The mountains and rivers in the world are so magnificent, and all things in the world are so colorful. I have come to this world to live freely. Why should I confine my life and lose my freedom for a small black hat on my head?"
After hearing this, Bowen couldn't help but be slightly startled. When he looked at Long Qiushan again, his eyes became complicated. There was admiration, envy, and a hint of indescribable melancholy in those eyes.
This young master of the Long family is quite similar to myself when I was young. At that time, I also had great ambitions and longed for freedom and was not bound by fame, wealth and power.
But later on, he was not in control of himself and was tainted with the smell of money. For the sake of survival and family interests, he had to make many choices that went against his original intentions.
The only thing he retained was his loyalty to the Great Yan Dynasty, which was also the last bottom line he adhered to in this complicated and tempting world.
Xiaodengzi hurriedly stepped forward, bent over, and added with a smile on his face, "Master, please don't misunderstand me. Our master means that if we can get your recommendation and let our son join the official's staff, that would naturally be a good thing.
After all, in a high-ranking official's family, one can learn a lot about the ways of being an official. If our son can, through his own talent and hard work, enter the officialdom and bring honor to the family in the future, that would naturally be the best.
But everything is entirely up to you, Master. Our Master and Young Master have great respect for you and I believe you will show Young Master a clear path.”
After hearing this, Bowen smiled meaningfully and slowly sat down on the armchair. He raised his hand and gently stroked his graying beard, his eyes slightly closed as he began to ponder.
It seems that the young master of the Long family is not obsessed with becoming an official, but from his words one can detect a bit of the noble air of a scholar.
However, he was recommended by the Qingshui County Magistrate, and the relationship between them was truly elusive. If he was accepted, he was worried that he had ulterior motives; if he was not, he was afraid of alerting the enemy and causing unnecessary trouble.
After much thought, the best way might be to keep him under my own supervision, keep an eye on him at all times, and see what he really intends to do.