Chapter 264: Prophecy of the four sages (2/2)
...
Construction in the Northern Mountain Village continued fervently.
Two days later.
Chi Guyan and Ping Yang left together. When they left, Chi Guyan told Fang Zhengzhi one thing, ”Xing Hou has returned to the capital!”
Fang Zhengzhi did not probe. If it was going to rain, he could not do anything to stop it. All he could do was spend some money to buy an umbrella.
Furthermore, he was too busy ‘rolling his snowballs’. During his free time, he also had to explain the rules and operation of the school to the sensei.
Wang Anhua was the mediator in these discussions.
Everything was proceeding according to plan. However, Fang Zhengzhi was waiting on one person, a very well informed person.
He had thought that Su Jiu would come, but Wu Yuer was the one who turned up.
A black sedan chair stopped at Fang Zhengzhi’s door. Then, more than 10 masked men following behind the sedan chair began bringing silver into Fang Zhengzhi’s house.
No one said anything.
Boxes of silver began filling up Fang Zhengzhi’s home.
All of the villagers could not believe their eyes.
”Is silver... really that easy to earn?”
Fang Zhengzhi did not speak, nor did he stop them. His lips twitched as he murmured to himself, ”This could have been easily done with cheques... the reason for changing them to silver is too obvious.”
When the transport of the silvers was done, the door opened from the inside.
However, no one walked out. As such, Fang Zhengzhi had no other choice but to go in.
The moment he entered, he smelled the faint aroma of tea.
”I hear that you are building a school?” A voice rang out.
”It may just be a rumor, why take it so seriously?” Fang Zhengzhi walked to a rosewood table inside the sedan.
There was a lady on the other side of the table.
She wore a blue blouse, a black skirt with golden embroidery and had a scarf on her shoulders. Her eyebrows were a work of art, her skin was white, and there was a red cinnabar in the middle of her forehead.
She was exquisite. Her posture and demeanor were flawless.
Wu Yuer’s beauty was undeniable. Her charm was clear for all to see
”What if I saw it for myself?”
”Since you saw it, I can’t hide it from you anymore...” Fang Zhengzhi lifted up the glass of tea on the table. He sniffed it, said it was acceptable, then drank it in a single gulp.
”A cup of superior Nine Dragon Red Robe Tea is just acceptable?” Wu Yuer said discontentedly.
”The standard seems to have been raised significantly since our past meetings. What is the reason for that?” Fang Zhengzhi smiled and asked.
”Now that you are a rank four official, and you have grand plans to set up an academy, you have the potential for greatness. The bar has to be raised.”
”And then?”
”When news of what happened here reached the capital, all of the officials called for an investigation by the Law Ministry. However, after Xing Hou returned, the emperor quelled all discussion on it. He also did not order you to return.”
”I never expected you to have ears in the court as well.”
”My guess it that there will be a resolution on this incident when you return to the capital. Your fate would have been decided by then.”
”You came all the way here to tell me this?” Fang Zhengzhi served himself another cup of tea.
”In other words, as long as you don’t return to the capital, this incident will never be resolved. The law ministry cannot arrest you without a warrant, and you can continue being the Sword Envoy and run your school. Two years later...” Wu Yuer continued.
”What will happen in two years?”
”When the court examinations begin in two years, you can return to partake in them. Your school will also be up and running. I am sure you can take home the top spot and become the top talent.” Wu Yuer raised her glass, closed her eyes, and sipped.
”This all sounds good, but your reason for having me wait two years seems a little weak. You said that the issue would be resolved once I return to the capital. Why shouldn’t I resolve it earlier rather than later?” Fang Zhengzhi put down his glass, picked up a melon seed and crunched.
”What if I told you that I have intelligence which says that you will have great misfortune if you return to the capital now? Your life might be in danger as well. Is that reason enough?” Wu Yuer placed the cup down, her eyes glowing in anticipation.
”Yes it is.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
Wu Yuer smiled and reached for a melon seed. Just as she prepared to bite down on it...
Fang Zhengzhi spoke.
”However, when I left the capital, I made a promise to a friend. I promised to meet him at the court examinations. I will keep my promises.”
”Is a small deal worth more than your life?” Wu Yuer did not seem to understand. After all, Fang Zhengzhi was not known for being an honorable man.
”The deal is not important, the person I made the deal with is important.”
”Is it Yan Xiu?”
”Yes.”
Wu Yuer was silent. She put back the melon seed on the plate. Then, she poured herself another cup of tea slightly disorientedly.
The steam floated out of the cup, climbing into the air like a dragon.
”If you are destined not to top the court examinations this time, will you participate?” After some time, Wu Yuer spoke again.
”Yes.” Fang Zhengzhi asserted.
”Okay then, I hope you can change your fate.”
”I have always believed that I am the master of my own fate. Oh yes, who were the people you consulted this time? They aren’t some scammers are they?”
”Haha...” Wu Yuer chuckled lightly and did not say anymore. Only this man would dare call the four sages scammers.
”You have travelled such a long way. Why don’t you come inside for a rest?” Fang Zhengzhi invited her inside as he admired her figure.
”Ew! I’m off.” Wu Yuer rolled her eyes at Fang Zhengzhi.
”I guess being kind isn’t appreciated nowadays. Oh yes, please help me with the marketing for my new school. Here is a silver for your troubles!” Fang Zhengzhi stood up to leave, then left behind a silver.
Wu Yuer picked up the silver and placed it in her pocket. She stared at Fang Zhengzhi’s back... ”This guy is really shameless. However, a silver is still money. It’s better than nothing!”
...
Three months later, the newly renovated academy took its first step towards success. A three storey high school and a two storey high accomodation block was finished. The hunting ground was almost complete, and books were filling up the library.
The road from the village to Huai An County was also complete.
Recruitment was going extremely well. News that the top 50 sensei in the north were here spread quickly.
Furthermore, with the wide road leading to the village, students from everywhere came to the village in search for a spot.
However...
The date of the court examinations was also nearing.
He knew that it was about time he set off for the capital. His only question was... Has Yan Xiu gotten stronger after so long?