Shanbo Asks for Leave to Avoid the Mystery, Yingtai Takes Care of Him and Keeps the Secre

Chapter 90 Shanbo Asks for Leave to Avoid the Mystery, Yingtai Takes Care of Him and Keeps the Secret

Midwinter has arrived in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Chen Mao, the magistrate of Qiantang County, arrived at the Chu family manor. The manor was located more than ten miles west of the county seat, with high walls and deep moats. It was also a fortified settlement, and from a distance, it exuded an imposing and unapproachable aura.

Chu Wenju entertained Chen Mao at Jinglu.

The walls inside the hut were whitewashed, the furnishings were simple and clean, and a bronze stove was placed in the corner with a burning charcoal fire.

Chen Mao, dressed in official robes, sat in the guest seat. After exchanging pleasantries, he said, "Master Chu, this month I intend to hold the 'Gathering of Pure Sounds in the Cold Winter' again. Last year's gathering was a great success, with many scholars gathering to discuss poetry and engage in refined conversation, which became quite a remarkable event. I expect it will be another grand occasion this year."

Chu Wenju smiled slightly and said, "Your Excellency's refined taste is truly a fine thing. Last year's gathering was indeed remarkable, and the scholars of Qiantang still praise it to this day."

He paused slightly, then changed the subject: "However, I have a humble opinion, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Chen Mao turned slightly to the side and gestured for him to speak: "Please speak, Elder Chu."

Chu Wenju slowly said, "Last year's gathering included a section for the young people to discuss and compose poetry, and also offered prize money to encourage the younger generation. The intention was good, but the young people were still young and impetuous, and in the competition for prizes, they inevitably showed off their talents and acted arrogantly. If this damaged the harmony, it would be undesirable. This year, it would be better to cancel this section and let the young people listen attentively to their elders' discussions and watch them compose poems. This is the way to cultivate good character."

Last year at the "Winter Solstice Music Gathering," Chu Wenju was somewhat dissatisfied with Liang Shanbo. This year, he didn't want this poor scholar to stand out again and receive 40,000 coins like last year.

However, Chu Wenju would not directly say "Liang Shanbo is not allowed to participate," as that would be too undignified and not something a head of a prominent family should say in front of a county magistrate.

His words were grand and dignified, hiding "suppression" within "upbringing" and concealing selfishness within a public-spirited mind. It was as if every word was for the benefit of young people, as if he were simply offering ordinary advice on "the way of upbringing."

Having served as a local official for many years and dealt with these prominent families for a long time, Chen Mao understood the unspoken meaning in Chu Wenju's words, and his mind was as clear as a mirror.

Last year at the Qingyin Gathering in the cold winter, Chu Wenju's grandson, Chu Jing, performed exceptionally well in the philosophical discussions and also ranked highly in poetry, but his limelight was overshadowed by Liang Shanbo, a young man from a humble background. When it came to rewarding the grandson with money, several prominent families readily contributed, but Chu Wenju only reluctantly gave his grandson his ten thousand coins after some awkwardness.

Chen Mao didn't point it out, but just smiled and said, "Master Chu's suggestion is good. Young people's energy is not yet settled, and their competitive spirit is too strong, which is indeed not good."

Following Master Chu's suggestion, this year the children will be exempt from the traditional literary discussions and poetry composing activities, and no rewards will be given. They can simply listen attentively.

Chu Wenju nodded.

In fact, others had made similar suggestions to Chen Mao before. The words were spoken by different people, but the meaning was largely the same.

Last year's "A Collection of Melodies in the Cold Winter" featured Liang Shanbo, a young man from a poor family, who truly stood out and overshadowed all the sons of prominent families. This year, we can't let him steal the spotlight again.

A few days later.

After breakfast that day, Liang Shanbo, as usual, went with Wang Shu and Gu Jun to Songzha in the back mountain to listen to Meng Wenlang's lecture.

The three of them walked on the thin frost on the stone path, arrived at the pine fence, pushed open the door, and knelt down.

Meng Wenlang didn't rush to start speaking. He first took out a letter and placed it on the low table. The letter was on vermilion paper with subtle patterns, written in running script with elegant handwriting.

Meng Wenlang's gaze swept across the three faces one by one: "Prefect Chen is going to hold the 'Winter Melody Gathering' at Zhuyun Pavilion again this year. The invitation has already been sent over. He is inviting heads of prominent families and famous scholars from this county as well. The invitation also states that I may bring my children to attend."

He added casually, "However, this year is different from last year. Young people can simply sit in and listen; there will be no separate sessions for young people to discuss poetry or compose verses, nor will there be any rewards."

A moment of silence fell over the pine-covered fence.

Wang Shu and Gu Jun both looked at Liang Shanbo simultaneously, one with a hint of indignation, the other lost in thought.

Meng Wenlang's gaze was also fixed on Liang Shanbo's face, silently waiting for his disciple to say something.

Liang Shanbo's gaze lingered on the red scroll for a moment, his expression calm, but his mind was clear as a mirror.

He immediately deduced the reason.

Last year at the "Qingyin Gathering" in the cold winter, he, a boy from a poor family, stood out among the splendidly dressed guests. He was first in conversation, composed two poems, and received a reward of 40,000 coins. While many praised him, there were probably even more who envied him.

This year, the festival of scholars engaging in philosophical discussions and composing poems has been abolished, and no rewards have been given. This is likely to suppress him and prevent him from having the opportunity to stand out again.

Fortunately, it's no longer important.

Three months ago, Zhu Tao gave him 20,000 coins. Now he is not short of money and can even prepare for his future wedding expenses.

Not to mention that Xie Xuan had already gifted him the Waiting Time Sword, opening a door to a vast world for him. His future was not on this small piece of land called Qiantang. He no longer needed to show off in Qiantang, nor did he need to prove anything to anyone there.

Thinking of this, he looked up at Meng Wenlang and said respectfully, "Sir, I understand that I stood out too much at last year's gathering of elegant music and attracted attention. I will not attend this year's gathering. Senior Brother Wang and Senior Brother Gu will accompany you."

His tone was devoid of any resentment or grievance, as if he were discussing an ordinary matter.

Meng Wenlang remained silent for a moment, then smiled gently and said in a warm tone, "I am pleased that you have this awareness. You really shouldn't go to this year's 'Winter Solstice Music Gathering.' If anyone asks about it, I will say that you are unwell and are resting quietly at the academy."

Wang Shu wanted to say something, but when he glanced at Liang Shanbo, whose face was calm and composed, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue and simply shook his head slightly.

Gu Jun's eyes showed understanding, but he didn't say anything, only nodding slightly to Liang Shanbo.

It's already the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

That day, Liang Shanbo was somewhat restless, preoccupied with something.

Last year, on the fifteenth and sixteenth of the twelfth lunar month, he suddenly developed a high fever and fell into a coma for two days. The fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month was the day he transmigrated into this world.

He speculated that this matter was mostly related to time travel. Perhaps it was because his body had extraordinary physical strength and memory, and he needed to have a high fever and be unconscious for two days on the day of his time travel to undergo some mysterious and indescribable adjustment, like a cicada shedding its shell or a sword being tempered.

If that's the case, he will have to suffer from a high fever and be in a coma for two days on the 15th and 16th of the twelfth lunar month this year.

Last year, it occurred in the school dormitory, alarming Mr. Meng, who invited Physician Cui, and also alarming all the classmates and friends. If it recurs this year, not only will it alarm everyone again, but it will also arouse suspicion. Why does it have to be the fifteenth or sixteenth of the twelfth lunar month? Why is it the same again this year?

That evening, oil lamps were lit in the schoolhouse, and charcoal was burning in the brazier.

While Yin Xin went to the cafeteria to get hot water, Liang Shanbo asked Zhu Yingtai, "Brother, do you remember when I suddenly had a fever and was unconscious for two days last December?"

Zhu Yingtai nodded: "Of course I remember, I remember it clearly. It started on the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month, and I didn't wake up until the night of the sixteenth. Those two days I—"

She suddenly stopped talking and didn't continue. For those two days, she stayed by his bedside, anxious and worried, and she was too embarrassed to bring up those details again.

Liang Shanbo gazed into her eyes: "To be honest, my dear brother, I feel slightly dizzy and chilled today, and the day after tomorrow is the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month. I suspect that I might have a fever and faint again the day after tomorrow, and it might last for two more days. If that happens, it will disturb the teachers and students of the school again, and I'm afraid it will arouse suspicion. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help, my dear brother."

Zhu Yingtai immediately tensed up, leaned forward slightly, and asked, "Brother Liang, how do you want me to help? Just tell me."

Liang Shanbo explained his plan: "I would like to ask you, my worthy brother, to take two days off with me. If I do indeed fall into a fever and coma like last year, I will certainly need your care. Also, I wonder if you could take me to rent a place in the city for two days? If that's not convenient, we can find an inn to stay in for two days."

Zhu Yingtai pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, I'll listen to Brother Liang. I'll ask for two days' leave with Brother Liang and stay in a rented house in the city."

Rented rooms are much quieter than guesthouses, and it's also easier to take care of things.

Although the house rented by the Zhu family in Qiantang County was guarded by servants, Zhu Yingtai already had a plan in mind. This time, for her brother Liang's sake, she would find a way to send the servant away for two days.

Looking at her worried and earnest expression, Liang Shanbo felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He then specially instructed her, "My dear brother, if I do indeed have a fever and fall into a coma on the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month, just like last year, you don't need to worry. I just need to rest for two days, and you take care of me for two days, and I will be fine. I will recover in two days."

Zhu Yingtai looked at him silently for a moment before nodding and asking, "Brother Liang, should we inform Sijiu about this?"

Liang Shanbo nodded: "It's best to tell her. Sijiu will stay in a rented house in the city with you and me for the time being. Sijiu is good at keeping secrets, so with her around, you'll have less trouble."

There was something else he didn't say.

Although Zhu Yingtai and he had been living together in the same room for over a year, Yin Xin had also been living with them during that time. It would not be appropriate for only he and Zhu Yingtai to live in the rented house in the city this time, leaving Yin Xin out.

The following day was the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai arrived together at Meng Wenlang's study.

After bowing respectfully, Liang Shanbo earnestly explained his purpose: "Sir, I fell ill last December. In the past two days, I have felt slightly dizzy and chilled. I dare not take it lightly and request a two-day leave to visit Zhu Jiuling in his rented house in the city for two days to recuperate. Zhu Jiuling will take me with him."

I hope you will grant my request.

Meng Wenlang looked him over carefully, then nodded: "That's enough. Go and rest well. You don't need to listen to the lecture today, so as not to exhaust your energy."

Liang Shanbo bowed in gratitude.

On this day, Liang Shanbo moved into the house rented by the Zhu family in the city with Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin.

The house remained unchanged. The courtyard, however, was quite spacious, with three main rooms facing forward and a large kitchen to the side. In the corner of the courtyard grew a clump of green bamboo, still verdant in the twelfth lunar month, its leaves swaying gently in the cold wind. Beneath the bamboo was a small stone well, with a wooden pulley mounted on its edge.

Zhu Yingtai had Liang Shanbo rest in a bedroom, and then had Yin Xin rearrange the wooden bed and change the bedding.

Just as Liang Shanbo had predicted.

That very night, around midnight, just as the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month arrived, he suddenly developed a fever and fell into a coma.

Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin, despite being mentally prepared, were still taken aback by what they saw.

The two then took care of Liang Shanbo together.

Zhu Yingtai soaked the handkerchief in cool water, wrung it out halfway, and gently placed it on his forehead, changing the handkerchief every now and then.

Although Liang Shanbo had told her beforehand not to worry and that he would recover in two days, seeing him lying there with his eyes closed and his body burning with fever, and seeing his brows slightly furrowed as if he were still thinking about something important while in a high fever and unconsciousness, she couldn't help but worry and feel sorry for him.

Fortunately, it turned out to be the same as last year.

Liang Shanbo was in a coma with a high fever for two days, the entire fifteenth and sixteenth of the twelfth lunar month. During these two days, he kept his eyes closed and his fever persisted.

On the night of the sixteenth of the twelfth lunar month, around midnight, just as the seventeenth of the twelfth lunar month arrived, he suddenly woke up. His consciousness rose from the depths of chaos, and he felt as if he had been lifted to the surface by an invisible hand from the bottom of extremely deep water.

Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin were sitting by the bed. When they saw him wake up, Zhu Yingtai was first taken aback, blinked her sleepy eyes, and then exclaimed with great joy, "Brother Liang! You really are awake!"

Liang Shanbo sat up, his movements somewhat slow, but he was not weak. He reached out and touched his forehead; the fever had subsided, as if it had been swept away by some invisible force.

He looked at Zhu Yingtai: "My dear brother, I've been feverish and unconscious for two days again?"

Zhu Yingtai nodded: "Just as Brother Liang predicted."

He bowed respectfully to Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin and said, "My dear brothers, Si Jiu, you've worked hard these past two days."

Zhu Yingtai shook her head, reached out to touch his forehead, and after confirming that he was no longer hot, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Yin Xin also looked relieved and couldn't help but say, "Young Master Liang, you scared us again. My husband has been very anxious these past two days, not eating or sleeping well."

Liang Shanbo looked at Zhu Yingtai and saw that she looked somewhat haggard. He felt a surge of emotion and guilt, but he didn't say much, keeping his feelings to himself.

He suddenly said solemnly, "Brother, Sijiu, I hope you will keep this a secret. If anyone asks, just say that I have been recuperating in a rented house in the city for two days, and do not mention that I fell ill, so as to avoid suspicion and unnecessary trouble."

Zhu Yingtai nodded and said decisively, "Brother Liang, don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

She turned to look at Yinxin and instructed her, "You must remember, you must not tell anyone."

Yin Xin nodded: "Don't worry, Young Master Liang, I won't tell anyone."

Liang Shanbo said, "Thank you, my virtuous brother, and thank you, Sijiu."

He was now certain that this illness was related to time travel. It seemed that every year on the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month, he would have a high fever and be unconscious for two days.

This was what the time travel left him, and perhaps it was also a trial that his extraordinary body had to endure. He couldn't avoid it, nor did he need to.

Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin found the situation increasingly bizarre.

How can someone have a high fever and be in a coma for two days on the same date two years in a row? How can it be so precise, falling ill on the exact day it's predicted and recovering in the exact two days it's predicted? This is beyond medical explanation.

Outside the window, though the night was deep, a bright moon, the seventeenth day of the twelfth lunar month, hung in the night sky.