Chapter 12
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The Imperial Tutor referred to the former tutor of the Crown Prince, Mr. Cao. Lin Qingyang had just arrived at the Imperial Academy and hadn’t even met Mr. Cao.
“Wait a minute, wasn’t this the mission I just received? What’s going on? I haven’t done anything yet, how did I fail? 2 points, are you trying to kill me, system!”
【 The system has not made an error.】
“I… What happened in such a short time? Ahhhhhh!” Lin Qingyang was on the verge of collapse.
Suddenly, his gaze fell on the person lying on the bed, and a flash of realization crossed his mind.
During this period, the only thing he did was to bring the male lead out of the Cold Spring Cave.
Could it be that if he didn’t bring him out, the mission would continue, but bringing him out would result in failure?
Should he bring the male lead back to make amends?
Lin Qingyang lowered his head in contemplation. Seeing that Chu Lishu’s complexion had softened in the warm environment, he couldn’t bring himself to send the person back into the icy cave.
“System, is there any remedy? If this mission isn’t completed, can the plot still proceed?”
“The mission does not affect the subsequent plot. Please be patient and wait for the next mission.”
“Not affect?” Lin Qingyang was puzzled. “How could it not affect? If the male lead doesn’t gain recognition and assistance from Mr. Cao, how could he easily become a prince’s study companion?”
In the original plot, it took some time for the male lead to gain Mr. Cao’s favor. So, Mr. Cao was the first to know when the male lead returned and provided significant assistance in the early stages.
The male lead came here to deliberately get close to Mr. Cao.
Huh? Lin Qingyang suddenly had a foreboding sense of unease.
Just as he was thinking about it, the system happened to reply: 【 The male lead’s goal is to enter the palace. If he must get assistance from supporting characters, he will take action again. Therefore, the failure of this mission will not determine the final outcome. After calculation, the impact is minimal.】
Lin Qingyang was stunned for a moment. “Right, in the original plot, the male lead was supposed to seek Mr. Cao’s help. Even without me… Wait a minute! Could it be that this time he wants to find Mr. Cao on his own? That’s why I received such a mission?”
The system replied, 【Yes. Friendly reminder, the missions released in the early stage are all in super easy mode. As the plot progresses, the mission difficulty will gradually increase. According to statistics, you are the first host to fail during the first three missions since the system started running in all the Heavenly Law worlds.】
Lin Qingyang: …
He remembered the first novice mission, at that time, he only needed to change his mind to accomplish it, extremely simple.
And for this second mission, if the male lead originally intended to talk to Mr. Cao, would he have completed it just by observing the plot without interference, merely standing by to prevent accidents?
【 Host has updated the system records!】
Lin Qingyang: … Ahhh! This is so embarrassing!
He had doubted it before, and now it’s even more certain. The male lead couldn’t possibly do something foolish. He was being punished today for a specific reason.
Even when he was injured, he stubbornly refused to leave, not because of straightforward sincerity. He was on the verge of a complete darkening and turning into a crazed person. How could someone like him foolishly kneel and accept punishment, getting beaten honestly? He wasn’t acting in a melodramatic way; there must be a reason! Why didn’t he think of this before!
Oh no, if it’s really like that, haven’t I created a colossal misunderstanding?
Not only did he become the first host in history to mess up under the super-easy mode mission, losing three points of life, but he also disrupted the male lead’s plan, causing him to suffer unnecessarily.
This is bad.
Lin Qingyang felt like he couldn’t even hold onto his last two points.
The male lead would surely resent him. Perhaps as soon as the male lead woke up, he would hear the alarm from the system.
“System, in the future, remind me when I encounter such situations! How would I know it was so simple! Can I still send him back now?”
The system replied sternly: 【 The system does not have a function to assist in completing missions. Please think more when receiving missions. The male lead is already in a deep sleep, and the mission has failed.】
Was it blaming him for not paying enough attention when receiving the mission?
He only wanted to bring the male lead back; it was an act of goodwill, fearing that something might happen to him, okay?
It was just too unfair.
It seemed to fit the old saying: Suffer double loss after trying to trick the enemy.
…
Lin Qingyang sat on the edge of the bed, sighing, caught in a dilemma.
Shuncai had already gone to fetch medicine.
At this moment, footsteps approached from behind—Xu Wenze had come over from the next room.
Xu Wenze saw Chu Lishu on the bed: “How did it come to this? The head teacher didn’t punish him like this.”
Lin Qingyang’s face turned pale, looking back at the newcomer.
“Oh, when I went there, Cheng Yi was…”
Xu Wenze was very clever and instantly grasped the key point, furrowing his brows. “This is really going too far.”
Although Xu Wenze was displeased, he didn’t say much. He was somewhat surprised to see Lin Qingyang’s current expression.
Earlier, he had informed Lin Qingyang about Chu Lishu’s situation, hoping that, considering their shared background, he could take a moment to check on him.
After hearing his words, Lin Qingyang rushed out with an unpleasant expression. Xu Wenze was concerned that Lin Qingyang might blame Chu Lishu for causing trouble and seeking confrontation. Unexpectedly, he was genuinely worried about Chu Lishu and managed to bring him back.
They used to frequently bully him before. Could it be…
Xu Wenze withdrew his inquisitive gaze, deciding not to pry into other people’s affairs. Seeing Shuncai coming with medicine, he furrowed his brows and said, “In this situation, it’s better to consult the physicians in the Imperial Academy. What if there’s internal injury?”
Lin Qingyang had already caused trouble once. If he were to bring a physician for the male lead, it might hasten their demise.
“It’s just an external injury from whipping. I brought medicine that is hundreds of times better than what a physician can provide. Besides, it’s not suitable for the news of my cousin being beaten to spread; it would cause trouble.”
Xu Wenze thought about it and found Lin Qingyang’s clear thinking surprising.
Afterward, Shuncai and Xu Wenze helped treat Chu Lishu’s wounds, while Lin Qingyang went to explain the situation to the head master. He mentioned that Chu Lishu had a weak constitution, and had suffered a severe illness before returning to the Imperial Academy. He had fainted when Lin Qingyang went to the Cold Spring Cave to find him.
The head master was not without compassion, and he had admired Chu Lishu’s scholarly achievements before. Upon hearing Lin Qingyang’s explanation, he granted permission.
As Lin Qingyang was about to leave when he unexpectedly encountered an elegant and dignified old man in gray robes and white hair. He had encountered this person before—the very Mr. Cao involved in his failed mission.
Even more tragically, Mr. Cao entered just as he heard them talking about Chu Lishu.
“Is Young Master Chu sick? No wonder…”
No wonder what? No wonder you went to find him, and he wasn’t there?
Oh no, it’s all my fault!
Seeing Lin Qingyang’s saddened expression, Mr. Cao looked puzzled and asked, “Is he seriously ill?”
“Not… It’s just that he has always been physically weak and needs time to recuperate.”
Mr. Cao nodded and said, “I’ve read his literary works; he’s quite talented. However, young people shouldn’t just focus on their studies; they need to have a healthy body. Otherwise, how can they contribute to the court in the future?”
“Mr. Cao makes a valid point. I’ll remember that and make sure to remind my younger cousin,” Lin Qingyang quickly responded.
After leaving Danxin Pavilion, Lin Qingyang didn’t dare to go back directly. He was genuinely afraid that the male lead would wake up and want to get rid of him. However, not going back wasn’t an option either. He didn’t know if today’s interaction was enough, if the check-in was successful, and if there would be more deductions. If that happened, he would really be on the verge of death.
In the current situation, he couldn’t afford to have any wishful thinking.
After wandering around for a while, it was time for the afternoon martial arts class. Lin Qingyang had already requested leave, citing the need to take care of his younger cousin. As he saw students gradually coming out of Sun and Moon Pavilion, he could only steel himself and head back.
Soon, he encountered Xu Wenze.
Xu Wenze stopped in his tracks, noticing Lin Qingyang’s dejected look. Thinking that Lin Qingyang’s plea might not have gone well after such a long absence, he spoke up, “Brother Lin, did the head master say anything?”
However, Lin Qingyang, upon seeing him, immediately asked, “How is Chu Lishu doing?”
Xu Wenze replied first, “When we were treating his injuries, he woke up. It seems he’s fine.”
Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat, and he nervously asked, “Did he say anything?”
Xu Wenze responded, “He just asked where you went. I told him you went to intercede for him and asked him to rest assured and recuperate. He’s probably asleep again now.”
Lin Qingyang immediately felt relieved, a smile appearing on his face. “Thank you, Brother Xu.”
“Brother Lishu is also my friend. What about the head master…”
“Oh, it’s fine. The head master is reasonable. He granted me leave to take care of Chu Lishu,” Lin Qingyang explained.
The two were in the midst of a conversation when Qi Yan appeared at the end of the corridor, greeting them. He then nudged Lin Qingyang with his elbow and asked, “Why did I hear that you brought Chu Lishu back? Is it true?”
“So what if it is?” Lin Qingyang was about to mention that Qi Yan, considering himself a good friend, hadn’t even informed him of this matter when he had arrived earlier.
Qi Yan felt a bit wronged. How was he supposed to know that Lin Qingyang suddenly cared so much about that pretty boy? He couldn’t understand Lin Qingyang’s actions.
However, when he saw Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze standing together and conversing naturally, he suddenly seemed to comprehend something. He hooked his arm around Lin Qingyang’s neck, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, friends are more important, right, Brother Xu? You see, my friend Lin here still has some virtues, doesn’t he?”
Xu Wenze’s expression changed when he noticed Qi Yan’s teasing demeanor. His initially relaxed demeanor instantly turned serious, and he said, “Brother Lin indeed has his merits. It’s almost time for the martial arts class. I need to prepare. I’ll take my leave.”
Lin Qingyang was puzzled by the undercurrents between the two. As soon as Xu Wenze left, he heard Qi Yan clicking his tongue and then, with a disdainful and lecherous expression, patting Lin Qingyang’s chest. “I really admire you, brother.”
Lin Qingyang asked, “What do you mean?”
Qi Yan immediately said, “Forget it, let’s go.”
“Go where? I have to look after my younger cousin in the afternoon. I’ve already consulted with the martial arts teacher. You go on your own.”
However, Qi Yan seemed to understand everything. He said with a knowing look, “Smart move, providing yourself with a reasonable excuse to skip martial arts class.” After a quick glance at Lin Qingyang’s body. This brother had always been clumsy during class, except for that whip dance. He’s usually being mocked secretly by people, so he frequently dodged martial arts class.
Lin Qingyang didn’t want to continue the conversation and just waved his hand to leave.
As more students came out, Lin Qingyang walked against the crowd. The gazes directed at him could be divided into two types: disdainful and avoiding.
Groups of young people gathered, forming the embryonic stage of various factions. Behind them stood their families and the royal interests they supported, which would eventually translate into different political factions in the future court.
They continued forward in the stream of people, as if they could foresee the scenes of mutual consumption and integration in the torrent of court struggles.
Unexpectedly, the person overlooked at the back of the crowd would be the one controlling the situation in the future. Meanwhile, the others in the crowd would become targets for the male lead, Chu Lishu.
Only Lin Qingyang was heading towards Chu Lishu, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of superiority, as if he alone was sober in a world of intoxicated people.
He returned to his own courtyard.
Chu Lishu had changed into a clean inner garment and was lying sideways on the bed. The blanket barely covered his waist while his arms fully wrapped in a blanket for warmth, leaving the injured back exposed. Lin Qingyang while seeing this, also noticed a medicinal aroma in the air. Chu Lishu’s complexion had improved significantly.
In the room, only Chu Lishu was present. There was no sign of Shuncai.
Curious, Lin Qingyang then saw Shuncai entering with a charcoal brazier to warm up the room.
“Young Master, you’re back. I didn’t slack off. Just now, Young Master Xu was worried that Young Master Chu might have a severe chill. It’s not convenient to cover him completely now. So, he asked me to bring in more charcoal,” Shuncai explained.
Lin Qingyang nodded, saying, “Well, Young Master Xu is indeed attentive. I hadn’t thought about that.”
“Young Master, did everything go smoothly? Did the head master scold you?” Shuncai worried, not wanting his young master to be unfairly treated for the sake of Chu Lishu.
“Hush, lower your voice. Don’t disturb Chu Lishu’s rest. There’s nothing wrong with the head master,” Lin Qingyang replied.
“Young Master, rest assured, the medicine Young Master Chu applied has a calming effect, and he’s sleeping soundly. He won’t wake up for a while.” Shuncai expressed concern again, “Young Master, why didn’t you go to class?”
“I’m worried about him, so I decided to stay here,” Lin Qingyang explained.
“Ah, Young Master, with your servant here, what else do you need to worry about? Rest assured, I know you care about Young Master Chu, I’ll take good care of him.”
“Sigh, you don’t understand. I can’t leave him now.” Isn’t he my lifeline?
Lin Qingyang sat on a nearby stool and stared at the side of Chu Lishu’s face, lost in thought.
The system did not issue any warnings, indicating that the male lead did not blame him. It seems that the male lead can distinguish between right and wrong and understands that Lin Qingyang is looking out for his well-being. Considering the check-in mission, Lin Qingyang must stay by his side every minute and second.
“If Young Master Chu knew you had such a caring heart, he would surely be touched,” Shuncai said, sincerely.
Lin Qingyang’s mouth twitched. If only the male lead could truly be moved. He disrupted the male lead’s plan and caused him unnecessary suffering. Even if the male lead doesn’t want to kill him out of anger, he probably feels quite upset.
“Sigh… I don’t dare to hope for any touching moments. It’s enough if he doesn’t dislike me,” Lin Qingyang said with a wry smile.
“How could that be!” Shuncai hurriedly responded.
Of course, it could be. The male lead probably doesn’t want to see him now. Shouldn’t Lin Qingyang do something to make it up to him? Maybe be a bit nicer? Otherwise, it might be challenging to complete the check-in when he wakes up.
“Shuncai, go get some ginger soup ready. When he wakes up, he can have it at any time. And get some food too. He hasn’t eaten anything since last night; he must be very hungry. Do you have any bruise-healing ointment? He knelt for so long; his knees must be sore. When he wakes up, we can apply some,” Lin Qingyang instructed.
“Young Master, I’ve never seen you treat anyone so kindly before,” Shuncai responded with a suppressed smile. As he turned to go about the tasks, he noticed the room opposite the Treasure Pavilion—Xu Wenze’s room.
Shuncai hesitated and looked back at Lin Qingyang. All he saw was Lin Qingyang’s gaze fixed on Chu Lishu. He was conflicted. Could it be that he genuinely doesn’t care anymore? He’s openly treating Young Master Chu so well.
Unable to make sense of it, Shuncai could only go on with the tasks.
Lin Qingyang remained by Chu Lishu’s bedside, contemplating his uncertain future. Unaware of the person in the bed, Chu Lishu’s long eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing a thin slit. The bright, black eyes emitted a clear light, and that beam of light fell directly on Lin Qingyang.
…
In a situation where complete safety couldn’t be ensured, as long as his body could endure it, Chu Lishu would never allow himself to fall into an ignorant and unconscious state. Therefore, the moment Lin Qingyang walked in, Chu Lishu woke up.
His decision to quote previous arguments openly in the exam, resulting in punishment, was all for Mr. Cao. Chu Lishu wanted to know whether Mr. Cao’s resignation was truly a sign of his unwavering loyalty or if he had other motives. He needed to figure out if Mr. Cao could be trusted and relied upon. This was why he employed such a strategy, a feigned plea for help, to avoid the scrutiny of other factions and have Mr. Cao come to meet him privately.
Based on his understanding of his teacher, Mr. Cao, Chu Lishu believed that if there was even a shred of loyalty left in Mr. Cao, he would come to see him after he suffered the punishment for the argument in favor of the former Crown Prince. However, he hadn’t anticipated that Cheng Yi, the fool, would interfere. Being beaten was an unexpected event; he couldn’t resist due to his status, but he didn’t want to waste this opportunity. He hoped Cheng Yi would finish his meddling quickly and leave. However, to his surprise, Lin Qingyang appeared and disrupted everything.
Not having seen Mr. Cao, he missed the best chance.
Chu Lishu felt a bit irritated. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t resist Lin Qingyang at that moment. Did he become weak? Did he feel too cold and too much pain, so he took the way out when someone offered it?
He didn’t want to end up like this. Indeed, Lin Qingyang might be harmless to him, but he could also bring trouble. Thinking back, he was somewhat angry about Lin Qingyang’s arbitrary actions. He decided it would be better to find a way to distance himself from Lin Qingyang to avoid being entangled.
Just as he was contemplating this, he overheard the unreserved conversation between Lin Qingyang and his servant.
“…As long as he doesn’t dislike me…”
Chu Lishu opened his eyes and cast a glance. Lin Qingyang was guarding by his bedside. The usually arrogant and annoying face now appeared somewhat dejected.
For him? Was Lin Qingyang so worried and troubled for him?
Hiding his uncomfortable hands, he let his thoughts drift for a while.
His eyes gradually closed, feeling sleepy again. When he woke up, he would think of another way to meet Mr. Cao.
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