Chapter 61
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Your hand hurt? So you couldn’t control the force?
Everyone was momentarily puzzled by this logical connection. They only saw Chu Lishu, who was as bright as the moon, with a face that surpassed the snow, his red lips tightly pressed, and his clear eyes carrying a hint of watery luster. His sparse eyebrows lightly furrowed, and even those who weren’t fond of handsome men couldn’t help but feel concerned.
Lin Qingyang was the first to recall that the hand was injured earlier in the morning at his eldest cousin’s place. He quickly let go of Xu Wenze and approached Chu Lishu, expressing concern, “It must be that you didn’t take care of it properly. Let’s go see the physician.”
“No problem, Cousin. You and Brother Wenze can play chess. I may not be able to play with Young Master Pei, so I’ll just watch from the side.” Chu Lishu smiled.
“Forget about playing chess; let’s go. I’ll accompany you to see the physician,” Lin Qingyang said, ready to take Chu Lishu away.
“But…” Chu Lishu seemed hesitant.
However, Lin Qingyang insisted, and the person who was provoking on the side couldn’t help but say, “Lin Qingyang, are you trying to escape under the guise of this?”
“Exactly, you’re absolutely right,” Lin Qingyang didn’t bother to respond and directly took Chu Lishu to request early leave.
“Just now, he was acting all upset, and now he doesn’t care about what others say? Is he genuinely worried about Chu Lishu, or is he intentionally trying to escape?” People around whispered to each other.
Listening to these comments, Xu Wenze looked towards the door in a daze.
On the other side, Lin Qingyang took Chu Lishu to see the physician at the academy. The physician examined Chu Lishu’s hand and said, “It’s okay. Apply some medicine, try not to use too much force with this hand, and avoid maintaining one position for too long. It will be fine after some time, occasional warm compresses will be more effective.”
It’s estimated that the prolonged time spent playing chess just now caused this.
Since they had already left early, Lin Qingyang accompanied Chu Lishu back to the courtyard. Checking if there was anything that required manual work, Lin Qingyang decided to help him in advance, so he wouldn’t need to use his hands. He called for Shuncai, instructing him to prepare hot water for later use in applying a hot compress to Chu Lishu’s arm.
“How long have you been enduring this? Why didn’t you mention the pain earlier? In case it leaves any sequelae, you’ll be the one suffering from habitual dislocations in the future.”
After all, the protagonist’s current body structure is inherently unscientific, and there’s genuine concern that he might develop some health issues.
“No big deal, you don’t have to worry,” Chu Lishu said gently. “It’s just that I’ve delayed cousin from playing chess.”
Thinking about it, Lin Qingyang laughed, “Actually, now that I think about it, I do feel a bit guilty. What if I really can’t last for fifty moves? That would be embarrassing. Honestly, tell me, is my chess really that bad?”
“Well… cousin, honestly tell me, where did you learn these chess strategies?” Chu Lishu suddenly asked.
Lin Qingyang was stunned, looking up at Chu Lishu with a puzzled expression. He directly met those transparent black-and-white phoenix eyes, a gaze that seemed to see through everything, firmly holding Lin Qingyang’s gaze.
“I know almost all the chess strategies in the world, but I have never seen cousin use these novel moves.”
Lin Qingyang immediately realized what was happening. His unique moves were, of course, learned in the modern world. The observational skills of the male lead were astonishing. Being too close, any hint of a flaw would be immediately noticed.
“I just casually read some chess books and experimented on my own. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be playing so poorly.”
“Well, it’s not that bad. If you become familiar with the real rules of Go, with your unique strategies, it’s challenging for an average player to gain an advantage against you.”
“Really? Haha, maybe you’re overestimating me. Sometimes, experts find it hard to understand the playing style of newcomers.” Lin Qingyang laughed it off.
“At first, I thought the same, so I didn’t seal your stones just now. I wanted to see how many more moves you had. Cousin really surprised me.”
Lin Qingyang felt the sweat forming on his back. He wasn’t sure if the male lead was starting to suspect something. Indeed, it’s not good for the original character’s image to collapse so quickly.
“Well, that just proves I have talent, right? I’ll study and practice more in the future, aiming to become even more skilled.” Lin Qingyang said, pretending to be casual.
“Cousin, I thought you didn’t like playing chess?” Chu Lishu pointed out the most critical question, as the original Lin Qingyang wasn’t interested in anything other than painting. Even that required some patience.
“That…” Lin Qingyang, under the scrutinizing gaze of the male lead, quickly came up with an explanation, “Isn’t this just preparing to enter the palace? Even if I can’t be the best, I shouldn’t have any particular shortcomings that would be directly rejected by others.”
This explanation seemed quite reasonable and successfully shifted Chu Lishu’s attention. However, it also caused him to immediately put on a serious expression.
“Cousin hasn’t given up yet?”
Lin Qingyang: “Uh…”
Lin Qingyang couldn’t think of a reason for a moment, and coincidentally, Shuncai brought over hot water and interrupted their conversation. Chu Lishu quickly frowned and gestured for Shuncai to leave.
With his head bowed, Lin Qingyang helped pour the water and fetched a towel.
Since their argument last time, he knew Chu Lishu didn’t want him to enter the palace as a study companion. In the morning, when discussing the Pei family’s matter in the carriage, Chu Lishu even subtly hinted that staying outside was safer.
Entering the imperial palace would expose him to various conflicts. It wouldn’t just be the Pei family keeping an eye on him; other factions would also take notice. Since Marquis An Nan didn’t fully support him and considered him an option, he wouldn’t go out of his way to protect Lin Qingyang in the face of conflicting interests. This would make it easier for other forces to harm him.
He felt like cannon fodder in other people’s battles, ready to be the first sacrificial lamb.
Although what Chu Lishu said was the harsh truth, Lin Qingyang could only fear while reluctantly accepting it.
Entering the palace would expose him to power struggles and make him unsafe. Not entering the palace would subject him to the threats of the system, making him equally unsafe.
So, there was no real choice; he had to enter the palace.
Lin Qingyang brought the basin of water, poured in hot water, and soaked the towel in it.
“Cousin, don’t you believe what I said?” Chu Lishu exclaimed anxiously. In reality, given Lin Qingyang’s abilities, it was highly unlikely for him to be selected. However, if Lin Qingyang continued to work so hard, there was a chance that Marquis An Nan might notice and change his mind, potentially putting forth considerable effort to recommend him to enter the palace.
“I naturally believe you!”
“Then why are you still so stubborn?” Chu Lishu’s tone became a bit heavier.
Lin Qingyang was speechless with frustration—wasn’t it because of you!
But Lin Qingyang couldn’t say it. He could only sigh, silently picked up the handkerchief, felt it was a bit hot, but didn’t pay much attention. He directly wrung it out forcefully. In that instant, Lin Qingyang felt his scalp nearly explode, as if someone was sawing at his hand.
Damn, it’s too hot!
Did he forget to add cold water?
At this moment, Chu Lishu arrived by Lin Qingyang’s side, wanting to clarify the seriousness of the matter. He reached out to shake Lin Qingyang’s shoulder and said, “Give up. There’s no need to take the risk of entering the palace.”
Lin Qingyang’s handkerchief slipped from his hand into the basin.
Chu Lishu instantly froze, looking at Lin Qingyang who had turned around. He saw Lin Qingyang stiff all over, hands trembling in the air, red eyes filled with tears, lips slightly parted, breathing rapidly, as if holding back the urge to cry, about to burst into tears the next second.
Chu Lishu’s heart tightened, and though he wanted to speak, he found himself speechless. However, Lin Qingyang seemed frustrated, unwilling to let him see him cry. He directly pushed Chu Lishu aside and rushed out as if trying to escape from something.
Chu Lishu hurriedly followed, but he didn’t chase beyond the door. He saw Lin Qingyang, with his back turned, standing by the water basin in the courtyard, hunched over, seemingly with both hands on the edge of the basin, shoulders trembling.
In an instant, Chu Lishu felt his chest and throat constricted. His feet felt as if they couldn’t move, afraid to approach, fearing that if he really saw Lin Qingyang crying, he might abandon all his concerns and agree to his plea to enter the palace.
Chu Lishu had never been treated like this before.
Just because he likes him? Just to be by his side?
Even if it’s always unrequited love? Never getting a response?
Lin Qingyang is willing to, in such a dangerous situation, give up the easy and happy days just to accompany him into the palace?
Chu Lishu even began to feel that Lin Qingyang wasn’t simply acting foolishly because of infatuation. It wasn’t like when he liked Xu Wenze, using all means just to stay by someone’s side.
Lin Qingyang truly wants to protect him, afraid of him going to dangerous places alone.
So, when he didn’t let Lin Qingyang accompany him, Lin Qingyang felt so wronged.
After all, even if he goes into the palace as an attendant, he’ll come back. It’s not like he won’t return. But Lin Qingyang is unwilling. He wants to stay close, to watch over him every day. Isn’t it because he’s worried about him?
Faced with such friendship, Chu Lishu felt at a loss. He truly didn’t know what to do, even though he was also doing it for Lin Qingyang’s good.
At this moment, Lin Qingyang’s hands finally found relief in the cold water basin. Feeling comfortable, he squinted his eyes, almost submerging both hands in the icy water.
After completely losing the sensation of pain, Lin Qingyang took out his hands, and checked them, and fortunately, they were only slightly red. He turned around to find some burn ointment.
Without a handkerchief, Lin Qingyang casually shook his hands and wiped them on the front of his chest, staining the opened sides of his uniform with water.
Then he turned around.
The result was seeing Chu Lishu standing at the doorway, looking at him with a stunned expression.
Lin Qingyang was confused. What kind of expression was this? Why did he seem so shocked?
Right, what did the male lead just say to him? Yes! He asked him to give up entering the palace and taking risks.
It seemed like it was time to make his determination clear.
“Cousin, no matter what you say, I won’t give up unless you give up entering the palace.”
Afraid that the male lead would retort, Lin Qingyang hurriedly left after making his statement.
Seeing the deepening color on the front of Lin Qingyang’s shirt and thinking about the tears that fell on it, Chu Lishu felt as if his heart had been scalded by the hot tears. He couldn’t say a word, helplessly watching Lin Qingyang run away, and could only sigh.
When Xu Wenze returned and saw Chu Lishu practicing calligraphy, after spending many days together, Xu Wenze also observed that whenever Chu Lishu practiced calligraphy, it was likely a time when his mood wasn’t great. Each stroke and movement of the characters revealed a fierce momentum as if calligraphy was the only outlet for his usually suppressed emotions.
But this time, when Xu Wenze approached, what he saw was not the usual calligraphy. The characters were still good, but they were full of mistakes as if Chu Lishu had lost focus while writing each stroke.
“Practicing calligraphy is for calming the mind. It seems that Brother Lishu can’t calm his mind with these characters,” Xu Wenze said with a smile.
Chu Lishu blinked, looked up, and found it hard to face. He reached out, crumpled the paper, and discarded it.
“What’s wrong?” Xu Wenze asked in confusion. “Your arm is injured; the physician probably advised you not to use it much, right?”
“No problem,” Chu Lishu replied casually. “Did you play chess with Young Master Pei? How was it?”
“He won by one move. He seemed indifferent on the surface, but deep down, he’s quite competitive. I can tell he has put in a lot of effort during this period. The next time, he probably wants to challenge you. Speaking of which, I’d like to discuss the chess move Brother Lin made just now; it was really peculiar.”
Chu Lishu said, “Cousin mentioned that he played randomly.”
“Randomly?” Xu Wenze was surprised. He was about to ask for details when Chu Lishu stood up and said, “It’s dinner time. Will you join me, Brother Wenze?”
“I need to change my clothes…”
“Sure, I’ll go find cousin. See you at the dining hall later.”
Although there was a recent conflict, Chu Lishu felt he shouldn’t come, thinking Lin Qingyang might be angry. However, he couldn’t resist the urge. Just as he walked a short distance, he saw Lin Qingyang heading towards him with Qi Yan.
After the greeting, Lin Qingyang seemed a bit uneasy and said, “I was about to find you. Your hand is not convenient; I’ll have to help you carry the dishes during the meal.”
“He’s not that delicate. Can’t he manage with one hand? You’re just spoiling him,” Qi Yan joked on the side.
Lin Qingyang immediately engaged in banter with Qi Yan.
The last rays of the setting sun happened to illuminate Lin Qingyang, making him look warm.
That’s how Lin Qingyang was—always ensuring that Chu Lishu never felt neglected, like a perpetual sunshine, dispelling any darkness that might arise in his heart.
……
The following days passed peacefully. Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang did not bring up that matter again.
With daily interactions at the academy, Lin Qingyang didn’t need to stick close to Chu Lishu all the time for points. Lin Qingyang could arrange his evenings as he pleased.
To catch up with everyone’s progress quickly, he sought help from those skilled in subjects he wasn’t good at. With money at his disposal and the reputation he gained as the “Little Overlord,” getting assistance for his studies was relatively easy.
Actually, for this kind of thing, seeking help from Chu Lishu, the academic overachiever, would have been the best option. However, Chu Lishu had his own major responsibilities and wasn’t going to assist Lin Qingyang in entering the palace.
So, Lin Qingyang could only secretly strive on his own.
However, his subtle actions couldn’t escape Chu Lishu’s watchful eyes. Despite that, Chu Lishu chose not to expose him. After the lesson from the last confrontation, Chu Lishu no longer dared to directly conflict with Lin Qingyang. Besides, he had plenty of ways to ensure Lin Qingyang couldn’t succeed in the end.
That’s right, Chu Lishu didn’t change his decision. Since Lin Qingyang treated him so sincerely, Chu Lishu was even more unwilling to let him venture into danger.
Three days later, Lin Qingxu returned, still determined and using crutches.
Despite his physical condition, the head master praised him for not giving up on the opportunity to study.
Watching him successfully integrate back into Pei Jin’s circle, Lin Qingyang felt that his safety was once again threatened. Especially with the resentful look Lin Qingxu couldn’t suppress when looking at him, Lin Qingyang couldn’t shake the feeling of a chill running down his spine.
After some time, Cheng Yi and Wang Tong’en were about to return and brought a big piece of news. They had previously arranged a cuju match, originally a competition among scholars. However, due to their distinguished identities, it seemed they had reported to their respective higher-ups. As a result, several days later, there would be imperial princes coming to watch the cuju match.
This news excited the entire Imperial Academy. Every time imperial princes visited, it was an opportunity for students to showcase their talents. Those who didn’t excel in the literary aspects naturally focused on demonstrating their martial skills. Therefore, they eagerly sought a chance to impress Cheng Yi and Wang Tong’en and secure a spot in the match.
However, with so many students eager to participate, the head master, in order to maintain harmony and balanced development at Imperial Academy, decided to arrange four teams for the cuju match. They would compete in pairs, with two matches in the morning and one in the afternoon, ultimately determining the first-place winner. This way, everyone who desired to participate would have the opportunity to do so.
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