Chapter 479: Seeking Help from Old Friends (Part Two)
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Mingzhu personally served tea to Teacher Lin and smiled, “Teacher Lin, how have you been all these years? I heard that your wife passed away. I once sent someone to offer condolences, but I was too late. I heard that Teacher Lin had already gone traveling.”
In the previous life, after Teacher Lin resigned and went home, she never saw him again. Unexpectedly, in this life, she had the opportunity to see him again. Counting both lives, it had been about ten years. It was really poignant.
“When my wife was alive, she always hoped that I could travel the world with her, but I always wanted to make a name for myself and make some achievements. I regretted it when she fell seriously ill and couldn’t be cured, but it was too late. I had to take her ashes everywhere to fulfill her last wish.” Teacher Lin sighed, loneliness evident in his eyebrows.
He was handsome, but in a completely different way from Yuwen Chu. With a bit of age and some loneliness, his every move was leisurely and graceful, with a hint of a free and easy aura. When he was sad, his wrinkled brow would make people feel distressed.
Su Mei, who was serving on the side, was almost dumbfounded. Although Mingzhu also thought Teacher Lin was handsome, it was just a passing thought. After looking at him for a while, she retracted her gaze and gave Su Mei a stern look.
Su Mei blushed and retreated, “The tea has cooled down. I’ll bring Teacher Lin some hot tea.”
Mingzhu noticed that Teacher Lin’s boots were severely worn out, indicating that his situation might not be very good. She asked, “When did Teacher Lin return to the capital? Why didn’t you send someone to let me know so I could welcome you and let everyone know you were back?”
As a pipa master like Teacher Lin, theoretically, he shouldn’t be in such a dire situation. As long as he was willing, there were plenty of wealthy and powerful people who wanted to support him. For example, back then, Fu Cong wanted him to teach his beloved daughter pipa. Not only did he send famous paintings and calligraphy as gifts, he also treated him with great respect, giving generous gifts on holidays and festivals. Mingzhu didn’t understand how Teacher Lin’s life had come to this.
Teacher Lin smiled, “I fell seriously ill during my travels, and then I encountered bandits on the road. It was hard enough to survive, but my hands were disabled, so I can only enjoy myself. I dare not teach others or claim to be a master anymore.”
That explained it, Mingzhu felt sympathetic, “Where are you staying?”
Teacher Lin didn’t want to say, “I’m staying with a few old friends, it’s convenient for daily life.”
Mingzhu thought his pride was at play, so she didn’t say much and arranged for him to stay, “The injured child won’t be able to leave tonight. He needs to stabilize his condition before he can leave. Teacher Lin, stay here for a few days. We also have hot springs in our mansion, as well as good doctors. We can treat your back pain and other issues. Just soaking in hot springs won’t do.”
While speaking, Su Jin brought in some food. Mingzhu instructed the steward to accompany Teacher Lin for the meal, “You’ve rushed all the way here, you must be hungry. We didn’t have time to prepare anything fancy, just some simple and easy-to-get food. Please fill your stomach first. Tomorrow, I’ll slaughter a chicken and a sheep to welcome you properly.”
Teacher Lin stood up to thank her, and Mingzhu returned his gesture. She instructed the steward to take good care of him before returning to the main hall. Su Jin had heard about Su Mei’s situation and joked with her, “This little girl is infatuated. Back when she was in the Marquis’s mansion, she often secretly said that Teacher Lin was handsome. Now that she’s grown up, she’s still daydreaming. Why not let Wangfei give you to Teacher Lin? It’ll save you from being infatuated.”
Su Mei blushed furiously, “Does that mean if a flower is beautiful, I want to pick it and keep it for myself? That’s Wangfei’s Teacher Lin! If people hear you say that, what will they think of the Wangfei? And your reputation won’t be good either!”
Su Jin didn’t let her off, “So you really think Teacher Lin is a beautiful flower!”
Dong Hui smiled and watched the two of them banter, then turned to Mingzhu, “Wangfei, these two girls are out of control. They should each receive twenty spanks.”
“Su Lan is not here, so I don’t have time to deal with you, and you start to rebel.” Mingzhu said sternly, “I know you’re grown up now, with your own thoughts, but I need people right now, and I won’t easily let you go. After staying by my side for these two years, I will make good arrangements for you. If anyone dares to have other ideas and break the rules, don’t blame me for being rude.”
Su Mei and Su Jin quieted down at her words, exchanging glares until Mingzhu entered the main room. They continued to murmur and bicker quietly.
Yuwen Chu leaned against the head of the bed, reading by the light of a horn-shaped palace lamp. When Mingzhu came in, he offered her the warmer spot to sleep, “What’s the matter?”
“So cold, so cold.” Mingzhu quickly took off her clothes and got into bed, placing her feet against Yuwen Chu’s legs, greedily absorbing the heat from him. She snuggled close, closing her eyes in comfort, “It’s said to be a back chill, so they came here to soak in the hot springs. The child of the family where they’re staying was taken by a wolf. They managed to rescue him, but he’s badly injured. They heard we live here, so they dared to come here seeking medical help.”
Yuwen Chu listened silently and asked, “How many years has it been since you last saw this person?”
Mingzhu knew what he was thinking and lazily yawned, “It’s been several years. Since he came to me, I can’t ignore it. I’ll have Zhu Shinan bring more people, armed with swords and torches. They’ll only be allowed in the outer courtyard, under supervision, to avoid any trouble. I know, with the situation being so complicated now, we have to be careful since we’re in the thick of it.”
Yuwen Chu chuckled, “Oh, now you’re cautious.”
Mingzhu praised him, “Isn’t it because you, my dear husband, taught me well?”
Yuwen Chu enjoyed hearing that and praised her back, “It’s because Wangfei is wise and willing to learn. Otherwise, if she were as stubborn as an ox, even if you dragged her into the palace and back, she’d still be the same.”
That wasn’t right, Mingzhu sat up to tease him, “Why does that sound like you’re insulting me? Is there really such a thing as praising someone? What does a cow have to do with me?”
“Shh…” Yuwen Chu raised a finger to her lips and whispered, “Listen, your two maids are still bickering.”
Mingzhu listened carefully, barely able to hear Su Mei and Su Jin’s voices. She said, “Your Highness has really sharp ears. Can you hear mice fighting in their burrows and tell if they’re male or female?”
Yuwen Chu pretended to scold her, “Are you insulting me by calling me a dog’s ear?”
Mingzhu refused to admit it, “No way!”
The two laughed and talked, then Mingzhu mentioned to him, “It’s Su Mei being infatuated, seeing Teacher Lin and getting dazzled. Su Jin has been scolding her. It was the same when they were young, and after all these years, it’s still the same. It’s embarrassing.”
Yuwen Chu raised an eyebrow at her words, “Teacher Lin is very handsome?”
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