Chapter 97: A Small Gathering

Chapter 97: A Small Gathering

In the study, not long after their conversation began, Tan Hui hurried to the door to report, "Young Master, Mr. Yu, Madam heard that Mr. Yu has come to the residence and sent word for you to pay her a visit."

Ji Yanbai hadn't spent much time with Yu Jianli yet, and he was extremely reluctant for him to go.

They had been separated quickly last time, and now that they had just met again, his mother was causing trouble.

It was said that a brief separation was better than a new marriage, but after their brief separation, they were constantly interrupted.

After some thought, Yu Jianli said, "Madam wanted to speak with me last time, and now it seems like important matters. I should go see her first."

"Alright."

Ji Yanbai didn't let go of him as expected; instead, he pulled him in for a passionate kiss before releasing his hands as Yu Jianli was about to stand up.

Facing the prospect of meeting his mother, Ji Yanbai was still so bold, infuriating Yu Jianli enough to kick him.

He quickly tidied his clothes and hair, ensuring he looked presentable before leaving.

Ji Yanbai, with thick skin, didn't mind being kicked and even considered critiquing Yu Jianli's footwork.

The two proceeded together to the residence of the Marchioness, who was clearly waiting for them.

The maidservants in the reception hall were busily preparing fresh fruits and arranging various pastries.

Seeing both of them arrive together, the Marchioness was somewhat surprised, looking at Ji Yanbai and asking, "What are you doing here?"

"Aren't you looking for him?" Ji Yanbai asked.

"I'm looking for him, not you. Go back; seeing you now makes me angry."

Ji Yanbai stood there uncertain whether to leave or not, unable to resist reminding his mother, "I've just returned from establishing military merit."

"Our House of the Marquis is never short of military achievements."

Ji Yanbai could only turn around and leave, leaving Yu Jianli alone to meet with the Marchioness.

The Marchioness was a straightforward person, always smiling when she saw Yu Jianli, but today she appeared somewhat troubled. "Ah Li, if it weren't necessary, I wouldn't have urgently sought you out."

"Tell me, if there's anything I can do, I will try my best."

"Sigh, this time when Yanbai entered the palace, the Emperor questioned him on his studies." The Marchioness sighed after saying this.

Whenever this topic came up, the proud Marchioness would lower her head.

"I understand... You want me to urge him to study, right?"

"That is indeed the case. In principle, he ought to have been advanced in rank after achieving further military honors, yet the Emperor merely granted him a sum of silver as a token of appreciation, with no further honors. The Emperor's implication is that, given his lack of scholarly education, his current post is somewhat inadequate, and should he manage to earn a single point in the Imperial Examination, he would be eligible for immediate promotion."

She didn't continue further, but it seemed she hoped Ji Yanbai would be eligible to inherit the title.

Yu Jianli realized the seriousness of the situation, nodding his head. "I understand. He can already read now, but he doesn't know the Nine Classics. I will strive to teach him. The monthly exams in the Imperial Academy are very particular about the neatness of handwriting, which he might not be good at, so I will improve his oral examination skills.

"Of course, I will also supervise his writing. His handwriting has improved recently, at least allowing him to write letters normally."

The Marchioness was quite satisfied. "Good, good. If he can score half a point, I'll have some confidence to argue for him again."

"You don't need to worry. Last time, after I instructed him, he answered several oral exam questions correctly. It was a last-minute cramming session then, but I think he can do more now."

The Marchioness recalled his previous exceptional performance. "Last time, you guided him too?"

"Mm, he helped me, so I helped him guess the questions."

"Is that cheating?"

"No, it's called targeted tutoring. We didn't steal the questions."

After pondering, the Marchioness agreed, nodding. "Alright, do you need any assistance from us?"

"Just give me some support. When he throws a tantrum, I'll come to you to complain."

The Marchioness, who was worried, burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Good, good, okay. He's usually very arrogant, but he doesn't dare to misbehave in front of me."

"He's actually a good person."

"You're the first person to say that about him."

After chatting with the Marchioness, Yu Jianli was even invited to eat some fruit before she let him leave.

As he walked out of the courtyard, he saw Ji Yanbai waiting nearby.

Bored, he squatted by a small tree, plucking leaves until the tree was bald, with leaves scattered all over the ground.

He quickly approached. "Why are you waiting for me?"

"Why can't I wait? What did my mother want from you?"

"She reminded me to keep a close watch on your studies."

"I knew it." Ji Yanbai patted his hands and shook off his clothes, as if he wasn't the one who had mistreated the small tree earlier.

Ji Yanbai led Yu Jianli to walk towards his own courtyard, but Yu Jianli refused. "I feel it's necessary for me to go back and draft a study plan for you."

"Hiss—Do you believe I'll throw a tantrum?"

Yu Jianli and Ji Yanbai stood in place for a while, but eventually, Yu Jianli followed Ji Yanbai to his small courtyard.

When he returned, Ji Yanbai didn't get to be as close to Yu Jianli as he wished, instead being arranged to read books by Yu Jianli. "Ask me if you don't understand anything."

"I can't even bear to look at these."

"If you can't bear to look, you still have to."

Yu Jianli ignored his complaints, walking to the table to take out pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, starting to write a study plan for Ji Yanbai in his study.

After some thought, he also took out books to preview the content that would be taught after the start of school, studying ahead to figure out how questions could be formulated, planning to guess the questions in advance.

Considering it would be difficult for Ji Yanbai to soar to great heights and catch up on all his studies at once, he decided to focus on the new content that would be taught in the upcoming semester, determined to help Ji Yanbai earn points.

Ji Yanbai's textbooks were brand new.

Looking at Ji Yanbai's textbooks, Yu Jianli became annoyed again. "When I return, I'll give you the books with my annotations. Look at my annotations to assist your understanding. How can a person's book be this new? Even if you had flipped through it, it wouldn't feel like this. Your books can be passed down to your nephew, and he wouldn't even realize they're old."

"... "Ji Yanbai felt increasingly uncomfortable. He started to miss the cautious Yu Jianli who used to treat him gently.

The two sat in the study reading for an hour, and finally, Ji Yanbai couldn't resist anymore, tossing the book onto the table.

Yu Jianli immediately looked up and asked, "Tired? Then let's take a temporary break and continue later."

"Look at your grandmother's leg!" Ji Yanbai's last bit of patience was exhausted, walking in front of Yu Jianli and throwing the book in his hand aside as well.

Yu Jianli seemed to understand what Ji Yanbai meant.

He was a young man full of vigor, having just confirmed his feelings with him not long ago. They were reunited after a long separation, especially after repeatedly studying five illustrated books, he must be feeling quite restless.

Continuously rejecting him, it was normal for him to throw a tantrum.

Yu Jianli could only pull Ji Yanbai to sit down, comforting him. "Listen to me first, Bai Bai."

"No! I'm sick of it!" Just reading for an hour had made Ji Yanbai quite agitated.

"I... I'll use my hand first... Okay?"

"... "Ji Yanbai looked at him in confusion. This wasn't written in the books!

Yu Jianli was quite shy, but he still sat on Ji Yanbai's lap, rustling to adjust his clothes, then awkwardly proceeded.

Initially, Ji Yanbai didn't care, but gradually, he became restless, holding Yu Jianli in his arms and nibbling on him.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yu Jianli ended in failure.

Ji Yanbai reluctantly released him, rubbing his wrist.

Yu Jianli's wrists were slender, so thin that Ji Yanbai could only hold them with three fingers, carefully massaging them while whispering, "How can you be so delicate?"

"It's because you're hard to please."

"The skills in your books aren't about hand techniques."

"Stop talking nonsense..."

Yu Jianli rested in Ji Yanbai's arms for a moment before hearing Tan Hui call them to have dinner together.

Yu Jianli quickly got up to tidy his clothes but heard Ji Yanbai say, "Tell Mother we'll eat separately."

"Isn't that impolite?" Yu Jianli asked.

"Just say we're busy studying, and besides, your chest is covered in red marks."

Only then did Yu Jianli come to his senses, lowering his head to look and becoming annoyed. "Ji Yanbai, are you a Chinese medicine doctor?"

"Eh?" Ji Yanbai didn't understand, but Yu Jianli's tone made him suspect he was being scolded.

"Pulling jars randomly everywhere, quack doctor!"

"Do scholars curse people so restrainedly?"

"Not really, I just don't want to scold you." After tidying his clothes, Yu Jianli added, "Let's eat quickly. I should go back; otherwise, my family will worry. I came without an invitation today."

"Okay."

*

When Yu Jianli returned home, his family was just having dinner.

Ming Zhiyan maintained proper etiquette even while eating, nodding at Yu Jianli as his gaze swept over him, seemingly devoid of extra emotions.

"You're eating so late today?" Yu Jianli wore a cloak covering himself tightly, asking casually.

It was Yu Jinghe who answered him. "We originally wanted to wait for you, but then we thought the Marquis' residence wouldn't neglect you, so we started eating."

"Oh, I left in a hurry today and forgot to greet you. I'll be more mindful in the future."

Naturally, no one at home blamed him; instead, they inquired, "How is the shopkeeper at the bookstore?"

"There was nothing wrong, just a misunderstanding."

"That's good. The shopkeeper is a good person and shouldn't do anything excessive."

"Mm." At that moment, Yu Jianli didn't want to linger here, pointing to his younger brother's room. "I'll go back to my room to look at the blueprints. You continue eating."

"Go ahead."

Back in his room, Yu Jianli sat at the desk and continued to look at the blueprints, somewhat lost in thought.

He raised his hand, looked at his palm, measured it, and then sighed.

This size, how could he endure it...

As a character in a Jinjiang novel, you are not meant to display excessive power. You could simply mature a bit more, so why develop in such an alarmingly rapid manner?

He studied the blueprints for a while, worrying about his future for a bit, and ultimately decided to lie down on the bed to rest.

Having just recovered from his illness recently and after a long day of running around, he deserved a moment's respite.

Lying in bed, he examined the blueprints by the dim candlelight, pondering how to improve them.

At that moment, Yu Jianling entered the room, carrying a basin to wash up by himself, cleaning himself thoroughly before getting into bed.

After climbing onto the bed, he glanced at Yu Jianli several times before asking, "Brother, do you get moldy when you're sick?"

"No," replied Yu Jianli, putting down the blueprints.

"Then is treating your illness painful?"

"Why do you ask?"

Yu Jianling pointed at his chest. "There are so many red scars on your chest. Is it some kind of disease?"

Yu Jianli hastily covered his mouth, saying, "Pretend you didn't see anything. Whatever you do, don't tell anyone, or I'll beat you up, understand?"

To his surprise, however, Yu Jianling shook his head in refusal.

He was taken aback, releasing his brother and asking, "Why not?"

"If Sister asks, I'll still tell her. She definitely won't hurt as much as you," Yu Jianling answered matter-of-factly, clearly having given it serious thought.

"Nonsense, Zhiyun is so frail, how could she hurt much?"

"You won't know until you've been hit by her."

Yu Jianli wasn't in the mood to discuss this topic with him, dismissing it as childish nonsense. He could only warn, "Don't go around telling people. If Sister doesn't ask, don't say anything, okay?"

"Okay."

"I'll have General Ji buy you some pastries later, the kind you like best."

"Great!" Yu Jianling was quickly bought over, happily snuggling under the covers.

Yu Jianli adjusted his clothes, inwardly lamenting. Next time, he couldn't let Ji Yanbai get too carried away; otherwise, he'd be the one left in an awkward position.

*

Lu Huaijing truly lived up to his reputation as a master organizer. On the tenth day of Ji Yanbai's return, he sent out invitations to many people, planning to gather everyone before the academies like the Imperial College reopened.

One reason was to celebrate Yu Jianli's recovery from his severe illness and his new official appointment.

The other reason was to celebrate Ji Yanbai's triumphant return and his military achievements.

They also wanted to celebrate Ming Zhiyan's release from prison, but they didn't write that on the invitations, as it might seem inappropriate.

On the eleventh day, the group gathered at Willow Breeze Villa.

The carriages outside the villa belonged to their party.

Willow Breeze Villa was most beautiful in spring, with willows budding and swaying along the riverbanks, creating a picturesque scene of elegance.

Within the villa were natural hot springs, numerous guest rooms, and even rooms for playing Mahjong.

After the river thawed, one could take boats on the river, and poetry recitation contests had been held at the pavilions by the riverside for many years.

The scenery was breathtaking, with tigerskin clouds and forest sounds blending with the melody of the springs, and beneath the pavilion were many talented scholars and youths.

Lu Huaijing had indeed been cooped up at home for a long time and planned to let loose this time.

To avoid interruptions, he generously booked the entire venue.

Ming Zhiyan, no longer busy with the reform memorials, agreed to attend this gathering.

Naturally, Ji Yanbai and Yu Jianli came, as did the members of the polo team who were always ready at a moment's notice. Even Gu Qionghua from the Imperial College and Little Fatty were invited.

Chongxuan Academy's Feng Guangqi and one of his friends were called upon, as were Si Tiantai's Han Yu and Lv Junqi.

From Chongwen Academy, he invited He Chu, Shi Huaiqi, and the Seventh Prince.

After gathering at Willow Breeze Villa, they first had a boisterous meal together.

Then, they clamored to bathe in the hot springs together.

Yu Jianli felt a bit guilty. Although the marks on his chest had faded significantly, faint traces remained. His pale skin made it easy for others to notice something amiss.

Thus, he said, "My body isn't suitable for soaking in hot springs right now. You guys go ahead, I'll wait for you outside."

They didn't understand Yu Jianli's condition and didn't insist.

Shi Huaiqi looked at Ji Yanbai with a mischievous grin. "Actually, I really want to bathe with Ji Yanbai once to broaden my horizons."

Lu Huaijing immediately understood and said to him, "I've heard about it too, unfortunately, Ji Yanbai wouldn't show us."

Shi Huaiqi leaned close to Lu Huaijing and whispered, "How did you hear about it?"

Did he read a book about it? Was Lu Huaijing a reader too?

"He once got into a fight in the bathhouse and kicked over someone else's tub. Someone saw it and it spread quickly."

"Hmm?" Shi Huaiqi became even more interested, laughing with a hidden meaning.

Ji Yanbai glared at them menacingly. "Do you believe me when I say you're asking for a beating if you keep this up?"

"Oh!" Shi Huaiqi sighed. "You're such a stingy person."

Ming Zhiyan didn't participate in their crude conversation and went off to change into his bathing robe alone.

The Seventh Prince followed him, whispering, "Your skin is so white, is it pink underneath?"

"No, it's multicolored and glows at night," Ming Zhiyan replied coldly, but the content of his answer was hard to resist laughing at.

The Seventh Prince suppressed his laughter and sighed inwardly, "Even more curious now."

Feng Guangqi and the others' attention wasn't on that aspect. They approached Yu Jianli and asked in a low voice, "Friend Dao, have you defied fate again?"

Han Yu and Lv Junqi also joined in, with Lv Junqi adding, "I heard about your critical illness and went to visit you, but unfortunately, I couldn't see you. How are you doing? How long can you hold on?"

Han Yu followed up, "Have you done anything else?"

Yu Jianli could only answer truthfully, "A poison doctor named Lin Ting is keeping me alive with poison."

Feng Guangqi stroked his clean-shaven chin and asked seriously, "Is it witchcraft? Or perhaps gu techniques?"

"He's from Sanxiang and used to study at Yuelu Academy."

"What sect is there?" Feng Guangqi genuinely pondered.

"He studied medicine."

"Really?"

"Mm-hm."

Feng Guangqi instantly lost interest and got up to change his clothes.

Han Yu and Lv Junqi asked a few more questions about Yu Jianli's health before leaving.

Meanwhile, Gu Qionghua was still searching everywhere. "Are there no larger bathrobes? Little Fatty can't fit into these."

Little Fatty was alarmed. "Lower your voice!"

Look at who was present! What were you shouting about!

With a moment to spare, Yu Jianli noticed Ji Yanbai struggling to shake off Lu Huaijing and Shi Huaiqi, as well as the other polo team members, seemingly on the verge of wanting to resort to violence.

He couldn't advise Ji Yanbai: If it comes down to it, just show them. Be bold about it, after all, we do have something to flaunt.

So he wandered around and spotted a zither in the outer room, which surprised him.

How refined. Has someone played the zither while bathing before?

Wanting to help Ji Yanbai alleviate his awkwardness and having nothing better to do, he sat on a cushion and began playing the zither to entertain them during their bath.

Those inside heard the music and looked over.

Lv Junqi quickly said, "Yu Jianli is known as Little Yingqiao. We are honored to hear him play the zither."

Lu Huaijing was brimming with a sense of rivalry. "As if Liu Yingqiao is all that exceptional. Why isn't he dubbed 'Little Jianli' instead? During our last outing on the pleasure boat, it was evident that Yu Jianli's mastery of the zither was in a league of its own."

Shi Huaiqi was also drawn in by the music. "It sounds good."

He Chu became intrigued. "I wonder if he's proficient in painting, calligraphy, and chess as well. It would be nice to challenge him to a game of chess later."

By then, Ming Zhiyan had changed into his bathrobe and walked over, saying, "His painting is decent, but mostly consists of blueprints, different from what we commonly see. Traditional paintings aren't his forte, but his handwriting is neat. He's not as good at chess as I am."

"How many can beat you at chess?" He Chu still had lingering fears when the topic came up. He considered himself quite skilled at chess but was ruthlessly defeated by Ming Zhiyan, causing him to lose sleep for several days.

"Flattery will get you nowhere." After answering, Ming Zhiyan headed to the hot spring pool.

Shi Huaiqi turned around and saw that Ji Yanbai had also changed into his bathrobe, infuriating him. "Martial artists sure change clothes fast, huh?"

"Mind your own business."

"I'm even more curious now."

"I feel like punching you even more."

Yu Jianli played the zither for a while in the outer room, feeling tired and stopping.

He found a book on the bookshelf to read, feeling somewhat bored.

Inside, the noise continued unabated. This group was truly rowdy when gathered together. Clearly a bunch of wealthy young masters, they could even argue over a chicken leg during dinner.

In the end, the chicken leg went to him, with Shi Huaiqi breaking a pair of chopsticks in the process. The memory still made him chuckle.

He found a lady's couch and read for a while, leaning against it, eventually falling asleep amidst the commotion.

When he woke up, several people were sitting in front of him, shocking him.

Lu Huaijing, seeing that he was awake, said, "Don't move. They said you look good sleeping and are painting you, trying to see who can paint better."

Yu Jianli wore an expression of helplessness. Should he continue pretending to sleep?

How could Ming Zhiyan join in so seriously?!