Chapter 112: Not of Unblemished Character

Chapter 112: Not of Unblemished Character

He thought he might gradually understand the phrase "lust clouds judgment."

"Your wife has asked me to be a private tutor, to teach and nurture," Shu Yuan spoke rapidly, as if afraid of being interrupted.

Xie Sui lowered his gaze, suppressing the lingering emotions that had just left his brows but remained in his heart. When he looked up again, his eyes were clear. "I think Mingchao's proposal is excellent."

"You can't lift with your hands or carry with your shoulders; teaching is your only forte. You should have capitalized on your strengths long ago."

"The children of Changxi Village still have to go to Lianhua Town for schooling, which is obviously inconvenient. Many cash-strapped families have abandoned the idea of education."

"As far as I know, the top tutor in Lianhua Town is a scholar who charges a tael of silver monthly."

"Poor families, working tirelessly year-round, can earn at most ten taels. Even if they’re eager to learn, they can only afford a less qualified teacher."

"At seventeen, you passed the provincial exam and earned the title of Juren."

"Although you didn't take the metropolitan examination, a Juren would typically pass the imperial exam."

"A seventeen-year-old Juren—why not teach?"

"In all of Changhe County, only Lu Yao could match you back then."

"So, don't be modest. Perhaps centuries from now, Xie Sui’s name will be among the great Confucian scholars."

"Future generations might uncover that Xie Sui was Shu Yuan, clearing his name."

"Today, scholars and eunuchs are at odds, but what about millennia from now?"

"Over time, we might shed prejudice and judge whether someone is truly honorable."

"At thirty, it’s the ideal time to build a legacy."

Shu Yuan froze, his fingers white-knuckled, as each word struck his heart like a boulder, stirring turmoil.

Can Shu Yuan’s name ever be untainted?

When Lu Mingchao suggested it, his heart skipped a beat.

He knew he was tempted.

But for many reasons, he held back.

He needed a nudge, even a small one, to gather the courage to step forward, breaking free from the past and embracing a new life.

"Am I capable?"

"I am."

Shu Yuan whispered, asking and answering himself.

"So, are you in?"

"I will!"

Lu Mingchao's brows relaxed. "A Yan and I can help set up the school, but attracting and keeping students is up to you."

"Also, since you will be a tutor in the future, you should pay attention to your appearance. You’ll need to master your appearance. No more mismatched eyes or uneven eyebrows, and never the same look twice."

Shu Yuan gave a firm nod, then bowed solemnly to Lu Mingchao and Xie Yan, "I won’t disappoint you."

"I’m off to practice!"

Xie Yan watched Shu Yuan’s light and cheerful figure, slightly turning his gaze, "Mingchao, Shu Yuan has truly come to life."

He’s truly alive now.

Beyond the gray mist lies dazzling sunlight.

Shu Yuan let the light shine on him and allowed himself to be reborn under its illumination.

"He’s so talented; it’d be a waste to let it go," Lu Mingchao said softly.

That conversation proved that Shu Yuan would be a good Master.

"Oh, by the way, A Yan, Shu Yuan said that the idea of ambushing someone with a sack was yours."

Lu Mingchao’s lips curled, her expression teasing.

Xie Yan’s eyes narrowed, "Shu Yuan!"

What do you mean, come alive!

Being half-dead works just fine.

"Mingchao, it’s all because Master Cheng went too far."

"If he’d just stuck to the facts, I wouldn’t have been so angry."

The Sun family’s second young master is in jail, which is the consequence of his own actions. Yet, Master Cheng wrongly accused you of being unchaste, frequently citing the teachings of sages. How’s that any different from defending him?

"Do the sages really blame the victim?"

"That’s just ridiculous!"

"He’s a failure as a person and a scholar."

Lu Mingchao patted Xie Yan’s hand, "At first, I was a little annoyed by your impulsive actions, but I never resented your anger, nor did I blame you for standing up for me."

"I just wanted to say that impulsiveness can lead to mistakes. Next time, be more discreet."

Master Cheng outright called her unchaste. Should she smile and compliment his wisdom?

Those who love are loved in return; those who respect are respected in return.

In other words, those who insult are insulted in return.

That’s just fair play.

"What made you decide to go to the city?" Lu Mingchao changed the subject, suspiciously.

Xie Yan held Lu Mingchao’s hand, "I know you are concerned about Brother Sanshi’s marriage, so I asked someone to pay more attention."

"The son of the councilor who is discussing marriage with Miss Cheng is a close friend of Sun Zhiye. He proposed to Miss Cheng at Sun Zhiye’s request."

"This morning, I heard that the son of the councilor wants to break off the engagement. The letter wasn’t clear, so I went myself."

"What’s the situation?" Lu Mingchao also forgot to pull her hand away.

Xie Yan continued, "The son of the Assistant Minister was drunk and spouted nonsense last night at the Floating Fragrance Pavilion, claiming that Miss Cheng had lost her chastity, that she was a fallen woman, and that the one who had an affair with her was Brother Sanshi (Three Stones)."

"This matter is likely aimed at you."

"Even if it doesn't harm you immediately, it will first ruin the Lu family, tarnishing the Lu family's reputation."

"This is Sun Zhiye's revenge."

Lu Mingchao frowned, "Why has Sun Zhiye suddenly become so aggressive?"

"Does he have a backer now?"

"Lu Minghui?"

"Lu Miao?"

Xie Yan and Lu Mingchao spoke in unison.

"Most likely, that's the case."

"Brother is certainly not the type to recklessly break the rules, let alone the fact that he holds Miss Cheng in high regard," Lu Mingchao said without hesitation.

Xie Yan frowned and pursed his lips, "According to the son of the Assistant Minister, it was because Master Cheng firmly rejected Brother Three Stones' marriage proposal. Brother Three Stones, feeling resentful, deceived Miss Cheng into giving herself to him, trying to force Master Cheng's hand by making it a fait accompli."

"This is a deliberate attempt to frame Brother Three Stones for seduction."

Lu Mingchao was stunned, "But such a lie can be easily debunked."

"What if Miss Cheng is indeed no longer chaste, as they claim?" Xie Yan said gravely.

Lu Mingchao widened her eyes, completely incredulous.

"How is that possible?"

According to her mother and brother, Miss Cheng is gentle, well-mannered, virtuous, and deeply influenced by the strict and conservative Master Cheng. Even when it comes to marriage discussions, she remains shy and timid. It's hard to imagine her losing her chastity before marriage.

"But even if she is no longer chaste, it doesn't necessarily mean Brother deceived her."

This accusation is indeed quite a headache.

"The news hasn't spread yet, so we still have time to devise a countermeasure," Xie Yan said calmly, trying to reassure her.

Lu Mingchao shook her head, "What I fear is that Brother might take the blame for Miss Cheng's sake."

"Clouds at dawn, rain at dusk."