Chapter 174 The Close Disciple of the Imperial College Master

Xue Ruoxue refused outright: "Brother, how can this be done? If we go to apologize to Kang Lun, wouldn't it be to prove that you plagiarized the poem? How can you, a prince, ruin your reputation?"

Xue Chenguang held his forehead and said: "If you really care about my reputation, you shouldn't make the same mistake over and over again. If the owner of the poem finds out, it will be even more difficult to end this matter. Besides, we can say that you mistook someone else's poem for mine, and no one will investigate!"

Xue Ruoxue was determined to do this. She refused, saying: "No, don't worry, the person who wrote this poem will never show up, no one will doubt that this poem was not written by you, what I have to do now is to study hard and strive to be the top scorer in high school!"

Xue Chenguang was really annoyed this time, he said angrily: "Ruoxue, how did you become like this, if you don't go to clarify this with me, I will send you back to Shuzhong immediately!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xue Ruoxue covered her chest and couldn't breathe for a long time.

Xue Ruoxue's personal maid Xiaocui hurriedly patted her back to calm her down. Xue Chenguang was also shocked and asked anxiously: "Ruoxue, what's wrong with you!"

Xue Ruoxue had difficulty breathing, looked at Xue Chenguang with tears in her eyes, and couldn't say a word.

Xiao Cui begged, "My Lord, the young lady has been like this recently when she's anxious, please stop forcing her!"

Seeing Xue Ruoxue in such a bad state, Xue Chenguang didn't care about anything else, he softened his tone and said, "Ruoxue, let's talk it over, don't worry."

Xue Ruoxue uttered a few words with difficulty: "I'm not going to find Kang Lun!"

Xue Chenguang surrendered: "You said you don't want to go, then don't go, is that okay?"

Xue Ruoxue was still dissatisfied: "Brother promised me that I would go all out to participate in the Spring Examination!"

Xue Chenguang sighed helplessly: "Okay, I'll do whatever you want, but I can't do it as you wish and win you the top score."

Xue Ruoxue said stubbornly: "As long as you are willing, I will definitely get into high school!"

Xue Chenguang just felt a headache. How could her considerate sister become like this after a serious illness?

But what can he do? His sister has just recovered from a serious illness. She has never left the house before, but she insists on following him to Beijing. If she has any mishap, he will be guilty. There is no way, he can only agree to her first and slowly persuade her in the future.

Xue Ruoxue got Xue Chenguang's promise, and then she gradually calmed down.

Xue Chenguang thought that he had settled Xue Ruoxue down, but Xue Ruoxue was like a demon and insisted that Xue Chenguang go to visit Mr. Cai, the chief priest of the Imperial College. Xue Chenguang

didn't want to be too high-profile this time, but he had reached the age and it was time for him to go.

But Xue Ruoxue took the initiative to send a visiting card to Mr. Cai on his behalf, and Mr. Cai, who was reluctant to see anyone, actually accepted the card.

Xue Chenguang was in a difficult situation and had to prepare gifts and go to Mr. Cai's house to visit.

Old Cai had a childlike face and was full of energy. The first thing he

said when he saw Xue Chenguang was, "Those poems of Master Xue are truly invaluable. It's a pity that you haven't shown them off openly, which makes you seem a little too modest." Xue Chenguang was already feeling extremely guilty about those poems, and after hearing what Old Cai said, he was so ashamed that he broke out in a cold sweat and wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

He blushed and said, "It was my sister who was ignorant that caused such a thing. Mr. Kang's talent and knowledge are far superior to mine."

After hearing this, Mr. Cai paused while drinking tea, and his face became even colder: "So, Mr. Xue has no intention of competing with Kang Lun?"

Xue Chenguang didn't know how to answer. After all, the people who handed in the notes to Mr. Cai had only one purpose, which was to get some advice from Mr. Cai. It would be beneficial to the results of the Spring Examination to be able to get the reputation of being Mr. Cai's disciple.

To put it bluntly, those who came to visit Mr. Cai were all ambitious people for the imperial examination.

Not to mention that Xue Ruoxue had handed in more than ten notes for him. It was really hard for him to justify himself now if he said that he didn't care that much about the Spring Examination.

But his upbringing did not allow him to lie to Mr. Cai, so his face became redder and he could not say a word.

Mr. Cai was a man who loved talent. He had been thinking over and over again about Xue Chenguang's poem for a long time and felt that it was so exquisite that even he had to admit that it was better, so he did not continue to ask questions.

He said to Xue Chenguang: "I heard that Shu is a land of outstanding people and the Prince of Ruyang is a man of broad mind and charity. The prince has been influenced by the prince and has the heart to help the poor and needy, which is also human nature. However, when studying literature, there is no room for carelessness and hypocrisy. You think you are helping Kang Lun, but in fact you put him in a disadvantageous position. Gentlemen should cherish each other."

Xue Chenguang quickly stood up and said with shame: "Mr. Cai's words are pearls, Chenguang has learned a lot!"

Mr. Cai saw that Xue Chenguang was humble and reasonable, and his impression of him changed a lot.

It seems that Xue Chenguang really felt sorry for Kang Lun's misery and didn't want to steal his limelight.

Mr. Cai's expression softened a little, and he said slowly: "I have decided not to accept disciples, but those few lines of your poems really amazed me. I can teach you a thing or two when I meet you today, but you must remember that you must not regard yourself as my student outside!"

Mr. Cai is a contemporary scholar, and can be said to be a leader in the literary world. Xue Chenguang was very happy to receive his guidance, and he quickly stood up and saluted: "Chenguang is so worthy of such favor from you, thank you very much!"

The two discussed for a long time, and Mr. Cai found that Xue Chenguang was indeed talented, but he was a little weak in policy essays, so he discussed several hot topics with him.

After communicating with Mr. Cai, Xue Chenguang felt that his eyes were opened, and he was enlightened. His policy essays were improved by more than one level.

He left Cai's house with many thanks, and was thinking that he would tell Ruoxue properly after returning, and not to spread the news that he had met Mr. Cai.

But as soon as he arrived at the inn where he was staying, many students came to congratulate him: "Brother Chenguang, congratulations!"

Xue Chenguang asked in confusion: "Brothers, I don't know why you are so happy!"

Those people looked at him with a secretive look and said: "Brother Chenguang, this matter has been spread to everyone, you still want to hide it from us?"

Xue Chenguang was confused: "I really don't understand what you are saying, can you please explain it to me!"

One of them patted him on the shoulder and said: "Brother Chenguang, you went to Mr. Cai's house today and discussed with Mr. Cai for an afternoon. Everyone in the capital knows that Mr. Cai accepted you as his last disciple."

Xue Chenguang felt his head buzzing and he couldn't stand steadily.

He had just promised Master Cai not to tell anyone about his meeting with him, but before he even returned home, rumors were already flying everywhere. How could he be worthy enough to be Master Cai's last disciple?

He hurried back to the inn, called the accompanying guard, and ordered, "Go and check who is spreading rumors outside and putting me in such an unfaithful and unjust situation!"