Chapter 188: "Parting ways, becoming strangers from now on..."
A cold and deep female voice suddenly rang out, like a sharp sword cutting through the silence in the inner room. The night wind suddenly blew in, causing everyone present to shiver.
——It’s the sound of water chestnuts.
Wen Yu lowered his eyebrows, his eyes moved, and he was thinking very quickly about how to deal with it.
Wasn't she sleeping soundly? Why did she wake up at this moment?
Wen Yu felt like crying but had no tears. She felt like she had been caught talking about someone behind their back.
Ahem, it is just as Master said, don’t say anything inappropriate. Don’t say anything inappropriate.
At this moment, Azhu and Abai finished packing, came out from the inner room with the washbasin, walked around the screen and came to Wenyu.
"Mrs. Wen, the lady inside has finished washing up." Abai replied in a low voice.
Wen Yu nodded. Seeing Ah Zhu yawning but still holding onto her change of clothes, she quickly grabbed Ah Bo's hand and patted him, signaling to him, "It's late. Hurry and take Ah Zhu home. There's nothing else to do here."
A'bai hesitated for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the people present. He bowed his head and said to Wenyu, "Madam, we have guests here. Why don't I stay and serve tea, so I can take care of them."
"It's alright, you can go and rest now," Song Linsheng instructed softly, "Tell the people on duty not to let anyone near Guanwuyuan."
A'bai has always been thorough and meticulous in her work. Now that the young master has spoken, she no longer insists and immediately takes A'zhu with her.
As the footsteps of Abai and Azhu gradually faded away, the room returned to silence.
Wen Yu and Song Linsheng looked at each other, both holding their breath.
Yan Zi, who was standing beside him, had his eyebrows raised and his eyes full of panic. He looked at Wen Yu helplessly. He had said before that you can't just pick up the goblins on the roadside...
Zhou Lehui, who was sitting opposite him, was no exception and had a worried look on his face, not daring to move.
The situation was at a stalemate for a while, and neither side inside or outside the screen spoke again.
Wen Yu's brows were furrowed and her lips were tightly pursed. She had originally planned to ask Mr. Zhou for more clues, but now it seemed that her efforts were in vain.
Could it be possible... to really ask her?
hiss……
She didn't know where she had the courage to bring this big monster back to the house just now by the Yuanshui River. She originally thought that she could ask a few questions when she woke up, but now...
Wen Yu sighed imperceptibly. It is really easier said than done.
Song Linsheng saw Wen Yu's dilemma and couldn't help but worry.
Judging from today's situation, this Miss Yingying should not be an unforgivable demon.
As for the matter of Young Master Wen, perhaps there is some misunderstanding.
If you talk things over nicely and explain the reasons clearly, the misunderstanding will be cleared up.
After some thought, Song Linsheng wanted to get up.
But before Song Linsheng could make any move, Wen Yu beside him reached out and stopped him.
"Ahem, well..."
Wen Yu shrugged, stood up as if he was relaxed, and without waiting for Song Linsheng to react, she turned around and went into the inner room.
Behind the green wutong screen, Miss Yingying was wearing a green dress and leaning on the couch with her clothes on.
Her satin-like black hair slid down her body, covering most of her face, and under the candlelight, it reflected a moist glow.
Compared to the black robe she wore by the Far Water River just now, this green shirt now makes her look even more beautiful and her features more picturesque.
Her drooping eyelashes completely obscured the expression in her eyes, making it difficult to see clearly, and an unreasonable sense of alienation arose.
Wen Yu paused, unable to utter a single word of the speech he had prepared in his mind after seeing this scene.
Just now, in a moment of urgency, I asked Abai to take her clothes for Miss Yingying to change into. I was worried that they would not fit her, but now it seems that the silk and satin match the beauty perfectly, which can be said to be a perfect match.
Perhaps it was because Wen Yu suddenly stopped that she attracted the attention of the person on the couch.
Yingying moved slightly and glanced towards Wenyu.
It was a very light and indifferent glance, yet it revealed an unspeakable depth.
When their eyes met, Wen Yu couldn't help swallowing. She should have drunk a few more sips of hot tea, so she wouldn't be so thirsty now.
The sound of hurried footsteps could be heard behind him, and Song Linsheng and Yan Zi also arrived, while Zhou Lehui lagged behind a few steps and came slowly.
Wen Yu pursed her lips and remained silent, thinking about how to start the conversation.
"You want to know?"
Yingying's voice was ethereal and distant, floating in Wenyu's ears, giving her a sense of unreality.
"Please... please teach me?" Wen Yu's voice was gentle, with a hint of hesitation.
Could it be that if she wanted to know, Yingying would tell her the truth?
The woman on the couch did not move, still leaning freely and casually.
Wen Yu couldn't help but sigh in admiration when she saw his relaxed and comfortable demeanor.
It was obvious that she was standing and Yingying was lying, but judging from the current situation, it seemed that Yingying was the one occupying the higher position.
Even if she leaned against him casually like this, the oppressive feeling generated by her powerful demonic power could make her aura overshadow Wen Yu.
Ying Ying's eyes were calm and her expression remained unchanged. She glanced gently at Song Linsheng and Yan Zi who were present, and finally landed on Zhou Lehui who was standing behind them.
"Madam Zhou..."
Zhou Lehui's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly raised his eyes and looked at the girl Yingying, whom he had known for a long time, but he didn't know how to respond.
"Xingxing...Miss Yingxing, I..." Zhou Lehui glanced at Wen Yu and responded aloud after her affirmation.
In the past, she thought Yingying was just an ordinary woman, chatting with her and sharing her troubles, just like countless other little girls.
Now she suddenly learned that Miss Yingying, whom she had always regarded as her best friend, was actually a demon. Rather than fear, she felt more confused.
Even though she knew that Yingying might be related to Yanli's matter, she didn't know what to say or what to ask...
"Madam Zhou, to be honest, it's my fault." Yingying's tone was calm and peaceful, as if she was not bothered by the situation at hand.
"You...Xingxing..." Zhou Lehui paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Then tell Madam Wen the whole story."
"Hmm." Yingying hummed lightly, as a response.
When these words came out, Wen Yu and Song Linsheng were both extremely surprised.
So... you agreed? It seemed to be going a hundred times smoother than expected.
Wen Yu couldn't help but gasp in amazement. Looking at Yan Zi who was staring with wide eyes beside her, she couldn't help but reach out and pat the top of his head.
She had said long ago that Ying Ying was a banshee, and banshees are easy to get along with. She was right about her!
Perhaps the smug look in Wen Yu's eyes was too obvious, and a slight curve appeared on Ying Ying's lips.
"A year ago, I heard someone crying every night by the Yuanshui River." Yingying paused, and her deep gaze swept over Zhou Lehui.
Everyone looked over and saw Zhou Lehui lowering his eyebrows and turning away slightly.
Wen Yu understood immediately. So what Mr. Zhou meant by relaxing... was this the way to relax?
Wen Yu and Song Linsheng remained silent, but Yan Zi, who was standing next to them, spoke loudly, "That person is you, Mr. Zhou, right?"
Wen Yu's heart was pounding. He covered Yan Zi's mouth with his hand and said with a smile, "Mr. Zhou, children's words are careless and will be blown away by the wind!"
Zhou Lehui's face flushed, but he didn't run away. Instead, he turned around and said to everyone, "I am Mr. Zhou, but I am also Zhou Lehui first."
There are no rules that constrain me. Once I become a teacher, I can no longer be myself.
When you are sad, crying is a normal human emotion.
Faced with Yan Zi's question, Zhou Lehui's uneasiness dissipated a little, and he became more calm.
"Of course, of course." Wen Yu smiled apologetically and extended her hand to invite Yingying to continue.
"At first I didn't think much of it. Countless merchant ships carry cargo across the Yuan River every day, and not everyone in the upper echelons is happy about it."
Yanzi struggled to break free from Wenyu's hands, and nodded repeatedly in approval of what Yingxing said.
There are so many things going on in the world, it’s better for monsters like them not to interfere.
Xingxing's eyes swept across Yanzi without any fluctuation, but when she turned to Wenyu, her eyes brightened slightly.
"I just never thought that one day she would throw herself into the river without caring about her life."
Wen Yu nodded when she heard this. This was not much different from what Mr. Zhou said. "And then you rescued her from the Yuan River?"
Yingying was very frugal with words and did not answer.
Seeing this, Wen Yu turned to look at Zhou Lehui, "Yes and no?"
"Yes." Zhou Lehui did not evade and answered affirmatively.
"And then?" Wen Yu got the answer and turned to Ying Ying. "What does this have to do with Wen Yanli?"
"Why don't you first ask her why she goes out in the middle of the night and cries alone." There seemed to be a hint of helplessness in Yingying's tone, but it was fleeting, making it hard to understand.
Wen Yu looked at Ying Ying strangely, then turned to look at Zhou Lehui.
Judging from her words, she must have known about this matter, but now she has handed the choice of answering or not to Mr. Zhou...
It seems that he doesn't want to embarrass Mr. Zhou.
Wen Yu's eyes turned, and he couldn't help but nodded in his heart——
This great demon is not only well-versed in human nature and worldly affairs, but also considerate and respectful to others. How can he not be considered a good demon?
Thinking of this, Wen Yu's heart suddenly relaxed, and the worries and uneasiness he had just felt were gone.
At least, Ying Ying didn't seem hostile.
But then again, whether to answer or not depends on Mr. Zhou.
Wen Yu looked directly at Zhou Lehui with a burning gaze and gently urged, "Mr. Zhou?"
Zhou Le was struggling in his mind with a conflict between his conscience and his desires, and it was hard to tell who would win. Just as he was hesitating, he was interrupted by Wen Yu.
Wen Yu's call seemed to be the final push that made her make the decision.
Well, some things have to be faced eventually no matter how hard you try to hide them.
Even if you can fool others, you can't fool yourself.
"Madam Wen, Lord Song." Zhou Lehui raised his head and looked at the two of them, saying seriously, "Earlier at Wen Dao Bookstore, I did conceal something about... Wen Yanli, the eldest son of the Wen family."
Song Linsheng nodded slightly, waiting patiently for the next words without urging him.
Wen Yu pursed her lips slightly. She knew it, but she only knew the fact, not the reason.
"Wen Yanli and I were childhood sweethearts, growing up together and attending the same school. We even had the same teacher as my mentor."
These words were consistent with what Mrs. Wen said. Wen Yu listened attentively and did not interrupt.
As soon as he finished speaking, the night wind blew in from the window lattice, brushing the hair on Zhou Lehui's temples.
Zhou Lehui looked out along the window lattice. The thick moonlight made it difficult to see clearly, just like the past years had gradually become blurred.
The past seems to be a long time ago.
"We two share the same ideals and originally planned to open an academy and a school together in Jiangyang to teach and impart knowledge..."
Zhou Lehui's eyes were floating, as if he was trapped in the long river of memories, struggling but unable to find relief.
"It's just..." Before he could finish his words, Zhou Lehui fell silent.
The sound of the silent wind rustled through the inner room, passing through everyone's shoulders. The candlelight flickered and the light and shadows swayed.
Just like the human heart is unstable.
"However, last year, when the results of the spring imperial examination were announced, I heard that the eldest son was awarded the third place in the imperial examination and subsequently became an official in Shangdu."
Song Linsheng frowned, looking reluctant, and told everything he knew word by word.
He knew these things in Shangdu very well, and no one present could compare to him.
However, it seemed inappropriate for him to say this.
Song Linsheng sighed slightly.
Compared to Song Linsheng's entanglement, Zhou Lehui's face was relieved and she smiled indifferently.
"Yes." After that, Zhou Lehui added to Song Linsheng, "It's just a fact. Sir Song, don't mind it."
"But since he has an appointment with you, why would he want to take the Spring Examination?"
Wen Yu was puzzled. She had heard from Song Linsheng that the eldest son had been ranked third in the imperial examination, but she had no idea that there were so many twists and turns behind it.
"What do you know?" Yan Zi crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against a nearby pillar. "What candidate wouldn't want to take the Spring Examination?"
When he was playing with the real Wen Yanzi in the past, he heard her talk about how hard and diligently her elder brother Wen Yanli studied and practiced calligraphy. With that in mind, how could Wen Yanli not want to take part in the Spring Examination?
Wen Yu stretched out two fingers and pretended to be angry, telling Yan Zi to shut up.
However, Zhou Lehui did not show much emotion. After listening to Yanzi's words, he just smiled and nodded.
"Yes, what candidate wouldn't want to take the Spring Examination?"
The voice was very light and faint, as if it was asking everyone, and also seemed to be asking itself.
"Ten years of hard work sharpen a sword; one day it tests its sharpness." Zhou Lehui frowned slightly. "At first, he simply said he didn't want to study so hard for so many years without any proof, and that taking the Spring Examination was just a test for himself."
"After you finish answering this question, no matter what the result is, you will return to Jiangyang and work with me to build the academy."
"Do you believe it?" Yan Zi asked blankly when everyone was silent.
Wen Yu choked and could only repeat silently in her heart:
Children's words are careless and will be blown away by the wind.
In the past, Mr. Chi Huang was worried that letting her go to the mortal world without permission would cause trouble, but now it seems that compared with Yan Zi, she is still a small witch compared to a big witch.
Zhou Lehui's gentle gaze swept over Yan Zi, without a trace of displeasure, and he only nodded slightly, "Yes."
She acknowledges and accepts everything she has done, whether good or bad.
She couldn't stand now and blame herself for what she did then.
Mr. Zhou was so frank that Yanzi was a little stunned for a moment.
It turns out that people can't just read the books of sages. If they had more time to read storybooks, they would know that this is just an old-fashioned plot. How could they believe it...
Yanzi pursed her lips and asked weakly, "What happened next?"
later……
Wen Yu's eyes and eyebrows drooped, and she could roughly guess what happened next.
It's just like birds parting and never meeting again.
"Later..." Zhou Lehui let out a long sigh, seemingly relaxed, "It was just a flurry of flowers that gradually dazzled the eyes."
"Shangdu is prosperous, you can imagine."
"He wrote to me saying that there are countless academies and even more universities in Shangdu, and he invited me to teach there."
"Girls' education is flourishing in Shangdu, and many young ladies from aristocratic families invite female teachers to their homes for instruction. For me, it's not a difficult task."
Zhou Lehui smiled and shook his head, "This way, I can be with him and earn a good future at the same time."
"It seems... it's a good idea that has the best of both worlds, a well-considered and foolproof plan." Zhou Lehui lowered his eyes and was silent for a moment.
Wen Yu bit her lower lip, feeling a little reluctant. She slowed down her pace, walked forward gently, and stood side by side with Zhou Lehui.
I just hope that silence can give her strength.
Seeing this, Zhou Lehui smiled and greeted Wen Yu. He seemed to have gathered his strength again and continued, "He seemed to have considered himself and me, but he had never considered the promise he made earlier."
"What I want to open is a girls' school, a school where all the daughters of Jiangyang, regardless of their wealth or social status, can learn to read and write."
"Instead of seeking a teaching job to earn money and promote reputation, they use teaching as a means to make money and a shortcut to fame and reputation."
When Zhou Le replied to this point, her voice was already choked with sobs, but she did not pause and still tried to persevere.
"Perhaps there are countless academies and even more schools in Shangdu, with better reputations and higher salaries, but what does that have to do with me?"
"Xanadu is never short of a Zhou Lehui."
But the female students at Wendao Book House in Lushui Lane couldn't live without her as their teacher. Wen Yu nodded silently, as if she understood Mr. Zhou's choice.
"So... you rejected Wen Yanli's invitation." Wen Yu stared at Zhou Lehui's eyes with burning eyes.
Those eyes, as cold as ice and snow, were now filled with hot tears. The calmness and composure of the past gradually thawed, but they conveyed a determination that could not be ignored.
"I wrote him back, telling him he didn't need to write to me anymore. From then on, he could be the third place winner, and I could run my own school."
Zhou Lehui closed his eyes to hide the redness in his eyes.
"We parted ways and became strangers from now on."
As soon as the words fell, it was like a sudden summer rain, the rumbling thunder struck everyone's heart, the dampness and heat rushed up, filling the chest and making it hard to breathe.
Everyone present was silent for a moment, all feeling sad and emotional, but there was only one person who seemed to be isolated from the crowd.
"Since you've already made your decision, why are you traveling alone in the middle of the night, crying?"
Yingying's eyes were half closed, and her thick eyelashes cast a small shadow, making it impossible to see what she was thinking.
"You didn't answer that question."
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