Chapter 437: The Apprentice and the Master

"Xiaoyu, where did you get this inkstone?"

Although he was impatient to accept the item, the scholar still had to put on an act; he had to maintain the posture of one who cannot be swayed by poverty.

Next, he would surely feign high-mindedness to rebuke the young woman, warning her not to take things from others so casually.

Then, he would unobtrusively take the inkstone into his own possession, appearing noble while avoiding any criticism.

Yet, some young women just fall for this. Even when rebuked, they still feel sweet, thinking the other person is concerned for them, and then they work even harder to find good things for him.

Is this concern? This is "fish-farming."

She ignores the wealthy young master who acts like a bootlicker, and instead fawns over a poor scholar—the key is that this scholar clearly doesn't look like much, and his intentions are obviously impure.

Sure enough, the development of events was almost exactly as Shen Yu had imagined. The scholar was warning the young woman not to take others' things casually, and even more so, not to have impure thoughts; she should be kind.

As for the Xi Inkstone in his hand, he had absolutely no intention of returning it.

The young woman looked aggrieved, which made the wealthy young master beside her grit his teeth; he couldn't bear to see his beloved scolded like this and wanted to retort, but he was afraid the young woman would get angry because of it.

Before he could speak, the scholar beside them didn't let him off either; after a burst of output directed at the young woman, he aimed his sights at this pitiful wealthy young master.

He bluntly told him not to pester the young woman and to keep his distance, spouting things about how men and women should not touch when handing things over.

As for the young woman's earlier actions, such as rushing over to hook her arm through his, they were subconsciously ignored by the scholar.

When he is with the young woman, it is a mutual affection, a beautiful story. When you have nothing better to do and shamelessly approach her, that is called having ulterior motives.

Shen Yu could even guess what the scholar was thinking: I am keeping this young woman in my pond for now. If there is truly no other choice, then I can only choose her.

But if he could rise to prominence in the future, a woman of this status would naturally not be a match for him. If some high-ranking, wealthy family wanted to recruit him as a son-in-law then, he would surely agree without hesitation.

As for this young woman, she can go wherever it's cool. It was she who pestered me; I didn't promise anything.

However, even so, me not promising her is my business. But you, an outsider, a wealthy young master, cannot covet her either; even thinking about it is not allowed.

This high-sounding lecture made Shen Yu look at the scholar with new eyes. Listen to his way of quoting classics and speaking incessantly; that is truly not something an ordinary person could do.

Thus, it can be seen that the other party does have some level of learning. As for his character, well, that is a matter of opinion.

Meanwhile, the wealthy young master being lectured was also clenching his fists, looking as if he might risk his life at any moment.

It was one thing for his beloved woman to be lectured by someone else, but for him to be lectured by his romantic rival as well—how could he endure this?

Yet, in the end, this wealthy young master actually endured it; such patience was truly extreme.

No wonder this poor scholar didn't care at all; while scolding such a wealthy family, he was secretly pleased and finding a sense of superiority.

Looking at it this way, none of the three are particularly good. The scholar's character is average, thick-skinned and black-hearted; not only does he not feel ashamed to take someone else's things, but he also wants to show off in front of the other person's beloved woman.

And that young woman? Giving away someone else's things without a hint of embarrassment, still maintaining the attitude that "it is your honor that I took your things"—she is truly quite shameless.

As for that wealthy young master, how should I put it? He is simply the type who lacks common sense.

One is willing to hit, and the other is willing to be hit; what can you do!

"Brother Kang, don't be angry anymore, you'll ruin your health!" After the scholar had scolded for a while, the young woman comforted him coquettishly.

"I believe Brother Kang will definitely pass the imperial examination next year!"

"That goes without saying; with my learning, it will naturally be within my grasp!" Quietly holding the young woman's hand, the scholar said in a low voice, "Xiaoyu, if one day I make it onto the list, I will definitely come back to marry you!"

"Brother Kang, you are so kind!"

The wealthy young master beside them looked as if he were about to shatter his teeth; you just said men and women shouldn't touch, what do you call this? If you have the guts, let's fight one-on-one! Do you believe I can kill you! ~

"Heh, one really dares to say it, and the other really dares to believe it!"

The farce downstairs was quite entertaining for Shen Yu to watch; not to mention whether this scholar could pass the examination, even if he did, he would definitely abandon the young woman without hesitation.

Some people can only share hardships; they cannot share wealth.

(Author's Note: 【Empty】)

Moreover, the Capital is now sealed, and there will be no more imperial examinations. At least until the Capital is unsealed, these scholars from humble backgrounds will likely find it very difficult to get ahead.

It's just that these people at the bottom don't quite know about these things yet, but I believe it won't be long before they all find out.

But there is no help for it; the Great Contention Era is destined to be a river of blood. When one can barely even save their own life, how can they talk about getting ahead?

"Xiaoyu, actually there is an opportunity before me right now; the Minister of Personnel, Lord Wu Ze, who retired to his hometown a few years ago, is currently in my Dongming City."

Quietly letting go of the hand the young woman was holding, the scholar said casually, appearing indifferent.

"Lord Wu is learned and profound, and his students and old acquaintances are all over the imperial court. If he were willing to give me some guidance, I would have absolute certainty for next year's imperial examination. It is just a pity that my status is low and my family has no surplus wealth, so I have no way to reach Lord Wu."

"However, I heard that Lord Wu likes jade. If one could... sigh, forget it, forget it, better not to hope for it!"

Speaking to this point, the scholar shook his head and sighed desolately, as if he were unwilling to give up but had to.

Seeing the scholar in this state, the young woman hurriedly asked anxiously, "Brother Kang, what kind of jade does Lord Wu like? I will definitely find a way to get it for you."

"No need, this is my business, I cannot let you find a way. Sigh, forget it, why did I tell you this? I will handle it myself!"

"Don't 'forget it'!" Pulling the scholar's hand again, the young woman shook his arm imploringly, "Brother Kang, tell me, what if I can help you!"

"This... Xiaoyu, actually it's fine to tell you. Lord Wu likes top-quality Rushanyun; the higher the quality, the better."

"It is hateful that I do not have any in my possession; otherwise, I would surely be able to win Lord Wu's favor!"

"If I could receive the Lord's guidance, I would have absolute certainty for next year's imperial examination, and perhaps I could even use this to rise to prominence."

Speaking to this point, the scholar shook his head desolately, as if lamenting the impermanence of life. For a scholar from a humble background like him, it is truly too difficult to get ahead.

"Wait, Rushanyun?" Hearing the scholar's words, the young woman suddenly seemed to remember something, and immediately looked at the wealthy young master beside her.

"Young Master Guo, I remember you told me that your family has a family heirloom, which is a piece of top-quality Rushanyun the size of an infant."

As soon as the young woman spoke, the wealthy young master understood her meaning and hurriedly shook his head, "No, absolutely not!"

"This is my Guo family's heirloom; how can it be easily given to others!"

"Young Master Guo, think about it: if you gift this Rushanyun to Brother Kang, and Brother Kang can rise to prominence in the future, he will definitely look after your Guo family!"

"That won't work either!" Shaking his head without hesitation, the wealthy young master hurriedly said, "This is my Guo family's heirloom. If my father finds out I gave it to someone else, my father will beat me to death!"

"Then aren't you afraid that I will ignore you!" Seeing the wealthy young master's appearance, the young woman shouted directly at him, then pushed him while saying, "You go! If you don't give it, don't ever come looking for me again!"

"Xiaoyu, I... I really can't take it out."

"Young Master Guo!" Seeing the wealthy young master still wearing such a resolute expression, the young girl's attitude couldn't help but soften a little. For the sake of the Rushanyun, and for the sake of her Brother Kang, what harm was there in enduring for a moment?

"Young Master Guo, if you are willing to bring the Rushanyun from your family, I can accept your snacks, and from now on, I will accept everything you give me."

"This, are you telling the truth? Then you will accept everything I give you?"

"Fine!" Gritting her teeth, the young girl agreed directly, "As long as you are willing to bring out the Rushanyun, I can accept everything you give me from now on!"

"This, this..." After hesitating for a moment, the wealthy young master stomped his foot, "Fine, it's a deal!"

For the sake of love, this wealthy young master was truly going all out; perhaps he thought that the young girl's willingness to accept his things meant that their relationship was growing closer.

But Shen Yu knew very clearly that there are two common delusions people have: she likes me, and I can do it.

Clearly, the wealthy young master before her was suffering from both delusions; he was truly beyond saving.

For someone with such a lack of self-awareness, there is only one outcome. A bootlicker who licks until the end will end up with nothing.

Watching the farce unfolding before him, Shen Yu felt that he really couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Originally, he had been sipping tea in the teahouse and his mood had been quite good, but now his good mood had been completely ruined.

Even if you are a bootlicker, you shouldn't be scammed like this.