Chapter 176 — The Chancellor
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 1 of 4
Ling Yushu's expression shifted unpredictably; Shen Mu had struck upon his very worry.
Pei Wujiu had been the Crown Prince's tutor in his youth. The Crown Prince was older than he was and occupied the position of heir apparent. If the gulf between an imperial prince and a commoner was as vast as heaven from earth, then the gulf between the Crown Prince and an imperial prince was no less vast. Pei Wujiu would not do him any favors—far from it, he would trip him up at every turn. Of this he was certain now.
"I will not interfere in your affairs with Pei Wujiu," Ling Yushu said, having made up his mind. "But you must be careful yourself.
Pei Wujiu does not conduct himself like the Grand Chancellor of the previous generation; he lacks that nurturing, spring-breeze-and-gentle-rain magnanimity.
" Shen Mu nodded.
"Rest assured. At most, Pei Wujiu will only dare to trip me up—he won't go too far. " Ling Yushu's expression turned strange.
Shen Mu's tone was rather too bold—where did such confidence come from? "Could it be that he and Seventh Sister have already.
. .
" An unpleasant association arose in his mind.
If Shen Mu had become a prince consort, then indeed there would be no need to fear Pei Wujiu. Ling Yushu was silent a moment, then said, "I intend to leave the Academy and go to the frontier to command troops.
I am a General of Roaming Cavalry, I hold an official post, and I have reached the age for leading troops afield. It is only that I worry about Seventh Sister. . .
" Shen Mu consoled him, "Second Prince, rest assured—I am here.
" Ling Yushu's eye twitched. He thought to himself: "It is precisely because you are here that I worry.
" Shen Mu chatted briefly with the siblings, then rose to take his leave. "I have just returned from afar and have not even set down my luggage. I must first return to the Scholars' Residence.
" Ling Yushu escorted him out of the Princes' Court. After a moment of silence, he said to Ling Yuxiu, "Doctor Shen's state of mind is not that of a youth. He sees things very accurately and will surely accomplish great things in the future. That speech of his just now struck right at my heart.
" Ling Yuxiu giggled. "Who says he's a grown man? He understands nothing, always calling me fat, and he doesn't even know how to say anything romantic.
" Ling Yushu shook his head. "I will soon memorialize Father Emperor and leave the Academy, no longer a scholar. Pei Wujiu becoming Grand Chancellor means he will likely not show you a kind face either. If you cannot endure it at the Academy, you may as well come with me to the frontier pass. " Ling Yuxiu nodded.
"Second Brother, rest assured—if I cannot endure it, I will certainly come find you at the frontier pass. But I still want to study under Chancellor Bashan. " Ling Yushu glanced at her, fully aware of her little scheme, but could not say much and merely shook his head.
Shen Mu returned to the Scholars' Residence with the massive Dragon-Qilin following behind him. Along the way, many scholars of the Residence watched and envied him greatly.
Yun Que came forward with a fawning smile. "Sister Fox, I've earned the ransom money—may I redeem my set of clothes? " Snow Fox took the money pouch, weighed it in her hand, and nodded.
"Wait a moment, I'll fetch it for you. " Yun Que thanked her profusely.
Snow Fox returned to the room and brought back his clothes, then called out loudly, "Anyone who owes me money, hurry up and bring your money to redeem your IOUs. " After a moment, several scholars came over looking disgruntled and redeemed their IOUs.
Snow Fox was quite pleased.
"Next time you're defeated by the young master, I can give you a twenty percent discount. " One scholar shook his head.