C11 I Don't Have Any Money

Two days later, Wen Yu, who hadn't been to court in a while, was summoned to the palace.

Seizing the opportunity, Wen Wan snuck away with her grandfather's prized fifty-year-old bamboo leaf green liquor, accompanied by her maid Ziyu, and hurried to the Nothing Free House. This was the royal academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty, where students were allowed to leave once every five days, provided they completed their weekly assignments. Otherwise, they were not permitted to leave.

However, yesterday, she had taken her brother, Wen Shaoxing, to the Golden Prosperity Building, breaking the rules, and he was punished upon his return. Wen Shaoxing's mentor, Yue Xiliang, known as the Northern King of Hell in the academy, was also Wen Wan's respected teacher.

At this moment, in the northwest corner of the academy, the Hundred River Residence was filled with the intoxicating aroma of liquor, enough to make one feel tipsy just from the scent. Xiao Chen sat cross-legged at a low table, looking at his former mentor, words on the tip of his tongue but unspoken.

"Are you here to persuade me to drink less?" Yue Xiliang, dressed in a loose-fitting blue teaching robe, was in his thirties. His long black hair was casually pinned up with a wooden hairpin, with a striking lock of silver hair falling over his forehead.

"I didn't say anything," Xiao Chen replied, though the thought had crossed his mind.

It's hard to advise someone without understanding their struggles. If not for a deeply unforgettable and unresolved past, who could have imagined that Yue Xiliang, once one of the Great Zhou Dynasty's three famous constables, known as the Golden Hand, would become a drunkard?

"Don't worry, I only drink at noon," Yue Xiliang said, raising his glass. "Because eventually, it'll be the death of me."

Xiao Chen couldn't help but smile. "I hope you live a long and healthy life, Master."

Strictly speaking, Yue Xiliang never officially took Xiao Chen as a disciple, yet he imparted all his knowledge to this young nobleman simply because he found him agreeable.

Xiao Chen regarded Yue Xiliang as a mentor, calling him "Master" in private instead of "Teacher."

It's worth mentioning that Yue Xiliang taught etiquette at the academy. Back in the day, he was the top scholar in literature but chose a military path, a hot topic at the time. However, as years passed, the buzz faded, and few remembered that the esteemed Yue was once a brilliant scholar and warrior.

"So, why are you pleading for that rascal, Wen Shaoxing?"

"While training at the frontier, I met Wen Churan from the South Control Marquis Mansion. We became close friends, and Wen Shaoxing is his nephew. I feel compelled to help where I can."

"Wen Churan..." Yue Xiliang seemed to recall. "I think he was in the class after yours, an exceptional talent."

Xiao Chen agreed, "He's indeed a rare talent, especially skilled in military strategy."

At this point, Yue Xiliang suddenly looked up, his eyes deep and thoughtful. "I heard from Old Qin that your name isn't on the list for the Ministry of War's current frontier training."

Xiao Chen nodded respectfully, "I don't plan to leave the capital."

"It's a place full of trouble!" Yue Xiliang glanced at his prized student, then took another swig from his drink. "About Shaoxing..."

Just then, a voice called from outside the door, "Is Professor Yue in? Student Wen Wan here to see you."

She had taken Wen Shaoxing home yesterday, but he still got punished.

Through the door, Xiao Chen remained seated cross-legged at the low table, posture straight and breathing steady.

He had been about to leave, but Yue Xiliang stopped him.

"Come in."

Hearing the voice inside, Wen Wan took a deep breath and respectfully opened the door.

As soon as she entered, she saw Xiao Chen.

Without greeting him, she first approached the professor and placed a bottle of Bamboo Leaf Green in front of Yue Xiliang.