Chapter 66: How Can an Intellectual's Actions Be Called a Free Ride?

Jinling Academy.

Ever since Dong Rusheng began substitute teaching, the academic atmosphere at the academy had improved by leaps and bounds.

In particular, Dong Rusheng and Ye Wuji played musical accompaniments together during every class, a sight that filled everyone with envy.

Watching the two of them so deeply in sync, many students suspected there might be something romantic going on between them.

Spending every day together in such harmonious companionship—it would be absurd to think Ye Wuji had no feelings for her.

Though the vocal music class had ended, the students still wore expressions of lingering reluctance.

"Shouzheng, my brother [Ye Wuji's courtesy name], when you and Miss Dong perform, it is as if your minds are joined. It truly makes others envious."

"Brother Shouzheng, why not compose a lyric on the spot and ask Miss Dong to sing it?"

"Yes, yes! While there is still time and Master Wu hasn't arrived yet, play another tune, play another tune!"

Faced with the clamor of the students, Dong Rusheng's face flushed red with shyness.

In her heart, she was actually longing for Ye Wuji to write a poem for her.

"What are you all thinking?" Ye Wuji glared fiercely at his classmates. "Miss Dong's performances are worth a thousand gold. It is already your utmost honor that she has condescended to teach you music. You scoundrels, and you still want a free ride?"

"How can things done by scholars be called a free ride?" asked an elderly yet robust voice.

The chaotic classroom suddenly fell silent. The newcomer was none other than Master Wu, who taught the classics.

"Greetings, Master!" Everyone stood up, cupping their hands in formal respect.

Dong Rusheng also hurriedly stood up and bowed. "Master, I have taken up your time. I beg your forgiveness."

"Miss Dong, in the past, this bunch of little rascals would just sleep through the vocal music class."

"Now, every single one of them is full of energy. What does it matter if we use up the whole class period?" Master Wu stroked his beard, in high spirits. "Coincidentally, today's lesson is on *Qingping Le*, and Shouzheng is a master of composing *Qingping* verses. Why don't you stay?"

"Master, I originally came from the Qinhuai River... I am afraid I might disrupt your teaching."

Master Wu's expression turned stern. "Now, you are the vocal music instructor of the academy. If anyone dares to utter the words 'courtesan' again, this old man's ruler won't be just for show."

"This..." Dong Rusheng bit her lip gently, finally making up her mind. "Then I shall impose upon you, Master."

*Qingping Le* originated from the imperial music bureau tunes of the Great Qian dynasty.

Considered a modified version of the *Qingping Diao*, it was a genuine lyrical song form.

Consequently, the texts written for it bore a significant gap in artistic conception and aesthetic beauty compared to the traditional *Qingping Diao*.

There was no help for it; the literary circles of the Great Qian were in decline, and unable to solve the root problem, they could only change the rules of the game.

Dong Rusheng tuned her strings, found the melody of *Qingping Le*, and nodded toward Master Wu.

***

Master Wu opened his ancient text and began teaching *Qingping Le*.

Whenever a musical interlude was needed to enhance the lesson, without Master Wu even having to ask, Dong Rusheng's melodious zither music would flow forth, to Master Wu's pleasant surprise.

The rules for the autumn imperial examinations had changed this year. To improve the passing rate, someone had proposed inviting Dong Rusheng to assist with teaching.

At the time, many masters and professors had objected, arguing until their faces turned red.

Master Wu had been the most vocal opponent back then, almost coming to blows with Liu Hanqing.

He had even threatened that if Dong Rusheng came to the academy, he would strike.

So many Confucian scholars in the world understood music, yet the academy was inviting a courtesan to teach—wasn't that slapping everyone in the face and calling them all useless fools?

Yet, from the very first day Dong Rusheng taught, these people had gradually changed their attitude.

Old Master Wu, in particular, recalling the previous music classes compared to the current ones, could not help cursing inwardly:

Damn it, the previous music teacher really was a fool.

Teaching such a delicate art as vocal music truly required a woman.

In truth, what they did not know was that Dong Rusheng's current level of erudition had come at the cost of hardships most people could never even imagine.

Closing their books, all the students remained immersed in the melody of *Qingping Le*.

At a single glance, Master Wu could tell that the contents of the lesson had truly sunk into the students' hearts.

As he glanced at Dong Rusheng, who was focused on her zither, Master Wu seemed to have made up his mind:

Nothing in the world was more important than the examination pass rate.

If possible, he should persuade Wang Yuanhui to continue applying pressure on the Music Bureau, formally keeping her at the academy through proper channels, restoring her freedom, and then issuing her an official appointment letter from Jinling Academy.

As for the owner of the pleasure boat...

You bloody bastard have already earned plenty. If you refuse to let her go, I will pull rank just this once and order my students to send government bailiffs to inspect your establishment three times a day, just to see how you plan to do business then...

Ye Wuji was the first to open his eyes. Filled with excitement, he refrained from disturbing the others.

Instead, he took up his brush and furiously composed a *Qingping Le* right on the spot!

Master Wu walked slowly over to Ye Wuji, picked up the poem, and immediately wore a look of high praise.

***

In the small courtyard of the Ye family, a plump merchant walked in.

Ye Xiu greeted him with a smile, "Shopkeeper Wei, it has been a while. You seem to have put on weight again."

"It is all thanks to your blessings, Young Master." Shopkeeper Wei walked in and instructed his attendants to place all the gift boxes on the table.

Zhao Youyou, seeing this, brewed tea for the two men and then returned to her room to embroider a pouch for Ye Xiu.

"The tavern's business is simply booming. That parking lot, in particular, is nothing short of miraculous," Shopkeeper Wei sighed repeatedly. "From the very first moment I laid eyes on you, Young Master, I knew you were destined for greatness."

Shopkeeper Wei always felt that he had acted too slowly, leaving Shopkeeper Liu and Shopkeeper Xiao to reap the benefits.

He had reported every recent event concerning Ye Xiu and his father back to the capital, and Madam Wei's comments had been rather unfavorable, making Shopkeeper Wei feel that he had seriously neglected his duties.

After writing an earnest and deeply repentant letter of self-examination to Madam Wei, he had rushed over to see Ye Xiu immediately.

Over the past few days, he had studied the matter thoroughly: although Pianfeifang was not cheap, everyone who had tasted its food praised it highly.

They even claimed that the dishes at Pianfeifang left a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth, echoing in one's mind for three days like the lingering notes of a zither.

Initially, Pianfeifang only accepted reservations three days in advance, but now reservations were being taken seven days ahead.

This left many patrons who had yet to experience it sighing in despair.

In the end, they could only obediently pay their silver to join the queue, praying inwardly that their turn would come sooner.

Scalpers had also appeared on the market.

Banquet tables that originally cost ten taels of silver were now reselling for fifty or even a hundred taels, yet securing a table remained nearly impossible.

Those who managed to secure a spot were hardly short of money; barring irresistible forces, who would be foolish enough to transfer their reservation away?

Because of this, Shopkeeper Wei had been green with envy for a long time. If Ye Xiu had only given him a hand, he would have soared to success long ago.

"Young Master, white sugar production is now on track, and output is steadily increasing." Shopkeeper Wei took a sip of tea. "I have written to the capital; it is expected to become a designated tribute sugar. By then, the revenues will be immeasurable."

"Shopkeeper Wei," Ye Xiu said with a profound gaze, "your true intention isn't just about the tea, is it?"

"Nothing escapes your discernment, Young Master." Shopkeeper Wei put down his tea cup and cut straight to the point. "Young Master, would Pianfeifang be interested in opening a branch in the capital? Shengsyuan will provide all the capital and investment, and we can split the profits fifty-fifty."

"Not interested," Ye Xiu refused without a moment's hesitation.

"Sixty-forty, then!"

Shopkeeper Wei dreamed of introducing Pianfeifang to the capital; even if it didn't turn a profit, winning the appreciation of Madam Wei would be worth it.

As long as Madam Wei took him along in her social circles, it would not only expand his network of connections but also elevate his standing in the business world.

Seeing that Ye Xiu remained unmoved, Shopkeeper Wei gritted his teeth. "If push comes to shove, seventy-thirty!"

"This isn't about money," Ye Xiu sighed.

At this, Shopkeeper Wei grew even more puzzled. "The silver is right here before us, Young Master. Why won't you earn it?"