There is a god in the sky

Chapter 295 Tong Shanzhang's Strange Behavior 1

After waiting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea at Master Tong's place, I heard a commotion outside.

"School's out. You've come to see Prince Fu, haven't you? He's doing quite well in his studies."

"Yes, his family is worried that he won't be able to concentrate on his studies, so they asked me to come and check on him from time to time."

Tong Shanzhang had no doubts; Fu Qingyan's nickname was once renowned throughout the capital.

"Go quickly, so as not to delay your reunion as brothers."

Xiao Ji got up to take his leave, and as he walked out of the courtyard, a look of doubt and seriousness appeared on his face.

He had just carefully observed Tong Yiwen's hands. His finger joints were wide, and according to Shen Lan, such hands should only be found in martial artists.

Tong Yiwen is a scholar who spends his days holding a pen, so how could he have such thick and strong hands?

Could it be because he dug the ground to grow vegetables?

Fu Qingyan was very excited to see them and even showed them his quiz results.

"The teacher said that if I work harder, I might be able to get promoted to Class B by the end of the year."

Seeing that he had adapted very well here and had long forgotten his initial reluctance to come, Xiao Ji realized that Yishan Academy was indeed outstanding in its teaching.

The only place to eat on the mountain is the canteen, but if you have money, you can have a cook prepare a meal for you.

Fu Qingyan casually ordered a table full of dishes and boasted to Shen Lan, "This dining hall has chefs from all over the country, including one from Jianzhou. Miss Shen, you can try his dishes later to see if they taste authentic."

"Well, it's been a long time since I've had any food from my hometown."

Fu Qingyan invited them to sit down. Xiao Ji was his cousin and held an official position, so he naturally sat in the head seat. Shen Lan was his half-teacher, so she also had to sit above him.

When Fu Qingyan sat down, he found that the seating arrangement was like that of a family, with his cousin and Miss Shen acting as the head of the household.

He was unaware of Xiao Ji's decision to break off the engagement, and only felt that the arrangement was inappropriate.

However, since they had been traveling together for a long time, they didn't take the strict separation between men and women too seriously.

"Come, come, let me offer you a toast with tea instead of wine, thank you for coming to the academy to see me."

Fu Qingyan drank it all in one gulp, and then poured another cup of tea to offer to Shen Lan separately.

"Master Shen, thank you for the study plan you devised. I have made great progress these days, which has impressed many of my classmates."

Shen Lan smiled at him, "That's because you, Your Highness, are willing to work hard."

Her plan is designed for high school seniors preparing for the college entrance exam; you absolutely need a lot of perseverance to stick to it.

Despite his sometimes carefree attitude, Fu Qingyan is truly determined when it comes to studying.

At this moment, the people at the next table started slapping their tables and laughing out loud.

"Hahaha...I'm dying of laughter! Someone actually respects a woman as his teacher, and such a young female teacher at that!"

"What teacher? I think 'wife' is more like it! Haha..."

"Everyone says that the heir of the Marquis of Pingyang is a romantic, and I think it's true. He has some different methods when it comes to women."

Fu Qingyan glared at them fiercely, "What nonsense are you spouting? With such venomous tongues, you'll get mouth ulcers!"

Those people weren't angry. After making jokes, they tactfully apologized to them, making it impossible for anyone to get angry.

Shen Lan didn't care; it was just a few teasing words that didn't hurt her at all.

Xiao Ji casually pointed out their names, "Zhang Shuheng, the son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, and Huang Jincheng, the son of the Censor Huang... Perhaps I should visit your elders tomorrow to see how they raise their children, since they haven't even learned the most basic etiquette."

The scholars at the table all stood up, feeling extremely embarrassed and apologies to Xiao Ji and the others one by one.

"Lord Xiao, we were just joking."

“Repeat what you just said and listen to yourselves. Was that a joke?”

"Lord Xiao, please forgive us this time, we are so magnanimous!"

Xiao Ji sneered, "What if I don't forgive him? Besides, Fu Qingyan is, after all, the heir of the Marquis of Pingyang. What right do you have to joke with him?"

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat.

"Wow, it's so lively here! What's up, Prince Pingyang? How about I bring out my status and have a contest?" Prince Wenguo came over from afar after hearing the commotion.

Upon seeing that it was Xiao Ji and the others, they immediately changed direction.

"Oh, Brother Tao Cheng, so you're here! I was just looking for you..."

Seeing that even the usually arrogant Prince Wen was avoiding their sharp edge, the scholars dared not speak loudly anymore.

Xiao Ji waved his hand, "Alright, everyone disperse. You are all going to enter officialdom in the future, and the first thing you need to learn is not to be quick to speak your mind."

"Students, you've got it!" The students immediately dispersed.

Even the scholars who had been sitting around them gradually left.

The canteen fell silent.

Fu Qingyan gave Xiao Ji a thumbs up, "Cousin is awesome!"

“It’s okay for young people to joke around, but they shouldn’t ruin someone’s reputation, let alone spread rumors. You should not associate with those people in the future.”

“My cousin is absolutely right. We were only nodding acquaintances with them before.”

Shen Lan noticed that Xiao Ji was somewhat agitated and assumed it was because of the nonsense those people had been spouting earlier.

But in reality, Xiao Ji was just thinking about Headmaster Tong.

He had a bad feeling every time he came to this academy, but he couldn't figure it out. He returned empty-handed time and time again. Anyone would be frustrated in that situation.

After the meal, Fu Qingyan's attendant returned, bringing Xiao Ji some good news.

“There is a wooden house on the other side of the valley. I have been going there to keep an eye on it every day. I have seen people go in, but they have never come out.”

Xiao Ji thought for a moment, "Is it the west side of Vulture Peak?"

"Yes."

That must be the place he wanted to explore last time.

"Did you get a good look at the person's age and appearance?"

Fu Xin shook his head, "It's too far away, and the leaves are blocking the view, so it's not very clear, but the clothes should be black."

Xiao Ji avoided the crowd and asked them, "Do you know when Headmaster Tong came out of seclusion?"

Fu Xin had no access to someone like Headmaster Tong, but Fu Qingyan, who was well-informed, secretly told him, "I heard from Prince Wen that about three days ago, Headmaster Tong suddenly appeared, and he seemed like a completely different person."

"What do you mean?" Xiao Ji listened intently.

“I didn’t see it at the time, but from his description, it was something like Tong Shan had attained immortality. It seems that seclusion really works.”

"Do you know where Headmaster Tong is in seclusion? And what he does during his seclusion?"

"I don't know. Why would I ask about this for no reason? Doesn't he often go into seclusion to write books? You have several of Professor Tong's works in your study."

This is true.

The reasons are reasonable.

Shouldn't writing a book make a poet haggard? Why does it actually make him feel so energetic?

Have any strange things happened at the academy lately?

Fu Qingyan came to the academy not only to study but also to help Xiao Ji gather information.

Unfortunately, to this day, he still doesn't know who Xiao Ji is investigating.

He pulled out a small booklet and secretly slipped it into Xiao Ji's hand. "These are all things I've heard and seen in my daily life. Take them back and read them slowly."