The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 921 - 919: Catching My Eye

Chapter 921: Chapter 919: Catching My Eye

Imperial Doctor Du lazily stood up and cupped his hands in salute to the two figures: "I have long since retired and returned home, how can I be worthy of being addressed so politely by the two lords? It shames this old man!"

Though his words spoke of modesty and shame, his attitude was rather indifferent.

Those nearby were stunned. They hadn’t expected this unassuming, eccentric old man to actually be the retired Imperial Physician?

Seeing Governor Chen and Minister Zhu actively greeting him, while the old man remained somewhat aloof, it was clear this old man might well be an underestimated figure of significant importance.

Even Lv Wenguang, upon seeing this, quickly reviewed his own demeanor internally, questioning whether he had been respectful enough to Imperial Doctor Du. Previously, he only thought that although the doctor had retired, he did once serve the Emperor, not to mention his son was the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, thus, he couldn’t be offended.

Yet, judging by the attitude of the two officials today, this physician might be even more formidable than he had imagined.

Luckily, he had always maintained a respectful stance, never showing disrespect.

Thinking this, Lv Wenguang breathed a sigh of relief, but the people of Baiyun Academy were left dumbfounded.

They had assumed he was merely an old man seeking free meals and even with some standing, would not be able to affect them significantly.

Unexpectedly, he was an Imperial Physician?

Several scholars turned pale, looking at each other, unsure of what to do.

Zhu Haoran, hearing this, sat at Imperial Doctor Du’s table with a smile: "Old Du, your words shame both myself and Lord Chen. Today, since chance brought us together, why don’t Lord Chen and I accompany you for a drink and offer our apology?"

He spoke as if pleading for forgiveness.

When Zhu Haoran sat down, no one else at the table could remain seated, quickly rising and giving up their spots.

Lv Wenguang’s master saw the opportunity and quickly ordered to have the table reset, fresh dishes brought, and clean utensils replaced.

Governor Chen also took the chance to sit on the other side. _{f r\eew,eb novel.c(o)(m)}

With hot dishes and fresh wine, Zhu Haoran took the initiative to serve wine for Imperial Doctor Du.

Imperial Doctor Du waved his hand: "You now hold ranks of Second and Third Grade, how can you pour wine yourselves? If the Emperor knew, he’d say I was arrogant. With so many people here, surely some can be found to pour wine?"

Zhu Haoran and Governor Chen, knowing individuals they were, chuckled and replied: "Old Du is considerate towards us, even the Saint would be pleased to know."

Lv Wenguang sensed an opportunity and was about to step forward to pour wine.

Just then, Imperial Doctor Du’s voice resonated: "Today, I’ll play the fool, borrowing the prestige of you two lords, to select two young men whom I find pleasing to the eye—"

Zhu Haoran and Governor Chen exchanged glances, having heard brief snippets earlier, they understood the gist of what had happened.

It was merely the young scholars from Baiyun Academy lacking tact, speaking boldly, thus displeasing Imperial Doctor Du.

Imperial Doctor Du, within the Imperial Medical Bureau and throughout the entire Imperial Palace, was renowned for his eccentric personality.

Nevertheless, he was trusted by the Saint, it could be said that within the Imperial Medical Bureau, only Du was responsible for the Emperor’s health. Generally, given Du’s level of trust and importance, retirement at his age would not be permitted.

Initially, everyone thought Du had fallen out of favor, but later it became clear that his successor at the Bureau was his own son.

So what could be said? Both father and son were trusted by the Emperor, enjoying His favor immensely.

Not to mention, even in retirement, Du enjoyed the privileges of a Third Grade Director, a rare occurrence in this dynasty.

Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran naturally couldn’t see Du as merely a retired gentleman, and treated him as they did back in the Capital City.

Moreover, back when Governor Chen’s mother was young, she worked tirelessly to support him in his studies, leaving her health deteriorated, eventually bedridden come autumn.

He shamelessly petitioned the Saint for help, requesting Du to intervene, which alleviated his mother’s suffering, allowing her, even in winter, to move about her room.

For this reason, Governor Chen remained consistently respectful towards Du.

Seeing Du now planning to teach Baiyun Academy’s scholars a lesson, of course, he agreed.

He then smiled, saying: "Old Du, if you see any among these young ones fit to pour wine, let them man the jug."

With these words, the young ones present were eager to volunteer, seeing it as a rare chance to serve the two lords, hoping to prove themselves and perhaps win their favor.

Yet, those somewhat older were puzzled about Du’s intentions.

Imperial Doctor Du, unceremoniously, pointed at random: "You two, you seem pleasing to my eye, come pour our wine!"

Everybody looked in the direction indicated.

Who else could it be but Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai?

For a moment, the two didn’t react, struck dumb.

Zhu Haoran and Governor Chen’s gazes followed, noticing Song Chongjin, Zhu Haoran’s eyes narrowed, showing intrigued interest.

Turning with a smile to Du: "Old Du does have a keen eye; these two young fellows are indeed remarkable!"

As he beckoned: "Come, fill Old Du’s cup with wine!"

Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai glanced at each other and, with no choice but to step forward, one holding the wine jug, the other the cup, filled the glasses for the three figures.

Governor Chen asked further: "Who are these young men?"

Gu Zikai bowed, "To report to the lord, this student Gu Zikai and Song Chongjin are students from Changqing Academy, greeting you both!"

With these words, they, along with Song Chongjin, performed a proper salute.

Governor Chen nodded, his face showing a slight smile. Knowing they were of Changqing Academy, he understood that Du was lifting them up, to slight Baiyun Academy.

So he casually asked a few more questions, thus granting them face.

Observing them, even before him, remaining composed, articulate in their responses, neither panicked nor evasive, his view of them elevated.

Zhu Haoran gave Gu Zikai an extra glance, feeling a sense of familiarity, but this thought passed quickly, shifting his focus more towards Song Chongjin.

Casually, he asked a few questions, such as where he’s from, who remains in his family, when he arrived at Changqing Academy, and the year he passed his Scholar exams.

To others, it seemed these were signs of valuing Song Chongjin; hadn’t they noticed Zhu focused solely on him, ignoring everyone else?

Some less experienced folks showed hints of jealousy.

Song Chongjin, however, understood well. This wasn’t favoritism; it was suspicion!

Back when events unfolded in Qi City, he provided information aiding Zhu Haoran’s duties, leading to mutual benefits.

Yet meeting again in Jing County, given Zhu’s current standing, he had to ponder over everything, likely suspecting if this coincidence was truly random or orchestrated.