Chapter 105: Dean Wei's Lecture

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Li Su said helplessly, “I really just met Director Wei recently, but he seems to think highly of me, and perhaps my master asked him to look after me.”

Song Sheng was somewhat puzzled. If Li’s master could entrust Director Wei to take care of him, who could that person be? Director Wei wasn’t someone who paid attention to just anyone.

If his master had such abilities, Li wouldn’t even need to come to the academy, since his master’s knowledge would surpass all the scholars there.

“My master believes that one shouldn’t just work behind closed doors but should go out more to exchange and learn,” Li explained.

Song Sheng didn’t quite understand, but perhaps the thoughts of geniuses were different from ordinary people.

It seemed Wang Tao had hit a wall this time; no matter how you looked at Li, he didn’t seem like the ordinary farmer’s son Wang Tao claimed.

The few people he could think of whose masters could get Director Wei’s help… there weren’t many.

But whoever those people were, they were definitely not someone Wang Tao could afford to provoke.

Still, this was for the better—Li had someone guarding him, so he wouldn’t be dragged down by Wang Tao.

Song Sheng still felt that Li Su being targeted by Wang Tao was partly his own fault.

…

Early the next morning, Li Su got up earlier than usual. Song Sheng, still groggy, heard the movement and called out, “Brother Li?”

“It’s still early. You keep resting; I’m going out for a bit,” Li said, trying to move quietly as he tidied up and headed toward Wei Shian’s courtyard.

Wei Shian was already waiting at the gate, holding a bamboo whip, ready for Li Su’s arrival.

Li Su carried a Rubik’s Cube he had made himself—a trinket he was sure Director Wei would like.

Since Director Wei was willing to teach him martial arts, he wanted to offer a small gift to appease him first.

As soon as Li Su stepped inside, his eyes immediately fixed on the bamboo whip in Wei Shian’s hand.

Li Su: “???” A sudden chill crept up his spine.

Quickly, Li Su forced a smile, “Director, I brought you a little something.”

He held out the Rubik’s Cube with both hands.

Wei Shian seemed quite interested in the little gadget. Although they had known each other only briefly, through Xi Sheng’s letter and their short interaction, he knew Li Su had a mind full of novel ideas.

Wei Shian took the Rubik’s Cube with one hand, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “What is this?” The colorful cube looked like something a girl might like.

“Director, this is called a Rubik’s Cube. Each face has a different color, and every small square can be turned. You scramble the colors and then restore them to their original state.”

Upon hearing this, Wei Shian’s interest piqued. He tossed the bamboo whip onto the table and began examining the cube carefully.

“Since you’re just starting martial arts, begin with the horse stance. Carry those two buckets of water and hold the stance. Don’t get up until I say so,” Wei Shian said, sitting down heavily on the stone bench in the courtyard without looking up.

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Li Su was stunned. “Horse stance? Isn’t this supposed to be about scaling walls and light-footed water walking?”

“First, you must solidify your basics,” Wei Shian said firmly.

Li Su’s expression turned bitter. If it was for training, then he might as well endure the horse stance!

Still, he tried to negotiate, “Director, can I skip carrying water for now? My hand still hurts a bit.” Even though his hand had never really had any problem.

“Feel the pain and bear it,” Wei Shian said coldly. “Start immediately. Don’t waste my time with dawdling.”

“But if my hand hurts and I carry water, how can I write without trembling?”

“Why do you have so many excuses?” Wei Shian looked up sharply at Li Su. “I’m not as patient as your master. Hurry up!”

“Even if your hand is broken, you still have to carry it,” Wei Shian added.

Seeing the director’s stern expression, Li Su knew there was no room for bargaining. So he obediently began holding a bucket in each hand and settled into the horse stance.

Seeing Li Su comply obediently, Wei Shian focused back on studying the Rubik’s Cube in his hands.

Interesting—Li Su’s mind was indeed agile.

If only he were his disciple! Why did he have to follow Xi Sheng down the path of the imperial examinations?

Wei Shian occasionally glanced at Li Su, growing even more satisfied.

Before starting, Li Su had complained of pains here and there; Wei Shian thought he might shirk his duties, but he did not. Even with sweat beading on his forehead, he maintained the most standard posture.

For Li Su, it was either not starting at all or putting in his utmost effort once he began; he was somewhat of a perfectionist.

After Wei Shian restored the Rubik’s Cube to its original state, he finally stood and said to Li Su, “You may get up.”

Li Su set down the buckets and slowly rose, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Go inside and wash up. There are clothes that fit your size,” Wei Shian said.

Li Su nodded, surprised that the burly director was actually quite thoughtful, even preparing clothes for him after seeing him sweat so much during training.

Wei Shian led Li Su to bathe and change. After Li Su went in, Wei Shian returned to his room and placed the Rubik’s Cube on his desk.

Mrs. Wei asked softly, “Are you thinking of taking little Li as your disciple?”

Wei Shian was silent for a moment. “I want to, but Li Su is Xi Sheng’s disciple.”

Mrs. Wei was somewhat shocked. “Little Li is the chief minister Xi’s disciple?”

Wei Shian nodded. “And the boy has a strong desire for officialdom; he only wants to pass the imperial exams and serve as an official.”

Mrs. Wei couldn’t help but smile. “That’s only natural. This must be the gift that little Li brought you,” she said, glancing at the Rubik’s Cube on the desk.

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“Yes, he gave it to me.”

Only things he truly liked would be placed on Wei Shian’s desk.

“So little Su has some affection for you. Otherwise, why would he give you something that touches your heart?”

Wei Shian agreed, “He doesn’t want to acknowledge me as his master. I just teach him casually; how much he learns depends on his own ability.”

Mrs. Wei shook her head helplessly. With her husband’s temperament, there was no such thing as casual teaching.

Wei Shian complained, “That kid even told me not to care about formal titles. If I don’t care about titles, then what do I care about? All my efforts end up benefiting Xi Sheng!”

Xi Sheng was truly conniving and scheming. Even if he was generous, he wouldn’t give up Li Su without the title of master.

Though Wei Shian claimed he did things as he pleased and didn’t care about worldly opinions, he genuinely desired the title of master.

Ordinary old scholars wouldn’t teach without that title, but Wei Shian taught because he was truly satisfied with Li Su.

Mrs. Wei smiled, “It’s not entirely like that. Little Li is a student of the academy, and you’re the academy’s director. It’s not all for Minister Xi’s benefit.”

“He’s not a minister anymore; he already resigned.”

“Yes, but it’s just a matter of habit,” she added. Besides, the emperor hadn’t approved the resignation.

When Li Su came out after bathing and changing, Wei Shian and Mrs. Wei were already waiting for him to have breakfast.

Li Su had yet another meal at Wei Shian’s house.

Seeing that it was almost time, Wei Shian said to Li Su, “Let’s go.”

“Director, it’s almost time for the morning class. I should go.”

“I know. I’m teaching today.”

Li Su’s eyes lit up. The legendary director, who hadn’t taught for a long time, was finally back!

“Director, which study room will you be teaching in?”

“The Yellow Study. Follow me.”

Li Su hurried to follow, excited to witness the director’s class today.