“There’s no need to thank me.” Shi Fa Ke smiled slightly, not wishing to tell him that his teacher had originally planned to take him as a disciple, and that his previous refusal was likely just to temper his arrogance—afraid that he might become conceited and unruly, relying on his photographic memory talent and refusing to accept guidance and such. She only hinted subtly: “Teacher has high expectations for you, don’t let him down.”

If Lu Chi knew what she was thinking, he would definitely say, “You’re overthinking it…”

And obviously, Zhu Li felt the same way at this moment.

Could it be that Sister Shi was hinting that his teacher was a noble gentleman, and that his previous refusal to take him as a disciple was just to test and temper him?… Don’t be ridiculous, that petty and irresponsible guy—how could he possibly be that noble?

Sister Shi, you’ve misjudged him!

Shi Fa Ke didn’t notice that the young boy’s expression had become rather indescribable for a moment. She hesitated, then suddenly pulled Zhu Li aside and asked, “Let me ask you about something.”

“Sister Shi, please ask away. I guarantee I’ll tell you everything I know without holding anything back.” Zhu Li was still feeling grateful, so he patted his chest and declared.

Shi Fa Ke’s mouth twitched, and she cleared her throat softly before asking: “Do you think your teacher… knows martial arts?”

Regarding the matter between Zhu Yanyan and Lu Chi, Shi Fa Ke had pondered for a long time without any clue. She wanted to find someone to ask, but didn’t know who to approach. Now seeing Zhu Li, she remembered that he was Lu Chi’s student and naturally spent more time with him—perhaps he might have some clues?

Hearing this question, Zhu Li was first stunned, thinking to himself that if you don’t know about teacher’s affairs, how could I possibly know more than you? But then he became somewhat excited—if Sister Shi was asking this, could it be… that she had discovered some clues?!

Just then, a chubby book boy walked out with a bitter expression: “Young Master, why did you run out again! If the Old Master comes and finds you’re not in the study reading, he’ll definitely punish me again!”

“I know, I’m coming.” Zhu Li responded, then turned back and mysteriously lowered his voice: “Sister Shi, don’t worry. I’ll help you investigate when I get the chance.”

Seeing that he was still talking, the chubby book boy stamped his feet and anxiously urged: “Young Master! Please hurry up!”

Zhu Li solemnly thanked Shi Fa Ke once more and promised that he would investigate whether their teacher knew martial arts when he had the opportunity. Only then did he suppress the corners of his mouth that wanted to curl up and follow the book boy, who was acting like his pants were on fire, back to the study.

Shi Fa Ke remained silent for a moment, feeling that he seemed inexplicably excited about the possibility that his teacher might know martial arts…

On the way back to the study, Zhu Li was in an excellent mood.

Since teacher had agreed to take him as a disciple, he wouldn’t have to go to the clan school to face those annoying hypocrites. Moreover… the fact that teacher might know martial arts filled him with inexplicable excitement. After all, Sister Shi wouldn’t ask without reason, so he began to wildly fantasize—perhaps teacher was a reclusive master, or maybe a chivalrous warrior bearing a blood feud. Either possibility made his heart surge with excitement.

The book boy noticed Zhu Li’s rare cheerful expression and found it strange: “Young Master, you seem to be in a very good mood today.”

“I’m always in a good mood.” Zhu Li continued smiling.

…As if!

The book boy silently grumbled—he had been like a powder keg these past few days, exploding at the slightest touch.

When master and servant returned to the study, the Old Master was already sitting inside.

Seeing the ever-stern Old Master, the book boy was so frightened he couldn’t stand straight and fell to his knees with a thud.

“Go receive your punishment—five ruler strikes.” The Old Master said indifferently.

The book boy tremblingly went to receive his punishment.

Zhu Li’s previously cheerful face immediately became rigid, but he didn’t speak, only silently lowered his head.

These past few days, whenever he did something wrong, grandfather wouldn’t punish him, but would make his book boy take the punishment instead. At first, he tried to resist, but after his resistance, his book boy would only be punished more severely. Gradually, he learned to remain silent.

“Prepare yourself. I’ve already spoken with Master Qin—you’ll return to the clan school tomorrow.” Old Master Zhu looked at the young man below who had become particularly handsome after losing weight, feeling quite satisfied inwardly, though his expression remained stern.

Because he was a piece of fine jade, he needed to be polished all the more carefully.

“I won’t go to the clan school. Teacher has already agreed to take me as his disciple.” Zhu Li clenched his fists and said.

Old Master Zhu slightly narrowed his eyes. He knew that the person who could make this rebellious grandson respectfully call “teacher” was that scholar surnamed Lu from the previous academy.

“I don’t agree.” Old Master Zhu said sternly, “He’s merely a scholar—how can he compare to the teachers at the clan school?”

“If not for teacher, the teachers at your clan school wouldn’t even look at me.” Zhu Li suddenly raised his head, looking directly at Old Master Zhu sitting above, finally unable to suppress his mocking expression.

“Insolent!” Old Master Zhu immediately flew into a rage, grabbing the inkstone at hand and hurling it over.

Zhu Li stood in place, neither dodging nor avoiding, and took the hit directly. His forehead immediately began bleeding.

Old Master Zhu regretted it the moment he threw the inkstone—that was an inkstone! If it hit him squarely, it might kill him. Now seeing that this brat, who usually ran faster than anyone when he tried to hit him, had stood straight and motionless, taking the inkstone hit without moving, he couldn’t help but feel both angry and anxious.

Even if he’s a genius, he’s still here to torment me!

“I won’t go to the clan school. I want to take teacher as my master.” Zhu Li glared and finished speaking, then collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Blood flowed from his forehead and covered his face, looking quite frightening.

“Someone! Someone! Quickly find a doctor!” Old Master Zhu, both angry and anxious, stood up and shouted repeatedly.

After Zhu Li and the chubby book boy left, Shi Fa Ke looked up at the high gates of the Zhu family mansion… and was momentarily confused. How was she supposed to get in?

The previous two times she had visiting cards, but this time… how was she supposed to enter?

Just as Shi Fa Ke was hesitating, she saw a familiar, slightly plump figure walking out—it was Zhu Yanyan’s wet nurse. She hurried forward.

“Oh my, Miss Shi, you’re finally here! I’ve come out three times already—Miss has been waiting for you.” The wet nurse saw her and said reproachfully.

…Sorry for being late.

“Miss was so excited about Miss Shi’s visit today that she barely slept all night. This morning she got up early and busied herself in the small kitchen, saying she wanted to properly entertain Miss Shi.” The wet nurse said as they walked, with an expression of shared pride.

Hearing this, Shi Fa Ke was almost moved… until she saw Zhu Yanyan.

When Shi Fa Ke saw Zhu Yanyan, she was bustling about in the small kitchen. Seeing Shi Fa Ke arrive, she was very happy: “Ah Ke, you’re finally here! Come quickly and try my cooking!”

“What are you making?” Shi Fa Ke asked curiously as she approached.

After all, yesterday she didn’t even know what raw pork was, and today she could already cook?

“Minced meat porridge!” Zhu Yanyan’s eyes were bright.

The wet nurse wiped her tears on the side, saying with emotion: “My young lady can cook now too.”

Yesterday you were still saying this wasn’t something your young lady should be doing, Shi Fa Ke silently complained in her heart.

But why was it minced meat porridge again? What was wrong with everyone around her these past few days… one by one, they were all obsessed with minced meat porridge?

Shi Fa Ke grumbled internally, feeling like she was about to develop an allergy to minced meat porridge.