HCB Chapter 423 It Was Actually Master Gu (Bonus Chapter)
Chapter 423 It Was Actually Master Gu (Bonus Chapter)
Sure enough, a familiar figure was standing by the pine forest not far away.
The young man was dressed in a simple dark scholar's robe, his shoulders and back were straight, and his handsome face showed a calm expression.
He stood there alone, as steadfast as a pine or a bamboo.
Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, a complex emotion flashing across them.
"It really is him... How did he end up here?"
The moment Xie Jing was mentioned, the expressions of the students around him became complicated.
Thinking of Xie Jing, they couldn't help but recall what Xu Qing had said before.
He left Wutong Academy because he felt they were slowing down the progress.
A feeling of disgust towards Xie Jingsheng arose in his heart.
"Since we've run into him, why not go over and say hello, and ask him how he's been doing these days?"
A slightly overweight student said with a sneer, his tone laced with mockery.
Xu Qing stood calmly to the side, seemingly without any intention of stopping it.
The students exchanged glances and then walked straight in the direction Xie Jing was.
Xu Qingjing followed quietly behind them.
They strode forward and quickly surrounded Xie Jing.
Xie Jing raised his head and his gaze swept over the group of people.
They recognized each other as classmates from their time at Wutong Academy.
Similarly, it was clear that they came with ill intentions.
But Xie Jing didn't move; he just watched them quietly.
Wait for them to speak.
Seeing Xie Jing's calm demeanor, their disgust intensified.
The slightly overweight student raised his chin.
"Isn't this the talented Xie? I heard you left the academy. I wonder where you're studying now? It must be much better than Wutong Academy."
Xie Jing remained expressionless. "It's just a change of location for studying."
"You've changed your study location? Then how are you qualified to be here today? This poetry gathering is by invitation only, and you don't even have a name from an academy. What makes you think you're here?"
Another student chuckled, his eyes full of mockery.
"Oh, I see. It must be because of his father. After all, Prince Xie is very famous. He probably got into this poetry gathering thanks to his father."
A person next to them feigned surprise and chimed in, "I see. If we had a father like that, we probably wouldn't need to study so hard and could freely attend these poetry gatherings."
As soon as these words were spoken, the people around him chuckled softly.
Xie Jing calmly raised his eyes, his gaze cold and indifferent. "Get out of the way."
His voice was low, but cold.
The laughter involuntarily subsided, causing a shiver to run through the group.
But the thought of Xie Jing's contempt for them fueled a surge of anger within them.
He forced himself to speak: "You haven't explained how you got in. Explain it clearly before you leave."
"If you sneaked in, you can't stay here!"
The group gritted their teeth, emboldened by their numbers, and spoke with a hint of toughness.
Just as the stalemate was at hand, an old and kind voice came from not far away.
"Xie Jing, you're here."
The group froze, and looking in the direction of the sound, they saw an old man slowly walking down the path.
The old man had slightly white hair and beard, wore a simple long robe, and had a peaceful demeanor.
His steps were not fast, but his every move exuded an air of authority.
The students surrounding Xie Jing immediately began to whisper among themselves.
"Who is this person? What is his relationship with Xie Jing?"
"I've never seen him before. He doesn't look like a teacher from the academy."
Xu Qing also looked at him and sized him up.
do not know.
As Master Gu approached, the elderly Xie Jingchao bowed slightly and respectfully greeted him, "Sir."
Upon hearing this, the people standing nearby all showed thoughtful expressions.
The group exchanged glances, each secretly speculating what the other was thinking.
Could this be the tutor that Xie Jing invited himself?
"He doesn't look like a famous teacher."
"He might just be an ordinary schoolteacher," one person muttered in a low voice.
They didn't say it, but a hint of contempt unconsciously appeared on their faces.
One of them smiled and adopted an extremely respectful demeanor.
"Master, may I ask your name? This is the first time we've met you. You don't seem like a teacher from any of the academies in the capital."
"His name is merely a title, not worth mentioning. He is just an ordinary scholar."
Master Gu said in a calm voice.
"Not worth mentioning? I'm afraid they wouldn't dare say that at all," one person muttered under their breath.
"Yes, those teachers with names and surnames are all famous throughout the capital. This one is different; he even hides his name."
Xu Qing remained hidden among the group, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
Xie Jing actually just casually found an unknown teacher and dared to bring him to meet people?
Just as the group was chuckling to themselves, a dignified shout came from behind them.
"presumptuous!"
The voice was resounding, startling everyone.
He hurriedly turned around and saw Master Xu standing not far away with a stern expression.
He was usually mild-mannered and rarely angry, but at this moment his face was full of disbelief and rage.
"Master Xu..."
Someone tentatively called out, their heart pounding with trepidation.
They couldn't understand why Master Xu had suddenly become angry.
Master Xu ignored them and walked directly toward Master Gu.
No one knew what he was going to do, so they all held their breath.
I dared not utter another sound, for fear of angering him again.
Master Xu stopped in front of Master Gu, bowed slightly, and spoke with a rare air of respect.
"Mr. Gu, it is my honor to meet you today."
These words were like a thunderclap in their ears, leaving them stunned and frozen in place.
Master Gu!
In an instant, everyone's mind went blank.
Master Gu, revered as a literary giant, was a figure whom even Master Xu treated with utmost respect and reverence.
It was actually that peaceful, smiling old man from earlier?
Their hearts sank, their smiles froze, replaced by terror and regret.
Xu Qing stood to the side, the smug smile that had been on his lips completely vanishing.
He is Master Gu!
Xie Jing dropped out of school because he had already become a disciple of Master Gu!
For a moment, Xu Qing felt his mind go blank, and he even held his breath.
Master Xu straightened up, turned around, and swept his gaze across the crowd like a knife.
"I heard everything you just said!"
"For those who study, moral character is of paramount importance. Even if one lacks talent and learning, one should still have a respectful attitude towards others! To look down on others or speak ill of elders is absolutely not the way of learning!"
Master Xu's gaze darkened, and he said coldly, "Since you don't know manners, then I'll teach you the rules!"
He turned and pointed at the few people who had been talking the loudest in private, his tone utterly ruthless.
"You guys were the ones whispering the loudest just now, weren't you?"
"You don't need to attend this poetry gathering. All of you, go back to the academy and copy this book a hundred times. Don't come back until you've finished!"