My Lady Always Lacks Ambition-Chapter 1054 - 1024: The Rotten Character of All Those Beyond the Mundane

Chapter 1054: Chapter 1024: The Rotten Character of All Those Beyond the Mundane

A single divination costing ten thousand gold, Cui Shixue naturally couldn’t afford it, but he promised that as long as Qin Liuxi was willing to help, the Grand Preceptor Wen agreed to repay the debt along with the extra two thousand taels of interest, all of which could be given to Qin Liuxi.

Cui Shixue faced Qin Liuxi’s half-smiling gaze and awkwardly said, "Although it seems like I’m taking advantage of you, I do beg for the temple master Hai Dashan’s help."

The dignified Second-Rank Official was humbling himself before a woman young enough to be his daughter. If this got out, it would surely make people laugh off their teeth.

But such was the reality: if you need help, you must adopt a begging attitude.

Seeing that he was lowering himself, Qin Liuxi didn’t make things difficult for him and said, "Lead the way ahead."

Cui Shixue breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the imaginary cold sweat from his brow. Truly, begging for help was even more stressful than collecting debts.

The Grand Preceptor Wen had served two dynasties and was a teacher to the Saint. Though he had retired, his detachment from power made the Saint regard him more highly and value him, often inviting him to the palace for conversation and chess, bestowing honor upon him.

The Wen Family was a renowned noble family of scholars for generations. The Grand Preceptor Wen had two sons and one daughter. The eldest son’s entire family perished in a fire at a banquet while serving outside. Now, only the younger son lived to please him, having two sons and a daughter. The legitimate eldest grandson (son from the main branch older than the second branch) followed the path paved by him, entered officialdom through the imperial examination, married, had children, and was well-behaved and steady. Yet, the one who pleased him the most was the legitimate second grandson, Wen Shi.

Wen Shi was not cut out for studying and was a mischievous playboy from a young age. But with a sweet mouth, he could bring much joy to the Grand Preceptor Wen, despite being a source of utmost headache.

However, since the beginning of summer, Wen Shi had fallen ill due to heatstroke. The imperial doctors were consulted and prescriptions given, but the medicine provided no relief; instead, his condition worsened. Over the past half year, he grew frail, coughed up blood, and was somewhat deranged, often lying in bed talking to himself, showing no signs of improvement.

Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow and looked at him: "You actually dared to collect debts from such a family, and that Grand Preceptor Wen didn’t chase you out with a broom. That’s his high level of self-restraint."

Given the situation, it was clear that Grand Preceptor Wen, an elder, was about to lose a younger relative, yet Cui Shixue dared to visit for debt collection; it truly was evidence of courageous heart.

Cui Shixue rubbed his nose and laughed awkwardly: "I didn’t know that brat Wen Shi was so seriously ill when I went there."

"Listening to you, it sounds more like the young man is possessed than heat-stricken. Haven’t they consulted a master?" Qin Liuxi was rather curious.

Places like Jinhua Temple and Yufu Temple all have capable masters and should be able to discern Wen Shi’s real situation.

Cui Shixue said, "That I do not know, but Grand Preceptor Wen does not quite believe in this sort of thing."

"Those who claim disbelief will turn to all sorts of methods when at their wit’s end." Qin Liuxi was unconcerned.

Cui Shixue didn’t argue. When medicines fail, people in despair will try anything, including praying to gods and Buddha.

In conversation, they arrived at the Wen Family.

Cui Shixue had a servant knock on the door, and they were greeted by Wen Shi’s elder brother, Wen Yan, aged around twenty-three. Upon seeing them, he bowed, "I greet Mr. Wen."

Cui Shixue smiled and nodded, raising his hand slightly, "No need for such formalities. This isn’t the court. There’s no need for ceremony. Oh, this here is the Daoist doctor I invited to see Wen Shi, the temple master of Li City Qingping Temple, Daoist name Buqiu, and those two are her disciples."

Wen Yan was somewhat surprised by Qin Liuxi’s identity as a female crown, but his upbringing held, and he didn’t show disrespect.

The Wen Residence, an imperial gift, was a five-entrance courtyard. It wasn’t extravagant but had excellent Feng Shui; the atmosphere was serene and elegant, fitting the image of a noble scholarly family.

Qin Liuxi soon met the Grand Preceptor Wen, an elderly man nearing the age of seventy. Perhaps due to the distress and concern for his rapidly deteriorating younger grandson, his spirit wasn’t in good condition, his breath weak, and his hair entirely white.

"Grand Preceptor," Cui Shixue stepped forward and bowed.

The Grand Preceptor Wen made a sound, his gaze falling on Qin Liuxi. Although she was a woman, she stood with a straight posture, exuding an elegant aura, her eyes exceptionally spirited, seeming to penetrate one’s heart.

"I’ve heard before that Lin Xiang highly respects a certain female Daoist; it must be you?"

Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow and said, "The Grand Preceptor’s information is quite well-informed. How did you recognize me?"

"I heard that the person is of indeterminate gender, likes to wear a green robe, with robes and cuffs embroidered with Taoist runes." The Grand Preceptor Wen looked at her sleeves.

Qin Liuxi lowered her eyes, her gaze sweeping over the runes on her sleeves, letting out a light laugh: "It seems that when roaming the martial world, I should consider changing my attire lest my lack of skill incites trouble."

The Grand Preceptor Wen feigned sternness and scrutinized, "Do you really have confidence in curing my grandson’s illness? If you cannot, I could use my status to punish you."

Just as Cui Shixue was about to speak in urgency, Qin Liuxi cut in, "If I claim to have confidence, it would be deceiving you, so I have none. If curing him is the only way to avoid punishment, I must have come to the wrong place, disturbing you. Good day!"

The Grand Preceptor Wen was momentarily stunned.

Wen Yan was also left standing in shock.

Cui Shixue panicked, laughed a couple of times, and hastily blocked her: "Temple master, the Grand Preceptor is just joking with you."

He kept signaling to Wen Yan to quickly retain her, thinking, ’I’ve spent a fortune to invite her, and you’ve scared her off with a single sentence. You’ll be the death of me!’

Wen Yan hurriedly stepped forward, "Yes, yes, grandfather is just anxious about the younger brother’s illness and has no such intention."

Qin Liuxi: "Whether intentional or not, a poor Daoist is still frightened. After all, I’ve only got one life."

"Old as I am, I don’t see you afraid in the slightest," the Grand Preceptor Wen snorted lightly, "You’re young, yet your temper isn’t small."

"Hmm, the smelly traits of someone outside society, completely intact." Those with ability, so what if they have a bit of a temper?

The Grand Preceptor Wen was at a loss for words: "..."

Wen Yan smiled, "Temple Master truly is amusing. Would you care for a couple of cups of tea inside first?"

"No need. I’m not one to witness olders burying youngers carelessly. Let’s check on the patient first." Qin Liuxi finally stopped posturing, though the remark made the Grand Preceptor Wen fume again.

Wen Yan led the way awkwardly. After a few steps, the steward came briskly saying that a distinguished guest had arrived to visit the second young master and whispered a name in his ear.

Qin Liuxi, sharp-eared, heard the name but showed no reaction.

Wen Yan had no choice but to ask Cui Shixue to escort the Grand Preceptor and company to his second brother’s courtyard while he hurriedly went to welcome the guest.

The Grand Preceptor Wen glanced at Qin Liuxi, "How old are you this year?"

"Twenty."

"Same age as that brat." The Grand Preceptor asked, "Can people of your sect marry?"

Qin Liuxi paused in her steps, "Surely the Grand Preceptor isn’t planning to offer your grandson as a husband to pay for the consultation?"

Teng Zhao and Little Ginseng simultaneously looked at the Grand Preceptor Wen, speaking in unison, "In your dreams!"

The Grand Preceptor Wen: "..."

I only casually asked, yet you protect her as if you fear I’d steal her. Those unaware might even think I plan to capture her for marriage!