Chapter 173 - 173 Runzhi, I've Let You Down
173 Runzhi, I’ve Let You Down
Ji Zhao was really a little disappointed.
She felt that regardless of whether it was a man or a woman, the most important thing when it came to relationships was attitude.
If communication was not important in Shen Yao’s eyes, then they would definitely have more conflicts and misunderstandings because of their suspicion of each other in the future. At that time, their relationship would definitely crack.
“Ah Tao, I know my mistake.” Shen Yao tried to hold her hand, but she avoided it easily. The bitterness that lingered in his heart made him feel even worse. “Don’t be angry, okay?”
“I’m not angry,” Ji Zhao said calmly. “I’m just a little disappointed.”
Shen Yao lowered his eyes in pain. “Are you thirsty? Are you hungry?”
“There’s a particularly famous orange cake nearby. Do you want to try it?” Shen Yao carefully tugged at her sleeve, his gentle eyes filled with careful pleading.
Ji Zhao’s heart softened when she met that gaze.
“Then promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you’ll discuss it with me?”
“Okay!”
“Also, you’re not allowed to leave without saying goodbye! If there’s a next time, I’ll… never talk to you again!” Ji Zhao narrowed her eyes and said coldly.
“Mm!” Shen Yao nodded vigorously.
Rumble—
Ji Zhao’s stomach let out a sound. Shen Yao quickly said, “I’ll go find the waiter.”
“Mm.”
At 1:45 pm, the waiter brought over two dishes and a soup.
Ji Zhao first drank a large bowl of egg soup. Only then did she feel much better.
Ever since she had that strange dream last night, she had not eaten much. Just now, at the noodle stall, she was only focused on gathering information and did not even finish the bowl of noodles.
Ji Zhao was really hungry now.
“Then what are your plans next?” After putting down the bowl and chopsticks, Ji Zhao looked sideways at the man in front of her and asked softly, “Do you want to continue staying here or go home?”
“I… don’t have a clue yet.” Shen Yao sighed sadly. “I still have a lot of things to ask Old Master Fan. Unfortunately, he was arrested.”
“Can’t we visit the prison?” Ji Zhao thought for a moment and asked in a low voice, “I’ve already asked around. This county magistrate of Thunder Mountain County is a greedy person. He works up and down. I think as long as we’re willing to spend money to get some, we should be able to see that Old Master Fan.”
“This is the only way!” Shen Yao nodded and accepted Ji Zhao’s suggestion.
At dusk, Ji Zhao bought a whole roasted chicken and two jars of good wine. She followed behind Shen Yao and successfully arrived at the prison of the county office.
After spending another two taels of silver, they finally got 15 minutes of prison visit time.
“It’s in the innermost cell. Come out when the time is up. Otherwise, we won’t be polite!” The jailer with a big knife at his waist said with a tense face.
“Thank you, big brother!” Ji Zhao gave him another tael of silver!
After receiving the money, the prison guard restrained the murderous aura on his face.
Shen Yao walked to the innermost cell and saw Old Master Fan leaning against the corner with his eyes closed.
In his impression, Old Master Fan was dressed in a light blue robe. His black and white hair was tied up high with a wooden hairpin. There was always a faint and kind smile on his face. How could it be like this?
Dressed in a white prison uniform, his hair was disheveled and his face was dirty. He looked extremely down and out.
“Master,” Shen Yao called out in a choked voice.
“Runzhi?” After seeing who it was, Old Master Fan’s eyes lit up. “Runzhi, are you here to save me?”
Shen Yao pursed his lips bitterly, and his eyes were filled with helplessness. “Master, I’m just an ordinary person with a disability. How can I save you?”
The light in Old Master Fan’s eyes disappeared bit by bit—
“Runzhi, I’m sorry.”
Back then, if he had not been blinded by greed and replaced Shen Yao’s test paper, Shen Yao would not have failed!
“Karma doesn’t forgive anyone. The reason why I’ve fallen to this state is simply because I’ve suffered the consequences of my own actions.” Old Master Fan closed his eyes weakly. His expression was filled with pain.
“Master, I really don’t understand why you did this.” Shen Yao really couldn’t understand. “You’ve once complimented me for being talented in literature and having my own style. You’ve also taught me carefully and patiently. It’s you who taught me a lot of life principles. You’ve also taught me to distinguish right from wrong, but you… Why did you do this?”
“Three years ago.” Old Master Fan held his forehead in pain and sighed softly. “Runzhi, do you still remember what happened three years ago? At that time, Wanrou was sick.”
“I remember.” Shen Yao nodded slightly. “Master, you once said that Madam Fan had a heart disease since she was young. During that period of time, Madam Fan was always uncomfortable every other day. When you were in class, you would often bring Madam Fan to see a doctor halfway.”
“At that time, Wanrou was already terminally ill.” Master Fan sighed softly. “At that time, Sun He came to find me… He said that he knew a famous doctor who could cure my wife’s disease. With the thought of giving it a try, I let my wife try the medicine. Who would have thought that my wife would really improve a lot?”
“Later on, Sun He said that he wanted to exchange papers with you. At first, I was naturally indignant and rejected him sternly. However, he refused to provide my wife with medicine. I had no choice but to do something that let you down. I swapped your papers.”
“During the imperial examination, the system was strict. With Sun He’s strength alone, he definitely couldn’t swap two papers. However…”
“However, the invigilator back then was Sun He’s uncle, the governor of Yunchuan Prefecture, Sun Xiangnian. That’s why everything went so smoothly.”
After that, Sun He successfully became the new governor of Yunchuan Prefecture. In just three years, he had taken over his uncle’s position.
“Runzhi, the Sun family is not someone we can provoke.” Old Master Fan smiled bitterly and sighed. “Listen to me and go back early.”
“What about you?”
“Ever since my wife passed away half a year ago, my heart has been suffering. I’ve been teaching for dozens of years and self-proclaimed to be a great teacher, but I’ve done such a despicable thing for my own benefit. I’ve ruined your life!” Old Master Fan couldn’t help but cry. His tone became more and more choked. “The county magistrate of Thunder Mountain County, Sun Wei, is a collateral branch of the Sun family. He wants to marry Xuancao as his second wife. It must be Sun He’s instructions!”
“How can I let my daughter marry an old man in his fifties?” Old Master Fan laughed at himself. “That’s why I’d rather die than submit! The reason why I sent you that letter half a month ago was because I wanted to tell you the truth before I die.”
“With your talent, if you can regroup and start over, you will definitely be able to get a spot on the honor roll! I hope that you can regain your position as soon as possible and seek justice for yourself!”