After My System Went Bankrupt, I Found My Happy Ending with the General - Chapter 10

Several more days passed before Chu Yuanzhu came to find Luo Chuchen again, saying he would take him to meet the painter.

After their conversation that day, Luo Chuchen had secretly inquired further about Yin Zikun’s reputation and learned that he was the most renowned painter of the court, frequently summoned to the palace to create artworks, with his paintings considered priceless treasures.

Even Liang Jue knew of him and, guessing that Chu Yuanzhu was acquainted with the artist, encouraged Luo Chuchen, calling it a rare opportunity.

After hearing this, Luo Chuchen secretly wiped his sweat: he had almost regretted his earlier hesitation to the point of despair.

Chu Yuanzhu took care of preparing the customary gifts for the teacher, while Luo Chuchen brought along the works he had been sketching and painting at home over the past few days. Dressed in a brand-new, fine outfit, he accompanied Chu Yuanzhu in a carriage to Yin’s residence.

Yin Zikun lived in a scenic area on the outskirts of the capital, nestled between mountains and water. His home was a Suzhou style estate, with a row of vibrant, emerald-green bamboo planted outside the courtyard walls, creating an exceptionally beautiful sight.

Chu Yuanzhu announced their purpose to the gatekeeper, who then led the two inside.

“The master is admiring the flowers,” the gatekeeper said.

The estate covered a considerable area, with Yin Zikun’s calligraphy and paintings visible everywhere, even on the courtyard walls and screens giving the place a deeply scholarly ambiance. As Luo Chuchen walked, he looked around in admiration, marveling at everything he saw.

Someday, he too wished to own such an estate.

When they reached the garden of Yin’s residence, they could see from a distance a flowerbed filled with gold and white blossoms it turned out to be a field of chrysanthemums. A white haired yet youthful looking elder sat leisurely on a nearby chair, sipping tea.

The gatekeeper approached and bowed, saying, “Master, Lord Chu is here.”

Yin Zikun turned and, upon seeing Chu Yuanzhu, smiled. “Lord Chu, it’s been a long time.”

“Your esteemed demeanor remains as impressive as ever,” Chu Yuanzhu replied with a cupped-hand salute.

After exchanging a few cheerful pleasantries, Yin Zikun shifted his gaze to Luo Chuchen.

“So this is the young lord of the Pingyang Marquis’s estate?”” he asked.

Luo Chuchen hurriedly bowed in return. “Greetings, Master.”

“No need for such formality,” Yin Zikun said, waving a hand as he seemed to study Luo Chuchen carefully. “Not bad more refined and handsome than your father.”

Did Yin Zikun know his father?

It sounded as if the two had a past connection. Luo Chuchen’s curiosity was piqued, but he knew this wasn’t the right moment to ask. He simply smiled shyly in response, thinking he would inquire with Chu Yuanzhu later.

Chu Yuanzhu introduced him, saying, “My nephew here hasn’t delved deeply into scholarly studies, but he has a unique fondness for painting. He spent a few years under my father’s care and studied with the teachers at the academy. From what I’ve seen, his work is presentable, but to truly master the art, he needs guidance from a renowned expert. Since you’re in the capital, I thought it would be a good opportunity to bring him to you for an evaluation.”

As he spoke, Chu Yuanzhu gestured to Luo Chuchen, who quickly handed over the several scrolls of paintings he had been carrying.

Yin Zikun laughed. “Which member of the Chu family isn’t exceptional?”

He took the paintings, unrolled them slowly, and appeared to be carefully appraising them.

Luo Chuchen couldn’t help but feel extremely nervous.

He watched anxiously for a while but, afraid of seeming impolite, lowered his head to stare at his own embroidered boots, nervously tapping his toes.

He had no idea how much time had passed it felt as though he might wear out the tips of his boots from tapping, when Yin Zikun finally cleared his throat, set down the scrolls, and nodded. “There’s still some innate talent here, and the foundational skills are decent. It’s worth a try.”

Luo Chuchen looked up, pleasantly surprised, and hesitated before asking, “Master, does this mean you’ve agreed?”

Yin Zikun stroked his beard and said, “Of course, follow me inside.”

He stood up and led Chu Yuanzhu and Luo Chuchen into the main hall, where the servants had already prepared the items needed for the apprenticeship ceremony. Chu Yuanzhu had brought the six customary gifts for the teacher, which Yin Zikun accepted. Luo Chuchen then performed the formal bowing ritual to acknowledge his master.

With that, the matter was settled.

Chu Yuanzhu excused himself on the pretext of having other matters to attend to, leaving the master and disciple alone to get acquainted.

Luo Chuchen felt both excited and a little shy. Obediently, he addressed Yin Zikun once more, “Greetings, Master.”

Yin Zikun responded with a smile, “You have two senior brothers. One is traveling far and wide, with no fixed return date. The other is also in the capital, currently studying at the Imperial Art Academy. I’ll introduce you to him another day.”

Luo Chuchen replied, “I will follow your arrangements, Master.”

Yin Zikun asked, “From what Chu Yuanzhu mentioned, you also wish to enter the Imperial Art Academy, is that right?”

Luo Chuchen hesitated, “Yes.”

But that had merely been an alternative to avoid taking the imperial examinations. Now that he had a master, it might not be necessary to attend the academy.

Yin Zikun noticed his hesitation and smiled kindly, “Why be troubled? I was the one who encouraged your senior brother to enroll. Several instructors there are old friends of mine, and their knowledge is no less than mine. For you, it would bring countless benefits and no harm.”

Yin Zikun went on to explain the structure and curriculum of the Imperial Art Academy in detail, then tested Luo Chuchen on his current knowledge.

By the time their conversation concluded, it was already past mealtime. Luo Chuchen stayed to dine with his master before taking a carriage back to the Chu residence.

After alighting from the carriage, Luo Chuchen paused for a moment and instructed Shechuan to send a message to the General’s residence, inviting Liang Jue to meet the next day and to deliver the previously promised painting scroll along with the invitation.

Shechuan smiled and agreed, “Young Master Jue will surely be delighted to hear of your successful apprenticeship.”

Luo Chuchen, who had been tense all day, finally relaxed and replied with a smile, “Of course he will.”

Chu Yuanzhu was not at the residence, and no one knew where he had gone, so Luo Chuchen headed straight to his own courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet and peaceful. Luo Chuchen disliked having too many servants waiting on him, so usually only a few cleaning staff came by twice a day. In the afternoon, as it was now, the place was empty.

Still buzzing with excitement, Luo Chuchen pushed open the door to his study and was startled.

Inside, a person stood with his back to the door, flipping through the storybooks on his shelf!

For a moment, Luo Chuchen’s mind raced through a hundred different escape plans.

But upon taking a closer look, he let out a sigh of relief.

!!!

He hurried forward, his footsteps light, holding his breath as he raised a hand to give the intruder a solid smack.

Just as his hand was about to land on the person’s shoulder, his wrist was effortlessly caught.

“Why do you want to hit me as soon as we meet?”

Liang Jue turned around, wearing an exaggerated expression of grievance, and held onto Luo Chuchen’s hand without letting go.

Trapped in his grasp, Luo Chuchen stared at Liang Jue’s handsome, strong-featured face deliberately contorted into a pitiful expression. He struggled to contain his irritation, which churned inside him until he finally let out a disgruntled huff.

“You think you have a right to complain? Why are you making that face?” Luo Chuchen pulled Liang Jue’s hand down but kept hold of it, grumbling, “Sneaking into my courtyard without a word scared me half to death. I almost thought we had a thief! The steward didn’t even mention you were here.”

Liang Jue grinned, “Well, you can’t tell the steward, I climbed over the wall to get in.”

Luo Chuchen was taken aback, “Over the wall?”

Liang Jue looked at him, smiling without another word.

Luo Chuchen imagined the scene of Liang Jue climbing over the wall into his courtyard and having to dodge so many servants, feeling a bit anxious on his behalf.

He said, “You aren’t you afraid of being caught?”

Liang Jue replied, “There’s no chance of that, you can rest assured.”

“Oh, so impressive,” Luo Chuchen thought, his face warming. He wanted to tease him a bit more but couldn’t deny how happy he was to see him at that moment.

Still, he put on a reluctant expression and said, “What a shame. I just sent Shechuan to your residence to arrange a meeting for tomorrow.”

“Then I’m afraid he’ll have made the trip for nothing,” Liang Jue said, lowering his head to look at Luo Chuchen before asking in a deep voice, “Do you have good news to share?”

Luo Chuchen shot him a glare. Though he initially intended to act reserved, his irritation quickly faded, and he exclaimed excitedly, “Did you know? Yin Zikun is officially my master now!”

Liang Jue played along and congratulated him.

Luo Chuchen, feeling quite proud, said, “Master told me that, out of respect for my grandfather and father, he originally planned to take me on as a nominal disciple. But after seeing my painting, he thought I showed real talent and agreed to teach me properly.”

He then chattered on animatedly, recounting everything that had happened at Yin’s residence, how his master had questioned him, how he had answered, and how his master had reacted upon hearing his responses,

Liang Jue listened with a smile, responding appropriately.

When Luo Chuchen grew thirsty from talking, Liang Jue went to fetch a cup of tea and said, “Here, quench your thirst.”

Luo Chuchen glanced at the teacup offered to him and leaned forward to take a small sip.

Liang Jue held the cup at just the right angle, allowing him to drink neither too much nor too little. Luo Chuchen felt thoroughly pampered, closing his eyes to savor the moment before suddenly realizing, “You made tea for yourself?”

Liang Jue shrugged. “I got a bit thirsty waiting for you. Since there was no one in your courtyard, I went to the back and brewed a cup.”

Hearing this, Luo Chuchen felt a surge of indignation. “I’ll tell my uncle to station more guards. How can anyone just wander around my courtyard like that?”

Liang Jue waved a hand dismissively. “Do you think just anyone has my skills?”

“I know you’re skilled,” Luo Chuchen retorted, pacing over to the table and taking a few sips of tea himself. “But you only pick on someone like me, who’s not in the best health. With such great skills, you don’t do anything productive just spend your days climbing over other people’s backyard walls. Don’t you think that’s ridiculous?”

Liang Jue quickly apologized before changing the subject. “Speaking of skills.”

“Hmm?”

“Did you know the Winter Hunt is in a few days?” Liang Jue asked.

“Winter Hunt?” Luo Chuchen’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t know. Wasn’t it always the Autumn Hunt in the past?”

Liang Jue explained, “The capital wasn’t stable during the usual time for the Autumn Hunt, so the Emperor postponed it and changed it to the Winter Hunt. It’ll be held at a hunting ground a few dozen miles away not too far.”

“Can civil officials attend?” Luo Chuchen asked. “I could ask my uncle to take me.”

“Yes, they can,” Liang Jue said. “Take good care of your health these next few days. I’ve noticed you’ve been in much better spirits since returning to the capital. Your uncle probably won’t stop you from going.”

Luo Chuchen hummed smugly. “Of course.”

Whenever he had the chance, he would cling to Liang Jue, and as a result, his vitality stayed above 90% every day. How could his spirits not be high?

From this perspective, it was quite nice that Liang Jue climbed over the wall to visit him. After all, he couldn’t go out every day to play with Liang Jue. With Chu Yuanzhu around, it was difficult for Liang Jue to come looking for him openly. This secret wall-climbing arrangement, without anyone knowing, was the best solution.

But why did it feel like something was a little off?

Alright, Little Liang has mastered wall-climbing,