After My System Went Bankrupt, I Found My Happy Ending with the General - Chapter 27

Three days later, Luo Chuchen arrived punctually at the entrance of the Imperial Academy during the Shen hour.

The Imperial Academy was located in the northwest corner of the capital, sharing Chengxian Street with the Confucius Temple and the Martial Temple. Not daring to stop directly at the academy’s entrance, Luo Chuchen instructed the coachman to halt at the street corner and walked the rest of the way.

He arrived a few minutes early, and the entrance was deserted. The main gate, also known as the Gate of Gathering Sages, was flanked by towering ancient trees. Luo Chuchen and Shechuan stood beneath one of these trees.

From the outside alone, the Imperial Academy appeared far more majestic and ancient than the Ten Directions Academy. The gatekeepers on either side wore solemn expressions, and the entire street was exceptionally quiet, with only the sounds of birds and rustling leaves breaking the silence.

Before long, the sound of bells and drums echoed from within the academy.

“Is class dismissed?” Luo Chuchen wondered aloud, peering inside but seeing nothing.

Shechuan remarked, “It seems so, but why is no one coming out?”

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, a figure finally emerged from behind the gate. It was Min Ziyu, dressed in a jade-colored scholar’s robe. He handed a note to the gatekeeper, who inspected it before allowing him to pass.

Min Ziyu spotted Luo Chuchen under the tree immediately and hurried over, apologizing, “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

Luo Chuchen waved his hand dismissively. “It wasn’t long at all.”

Min Ziyu smiled and explained, “The Painting College is located in the Wuyue Pavilion, deep within the academy grounds, so it takes some time to walk to the entrance.”

Luo Chuchen nodded in understanding, then asked curiously, “But why is no one else coming out after class?Min Ziyu replied, “Today isn’t a ten-day holiday.” After dinner, everyone returns to their dormitories, so naturally, no one comes or goes. If you visit during a holiday, you’ll see many carriages and servants crowding the street. It’s never this quiet then.”

“I see,” Luo Chuchen said, nodding. He took a few steps with Min Ziyu toward the street corner before suddenly realizing something. He tugged at Min Ziyu’s sleeve, looking puzzled. “If it’s not a holiday, Senior Brother, how did you?”

Min Ziyu turned back, a smile playing on his lips. “I naturally requested leave from the Chancellor.”

Luo Chuchen immediately felt embarrassed and released the sleeve. “Ah, if I’d known, you should have scheduled this for a holiday.” I feel terrible for inconveniencing you.”

Min Ziyu shook his head. “It’s no trouble. I promised you this long ago. Besides, if we delayed any further, you’d be busy with the entrance exams soon, and then I’d be the one holding you back.”

Luo Chuchen still seemed hesitant. Noticing this, Min Ziyu added gently, “Moreover, I used the excuse of matters related to our school. The Chancellor is an old acquaintance of our master, so he granted the leave without question.”

Luo Chuchen was taken aback, staring at Min Ziyu for a moment. He hadn’t expected his refined and proper senior brother to say something so playful.

Min Ziyu, feeling the prolonged gaze, touched the tip of his nose and asked, “Was that reason not appropriate?”

Luo Chuchen quickly shook his head, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He sighed softly, “I just didn’t expect someone as dignified as you to joke like that.”

He couldn’t help but recall his interactions with Xu Changlin in Yunzhou. Though Xu was also a gentleman, he was far more rigid and rule-bound. Even when Luo Chuchen cracked a joke, it would take Xu a while to catch on, after which he would admonish him, “A gentleman should be cautious in speech but diligent in action.”

Though Luo Chuchen wasn’t one to be discouraged from his mission by this, he still felt rather disheartened. Relying on the system’s encouragement, he barely managed to muster the enthusiasm to speak with him again.

Luo Chuchen had never been good at hiding his emotions, and Xu Changlin gradually noticed how unpleasant his own words sounded. Thus, he switched to responding with smiles or diverting the conversation to other related topics.

After mulling it over for a while, Luo Chuchen snapped back to reality and quickly shook his head, as if trying to fling Xu Changlin out of his memories.

By then, they had reached the entrance of Chengxian Street. Luo Chuchen led Min Ziyu onto his family’s carriage and, once seated, apologized, “The carriage is a bit cramped. I hope you don’t mind, Senior Brother.”

“You’re too kind, Junior Brother,” Min Ziyu straightened his collar. “My home is rather uniquely decorated. I hope you won’t find it strange.”

Luo Chuchen initially assumed he meant it was simple or plain. To his surprise, Min Ziyu’s home wasn’t far from the Imperial College, located on the well-known Zhongzhao Street. Most residents on this street were merchants either wealthy or influential.

After stepping out of the carriage, Luo Chuchen stared at the imposing gate and the gilded characters “Min Residence” on the plaque, momentarily stunned.

Min Ziyu smiled and said, “No need to doubt it, Junior Brother. This is indeed the place.”

As they entered the estate, they encountered the steward, who appeared quite young. He hurried over and bowed, saying, “The master and mistress are waiting in Fule Hall.”

Min Ziyu frowned slightly. “I only came back to fetch something for a friend. Didn’t I say not to inform them?”

The steward seemed somewhat embarrassed and explained, “A maid was tidying the courtyard and happened to be seen by the mistress Since it’s rare for you to bring a friend home, the master and mistress said they’d like to meet him.”

Min Ziyu hesitated and glanced back at Luo Chuchen, who was equally awkward inside: Seriously? Only our third meeting, and I’m already being forced to meet the elders?

While the two were still hesitating in the corridor about how to respond, they heard footsteps approaching from the far end. Min Ziyu’s expression shifted slightly.

Luo Chuchen looked toward the sound and saw a group of maids and servants surrounding two people likely Min Ziyu’s parents.

As they drew closer, Luo Chuchen couldn’t help but feel astonished.

Judging by Min Ziyu’s refined and scholarly demeanor, anyone would assume he came from a family of scholars even if they weren’t wealthy or held no official positions, they’d at least own a house full of books.

Yet, the man approaching Min Ziyu’s father was the epitome of a merchant: stout, with a round belly, dressed in a crimson robe embroidered with coin patterns. He beamed cheerfully, resembling the Maitreya Buddha in a temple.

Min Ziyu’s mother also had a plump, kindly appearance, adorned with gold and silver, every piece of her jewelry clearly expensive.

The maids and servants surrounding them carried warm kettles, teacups, and one even held a white long-haired cat with heterochromatic eyes.

The stark contrast to Min Ziyu’s image was so great that Luo Chuchen had to exert considerable effort to keep his surprise from showing.

Min Ziyu cleared his throat softly and whispered, “Please excuse my parents, Junior Brother. They’ve always been like this.”

Luo Chuchen shook his head and replied in a hushed tone, “It’s, it’s fine.”

“You took leave to bring a friend home?” Madam Min stepped forward first, smiling warmly as she looked at Luo Chuchen. “What’s your name, young friend?”

“His name is Luo Chuchen, my seventh junior brother,” Min Ziyu stepped forward, blocking the way with a frown. “I promised to give him a painting earlier, so I brought him back to fetch it. What are you all doing?”

“What do you mean by that? This is our home. Are we not allowed to take a look when you bring someone back?” Min’s father spoke with authority, but when he turned to Luo Chuchen, his tone warmed considerably. “Xiao Luo, our Ziyu has a rather cold and rigid temperament. Please be patient with him.”

Luo Chuchen: “Not at all. Senior brother is very kind.”

Madam Min chimed in: “Xiao Luo, you don’t need to defend him in front of us. He doesn’t have any friends at the academy and never pays attention to others. You’re actually the first person he’s ever been close to!”

Luo Chuchen didn’t know how to respond. Min Ziyu interjected: “Stop pestering him with questions. He has to take the Imperial College entrance exam at the end of the month and has heavy studying to do. I’m just taking him to get the painting, then we’ll be on our way.”

Luo Chuchen nodded shyly in agreement.

Madam Min looked disappointed upon hearing this. “Won’t you stay for a meal? I even had the kitchen bring several dishes from the restaurant!”

Min Ziyu replied: “Keep the dishes for now. I’ll take him to get the painting and see him out, then come back to eat with you.”

“That works too.” Min’s father chuckled cheerfully.

Madam Min still seemed reluctant, but Min Ziyu displayed rare firmness in front of his parents. He nodded slightly. “I’ll take him inside first.”

Madam Min had to concede. “Then go ahead. Xiao Luo, make sure to visit again.”

“Certainly, certainly.” Luo Chuchen hurriedly agreed.

Just as they were about to leave, the Persian cat being held by a maid behind Madam Min suddenly let out a “meow” and leaped down. In a few quick steps, it reached Luo Chuchen’s side, rubbing against his robes with its paws.

The cat was exceptionally well-cared for, with long, thick fur and heterochromatic eyes that resembled colored glass. It looked up at Luo Chuchen while mewing softly, melting his heart.

Even in his previous life, Luo Chuchen had always had a way with cats and dogs – wherever he went, pets seemed to adore him.

Though the situation felt slightly awkward, after a moment’s hesitation, Luo Chuchen bent down and tentatively picked up the cat, stroking its fur.

The maid responsible for the cat knelt in panic, repeatedly apologizing. Madam Min waved her hand. “Xiao Luo, it seems Zhaocai really likes you. Why don’t you take it with you?”

Min Ziyu nodded in agreement. So Luo Chuchen obediently held the cat and followed Min Ziyu toward the other side of the corridor.

Truth be told, Min Ziyu’s parents were almost too enthusiastic, making it quite overwhelming for him.

Fortunately, Min Ziyu had shielded him from most of it.

As they ventured deeper into the estate, the layout and decorations grew increasingly magnificent. The garden pavilions and interconnected buildings were all designed with opulent grandeur, everywhere showcasing the family’s wealth.

After walking around the garden a few times while petting the cat, Luo Chuchen’s mood improved considerably. Curiously, he asked: “Why is this cat named Zhaocai?”

Min Ziyu glanced back, prompting another meow from the kitten. He reached out and rubbed Zhaocai’s ears, answering discreetly: “My father chose the name.”

Seemingly aware of Luo Chuchen’s earlier surprise, Min Ziyu explained slowly as they walked, “I suppose you’ve noticed, Shidi my father is a merchant. In fact, we didn’t always live in the capital. In his earlier years, he traveled around doing business and later unexpectedly made a fortune. That’s when he decided to settle here and establish our family’s estate. All of this, including my apprenticeship, was arranged by him.”

“I see,” Luo Chuchen remarked, thinking that this explained the nouveau riche aura. “It seems your father’s arrangements have been quite effective, nurturing a gentleman as refined and noble as you, Shixiong.”

“You flatter me,” Min Ziyu glanced at him, the tension at the corners of his mouth easing slightly as he shook his head with a faint smile, though he didn’t refute the compliment.

The Min family’s collection of books and paintings was housed in the Kuiwen Pavilion, deep within the garden. Min Ziyu took out a key to unlock the door, which creaked open, releasing the scent of aged wood and ink.

Zhaocai, however, seemed unimpressed by the fragrance. With a meow, it struggled to escape.

Luo Chuchen quickly stepped back, deciding to wait outside.

Before long, Min Ziyu emerged with a scroll of painting and handed it to him, then picked up Zhaocai and cradled it in his arms.

Luo Chuchen chuckled, “Zhaocai really doesn’t seem to like the smell in there.”

Min Ziyu sighed helplessly, “It’s always been like this. It never wants to enter my study it starts sneezing at the slightest whiff of ink. It only likes following my father around, counting coins and settling accounts.”

Luo Chuchen nodded in understanding, “No wonder it has that name.”

As they chatted and walked out, Luo Chuchen asked many questions about the Imperial College, and Min Ziyu answered each in detail.

When they reached the estate gate, Luo Chuchen told Min Ziyu not to see him off further. Min Ziyu didn’t stand on ceremony and said, “Then let’s part here. I hope the next time we meet, we’ll be fellow students.”

Luo Chuchen was pleased and nodded happily, “Shixiong, just wait for me!”

He boarded the carriage, waved goodbye to Min Ziyu, and set off toward the Chu residence.

Still flushed from the lively conversation and the warm hospitality of Min Ziyu’s parents, Luo Chuchen felt his cheeks burning even after sitting in the carriage for a while. He pushed open the window to let the cool breeze in.

Just as he was about to close the window after finally calming down, he spotted a familiar figure in front of a tavern up ahead.

“Stop over there by the tavern,” Luo Chuchen quickly instructed the coachman.

The carriage halted in front of the tavern, and Luo Chuchen leaned out the window cheerfully, calling out, “Well, if it isn’t General Liang!”