Chapter 1018: Fame and Fortune Are Deceiving

lready tidied up the mess.The courtyard's bluestones were all wet from being washed with water.Jiayin ran across the courtyard, her tiny feet pattering like raindrops. She rushed to her father's side...Li Lao's chopsticks in his hand paused, and he finally understood the purpose of Mr. Zhou's invitation today.

Luo'an Academy enjoys a renowned reputation, and its alumni are all over the country. Logically, Dean Zhou shouldn't have such thoughts anymore...

"Indeed, Dean Zhou, I've heard as well. Many prominent scholars have expressed their interest, but the Emperor has yet to make a decision." Li Lao Er calmly replied.

Mr. Peng taught at the academy, and many people knew about the dean's thoughts. He helped out by setting up a ladder this time.

"I suppose the Emperor wants to find a teacher for the Second Prince who is not only knowledgeable but also possesses virtue, rather than simply someone who teaches lessons. That's why he hasn't made a decision yet."

"In my opinion, the Dean might as well give it a try. Our Luo'an has cultivated so many officials for the court and produced so many scholars over the years. In terms of qualifications, no one else can compare to the Dean."

As expected, Dean Zhou smiled and waved his hand, humbly saying, "Mr. Peng is flattering me. An old man like me has been confined to Los Angeles for many years and hasn't ventured out much. I fear my ideas are outdated and I am not qualified to teach the prince."

Moreover, this prince may also inherit the Heavenly Martial position. What if something goes wrong I would be a sinner of Heavenly Martial then.

After saying that, he looked towards Li Lao Er.

I thought Li Lao Er would just flatter him a bit and then try to gauge the emperor's intentions.

As a result, Lao Er Li only raised his wine glass and took a sip, without saying a word.

As for Li Laosan, his mouth was like a clam shell, pinching up a piece of steamed fish with his chopsticks and picking at the bones slowly, as if he hadn't heard them talking.

President Zhou frowned, feeling a bit uneasy.

Mr. Peng felt anxious and chuckled nervously, quickly trying to smooth things over.

"Lord, is the County Princess still residing in the palace I heard that the Emperor treats her like his own daughter, showering her with love."

Li Lao Er smiled faintly and nodded, "Indeed, the county princess is intelligent and quick-witted. The Emperor favors her greatly, and the third princess treats her like a close sister."

Mr. Peng moved his lips, not knowing how to continue.

Dean Zhou felt a little embarrassed. After thinking for a moment, he put down his wine glass and said, "Mr. Li, our academy has a deep connection with your family. We've gotten along well for so many years. "

To tell the truth, today's matter is my fault. I had intentions of becoming the second prince's consort and wanted to ask Master Li to inquire about it for me. But I was afraid that he wouldn't agree and would damage his reputation, so I did this...

"If Master thinks I'm not fit to be the Crown Prince's teacher, then there's no need for this. Today we can just chat as friends, how about that"

Hearing him be so candid, Li Laer didn't seem angry at all. He said, "Please ask Dr. Zhou to dismiss everyone else."

The director was stunned, and his heart skipped a beat.

He waved away the pageboy and maidservant, and had the old servant keep watch from afar at the door.

"Li Laoer only then said, “Dean Zhou enjoys a high reputation and is naturally suited to be the Imperial Scholar. But Dean Zhou spends his days at the academy, conversing with learned scholars and interacting only with intellectuals. Inevitably, his thoughts are overly pure and naive.”

Little did they know that court affairs were like the ever-changing clouds and winds, capable of toppling in an instant. Today, everyone was scrambling for the prince's teacher, but perhaps tomorrow they would all discard him like yesterday's news!

"Mr. Zhou, if you trust me, why not wait a while Wait until the dust settles and the Holy Will becomes clear before making any plans, how about that"

Zhou and Mr. Peng listened, stunned for a long while. Finally, they looked at each other, their hearts churning with an immense wave of emotions.

Li Lao'er's words were veiled, and upon closer examination, he hadn't said anything at all.

But they weren't fools, listening attentively to every word, how could they not hear the underlying meaning.

Could it be that there are still unforeseen circumstances even if the Second Prince inherits Heavenly Martial

Or perhaps the Emperor was not satisfied with the Second Prince inheriting Tianwu

Who do you think the emperor is going to pass the Heavenly Martial Arts to Surely not the new Marquis of Xiting who's busy fighting wars outside

I've heard of giving the throne to a younger brother or nephew, but never to a cousin!

Li Laoer, seeing their reaction, changed the subject. "How's that tea flower I sent to the dean last time Would you like me to bring it back to Baihuayuan to care for it for a while"

"Camellias are delicate, a little difference in sunlight or water can cause them to wilt. Taking care of them requires careful and cautious tending."

Dean Zhou’s pupils constricted slightly, and he slowly nodded in agreement. “Yes, it’s best to be careful and cautious. Then I’ll trouble Grandpa, when you return later, bring this back and help me take good care of it.”

Li Lao'er finally saw a smile, raising his cup, "To this prosperous peace!"

"To a prosperous and peaceful era." Dr. Zhou and Mr. Peng also raised their glasses, of course, along with the silently grinning Li Lao San.

Several people tacitly changed the topic, talking about the mischievous students of the academy, the fresh things happening in Xindu, and the gossip from Suijin Beach.

By the time people dispersed, the sun was already setting.

Li Lao'er and Li Lao'san bid farewell to Dr. Zhou's courtyard and hadn't gone far when they happened to meet Mr. Tang taking a stroll on the road.

After falling ill, the old man turned quite white in the hair, but perhaps it was due to careful tending, his complexion looked rather good.

Li Lao Er and Li Lao San stopped their steps, smiling and bowing in greeting. After a few polite exchanges, they left.

Mr. Tang stood there, looking at the backs of the two brothers, a bitterness in his mouth.

To say I have no regrets is a lie.

He was momentarily greedy and wanted to control his nephews and grandsons, hoping to restore his family's glory.

To his surprise, his grandson refused to follow his arrangements and even offended the Li family, losing a promising disciple...

Waking up early, Jiayin awoke to the chirping of cicadas. Pushing open the window, she looked out at the wilting trees in the distance and couldn't help but sigh.

Shuiling and Shuiyun heard the noise and brought in a basin of water to serve their master with washing.

While Shuiyun was combing her hair, Shuiling went to pick out a set of water-blue clothes and exclaimed, "Miss, wear this today. It looks refreshing."

Jia Yin nodded silently, and Shui Yun quickly retrieved some jade jewelry from her makeup box and braided two strands of pearls into her hair.

Thus, Jia Yin became a few points more gentle and beautiful than before.

Jiao Yin twirled twice in front of the mirror, very satisfied, then ran to find the third princess for breakfast.

The weather is hot, and the heat has made everyone lose their appetite.

Shuǐyún specially got up early to make thin spring pancakes, rolled with sweet and sour stir-fried potato shreds, a little bit of Beijing-style minced meat with sauce, paired with golden millet porridge, it was very delicious.

Princess Three and Jia Yin had eaten two or three bowls before stopping, Princess Three satisfiedly exclaimed, "Jia Yin, when are you going back home from the palace Remember to leave Shui Yun for me. Ugh, if I can't eat her cooking anymore, I feel like life would be boring."

Caiyun was serving on one side, and she jumped in fright. She subconsciously looked at Shuiyun, but found that her face didn't change at all, only smiling gently.

As expected, Jia Yin immediately refused and said, "Don't make such a joke. Shui Yun and Shui Ling have been my sisters since childhood. It's impossible for them to stay with you!"

"Besides, I was just crazy to agree to this! My grandma and mother would kill me when they get back!"

The third princess didn't get angry either. She raised her hand and rolled up another pancake, "Then I might as well eat a few more while I have the chance!"

Jia Yin then smiled, "Don't worry, since she arrived here, Shui Yun has already taught several apprentices. Even if they don't reach her skill level, there will be a few who are similar. She won't starve you."

The third princess mumbled, "That's about right."er was not stupid, his eyes rolled and he took over the conversation. "Aiya, I was fine when I had dinner, just drank a cup of tea that Fugi brought me and my stomach went bad.""And this thief was als...