Free Web NovelChapter 183: Chapter 183: The Source of the Ruyi Is Found
But the mad scholar shook his head.
"It’s a small thing. If I try a little harder, I’m sure I can figure it out."
"But those people were just laughing at us. If we turn back and ask for their help now, we’ll lose our dignity. That’s unacceptable, simply unacceptable."
Shen Ningning blinked her big eyes, thinking he had a point.
"You’re right, teacher. Just be careful, okay?"
The mad scholar sighed. "It’s my fault for being so useless. All I know is how to read."
He had grown up in a wealthy family and was well-versed in the classics, but because of the saying, "a gentleman stays away from the kitchen," he had never cooked in his life.
Back home, he had always been attended to by servants.
Now, even trying to take care of Shen Ningning was a struggle for him.
Sensing his dejection, Shen Ningning dangled her little feet, basking in the sun.
Her voice was soft, sweet, and innocent, tinged with kindness. "You’re already wonderful just the way you are, teacher. Why do you need to be good at everything? Everyone has flaws. That’s what gives us goals."
The mad scholar thought she had a wonderful attitude, speaking like a little adult.
He looked up, smiling, and asked, "Well then, does Ningning have any flaws?"
"Yes!" Shen Ningning nodded without a second thought.
She looked down at her dangling feet, her voice seemingly calm. "Ningning hasn’t had a mommy or daddy since she was little, and people make fun of her for being an orphan. That’s a flaw, isn’t it?"
The mad scholar froze.
But before he could offer any comfort, Shen Ningning lifted her little head, her smile strong and adorable.
"So my goal is to find my mommy and daddy. Then my flaw will be gone!"
"It’s not shameful to have flaws. After all, how many people in this world are better-read than you, teacher?"
’And not everyone has an Immortal Realm, either. That’s Ningning’s little point of pride!’
The mad scholar stared blankly at the little girl before him. How could a child, not even five years old, be so perceptive and wise?
’Truly brilliant.’
"You’ve taught me a lesson today."
"In that case, can you hurry up and roast the fish, teacher? I’m starting to drool!"
Laughter from the teacher and student echoed through the dense woods.
A little fine salt was sprinkled on the fragrant fish. The skin curled as it roasted, SIZZLING as the oil bubbled out, revealing the exquisitely tender, white flesh beneath.
Shen Ningning found two large lotus leaves, washed them clean, and used them as plates for the fish.
The mad scholar kept the head and tail for himself, giving the most fragrant part—the body of the fish—to Shen Ningning.
The little girl ate until her mouth was greasy, sighing contentedly with her eyes narrowed. "You’re so good to me, teacher. When I get into the National Academy, I’ll properly repay you for your kindness and guidance!"
"And I’ll tell everyone that the only reason I got in was because of my teacher’s dedicated instruction."
The mad scholar paused. He looked up and smiled faintly. "I appreciate the sentiment. But once you’re in the National Academy, don’t mention that you know me."
"Otherwise, it might bring you trouble."
Shen Ningning was surprised. "Why? Teacher, do you have enemies at the National Academy?"
The mad scholar gave a helpless smile and shook his head without speaking.
Shen Ningning licked her pink lips, looking like a little kitten with a messy face.
"Don’t be afraid, teacher! When I grow up and become a powerful adult, I’ll be your backer!"
The mad scholar quickly waved his hands, urging her not to think that way.
"Ningning, I am teaching you to read so that you can understand the world, leave these great mountains, and see the vastness of all there is."
"You have your own life to live. Don’t burden yourself with my past. That’s not what I want."
The little girl pouted, completely bewildered.
’Who exactly is her teacher afraid of?’
At dusk, the sky was set ablaze with rosy clouds, painting a scene of spectacular, decadent beauty.
Shen Ningning’s little belly was round from eating, and after playing all afternoon, she was sleepy.
On the path bathed in the evening sun, the mad scholar carried her on his back, a fish basket in one hand, as he walked toward home.
The little girl on his back was so sleepy her eyes were mere slits.
"Teacher, will there be teachers at the National Academy who are as good as you?" the little girl suddenly asked, her voice drowsy, as if she were about to fall asleep at any moment.
"Yes, it’s full of world-renowned masters. They will give you even better instruction."
As he spoke, the mad scholar smiled. He gazed at the distant sunset, his handsome, gaunt face filled with the color of hope.
"When you have famous teachers in the future, just don’t forget me."
"I won’t," the little girl said, forcing herself to stay awake. Suddenly, she asked another question. "Teacher, I still don’t know your name. Everyone calls you the mad scholar, but who were you before?"
The mad scholar looked at the sunset, and his smile faded slightly.
’That’s right, who was he before? For years, he hadn’t even dared to reclaim his original name.’
’Those distant events felt like they happened in another lifetime. The wails of his loved ones still echoed in his ears, making his name a short curse he could never bring himself to utter.’
But when Shen Ningning asked, he suddenly wanted to say it.
"My surname is Dai. Dai Yuheng."
His name spoke of a gentleman, like fine jade, robed in dazzling sunlight.
Now that he had spoken the name again, his past memories came rushing back, like a flurry of colorful confetti.
He was once a noble son of a prominent family in the Capital City, living a carefree, dashing life on the strength of his talent.
He was once flushed with success, an honored guest at the emperor’s own table.
He had even taken the imperial examinations, winning first place in all three stages at the age of sixteen. It was as if he were riding the clouds themselves, his fame skyrocketing.
All the golden halls, the laughter, the sounds of flattery from his past—they had all dissipated like an ephemeral dream.
In the end, all that remained was a speck of orange-red in the distant sunset.
The mad scholar said with a smile, "But Dai Yuheng is in the past. I prefer the name ’mad scholar’ now."
Before, he had felt so utterly destitute that there was nothing left in the world to be happy about.
But now, he was overjoyed just because he had a student.
At least the books he had read, the things he had learned, and his understanding of knowledge could finally be passed on to someone who would carry on his legacy.
Even if one day Dai Yuheng were to die, the knowledge he passed on to the little girl would live on in his place.
On his back, Shen Ningning had already fallen asleep.
The little girl had played with such high spirits that now she was simply too exhausted.
"Sleep now. Tomorrow will be another bright and sunny day."
The mad scholar glanced back at the little girl resting on his shoulder. The glow of the evening clouds illuminated his profile, making his dark stubble seem all the more gentle and refined.
...
The weather was fine. Mo Lingwei took Shen Ningning to a jewelry shop in the city.
"After we returned, I had my men investigate. Consort Rong’s parents indeed only had one daughter."
"However, regarding the lotus pattern on your Ruyi, I made a copy of it and showed it to the palace artisans. They said it’s the carving style of an old Palace Attendant who has since left the palace."
"After that old Palace Attendant left, he set up a silver building in the Capital City, making a living by carving silver jewelry. I’ve found its location, and I’m taking you there now."
Mo Lingwei was dressed in dark blue robes, his ponytail fastened with a Jade Crown. The style made his cold brows seem darker and his thin, black eyes appear exceptionally deep.
But when he looked at Shen Ningning, his gaze was clearly gentle.
The little girl was delighted to hear this, and even a bit amazed. "Brother, you have a photographic memory for the lotus pattern after just one look? You could even draw it? That’s amazing."
Mo Lingwei always felt pleased whenever Shen Ningning praised him.
He chuckled lightly. "That’s not all I can do. You’ll find out in the future."
As they spoke, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the silver building.
Shen Ningning realized it was the same shop where she had bought the Unity Lock.
There were no other customers inside. Mo Lingwei’s guards had cleared the premises.
The Shopkeeper was a man in his forties. Seeing the situation, he immediately stood up to welcome them respectfully.
"Honored guests, what can I do for you?"
Mo Lingwei handed over the Ruyi that Consort Rong had given them.
"Take a look. Do you recognize the craftsmanship on this?"
The Shopkeeper took it with both hands. After a careful look, he exclaimed, "I do recognize it! This entwined-flower lotus pattern... one look and I can tell it was carved by my master. There are few in the entire Capital City who can do it this skillfully."
Shen Ningning was overjoyed and quickly asked, "Mister Shopkeeper, is your master here? I’d like to ask him who commissioned this carving."
The Shopkeeper gave an apologetic smile. "What an unlucky coincidence. My old master passed away three years ago."
Disappointment and dejection immediately clouded Shen Ningning’s little face.
But then the Shopkeeper added, "However, I have a collection of pattern books. Before my master carved any design, he would always draw it out first so that I could study and imitate it later."
"If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll go find it. They usually have the customer’s name and address from that year. Perhaps it can help you, honored guests."
