Jian Zhaoxing

Chapter 226 Lu Huai's Whereabouts

Before Lin Zhiqing could figure out the problem, he met the renowned Confucian scholar Lu Zhen.

He wasn't sitting upright in the hall, nor was he putting on any airs of an elder; instead, he was having a barbecue in the garden.

"Father, Xiao Qing'er is here." Lu Nanyue led Lin Zhiqing over:

"Didn't you get enough of this roasted meat yesterday?"

Lu Zhen was fanning himself, completely ignoring Lu Nanyue, and beckoned to Lin Zhiqing: "Qing girl, you're here. Come and try it, this roasted meat is so fragrant."

"The Songhe Academy is nice, but the food is a bit too bland. I've been craving it for a long time."

Lin Zhiqing smiled and sat down opposite Lu Zhen with Lu Nanyue.

Taking advantage of this little bit of time, she carefully observed Lu Zhen.

He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, giving him a dignified and upright appearance. He was like a pine tree standing tall in the snow, exuding an aura of authority without anger, and looked to be only in his forties.

No wonder Lu Huai is so handsome... Lin Zhiqing unconsciously thought of Lu Huai's face.

He resembles Lu Zhen in five parts, and perhaps in the other five parts, he resembles his mother.

However, Lu Huai usually doesn't speak much, but when he does, he always makes a stunning statement.

But Lu Zhen behaved like a mischievous child, showing none of the mannerisms expected of a scholar in the eyes of the world.
He was quite different from the image Lin Zhiqing had of him, who was full of classical Chinese phrases.

For a while, he was still complaining about Songhe Academy without repeating a single word.

The father and son don't look alike at all... Lin Zhiqing looked around and realized that Lu Huai didn't seem to be there.

"Qing'er, I heard about your fourth uncle from that brat Lu Huai." Lu Zhen interrupted Lin Zhiqing's thoughts as he ate a piece of roasted meat.

"Lin Qingshan's greatest blessing is probably having you as his granddaughter."

Lin Zhiqing really didn't know how to respond to that.

According to seniority, Lu Zhen and his father Lin Congrong should be of the same generation, and the old Marquis is Lu Zhen's elder.

If Aunt Mu hadn't told her that Lu Zhen and the old Marquis were close friends despite their age difference, but that he didn't get along well with her own father, Lin Zhiqing really wouldn't have been able to stand Lu Zhen's tone.

Fortunately, Lu Zhen only made that remark before quickly changing the subject: "What's this 'mind-reading' thing about you?"

Lin Zhiqing briefly explained some of the psychology content, which Lu Zhen listened to with great interest.

After Lin Zhiqing finished speaking, Lu Zhen's mouth was covered in grease.

Lu Nanyue couldn't bear to watch any longer and handed her father a cup of tea.

"That kid Lu Huai doesn't have any other skills, but he's particularly fond of numerology. I never thought that the study of mind could be connected with numerology. How wonderful!"

Lu Nanyue rested her chin on her hand: "Why don't you tell me about my medical skills?"

Lu Zhen waved his hand: "Your medical skills have reached their peak. I don't know how to treat patients, so I can't offer any advice."

The first half of the sentence is a perfunctory statement, while the second half is the truth.

Although he seemed to be putting Lu Nanyue down, if he didn't like this daughter, why would he let her open a clinic for her according to her own whims?

This is something that is extremely popular, but it is unacceptable to the world.

The way this father and daughter interact is more like that of friends, very relaxed.

"So it turns out that Lu Huai's numerology skills were taught by you, Uncle Lu. No wonder he's so amazing." Lin Zhiqing had a sweet tongue.

"That's because Xiao Huai is smart. My father is always debating with scholars in the imperial palace, he doesn't have time to care about Xiao Huai." Lu Nanyue pouted.

When his daughter saw through his act, Lu Zhen chuckled and poured himself a glass of fruit wine that Lin Zhiqing had brought: "Xiao Huai is smart, she takes after me."

“Uncle Lu is right, but why is Lu Huai not here today?” Lin Zhiqing asked curiously.

Lu Nanyue's beautiful eyes flickered: "Why did you ask him?"

“Last time he taught me to play the flute and gave me a jade flute. I had some fruit wine on hand, so I said I'd let him try it.” Lin Zhiqing explained calmly.

Lu Nanyue sighed, "Then your wine will have to go into my stomach. The Ministry of Revenue has official business to attend to. He went out on business a few days ago, and it was quite urgent." "And he was acting all mysterious. I can't find out."

"So that's how it is. Why did you leave in such a hurry?" For some reason, Lin Zhiqing felt a sense of emptiness in her heart.

"He went to the Lin family before he left, but I don't think you were there at the time." Lu Nanyue patted her head.
"Look at my memory, if you hadn't brought it up, I probably would have forgotten about it."

"It's alright." Lin Zhiqing smiled, feeling much lighter.

Lu Zhen placed a piece of meat on Lin Zhiqing's plate:

"Whatever it is, I was traveling around before, and as soon as I came back, your fourth uncle got into trouble. Before I could figure out what was going on, Lu Huai sent me to Songhe Academy."

"After such a long and bumpy journey, I haven't had a chance to see you."

"Uncle Lao is worried, but I'm doing quite well at the Lin family's," Lin Zhiqing replied with a smile.

Lu Zhen put down his chopsticks:

"What kind of good place is the Lin family? Your parents passed away early, and I often send Nanyue to the Lin family because I'm afraid they'll bully you."

"But I never expected that you would do even better than your father."

His words then revealed a degree of genuine emotion.

Lin Zhiqing thought about it for a moment and felt that the relationship between this uncle and her father did not seem to be as bad as Aunt Mu had said.

Well then, aren't there already plenty of secrets hidden in this vast city of Shengjing?

Lin Zhiqing didn't ask any further questions: "Uncle is right. I must thank you for your care over the years."

Lu Zhen never showed up, but the Lu siblings treated her very well.

Moreover, when his fourth uncle had his accident, Lu Zhen had spoken and acted accordingly.

But who could have known that things would turn out so complicated?

"You don't need to worry about this. We did very little. You caused all of this yourself. It's just that you didn't expect the emperor to actually..."

Lu Zhen seemed quite moved, but Lin Zhiqing did not reply.

The atmosphere turned cold when the emperor was mentioned.

After sitting for a while longer, Lin Zhiqing once again solemnly thanked Lu Zhen and Lu Nanyue before taking his leave.

Lu Zhen was quite reluctant to part with Lin Zhiqing and personally escorted her to the front gate.

When Lin Zhiqing returned to the Lin family, the carriage to Bianliang was already prepared.

Aunt Mu also brought her a message.

Jiang Liuyun and the Marquis of Zhenyuan will be returning in another half month.

Aunt Mu spoke of this with great enthusiasm, believing that Lin Zhiqing's instruction to keep an eye on Jiang Liuyun's news was an expression of concern for Jiang Liuyun.

Therefore, upon receiving this information, Aunt Mu rushed over to report it immediately.

Half a month took longer than Lin Zhiqing had imagined.

Upon hearing Jiang Liuyun's name, her good mood from her time at the Lu family vanished completely.

“Aunt Mu, if he comes, just tell him I’m going to Bianliang to attend Miss Hua’s wedding banquet and to discuss business in Yunnan.”

"Other matters involve the Lin family, so I can't reveal a single detail."

"Yes, Miss, I understand." Aunt Mu replied, gave several more instructions, and then went back to call Lin Yangyang.

Lin Yangyang quickly arrived at the Lin family's door with her bundle.

Lin Congli and others also came to see the two of them off.

After giving some further instructions, Lin Zhiqing boarded the carriage and embarked on his journey to Bianliang.