Chapter 126
“Brother Xu’s reputation truly precedes him. I never imagined we’d have the honor of meeting you here.”
“That poem of yours, Butterfly Love Flower: A Gift to Zhu Cici, is simply magnificent. It’s hard to believe it was written when you were only eight years old.”
“And especially your Letter of Rejection to the Marriage Proposal! I’ve read it over and over again—it’s so eloquent, heartfelt, and moving. I must admit, I feel utterly inadequate in comparison.”
“Today, you’ve even saved our lives. Such a favor, the two of us will never forget!”
“A toast to you, Brother Xu!”
“A toast indeed!”
At a bustling tavern, two scholars from White Deer Academy—Miao Feng and Yuwen Xi—were treating Xu Ming to a meal. Though both appeared battered and bruised, their scholarly elegance remained undiminished. Their injuries weren’t too severe; after two or three days of rest, they had mostly recovered.
“You’re too kind,” Xu Ming said, raising his cup in return. “My mentor hailed from your esteemed academy, so I’ve always felt a certain bond with White Deer Academy. Seeing the two of you in distress, how could I stand idly by? Otherwise, I’d have no face to meet my teacher.”
“May I ask who your teacher is?” Yuwen Xi inquired.