The Exiled Life of the Noble Girl

Chapter 192

The gatekeeper came to report that someone was looking for him. Yang Jingyuan lifted his head from the book he was engrossed in, furrowing his brow slightly. Who could be looking for him at this hour?

Concerned that there might be something wrong at home, he quickly followed the gatekeeper to the academy gate. He asked casually, "Who is it?"

"The one who used to accompany you all the time, the short and thin one."

Yang Jingyuan's eyes lit up. So it was Zhong Liangyu! He ran, leaving the gatekeeper far behind.

"Liangyu!"

"Jingyuan!"

"It is you!" Yang Jingyuan exclaimed joyfully, embracing Zhong Liangyu's shoulder. His smile was unstoppable. "When did you come back?"

"I..." Zhong Liangyu paused, glancing at the bustling street outside. He patted Yang Jingyuan's hand. "Let's find a different place to talk."

He smiled, "How about I treat you to some drinks?"

"Great!" Yang Jingyuan linked arms with him and headed to their usual spot, remarking, "Ever since Jue left, no one has kept me company to drink. I haven't indulged in a while."

The two went to the tavern, where it was the height of the dinner rush, with the upper and lower floors full of people. Zhong Liangyu was not quite satisfied with the remaining seats, so he boldly reserved a private room.

Yang Jingyuan raised an eyebrow, "Did you come into some money?"

"Do you think I'm poor?"

"No, not at all."

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Shuangan Town was much larger than Qingshi Town, with more children attending the academy. Zhong's grandfather also earned a decent income each year, and as Zhong's only grandson, he had always been given free rein. Zhong Liangyu had just been particularly frugal.

Today, he was unusually generous, so Yang Jingyuan did not hesitate, ordering several appetizers and a fine jar of wine.

The server quickly brought the wine, and Yang Jingyuan poured a cup for himself and one for Zhong Liangyu. "You're back with a name on the list. What brings you back?"

Zhong Liangyu was silent for a moment. "Just to visit, and then I'll be going to Wuping County in Zhuzhou."

"Wuping County?" Yang Jingyuan looked at him blankly. "Where is that?"

"In the south."

"Is it far?"

Zhong Liangyu estimated, "If going through Anhuai, it would be about a month's journey."

With fast transport, it would take over 20 days without delays.

Yang Jingyuan's hand holding the cup stiffened slightly. He ran his finger along the rim and said in a low voice, "That's quite far away."

"I, I was actually hoping to work hard and come find you all in the Capital City in a couple of years."

"Go ahead. Yizhu and Jue are both in the Capital City now. Usually, only the top three students get to stay in the Hanlin Academy to study for a few years before being sent out to gain experience. By the time you get there, Jue might be the only one left."

Zhong Liangyu smiled, "Perfect, then you and Jue can drink together again."

Yang Jingyuan wanted to say it wouldn't be the same, but he didn't know how to put it into words.

"So, this time you're going..."

"I won't be back for at least three years."

That was the best-case scenario. If he didn't achieve any noteworthy results, it might even be extended for another three years.

Yang Jingyuan nodded, draining his cup and refilling it, downing it again.

Zhong Liangyu frowned, "Slow down on the drinking."

"Hah!" Yang Jingyuan brushed his hand away, smiling, "You're an official now, I'm just happy for you."

He raised his cup, "Here's to you!"

Zhong Liangyu reluctantly clinked cups with him, taking a small sip, as he had never been good with alcohol.

Yang Jingyuan watched Zhong Liangyu's profile quietly, chuckling softly, "You're still the same as before?"

"What do you mean?"

"Actually, I can see you're much healthier than before. You could even handle a big gulp of that."

Zhong Liangyu shook his head. His mother had reminded him to take care of his health, and it was better to avoid things like alcohol.

Yang Jingyuan knew this well from their childhood. He still remembered the first time he saw the thin and small Zhong Liangyu, who was a year younger but a head shorter.

Back then, he had asked, "Did your family not feed you enough?"

Zhong Liangyu had simply turned and walked away without responding.

Later, Yang Jingyuan learned that Zhong Liangyu was Mr. Zhong's grandson, and his family was not short on money. Zhong Liangyu's frailty was due to being born prematurely, with some congenital weaknesses.

At the academy, almost all the children had been warned not to bully Zhong Liangyu, and Yang Jingyuan was no exception. He kept it in mind and generally didn't provoke him.

That was one summer when the rain was pouring heavily. After the rain stopped, a group of children stood on the veranda, eager to step into the puddle that had formed in the courtyard. Yang Jingyuan was the first to rush out, running and jumping heavily into the water. The other mischievous children quickly followed, splashing water all over the passing Zhong Liangyu.

Zhong Liangyu was somewhat annoyed but couldn't find the words to scold them. He turned and went home to change, and that night he developed a fever that didn't subside. Mr. Zhong stayed by his side all night, worried, and Zhong Liangyu had to miss the next day of classes.

Still just a child, Yang Jingyuan felt uneasy. He secretly went to the Zhong household to check on Zhong Liangyu, seeing the open gate and quietly entering. He saw Mrs. Zhong kneeling devoutly before the household Buddha, not daring to disturb her. He peeked through the window and saw Zhong Liangyu bundled in blankets, with Mr. Zhong by his bedside looking exhausted, the physician not having left.

"So hot..."

"Grandpa..."

Mr. Zhong quickly helped him up, turning to the physician, "What can we do?"

The physician sighed, "The medicine will be ready soon, let's see how he is after he drinks it."

Yang Jingyuan looked at the flushed and weakened Zhong Liangyu in Mr. Zhong's arms, his heart aching with guilt.

Fortunately, Zhong Liangyu recovered from that ordeal, giving Yang Jingyuan a chance to make amends. In the following years, he stuck close to Zhong Liangyu, ensuring he wouldn't be harmed again, and their relationship grew closer.

"Liangyu..."

Seeing the now flushed Yang Jingyuan who had finished an entire jar of wine alone, Zhong Liangyu's brow remained furrowed. He sighed and went to support him, "You've had too much to drink. Let me take you back."

"No need!" Yang Jingyuan shook his head slowly, "I'm afraid you'll drop me."

"You..."

Zhong Liangyu sighed again and paid a server to help him escort Yang Jingyuan back to the academy. They couldn't go in, so they had the gatekeeper take him the rest of the way.

As Zhong Liangyu was leaving, Yang Jingyuan suddenly grabbed his hand, softly calling, "Liangyu."

His voice was a bit hoarse, "We..."

Zhong Liangyu turned back, holding his hand and smiling, "We won't necessarily have to go so long without seeing each other. My mother is already arranging a match for me. You must come when I get married."

"Work hard, and you'll catch up to Yizhu, who already has two children. We can't fall too far behind."

Yang Jingyuan forced a smile, "Okay, I'll work hard."

Zhong Liangyu released his hand, letting the gatekeeper take him inside. He turned away, his smile gradually fading. Some things were simply not meant to be accepted by society. He hoped Yang Jingyuan could move on.