The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 459

Master Yang was naturally too ashamed to go to the Zhou residence to find Zhou Chu, so the matter was left unresolved.

Zhou Chu knew very well that Master Yang valued him so much mostly because of his current status. If he were still the pageboy he once was, or just a small merchant, Master Yang might feel a little guilty, but not much.

They don't even care about themselves at all.

However, that's human nature; you can't take everything too seriously. If you take everything too seriously, you won't be able to see people's true intentions clearly.

"Teacher, you flatter me. I have been thinking of you all these years, but I have been busy with official duties. Since I entered officialdom, I have been so busy that I have barely had time to rest. Last year, I was basically in Jiangnan. I did want to visit you half a year ago, but the situation was special at the time, and I was afraid of causing you trouble."

Zhou Chu said sincerely.

Master Yang was even more moved when he heard this. He hadn’t expected that his student had never blamed him. Thinking about it, it made sense. Someone who could do so much for the Lu family could not be a narrow-minded person.

Although Yang Fuzi was not very clear about what Zhou Chu said about what happened half a year ago, he had heard about it. When Zhou Chu returned to the capital half a year ago, he seemed to be in a crisis. Yang Fuzi also heard that Zhou Chu spent his days drinking at home.

"I am very happy that you came to see me. Over the years, I have felt ashamed whenever I think back to those days."

Master Yang said as he led Zhou Chu toward the main hall.

He didn't even dare to call himself "Master" in front of Zhou Chu, and could only refer to himself as "this old man".

Zhou Chu was well aware of Master Yang's thoughts, but he did not deliberately correct him.

Soon, the two arrived at the main hall, where Zhou Chu took out the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone that Chunlan had prepared and placed them on the table.

"After much thought, I've decided that I shouldn't bring any mundane gifts when I visit you, teacher. I learned a lot from you, and the Four Treasures of the Study are especially important for scholars. I think you would appreciate them."

After putting down the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, Zhou Chu said.

Master Yang glanced at it briefly, and even with just a cursory look, he could tell that the inkstone was a top-grade Duan inkstone. Grinding ink with a Duan inkstone is smooth and quick, producing fine and smooth ink that allows for easy writing without damaging the brush. The finest Duan inkstones, whether in the sweltering heat or the dead of winter, will retain their deep blue-green color when pressed with the hand, and the moisture will linger for a long time, as if one could turn their breath into ink.

Although Master Yang did not have time to press the inkstone with his palm at this moment, he knew very well that with Zhou Chu's status, whatever he took out must be the top-grade Duan inkstone.

The ink is made from tung oil and is one of the most precious types of ink.

The Four Treasures of the Study, each one is the best available on the market.

Master Yang, an old scholar who had spent his whole life studying, loved the Four Treasures of the Study far more than anything else. If Zhou Chu hadn't been there, he would have loved to pick up the Duan inkstone and examine it closely.

"This is far too precious; I am unworthy of it."

Although Master Yang said this, his eyes were never leaving these few things.

"Teacher, you are too kind. You have done your best for Wenxin and me. I was able to get to know Teacher Bohu thanks to your introduction. You have done everything you could for me and Wenxin. Please accept these writing implements."

Zhou Chu smiled.

Master Yang sighed upon hearing this.

"Time flies so fast. So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I'm getting old, but seeing how you and Wenxin are doing now puts my mind at ease. Especially Wenxin, she's finally on the right path. Back when she first started learning from me, she was such a carefree and irresponsible person."

Master Yang said with some sadness.

"In the future, Wenxin will not only be my student, but also my son-in-law. It will be a double blessing. With Wenxin's current talent, he will surely pass the provincial examination in the next year. When he passes the imperial examination, entering officialdom will be a natural outcome. His future is limitless."

Zhou Chu took the teacup from the servant beside him and took a sip of tea.

Upon hearing this, Master Yang did not refute it, but instead nodded with satisfaction.

"I never expected that Wenxin, who was somewhat unruly back then, would now possess such talent and learning."