Chapter 102: Some Things Are Best Overlooked

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Li Su gave Song Sheng a faint smile. “I’m fine.” The one in trouble was Wang Tao. Song Sheng felt somewhat relieved; when he saw the horse go mad, he was nearly terrified. If not for remembering that Brother Li had a plan and fearing that rushing in would disrupt it, he would have charged forward. Song Sheng never expected that Brother Li, who appeared gentle and courteous—a true gentleman—would act in a manner so wildly different from his demeanor. The horse, once crazed, was ridden without hesitation, falling if it must, decisive and resolute. But in truth, Li Su had calculated even the angle and timing of his fall; it was a testament to skill and courage. He was not one to recklessly gamble with his body. Song Sheng knew Li Su was good at calculations, but not that he could apply such precision to this extent. Doctor Li tended to Wang Tao first, for his cries were unbearably agonizing. Song Sheng found it oddly amusing; even Wang Tao had his day of suffering. Doctor Li withdrew his fingers from Wang Tao’s pulse, frowning deeply as he pressed gently on his chest and beneath his ribs. Wang Tao twitched in pain, cold sweat breaking out over his body. In a solemn voice, Doctor Li said, “This student’s pulse is weak and chaotic; his breath is stagnant and obstructed. Upon pressing, I can feel internal organs shifted and shaken, especially severe pain under the left ribs. A slight exertion causes coughing—this indicates trauma to the lungs and a reversal of qi and blood flow.” “No bones appear broken, but the internal injury is grave.” “I will first apply acupuncture to stabilize his breath, then prepare decoctions to activate blood and resolve stasis. Recovery will depend on the student’s own constitution.” Masters Wu and Zhao looked troubled. Master Wu hurriedly said, “Doctor Li, please proceed with the acupuncture.” Li Su, supported by Song Sheng, approached. Master Zhao anxiously asked, “Li Su, how are you feeling?” Li Su had also fallen from the horse and likely was not unscathed. Li Su coughed lightly. “I landed on my side and rolled a few times—no serious injuries, just some arm pain.” Hearing this, Master Zhao quickly said, “Doctor Li, please examine him as well.” After finishing with Wang Tao, Doctor Li examined Li Su. “Your arm hurts?” he inquired. Li Su nodded slightly. Doctor Li pressed on his arm. “Here?” “Yes, ah, it hurts!”

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Doctor Li was puzzled; his examination revealed no serious injury, yet Li Su did not seem to be feigning. He nodded and said, “No bones fractured. Likely a sprain from the fall. I will prescribe some medicine to activate blood circulation and reduce stasis.” Li Su’s constitution was excellent, and his injuries were far less severe than Wang Tao’s from the same fall. “The scholar’s hands are precious. Give him the best medicine,” Master Zhao urged swiftly. Doctor Li agreed, thinking that such an injury would heal quickly even without medication. Li Su then spoke, “Masters, was something wrong with the horse today? It seemed to suddenly go mad.” Wang Tao gritted his teeth. He had been the one to fit the horse with barbed hooks—his own hands—since it had been a long time since he personally handled such matters; his fingers had itched. Could it be that the horse remembered his face and was obsessively chasing him? Wang Tao never suspected Li Su. After all, Li Su himself had fallen, and his panic had seemed genuine, not an act. Li Su was unaware that Wang Tao had targeted him. Wang Tao’s pain was severe; he regretted not letting others do this task. He did not fear discovery—he was just a boy from a remote area, and no one would care if he died. Moreover, Li Su was unharmed; it was Wang Tao who was badly injured. The academy would not punish him. Wang Tao did not mind being known as the culprit, but he was in unbearable pain now. “Forget the horse for now—take me back,” he demanded. Masters Wu, Doctor Li, and a few scholars close to Wang Tao helped carry him back to his residence. Wang Tao’s hatred for Li Su deepened; if not for him, he would not be hurt. A cruel gleam flashed in Wang Tao’s eyes—he wanted Li Su dead. Master Zhao led a group to inspect the maddened horse and discovered the barbed hook. He gasped. How was this different from murder? Apologizing to Li Su, Master Zhao said, “This is due to our negligence, both mine and Master Wu’s. The academy will provide you with an explanation.” He frowned deeply. Such an incident in a place dedicated to education was a scandal for the academy. “Thank you, Master Zhao,” Li Su said.

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Master Zhao shook his head and offered some comfort. The academy’s director had not yet returned; it seemed they needed to consult Master Qian. Upon investigation, the truth stunned Master Zhao: the barbed hook had been placed by Wang Tao himself. Wang Tao, the most injured party, had caused this incident with his own hands. Master Zhao’s brows knit tightly; his expression was stern and grave. He admired Li Su greatly. Though Wang Tao was from the influential Wang family of the capital, this was Mingyue Academy in Wenzhou Prefecture—not the Wang family’s domain. Master Zhao’s chest heaved with anger. If this were allowed to slide, would Wang Tao be able to attack anyone he disliked at will? What kind of nonsense was that? Such a person could never remain at Mingyue Academy! Master Zhao trusted that Director Wei would never permit such a student to stay, for Mingyue Academy was his cherished creation. Had it not been for Li Su’s luck, would he still be alive? Burning with rage, Master Zhao sought out Master Qian, who was leisurely practicing calligraphy. Seeing Master Zhao’s troubled face, Master Qian asked, “Master Zhao? What brings you here?” “Master Qian, look at this. Such a student should not remain at Mingyue Academy—he’s a menace to the community!” Master Zhao said indignantly. Master Qian glanced over carelessly. “Master Zhao, too much purity allows no fish to survive. Sometimes it’s best to turn a blind eye.” Wang Tao was the son of the Wang family in the capital and had entered the academy through connections. Master Zhao’s words were a slap in the face. “Let it go? Master Qian, if not for Li Su’s luck, this would be a life lost!” “But Li Su is fine, isn’t he?” Master Zhao scoffed. “So you mean to do nothing about this?” Master Qian neither nodded nor shook his head, simply gazing at Master Zhao leisurely. “Master Zhao, sometimes one must mind one’s own business to live long.” “If that is so, I will report this matter to Director Wei.” Master Qian’s expression shifted slightly. “Is it necessary to trouble Director Wei for such a trivial matter?” “It is necessary.” With that, Master Zhao turned and left.