Chapter 121: A Gift Carved by Hand

Wei Shi'an frowned, saying, "Look at that sycophantic attitude of yours." Why did he never see the boy massaging his shoulders or pounding his legs?

Li Su blinked innocently. "Foster father, what are you saying? This is filial piety, not sycophancy!"

Wei Shi'an thought gloomily, if he were truly so filial, why did he never show such filial piety to him?

Xi Sheng enjoyed the shoulder massage for a while before speaking, "That's enough. Show me the results of your studies from this period. I will examine them after I have looked through everything."

"Master, those are all still in my room. Shall I go fetch them?"

Xi Sheng gave a slight nod. "Go ahead."

Li Su returned to his quarters. Song Sheng and Yun Qin were surprised to see him back so early.

"My dear brother, why are you back so early today?" Yun Qin asked.

As Li Su packed up the fruits of his labor from the past few days, he replied, "My master has arrived, and he wants to examine my recent studies. I might be back even later than usual tonight."

Yun Qin’s eyes widened slightly. "Your master is here?"

"Yes, he just arrived today."

Yun Qin looked a bit excited. "My dear brother, could I meet your master? I am very curious as to what kind of person could be your master!" In truth, he wanted to see if the master was the Chief Councilor, Xi Sheng.

"I will take you to see him tomorrow; I’m afraid there is no time today." Given his master’s intensity, the examination would be a massive undertaking, and he had no idea when he would be finished.

Yun Qin nodded vigorously. "Alright!"

Li Su stuffed his book chests and satchel to the brim, yet there was still much left over. "Dear brothers, could I borrow your book chests as well?"

"Of course, go ahead and use them."

Watching Li Su pack such a mountain of books and handwritten papers, Song Sheng and Yun Qin were filled with admiration. Song Sheng had no idea Li Su had collected so much work; it always seemed like a lot each day, but seeing it all gathered together was truly staggering.

Yun Qin couldn't help but offer, "Brother, would you like me and Song Sheng to help you carry these over?"

"I don't want to delay your studies; I can manage."

With that, Li Su picked up all three book chests and the satchel with both hands.

Yun Qin: "..." Right, his brother was also a practitioner of martial arts.

After Li Su left, Song Sheng asked, "Brother Yun, do you know who Brother Li’s master is?"

"I only have a guess, but it may not be certain. We will know tomorrow." Yun Qin began to look forward to the next day, hoping to see the true face of Li Su's master.

...

On his way, Li Su stopped by Wei Shi'an’s Hall of Investigation to pick up two jade carvings. Wei Shi'an had never understood what the boy was being so secretive about all day.

After adopting Wei Shi'an as his foster father, Li Su felt he shouldn't play favorites; he had to keep the scale balanced between his master and his foster father, so he had made two. This balancing act was a must to avoid trouble! He had been forced to become a master of keeping the peace.

The carving for Xi Sheng depicted their chibi-style figures: Xi Sheng was reading a book while Li Su sat cross-legged on a cushion below, listening intently.

The one for Wei Shi'an also featured their chibi figures, depicting the two of them studying the "thousand-mile eyes" (telescope) in the Hall of Investigation.

Li Su had pondered for a while before deciding to bring the hand-drawn sketches as well; he had drawn them before carving to ensure he wouldn't waste the fine jade material.

When Li Su arrived with the chests and the two small boxes, Wei Shi'an saw the weight he was carrying and sighed to himself, thinking that Xi Sheng was truly ruthless. If an ordinary student fell into his hands, he’d likely be dissatisfied even if the student studied himself to death. Only a boy like Li Su could withstand such drills.

Xi Sheng began by reviewing Li Su’s work. From his expression, one could not tell if he was satisfied or not. Wei Shi'an leaned in to take a look; Li Su had said he was suited for the imperial examinations, and that was certainly no exaggeration.

Xi Sheng finished reading in silence, while Li Su sat to the side, whispering quietly with Wei Shi'an.

"Su, come here," Xi Sheng said, looking up at him.

Li Su immediately fell silent and walked over. Wei Shi'an stopped talking as well, and the whole room became quiet. Xi Sheng was satisfied, but he did not say so. He first pointed out the problems that still existed in Li Su’s work, suggesting how certain poems and policy essays could be slightly improved.

Li Su nodded repeatedly; his master was indeed a master!

Next came the assessment, where Xi Sheng posed questions on the spot, and Li Su answered them instantly. The two exchanged thoughts, their reactions incredibly swift. Wei Shi'an’s eyes sparkled—Li Su was truly his foster son, answering everything so brilliantly.

By the time the examination ended, it was very late. Normally, Li Su would rest around midnight, but it was already past one in the morning. Wei Shi'an looked at Xi Sheng with displeasure. He only had a little time for his own studies in the Hall of Investigation, and Xi Sheng had snatched it all away the moment he arrived. How shameless!

"Very well, it is late. Go back and rest; we shall discuss the rest tomorrow." Xi Sheng was quite pleased with Li Su’s performance; the boy’s self-discipline, learning capacity, and ability to absorb new information had truly surprised him. He wondered how much longer he could even teach Li Su, as the boy’s progress was simply too rapid.

"Master, I carved this myself. It’s for you." Li Su pulled out the small box containing the chibi carving like he was presenting a treasure.

As Xi Sheng met his bright gaze, his heart couldn't help but ripple. Wei Shi'an made a sour, clicking sound from the side.

Li Su quickly took out the other box. "Foster father, you have one too, so don't be envious."

Wei Shi'an’s face lit up with joy, though he stubbornly retorted, "I am not envious." Despite his words, his hand was quick to snatch the box away. He shook the box at Xi Sheng, who looked away, refusing to lower himself to argue.

"Master, two of my good friends at the academy would like to pay their respects to you. May I bring them to meet you tomorrow?" Li Su asked.

Xi Sheng nodded slightly, though he made it clear he only taught Li Su; how much those two friends could absorb would be their own affair.

After Li Su left, Xi Sheng and Wei Shi'an didn't speak to each other, each clutching their own boxes and turning away.

When Xi Sheng returned to his room, his movements betrayed a sense of urgency, missing his usual unhurried composure. He looked at the two little jade figures—they were lifelike, with vivid expressions. Both he and Li Su looked incredibly lifelike, possessing a charming, naive quality.

Xi Sheng felt his heart soften, and a corner of his mouth curled up. This boy. He couldn't resist rubbing his finger over the head of the chibi Li Su, a smile dancing in his eyes.

Over at Wei Shi'an’s, he clumsily opened his box and took out the jade carving, his eyes wide. Was this really something a rough man like him could own?

Madam Wei’s eyes were locked onto it, filled with admiration. It was the first time she had seen a carving that was both so vivid and yet so adorable. "Is this you and little Li?"

Wei Shi'an held it, unable to put it down. "Little Li gave it to me. So that’s what he was being so mysterious about with the jade material recently!" He wanted to touch the little figure but feared his own strength might break it, so he placed it carefully on the cabinet, looking up at it every so often.

Wei Shi'an thought to himself that the Wei family should have received the "thousand-mile eyes" by now, and the letter confirming his adoption of Li Su would arrive shortly after. Once Li Su went to the capital, he would take him to the Wei family ancestral hall and introduce him to the kin.

Meanwhile, Wei Shining had received the items sent by Wei Shi'an. He opened the letter first, his eyes brightening as he read, and then excitedly pulled out the "thousand-mile eyes."