TSWPF -Chapter 230 Disbelief

The Emperor shook his head and said, “When my junior disciple left back then, he left me a letter. He told me never to send anyone to find him. He didn’t want anyone disturbing his life. When he wants to return, he will do so on his own, without anyone having to look for him.”

Back then, he was still the Crown Prince. His other brothers were all coveting the throne, and all his attention was on them. So when he read the letter left by Liu Wenjing, he respected his wishes and didn’t send anyone after him.

He never expected that his junior disciple would be gone for more than ten years—and during all those years, he never sent him a single letter.

Even after he became Emperor, sending people to look for him proved nearly impossible.

Could it be… that today, the master is crying because he misses his junior disciple?

The Emperor glanced at Mr. Luo with a peculiar look, then shook his head, dismissing the thought. His master was absolutely not the type to behave that way.

“Master, are you thinking about your junior disciple? Should I send someone to look for him, maybe even bring that rascal back to see you?”

Honestly, now that the Emperor mentioned it, he himself felt a pang of longing for that frustrating yet lovable junior disciple.

He was seven or eight years older than his junior disciple. When he studied under the master alongside him, he had truly treated him like a younger brother.

He wasn’t afraid to admit that his bond with the junior disciple was far stronger—and far more genuine—than with his half-brothers.

It was a pity that the guy refused to serve in the court, preferring to live life at his own leisure.

Such a genius, yet he could not serve the realm. The thought alone was painful.

Had he not known his junior disciple’s temperament, he would have long since forced him into government service.

Mr. Luo let out a heavy sigh, looking at the Emperor. “That boy… he will never come back to see an old man like me in this lifetime.” That rascal truly was infuriating. Leaving for so many years without even a single letter, and still daring to abandon his old master just like that.

So unfilial… absolutely unfilial.

When this old man meets him in the afterlife, he will scold him thoroughly. Let’s see if he dares to do that again!

Hearing this, the Emperor was somewhat surprised. He looked at Mr. Luo and asked if he had found the junior disciple. Had he refused to return?

Surely the junior disciple wouldn’t be afraid to come back because of what happened over ten years ago, would he?

After a long pause, Mr. Luo shook his head gently. “No.”

“Master, why don’t you just say it directly? Making me guess like this is maddening.”

Only in front of Mr. Luo did the Emperor allow himself to shed his composed demeanor. Only then would he refer to himself as “I” instead of “We” (朕).

There was no denying that his master had taught him much—not only astronomy, geography, and royal politics, but also the warmth of a father.

Even after ascending the throne, he would occasionally come out to reminisce with his master, speaking of old times and everyday matters.

Only in his master’s presence could he completely relax and be himself.

Mr. Luo drew a slow breath, suppressing his heartache before choking out, “Your junior disciple… is gone.” With that, the tears he had struggled to hold back finally streamed down.

His heart truly ached.

“Gone…?”

The Emperor froze, staring at Mr. Luo, who was now continuously crying. Was this truly what he meant by “gone”?

He clenched his fists tightly and forced out a bitter smile. “M-Master, don’t joke like that. Be careful, or the junior disciple will get angry when he finds out.” That person was cunning. Even when furious, he never showed it on his face, smiling sweetly instead. Once he turned his back, no one knew what he might do.

Mr. Luo wiped his tears forcefully and looked at the Emperor sorrowfully. “No chance… We’ll never see him frown again.”

“How did you hear this? Is it true?”

Mr. Luo rubbed his aching chest, and after recovering some composure, he said, “I met his son the day before yesterday. It was from his son that I learned the news. Had I not met his son, this old man would never have known—the rascal is… gone.” That rascal had always been a source of worry, and even now, he continued to trouble him.

“Your junior disciple has a son? He…”

“I know what you’re thinking. I can say with absolute certainty, that is truly his son. He’s practically a carbon copy of him.” Thinking of Liu Zhimou, Mr. Luo’s mood brightened a little. That grandson, though not as clever as the rascal, was still remarkable.

He would take this time to guide his grandson in literature, helping him make up for any deficiencies. He was confident that the boy would easily be among the top three in the exams.

Hearing this, the Emperor became curious about Liu Zhimou and wanted to meet him.

“Is my nephew still at the mansion?”

“I sent him home first.” Mr. Luo’s mood had calmed significantly. He glanced at the Emperor. “Don’t even think about forcing him. Until after the Spring Examination, I won’t reveal a single detail about him.”

He wanted his grandson to succeed on his own merit, not through the Emperor’s influence.

He knew the Emperor’s eldest disciple had a strong bond with the junior disciple. Now that the junior disciple was gone, the affection might shift to the grandson, and the Emperor might extend help.

Other matters were fine, but for something as important as the Spring Examination, he didn’t want the eldest disciple interfering.

“Master, I won’t eat him up. Why worry?” The Emperor was genuinely curious about his nephew, wondering if he had inherited the junior disciple’s intelligence. That brain of the junior disciple’s had always been the object of envy and admiration.

But brilliance comes with fragility. He never expected his junior disciple to leave so soon…

“Master, how did the junior disciple pass away?” He wondered if it was an assassination.

Mr. Luo said no. He had died several years ago in a plague.

The Emperor remembered that plague clearly—but he didn’t know it had also claimed his junior disciple.

“If only I had stopped him back then… maybe he wouldn’t have left so young.”

Hearing this, the Emperor felt a deep regret in his master’s heart.

Fearing Mr. Luo would grieve too much, he gently comforted him, “Master, you know your junior disciple’s nature. If he wanted to do something, you could never have stopped him.” That junior disciple was stubborner than anyone. Once he set his mind on something, he would never give up—even if he ran into a wall.

Mr. Luo nodded in agreement. “Yes… That rascal, no one could persuade him.”

Then perhaps… it was his fate.

“Master, should we tell the second disciple?”

“Tell him. After all, he’s also a junior disciple; he should know.” The three disciples were very close. If the second disciple found out, he would be deeply affected as well.

The Emperor nodded. “I’ll make sure the news reaches him swiftly when I return.” His second disciple was guarding the border; meeting in person was rare.

Still, the Emperor was glad to have such a loyal and battle-hardened minister at his side, devoted entirely to protecting the realm.

“Decide on this matter yourself,” Mr. Luo said tiredly, waving his hand. “Why have you come this time? Speak freely.”

Although the Emperor felt sorry for tiring Mr. Luo, the matter at hand troubled him greatly. He wanted to hear his master’s advice.

He quickly explained the situation and asked Mr. Luo what he should do.

Mr. Luo only said one word: wait…

“Wait…” The Emperor furrowed his brows, thinking for a while before understanding his master’s meaning. “Alright, I understand.”

“Mm. Emperor, you should return now.” Even if he occasionally visited, he should consider his own status. If something happened, what would they do?

The Emperor smiled and insisted on helping Mr. Luo back to his room. Only after ensuring he slept did he leave.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhimou, upon returning home, was asked by Li Qingling why he came back so early. Had he not seen Mr. Luo?

Liu Zhimou sat down, exhaling softly before speaking, “Earlier, I went to Mr. Luo’s residence. When I saw him, he had me play a game of chess with him. During the game, he asked about my father. I honestly told him that my father had passed away. Upon hearing this, Mr. Luo’s mood darkened. He told me to return home first and to come back tomorrow.” He had clearly seen Mr. Luo’s eyes redden in that moment. The news of his father’s death must have hit him hard.

Li Qingling hadn’t expected this. She grasped his hand firmly, smiling to comfort him. “Mr. Luo was very close to your father. Hearing the news so suddenly, he must be struggling to accept it. We should give him some time to calm down.” It must have been extremely painful for Mr. Luo, seeing someone lose a loved one so suddenly.

Liu Zhimou intertwined his fingers with hers, tilting his head to look at her. He spoke softly, “Xiao Ling, don’t walk ahead of me in the future. I… I won’t be able to bear it.” The thought of facing life alone without her was unbearable.

“Alright…” She understood his meaning and nodded decisively, soothing his restless heart.

Holding her hand tightly, Liu Zhimou smiled faintly. “But I also can’t bear seeing you sad. What should I do?” He didn’t want her to suffer.

Li Qingling rested her head gently on his shoulder, whispering, “We weren’t born the same year, month, and day, but may we die in the same year, month, and day.” That way, even in the underworld, they wouldn’t be alone.