Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

55 Support Him, Arrogant

While the older General Yu and Minister Zhang left the pagoda, Zhang Shi Lan couldn't help but approach the old teacher because of Yu Huang Rong. He cupped his fists and bowed, feeling embarrassment well up inside him. "Teacher Lian." After all the years in the Academy, he knew very well that Teacher Lian didn't like it if people approached him with ulterior motives. Whatever he said now, it might make this man feel that he was one of these pesky people that were trying to take advantage of the occasion.

The teacher took a closer look at the person that had stepped up to him this time and his expression lit up with a warm smile. "Ah, if this isn't Zhang Shi Lan! How have you been for the past few years?"

Zhang Shi Lan lowered his hands, looking at the teacher in surprise. He ... remembered him? And he even seemed happy to see him?

Next to him, Yu Huang Rong straightened up. Ah, his lover was obviously the greatest! Even one of these busy Academy teachers that saw thousands of students over the years remembered him. Mn, he could truly be proud of him.

Zhang Shi Lan gave a slight smile and nodded. "I'm doing very well. Thank you, Teacher Lian."

The old teacher nodded with satisfaction. "I expected nothing less of you. Back then, you were also doing very well in your studies. You should have a good position at court by now."

Zhang Shi Lan tensed. It was to be expected that teacher Lian would think so. After all, he had taken the last exam of the Academy several years ago. Even though he hadn't been the best scholar, his results had been decent enough. Even if he couldn't become a high-ranking minister right off the bat, he should have at least gotten some kind of position and then slowly started to work his way up the ranks. Now that a few years had passed, it was to be expected for him to have gained a foothold at court.

But he hadn't. The last few years, he might've furthered his studies but he had nothing to show for. He was only a single person sitting at home, quietly reading and writing, unable to advance in any direction. If he told teacher Lian that ... What would he think of him? Certainly, he'd be disappointed. He would have to feel that all the hours spent on teaching him had been a waste and should have been put into taking care of another child. He really didn't want to see that kind of expression on his face.

Yu Huang Rong glanced at his lover and felt distraught. Obviously, Zhang Shi Lan wasn't willing to spill the beans. But if he didn't, would he ever be able to make his dream come true? Probably not. It couldn't be easy to get into the Academy and even though it wasn't fair, one needed connections. Since this old man seemed to like Zhang Shi Lan he might just be the right person to get to help them!

Yu Huang Rong pondered and finally cleared his throat, cupping his fists and bowing to the teacher. "Greetings, Teacher. Actually, Shi Lan isn't working at court."

The old teacher raised his brows at this person that dared to interrupt them and took a closer look. Apparently, this young man was slightly older than Zhang Shi Lan. He couldn't remember him from any of his courses so if he had taken part, he couldn't have been one of the good students. No wonder that he was impolite enough to interrupt their conversation like that.

Yu Huang Rong's lips twitched when he saw the old man's expression. Obviously, the teacher wasn't happy with him at all. Well, as long as he was able to help his lover, he could live with it. Anyway, he didn't need to impress this guy. He already had his own career. Since he cared about Zhang Shi Lan he should help him achieve his own. That was all that counted.

He gave a strained smile and lowered his hands. "Oh, you probably don't know me. I am Yu Huang Rong, General Yu's son. I haven't been in the capital for a long time and Zhang Shi Lan was so kind as to help me out for a bit so ... I felt I should also help him when I saw that he was looking troubled."