Chapter 16: The ‘Virtue’ of a Sage

At this moment, Li Lin furrowed his brow, somewhat puzzled.

Normally, only ‘family members’ could enter the rear courtyard of a private residence.

After all, the rear courtyard contained the female household members.

In contrast, the rear courtyard of a county yamen was a public area; with permission, entering was acceptable.

But entering someone else’s private home’s rear courtyard without invitation was inappropriate, especially if it might disturb the women.

Li Lin was about to double-check when he noticed Huang Yan had already walked far ahead. With no other option, he followed the stone path toward the rear courtyard.

Along the way, he saw several servants of the Huang family, and their gazes toward him were strange.

Soon, Li Lin reached the rear courtyard and immediately saw Huang Qi. The scholar was seated at a round bluestone table, enjoying tea.

Opposite him was a girl wearing a Qingluo skirt.

Li Lin’s appearance caught Huang Qi’s peripheral vision. He stood, clasped his hands, and smiled: “Brother Kunge, we have been waiting for you.”

Li Lin clasped his fists in return: “Brother Zijing, I apologize for visiting so hastily without a gift.”

“That cannot be said, it was I who invited you suddenly. That is my fault.” Huang Qi smiled, then gestured to the girl in the Qingluo skirt: “This is my second younger sister. I cannot tell you her personal name for now. You, like me, may just call her Second Sister.”

The words sounded intimate, causing the girl to look at Li Lin in surprise. She knew well how proud her brother could be, and yet he treated this Spirit Hunter with such regard.

This was extremely rare.

Though surprised, the Qingluo-skirt girl maintained a composed expression and performed a graceful bow: “Brother Li.”

Her tone was neither familiar nor warm, but also not cold, striking the perfect balance.

“Madam Huang.” Li Lin clasped his fists, responding in a similar manner.

Although Huang Qi instructed him to call her ‘Second Sister,’ he retained his own measure of respect.

Seeing them interact this way, Huang Qi shook his head slightly, saying, “Brother Kunge, please sit.”

Li Lin obeyed.

The girl gently moved her hands and poured him a cup of clear tea.

The tea smelled fragrant, and the cup was beautiful, semi-transparent, unadorned porcelain, yet when the tea was poured, faint floral and bird patterns emerged.

Li Lin had purchased a similar set at home before; they were quite expensive.

After thanking her, he sipped lightly and asked: “Brother Zijing, what is the reason for your invitation?”

“It is actually not a big matter.” Huang Qi spoke slowly. “Our father should have informed your Spirit Hunters not long ago. Jin City will hold a gathering regarding Spirit Hunters. Participants will gain something, and the most outstanding among them will have great opportunities.”

Li Lin smiled: “I have naturally heard of it.”

“Brother Kunge, are you not tempted?”

“I am tempted.”

“Not going to strive for it?” Huang Qi laughed: “I can help you.”

“No need.” Li Lin shook his head: “Fairness is important. Among the dozen or so Spirit Hunters in the county town, no matter how the order is arranged, it will not be my turn.”

Hearing this, Huang Qi sneered: “Fairness! If fairness truly existed, Zhao Hao would not get to participate in the gathering.”

Zhao Hao was the one whose ‘uncle is Chief Clerk of Jin City.’

The girl beside him spoke softly: “Big Brother, please watch your words.”

“It is fine; we are all family. The words will not spread.”

Li Lin appeared natural: “This is also fair. I cannot train in winter and summer for just half a year and expect to surpass the efforts of others spanning two or three generations.”

The girl raised her brow slightly, her expression somewhat surprised.

Huang Qi was momentarily stunned. After a while, he said: “Brother Kunge, your perspective is truly unusual.”

Li Lin smiled again: “I know, Brother Zijing, you intend to help me, but often, having virtue without position is troublesome.”

“Virtue without position?” Huang Qi’s expression twisted slightly: “Brother Kunge, in my view, you are also a person of remarkable bearing. If even you lack virtue for your station, then Zhao Hao would...”

Li Lin waved his hand lightly, interrupting: “Brother Zijing, in your mind, what is ‘virtue’?”

Without hesitation, Huang Qi said: “The sage once said: base everything on filial piety, supplement with benevolence, manifest with propriety; this is called virtue.”

This was indeed the concept accepted by most scholars.

Li Lin smiled: “But my elders once warned me, the sword at the sage’s waist is called ‘virtue’!”

The Huang family girl froze, seemingly trying not to laugh.

Huang Qi’s expression first showed shock, then thoughtful contemplation.

Li Lin sipped his tea quietly.

After some time, Huang Qi sighed softly, clasped his hands, and bowed: “Thank you, Brother Kunge, for enlightening me.”

“You are too polite.” Li Lin stood: “The day is not early, and I need to go to the market for some supplies, so I will not intrude further.”

“Brother Kunge may spend the night here. We can sit foot to foot and talk by candlelight.”

Li Lin shivered instinctively. Who wants to sit foot to foot with you? Ridiculous!

He quickly declined: “Recently, the roaming spirits at Shangtikou Village have been causing trouble. I must return to oversee the situation. I do not feel at ease staying away.”

Huang Qi was disappointed, but Li Lin’s reason was noble and legitimate. He could only say: “Then we shall continue our conversation next time, Brother Kunge.”

“Agreed.” Li Lin smiled and turned to leave.

Before leaving the rear courtyard, he glanced toward the small bamboo grove to the west.

A figure in red was hidden among the bamboo, but it was clear that it was a woman.

Ah... the Hu maiden seen earlier, eavesdropping.

This girl, despite being here, was not favored enough to appear openly?

Yet that did not seem correct, as the county magistrate had clearly shown her favor earlier.

These matters did not concern Li Lin. He walked briskly away, intending to buy necessary items at the market to bring back to the village.

Not long after Li Lin left, Huang Yan emerged from a wooden door in the rear courtyard.

He too had been eavesdropping.

Looking toward the bamboo grove, he said: “Come out. A girl hiding there looks absurd. If you wish to listen, sit here properly. You are the eldest daughter of the Huang family; what is there to fear?”

The golden-haired, blue-eyed girl stepped out, looking somewhat ashamed, and chose a round stool by the stone table.

Huang Yan naturally sat in the main seat.

“Ling’er, what do you think of this Patrol Hunter Li?”

“Think of him how?” Huang Ling hesitated, then pouted unhappily: “Is this some sort of matchmaking setup for me?”

The Huang father and son laughed heartily.

They did, indeed, have that intention.

Seeing her father and brother laugh, Huang Ling frowned and said: “Next time, please notify me beforehand for such matters.”

“Sigh, those are trivial matters.” Huang Yan asked: “What do you think of Patrol Hunter Li? He is already a rare suitable match in Yulin County.”