Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Liu Yanzhi's lectures started in the early morning and lasted until the sun was high in the sky. The long course came to a temporary end, giving Zhang Jingwei some precious rest time.

Zhang Jingwei slumped in the chair with a sense of relief, muttering, "I'm so tired, I really can't go on anymore, I just want to go home and have a good sleep in bed!" As he spoke, he rubbed his sore and swollen wrists and fingers with his hands.

Qian Ming, who was standing nearby, quickly advised, "Master, please don't be in such a hurry to leave. You still have afternoon classes waiting for you."

When Zhang Jingwei heard this, he suddenly raised his head, widened his eyes and said, "What? There is still a lunch class? I'm afraid I have finished writing all the words I want to write in my next life today!" After that, he shook his hands vigorously, trying to relieve the soreness caused by holding the pen for a long time.

It's undeniable that Zhang Jingwei possesses an exceptional talent for calligraphy. His showy father, upon seeing the few words he casually scribbled at home, immediately took them to his workplace to show off like treasures. Every Chinese New Year was his family's busiest time, with neighbors and colleagues from his parents' workplace flocking to him, begging him for a painting. Even the renowned local calligraphy association invited him to join. Unfortunately, Zhang Jingwei showed no interest in these honors and opportunities, and never considered pursuing a career in calligraphy.

It was noon, and Liu Yanzhi's family had prepared lunch for them. However, Zhang Jingwei had no appetite for the sumptuous meal, and simply leaned back in his chair, dazed. Qian Ming, on the other hand, ate with gusto, devouring the feast.

Zhang Jingwei squinted at Qian Ming's wolfing down of his food and couldn't help but tease him, "Hey, look at the way you eat, are you a starving ghost reincarnated?"

Qian Mingzheng was intoxicated. When he heard Zhang Jingwei's words, he responded incoherently: "Master, you don't know, this is my first time eating student food. I feel that there is a strong fragrance of books in it!"

Zhang Jingwei couldn't help rolling his eyes and muttered, "Well, then you'd better eat more, eat as much as you can, and it would be best if you could finish all the food on the table. Maybe you can grow a few more brains!" As he spoke, he looked at Qian Ming opposite him with a slightly sarcastic look.

After hearing this, Qian Ming was stunned at first, then he showed an ecstatic expression and said loudly: "Really?! Oh, that's great, if eating these things can help you grow your brain, then I must save some more to take home for my baby son to try." After that, he specially picked up a large piece of meat and put it in the bowl, ready to pack it up and take it away.

Zhang Jingwei's eyes widened upon seeing this, his face filled with disbelief. He pointed at Qian Ming angrily and cursed, "It turns out you're not lacking in brains, but in heart!"

Just as the two were joking, Qian Ming suddenly lowered his voice and cautiously reminded: "Master, look, Lord Lu is here."

When Zhang Jingwei heard the words "Master Lu," he quickly turned to look at the door. He saw Lu Hui hurried past the door, looking so anxious that he didn't even notice the two people in the lecture hall.

Zhang Jingwei's heart moved, and he no longer cared about Qian Ming. He stood up quietly and followed Lu Hui on tiptoe.

When the two adults met, Lu Hui turned pale and shouted in a trembling voice: "The man is dead!"

Liu Yanzhi frowned and asked in confusion, "Who died that could make you so panicked?"

Lu Hui took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and said, "Li Yi! He's dead!"

When Liu Yanzhi heard the name, his expression didn't change much. Instead, he looked a little indifferent. He replied casually, "He's dead, he's already a death row inmate. Why should I make you so panicked?"

Lu Hui's eyes widened as he stared at Liu Yanzhi in disbelief. He explained anxiously, "The coroner has examined the body. His blood was flowing backwards, and he had taken strong medicine before he died. Your student insisted on bringing him back from the brink of death, but now he's dead in his cell. What are we going to do now?"

Liu Yanzhi remained calm and replied casually, "He's just a condemned man. Since he's already dead, let the guards take care of his affairs."

Lu Hui stomped his feet in anger, pointing at Liu Yanzhi and angrily scolding: "You...what's wrong with you today? Why are you so indifferent to this matter?"

Liu Yanzhi picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly, "Lord Lu, please be patient and drink some tea to moisten your throat. Don't make such a fuss. Perhaps the court will not pursue this matter too deeply this time."

Lu Hui was furious and shouted loudly: "Once the matter involves the School of Mind, the Prime Minister is like a madman!"

Liu Yanzhi put down his teacup and responded expressionlessly, "Isn't it already clearly stated in the confession? He's not a disciple of the School of Mind at all. He was only instigated by others to commit this capital crime. So, what difference does it make if he dies a day earlier or later?"

Lu Hui stared at Liu Yanzhi, his eyes filled with suspicion and dissatisfaction, and angrily accused him, "I always feel that you have been favoring your student today!"

Liu Yanzhi said calmly, "I'm just discussing the matter at hand. How can I be accused of partiality?"

Lu Hui's eyes widened in anger as he declared, "I'm truly worried that if he serves alongside you in the court, you'll be implicated in my case!" With that, Lu Hui swung his sleeves and stormed off. Zhang Jingwei, standing at the threshold, was startled and nearly discovered. Fortunately, Lu Hui was so enraged that he didn't even notice someone else hiding nearby.

Seeing Liu Yanzhi's steadfast defense of him, Zhang Jingwei was deeply moved, his eyes welling up slightly. This sincere and profound teacher-student friendship reminded him of the skinny old man, the foul-mouthed workshop director, and the master who had personally taught him how to keep his job.

As Lu Hui gradually walked further away and disappeared from sight, Liu Yanzhi sighed deeply, his calm expression instantly replaced by worry. His brows knitted tightly together, his eyes deep and solemn, as if a heavy burden weighed on his heart.

At this time, Zhang Jingwei called out cautiously and softly: "Teacher..."

Liu Yanzhi calmed down a bit, turned around and asked, "What's the matter?"

Zhang Jingwei replied in a low voice: "It's time for lunch class."

Liu Yanzhi said with some guilt, "Really? Prefect Lu asked me to discuss something, and I forgot the time. Let's go, morning class."