If such an elegant person had been my male favorite, he should harbor resentment, yet looking at his attitude, it seemed quite kind. Moreover, he said… a year since we met? Didn’t that mean I had seen him before my disappearance?
Seeing me standing there dumbly, Wei Qingheng smiled: “Why are you standing there stupidly? With all that commotion outside just now, don’t tell me you caused it?”
His tone really… didn’t seem like that of a minister speaking to a regent princess.
I found a nearby rosewood stool to sit on and asked: “Did I cause you trouble again?”
Wei Qingheng nodded matter-of-factly, straightforwardly: “This time, what do you need me to help you with? Might as well tell me.”
This time? So I used to often seek his help—he must be someone trustworthy. I said: “I want to investigate some matters at the Imperial Academy.”
Wei Qingheng looked at me with interest: “State affairs or private matters? I don’t take sides in private matters, but state affairs require caution.”
I was slightly surprised, then said: “It’s about Fang Yachen.”
Wei Qingheng made an “oh” sound: “Then it should be state affairs.”
I was stunned again.
Fang Yachen had been my male favorite—no matter how you looked at it, it was a private, secretive matter. How did he conclude this was state business?
Wei Qingheng lowered his eyes: “The issue between him and Han Fei should indeed be resolved.”
Eh? Could it be he knows about some past grievance between Han and Fang? Speaking of which, can I ask him directly?
Wei Qingheng said: “In that case, the Princess can temporarily stay under the name of a Guangwen Academy student. Except for Fang Yachen, the other doctors have never seen the Princess, so there’s no great problem. Director Wang, who was most disapproving of the Princess, has retired to his hometown. I’ll give instructions tomorrow that anyone who recognizes the Princess should simply ignore it. This isn’t the Princess’s first time experiencing Imperial Academy life—the room in the east wing is still kept for you. Everything as usual. How about it?”
He rattled off a comprehensive plan that left me speechless. Wei Qingheng lifted his eyelids slightly: “What?”
“Nothing, just feel like there’s nothing left for me to worry about.”
Wei Qingheng showed a trace of a smile: “However, this session’s Guangwen Academy students are all outstanding jinshi from various regions, with quite a few talented individuals. The Princess might want to pay some attention.”
I said: “Ah?” Speaking of which, is he hinting that I… could pick a few to be male favorites?
He said: “If several of them make it onto the examination lists and enter the court, they’ll be new pillars of the honest governance faction. It would be beneficial and harmless for the Princess to select and cultivate them for the Crown Prince.”
Me: “…”
Ever since becoming this princess, I’ve encountered too many bewildering situations. Now when I rarely meet a proper person, it makes me, the princess, seem like my mind is full of improper thoughts.
I went over his previous words and actions in my mind, brewing a casual tone: “Thinking about it, we haven’t seen each other for so long. What was the situation when we last met? Haha, you still remember, right?”
Wei Qingheng smiled: “That day, to make a birthday gift for the Prince Consort, the Princess studied ink wash painting with me for three months. Did the Prince Consort like it afterward?”
I said: “Ah… that, that’s natural.”
How could I have once been so thoughtful in preparing birthday gifts for the Prince Consort? This… just how much did I have to like him?
Wei Qingheng continued: “Although the Princess’s brushwork wasn’t quite solid, the artistic conception was there. It was much better than many years ago when you drew that portrait and had me help find some ‘big brother.'”
My heart jumped: “Many years ago?” Big brother?
Wei Qingheng said: “Mm, speaking of which, that painting has been kept here all along. After the Princess married, she never mentioned it again…”
“It’s here now?” I excitedly slapped the table: “Could you take it out for me to see?”
Seeing my reaction, Wei Qingheng was startled, then got up and rummaged through the scroll paintings in the ceramic jar behind the desk. Soon he picked out a roll of paper and handed it to me, smiling: “The Princess couldn’t have forgotten this painting was kept here all along, could you?”
I eagerly took it and unrolled the painting, then couldn’t help but gasp at what was depicted—
Second Update Dividing Line—
“Is this painting of a person or a ghost?”
Wei Qingheng said: “It barely counts as a person drawing a talisman.”
I looked despondently at that terrifying painting. If Big Brother really looked like this, it could only mean I was someone who greatly valued inner qualities as a child…
Wei Qingheng smiled faintly: “The Princess took this and insisted I must find this person. I even considered packing up and fleeing the capital in the middle of the night…”
I awkwardly scratched my head: “That really was hard on you.”
Wei Qingheng nodded: “Fortunately, the Princess was a good student who respected her teachers.”
He took out a student’s Confucian robe from the wardrobe and hung it on the chair back: “Rest here tonight. I need to go out and clean up your mess now. I’ll return later to stay in the adjacent room for the night. If there’s any urgent matter, you’re permitted to enter without knocking. Tomorrow, change into these clothes and you’ll officially be an Imperial Academy student.”
I bowed with my sleeves: “I obey Chancellor’s command.”
Wei Qingheng chuckled and said “You, oh you” before putting on his outer robe and leaving. Looking at his upright departing figure, I couldn’t help but sigh that this person was truly easy to get along with. His speech and conduct were proper and generous—he must be someone with great depth. Of course, I could also put down a big stone in my heart. He had indeed been a genuine princess tutor in the past. Placing the absurd notion of male favorite on him would truly be an insult.
The painting was still spread on the table. I was about to roll it up as a keepsake when I suddenly paused.
I say, why do the eyes of the person in this painting look so familiar? The more I look, the more they resemble someone…
I tilted my head and pondered for quite a while but couldn’t figure it out, so I simply tidied up, extinguished the lamp, and went to sleep.
The Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning in the current dynasty. There wasn’t a scholar under heaven who didn’t wish to attend. It governed the Imperial College, Grand Academy, Guangwen Academy, Four Liberal Arts Academy, and others. Among these, the Imperial College was most prestigious—only children and grandchildren of dukes of third rank and above could enroll. Guangwen and the Four Liberal Arts were generally talented scholars from common families around the country. If they could pass the higher examinations, they would naturally have bright official careers with unlimited prospects.
Simply put, the Imperial College and Grand Academy were full of officials’ second-generation children, while Guangwen housed commoners. There were also Law and Mathematics schools with plenty of donation students. Naturally, under these circumstances, the entire academy was full of open and covert struggles, with internal conflicts, causing trouble every few days.
Naturally, the Imperial Academy’s discipline was extremely strict.
Anyone harboring ill intentions, resisting authority, causing trouble, or violating imperial edicts would be lightly punished with fifty bamboo strikes. Slightly more serious offenses could result in military service or clerical work—anyway, once Chancellor issued an order, you could only head to those miasmatic frontier regions. However, for serious crimes, execution wasn’t unprecedented, such as insulting the princess. Well, this example is just my imagination.
Back to the main point.
When Wei Qingheng led me to Guangye Hall, the students were listening to lectures in the hall. An old doctor was holding a scroll book, wandering around the hall and speaking eloquently: “Duke Li was about to cause trouble. Xu Tong said: ‘He must first target the three Xi families—their clan is large and has many grievances. Removing large clans won’t be pressing, but having many enemies with grievances is useful.’ The Duke said: ‘Indeed.'” He seemed to be teaching the Chenggong section of the “Zuo Commentary.”
Wei Qingheng entered the hall and whispered with him for a few moments, occasionally pointing in my direction. Soon the old doctor nodded slightly and said to all the students: “Today Guangwen Academy welcomes a new tribute scholar, a juren from Jiangdu County, Yangzhou. Due to family emergencies, he couldn’t make it for the Imperial Academy selection earlier. With Chancellor’s recommendation, from now on he’ll be your fellow student. Treat him with sincerity.” After speaking, he glanced at me. I quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully: “I am Bai Yujing. I hope all fellow students will encourage and instruct each other.”
Someone joked: “Brother Bai is truly as handsome as Pan An. Now someone can no longer claim to be the Imperial Academy’s foremost talent.”
Everyone smiled knowingly and turned their heads. I followed their gaze and met Lu Lingjun’s dumbfounded expression and… dark eye circles.
Oh no, I actually forgot about this fellow. When he returned last night and didn’t find me, plus with the Imperial Academy in chaos catching assassins, he must have worried all night without sleep. Seeing me again at this time, place, and in this manner, I wonder if he’ll be scared into some problem.
Lu Lingjun was stunned repeatedly. When his expression finally relaxed, he blurted out: “Nonsense! How is he as suave and elegant as me!”
Everyone: “…”
Seems I worried for nothing.
After my self-introduction, I was about to pick a seat when the old doctor suddenly called me and asked: “Have you read the Zuo Commentary for the sixteenth and seventeenth years of Duke Cheng’s reign?”
I instinctively nodded.
He asked again: “When Duke Li caused trouble, how did Xi Zhi respond?”
I instinctively glanced at Wei Qingheng, who smiled slightly and nodded at me.
Hey, you surnamed Wei, what does your smile mean? Does it mean I should naturally be able to answer this question?
Strangely, staring at Wei Qingheng’s elegant and composed face, I suddenly felt this question was indeed familiar. From ear to heart, many scenes immediately flooded my mind.
Young me sat properly while teenage Wei Qingheng walked around me with a ruler: “Princess, I’ve already told you about this topic. How did you forget again in the blink of an eye?”
I said: “If I forgot, I forgot. What can you do about it?”
He waved the ruler: “I’ll punish you.” I spread my hands and laughed: “You wouldn’t dare.” He raised an eyebrow and forcefully brought the ruler down on my palm. I shouted: “I’ll tell Father Emperor and Mother Empress!” He said: “I didn’t actually hit the Princess.” I looked down and indeed felt no pain, asking strangely: “But I clearly felt numbness.” He said: “That’s because seeing the ruler, the Princess instinctively felt afraid, and your body also reacted accordingly with illusions.” I snatched his ruler and swung it hard at him, but saw his expression unchanged. I asked: “Why aren’t you afraid?” He pretentiously said: “This is because faith, wisdom, and courage enable people to stand.”
The memory fragment stopped abruptly. I thought for a moment and answered the old doctor: “Xi Zhi said: ‘What enables people to stand are three things: faith, wisdom, and courage. Faith means not betraying one’s lord, wisdom means not harming the people, courage means not causing rebellion. Losing these three, who would be with me? Dying with many grievances—what use would that be? If my lord truly has ministers but kills them, what would people say of my lord? If I have committed crimes, that’s for after my death. But if innocent people are killed, he will lose his people. Can he hope for peace? I await my fate.'”
The old doctor nodded slightly: “Take your seat.”
After Wei Qingheng left, the old doctor continued leisurely teaching the “Zuo’s Spring and Autumn Annals.” This half-day of class passed in a daze, mainly because I had no textbook. After class, I was wondering whether to get a set from the supervisor when someone behind me quickly caught up to greet me.
I recognized him as the student who had loudly compared me to Pan An, so I felt more favorably toward him. He said: “I’m Su Qiao from Luzhou. Though my mother is from Yangzhou. She often said Yangzhou’s soil and water nurture people, but I didn’t believe it. Seeing Brother Bai today, I know she wasn’t lying.”
Just as I was about to modestly respond, a hand reached out to block the distance between us. Lu Lingjun forcibly squeezed between us and glared at Su Qiao twice: “Bai Yujing is my person. Don’t you dare covet him.”
Su Qiao said unhappily: “We’re all fellow students. Why are you creating factions?”
Lu Lingjun huffed: “If that’s the case, go find those young masters from Imperial College and Grand Academy to be your people.” After speaking, he dragged me away quickly. I couldn’t help saying: “Brother Lu, your words are too unkind.”
Lu Lingjun shook his head repeatedly: “You don’t understand. Our Imperial Academy has excessive yang energy, causing too much heat with nowhere to vent. We should keep our distance from such people.”
I laughed heartily: “You haven’t been corrupted, have you?”
“Looking at how heroic I am, I clearly look more like someone who corrupts others…” Lu Lingjun turned his head: “Brother Bai, don’t change the subject. First answer me—what’s going on?”
I said: “Well… actually the Chancellor and I… mm… are distant relatives, and then we once shared similar hardships so… um, he took me in.”
Lu Lingjun was dubious: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
I made a sound: “You suddenly kidnapped me. I didn’t have time to explain.”
Lu Lingjun said: “Isn’t the Chancellor afraid of offending Princess because of you?”
“Didn’t you use conditions to exchange for me? The Princess probably won’t pursue it… Besides,” I crossed my arms: “I think the Chancellor actually isn’t very afraid of the Princess…”
Lu Lingjun said: “How did you come to know this?”
I waved my hand: “Let’s not discuss this. Hey, when will Doctor Fang Yachen have classes?”
Lu Lingjun thought: “He taught mathematics the day before yesterday. We’ll have to wait until the day after tomorrow at least. Why?”
I asked: “Where is he usually during other times?”
“Why ask this?”
I pushed Lu Lingjun’s back, laughing: “Take me there. I’ll explain on the way.”
Third Update—
Fang Yachen lived in the courtyard building on the south side of the Imperial Academy. It was said to originally be an idle cloud study, but later the Princess gave orders and it became his place of retreat, rarely disturbed by others.
Passing around the spirit wall to the courtyard entrance, you could see flower trellises planted with climbing ivy, and a small fish pond with floating water lilies—an exceptionally beautiful scene. Lu Lingjun said this place was called Zangya Pavilion, a name given by the Princess. Hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel my teeth ache.
Approaching closer, faint zither music drifted from inside—a rather elegant and refined tune, filling the courtyard with lofty, ethereal ambiance. I gestured for Lu Lingjun to stop and peered through the wooden railings. I saw a person with his head slightly tilted, sitting by the door, concentrating on playing the zither.
At first glance, this person had eyes like deep pools, wearing gray cloth robes, extremely plain and elegant. However, looking more carefully, I noticed an indescribable charm, a subtle feeling like scratching an itch through a boot. I sighed quietly—such allure on a man’s body, how were we women to bear it?
Fang Yachen finished one piece and began another. Lu Lingjun was about to step in when I raised my hand to stop him, indicating we should listen longer.
This melody was very familiar.
Like the “Cypress Boat” from the Book of Songs, yet also like “Unfulfilled Longing.”
Unfulfilled Longing. Wasn’t that what Han Fei played that day?
I glanced at that pear blossom burnt-tail zither—it was indeed a pair with Han Fei’s “High Mountains and Flowing Water,” from the same series. Looking at Fang Yachen’s austere face and listening to the lingering melody, I remembered long ago, also in this courtyard, when I recited: “Floating on that cypress boat, drifting with the current. Sleepless with worry, as if harboring hidden sorrow. It’s not that I lack wine to wander and roam.”
I looked at him: “Can you really bear to let go?”
He smiled faintly: “People are mostly like this. If I don’t let go, he does; if I let go, perhaps he can’t bear to. If we’re destined to part anyway, it’s better to leave some space. Even without looking back, future memories won’t be so cramped. If both people let go, that’s even better—from then on, the wind is clear and moon bright, owing each other nothing. The one keeping vigil by candlelight at night isn’t me, so my heart won’t ache.
I said: “I can fulfill your wish, but if the heart’s worry is like unwashed clothes, it’s ultimately self-deception. If your heart feels unwilling, you should ask for clear answers rather than avoiding and never meeting again.”
Fang Yachen curved his lips, his eyes bright and clear as he looked at me: “These words make me believe the Princess is truly a good person.”
Lu Lingjun waved his palm in front of me, asking softly: “What are you spacing out about?” I blinked, didn’t go into the courtyard to find Fang Yachen, but turned around and walked slowly away.
Lu Lingjun quickly stepped forward: “What’s wrong with you?”
I said: “I wanted to understand some things, but feel more confused the more I think. I need to think more.”
Lu Lingjun was completely confused: “What does that mean?”
I smiled: “Nothing.” Lu Lingjun sensibly stopped asking. We went together to get books and supplies from the supervisor. Holding an old cotton quilt, I said somewhat gloomily: “I like to sleep with half my head buried in the covers.”
Lu Lingjun sighed: “All the good stuff was taken by those Imperial College people. How could it be our turn? How about we go out and buy a new one?”
I thought it was feasible and agreed to put things down and go together. But when we reached the dormitory door, I saw a book boy had already made the bed in the room and set up a heating stove. I asked curiously: “Did the Chancellor have you come?”
The book boy shook his head: “A young master instructed me.”
I glanced at the bedding and asked: “Where is that young master?”
“He just left and shouldn’t have gone far.”
I turned around, thought for a moment, then said to Lu Lingjun: “I’ll come find you in a while.” Then I quickly ran toward the academy gate.
The distance from the dormitory to the main gate wasn’t short, but fortunately when I caught up, I could still vaguely see that person’s back. I slowed down, caught my breath, and called out: “Prince Consort!”
Song Langsheng turned around.
The road was fragrant with flowers and petals falling like colorful rain. Song Langsheng’s red official robes were covered with many flower petals, like spring night crabapples, leaning against the wind and laughing. Yet his natural temperament was cool, and though wearing gorgeous clothing, his purity was even more evident. For a moment, all the falling petals transformed into divine tranquility.
He seemed slightly surprised to see me, though his expression didn’t change much, but his aura seemed to soften a little.
I smiled: “I knew it was you who sent the bedding and pillow when I saw them. Why didn’t you say anything before leaving?”
Song Langsheng said coolly: “Isn’t the Princess now Bai Yujing? If too many people see me talking to you, how would I explain?”
I said: “Just say we’re old friends and acquaintances. It’s nothing serious.”
Song Langsheng made an “oh” sound and asked: “How much longer do you want to stay here?”
I pursed my lips: “I’ve only been here one day. Missing me already?”
Song Langsheng turned his head away, his eyebrows not moving at all: “The Crown Prince sent someone looking for the Princess. Though morning court isn’t daily, when the Princess is needed, you cannot be absent.”
I nodded: “I understand.”
Song Langsheng hesitated, then finally said: “Then take good care of yourself. I’ll go back first.” After speaking, he turned toward his carriage.
Watching his back, I suddenly raised my voice several notches: “Actually, I’m also eager to return home.”
His steps paused for an instant, then he continued walking as if nothing happened. Until he got into the carriage and gradually drove away, he never looked back once.
Fortunately, his completely red ears betrayed him.
I swayed my sleeves and walked back cheerfully.
Then when I turned the corner, Lu Lingjun’s face suddenly blocked my view. I jumped: “What are you doing?”
Lu Lingjun said mournfully: “The supervisor just came to notify us that the new Director has arrived.”
The Director position… is the second-in-command of the Imperial Academy. I shrugged: “If he’s here, he’s here.”
Lu Lingjun said regretfully: “We’re being called to assembly now. I still wanted to go out and play with you.”
I laughed: “Since the cotton quilt is taken care of and the sun is almost setting, let’s not go out. You mean now? Then let’s hurry—we’ll be punished if we’re late.”
We rushed all the way to Biyong Hall, which was already packed with people. Students from all six schools gathered together—quite a spectacular sight. I temporarily ignored the various murderous glares exchanged between different students.
Someone said: “I heard this new Director has quite a background.”
Someone else added: “Even the Chancellor gives him some respect. How could he be underestimated?”
Lu Lingjun was gazing out the window with complete satisfaction, probably still thinking about the outside world. I was just teasing him when the door creaked open. Wind whispered, and a figure entered first.
It was Wei Qingheng. When he entered, the entire scene immediately fell silent, and everyone orderly bowed their heads in respect.
So quiet.
Wei Qingheng said a few words about the new Director’s appointment matters. Following closely, a blue figure floated past.
Lu Lingjun was still lost in thought. I elbowed him, but his soul was still wandering thousands of miles away. I was too lazy to bother with him and turned back to see the new Director clearly.
He wore a simple blue Shu brocade robe, every fold showing scholarly elegance. His expression was as calm as lofty mountains to be looked up to, and everyone present couldn’t help but show reverent attitudes.
Then came his voice, as if crossing through empty valleys, saying flatly: “I am the new Director supervising academy affairs. From today, I assist the Chancellor in charge of Confucian education and training policies, overseeing Imperial College, Grand Academy, Guangwen, Four Gates, Law, Calligraphy, and Mathematics—all seven schools.”
“My surname is Nie, given name Ran.”
Author’s Note: (Well, several girls forgot who Nie Ran is!! Nie Ran is actually the scumbag from the first 2 chapters!)
This Yi Shou Zhe Tian Yi Shou Chui Di – Chapter was written very hastily. I’ll come back tonight to revise, but the content is roughly like this. I finally let Nie Ran out to compete with the Prince Consort. There are many other things, including Fang and Han’s situation, which will gradually become clear, as will the Princess’s memories—she’ll recover more and more.
Regarding the male lead, I still won’t spoil it for now. Anyway, I think most people should be satisfied with the ending.
Also, this story won’t have BL elements. If I wanted to write BL, I’d write a pure BL story rather than this mixed genre.
If everyone really finds my writing too slow, I’ll recommend another story that I’m also following. It’s by Jin, whom I’m also following:
Haven’t posted pictures in a while.
This is how I imagine Nie Ran~~~ A contradictory combination of tranquility, melancholy, deep affection, and cool detachment. However, good citizens shouldn’t love him unconditionally just because you love Xiao Gu~~ A thousand readers, a thousand Hamlets. Several readers even said he’d suit the Prince Consort role~~~ I just think this melancholy feeling is similar~~~ After all, Xiao Gu isn’t tsundere~