Murong Yi gestured to Mu Si to assign more people for investigation, then stepped forward himself, taking Tie Ci’s hand to cheerfully tour the village.

Recently the relationship between the two had been rather strange, hot and cold by turns, making their attendants uneasy. Seeing them harmonious now, thinking that returning to their old haunt had improved their moods, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The two strolled through the village, both speaking of amusing and ridiculous gossip from the past, neither mentioning their inner suspicions.

As they walked, something seemed strange. Since this village had been uninhabited for some time, why were all the small courtyards clean and tidy, with implements left outside showing no dust? Looking through windows, the beds had neatly arranged bedding, and water jars were full, as if people had been living there all along.

Could it be these people would return?

Suddenly they heard chaotic footsteps accompanied by laughter and panting, as if a large group had entered the village.

Everyone turned to see a crowd of young men and women pouring in through the village entrance, all wearing identical deep blue robes embroidered with green grass and white deer—men’s emblems embroidered on the left shoulder, women’s on the right.

The group carried book cases, and some wore swords, clearly traveling scholars. There were also several middle-aged, dignified Confucian scholars, panting as they walked at the back of the crowd.

Only the person at the very front of the group dressed differently, wearing a moon-white hemp robe that was crisp and refreshing, with a distinctive three-fold collar. The hem seemed to use Yannan’s unique smoking and dyeing technique to dye a single golden carp leaping through clouds. The moon-white hemp was originally quite plain, but set off by this golden carp, it displayed just the right amount of nobility.

However, this simple yet noble uniform was worn quite carelessly by that person—sleeves rolled up, hem lifted and casually tucked into the waist, revealing long legs in natural white trousers and somewhat worn black boots.

Tie Ci looked and smiled, thinking that Yueli Academy’s new uniform that no longer distinguished ranks indeed looked much more pleasing. If Rong Pu couldn’t continue as dean, he could probably make a living as a clothing designer.

Though she had previously seen Yueli’s new academy uniform worn properly in illustrated books, she hadn’t expected the improper way of wearing it could also be quite dashing.

She turned to look at Murong Yi, imagining how he would look in academy uniform.

Murong Yi immediately knew what she was thinking and said seriously: “I don’t like these clothes—they look pretentious no matter how you look at them.”

Tie Ci thought: Is there anything Rong Pu makes that you do like?

“Then what do you like?” she asked casually, then immediately regretted asking.

Sure enough, that big rogue immediately squinted his eyes and answered: “I like not wearing clothes. I look best without clothes.”

Tie Ci: “Hehe.”

Across from them, that fellow wearing the Yueli academy uniform all askew held up a bright little flag, waving it while shouting to the old men behind who were panting from climbing the mountain: “Distinguished teachers and students of Celu Academy, and all visiting brothers, hurry and keep up! This is Lingquan Village, where the Crown Princess and Master Rong Wei were once pursued and injured by people from Ziyang Prefecture, and recovered here!”

Following his words, another group emerged from the mountain path behind, this time much larger in number but wearing mixed clothing, obviously scholars from elsewhere who had come along the way upon hearing news to participate in the literary competition and watch the excitement.

In the blink of an eye, the small village was packed with chickens flying and dogs jumping, heads crowding together like a market day.

Tie Ci: “…”

She looked up and only then noticed that at the entrance to Master Dongde’s small courtyard, there was actually a sign hanging that read “Crown Princess’s Recovery Place.”

Tie Ci breathed a sigh of relief.

At least it didn’t say “Crown Princess’s Former Residence.”

That guide from Yueli Academy led the crowd forward, suddenly pointing at someone’s feet: “Careful, you’re stepping on an important scenic spot!”

That person jumped in alarm, stepping over a pit in the ground. The guide pointed seriously at that unremarkable pit and said solemnly: “Everyone, this is the first scenic spot upon entering Lingquan Village, called ‘Hearts in Harmony.’ It was left when the Crown Princess and Master Rong Wei entered Lingquan Village together. At that time the Crown Princess was injured and couldn’t walk well, so Master Rong carried her on his back along with a baby rescued from the fire, climbing with great difficulty all the way. His steps were heavy, so he left this deep footprint here… Come, come, please line up to visit… You two please make way, thank you very much.”

Tie Ci quietly stepped aside: “…”

Even a cow’s hoofprint could be turned into such a touching and tragic story.

What a talent indeed.

Beside her, Murong Yi obviously didn’t mind being mistakenly attributed to a cow’s hoof—this “scenic legend” portrayed his deep devotion, which satisfied him greatly.

Clearly he had forgotten that on that day he had stridden ahead confidently while the half-blind Tie Ci stumbled behind him carrying a child.

“Everyone please look here—this small courtyard is where those two first lodged. These garlic bulbs hanging on the wall were personally peeled by them… Come, don’t miss this as you pass by—garlic peeled by the Crown Princess’s own hands, ten copper coins each!”

Tie Ci: …Wasn’t it clearly Murong Yi who stole people’s garlic and oil?

She suddenly missed roasted garlic a bit.

She watched with interest as the “tour guide” energetically promoted “Crown Princess hand-peeled garlic,” and discovered something even more amazing—there were actually shy young ladies taking out silver to buy them.

Just, quite astounding.

What kind of intelligence made them believe that garlic peeled by the Crown Princess’s hands could be preserved until today, and sold in batches with never-ending supply.

Even if she had squatted in Lingquan Village peeling garlic since birth, it wouldn’t be enough.

But it didn’t matter—there were always believers. Just like what her master had said about the eternal specialties of major scenic spots—pearls and crystals—and the aunties forever enthusiastic about contributing to the KPIs of major scenic spots. Like a cycle, never-ending.

The future Emperor was very worried about the current intellectual level of academy students and the future national fortune of Great Qian.

She watched as a tall person in the Celu Academy crowd who had been frowning stood far to one side. Seeing a group of young ladies actually paying for the garlic, he simply turned around, out of sight, out of mind.

At least someone was clearheaded.

Tie Ci felt slightly comforted.

The “tour guide” noticed her expression didn’t quite fit in among the “tourists.” His eyes swept up and down her clothing, seeing the luxury hidden beneath simplicity, and enthusiastically called to her: “This brother, look at this garlic—each bulb firm, plump, purple-skinned, large. You can tell at a glance it’s the kind of good garlic only the Crown Princess could peel… Want one?”

Before Tie Ci could speak, Murong Yi beside her had already tossed out a silver ingot: “We’ll take that whole string!”

“Brother is generous! This younger brother salutes you!” That fellow bowed with a smile, and someone brought over a string of garlic.

Tie Ci looked that fellow up and down. Strangely, though he was clearly engaged in this swindling and profiteering business, his temperament and bearing didn’t seem vulgar at all—still maintaining scholarly dignity, neither servile nor overbearing.

Murong Yi beside her chuckled softly: “I’ll roast garlic for you tonight.”

Seeing her eyes light up while staring at the garlic, he knew she was craving this treat.

The “tour guide” smiled and glanced at the two, not pushing his luck to sell anything more, but led the crowd away somewhat, obviously not wanting to disturb the atmosphere between these two.

The large group bustled toward the village center, in the direction of Master Dongde’s house.

“…This courtyard is where His Highness and Master Rong stayed. Well, that finest main room, naturally—His Highness would naturally lodge in the best quarters…”

Tie Ci strolled over, rolling her eyes skyward.

Bullshit.

I never had a chance to live in the main room back then.

That shed that a female student just passed by holding her nose—that was my “imperial lodging”!

“Come, come, visit the Crown Princess’s lodging place, but no rush—there’s a peach tree in this courtyard…”

Tie Ci had already seen the peach tree, but she remembered Master Dongde’s courtyard clearly had no peach tree.

Transplanted, perhaps?

The peach tree was hung with countless red ribbons, with pink sachets hanging from the ribbons. Some newer, some older, fluttering in the wind among the green branches and leaves—actually quite beautiful.

The guide unloaded the bundle from his back and brought out a large pile of ribbons and sachets identical to those on the tree: “Come, brothers and sisters, we’ve reached Lingquan Village’s most important blessing site. Originally, the Crown Princess and Master Rong pledged their hearts under this peach tree in this courtyard, making wishes under the moon, achieving their current legendary romance. This hundred-year-old peach tree has spiritual power, and the Crown Princess has great fortune. Making wishes under this tree will naturally receive the Crown Princess’s protection, with powers to bring luck, increase blessings, benefits, and beautiful marriages…”

The crowd surged forward.

“Give me one!”

“Give me three!”

The guide’s handsome face smiled with curved eyes: “Don’t rush, don’t rush, there’s enough for everyone. Hey, don’t ask about money—how can we talk about money for such things? Whatever you wish, whatever you wish! Sincerity brings efficacy—the more sincere, the more effective!”

Ribbons and sachets waved in mid-air along with copper coins and silver. The Yueli Academy guide was submerged in an ocean of enthusiasm.

That fellow still didn’t forget to crane his neck amid the bustle and call to Tie Ci and Murong Yi: “You two want to make a wish too?”

Tie Ci was astonished.

Wait, so open-minded?

She and Murong Yi looked like two men.

Male romance wasn’t particularly prevalent in this dynasty. Two men traveling together wouldn’t make people think much—this was the first outsider to openly pair them together.

A group of female students also looked over in astonishment. They had already noticed these two’s outstanding bearing and appearance, inevitably stealing extra glances and harboring sweet dreams. How was it that good men nowadays were all trending toward internal solutions?

Murong Yi glanced at the overburdened peach tree: “Making wishes on your tree, I’m afraid even existing love would break apart.”

This annoying comment immediately drew angry glares from countless people.

That tall fellow from Celu Academy finally couldn’t bear it anymore and shouted: “Qi You, do you want Yueli Academy to have any face left!”

Tie Ci made an “oh” sound.

Yueli Academy’s newest prominent figure, Qi You, who entered after her.

She had heard Rong Pu mention him, saying this person was quite unconventional. Among students seeking education at the academy these past two years, a large portion came admiring her reputation as Crown Princess—some purely admired her achievements, some wanted the reputation of being at the same academy as the Crown Princess. But Qi You was different from all the others. Though he also claimed to come because of the Crown Princess, he had quite different views on many of her deeds.

For example, he said the Crown Princess’s actions were quite contradictory—both mature and indulgent, both respectful and unrestrained. Sometimes she considered the big picture and protected the academy and teachers’ reputations, but sometimes she acted unconventionally and broke rules. Like in the case of Grand Tutor He’s wife being framed, her handling was too roundabout and gentle, showing the image of a thoughtful heir apparent, yet she also did irregular things like stewing swans and roasting golden carp. He preferred the latter type.

From this tone, you could tell he wasn’t easy to handle. He should get along well with Murong Yi.

Indeed, meeting him exceeded his reputation.

Over there, Qi You waved dismissively: “Brother Huai’an, don’t be angry. I saved the best ribbon for you! If you’re afraid of hurting the young ladies’ feelings, you can come tie it secretly at night—I’ll keep watch for you!”

As soon as he finished speaking, more than half of those Celu Academy female students immediately turned to look at that Brother Huai’an with complex, resentful gazes.

Fang Huai’an clearly couldn’t withstand this onslaught and angrily said to Qi You, who had deflected the fire with one sentence: “Glib tongue, petty behavior—aren’t you afraid of disgracing the academy and the Crown Princess!”

Qi You laughed: “What reputation does the academy have, how noble is the Crown Princess—they have their own natural elegance. How could a mere Qi You tarnish it? Besides, face is a trivial matter. If you have the ability, let’s settle it at the literary competition!” While helping a young woman hang up a blessing ribbon: “May your wishes come true! May your wishes come true!”

A female student said with a smile: “I think Yueli’s Qi You acts with panache and has half the Crown Princess’s elegance!”

Qi You was delighted and bowed deeply: “This is high praise indeed, thank you, thank you!”

That tall Brother Huai’an was so angry he flicked his sleeves and walked away, shouting: “If that’s the case, we’ll see each other at the literary competition!”

Qi You was already submerged in the ocean of people competing for blessing ribbons, only randomly sticking out his hand to wave.

Tie Ci watched from afar and smiled: “Though it’s a bit biased to say so, I have to admit Yueli is still most to my liking.”

That one from Celu should be Fang Huai’an, Celu’s famous talent. Though upright in character, he was obviously somewhat pedantic.

But then again, the court had all types—every kind of person was needed.

Some were smooth in all directions, some dared to face difficulties, some firmly upheld principles, some sacrificed minor virtues without betraying great righteousness.

Tie Ci looked kindly at these vibrant young men and women.

All good children.

All food on her plate.