Tie Ci returned to her dormitory feeling utterly exhausted, not wanting to deal with anything in this world, only wanting to collapse and sleep.

But she was blocked at the door by Dan Ye, who insisted on asking what she had been doing to cause such a commotion earlier. The Wu dormitory was too far away—by the time he heard the news and rushed over, everyone had already dispersed.

Tie Ci rarely had such a foul mood. Her heart was chaotic, as if countless embroidery needles were threading through it, pricking and stabbing.

At a glance, she saw that Rong Wei’s bed was empty—even the bedding was gone.

Her heart jumped, and she felt her whole body sinking.

Dan Ye followed her gaze and looked back, becoming even more smug: “Ha! That guy came back today, ordered people to move his things away without a word, finally got lost…”

Tie Ci raised her eyes and stared at him.

Dan Ye still hadn’t noticed and continued gloating.

Tie Ci suddenly felt she couldn’t bear it anymore.

She raised her hand, grabbed his wrist, and swung him around.

With a whoosh, Dan Ye was sent flying a thousand miles away.

Hai Dongqing on the roof, who was grooming his feathers, screeched and dove down, catching his flying brother.

Hai Dongqing deposited the dazed Dan Ye on the roof, then turned back to charge at Tie Ci. Tie Ci sneered at the bird, but as it passed her, it suddenly veered and pounced toward the wooden box containing the kittens.

Tie Ci: “…”

Quite cunning.

The next moment, she pressed a finger on Hai Dongqing’s head and pushed the giant bird right out the door, then picked up the box and walked outside.

The Dan brothers hugged each other on the roof, watching their rarely fierce boss leave, trembling…

Tie Ci carried the box to Liuxiang Lake, whistled to signal Dan Shuang to come feed the cats. She could see that Rong Wei hadn’t fed the kittens today—Rong Rong, Yi Yi, and Rong Yi were crawling around in the box, squeaking hungrily, which made her mood even worse.

Walking to the crevice in the artificial mountain, she dragged out her hammock intending to sleep, only to discover it was wet.

Her mood grew even worse.

She lit a fire and began drying the hammock, cursing about which bastard had stolen her hammock.

What, were they out of diapers?

It was a while before Dan Shuang arrived, looking somewhat pale. Tie Ci was preoccupied with her own worries and didn’t notice.

Dan Shuang saw her drying the hammock and felt even more guilty.

That Rong Wei guy was too petty—just because she wouldn’t let him use the hammock, he threw it in the water? How would the Crown Princess sleep next?

She immediately felt very justified in having gone to hack at him.

Tie Ci said strangely: “Who had nothing better to do than mess with my hammock?”

Dan Shuang said: “Um… probably some morally corrupt thief.”

“Thieves are already morally corrupt enough, you don’t need to add more adjectives.” Tie Ci hesitated, then said: “Um, did you happen to…”

“Your Highness, I didn’t see Rong Wei.”

Tie Ci was embarrassed and angry: “I didn’t say I was asking about Rong Wei!”

Dan Shuang: “Indeed. He’s not worth your concern either. You have too many things to do. Your chosen decoy fiancé is far away in the Eastern Liao—he’s the most suitable shield. You wouldn’t waste time on irrelevant people.”

Tie Ci put down the hammock.

“You’re talking quite a lot today.”

Dan Shuang immediately shut up.

“What did you do?” Tie Ci looked at her suspiciously.

Dan Shuang pressed her lips together.

Tie Ci knew Dan Shuang—without her orders, she wouldn’t provoke people randomly. But she still thought about it and instructed: “I have my own sense of proportion in my affairs. You don’t need to worry. Also, regardless of whether Rong Wei becomes enemy or friend to us in the future, he’s a person of significance. You’re not allowed to belittle or disrespect him.”

Dan Shuang remained silent.

You can’t even bear me saying one word against him, yet he threw away your hammock.

How can the Crown Princess be so humble?

But… this attitude seems wrong somehow?

Dan Shuang vaguely sensed something ominous and dared not mention what had happened earlier.

Tie Ci wasn’t in the mood to chat with her maid either. She was tired, hungry, and dejected, and thinking of last night’s delicious tender lamb skewers, couldn’t help but sigh.

She had originally wanted to find Rong Wei to ask why he had suddenly moved away, but she was too tired. Thinking that there would be archery class during the day where she’d definitely see him, she decided to sleep first.

She slept until daybreak. When she went to class, she heard that the Crown Princess’s inspection time had been set—tomorrow. Supposedly last night at midnight, the stewards had burst into various dormitories disturbing people’s sleep, claiming to conduct surprise cleanliness inspections. They pulled out and scolded unqualified dormitories and students one by one, demanding they clean thoroughly upon returning to their rooms today. All clutter must be packed away in boxes, no smelly shoes under beds, no cups or bowls on tables, bedding must be folded neatly—everything must be clean in the dormitories and clothing. They also required everyone to change into new clothes uniformly; those without money for new clothes should go home first, because the Crown Princess disliked filth.

They also spread yellow earth on the roads, sprinkled clean water on the ground, hung colorful decorations, and set up red carpets and brocade tents all along the route for the Crown Princess’s use.

Students responsible for archery demonstrations were driven to the martial arts field, forbidden from attending classes, practicing over and over. Their horsemanship had to be not only beautiful and uniform but also arranged in patterns. One student with poor health was forcibly dragged up, then after running most of the day under the scorching sun, collapsed from heat stroke. The students immediately went to beat up Rong Wei, who was responsible for training, but were beaten into a field of salted fish by Rong Wei instead.

Then they announced that all instructors and students, regardless of when the Crown Princess arrived tomorrow, must rise early to welcome her. They also dragged all instructors to the gate to practice welcoming ceremonies.

When teachers and students protested, the stewards said helplessly that they didn’t want to trouble everyone or ruin the academy’s integrity—it was just that the Crown Princess had a difficult temperament and was hard to serve. If anything went wrong, the academy getting scolded would be fine, but punishing the teachers and students wouldn’t be good.

Great—the Crown Princess hadn’t even arrived yet and had already firmly earned countless grudges.

Tie Ci: Hehe.

Clearly, under the influence of the Xiao Family faction and various levels of stewards, the entire academy had always had an undercurrent of rejection toward the Crown Princess, but now they put on a show of eager respect.

It was also coincidental that the academy’s three top leaders had all gone to Master He’s mountain valley these past two days, probably to thoroughly investigate Lady He’s cause of death and handle subsequent matters.

Once this matter came out, the deans obviously forgot about the so-called Crown Princess inspection, since in their hearts, this shouldn’t exist—it must be a rumor.

The Mountain Dean only had people send word that no one should disturb them these few days. Academy affairs usually flowed in an orderly manner anyway, so just continue as normal.

Tie Ci had previously found it strange that there seemed to be no Xiao Family people among the academy’s leadership, but now she discovered that middle management was most crucial, since they were the ones actually implementing things. This level was almost entirely controlled by the Xiao Family. Throughout the academy, from student admission, arrangement, management, and recommendation, down to daily necessities, everything was middle management—those few leaders seemed to be sidelined.

So only now could she see the Xiao Family’s real strength in the academy, and vaguely discern the instructors’ factions.

The academy was noisy—wherever she went, she could hear people cursing the Crown Princess.

Tie Ci listened with a smile, occasionally joining in the cursing.

She had already sent Dan Shuang out of the academy to deliver messages a few days ago. Let whatever comes, come.

Remembering the message Dan Shuang had brought back from her Nine Guards leader, she smiled faintly.

Classes proceeded normally in the morning. At noon, she went to the office handling student expeditions. Sure enough, the small room was packed inside and out with people noisily wanting to register for expeditions. Shen Mi and the students he’d recruited to help were frantically busy.

Tie Ci looked at the thick stack of registers that had quickly accumulated and smiled.

She entered and told everyone: “Since you’ve come to register, you must expedition properly. I’ve reviewed this batch of registration records—you all pass directly. Everyone go back to your rooms and pack. I’ve already asked the Mountain Dean for permission—we’ll leave the academy tomorrow for expeditions down the mountain.” She took out the predetermined expedition locations and had everyone draw lots.

Everyone was somewhat surprised but thought this must also be to avoid the Crown Princess selection. After all, if they were chosen tomorrow and had to follow the puppet Crown Princess, putting aside career impact, they might even lose their lives.

They all agreed immediately.

Many people bowed to her, thanking her for the grace of early expedition approval.

Tie Ci looked at the relieved crowd with satisfaction and showed a loving smile.

Little ones, want to run?

Hehe.

The afternoon was archery class. Tie Ci hadn’t seen Rong Wei all day and felt somewhat uneasy. She arrived early at the martial arts field to wait.

Arriving at the field, she discovered Wei Xuan had arrived even earlier, carrying a food box and waiting expectantly.

Seeing Tie Ci, she smiled: “Eighteen, have some pastries.”

Tie Ci accepted the pastries and saw there was another portion in the food box, with another layer at the bottom. Seeing Wei Xuan’s careful manner holding the food box, it was probably soup.

She said casually: “Is this for Xing’er?”

But Wei Xuan smiled with pursed lips: “Xing’er already ate.”

Tie Ci immediately realized who this was for, and the pastry in her mouth suddenly didn’t taste good.

Water droplets seeped from the bottom of the food box, looking very refreshing in the summer heat.

Wei Xuan saw Tie Ci looking at the food box and said somewhat shyly: “The bottom layer has a compartment with ice inside, chilling sour plum soup… Eighteen, if you get hot during class later, you can come drink some too.”

Tie Ci remained silent.

After a long moment, she smiled slightly: “I’d better not—I won’t compete.”

Wei Xuan knew Ye Shiba had guessed, blushed and lowered her head slightly. Tie Ci gazed at her soft-lined profile, thinking with a sour heart that she probably wouldn’t know this phrase had a double meaning.

The pastry stuck in her throat. She swallowed with difficulty, not wanting to see Wei Xuan’s expectant expression anymore, and walked to the side.

Not long after, she saw Rong Wei riding up. In the sunlight, the man’s black hair flew loose, and his whole person seemed to glow.

The young ladies clustered around Wei Xuan and went forward to greet him.

Tie Ci heard someone say from afar: “Ah Xuan saved Teacher Rong last time, and now their friendship is just right. They really look well-matched.”

From a distance, Tie Ci saw Wei Xuan block Rong Wei’s horse, saying something. Rong Wei lowered his head slightly to listen.

The man like a jade tree, the woman like a delicate willow.

They really were quite well-matched.

Rong Wei suddenly raised his head, his gaze shooting over clearly and coldly. Tie Ci’s spying was discovered, but she wasn’t flustered—she openly waved at him, just like any good brother meeting another.

Rong Wei stared at her for a while, then lowered his eyelids, said something to Wei Xuan, and walked away.

Tie Ci saw he didn’t accept Wei Xuan’s pastries and felt somewhat better for some reason, but then saw Wei Xuan walking over with no dejected expression on her face. She placed the food box in front of her and said: “The teacher said that eating during class isn’t elegant. He asked you to help take these back to him—he wants to taste them carefully.”

Tie Ci stared at the food box, thinking: Is this showing off?

She amiably accepted the food box, said “good,” and watched Wei Xuan follow Rong Wei with satisfaction.

Tie Ci looked at the food box for a long moment, then suddenly opened the lid and ate the pastries in a few bites, tilted her head back, and gulped down the sour plum soup.

Take it back my ass.

Then she wiped her mouth, shoved the food box aside, and got up to attend class.

Rong Wei sat alone on his horse while students lined up in rows before him. Tie Ci chose an inconspicuous corner to stand, while Wei Xuan, as always, stood in the front row directly facing Rong Wei, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

Rong Wei didn’t avoid her gaze but showed no extra expression, looking straight ahead: “Today I’ll teach you mounted combat, which requires someone to partner with me…” His gaze swept through the crowd as Wei Xuan desperately stood on tiptoe.

Tie Ci was absent-minded, thinking about her plans after leaving the academy.

Rong Wei’s gaze passed over her face three times, but they failed to make eye contact all three times.

What is she thinking about so absent-mindedly!

His eyebrow twitched as he said coldly: “Ye Shiba.”

Tie Ci was spacing out.

“Ye Shiba!”

“Ye Shiba!!!”

It wasn’t until Dan Ye kicked her that Tie Ci reacted, directly kicked out of formation by Dan Ye’s foot: “Ah? Present. What?”

Rong Wei looked at her with a half-smile.

When he came over earlier, he had seen her talking closely with Wei Xuan, and he suddenly remembered that this Ye Shiba kid was quite close to Wei Xuan.

He hadn’t thought much of it before, but now seeing their intimate manner, he found it very displeasing.

So when Wei Xuan came to bring him pastries, he had Wei Xuan give them to Ye Shiba instead. Sure enough, this kid was dejected and wasn’t paying attention at all.

His fingers tightened on the reins.

Then he smiled and threw over a long spear: “Come here, let teacher beat you up.”

Hearing this, everyone immediately started cheering.

In Ye Shiba’s short time at the academy, his battle record was outstanding and his reputation unmatched. Everyone feared, respected, and resented him. Though people have psychology of admiring the strong, they also love seeing the strong get beaten.

Tie Ci raised her hand and caught the long spear, sneering inwardly: Are you angry I drank your sweetheart’s loving sour plum soup?

She also smiled broadly: “Then I’ll just have to take the beating.”

Rong Wei’s eyes slanted: “The way you say that makes it sound like I’m bullying you.”

Aren’t you bullying me?

One moment you’re killing for me, the next you move away without a word, and now you have this expression—as if I owe you eight million taels.

“If teacher loves and protects his students,” Tie Ci flourished her spear, “and is willing to be beaten by students, I have no objections either.”

Rong Wei smiled, leveling his spear tip at her: “Fine, come. I’ll be tender with you.”

Tie Ci drew back her spear flourish beautifully behind her back, bowed her head slightly in salute: “Thank you for the tenderness. I only hope teacher won’t regret it.”

The word “regret” was still echoing on her tongue, her head still lowered, when the long spear behind her back suddenly whistled out, chopping straight down at Rong Wei’s head.

Spear shadows filled the air, scattered leaves swirled everywhere, and the crowd’s cries crashed down like a wall.

Rong Wei raised his hand, his spear sliding across his chest like a swimming snake, and the next instant struck Tie Ci’s spear tip with a clang.

The crowd looking up closed their eyes, not knowing whether the blinding light was sunlight or sparks.

They only heard wind howling in their ears. Those nearby vaguely felt robes rushing past their faces. When they opened their eyes again, they saw Tie Ci had somehow leaped up, gripping her spear with both hands and pressing down with horizontal force. Rong Wei flicked his fingertips, and his long spear slid out of Tie Ci’s spear coverage, dancing with red tassels as it swung out deep red light circles, cold light spinning as it pressed toward Tie Ci’s chest and abdomen.

But in that instant, Tie Ci abandoned her spear, pressed both hands on Rong Wei’s shoulders for leverage, and flipped behind him, landing on his horse. Her five fingers gripped hard, trying to throw him off.

At this moment, her spear had just fallen, and she tilted her head to catch it with her shoulder.

But Rong Wei wasn’t thrown off. He raised his arm and turned his shoulder, his long spear flowing like a swimming dragon around his shoulder in a smooth trajectory, striking horizontally toward Tie Ci’s back.

These few moves between them happened in an instant—one fierce, one devious, one like an eagle, one like a snake. Everyone only saw flashes of cold light passing like meteors and chaotic moons. Spears always emerged from completely unexpected angles, completely unconventional fighting styles, dazzling and soul-stirring to watch.

But not only people were soul-stirred—so was the horse. The two fought from air to horseback, pulling at each other trying to throw the other off. On the horse’s back, people and spears spun like windmills, and several times the flashing spear tips nearly poked the horse’s eyes. Though the horse was well-trained, it couldn’t help being startled. Suddenly it neighed loudly, reared up and galloped forward madly, disappearing into the forest ahead in the blink of an eye.

Everyone: “…”

Who am I? Where am I? What happened?

…