The two guards who had been blocking Feng Jiu’er took one look at the new arrival and immediately drew back their spears, bowing respectfully toward the man on horseback: “We pay our respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

“The Academy makes no distinction of rank — there is no need for such formalities.”

Zhan Yuheng dismounted in a single fluid motion and walked up to Feng Jiu’er: “You want to join the Military Academy? Do you know what kind of place this is?”

With people of no real consequence, Feng Jiu’er saw no need to play the fool — but in front of certain key individuals, she still had to be cautious.

After all, the black-clad men who had taken her away that night — the Empress had since claimed they were Zhan Yuheng’s people.

She still did not know whether the Empress had been lying, or whether this Crown Prince harbored some other purpose toward her. Either way, it boded nothing good.

The sharp keenness in the depths of her eyes vanished in an instant. She looked at Zhan Yuheng and said with a cheerful grin: “Everyone says the people of the Military Academy are so imposing and impressive — Jiu’er wants to become imposing and impressive too.”

Also? Was this really the same Ninth Miss from moments ago — sharp-tongued, with a cold edge lurking in her eyes?

How was it that she was now grinning like a simpleton?

Both guards were utterly dumbfounded as they stared at Feng Jiu’er, completely unable to process what they were seeing.

Zhan Yuheng looked at Feng Jiu’er’s simpering expression and let out a helpless sigh: “Jiu’er, the Military Academy is not a place for amusement. Life there is far from easy. Allow me to take you to a different institute.”

“I won’t! Jiu’er wants to stay here!” Feng Jiu’er had no intention of leaving — she had fully expected the hardships. She needed no reminders.

She pointed at the large placard inside: “I want to take part in the Longwu Army selection.”

Zhan Yuheng felt a faint heaviness settle over his heart. The Longwu Army — Ninth Imperial Uncle’s domain.

“I’m afraid you won’t have a chance of entering the Longwu Army.” What had just happened with the two guards was not something that should occur at the Imperial Academy at all.

It was easy enough to infer that someone had given prior instructions not to let Feng Jiu’er enter the Military Academy.

But the senior academic officers of the Military Academy were busy people — why would they bother themselves over the selection of a single young woman?

The one who would not allow her in was most likely Ninth Imperial Uncle himself.

“That’s right, Ninth Miss — the Longwu Army… the Longwu Army is not suited for you,” one of the guards chimed in as well.

Feng Jiu’er was a little frustrated, but she understood clearly in her heart — even if she could get through the gates today, she would not be allowed to stay.

The Longwu Army was Ninth Imperial Uncle’s force. If Ninth Imperial Uncle refused her, no one would dare take her in.

She clenched her fist, and a brief flash of bleakness crossed the depths of her eyes. That expression of loss, so pitiable, was achingly familiar.

Zhan Yuheng’s heart stirred, and he suddenly said: “If you truly wish to remain in the Military Academy, then why not come and try out for my Imperial Guard Institute?”

If she absolutely had to stay in the Military Academy, he would let her come to the Imperial Guard Institute — at least with him watching over things, no one would dare bully her.

The Imperial Guard Institute — Feng Jiu’er had no desire to go there. It was the garrison force that remained within the imperial capital, with no chance of seeing the battlefield.

It was not that she had some innate love of war. It was simply that she carried within her bones a fierce, burning passion for the battlefield. Why she loved it so, she could not have said — she simply did.

“Then… could I go register with the Longcheng Army instead?” A compromise — the Longwu Army specialized in attack, while the Longcheng Army specialized in defense.

If she could not go on campaign, at least she could still guard the city.

Zhan Yuheng suddenly felt as though a mouthful of pent-up frustration was about to surge into his chest.

She was actually rejecting him like this? Had this girl not spent her days in the past calling out for her Brother Heng?

“Jiu’er, the Imperial Guard Institute is my domain — you…”

“I know.” Feng Jiu’er could not yet find her way out of her own disappointment. She exhaled and said, resigned: “But I don’t like it.”