Chapter 7, Handkerchief

Zhao Rong looked at the bustling street scene with wide-eyed curiosity; this should be considered his first outing since arriving in this world

Zhao Lingfei stood still in a blue garment, not moving at all, only bending down to support the elderly matriarch who was slightly trembling and wishing to express her gratitude

In a sharp and soft voice, the imperial edict of the Emperor of Chu was read aloud, bestowing a large number of birthday gifts upon the Zhao residence

Qian'er later told Zhao Rong in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz that it was Bai Xipa

He glanced slightly to the side, his thoughts wandering

Who knew that handkerchiefs could have such uses? ... I am still too naive ...

Zhao Lingfei has left

Having just arrived for a few days, I unexpectedly gained two rivals in love: one is a disciple in purple robes from the Purple Qi Pavilion, and the other is the current Emperor of Chu.

After the man in purple exchanged pleasantries with the old lady for a while, he raised his eyes and looked around.

Zhao Rong politely declined on the grounds of filial piety, stating that he wished to return to his hometown to visit. He had been away from his mother for many years and was also unaware of his father's well-being.

Mr. Fang once taught at the Zhao family school, and he was also Zhao Rong's tutor during his childhood

Later, when Zhao Rong turned fourteen years old, he was recommended by Mr. Fang and entered the Imperial Academy to pursue his studies.

Zhao Rong is well acquainted with everyone

In the early morning, the light rain continues.

Zhao Rong remained calm and composed, not taking it to heart

On the second day after the wedding, when Zhao Rong saw it on the marriage bed, he thought it was a cloth for wiping sweat

He was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly understood

Along with Qian'er, two attendants also left with her

However, just thinking about how that Senior Brother Ye had not figured out the nature of the "flirtation" between him and Zhao Lingfei before he left, made his smile begin to stiffen, and he felt quite pleased.

Zhao Rong used to call him Xiaobai. Like his mother, he was a servant of the fourth room, and it is said that they both came to the Duke of Jingnan's residence together with Zhao Lingfei's mother.

Later, the first emperor of the Great Chu, under the influence of the current National Master, established Confucianism as the national study. This National Master was a great Confucian scholar, reportedly from one of the seventy-two Confucian academies. He founded the Imperial Academy, widely recruiting Confucian scholars and nurturing disciples of Confucianism

Zhao Rong strolled through the tranquil corridors of the Duke's residence, holding an oiled paper umbrella

The rain beats against the banana leaves, while the swallows carry red clay in their beaks

After the rain stopped, the Confucius Temple began to come alive

Who would embroider two plump ducks on a white celebratory cloth? Well, it should be ducks, right

The old lady asked him whether he would be willing to take over some properties of the duke's residence in Qianjing, and after a pause, she smiled and added that if he found it too busy, he could also be a leisurely teacher at the Zhao family academy

In any case, Zhao Rong did not understand a single one of the long list of gift names at that time, as the tone of that official was too strange.

Brother Ye, you can no longer pretend, can you?

He extended a hand to catch some raindrops falling from the eaves, the cool rainwater awakening the drowsiness of the morning

However, what took him by surprise was that Qian'er suddenly snatched the white handkerchief from his hand, hurriedly put it away, and then looked at him with a slightly flushed face and a peculiar expression in her eyes

As soon as the words were spoken, Brother Ye suddenly turned his head and gazed at Zhao Rong from a distance, his smile gentle

Zhao Rong chuckled at himself with self-deprecation

Thinking about what happened yesterday, Zhao Rong still feels a bit embarrassed

He is preparing to visit the masters of the Guozijian today, especially his own esteemed teacher, Mr. Fang.

He folded up the paper umbrella, left Chang'an Street, and walked towards Confucius Temple

The man's gaze swept over Zhao Rong and the numerous guests without pausing, only lingering on Zhao Lingfei and Qian'er. A radiant smile gradually spread across his handsome face as he gently called out, "Junior Sister Lingfei, Junior Sister Qian'er"

Meanwhile, Zhao Rong also felt... a gaze that seemed to devour him. Following the sensation, he looked over and saw Zhao Lingfei, who had previously been cold and aloof, not even glancing at him, now staring at him with a flushed face...

Suddenly, a voice from outside the residence announced, 'The imperial decree has arrived'

Since both parties are already well aware of the situation, it would be better to be straightforward and honest.

The man, with a smile on his face, approached the old lady to convey his intentions, stating that he was representing the Ziqi Pavilion to wish the old lady a happy birthday. At the same time, he also came to celebrate the birthday of Sister Lingfei and brought two substantial gifts personally prepared by the Pavilion Master.

The former was originally the steward of the four houses, and everyone in the residence called him Uncle Kun. Later, he continuously followed Zhao Lingfei, responsible for handling miscellaneous affairs

Moreover, today is also Zhao Lingfei's birthday? Upon hearing this, he could not help but glance at Qian'er, who had been serving him snacks and food all along

The man in the purple robe still wore a warm smile, but his handsome face revealed an expression that was approximately three parts helplessness and seven parts indulgence.

At that moment, all the guests in the hall were busy kneeling to receive the imperial edict, but not everyone was doing so

This matter is likely known throughout the sect.

Following the route in his memory, he soon saw the entrance to the Imperial Academy—Jixian Gate

The name of the swordsman at the back is quite interesting, his surname is Li and his given name is Bai, Li Bai

The travelers at the Purple Qi Pavilion remained utterly still, their expressions either indifferent or mocking.

Have all three of you gathered on the same day

Zhao Lingfei replied in a flat tone, "Senior Brother Ye," while Qian'er turned her head away and ignored him, even muttering under her breath, "toad" with a slight pout.

The young girl blinked her eyes, cleared her throat lightly, and suddenly, as if to change the subject, she raised her delicate chin. Her small face was filled with pride as she said to Zhao Rong that she and her lady were now students of the Taiqing Four Mansions, especially her lady... She entered the Xiaoyao Mansion at the age of sixteen, and the master of the Ziqi Pavilion has been looking forward to her and her lady returning to the Ziqi Pavilion after graduating from the Taiqing Four Mansions...

Two interesting events occurred at the subsequent birthday banquet

Hawkers and porters hurriedly weave through the streets, while merchants and vendors call out their wares, showcasing the myriad facets of life among the common people.

Zhao Rong entered the Jixian Gate, passed through the glazed archway, and was stopped by an acquaintance along the way, who inquired about his marriage by adoption, which was inevitably followed by a round of laughter.

At that time, Zhao Rong was eating pastries while watching Brother Ye's performance with great interest, feeling that today was truly an eye-opener

During the Jingzhe season, the spring thunder startles a hundred insects, and with a spring rain, all things begin to stir

A tall old man and a sword-bearing man

After the birthday banquet of the matriarch yesterday

The streets have begun to teem with pedestrians

With a courteous farewell, he continued on his way towards the Imperial Academy

The seven individuals are dressed in the same style, but the six individuals behind are all in white clothing, while the leader is clad in purple attire

As for Zhao Rong, he has no concept of hierarchy or order, so why would he kneel? Moreover, there are so many people who do not kneel; he is not the only one. Therefore, he remains seated calmly, with Qian'er standing beside him, equally still.

You enjoy pretending, don't you

Zhao Rong stepped out of the Duke of Jingnan's residence, the rain falling lightly, gradually coming to a stop

Ah, being the husband of Zhao Lingfei is truly perilous

Yesterday, as Zhao Rong had just arrived at the main hall of the residence, he was summoned by the matriarch. At that time, Zhao Lingfei was also present, but she was turned slightly to the side, listening to Qian'er speak, without looking at him

At that moment, Zhao Rong was sitting and eating pastries. Upon hearing this, he was slightly taken aback. Isn't the Purple Qi Pavilion the most powerful celestial family in the surrounding countries? Does the Duke of Jingnan have such great influence?

The man in the purple robe appeared particularly striking, with handsome features and an extraordinary demeanor. He wore a square scarf on his head, held a folding fan in his hand, and adorned his waist with exquisite jade and a fragrant pouch

That senior brother Ye casually remarked, "It seems that after junior brother Xiang became the Emperor of Chu, he still has Lingfei junior sister on his mind"

The Guozijian building is oriented north to south, with a grand scale, extending for ten miles, and its grandeur is unprecedented

Mr. Fang, whose full name is Fang Shirui, is not originally from the Great Chu. He mentioned that his hometown was a great dynasty that exclusively revered Confucianism. He had failed the imperial examination three times and later traveled far and wide, eventually arriving in the Great Chu

Immediately following this, a large group of outsiders entered, but most of them remained outside the main hall, with only the leading eunuch in a python robe stepping into the longevity hall

Mr. Fang then went to the Imperial Academy to serve as a Doctor of the Grand School

Halfway through the banquet, a group of seven arrived, all of whom were handsome men and beautiful women, exuding remarkable grace and charm

Zhao Rong calmly set down the pastry in his hand, raised his hand to pull out a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his mouth, then raised the corners of his lips and looked up to meet his gaze