Chapter 5, Solitary Light

He appeared quite indifferent, adjusting his wide sleeves and saying: "How careless! If it weren't for the fact that today is your wedding day, I would certainly have to punish you again"

Yayoi did not have much research on the so-called treasures, but she understood what was said. This was comparing her to Fosheng, and it must have been quite lonely for Fosheng at the age of fifteen! She increasingly felt sympathy for Fosheng, absentmindedly took the box, and handed it over to Yuanxiang. However, one must always show gratitude; with a beaming smile, she said: "I feel quite embarrassed to ask Sister-in-law to part with it. Then I shall accept it, thank you, Sister-in-law!"

He is of noble birth, and his tone carries an undeniable authority. The stationmaster, being one who understands the times, looked at the pouch of money and thought for a moment before clasping his hands in a bow and saying: "In that case, gentlemen, please wait a moment while I tidy up my own place, and then I will discuss with others about arranging another room for you." He beckoned to the attendants below, "Quickly lead the gentlemen inside, and prepare good food and drink to welcome them."

The master remained silent, and naturally, she had to follow suit in her silence. Seated a few tables away were four officials dressed in ceremonial attire, their coarse and booming voices resonating throughout the entire hall whenever they spoke. Bored and restless, Miyoi strained her ears to listen to their discussions about various strange and wondrous tales from different places. When they reached the most exciting parts, it was even more interesting than Gan Bao's "Records of the Search for the Gods"

She felt a bit embarrassed and hurriedly jumped onto the bluestone slab. Unexpectedly, her foot slipped, and she stumbled greatly. In her panic, she reached out and grabbed his sleeve. He was startled as well and reflexively reached out to pull her, giving her a slight lift, which allowed her to regain her balance. Still shaken, she held onto his arm and refused to let go, murmuring, "You scared me..."

You do not understand, the imperial family is not the same as ordinary households outside. Each of my brothers has distinguished military achievements and holds themselves in high regard. Now that the sage is in power, none dare to act recklessly. When the sage passes away in the future, who will support whom? These brothers will have a fierce struggle, and in the end, when the new emperor ascends the throne, the rest will be cleaned up. He gazed at her intently, saying, "Even if I take precautions to protect myself, it is of no use; it is fate, and there is no escaping it." These brothers will have a fierce struggle, and in the end, when the new emperor ascends the throne, the rest will be cleaned up. He gazed at her intently, saying, "Even if I take precautions to protect myself, it is of no use; it is fate, and there is no escaping it."

She stood up with a sense of tragic dignity, "That is only natural! As long as the Master has use for the student, the student is willing to sacrifice everything for the Master."

He ignored her and said to Xie Zhao: "I appreciate this goodwill, but I am not yet considering marriage. I am not the one to take on the great responsibility of expanding the family. Even within the direct line, it is quite safe. With three older brothers ahead of me, when would I need to worry?" His expression was calm and unperturbed, "The sage and the empress are aware of my situation, so they do not press me. This is good; being a king alone is comfortable, why marry?"

She was clearly frightened into silence. Having lived in pampering since childhood, she had grown up smoothly until the age of fifteen, never knowing what it meant to engage in intrigue and scheming. Now, upon suddenly hearing about such a life-and-death matter, it exceeded all her imagination

Those two boys dared not say, "In Your Highness's presence, there is no place for petty individuals to fall."

"It will take another twenty miles to reach the next town. There is cold food in the lunchbox, but it is rather uninteresting to eat." He thought of an idea and said with a smile, "Aren't there chestnuts outside? Let's bring some in and roast them to eat."

They are all intelligent individuals, each understanding the unspoken rules. Daughters-in-law tend to behave this way; when a mother-in-law is dissatisfied with someone, it is never wrong to show solidarity with her in order to demonstrate closeness. Miyoi is aware of the thoughts of her sisters-in-law, and being in the middle, she finds it inconvenient to express her opinions, inevitably having to navigate the situation with both sides.

She is able to be at ease in front of him, which also brings him a subtle sense of joy. He would prefer that she not be so restrained, just as mentioned earlier, so they could converse more casually. After all, the bond between teacher and student inherently carries a degree of personal connection; in the future, to achieve success, it will ultimately rely more on personal relationships.

Indeed, everyone has their own selfish motives. A young lady who has reached the age of marriage is not someone to be entrusted lightly. It is clear that Xie Chao himself does not possess the audacity to make such a decision. He must have sought the approval of the elders in his family beforehand, and only after receiving their consent did he dare to speak to her in this manner. He cast a smiling glance at Mi Sheng, knowing that her future would be entirely in his hands. She was still unaware of their intentions, her expression one of confusion. He turned to Xie Chao and offered a bow, saying, "Setting aside our friendship, she is my disciple, and it is only right that I take care of her affairs. Rest assured, I will not fail in my responsibilities." He cast a smiling glance at Mi Sheng, knowing that her future would be entirely in his hands. She was still unaware of their intentions, her expression one of confusion. He turned to Xie Chao and offered a bow, saying, "Setting aside our friendship, she is my disciple, and it is only right that I take care of her affairs. Rest assured, I will not fail in my responsibilities."

She stood there in astonishment, pondering how merely saying a few kind words could be considered matchmaking! Moreover, since the gentleman had reached a certain age, it was only natural for him to consider marriage. She fixed her large eyes on him, eagerly asking, "Since the gentleman has already declined, why ask this?"

She choked for a moment, hurriedly shook her head, "I don't know, isn't this what I heard my brother say?" She cautiously glanced at him twice and smiled with a blushing face, "Actually, my sister is gentle and lovely, and she is quite beautiful, making her a very good candidate for marriage. I wonder if the gentleman has noticed her before? She is wearing a silver-red flower-patterned half-sleeve and is standing at the corner of the west wall."

Murong Cheng murmured, "We cannot delay any longer"

Be more careful, what are you in such a hurry for! he said, The snow has compacted into ice, if you don't walk steadily, you will have a bitter fruit to bear.

Xie Chaodao: "Are you returning to Ye City tomorrow?"

He usually despises such feminine things, but today he is interested in giving it a try. Perhaps the warm environment makes the heart soften. He takes a sip, and the water has a sweet and rich fragrance. He nods and says, "Not bad."

Three people were heading towards the flower hall. After taking two steps, Xie Zhao suddenly remembered something and hesitantly said to Murong Cheng: "I have been entrusted to inquire about a matter with His Highness. Does His Highness have any plans to marry this year?"

His words brought her a sense of peace and justification. Since childhood, she has been able to take a few sips; drinking ordinary wine feels as effortless as sipping tea. Holding the cup, she gives it a gentle shake, and the blue-and-white patterns at the bottom of the cup come to life.

Indeed, is this just making conversation? He pursed his lips, feeling that while she had many good qualities, she sometimes lacked the ability to transition smoothly in conversation. This remark thrown back at him left him momentarily speechless. He cleared his throat and said, "I have no ulterior motives, I just wanted to inform you. If anyone brings this up with you again in the future, you should dismiss it cleanly and say that it has nothing to do with you."

She was taken aback, "How could this be!"

Later, after some twists and turns, the conversation turned to King Jinyang. One person said: "Have you heard that the king was ambushed while passing through Taihang on his way to Liyang?"

The theory of Xie Chao is not understood, only the principle is grasped: "Establishing a family and pursuing a career, one can only establish a career after having a family"

"Do you not feel reluctant to part with the master, just like that chestnut?" he asked her, with a hint of seduction in his tone

Xie Chaoxiao could not be restrained, "What essence? Human essence? Be more careful, or your mother will find out and scold you!"

He never truly intended to punish them. They had been by his side since they were around ten years old, and after all these years, there was a bond akin to that of raising a dog. He waved his hand and said, "It's not that I really want to punish them; let them be for now. Later, have someone bring their meals to where they are. I am not around, so they can eat comfortably."

The messenger bent over and cleared the way ahead, while the attendants served them without regard for winter or summer until they were seated. Two individuals stood behind them. Murong Cheng turned around and said, "There are not so many rules outside; please take a seat."

He was not surprised to hear this; his marriage had been delayed until now without any resolution, and everyone around him was puzzled. This question was often asked, and he had grown accustomed to it over the years. He replied calmly, "Fate has not yet arrived; there is no use in rushing. Perhaps one day I will meet someone, and it could be settled in an instant. As for your question now, I cannot provide an answer." He then smiled and added, "Who sent you to inquire? Are you perhaps trying to play matchmaker for me?"

She looked at him sorrowfully, "The Master is a renowned sage in Daye, teaching and nurturing others, and he does not seek any disputes. How could troubles come knocking at his door?"

Just then, Mother and the sisters-in-law arrived together. Each sister-in-law congratulated her, and the wife of the Xie family smiled gently, beckoning someone to present a carved sandalwood box. Upon opening it, she found a pair of double weighing fish-shaped rose ornaments. She stepped forward and said, "You are my dear sister-in-law, unlike others who are indifferent. This is a treasured item from my dowry, something I kept for special occasions. Today, I give it to you as a token of my and your brother's affection."

Miyoi privately pondered that Tan Sheng was an honest person, and this idea must have originated from her second aunt. She was quite interested in this matter, but since she was still waiting for the right time, it was not appropriate for her to openly draw people in. Instead, she stayed close to Xie Zhao and provided annotations. When Xie Zhao mentioned "my uncle," she added, "the current Grand Governor of the Northern Circuit." When Xie Zhao said, "my cousin," she cheerfully chimed in, "the official at today's hairpin ceremony."

He went a step further, "So if I encounter difficulties, would you be willing to help me?"

Murong Cheng turned her face to look at her, "You know as well?"

It is currently dinner time, and the guests who arrived first in each room are gradually coming downstairs, causing the hall to become increasingly crowded. Their table, situated against the wall, does not attract much attention. The kitchen has prepared several small dishes, and the innkeeper personally brings over a pot of wine, stating that it is quite cold outside and that this wine is not very strong, intended to warm the gentlemen up.

Everyone was astonished, "What happened next?"

Xie Zhao sighed, "Indeed! Asking me to be a matchmaker is quite a challenge for me!"

She is very happy, though she does not know why her heart is filled to the brim. The two chestnuts resting side by side in her palm provide a sense of comfort

Murong Cheng sighed inwardly, realizing that this child was indeed too kind-hearted. She only saw the surface of a person, not understanding the ambitions of men. In her eyes, he was a person of indifference, distant from power and disputes. Yet she did not comprehend that he was born at the center of the vortex. A single step back would lead to an abyss of ten thousand fathoms.

The four individuals sighed deeply, "We were unable to bring the general down from his horse; it seems someone is destined to suffer. When has there ever been peace in this world? In times of chaos, heroes rise and fall, fighting east and west, all for the sake of establishing a nation and securing its stability; once they have firmly established their rule, it is their descendants who become busy. Busy eliminating rivals and vying for power and position."

She waved her hand repeatedly, "No, no... I wouldn't dare..."

Lady Pei felt somewhat troubled and hesitated, saying, "Staying in the Wang residence might not be appropriate, right?"

Murong Cheng said little, and discreetly tossed a bag of money to the stationmaster, "I would appreciate it if you could find a way to free up two adjacent rooms. Also, please prepare a table of dishes; we will be waiting in the hall."

Yayoi sighed softly, secretly thinking that the Master is indeed quite sentimental and meticulous in his work. With such a revered status, he still knows how to empathize with others, which is truly not easy to come by.

Thank you! Lady Xiemian patted her on the shoulder and said with a hint of mischief, "When you climb to great heights in the future, do not forget your family back home, that is all."

The two men laughed, and Xie Chaodao said: "How can you even mention 'in my lifetime'? You've only lived for how many years, and you dare to speak of a lifetime?"

She turned her face to look at the master, who appeared to be unaffected, yet there was a cloud of sorrow gathering at his brow. His fingers gripped the cup too tightly, faintly turning pale.

She has the heart of a child, busily stepping on the unshoveled snow along the path. The colorful clouds crunch underfoot, making a series of crackling sounds. Hearing him say this, she raised her eyes; there was no reason to shirk responsibility, so she could only nod and say, "Everything is at the master's discretion"

She agreed and then lifted the hem of her skirt to head towards the back garden

Murong Cheng suddenly felt in high spirits. After a moment's thought, he took a golden galloping horse from his waist and handed it to her, saying, "Today you come of age. I have nothing else to give you, so please accept this. I hope you will strive for excellence in the future. If you can become the first female chancellor to open up the world, that would certainly bring honor to your teacher."

Murong Cheng hurriedly got up to stop her, saying, "If you don't speak first, it will explode in the stove later." He rolled up his sleeves and drew out his dagger, carefully prying open the chestnuts one by one, instructing, "Mix the ash a bit, let the chestnuts nestle in to cook with the residual heat. If you throw them directly into the hot coals, I'm afraid they will be reduced to nothing before they are even cooked."

"I am not angry," he said, his tone very gentle, "I just do not want you to get involved in those messy matters, so as to avoid disturbing your peace of mind"

I believe that the Master teaching is truly commendable. "Miyoi unexpectedly interjected, "I have always held scholars in the highest regard; it is a pity for someone with such knowledge not to impart their learning to others.

Is he joking with her? Miyoi felt a sense of relief in her heart. As long as the master is happy, her days will be easier. What is that saying? A spring breeze of ten miles cannot compare to his gentle smile. She then realized that the historical records of kings who exhausted their kingdoms to win the favor of beautiful women were not mere fabrications, but indeed true. The master never smiled while walking around the academy; everyone felt anxious in his presence and dared not overstep. Now, it is good; since he has set a precedent and shown her a kind face, they should be able to coexist peacefully in the future. The master never smiled while walking around the academy; everyone felt anxious in his presence and dared not overstep. Now, it is good; since he has set a precedent and shown her a kind face, they should be able to coexist peacefully in the future

With a clear conscience, she has always spoken to him sincerely, even if she sometimes seems out of sorts. She said, "Master, upon arriving in Ye City, you still need to give lectures. Coughing like this could damage your voice. The students are pleading for the three thousand scholars! Please take care of your health, Master."

He watched her carefully close the door, rolled up his sleeves to lift the copper hanging from the red clay stove, and then used fire tongs to pick out charcoal from the nearby blue and white porcelain box. He stirred it a bit and tossed it into the half-extinguished furnace, then blew on it a couple of times. The sparks crackled and slowly ignited, casting a red glow on her face

A pile of chestnut shells had nowhere to be disposed of, so they were poured back into the furnace to be burned. She clapped her hands and let out a satisfied burp. Afraid of being laughed at, she shyly grinned and said, "You all made me eat, while the master just watched, it really is..."

In fact, discerning individuals can easily tell that there is a deep affection involved; everyone privately says that the daughter of the Fan family has her heart set on the Master. Although Fan Siyi is not in a position to intervene, he is still somewhat aware of his daughter's feelings. There is a tradition in Daye that young women who have not yet reached the age of fifteen are subject to strict rules in their households. Once they turn fifteen and are eligible for marriage, the restrictions are relaxed, and they may even seek out their own suitable partners. It is possible that the Master and the daughter of the Fan family have already formed a connection, which is why he has no thoughts of other women.

She nodded softly, "I remember. The Master said yesterday that it is not very convenient for me to stay at the academy, and that he would arrange a garden for me at the Wang residence. Once I am settled, I will write a letter home to my mother"

Only then did Yayo realize that she had changed into the robe of the academy for convenience, and now she was being mistaken for a man. However, as night was approaching and the master was unwilling to reveal their identity, she could only clasp her hands to the stationmaster and say, "Is there anywhere else I can find a place to stay? I don't mind, as long as there is a roof over my head."

She was somewhat confused, believing that the matter had nothing to do with her, and thus felt no particular disturbance in her mind. However, she was indeed a bit hungry; she had eaten a fried cake in the morning before setting out, and now it had likely been two or three hours, leaving her stomach completely empty. She glanced at him, feeling embarrassed to speak, and turned to lift the felt covering of the window to look outside. Unfortunately, the carriage was traveling across a vast plain, with not even a tea house in sight.

She shifted slightly, leaned out, and called out: "Master, come sit in the carriage." She instructed the young man at the reins to stop the carriage, then jumped down herself, saying, "Master is not feeling well; it is better to go into the carriage, it is warmer there." After speaking, she smiled and added, "The student will assist Master into the carriage."

He said that nothing concerns her, and this statement serves as a warning to her, perhaps because he is dissatisfied with her idle worries. However, for the divine beings, her concerns are not about him, but merely about the fleeting life. Yet, there is no room for evasion; the best strategy is to honestly accept the command. Therefore, Mayumi bowed slightly and said, "I will no longer participate in those topics in the future, and I do not dare to provoke the teacher's anger"

Miyoi chuckled softly, but fearing it would be inappropriate, she quickly adjusted her expression. With a skin that was neither winter nor summer, she only focused on flattering. Murong Cheng glanced at her impatiently and said, "If you don't want to sit here, go outside to look at the horses. Clean the carriage thoroughly and empty the ashes from the stove."

Miyoi listened with great interest and excitedly opened the door to call for Wuxia to hand over the cloth bag. She untied the bag's opening and poured out a bowl of contents, ready to throw it into the furnace.

She suddenly felt that the Master was a good person. Helping out a bit was better than freezing outside. After all, walking a mile is still a mile; it wouldn't be too late to get off the carriage once everything was ready. She cheerfully responded, "Alright, I'm coming right away!"

Since that is the case, you may go!" Xie Zhao said to her, "Your sister-in-law also mentioned that something happened. She wants to inform you, so you should return to the courtyard and send someone over to notify her.

The adult celebration is a grand occasion, and the gifts received are indeed numerous. As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw countless gift boxes wrapped in red silk piled high like a mountain. Mei Shou and Yuan Xiang, her personal maids, were beaming with joy as they looked at the table full of items. The lower-ranking maidservants were not allowed to enter the room, so they leaned against the windows and door frames to watch. Caught up in the excitement, no one even came to greet her when she entered.

In the summer of Yang, it is over a thousand miles to Ye City. Although this is not considered far, the wheels of a carriage cannot match the speed of horse hooves, and traveling by palanquin will inevitably consume several times more time.

The government-run post station generally accommodates messengers on official duty and some newly appointed minor officials. As they entered the courtyard, the postmaster approached to explain that due to the frequent personnel changes after the New Year, there was only one guest room left. The servants could find a way to arrange accommodations, as a bed could be set up in the firewood room to resolve the issue. However, with two distinguished guests, it was not easy to allocate the space. They could either walk another seven or eight miles to the county town or have the two gentlemen squeeze together and make do for one night.

The chestnuts are golden, with a fluffy steam carrying a sweet and glutinous fragrance, reminiscent of her sincere smile. He reached out to take some, savoring them as if they were better than any he had tasted before. Her eyes are moist and vibrant, unfamiliar with the taste of sorrow. He remained silent, lowered his head to pick two, peeled them, and placed them in the palm of her hand, "Aren't you hungry? You don't need to serve me, eat for yourself."

She nervously twisted the strands of her skirt and murmured, "Although young, one can still attain enlightenment and become extraordinary."

Murong Cheng smiled with his hands behind his back, what a pity! The important ministers in the court have already grown old, and those who will take over in the future will surely be graduates from the Imperial Academy. He has indeed cultivated many talents, and when the day comes for him to accomplish a few matters, it will undoubtedly be as easy as pie

She nodded as a matter of course, "The Master has taught me for three years; although I am a foolish student, I still have a heart of gratitude."

"What is not? What do you not dare?" He looked at her with an inquisitive expression, then lowered his eyes to smooth the folds of his robe, "In my opinion, you are ultimately different from others."

"Come and sit down," he gestured to the empty seat beside him. She moved over, still a bit hesitant. He did not mind and placed his cup on the low table. "I was just about to ask you, whose idea was it for you to come and act as a matchmaker for me?"

The young woman from the Fan family has a modest demeanor, with a delicate and refined face. During the hot season, she always wears a white silk dress with intricate patterns, paired with a pale lotus-colored pleated skirt. She sits slightly bent on a stone platform, her gaze frequently directed towards the office of the Grand Scholar, partially concealed yet exuding a unique charm.

He handed over the waist ornament, his slender fingers almost translucent in the sunlight. She was somewhat entranced; such skin, on a girl, could still be spoken of. But for a man to be so delicate, how many women must feel ashamed in comparison!

She smiled joyfully, "Occasionally having a couple of cups to change the flavor is also good." Looking around, the charcoal was added, and the tea was served. There was no reason to linger any longer, so she said, "Master, please rest; the student will be outside. If you have any instructions, just call for the student."

In March, she becomes increasingly perplexed, reflecting on how she is undoubtedly different from others. She is the only female student in the academy, and if she is treated equally, does that not signify her utter failure?

In the Academy, all are the offspring of noble families and high-ranking officials, currently in the prime of their youth, each filled with passionate fervor. Having spent a long time with them, she has also learned to be impassioned and eloquent through their influence. Although these words may be exaggerated, they sufficiently express her loyalty. He nodded in satisfaction, "It was worth my effort to teach you, very good." A glance from the corner of his eye revealed the fifteen-year-old girl beginning to show her delicate figure, with soft curves embodying the most exquisite beauty. He inexplicably blushed, momentarily taken aback, feeling quite surprised. He nodded in satisfaction, "It was worth my effort to teach you, very good." A glance from the corner of his eye revealed the fifteen-year-old girl beginning to show her delicate figure, with soft curves embodying the most exquisite beauty. He inexplicably blushed, momentarily taken aback, feeling quite surprised.

He made a sound of acknowledgment, then frowned, "Aren't you afraid of getting your shoes wet like this? It's not good for your feet to be cold either"

He discovered it, turned his face to meet her gaze. The mere distance of about a foot suddenly made her heart race. She leaned back and with a thud, crashed against the railing. He scoffed, "How could you be so foolish!" He reached over to pull her and, taking the opportunity, rubbed the back of her head.

This has turned into a bit of a blunder; seeing his expression, it does not seem like he is joking. The two of them dared not speak and could only leave in silence. Miyoi found their slumped shoulders rather pitiful, so she pleaded on their behalf, "Master, please do not punish them. They have been driving in the northwesterly wind all day, and their faces are so frozen they might crack. They haven't eaten anything, and going to clean the carriage now is truly arduous."

He nodded slightly and stood up, pausing for a moment before saying: "When we return to Ye City, you will accompany me to the Jin Yang Wangfu to visit the sick."

Murong Cheng waved his hand, "We have known each other for so many years; it would be too petty of me to fuss over such a trivial matter."

Miyoi did not think too much about it; she was the kind of person who lived for the day, focusing only on the present without concern for the future. As for marriage, it was not a pressing matter, given her young age. Her heart was somewhat empty, so there was no deep pain to feel. She lowered her head to caress the sharp edges of the pendant, the flowing mane, and the proud head; it was indeed a finely crafted ornament. However, the stone blue tassel below did not match well; for a young girl, it would be better to choose a brighter color.

That Prince Jinyang, Miy生, is known; he is the first son of Empress Tuoba and also the elder brother of the Master. He currently holds the position of Grand Chancellor and concurrently serves as the Grand Commander of the Capital. He participates in the governance of the court, enforcing strict penalties, and is destined to inherit the imperial throne in the future. Could it be that such a person would be ambushed? Is this not what the Master referred to as fratricide among brothers?

She was just about to park when he called out to her, "It's too cold outside, you should stay in the car." He turned the tea cup in his hand and asked her, "What are you afraid of? Have I ever scolded you? I often say I will punish you, but have I ever really done so? You are my student, not a servant. There are plenty of servants; you don't need to play that role. We can handle things in public, and we can also talk privately." He spoke at length, leaving her dumbfounded. He was both amused and exasperated, saying, "What does that expression mean? Don't you understand?"

His arm was stiffly suspended in mid-air, then gracefully retracted as he changed his tone to ask her: "What were you just looking at? Is there something written on my face?"

It is said that he injured his leg, but it is not a serious matter. After all, he comes from a military background and has guards on either side, so he is not easily harmed

"We will return to Ye City tomorrow," he said, with his hands behind his back. "We have been out for several days, and all the students from the Taixue have returned by the 15th. If we delay any further, it will hinder their studies."

During the Daye period, the official roads had been constructed exceptionally well, with no stones or tiles on the plains, allowing for smooth passage of wheels. Recently, at dusk, we arrived at Jiyun. The weather was also unfavorable, with sporadic rain beginning to fall, so the group decided to rest the horses early and stay at the post station.

In the era of Yayoi, a bow was made, and the way was conveyed.

The place is small, and it warms up quickly. The musk fragrance on her body was infused by the heat, rising and enveloping the entire space in an instant. She turned her face to look at him, "Master, are you thirsty? Would you like me to brew some tea for you?"

It was agreed that she would assist the master with the carriage, but fortunately, the master, being benevolent, allowed her to ride in the sedan chair while he rode on horseback. However, it was too cold, and with no sun, they were exposed to the northern wind, which bore down with immense chill, almost crushing and penetrating through. The master had already caught a chill upon his arrival, and his cough, intermittent and unresolved, had worsened in the biting cold wind, making it increasingly difficult for him to breathe. She sighed softly, observing his wide sleeves and flowing robes, resembling a celestial being, yet he remained a scholar at heart. The scholar's demeanor is refined! Even though he usually maintains a serious and inscrutable demeanor, the cold does not discriminate against one's temperament.

She was lost in thought, while Xie Zhao laughed beside her, handing the golden galloping horse into her hand, "This girl seems to be dazed; she is used to being scolded, yet now that the master is giving you something, she hesitates to accept it?" He then bowed to Murong Cheng, saying, "Today, I wish to ask His Highness for a personal favor. On this trip back to the capital, I will have to trouble His Highness with my younger sister. She has grown up now, and there are many things that are inconvenient for her, so I ask His Highness to take extra care. As for her marriage, although I do not mention it, His Highness must understand. In any case, I apologize for the trouble, and I thank His Highness in advance for your kindness."

Madam Xie Ji's eyes rolled around, and she waved her handkerchief, saying: "Being alone in Ye City, wouldn't it be worse to set up outside? It's better in the Wang residence; my own mentor is no different from my father."

Is that so? He threw a chestnut into the charcoal fire, staring intently at it, with a smile that held a deeper meaning. I was born into the Murong family; if my fortune is not good in the future, then I will probably end up like this chestnut, dying without a place to be buried.

Establishing a career? It is natural to establish one, though it is somewhat inconvenient to promote it. He half-jokingly said, "Being a teacher and living as a leisurely prince is enough for me."

She felt a bit puzzled; could it be that he intends to become a monk and remain a lifelong bachelor? However, a sage is indeed a sage, and his considerations differ from those of others. It can be said that he is profound and discerning; some matters he can grasp with just a glance. As for what Tan Sheng is thinking, she cannot fathom, but there is a director surnamed Fan in the Taixue, and his daughter is a well-known filial daughter. Regardless of whether it is the coldest days of winter or the hottest days of summer, she comes daily in a palanquin to bring meals to her father. Sometimes, when she encounters the director giving a lecture, she would rest for a while in the corner pavilion to the southeast. That corner pavilion is directly opposite her seat, and whenever she loses focus, she can always see her.

She then realized that she was in his embrace, feeling embarrassed as she looked around, afraid of being seen. She awkwardly withdrew her hand with a smile, saying, "Thank you, sir, for your rescue. If I were to fall at this moment, I would be too ashamed to face anyone."

Her voice was soft and faint, almost as if it were right beside his ear in the narrow space. He did not speak, and she understood that his silence was an acknowledgment. She busied herself taking out the tea set from the cabinet, adding a few fragrant leaves, and then pouring in boiling water. Remembering something, she opened a drawer and took out two golden-threaded jujubes to add in. When she brought it to him, her face was adorned with a shy smile, "Although this is a way of drinking for girls, the master can also give it a try. It is the best for relaxing muscles and invigorating blood, much more nourishing than those brewed teas."

He fell silent for a moment before finally leaping down from the horse's back. She hurried forward to support him, attentively lifting the soft curtain to help him into the carriage. Just as she was about to step back to lead the horse, he unexpectedly reached out and grabbed her, saying, "The fire in the stove has gone out, and I am afraid of dirtying my clothes; you come and add coal."

He was busy with his hands, and his serious demeanor was pleasing to the eye. The outside of the car was dark, and the light inside was also dim. Yayo was lost in thought, forgetting the work she was supposed to do. The two of them were almost shoulder to shoulder due to the need for collaboration, allowing her to clearly see each of his eyelashes. She couldn't help but marvel inwardly, the handsome man truly lived up to his reputation. Tsk, just look at this skin! Tsk tsk, just look at these features! She couldn't help but marvel inwardly, the handsome man truly lived up to his reputation. Tsk, just look at this skin! Tsk tsk, just look at these features!

She sighed, regrettably, the wish to have the master become her brother-in-law can no longer be fulfilled

He was sincerely relieved, but Murong Cheng cast a mocking glance at Mi Sheng. He thought to himself that his sister had not taken care of him, yet he had taken care of her even more. However, he did not speak it out loud, as it would preserve her dignity. The little girl, with her tender face, fell silent at once, feeling ashamed, and her face faintly flushed with embarrassment.

It is fortunate to have a younger sister present, "Xie Zhao said with a smile, "otherwise, it would truly be a breach of etiquette and would be quite unacceptable

Murong Cheng lowered his head to look at her. He spoke with grandiloquence, yet his body shrank back. He moved his hand that held the whip slightly and said, "It is freezing cold; are you going to help me with the cart? What if you fall ill and become a burden to me? Enough, I appreciate your filial piety, but you should return to the carriage."

Murong Cheng lifted her wide sleeves and added some to the cup in front of her, saying, "Since there is no lingering strength, you should drink a couple of sips to dispel the chill."

Yayoi, however, was rather dull. The stove crackled with sound, and she sensed that the chestnuts were ripe. She leaned down to sift through the ash outlet with a copper scoop. Hooking out a plump one, she jiggled it, enduring the heat to peel off a single kernel, then presented it with both hands, smiling, "Master, do try it."

Before she had the chance to plead for mercy, the second brother happened to walk over from the side flower gate, repeatedly cupping his hands in salute, "How could His Highness be left alone in the hall? This is a grave mistake! It was expected that His Highness would join them for the banquet, but it was only upon reaching the flower hall that we realized His Highness was not present. It is my fault for being negligent; please do not hold it against His Highness."

She felt an intense anxiety, unprecedented, while still feigning nonchalance by saying, "It doesn't hurt." As she spoke, she subtly turned her neck half a circle, attempting to evade his touch.

All the things hidden in the gray have finally been cleared out, and I counted them, there are more than twenty. Miyoi took a small box to pack them, of a similar size, and she is still sifting through them inside. It seems that people are like this; when there are too many choices, the short ones stand out among the tall. After selecting back and forth, in the end, aren't they all going to be consumed?

No matter how thick the blanket on the car is, it seems unable to ward off the chill. She tightened her black cloud leopard cloak, leaned on the hidden pouch, and pushed the door to look outside. The wind and snow had persisted for several days, with no signs of clearing. The dome above was dark and gloomy; at this moment, the snow had stopped falling, but it was feared that it would not be long before the weather changed again

Madam Pei heard that she would be leaving tomorrow morning, and her heart was filled with countless feelings of reluctance, yet there was nothing she could do. Whatever her mentor said, the student had no choice but to obey the command. She could only earnestly remind her of some daily trivial matters, and further emphasized her lifelong major event, "If there are any developments, do not keep silent; write back to inform your parents, and do not make decisions on your own. You are still young, and many things are not clear to you; it is better to discuss them with your family."

Lady Pei could only sigh, "Well, just be more mindful and avoid suffering losses in front of you."

Yayoi did not dare to raise her eyes, but the voice of the Master was like the sound of metal and stone, lingering in her ears. Her cheeks flushed, and feeling embarrassed to stay any longer, she bowed slightly and said, "Since the second brother has arrived, I shall not embarrass myself in front of you any longer. My mother called for me earlier, and I should prepare my belongings for the journey tomorrow, so I will take my leave now"

Miyoshin anxiously glanced at the Master’s expression, fearing that their lofty discussions would embarrass him. Just then, the stationmaster reported that the room was ready. Miyoshin quickly said: "After the journey, Master, it would be best for you to go up and rest early!"

"No," she stammered, "I... I noticed the master's hair... My mother said that a well-groomed appearance leads to good fortune in the future"

Miyoi stared at Xie Zhao with her big eyes and, seeing his hesitant demeanor, could not help but say: "Why does Second Brother speak half-heartedly? I ask you, is it Tan Sheng from Uncle's family?"

She did not know whether she should decline now or stand up to take the jug and serve from the side. He lowered his eyes, probably sensing her thoughts, and simply said: "Just sit, we are neither in Ye City nor in Yangxia at the moment"

Miyoi was leaning against the fence, and the hand warmer in her arms was growing cold. She always felt a draft seeping in through the joints. When she left home, her mother, just like a farmer's family, had prepared many things for her to take along. Not counting the clothes, shoes, and socks from inside to outside, there were also peanuts and chestnuts saved from the previous year. The cloth bag hung on the cart's yoke, and whenever the road was uneven, it would clatter against the wooden fence, making it impossible for her to read in peace.

Xie Chao, however, said: "What is wrong with that? Why insist on teaching people to read and pursue knowledge? It is a waste of great talent, which is quite regrettable."

Murong Cheng retreated into the car, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She was unguarded with him, perhaps never having considered the differences between men and women. Perhaps in her heart, he was an elder, someone who would not cause her harm. He leaned against the felt mat, his brows furrowing once again.