Chapter 6, No Plan

Miyoi felt a bit embarrassed, "I use it infrequently, I used it to prop up the table leg last time."

She reluctantly picked up the pen again. The night was as cool as water, and she stared blankly at the split pen tip for a while, her mind frozen and unable to think. The days without a charcoal brazier were hard to endure, and she began to miss the copper heater at home. If she could have one under her feet while writing, perhaps she wouldn't be so angry now.

She secretly stuck out her tongue, how presumptuous! The sage has not yet established the crown prince, yet he already acts as if he is the heir apparent. No wonder I often hear my fellow disciples say that King Cong is arrogant and self-important; what good is it to live so ostentatiously? He makes enemies everywhere, inviting pursuit. In contrast, the Master is much more grounded, a refined young gentleman in a corrupt world, respectful, diligent, and discreet, with elegance in his every move. His brilliance is concealed beneath a gentle exterior, and within the vast royal family, he stands out as a refreshing stream. In contrast, the Master is much more grounded, a refined young gentleman in a corrupt world, respectful, diligent, and discreet, with elegance in his every move. His brilliance is concealed beneath a gentle exterior, and within the vast royal family, he stands out as a refreshing stream.

She rarely goes out and is even unaware of the location of the Jinyang Wangfu. The carriage headed straight west and turned right when approaching the Jinming Gate. Peering out, she realized that they had already arrived near Jinyong City

Zai Qing still felt puzzled about the matter of punishing Mi Sheng. The two of them were seated closely together; as soon as he entered the classroom, he leaned over to peek at her. The doctor’s degree was explaining "Li Xu" above, while he was below kicking Mi Sheng's stool. When he saw that she was ignoring him, he leaned over even more to tug at her sleeve. She turned her face and glared at him fiercely, just as the lecturing doctor’s degree caught sight of it, his voice clear and resonant, "Zhang Zaiqing, Xie Msheng, if you two are going to cause trouble, get out of here so you don’t disturb others."

When Murong Cheng entered, she was biting her teeth and writing vigorously. Her slender figure was clad in a snow-white robe. Without a belt, she appeared somewhat frail and delicate. Seeing her fierce determination, he couldn't help but chuckle softly, discovering that life suddenly seemed to hold much more joy.

Yayoi was still in a daze from his earlier actions, but she quickly realized that the Master had also made a mistake. Seizing the opportunity, despite feeling flustered, she blushed and said: "I have something to say to the Master. The Master should not casually touch others' hands. Although you are an elder, there is still a distinction between men and women. Even when speaking with senior brothers, one should keep a distance. The Master does not take this into consideration, which is rather inappropriate."

The full text of "The Memorial on the Expedition" consists of one thousand five hundred and twenty-two characters. If one were to copy it ten times... Miyoi felt that this was an impossible task to accomplish

"How can we mix in one place! The half garden in the south is seldom used, and it can be separated. People are making a fuss about you; since there are female students under your tutelage, it doesn't matter if you bring in a few more. It is not easy to refuse the master, so of course, you have to agree. " Zaiqing grinned and said, "With the princess attending school, how could there be a shortage of those eligible young ladies waiting to be selected? Surely, there will be a stream of them! This is excellent; there is hope for my dull life to blossom with the prospect of studying ahead."

She was lost in her thoughts, happily getting off the car to catch up with her master. The master glanced down at her, his eyes bright and clear, like the warm sunlight in March

He chuckled quietly, "This analogy is good; you have too many troubles, so change a word, and in the future, it will be peaceful."

The next day, as they set out on their journey, the scholar was burdened with heavy thoughts. Miyoi assumed he was still grieving over the attack on King Jinyang, so she cautiously tried to console him, saying, "Do not be sad, sir. Those few people have also said that the Grand General is fine. Although he was injured in the leg, he will recover after a few days of rest."

He hummed, "Therefore, from now on, you must always be at my side. If someone attempts an assassination, you can also help to block the knife for your master."

Zai Qingzheng was unwilling to listen to his old clichés and pulled Mi Sheng out. Mi Sheng called out "hey, hey" until they stopped in front of the pavilion in the west. She shook off his hand, took a few steps back, and drew a line between them, saying, "Look, this is the boundary between Chu and Han! From today onwards, keep a distance of three and a half feet from me, otherwise do not speak to me." She whispered, "The master is going to scold."

Prince Jinyang is the first son of the sage, a prominent figure renowned both within the court and among the people. With immense power, his residence is naturally adorned with opulence. Crossing the lofty threshold, the eaves of the inner courtyard rise like the outstretched wings of a majestic eagle. Under the braced rafters, exquisite paintings are gathered, and even the base pillars at the entrance are carved with patterns of jeweled lotus flowers. Such grandeur is beyond the means of an ordinary prince, rivaling that of the imperial palace.

Pang Xiaodao, surrounded by the crowd, entered through the main gate. He gestured to the right and said: "The room ahead has a charcoal fire, and the students have prepared hot tea. Master and junior sister, please rest for a while to warm yourselves. In a moment, the students have some mundane matters to report."

As the spring season unfolds, the mat is lifted, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year has not yet faded. Everything along the street feels fresh. The shops have replaced their old signs with brand new ones, and the residences have adorned themselves with bright red couplets and horizontal banners. Coinciding with the morning market, the sounds of vendors fill the air as I walk along. There are hot foods available by the roadside, with steam baskets stacked high, reaching a height of five or six feet. Set atop large iron pots, the thick cloth ropes around the pot rims cannot contain the steam, which billows upward in clouds, enveloping half the street in a misty haze, with a hint of sweetness even carried by the breeze.

Murong Cheng asked while walking, "While I was away, has everything been well at school these past few days?"

In this regard, although he paid attention to her initially, the level of detail in his concern was likely less than half of what it is now. She cried and laughed, yet he was completely unaware. It turns out that she was heartbroken each time, and reflecting on it now is truly pitiful.

Murong Cheng frowned slightly, "Is it really that cold?" Without thinking too much, he reached out to grasp her hand, and upon contact, it was indeed icy to the bone. It then occurred to him that the woman was frail; she had been bundled up tightly during the summer in Yangxia, and upon returning to Ye City, she was in such a miserable state. Not only had she suffered from hunger and cold, but she was also trapped there and unable to move. In comparison, it was truly a great suffering.

He glanced at her and said, "Have you turned into a good person now?" He placed the stove in the middle of the room and turned back to remind her, "The newly added coal should not be moved too close to the stool; be careful of the coal gas."

Miyoi hurriedly received the order and ran to the designated place. Fortunately, it was not far, and she arrived after just a few steps. In a flurry, she took off her warm cloak and put it on. When she reached the entrance of the Taixue, the Master had not yet boarded the carriage and was standing by the gate, looking inside. Upon seeing her arrive, he turned around and climbed onto the high carriage, with a small cart waiting behind, presumably prepared for her. She quickly squeezed in, and with the sound of hooves clattering, they began to move forward.

Zai Qing grinned and said: "Are you not confident in my ability to handle things? It has been polished to a shine, I have tested it, and it is clear even when lit by a candle. However, it was quite disappointing when I first delivered it; the shop owner was very disdainful. He asked me if I had fallen into brine, wondering how it could be in such a state!"

Miyoi jumped out of the car first, holding the corner of her robe, and turned to assist the master, who descended from the footboard with an expressionless face. His air of self-importance and his lofty status remained perfectly in harmony.

She was filled with resentment, her anger soaring to the heavens! The more she copied, the more aggrieved she felt, the more frustrated she became. She slammed her pen down on the ground and stomped her feet, exclaiming, "I've had enough!" This act indeed brought her a moment of relief, but as soon as she settled down, she immediately felt regret. She could not imagine the consequences of opposing the Master. Would the repercussions be a hundred times worse than this? What if, in a fit of rage, she was made to copy the "Biography of Ban Chao"? Wouldn't that mean the end of her little life? She could not imagine the consequences of opposing the Master. Would the repercussions be a hundred times worse than this? What if, in a fit of rage, she was made to copy the "Biography of Ban Chao"? Wouldn't that mean the end of her little life?

Speaking of this touches upon her sore spot; she should now keep a close eye on the princes of Daye. However, all of the master's brothers are married, so whom could she marry? Moreover, it would not be appropriate for her to be on equal footing with the master, as it would be utterly outrageous

Yayoi, with her neck drawn in, loosened the knot, puzzled by how the master had changed from before. He was not like this when teaching; it was not this bad.

He leaned comfortably against the railing, the gray fur collar supporting a beautiful face, with a sly smile at the corners of his mouth. "How much unknown song and dance can there be? The palace kitchen is diminished for a slender waist. From now on, I shall call you slender waist."

Are you implying that you find King Jinyang too old? Murong Cheng smiled and said, "Do you have so many requirements for a son-in-law? No fat ones, no old ones, so what exactly do you want? A graceful young man of seventeen or eighteen?"

Murong Cheng raised an eyebrow, "I only asked if you think highly of someone like me, with no other intentions. What are you thinking in your mind?" He propped his chin with one hand and seemingly casually shot her a glance, "Could it be that you truly have feelings for me?"

This incompetent disciple! Just instructed him, and he has already forgotten it completely! He frowned at her, "Xie Miying, go back and copy 'The Memorial on the Expedition' ten times, and submit it to me first thing tomorrow morning"

Just as she was about to nod, she noticed him gently grasping her fingertips, only to release them immediately. She was momentarily taken aback, as if it were an illusion—distinctly clear, yet somewhat inexplicable. She curled her fingers, her wide sleeves brushing against her sides like waves. When she raised her eyes again, he was already gradually walking away, accompanied by the household servants from the royal residence.

He remained silent, slowly retreating into the armchair. The ribbons on both sides of his temples hung low, complementing the snow-white robe, which was strikingly red.

She was lost in thought when he suddenly called out "Xiao Yao." She turned her face in surprise; the Master had never called her by her childhood name, especially since she now had a courtesy name. Even if he were to call her "Wu Jiu," it would be more appropriate than "Xiao Yao"! However, despite her inner complaints, she did not dare to correct him, emboldened as she was by the heart of a bear and the courage of a leopard. Submissively, she replied, "What instructions do you have, Master?"

Zai Qing let out a sound of surprise, "A girl like you is truly rare!" He then looked her up and down, "So what do you need a mirror for now? Are you planning to style your hair into a stunning phoenix crown or something?"

Miyoi shrank her neck upon hearing this, and Nono said: "I remember, thank you for the reminder, elder brother"

Miyoi couldn't help but smile as she recalled a saying. It goes that things belong to others are good, while children belong to oneself are even better. This metaphor may not be entirely fitting in her case, but it conveys a similar sentiment. She believed that her husband was the best, not just among the Murong clan, but even throughout the entire Great Ye, one could hardly find another like him. Of course, if he could be a bit more affectionate towards her, it would be even more impeccable.

She is the least able to withstand provocation. Upon hearing his words, she immediately stood up with righteous indignation, clenched her fists, and declared: "As a student, I am wholeheartedly loyal... I will face the blade head-on; how could Xie Mishing be someone who fears for her life!"

She did not appear as anxious and fearful as he had anticipated; she did not even pause in her writing and, in a hoarse voice, said: "Thank you, Master, the student is not hungry and cannot eat for the time being"

Pang Xiao was momentarily taken aback, casting a peculiar glance at him, and did not dare to say much, merely acknowledging the command with a nod.

"I have no desire to concern myself with these messy matters!" Miya despised him, "Isn't the master's beloved concubine the little mistress? Why are you asking so many questions? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Pang Xiao glanced at her again, truly a half-grown child! Though her stature is not small, her mind has yet to fully mature. When one calls her foolish, she is actually quite clever, possessing a crystal-clear heart and mind when it comes to significant matters; yet when one calls her smart, there are times when her intellect falls short, often leaving her confused and unable to discern things clearly. He privately sighed, realizing that her experiences are still too shallow, and to bear great responsibilities, she will likely need the careful guidance of a wise teacher.

Yayoi followed Pang Xiao into the official office. The master had just returned from the court, dressed in a scarlet robe with a golden belt, which further accentuated his handsome and refined appearance. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back in front of several stone tablets, which were smeared with muddy filth, and lowered his head to observe them for a while. He then turned to instruct his subordinate, Yan Wusi, saying, "Leave it for now, don't clean it up. We'll discuss it when I return." He casually glanced at her and added, "Are you going out like this? It's very cold outside; go back and get a cloak. I'll wait for you at the door, so hurry up." He stood with his hands clasped behind his back in front of several stone tablets, which were smeared with muddy filth, and lowered his head to observe them for a while. He then turned to instruct his subordinate, Yan Wusi, saying, "Leave it for now, don't clean it up. We'll discuss it when I return." He casually glanced at her and added, "Are you going out like this? It's very cold outside; go back and get a cloak. I'll wait for you at the door, so hurry up."

Murong Cheng, feeling impatient, furrowed his brows and said: "It's just a joke, why are you taking it so seriously! It's getting late, let's settle down soon!"

He said: "The tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not cease. Now it is my elder brother, I do not know how long it will be before it is my turn."

Yayoi suddenly trembled, her heart racing, secretly thinking that the teacher's joke was a bit too much. As a young girl, she truly could not withstand such teasing! Not knowing what to say, she rubbed her hands together and forced a smile, saying, "Teacher, please do not jest with your student; you are a dragon among men, and I dare not aspire to such heights."

Yayoi, filled with sorrow, retorted: "The teacher's punishment is justified, and the student does not dare to feel wronged. The teacher said in the past, in fact, I cried every time I was punished, but the teacher simply did not see it."

She stammered a bit, hurriedly denying, "I didn't say that; it was the master who said it himself"

The Master has a favored disciple named Pang Xiao, who is the most senior among all the inner disciples. He led everyone in a loud call of "May the Master be well," and then smiled, saying, "These past few days have seen heavy wind and snow, and the Master must have had a hard journey. The students calculated the time, and to their surprise, they guessed correctly; indeed, the Master has arrived today"

Pang Xiao lowered his eyes and pondered for a long time, his Jiaozhou accent becoming increasingly pronounced. "In my humble opinion as a student, among the four legitimate princes, the Second Prince is timid and weak, while the Master is indifferent to fame and fortune. Now that the Grand General has been attacked, it is likely that the one most adversely affected will be His Highness the Sixth Prince"

"You have quite the temper," he sighed. "Everyone in the world who reads has come from this point, haven't they? If one were disciplined, this situation would not have arisen. Do you still remember what I said to you at the Zongsheng Temple? You agreed quite readily at the time, yet upon returning, you forgot it completely."

Miyoi understood that Brother Pang was considering her feelings, and he only scolded Zaiqing. Feeling embarrassed, she blushed and softly pleaded, "Elder brother, please do not tell the teacher. We know we were wrong and will not dare to do it again next time"

"Call it no blame." She smiled and asked, "Have I gotten my mirror back?"

Yayoi rolled her eyes and said, "What do you want with me? What does it have to do with me?"

Zai Qing waved his hand and said, "What nonsense! Is the teacher's wife something that anyone can be? Concubines are merely playthings; I find those glamorous names amusing. I do not know if being placed alongside you can overshadow the order of things."

She choked a bit and buried her head in the rice paper. This could be considered a small act of revenge, right! Anyway, it doesn't matter; at worst, she would just be punished with extra copying. A multitude of lice does not itch; when the time comes and she cannot finish, the teacher surely wouldn't beat her!

The Master brushed his sleeves and left, while Mi Rong turned around respectfully to see him off. Once he had walked far away, she finally put her hands in her pockets and cradled her face. Her hands were burning hot, and she laughed at herself in self-mockery, realizing that her foolishness must have been evident to him. This was not the worst of it; if the Master truly intended to betroth her to Prince Jinyang, it would be a disaster for her. A man in his thirties, nearly the same age as her father. She wanted to marry someone she truly loved, not to find another father figure to control her! A man in his thirties, nearly the same age as her father. She wanted to marry someone she truly loved, not to find another father figure to control her!

He looked at her and sighed deeply, "I am only afraid of being reluctant to part... You should take care of yourself, it is far more important than enduring the knife for my sake"

It is evident that you are a person who speaks sweetly but harbors malice. Earlier, you claimed you would sacrifice everything for me, yet now you are retreating?" He sneered with a sidelong glance, "My well-taught student, while you may not have learned other skills, you certainly excel in using grandiloquent phrases.

Yayoi quietly lagged behind a bit, feeling secretly pleased. Indeed, things were different upon returning; the master was usually busy, and how could he do without the diligent senior brother by his side? Since there was someone to attend to him, it was likely that she had nothing to do, and she was delighted to be carefree. Just as she was pondering this, someone nudged her shoulder. Turning her face to look, it was Senior Brother Zaiqing, who usually walked quite closely with her.

The fire in the copper stove was burning brightly, and she squatted there, scooping up a full embrace of the flames, already feeling content. She murmured, "I can manage, just a crack in the window will do before sleeping." Then she recalled that the master had mentioned going to the Jin Yang Wangfu this morning, so she asked, "Master, when exactly are you going to visit the Grand General, and did you invite the student to go along?"

At this moment, she lifted her head and looked at him, her large eyes quickly gathering mist. He did not expect her to cry, and was instantly taken aback, "What? You've grown up, yet you still cry like a baby?"

I see you haven't had dinner," he said, placing the lid-covered bowl beside her. "First, have the soup.

He suddenly sighed, inexplicably taking a big step back. "I said to eat something, aren't you cold? Eating will warm you up a bit." He glanced at the stacked white papers, picked one up and casually set it aside. "Forget it, I've copied enough already."

Seeing that she did not respond, Zaiqing shook his head to himself, "Just by looking at you, I can tell you haven't. If you were engaged, you probably wouldn't have come back. Look at Mrs. Fan, every step she takes exudes charm." He shifted his gaze to her, "Now take a look at yourself, you don't have the slightest idea how to win a man's heart."

Murong Cheng simply stopped in his tracks, and as soon as he did, everyone around him came to a halt as well. Each person was confused, their faces displaying a complete lack of understanding.

It is essential to make her remember a few things, he steeled himself and stepped into the warm room. Behind him were his disciples, the sound of their shoes echoing and amplifying in the sealed space. He took his seat at the main position, and the doctors from the official academy came to pay their respects, a jumble of polite phrases that he brushed off with a smile. Pang Xiao had followed him for many years and was quite perceptive; after a moment, he said: "Master is weary, esteemed teachers and fellow students, please take your leave for now! Allow Master to rest for a while; I will attend to matters here."

Murong Cheng did not respond directly, only offering a faint smile. After a while, she stood up and walked to the window, adopting a more accommodating tone. "You should arrange for a room in my office. Now that Miyu has reached the age of maturity, it is no longer appropriate for her to mingle with her fellow students. From now on, aside from the teacher's instruction, all other activities should be conducted in a private room. I am sometimes busy and cannot attend to everything; you are her senior brother, so please guide her more. Although she is fifteen, she is still quite young. If she becomes stubborn or forgets something, please speak to her kindly and do not scold her."

She nodded repeatedly, "Thank you, big brother!"

Yayoi glared at him fiercely, "You secretly admire someone, so naturally everything about them is wonderful! Who says I lack charm? Now that I am wearing the same robe as you, how can I showcase my graceful demeanor? Your understanding is shallow, and your studies have gone to the dogs!"

Zai nodded slightly, half of his butt resting on the stone tablet, "There are people in the court who have submitted a memorial, stating that the current Da Ye is different from the previous dynasty. The imperial women are also of noble lineage, and the princesses are raised in the inner palace to engage in needlework, making them no different from common women. They should be studying at the Taixue, and since the Master is the head of the Taixue and also the brother of the princesses, establishing a women's school would be as easy as pie."

Zai Qing sluggishly uttered, "Have you gotten engaged on this trip back?"

She spoke without fear of being laughed at, looking at the Four Treasures of the Study on the desk, her front collar soaked with tears. However, after crying, there was no other choice but to decide to burn the midnight oil. The master would be expecting it by morning, and if she did not finish copying, she could only imagine what kind of punishment would follow

She made a sound of acknowledgment, still maintaining that posture. The crackling sound of charcoal came from the stove, casting a red glow that illuminated her face, bright and soft, imbued with an indescribable beauty. A sense of desolation surged within him, "A slender waist, the Grand General is the legitimate eldest son, destined to inherit the throne in the future, do you know this?"

Ignoring her, with his small eyes sparkling with brilliance, he said, "You do not understand, what is the background of the Master? Let alone twenty-five, even at fifty-two, he would not lack for women seeking his affection! Ah, I heard that you are going to stay in the residence of the King of Leiling? Is it the Master's intention? Is he worried that it would be inconvenient for you to stay at the Academy?"

I had thought that the Master was resting at the official residence, but unexpectedly, he returned after taking a stroll outside. This time was different; he personally carried a bronze stove. He comes from an extremely noble background and has never done any rough work. Dressed in brocade and adorned with jade, his appearance seemed somewhat mismatched with the act of carrying the stove. However, in Mi Rong's eyes, he appeared much more imposing than ever before

He changed his expression and said, "What did you say? Are you here to teach me a lesson?"

But that hand is truly small! He carefully compared it, wrapping his own five fingers around it, enough to trap her in the palm of his hand. He squeezed tightly, wanting to pass on some warmth to her, but in an instant, he found it laughable. Was he really someone who could provide warmth to others? He feared that if he spoke it out loud, even he would find it hard to believe.

Has she reached the age of marriage? Has the minor character been decided?

She lowered her head again, murmuring: "Is it not permissible for me to cry... My eyes are on my body, and if I love to cry, then I shall cry..."

She stared at the master in horror, "This is terrible, we're doomed now!"

A commotion arose here, and then Pang Xiao turned the corner from the corridor, waving from a distance and calling to her: "The master has returned from court and is now heading to the Jin Yang Wangfu, and he has summoned you to attend him."

She suddenly felt a tingling sensation on her scalp and jumped back a large step as if pricked by needles. Zaiqing looked at her in confusion, "What are you doing? Are you having a fit?"

The path of Yayoi is, "My good days are over, from now on I will go to school with the master and return home together..." She held her head and exclaimed, "You know how the master is, I am finished this time."

This is a rather realistic issue, and May's simple mind is feeling a bit pained. She cannot concern herself with others; the Master is close to her, and even if he is strict, he is still her teacher. If anything were to happen to him, she would not feel well inside. She looked at him with worry, "Therefore, Master, you must be more careful. Didn't the various kings have guards back then? I know that now only those from your royal residence have been sent away, and continuing like this would be too disadvantageous. What if something happens? Relying solely on you, how could you handle it? Master, you should still re-establish the guards! It is certainly good to focus on scholarship, but one cannot disregard safety. If it comes to this, others will surely mock from behind."

He raised his eyes to scrutinize her, "Are you mocking me for being a bookworm, oblivious to the world outside?"

He released her, cleared the paper and pen in front of her, and pulled over a bowl of soup, pushing it in front of her, "Eat it while it's hot! We will spend the night at the academy, and I will have someone go back to tidy up the courtyard. We can return home tomorrow."

This statement would certainly astonish anyone who overheard it, yet she has never spoken kindly to Zaiqing. Everyone has become accustomed to this way of interacting, viewing it with indifference and a sense of ease

She had nothing more to say; if it was to be changed, then so be it, after all, it was of little consequence. Upon closer reflection, it was indeed that waist that had more charm. She felt a sense of self-satisfaction, and with an unintentional glance, she noticed the teacher's gaze fixed on her waist and back. She instinctively looked down and couldn't help but feel her face flush. The robe in the academy was originally spacious, but it was her carelessness; just now, the jade belt had been tied too tightly. No wonder the teacher had inexplicably blurted out such a remark; she had made her waist and hips so pronounced that her curves were almost fully revealed! The robe in the academy was originally spacious, but it was her carelessness; just now, the jade belt had been tied too tightly. No wonder the teacher had inexplicably blurted out such a remark; she had made her waist and hips so pronounced that her curves were almost fully revealed

She felt a bit troubled, "This 'yao' is not the same as that 'yao', the student's 'yao'..." She thought seriously for a moment, "It is the 'yao' of the moth."

Murong Cheng feigned ignorance, tucking her sleeves and moving forward again. Upon reaching the steps in front of the house, she instinctively glanced sideways and noticed that she had not followed, but was still standing there. Zaiqing, unaware of what she had said to him, was suddenly kicked in the shin by her, causing him to fall straight to the ground.

She exhaled a puff of white mist, feeling a sense of peace and ease within. She has always been a person who is easily satisfied; because she is content, she joyfully lives without reservations. She enjoys snowy days, unafraid of the cold just to appreciate the snow. Her life can be considered relatively calm; she likes stable and balanced days, occasionally adding a touch of romance, making herself happy.

He loves to talk nonsense, and Miyoi does not engage with him. In the beginning, the class was going well, but he forcibly dragged her out. Now, there is no way to go back, so she leans against the pavilion column and looks outside

Miyoi glanced at him and said, "I had my coming-of-age ceremony the day before yesterday, didn't you know? A girl who has come of age should adorn herself; during leisure time, shouldn't I be wearing a mixed skirt and letting my hair down?"

She stood there with her hands hanging down, looking as if she were petrified. What is going on? Did she say something wrong? She clearly expressed that she dared not entertain such thoughts; could it be that the master misheard her? What a tremendous misunderstanding! Eager to clarify, her tone naturally became less warm, and she repeatedly said: "No, no... The student holds only admiration for the master, and has no other impure thoughts. The master is like the sun in the sky; the student is afraid to look directly at him, how could there be anything else? The student holds only admiration for the master, and has no other impure thoughts. The master is like the sun in the sky; the student is afraid to look directly at him, how could there be anything else? The student's sincerity is evident, and heaven can bear witness!"

Pang Xiao said while walking: "You know the temperament of the Master; his repeated admonitions are not to be disregarded, and it is not beneficial for you to do so. It would be wise to engage in some self-reflection and avoid provoking his anger. Recently, there are some mundane affairs in the academy that need to be addressed, and there has also been the incident of the great general being assassinated in the court, which has added to his burdens and inevitably affected his mood. If you continue to add to his frustrations, and he becomes displeased, everyone will suffer the consequences."

He was quite surprised, yet did not feel angry. Sitting down in the circle chair by the wall, he chuckled and said: "How come you can't eat well? Are you upset? As punishment, I will have you copy the 'Memorial on the Expedition'. Do you harbor unspoken resentment in your heart?"

She responded and approached, holding up the corner of her robe. Zaiqing stood up, stretched his neck, and shouted: "Miyoi, are you going to the Jin Yang Wangfu?"

Before she could respond, Pang Xiao pointed at Zai Qing from a distance, wishing he could poke his finger right on his forehead, "Be more careful, wearing such a head! If the master finds out, he will surely skin you alive!"

He walked over and stood by, taking a glance. The handwriting was fairly neat, and the way he held the pen was not bad. However, there were still points to critique; he just feared pushing her too hard. In the end, he swallowed his somewhat harsh demands after weighing them carefully.

She joyfully approached, filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Master, you are truly a good person!"

Pang Xiao turned his face away from her, helplessly furrowing his brows, "Fine, I won't speak to the master. But just this once, do remember it"

General Pang Xiaoshen bent down and said: "The general is quite calm, but the palace intends to conduct a thorough investigation... After much inquiry, in the end, it is unclear whose head it will fall upon"

Murong Cheng fell silent, paused for a moment before saying: "I will go after the morning court tomorrow, and I will send someone to call for you then"

Murong Cheng felt a kind of headache. In the past, he had punished her as well, and upon reflection, this time the punishment was not particularly severe; such a trivial matter hardly warranted tears. He walked back over, his wide sleeves enveloping him, and said: "Did I punish you incorrectly? I have never seen you like this before; why are you so aggrieved this time?"

Yayoi was in a daze for quite a while, unable to discern the meaning behind the master's words. Was he saying that she was reluctant to part with her own life? Or was it that he was unwilling to let her die? Learned individuals often speak in such a manner, making one ponder like solving a riddle for a long time. She turned her back and tightened the belt around her waist, suspecting that she was overthinking it. At the same time, she felt a sense of regret; the master was handsome, and when he was gentle, his eyes contained the vastness of mountains and rivers. A seemingly casual remark could lead one to indulge in wild fantasies!

She simply laid down her pen and rested her head on the desk, not caring that the ink had splattered onto her clothes, murmuring in response: "I have been at the academy for three years, and I have always interacted with my fellow students in this manner. The master's instructions are etched in my heart, but when others speak to me, I cannot ignore them..." She began to sob, "The master punished me for this, and I accept it. But it is so cold, and there is no brazier for warmth; I can hardly hold the pen in my hand." The more she spoke, the more desolate she became, and finally, she burst into loud tears. "The master punished me for this, and I accept it. But it is so cold, and there is no brazier for warmth; I can hardly hold the pen in my hand." The more she spoke, the more desolate she became, and finally, she burst into loud tears.

Ji County is not far from Ye City; if one hurries, it can be reached in three to four hours

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed deeply and took their leave. Murong Cheng set down the teacup in his hand and asked, "Is there any news from the Jin Yang Wangfu?"

Pang Xiao is the right-hand person of the Master, and even with her courage, she would not dare to argue with him. She had drifted a bit far from Zai Qing and instinctively looked ahead, wanting to ask him if he had encountered any interesting events during the New Year. To her surprise, the Master happened to glance back, his eyes carrying a warning. It suddenly reminded her of the Master's admonition regarding the "three and a half feet". Mi Sheng hurriedly estimated the distance between Zai Qing and herself, and unfortunately, it was clearly less than two feet. It suddenly reminded her of the Master's admonition regarding the "three and a half feet". Mi Sheng hurriedly estimated the distance between Zai Qing and herself, and unfortunately, it was clearly less than two feet.

Zai Qing shook his head repeatedly, "You have not made any progress. At least you have become a person, yet you still show such a lack of respect? I am your senior brother, and all you do is act arrogantly towards me. Why have I never seen you raise your voice against Pang Xiao?"

Being in a position of privilege yet unaware of it! Have you ever seen the Master treat any disciple so well? If it weren't for the fact that you are a girl, he certainly wouldn't invite you to his residence. It is said that the Wang family of Leiling has kept several rare beauties, all of whom were brought to the capital as gifts for the Master by Wang from Nanyuan. Originally, there were ten, but over time, like scattering wealth, they were sent off one by one, piece by piece. Now, there are only two or three left, which is why the Master remains unmarried and does not feel lonely. You should first investigate this matter when you enter the Wang residence, and then come back to tell me exactly how beautiful they are and how they compare to you.

Zaiqing glanced at her, secretly thinking that this carefree silly girl did not even realize how beautiful she was. Indeed, someone who even used a mirror to prop up a table leg would not know what is good or bad! From the east side of the Le Hall, the sound of a qin was heard, and he leisurely kept the beat, saying: "I have never seen you in tight clothes; you might look quite good when dressed up."

Murong Cheng nodded and said, "According to you, who has the greatest suspicion in this matter?"

She considered it seriously, saying, "It also depends on whether there is a good rapport; being too young and inexperienced in the world can lead to a frivolous character, which is not good."

Murong Cheng was indeed angered by her; this girl was becoming increasingly bold and presumptuous. He had been glaring at her from the side for quite some time, yet she did not even lift her head. He snorted coldly, realizing that she no longer regarded him. He suppressed his anger, for while she had a point, he never considered himself to be the same as others. If he were to reprimand her, it seemed he could not find a valid reason to do so. He suppressed his anger, for while she had a point, he never considered himself to be the same as others. If he were to reprimand her, it seemed he could not find a valid reason to do so.

Miyoi spat, "At your age, why are you already thinking about getting married? Even the master is twenty-five and still single!"

Yayoi felt somewhat surprised and puzzled, wondering if even the Master could sometimes show leniency. Since he had spoken, she could naturally relax considerably. As she watched him leave her room, she assumed there would be no further issues, and her appetite began to grow. Lifting the lid, she saw a fragrant dish of finely prepared food. It was made with great care, unlike what would come from the academy's kitchen, likely prepared specifically for the Master. After taking a couple of bites, she found the taste quite pleasant, and her mood gradually improved. It was made with great care, unlike what would come from the academy's kitchen, likely prepared specifically for the Master. After taking a couple of bites, she found the taste quite pleasant, and her mood gradually improved.

The pavilion faces the back door, beyond which lies a long and straight waterside corridor that leads directly to the lake. It is a small dock, bustling with many scholars from the academy returning home by waterway, especially lively during the year-end. Last night, a fresh layer of snow fell, blanketing the ground in white. On either side of the intricately carved door, rows of plum trees are planted against the wall, their branches leaning and stretching out. Clusters of buds emerge from beneath the snow, and from a distance, the treetops appear pink. The white snow embraces the plum blossoms, and the occasional patches of gray tiles peeking out from the top of the surrounding wall enhance the elegance and enduring beauty of this glass-like world, reminiscent of a poetic painting. Clusters of buds emerge from beneath the snow, and from a distance, the treetops appear pink. The white snow embraces the plum blossoms, and the occasional patches of gray tiles peeking out from the top of the surrounding wall enhance the elegance and enduring beauty of this glass-like world, reminiscent of a poetic painting.

Only then did Zaiqing understand, "So the reason for being punished ten times with the 'Memorial on the Expedition' yesterday was also for this?" He clicked his tongue and said, "The Master sees that you do not have the appearance of a girl, and is also worried for you! If you do not manage this well, in the future, your husband will surely find it displeasing."

Miyoi gazed up at him, seemingly understanding yet not fully, and after a moment of thought said, "Could it be that the Master intends to recommend me to the General?"

Entering the city through the Jianchun Gate, the Confucian scholars had likely received the news long ago. As they turned a corner at the street, before reaching the Taixue, they could see from a distance a group of students in flowing robes standing beside the Huabiao. Upon recognizing the coachman, they immediately bowed deeply in respect.

He said: "Stay close, don't get lost."

She stood up, tilted her head and looked at him for a long time, "Master, the General is getting on in years, while I have just turned fifteen this year"

He suppressed his smile and said, "It is indeed not easy to catch your eye. What about me? Am I acceptable like this?"

Miyoi found it hard to believe, "So, does this mean that men and women must be mixed together? The Master is so strict, he certainly cannot agree to this"

Dozens of gazes shot towards her, accompanied by the rustling of pine trees along the corridor, and in an instant, May felt as if the sky had lowered, suffocating her. She hung her head, wearing a pitiful expression. The teacher truly showed her no mercy, punishing her in front of so many people! After all, she had already reached the age of maturity; if punishment was necessary, it should have been done privately.

She was startled, "Students only fear being unable to exert their strength. With just a little movement of their finger, I can be sent flying eight zhang away."

The sky darkened, and the candelabrum was lit. The flickering flames danced, causing the furnishings in the room to sway, mirroring her heart's tremor, which was filled with unresolved turmoil. She loathed the heavens, the earth, and herself, wondering how she could have been so careless, inadvertently caught by the master. She stubbornly thought that, to be fair, Zaiqing bore half the responsibility. If it weren't for the fear of the master recognizing the handwriting, she truly should have asked him to share a significant portion of the blame

She shot him a glance and said, "I heard Senior Brother Wei and Senior Brother Pang talking this morning, and it seems that the academy is going to admit female students. Is there any truth to this?"