Chapter 8, Following the Tradition

The Leiling Wangfu is located east of the Baichi Building, and after passing through the Jinchun Gate and walking for another mile, there is a stone bridge. To the south of the bridge, there is a horse market. He pointed it out to her, saying, "That place was a execution ground in the previous dynasty, and it was here that Ji Kang was executed back then"

That Master Gao is notoriously all-encompassing; he values his reputation above all else. How could he possibly associate himself with someone of such low standing? He was at a loss with her shameless demeanor, lowered his head, and blew the foam off his tea while saying: "I am doing this for your own good. Which elder would not wish to match a suitable suitor for a girl beneath them? Do not blame me for being arbitrary; others can do it, but only the Prince of Guangning cannot."

The master led her to weave slowly through the crowd, occasionally turning back to check on her. Noticing that her hand holding the umbrella was wrapped in her sleeve, he paused and said: "Put the umbrella down and come over to me"

She is the one who loves to join in the fun the most, almost nodding without a second thought. Just then, the master came out of the hall, hung his book bag over her shoulder, did not look at her, brushed past her, and simply said: "Go home"

After tidying up, everything was arranged properly, and then I went to the main courtyard

This word always carries a warm feeling; if it were changed to "returning to the residence," the essence would naturally be much diminished. However, when he says "returning home," it feels particularly familiar and endearing

Someone like him, having already reached a peak that others cannot touch, inevitably feels a sense of melancholy over unrecognized talent. This sentiment might be somewhat akin to forcing oneself to express sorrow through new words. She listened intently to every line, as the lyrics conveyed a sense of solitude, yet the voice was truly exceptional. Deep, clear, it could reach the depths of the human soul

Engraving is a physically demanding task; after completing each sentence, he has to stop and take a break. She seizes the opportunity to serve tea, wearing a fawning expression, to the point that she even despises herself.

"That's enough, let's go with this one." Miyoi called out, feeling somewhat discontented. With such a statement from them, what else could she choose? Regardless of her own preferences, she had to accept the master's intentions. The old gentleman was extremely busy with his daily affairs, yet he still took the time to help her select fabric. Where else could she find such a master?

Miyoshiko was feeling a bit perplexed as she entered the back garden. Although the residence of the King of Leiling was not as magnificent as that of the King of Jinyang, it was still a nobleman's estate, grand and imposing. There were no soaring palace roofs, but the eaves were adorned with exquisite painted decorations. The garden featured winding paths leading to secluded spots, perfectly showcasing its elegant charm. Miyoshiko sighed inwardly, wondering if even the houses reflected the nature of their inhabitants. Every scene exuded a sense of restraint, reminiscent of the gentleman's character—smooth, astute, and unpretentious.

Then you... he simply did not know how to express his feelings towards her, being so stubbornly dull! He stood up in anger, took a few steps, and turned to look at her, "You should inquire about it; how many people in this world give birth at around ten years old? And further inquire, not to mention the entire Daye, just in Jingji, how many couples have an age difference of more than ten years?"

He seems to be filled with infinite emotions, stopping to lean against the wall, softly singing: "The world is blind, unaware of the wise. Time passes, and one grows old. Suffering from untimely circumstances, I send my thoughts to the orchids."

He had not had time to swallow a mouthful of tea when he was unexpectedly choked, turning away and coughing violently. Miyoi was also startled and hurriedly patted his back, "Sir, the student has spoken incorrectly again..."

Murong Cheng remained as usual, how could he be bothered by such trivial matters! Upon entering the main hall, he had someone attend to his handwashing, while saying: "I had someone send you back to your own room. If you wish, you can come out later to join me for a meal."

The maid walked ahead with a lamp, while Miyoi followed closely behind, her sleeves tucked in. After winding through the winding paths for quite a while, feeling somewhat dizzy, she realized that they were not retracing their steps. The master had already moved to the inner courtyard for a rest. This place is called Jingguanzhai, with a plaque inscribed in the master's own handwriting hanging under the eaves, and torches burning brightly in the niches on either side of the main entrance. It was indeed very quiet; the servants coming and going held their breath, their footsteps extremely light. In such a crowd, not even a single cough could be heard.

"The Master is no one else," she continued, "In my eyes, the Master is the same as my father. Moreover, I did not speak incorrectly; the gentleman from Le Ling is indeed a well-known handsome man in Da Ye!"

She smiled sheepishly, "Admitting a mistake while keeping the dark room closed is not as good as clenching one's teeth and refusing to yield from the very beginning! The Master is usually very clear about rewards and punishments, certainly more enlightened than the esteemed Master of the Gaming Hall, right?"

The bright moon rose, and she began to loosen her clothing. She recalled the three women she had just encountered and, feeling intrigued, inquired: "How many young ladies are there in the residence? The one I saw earlier was so beautiful!"

The bright moon cast a glance at the radiant moon, "The fabric is all bestowed by the palace, and the master selects each piece one by one, with this set being his favorite. The maidservants think that later, when the young lady serves the master, wearing this outfit will be a way to express their gratitude to him, hoping to bring him some joy."

Upon hearing this, Haoyue frowned and shot her a fierce glare, "I knew you would say something nonsensical! The master only has one female disciple, and if she is not looked after, it would be difficult to explain to Elder Xie! What are you doing standing here? Hurry and bring the shoes! The master is probably waiting; you should go over and report in early, or he might call you back to rest right away."

Although she spoke very tactfully, now that the words had been spoken, she had no reason to decline. Even if she did not eat, it was only proper for her to stand by. Over the years, she had learned to read the room, to keep her demeanor in check, and to be cautious. She bowed slightly and said, "I will first go and settle things, and then I will return to serve the master."

The bright moon winked at her, "The lady is a disciple of the master, does the lady not know the master's temperament?"

She believed she could see through his tricks and kept her distance from him for self-preservation. Unexpectedly, he snatched her umbrella and casually threw it to a beggar by the roadside. The beggar expressed endless gratitude, while she looked on helplessly, unable to retrieve it. She dared not voice her anger towards him, feeling an indescribable frustration in her heart

He pressed his lips together, seemingly lost in thought. In her eyes, he should be considered a good person. Like all those who adhere to tradition and filial piety, she held a natural reverence for her father and her mentors. Without a pressing situation, she likely would not think so far ahead. He had once speculated about what she would be like as an adult, but he never anticipated the current circumstances. Who does not admire a beautiful woman? She easily captured the attention of Prince Jinyang, relying solely on her flower-like face. He had once speculated about what she would be like as an adult, but he never anticipated the current circumstances. Who does not admire a beautiful woman? She easily captured the attention of Prince Jinyang, relying solely on her flower-like face. However, he knew that beyond her appearance, she possessed an untainted soul, which was truly precious.

She let out a scream and tightly embraced him. Murong Cheng had already anticipated the outcome; her leap truly struck deep into his heart. Her petite figure, warm and fragrant. He held her close, gently comforting her, "It was many years ago, is it really worth being this frightened!"

Miyoi was inexplicably nervous, as people are always influenced by their environment. Although the atmosphere in the academy was rigorous in the past, it was not as intense as it is now. She only knew that the Master was a revered elder, but it was only today that she truly realized he was different from ordinary people. He was a prince, the person closest to imperial power in this magnificent capital, a lofty and unattainable child of heaven

She took a breath and, with her head down, arrived at the entrance of Jingguanzhai with Haoyue and Jiaoyue. However, they paused under the eaves and said softly: "The maidservants are waiting outside the door, Miss, please go in! The master does not like to have too many people around him. If you have any instructions, just have someone relay the message to us."

Is that so? He still remains indifferent, "What about the lyrics?"

Gazing from the buildings of the Yayoi period, an infinite sense of melancholy arises. "Yi Kang's demeanor was both elegant and beautiful, yet he ultimately met such a fate. It is truly a pity that 'Guangling San' has no successors."

What does this mean? Does it imply that he can act as her father? Very well! Discontent with this old man, that fat one, now it has escalated to him! His face is as rigid as the dome outside, shrouded in dark clouds, "Do you insist on opposing me, to the point where I have to punish you? Are you addicted to being punished?"

He turned his head only after listening, feigning a cold expression, yet there was a faint smile in his eyes. It was as if a stone had been thrown into a frozen lake; the brittle surface cracked open, and the stone sank straight to the bottom, landing in the softest spot. He shot her a sideways glance, somewhat pretentiously, and asked, "Do you realize your mistake?"

Murong Cheng developed a narrow-minded thought, slowly saying: "Liu Xuanming was a loyal minister, who died with grievances. After his death, he could not close his eyes, and his corpse walked a hundred steps..." He looked around, "It is likely in this vicinity..."

She stuck out her tongue and said, "It's quite creepy, is the master always this fierce?"

She swallowed hard and, steeling herself, began to hum the verses around the room, "The gentle valley wind, with shadows and rain. The child returns home, sent off far into the fields. Why, oh vast heavens, do you not find your place..."

Although the weather is cold, with the presence of the Master, one can still walk with ease and comfort

She murmured, "The students are in a state of panic, asking the teacher to hold an umbrella for me..."

Miyoi blushed. She had never been this close to her teacher before, with her shoulder pressed against his arm, her heart racing wildly in her chest. What should she do? She was in a panic, and the more anxious she became, the more she struggled to keep up with his pace. Their shoulders bumped against each other, and she appeared dazed, like a fool. She felt disheartened, thinking that she had become so foolish, and her teacher probably held an even worse opinion of her.

She nodded slightly, "I understand. The Master does not wish to be immersed in this great cesspool, does he? But there is no way around it; your surname is Murong, and you were born to be a prince. Even if you are weary of it, you ultimately cannot escape."

Yayoi is not a meticulous person; often, she lags behind and cannot keep up with the rhythm. She rested in the master's embrace for a while, and it took her a long time to come to her senses. She let out a sound of surprise, quickly took a large step back, and awkwardly smiled, saying: "I was startled and inadvertently offended the master; please do not be angry, master"

I originally thought I could not escape punishment, but unexpectedly he fell silent, walked up to the monument, picked up the axe and chisel, and began to strike again with a clanging sound.

Yayoi gazed at him dreamily, secretly wondering who was so fortunate as to be able to be matched with him in the future. As she settled down, a sense of melancholy washed over her. What did it have to do with her? She was a student, and when he got married, presenting a generous gift would suffice to honor the teacher-student bond they had shared over the years.

This is enough for her to ponder for a while. As for the temperament of the Master, she actually does not understand it well, or perhaps it should be said that it is unfathomable. One moment he is laughing and joking, and the next moment he is pulling a long face and putting on airs. Many people say that women are fickle, but she feels that this description also fits the Master quite well. However, this is something she only thinks about in her heart; she would never dare to say it out loud.

This stone tablet has thirty-three lines on one side, with sixty characters in each line. He said, "Carving characters is similar to practicing calligraphy; one must have a calm mind and diligent hands. You only see that others write well, but have you put in the effort yourself? I have seen the seal you carved last year, and it truly gives one a headache. Once I finish this side of the stele and have some free time, I will teach you hand in hand."

Another maid with a hanging bun, slightly older, gestured to the right and said, "This servant will guide the young lady, please follow us."

As soon as the words were spoken, someone emerged from behind the curtain. The demeanor and posture were unmistakably that of the master. ... However, his disheveled appearance made her feel somewhat uncomfortable ...

Miyoi listened to their words with great surprise, walking while saying: "You just said to wait for me for half a month, what is going on?"

She quietly blushed; the Master looks truly captivating when he is focused and dedicated. His figure is well-proportioned, and even the way he holds the chisel resembles a painting. Yet, such a beautiful person possesses a harsh and demanding temperament. If only he were a bit more humble, with half the patience and elegance of the two Wangs, he would be utterly perfect.

Miyoi does not guard against the bright moon and the clear moon, and naturally speculates that the master is probably not very concerned about them, as even the servants in the mansion do not regard them highly

He slowly took the teacup, the blue porcelain saucer adorned with gold reflecting his long and delicate fingers. A haze of steam rose from the cup's rim. Through a thin veil of mist, Miyoi gazed over, noticing his clear and gentle features, which revealed a peculiar softness. An inexplicable tug stirred within her heart, and then she foolishly fell into a daze.

Yayoi has such a disposition; as long as someone is pleasing to her eyes, she can discover their merits. Because they are close to the Master, she immediately set aside her pride as a member of the Xie family. With a respectful bow, she believes that respecting them is equivalent to respecting the Master. As she mentioned to Zaiqing, they can be considered half a matriarch. The people in the Master's household can never be of lowly status.

He hesitated for a long time before waving his hand. Last time, he had asked her the same question to pry for information, and at that time, she had been shy and reluctant to answer. Now, bringing it up unexpectedly caught him off guard. But despite his surprise, it still sounded quite pleasing to him. He feigned indifference and said, "A young lady should maintain her dignity; how can she casually say that a man is handsome?"

He found her to be overly cautious and keeping her distance, so he crossed his arms to pull her closer, "Are you still planning to chase after me? With such little space under the umbrella, where do you expect to go?"

At first, he ignored her, and she did not drink the tea she had poured, merely turning her head to look out the window. She stood there helplessly for quite some time, and in the end, with no other option, she had to apologize to him, saying, "Sir, it was my fault earlier, please do not be angry. I will listen to you from now on; if you do not want me to interact with someone, I will not. I will not dare to throw a tantrum or be stubborn anymore; whatever you ask me to do, I will do. Will that be acceptable?"

Tears streamed down her face, and she paid no heed to his lowly apology, refusing to budge as she hugged her knees. He had no choice but to squat down beside her, reaching out to wipe her tears, "Why are you so timid?" No amount of persuasion seemed to work, so he simply pulled her up without much thought, wrapping her tightly in his embrace to comfort her, "It's alright, it's alright, I was just trying to scare you. How could Liu Xuanming still walk after having his head chopped off? After all these years of studying, you still don't understand such a simple truth!"

She was curious and wanted to inquire about the establishment of the girls' school, but he instead asked: "What is being taught in the qin room?"

It is unclear whether she is genuinely foolish or pretending to be so, as she seems to be seriously contemplating, "What does this have to do with age? The esteemed scholar, with his high moral standing, should be considered on par with my father in terms of seniority." After saying this, she added with a smile, "The scholar is ten years older than I am; my father was sixteen when he had my elder brother. If we calculate it this way, it really... doesn't make much of a difference."

She was lost in thought, and he did not take it seriously, suspecting that she was probably contemplating how to find an excuse. He blew away the powder and asked, "Do you know how many inscriptions there are on this stone?"

"Those who recognize the times are the true talents, while Ji Kang is overly aloof, which is something that Shan Tao does not possess." He sighed deeply, "Many times, people are not in control of their own circumstances and cannot follow their own desires. For instance, in politics, it is not that one wishes to stay away, but rather that one cannot, that one is unable to. Do you understand what I mean by this?"

She was truly frightened, biting her lip in silence, and only stopped after pulling him along for quite a distance. Even after stopping, she remained fearful, squatting on the ground and sobbing, "I do not live here, I want to return to the academy"

Miyoi sighed, and the Master had already headed towards the gate of the Taixue. She hurriedly shouldered her book bag to catch up, and he slightly slowed his pace. The lanterns hung high at the corner of the corridor, casting light and shadow as fine snowflakes danced in the air. Half of his face was illuminated, while the other half was shrouded in darkness. Without speaking, he handed her an oiled paper umbrella. The pale red canopy was adorned with a few branches of green willows. The somewhat gaudy color became the brightest accent in this world of white.

Is it cold enough to freeze your brain? He furrowed his brows and quickly averted his gaze. Being overly sentimental is not a good thing; at times, he would find himself lost in thought, increasingly out of control lately. He smirked, tinged with sarcasm. This girl has some skills; since she can disturb his peace of mind, others would be even less of a challenge!

Two maidservants holding lanterns stood under the dripping water, bowing deeply while holding their front-closing garments, "The maidservants pay their respects to the young lady"

As she passed under the drooping flower gate, she glanced up at the wooden plaque that bore the words "Ang Fu." It was a rarely seen name, originating from the Book of Songs—"When one encounters Ang Fu, I must have a friend." A more colloquial interpretation of Ang Fu would be "I will not leave," which is somewhat peculiar. However, she did not dwell on it too much, merely feeling that the master was indeed a learned person, even the name of the courtyard was so elegantly chosen.

She is quite straightforward, saying whatever comes to her mind. In a moment of carelessness, she blurted out: "In the future, if I look for someone, I want someone like a scholar! They should be knowledgeable and also good-looking"

The weather ultimately did not improve, and it continued to snow around evening. The intensity was not great, with sporadic flakes falling silently.

Yayoi felt a sense of the sky collapsing around her, as during the lecture on the 'Doctor's Degree' in the Qin Cao, she and Zaiqing were outside enjoying the snow scenery! Fortunately, she still heard some of it and vaguely said: 'The lesson is on Confucius's "Yi Lan Cao," played on a five-stringed instrument, tuned to the Huangzhong scale'

Regardless of his mockery, she pulled him along briskly, saying as they walked: "Everything is fine, what is wrong with establishing a government office? Why build it here of all places... Students implore the master for mercy, allow me to return to the academy to live! I pass by here every day, and I will be scared to death sooner or later!"

The snow is not falling heavily, and they are walking very slowly

"You are right, it was my slip of the tongue," he said, his voice low and full of temptation, "there will be no next time, I promise"

Not understanding the master's intentions, he is a revered teacher and should not act so unavoidably. She protested last time, which only angered him. This time, amidst her surprise, it seems even more inappropriate to bring it up. With every slight movement he makes, her heart tightens a little more. Her mind is in a haze, only yearning for that warmth, not wanting to break free. ... Just consider it a hand warmer ... . ... Sometimes, even she admires this ability to adapt to circumstances, remaining calm in the face of any challenge. Her mind is in a haze, only yearning for that warmth, not wanting to break free. ... Just consider it a hand warmer ... . ... Sometimes, even she admires this ability to adapt to circumstances, remaining calm in the face of any challenge. Perhaps it is because there is no deep-seated attachment that she does not take everything to heart.

The eastern market is not as crowded as the western market, and the area outside the Jianchun Gate is gradually becoming desolate. After crossing the stone bridge, the number of night travelers decreases even more. Miyoi is in a daze, feeling somewhat afraid. Although there are wind lanterns along the road, they are spaced quite far apart, often with one lantern set every twenty or so paces. They did not carry a lantern; the ground was covered with a layer of snow, and although the reflection from the snow allowed them to see the path, it was not very clear. At this moment, he insisted on talking about the dead, mentioning Ji Kang one moment and Liu Xuanming the next. She shivered slightly, not daring to voice her opinion, and could only respond ambiguously with a murmur.

No matter how beautiful, it cannot compare to our lady! Jiao Yue held the He Huan flower around her waist, tilting her face and smiling, "The first time I saw the lady, I was momentarily dazed, thinking she was a celestial being descended to the mortal realm! Moreover, knowing that the lady is the daughter of the Xie family from Chen Liu, it truly feels like a blessing we earned in our past lives to be able to serve her closely!"

She secretly stuck out her tongue, and it seemed that she had indeed upset him. However, the master was somewhat petty; such words should have been left in the past. She only intended to express her respect for him, but she did not expect him to take it so seriously! Should she apologize again? With her frequency of causing trouble, would it even matter to keep apologizing? To be honest, she felt too embarrassed to speak up again.

He stepped out with an umbrella, his wide sleeves fluttering, looking quite at ease. Miyoi thought that she would most likely have to walk back to the Wangfu tonight, unsure of the distance, as her sense of direction was not strong; it would be good to recognize the way.

She nodded vigorously, "When the Master is displeased, I immediately know I am in the wrong; it is just that I care about my pride and have delayed my acknowledgment. At this moment, admitting my mistake is the same; the Master is magnanimous and will not hold it against me"

She came to her senses and shook her head, saying: "I have only heard that the Master is engraving; this is the first time I have seen it with my own eyes." After some consideration, she added, "The Master's calligraphy is truly beautiful"

It is a sunlit independent courtyard, located in the northeast corner of the Wangfu, relatively far from the main entrance, making it quite a tranquil place. Upon entering the main room, a warm ambiance envelops the space, accompanied by the unique scent of wood released from newly burned charcoal. The interior furnishings remain elegant, with a row of display cabinets beside the writing desk. At the other end of the main room, there is an embroidered stool and a four-panel screen couch, designated for her to sit and rise. Further inside, there are partitions adorned with carved rosewood, behind which thick satin curtains hang. The interior furnishings remain elegant, with a row of display cabinets beside the writing desk. At the other end of the main room, there is an embroidered stool and a four-panel screen couch, designated for her to sit and rise. Further inside, there are partitions adorned with carved rosewood, behind which thick satin curtains hang. She looked around; the room is complete with a four-sided bed, a curved-legged table, a dressing table, and everyday storage boxes, all of which belong to her boudoir.

With tears welling in her eyes, she looked up at him and said, "Then why did you scare me? You were just advising me not to speak recklessly, and now what about you?"

"This is the truth! Those women cannot be considered as proper ladies. They are merely gifts of goodwill from the princes, left in the residence without any status or recognition. Everyone calls them 'ladies' to their faces, but behind their backs, they refer to them as 'barbarians from the South Garden.' Despite their fine clothes and lavish meals, they are not much better off than us servants! The master is usually busy with state affairs and also serves as the ceremonial head of the academy. I have heard that he is known outside as the 'Gentleman of Le Ling.' Just look at his impeccable character; if he indulges in pleasures, wouldn't that tarnish his good reputation!" Haoyue applied osmanthus oil to her hair, and despite their fine clothes and lavish meals, they are not much better off than us servants! The master is usually busy with state affairs and also serves as the ceremonial head of the academy. I have heard that he is known outside as the 'Gentleman of Le Ling.' Just look at his impeccable character; if he indulges in pleasures, wouldn't that tarnish his good reputation!" Haoyue applied osmanthus oil to her hair, styled it into a casual cloud bun with a hairpin, looked around, put on a floral ornament, and continued to say: "Those women are not even worthy of being concubines; they are merely the master's usual entertainment, called upon to sing a tune or perform a dance when he is free, and should not be taken seriously. Regardless, if the ladies can get along, it is fine to socialize a bit; if they are bothersome to look at, then it is best to avoid each other altogether." She continued to say: "Those women are not even worthy of being concubines; they are merely the master's usual entertainment, called upon to sing a tune or perform a dance when he is free, and should not be taken seriously. Regardless, if the ladies can get along, it is fine to socialize a bit; if they are bothersome to look at, then it is best to avoid each other altogether."

He frowned and said, "I am not the same as your father. How old is your father? And how old am I?"

He glanced at her, and she was by his side, seemingly accustomed to being led by him, her curled fingers quietly resting in his palm. The students wore a uniform attire, with wide sleeves and sashes, their hair tied up and adorned with caps. Her outfit was the same as the man's, with bangs tucked neatly into the cap, revealing her smooth forehead. The outside air was humid, and mist clung to her eyelashes. He suddenly had the urge to wipe it away for her; the thought flashed through his mind, but in the end, he hesitated.

The servants came to take away their umbrellas and greatcoats, and because of the earlier performance, Miyoi always felt that they were all intentionally or unintentionally glancing at her, which made her feel somewhat embarrassed

Miyoi glanced at the golden-threaded damask cup and the embroidered skirt, such a brilliant red! She felt somewhat troubled, as even the deep dress she wore on her coming-of-age ceremony was dark red with black borders. She had never truly worn such a glaring color before, and it felt awkward in her heart. She said, "Do you have something more subdued? Why did you pick such a red piece!"

Yayoi hesitated and shook her head, "The student cannot recall this person."

The day's classes at the Academy concluded, and Miyoi stepped out of the classroom, standing under the corridor to bid farewell to her fellow students with a bow. Zaiqing and Yan Wusi approached her side by side and smiled, saying: "Tonight, there will be a night outing, and a troupe of performers from Wusun is coming. Would you like to join us?"

Yayoi felt a tingling sensation on her scalp, and a wave of chill surged up her back. She was already struggling to hold on, but to her surprise, he pinpointed her exact location, instantly sending her into a state of panic.

Yayoi was taken aback; the way the Master conducts himself at home truly resembles that of an emperor! The demeanor in the Academy is already quite formal, and indeed, the rules at home are even stricter than those outside.

Miyoi felt somewhat perplexed. Since they had long been prepared to let her enter the royal residence, did that mean that the marriage proposal from the Wang family would not be accepted even if she did not plead with the scholar? It seemed that her concerns were in vain, and she had spoken extensively, entrusting her marriage matters to the scholar. Now, she had to worry, as it seemed from his words that the candidate for Jin Yang Wang was someone he had already selected with a thumbs-up, and what would happen next was still uncertain

The people of Qi are quite boisterous, and sometimes the nights are even livelier than the days. Before the end of the first month, various troupes from neighboring small states often flood into Ye City, either performing the Hu Teng dance and holding competitions, or trading goods from beyond the borders. Lanterns are hung high everywhere, illuminating the streets as brightly as daylight

He kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye, clearly wanting to maintain his composure, unwilling to speak insincerely, but gradually softening. He said: "You are so certain, how do you know I won't hold it against you? Time and again, I should lock you in a dark room and make you reflect in solitude."

No, no..." She immediately looked panicked, "I do not want to be punished, I hate being punished.

When Miyoi entered the official office holding the tea tray, he was squatting there carving the Stone Classics of the Taixue. The Stone Classics of the Taixue, also known as the Three-Body Stone Classics, are inscribed with ancient script, small seal script, and Han clerical script. By preserving the ancient Book of Documents in this form, it has endured for thousands of years without decay, ensuring its lasting reputation through the ages. This stone classic has been established since the Three Kingdoms period, and there are already twenty-seven sections passed down to the Master. Currently, the Master is carving the "Urgent Compilation," which consists of two thousand one hundred and forty-four characters. This stone classic has been established since the Three Kingdoms period, and there are already twenty-seven sections passed down to the Master. Currently, the Master is carving the "Urgent Compilation," which consists of two thousand one hundred and forty-four characters. Due to the need to use three different scripts, the Master has only carved less than half in two years.

He allowed her to pull him along, and upon hearing her express her unwillingness to stay at his residence, his expression darkened. "You cannot stay at the academy any longer," he said. Then, softening his tone, he added, "What are you afraid of? You won't be walking alone; I will be with you, won't I?"

Seeing him busy and not wanting to disturb him, she placed the copper pendant on the small stove. After putting down what she was holding, she leaned over to take a look, and to her astonishment, she was truly impressed! The master's calligraphy, she thought, could hardly be matched by anyone else in Daye. It was meticulous, well-proportioned, and the strokes were masterfully executed. Even someone like her, who did not enjoy writing, found herself captivated and entranced by it.

Four or five children whistled past, causing the tassels on their robes to flutter. The street lamps on both sides were adorned with colorful shades, changing their light with each step. The scholar remained composed, his demeanor and attitude seemingly detached, as if the person whose fingers intertwined with hers was someone else.

He smiled and said, "Liu Xuanming is from Hejian, with a straightforward and upright character, unafraid to submit petitions and offer direct counsel. Unfortunately, the emperor at that time was a fool, only fond of believing slanderous words. Liu Xuanming spoke without understanding the need for subtlety, offending the imperial presence, and thus was sentenced to immediate execution." He pointed with the hand holding the umbrella towards the dim alleyway, "That used to be a street corner, and he was executed there on an altar."

Two people glanced at her and passed by, only one smiled and nodded at her. Miyoi looked over, and that smile was uncontentious, as faint as the plum blossoms in a snowy day, lingering slightly before gracefully slipping into the twelve folding screens.

In such matters, it is the man who benefits. Naturally, he is unfazed, smiling somewhat ambiguously as he turns and heads towards the dimly lit area.

This boudoir has a layout that is surprisingly similar to that of Chenliu

He lowered his eyes and waved his hand, appearing aloof once again. Miyoi performed a bow and stepped back, just as she crossed the threshold, she unexpectedly bumped into three young ladies with bright eyes and white teeth. They were truly exquisite individuals, not to say they were as beautiful as celestial beings, but they were certainly not far off. Their delicate hands were slender, and they spoke and laughed gracefully. Their attire was very elegant, unlike the maids of the Jin Yang Wangfu, who seemed eager to adorn themselves with mountains of gold and silver on their heads. There is a saying that people tend to associate with those similar to themselves; if the gentleman were an immortal from beyond the world, these favored concubines would undoubtedly be goddesses untouched by the dust of the earth.

However, later on, she found that things were not as bad as she had imagined. The master took the book bag and carried it himself, sheltering her under the eaves of the umbrella. People are truly strange; with the burden lifted, she instead felt a sense of unease. She felt an overwhelming sense of shame, as if those responsibilities were hers to bear, and that she had been lazy and had burdened the master.

Yan Wusi also said: "You should hurry and not keep the master waiting. That acrobatics troupe has been in Ye City for some time, and it will not be too late to see them again after the school breaks for the holiday on the thirtieth day of the first month."

It was not good to delay any longer. She stepped over the threshold in her full attire, and the warm room felt like spring. Glancing to the side, she noticed a bronze incense burner on the table to the left, emitting wisps of fragrant smoke. Outside the door, a maid stood waiting; upon seeing her, she stepped forward and bowed, remaining silent, only respectfully guiding her towards the warm chamber.

Jiaoyue brought hot water for her to wash her face, while Haoyue came out holding clothes and said with a smile: "Do you usually wear the large-sleeved shirt from the academy? The master instructed before leaving to prepare a few sets of skirts for you, so you can change them in the residence"

He laughed at her lack of ambition, "You usually have such great audacity when defying the master's orders, yet now you have lost all sense of integrity?"

The elder one replied respectfully, "The master instructed us to prepare the courtyard for the young lady. We are specifically assigned to serve her. Everything has been arranged, and we are just waiting with our necks stretched for the young lady to arrive!" He continued, "I am called Haoyue, and she is called Jiaoyue; we are sisters. There is also a rough servant girl in the courtyard, who is in charge of washing clothes. In the future, if the young lady has any instructions, please feel free to dispatch us, and we will certainly serve her with all our hearts."

She looked at him with a hint of surprise, hesitated for a moment, and then shook her head, "It's quite cramped for two people to share an umbrella." Of course, he was oblivious to this; hadn't she always leaned over him? She was exposed to the elements, with snow seeping into her collar, melting against her skin, and it was painfully cold. At present, carrying his book bag was not enough; she also had to hold the umbrella for him. This man took pleasure in exploiting her; how could he be so heartless! She was exposed to the elements, with snow seeping into her collar, melting against her skin, and it was painfully cold. At present, carrying his book bag was not enough; she also had to hold the umbrella for him. This man took pleasure in exploiting her; how could he be so heartless!

Her legs twitched uncontrollably as she buried her face in his chest, urging, "Master, let us leave quickly... quickly, I am terrified!"

She looked up at him, reaching out to take the handle of the umbrella. He stepped aside, saying, "Are you cold? Let me handle it."

His hand collided with hers, and after a while, in a daze, she found herself enveloped in his palm. She dared not move, feeling a bit dizzy. His thumb gently rubbed a small patch of skin on the back of her hand, little by little, softly. Both of them wore wide sleeves that hung down to cover their fingertips, and she thought this might help them avoid drawing attention. The lotus patterns on the cuffs intertwined, and as she lowered her head, the remaining composure was twisted away.

If he were to say that scaring her was just for fun, would he lose face as an elder? Her eyes were bright, and her nose was slightly red, making her look endearing. His gaze wandered around her face; their posture and conversation resembled that of a couple having a quarrel. At the age of twenty-five, he had never experienced such feelings, as if his heart had been grasped by her, pulling at him with a delicate pain.

The bright moon hung low, casting its light upon the candle on the table as she scrutinized it, exclaiming, "The lady has changed her dress; there is no second one to be found in all of Daye. No wonder the master looks at her with admiration, for she is so perfectly adorned!"

The Master is exceptionally talented, the foremost figure in Daye literature, and this reputation is not unfounded

Murong Cheng did not expect to make a blunder. Seeing that they were not far from the gate of the residence, he helplessly bent down to persuade, "It is my oversight; this matter should not have been discussed with you at such a late hour. Look, we are just a few steps away from home, so please walk with me!"

Haoyue said: "Since the lady does not like to wear this, then it is fine to change to another one. I find that the light lotus-colored silk gauze is quite nice, so please wait a moment, I will go fetch it right away."

The household servants of the Wang residence had long since come out to greet, but upon seeing such a scene, they hesitated to approach, with four or five of them standing at the foot of the steps, gazing.

The table was neatly set with dishes, each covered with a bowl turned upside down. The master was not inside; she looked around and asked, "Where is His Highness?"

Miyoi called out to dismiss the formalities, and one of the round-faced women with a bun smiled at her, saying, "We have waited for the lady for more than half a month, and today she has finally arrived!"

Beyond the stone bridge, to the east is Suiminli, and to the west is Jianyangli, where the residence of the King of Leiling is located. Upon reaching the intersection of the main road, he slowed his pace, seemingly casually informing her: "There used to be the residence of Liu Xuanming in Suiminli, do you know of this person?"

Occasionally encountering familiar faces—such as the ministers in the court and the students in the Imperial Academy. When others bow and greet him, Miyoi instinctively wants to withdraw her hand, yet he continues to hold it firmly. His return gesture is merely a nod or a slight smile. This open display is so natural that even she begins to mistakenly believe that it is nothing unusual; it is quite normal for a teacher to hold a student's hand.

The students were busy with long bows, and Zaiqing stuck out his tongue, saying, "The master is calling you home!"

She had caused a commotion and felt somewhat lost. However, he mentioned that there were many couples with an age difference of over ten years. Did he really intend to throw her to Prince Jinyang? Suddenly, she became indignant; after all, she was a daughter of the Xie family, how could she have fallen to the point of becoming a concubine for someone else? Although Prince Jinyang was indeed a strikingly handsome man, his reputation was poor, characterized by greed and lechery. Especially the women in his household, they were all devoid of talent and virtue. Although Prince Jinyang was indeed a strikingly handsome man, his reputation was poor, characterized by greed and lechery. Especially the women in his household, they were all devoid of talent and virtue.