Chapter Nine, Fragrance of Thoughts

Pang Xiao is merely hinting at things; in the future, her assistance will be indispensable for achieving great things, and it is impossible to avoid mentioning her. The Master cannot speak directly, so he relies on him to convey the message, subtly hinting at it, which is certainly better than preparing at the last minute.

Only now did Yayoi grasp the situation, no wonder she had never heard the Master mention the Six Kings; it turns out this is the reason.

Today's Taixue is different from before. Starting from the eastern side of the Imperial Road, before even passing the Hundred-Foot Tower, one can already see a multitude of luxurious carriages and fine horses. Miyosh calculated that the girls' school must be well-prepared, as today is the first day, and these daughters of nobility have come to enroll and pay their respects to their teachers.

Yayoi was thoroughly annoyed and kicked him, saying: "There’s no need for Brother Pang to intervene; you’re just a fool! Did you see the way the girl from the Fan family looks at the Master? I think she would be a great match for him. If she were with you, it would be like flowers in cow dung. Do her a favor and let her go. Besides, no one can guess the Master’s thoughts. What if they have feelings for each other? Do you dare to undermine the Master? Be careful, or you might find yourself punished in the square wearing a dunce cap!"

The doctor's degree resounded loudly: "A serving of osmanthus honey soup pancake is ready for the guests!"

Without a sound, he stepped into the small shop, taking two steps at a time. Being familiar with the place, he directly called out to the waiter: "Doctor's degree, bring me a bowl of soup dumplings"

He clearly could not hold it any longer, "This is how I usually dress at home. Are you the teacher, or am I the teacher? Do students have the right to criticize their teacher? Does my way of dressing bother you?"

Miyoi came to her senses and hurried after him. Seeing that Pang Xiao was carrying too many books, she warmly said, "I will help share the burden for my elder brother."

The more he acted this way, the more curious May was, pressing him with the question: "What exactly is it? Please tell me quickly."

"Tsk, who said you are not bright? I see you are quite clever, understanding everything with just a hint." Zaiqing leaned in with a flushed face, "I have feelings for the daughter of the Fan family. If you change schools and get closer to her, could you often help me pass on messages? We are fellow students after all, and you surely wouldn't want to see me wither away from longing, would you?"

Yayoi bowed and said, "The students listen to the Master's teachings."

The next day, I woke up to find the sun shining; the rain and snow that had lingered for several days had finally passed.

He longed to be close to her, the more he desired, the more he suffered and endured. He took a breath and said, "In the past, the master was too strict; I will treat you better in the future, alright?"

The corners of his lips gradually lifted; she was happy, and he felt an odd sense of satisfaction. The dining table was narrow and long, and she was right across from him, within reach. Uncontrollably, he reached over to hold her hand. She looked at him in surprise, lacking the shyness typical of a woman, "What is the matter, sir? Is your hand cold?"

"No." Zaiqing replied quickly, pausing slightly, and pointed towards the window at the end of the long corridor, "You can see the southern courtyard from there, there are many female students, including the girls from the Fan family. Oh, they look even more beautiful up close! Their hands are like soft shoots, their skin like congealed fat, their necks like the necks of a beetle, their teeth like the seeds of a gourd..." He glanced at her sideways, "Miyoi, are we friends?"

Miyoi said, "That's enough." This sweet soup is quite flavorful after three or five spoonfuls, but the more you eat, the more it becomes cloying. I don't understand why the master would like it. She was eating the soup dumplings and sweating, rolling up her sleeves to wipe her face, when she suddenly heard someone laughing beside her, "What is this alluding to? He Lang eats hot soup dumplings, wiping his face with his clothes, does his complexion turn bright?" Miyoi looked up and saw a young gentleman leaning at the next table, dressed in splendid attire, resting his chin on his hand, with delicate features and long eyebrows that extended past his temples. However, his eyebrows curved like a new moon, which inexplicably gave him a feminine appearance. Is this considered flirting or teasing? She was currently dressed in men's clothing and remained silent, so others would at most find her somewhat effeminate. If this could be considered teasing, then this gentleman before her likely had a preference for men. She couldn't be bothered to pay attention to such people, paid for the dumplings, and said to Wuxia, "It's about time, let's go."

Miyoi stood up, holding the corner of her robe, and said, "Let's go to the store; it's more lively to eat in a crowded place"

Weisi is a serious person who rarely smiles, his face always tightly drawn. He responded with a grunt, "Earlier, Brother Pang was looking for you. You should go to the official office and see if he is there."

The shopkeeper was actually just making small talk. Seeing that Wu Xia was not engaging with him, he turned to ask Mi Sheng: "My lord, would you like to add some more honey? Is it sweet enough?"

She was momentarily troubled, but soon cast it aside, turning the corner while holding her robe. Before she got close, she could hear the cheerful laughter of the girls. It was as clear as silver bells, ringing in strands and clusters, filled with a sense of freshness

He suddenly felt a deep sense of fatigue, "You really know quite a lot."

As she moved forward, she could see clearly that these golden branches and jade leaves were gathered in the open space in the middle of the courtyard. There were always around twenty to thirty people, all dressed in the wide-sleeved robes from the academy. They varied in height, build, and appearance, each presenting a different style. She stood at a distance and watched for a while; today was the grand ceremony for apprenticeship, first paying respects to Confucius and then to the teacher who imparted knowledge. Twelve individuals holding doctorates had arrived, standing together under the corridor, their faces appearing composed, yet their postures were different from usual. Their backs were not as straight, and they slightly hunched. After all, there were seven or eight princesses inside, along with various dukes' daughters and county lords who remained in the capital. The two rows of ladies on the right, if one were to randomly select any of them, would hold a higher rank than those men. Observing the appearance of the scholars, it is indeed difficult to say how far women's education would progress in the future.

Yayoi was momentarily frozen, what is this all about! Earlier, outside the mansion, he held her just to comfort her because she looked so frightened. But what about now? What does this mean?

The reaction was somewhat slow, and after a long while, he murmured: "Does the Master have feelings for her? That cannot be the case. I have only seen the Master speak to her once. If the Master had spent as much time with her as you have, then I might have some belief in it."

It is a small man's honor to drive for the lady, the lady says it is a bother, which truly overwhelms the small man!" Wu Xia chuckled, raising his chin towards the bright moon behind her, "Have you prepared everything you need for your studies, my lady?"

The young man chuckled and said, "Why so serious? I have traveled across the seas and made friends everywhere. I have just arrived in Ye City, and to my surprise, I met someone I find quite agreeable today. Isn't it said that fate brings people together from a thousand miles away?"

He slightly turned his body, a fleeting smile passing across his face, "Change clothes? Will you serve me?"

Miyoi spat and said, "You are a pig-headed fool, too lazy to talk to you." After saying this, she ignored him and went straight to the official office

She awkwardly said: "On such a cold day, why this outfit... I know that after taking medicine, one needs to disperse it, but it should be done outside; sitting indoors is not good for the body"

You should keep a close eye on King Jinyang. After all, the Master has this intention, but it is not set in stone. If you are unwilling, no one will force you.

He looked at her quietly and said, "What do you mean by that?"

Miyoi does not understand the intricacies of political machinations; she only knows that she is a student of the Master. Whenever the Master faces difficulties, as long as she is capable, she will certainly do her utmost to assist. ... However, to ask her to marry Prince Jinyang ...

She was only concerned with chattering, and he did not find her nagging bothersome. In his heart, he longed to the utmost, so he no longer cared about so much. He leaned in and held her in his arms, softly murmuring: "Don't move, let me warm up a bit"

His face suddenly became a riot of colors, and he simply said: "I am also cold."

She lifted her head, blinking her large and clear eyes that resembled those of a fawn, and responded with a dull "mm".

She agreed and walked around the shadow wall towards the official office. Just as she reached the red gate, she unexpectedly bumped into Zaiqing, who was walking while looking back. She stumbled and nearly fell, but Zaiqing hurriedly caught her, laughing heartily. Miyoshin rubbed her sore shoulder and puffed her cheeks, saying: "Laughing like that, you must be up to no good; what mischief have you been up to?"

Without summer's sneer, "King of Changshan? This king has a fierce temper. In his early years, he fought alongside Emperor Shenzong against the Canglang Huli clan, achieving remarkable military exploits. Therefore, he is quite resentful of the practice of establishing the eldest legitimate son as the heir. This is not the worst of it; the most concerning aspect is his bloodthirstiness. Having become accustomed to the bloody winds and rains of the battlefield, he kills people as if he were chopping vegetables, which is truly terrifying. As a result, he remains unmarried to this day, and no family dares to marry their daughter to him. I can see that Your Highness is very fond of the lady. The other day, after court, someone happened to mention it, and Your Highness quickly changed the subject with just a few words. After all, one cannot bear to send a young lady into the tiger's den, marrying her into the Sixth King's residence as a concubine would indeed put her life in jeopardy"

Miyoi, feeling dazed, suddenly recalled the Hu Ji who had just come to pay her respects. She hesitated and said, "Shall I wait for a moment, or should I go out to find someone to send a message and invite the young ladies here?"

It has been a long time since I have seen the sunlight; even a faint glimmer of light brings a sense of ease to the heart. On this day of the third month, I prepare myself and head out to school. Although the carriage and horses are ready, I do not feel inclined to ride. Moreover, it is still early; the current academy is not like that of previous dynasties, where scholars had to endure long nights and early mornings. Most of the students come from wealthy families with ancestral privileges, ensuring their smooth entry into officialdom in the future. As a result, they actually arrive later than the scholars from local and county schools. The local school starts at the first watch, the county school at the second watch, while the academy has become relatively lax, with students arriving at the third watch and a quarter.

With a flick of the whip in his hand, Wu Xia cheerfully said while turning the reins, "The lady asked me if I knew, and His Highness also loves to eat soup dumplings, often going to Hu Ji at the street corner. The way people outside the pass make soup dumplings is different from that in the Central Plains; the ingredients they add are fragrant, called wild fennel. Last time, when the Sixth Prince roasted Hu Pao meat in the camp, he sprinkled a little on it, and it was incredibly fragrant! I will take the lady there; if she doesn't like salty, it can also be made sweet." He lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Let me tell the lady something; don't be fooled by our prince's strict demeanor, he actually loves sweets! Adding honey to the soup, he wouldn't mind if half a bottle was poured in."

Upon hearing these words, it surely bodes ill! Miyoi turned her head and said, "No."

She pursed her lips and said, "The student has arrived late, causing the master to wait. I sincerely apologize! Master, please take a seat; the student will serve you your meal."

At this moment, it seems that the requirement for men and women to sit at different tables has been forgotten. However, she is perceptive enough not to spoil his mood at this juncture. She gracefully takes her seat, but as soon as she raises her eyes, she is met with a full view of his chest and abdominal muscles, leaving her feeling utterly embarrassed. A maid nearby comes to lift the lid, while the gentleman remains calm and composed, seemingly detached from the situation. After holding back for a long time, she cautiously asks: "Have you taken the Five Stone Powder, sir?"

Yayoi widened her eyes, almost hating her own lack of composure. It turned out that what she had previously been indifferent to had recently begun to make her blush easily.

Wu Xia coughed and said, "Is there even a need to ask? Your Highness values the lady and is concerned that others may not take proper care of her, hence you have specially dispatched a lowly person to come here. The bond between Your Highness and the lady, as master and disciple, is indeed profound!"

He averted his gaze and said in a calm voice: "I didn't call you here to serve me." He pointed to the crescent-shaped stool across from him, "Sit down and eat together."

Miyoi fell silent, thinking that although it did not hinder her, he was showing off his good physique in front of her, which left her feeling somewhat indifferent to food.

"Are you still aware of the Qianlong Residence?" Pang Xiao looked up, walking as he spoke: "You do not understand, the open and covert struggles among the kings are indeed too intense. It is like seeing a sea that appears calm on the surface, while underneath, there are turbulent currents. The Master is a person of detachment, unwilling to contend with them; building his residence outside the city is also a form of concession. However, the affairs of the world are always unpredictable. One may not harbor malicious intent, yet it is difficult to ensure that others will not come to harm you. The Master is a person of detachment, unwilling to contend with them; building his residence outside the city is also a form of concession. However, the affairs of the world are always unpredictable. One may not harbor malicious intent, yet it is difficult to ensure that others will not come to harm you. I often advise the Master that when it is time to act, he should not be soft-hearted, but unfortunately, he does not listen. He values loyalty and righteousness too heavily, which will inevitably lead to losses. We, as his students, can only worry for him, while he himself does not take it to heart. He is perceptive about the affairs of the world; what is there that he cannot see through? It is merely that he is mindful of loyalty and righteousness, and is unwilling to draw his sword against others." We, as his students, can only worry for him, while he himself does not take it to heart. He is perceptive about the affairs of the world; what is there that he cannot see through? It is merely that he is mindful of loyalty and righteousness, and is unwilling to draw his sword against others.

What about the two kings? I spoke a few words with His Highness the Prince of Guangning yesterday; His Highness is cultured and very admirable

Pang Xiao stepped out holding a stack of books. After walking a few steps without seeing her follow, he turned and called out: "Eleven Niang, hurry and come with me!"

Wu Xia stood beside the carriage, nodding and bowing to her, "Your Highness has given orders, from now on, I shall exclusively drive for the young lady. Wherever the young lady wishes to go, I will be at her service."

The owner of the bakery had a round face, and while carrying a tray over, he gestured to the waiter, indicating to hurry up and settle the payment. Once the person left, he sighed, "In Ye City, temples are found in every direction; I don't know how many groups come to beg for alms in a day. Not giving would be disrespectful to the Buddha. If we do give, it truly becomes an unbearable social obligation!" He said this while smiling at Wu Xia, "A Lang is a person close to His Highness the King of Le Ling; perhaps you could mention this to His Highness and see if the court can manage these temples a bit. It's one thing to give during festivals, but when it's neither a holiday nor a special occasion, and they come asking all day long, we might find it hard to maintain our faith in Buddhism."

She used to live and eat at the academy, wearing wide-sleeved long robes throughout the year, never taking the time to adorn herself. The last time she returned to Yangxia, she only had the ceremonial attire for her coming-of-age ceremony, which was somewhat more luxurious, but due to its conventional nature, it appeared overly traditional and stiff. He had no opportunity to see her in full regalia until today, and he was quite impressed with his own discernment. He began to imagine what she would look like wearing a hairpin and ceremonial robes, envisioning her as charming, dignified, and looking down upon the world, yet also delicate and captivating, embodying both the brightness and softness of youthful grace.

Miyoi leaned against the railing, just arriving at the bridge's edge, and couldn't help but glance again towards Jianyang Lane. The lane was straight, and the houses were magnificent, presenting a scene of grandeur under the spring sunshine. However, recalling what the Master had said about Liu Xuanming last night, she felt a tightness in her throat and quickly shifted her gaze, saying: "I have met the two kings, but I have not heard of His Highness the Sixth King. What about him?"

Could it be that she got cold on the way back? She pondered, If I had known, it would have been better to take the carriage, it's snowing outside, and I must have caught a chill...

Indeed, Pang Xiao's words were no different from what she had anticipated, instructing her to move to the southern courtyard for her studies, yet she still returned to the ear room after classes. She rubbed her hands and asked, "Does the master also teach in the southern courtyard?"

"How pitiful Prince Guangning is," she sighed. "What does the Empress think? Hasn't anyone in the palace heard the rumors about the Princess's reckless behavior?"

Miyoi was taken aback and quickly reached out to stop him. Turning around for a glance, she saw that the young man appeared calm and composed, clearly not someone easily frightened. Miyoi then pulled Wuxia and said, "Don't cause any trouble; we don't know where he comes from. Let's hurry and leave!"

On a frigid day, he surprisingly held a feather fan in his hand, swaying it back and forth, creating a chill in the air. Miyoi instinctively took a step back, clasped her hands, and said: "I am deeply grateful for your kind regard, my lord. However, I must head to the academy now; I cannot afford to delay any longer. Please feel free to do as you wish."

Miyoi began to daydream with a smile, what a rare beauty in the world! It is truly an honor to serve as a warm furnace for such a beautiful master. Should I push him away? To be honest, I should. Yet, she seems to be reluctant, unwilling to struggle out from within.

She nodded busily, "Elder brother, rest assured, I know what should be said and what should not be said"

He sat in the armchair, his expression indifferent. With an elegant gesture, he adjusted his open collar and said: "It is good that you know. From now on, be more careful and do not provoke me repeatedly. The royal palace is different from the academy; if you make a mistake, you will be summoned for punishment. Do you understand?"

Pang Xiao turned his face to her and smiled, "No need, I would already be grateful if you don't cause me any trouble. How was it at the Confucian Master's residence last night? Were you comfortable there?"

She bypassed him, feeling that this person was truly frivolous and reckless. However, it was fortunate that he did not pursue her further. It was only when she reached outside the store that she heard him shout: "My surname is Han, courtesy name Yunji, from Fuchun, Wujun. Today, encountering the young lady is a stroke of luck in three lifetimes. I shall certainly visit you another day, and you must wait for me!"

Yayoi was taken aback for a moment, then looked him over again and said: "We are strangers to each other, sir, and your question is rather presumptuous."

Yayoi recalled that he had mentioned it during the carriage ride back, and now with Pang Shao's words, it became even clearer. She felt a vague sense of worry in her heart, "Is the Master really this honest? He is a renowned sage from Daye, surely the conflicts among the princes would not bring disaster upon him, right?"

She said "you" without using honorifics, as if two equals were conversing casually. He stood up and approached gracefully, "But it's a bit cold, it doesn't matter."

He has just arrived! He seems to have some complaints, walking around the piano table and settling down on the couch, propping himself up with the wolf fur blanket on the cushion, squinting his eyes to scrutinize her

Yayoi was made uneasy by him, pulling a long face and saying: "What do you want to do? Are you asking me to hand you a love poem or something?"

He still frowned at her, but the crease in his brow gradually smoothed out. She looked increasingly beautiful under the light, possessing a face that could withstand the direct glare of the sun. However, the candlelight was warm in color, casting a soft golden hue over her overly fair skin. ... Tender, slow, shy ... . ... He gazed at her, feeling a heaviness and oppression in his chest. He had always been confident, yet this time he felt uncertain. He supported his forehead and sighed softly. What was he truly seeking? Was it merely the delicate beauty before him? No, he knew it was far more than that. But what about her? She had been under his tutelage for three years, and to him, she was far more important than those brothers of tiger and wolf.

What a disappointing girl! His heartfelt tenderness was abruptly interrupted, and with a furrowed brow, he released her and said: "How to find warmth in love is my own business, do I still need you to teach me?"

Murong Cheng lightly nodded his noble head and said, "It is getting late; you should return and rest. Tomorrow at dawn, I must attend court, so it is fine for you to leave a bit later. Have someone send a message to the carriage at the back, and they will take you to the school. Do not walk alone, as I fear you might lose your way in a daze, which would cause me more trouble."

Yayoi looked at him with strong disdain, "Are you out of your mind? The one they admire is the Master, who in the academy doesn't know that? Yet you pretend to be deaf, as if you didn't hear anything? I won't go to seek that pointless favor. Brother Pang recently obtained his doctor's degree, so he must be busy running around. You should ask him and see if he agrees to help you."

He was examining her, and May also had her own assessment of him

Has the Master finished the morning assembly? She glanced at the square through the bare branches, saying, "The statue of Confucius and the large cauldron are all set up, the ceremony for paying respects to the teacher is about to begin. Is the Master not changing his clothes?"

Yayoi could only shake her head, sighing inwardly, for she simply could not eat! The usually dignified master, now so captivatingly beautiful before her eyes, left her astonished, her mouth agape, making it impossible to even think about eating!

His hand rested on her back, pressing firmly against himself, as if to fill his heart. He leaned down a bit more, allowing them to be closer together. She was in his arms, her body stiff and straight. He smiled calmly, knowing that she had not yet adjusted, but it did not matter; after a few more embraces, she would get used to it

"What are you calling them for? Aren't you very filial? After just a little while, it won't do?" What should have been a stern admonition now sounded rather weak and feeble. He continued, "As for the little lady you mentioned, I have already communicated with the people in your courtyard; didn't they relay it to you? You are not of the same kind as them, so it is better to keep your distance in the future."

Without summer, she merely smiled, slightly leaning back, her body closer to the door mat. "The Princess of Guangning is the daughter of the Crown Prince's horse keeper, Wang Ku. It is said that she has been secretly involved with a warehouse worker from the same sect, and probably the entire city of Ye knows about it. Such a tremendous disgrace, yet the two princes endure it. They muddle through life, turning a blind eye, which is truly foolish beyond measure. Such a woman deserves to be executed, yet I do not know what the two princes fear. They remain sullen and silent, only seeking to appease, holding onto evidence yet not using it, while being reprimanded by the princess every day. If I were him, I would have hanged myself long ago; how could I have the face to walk in the court again?"

She pressed against his chest, and when he spoke, his chest resonated with a low hum. She moved back slightly and looked up at him, "Master, your method of keeping warm is quite peculiar. With the thickness of the jacket I am wearing, what warmth can it possibly provide you?"

She looked curious and quickly stepped into the entrance of the academy, where she ran into Wei Si and eagerly asked, "Fourth brother, is everything prepared in the south?"

The bright moon cast a glance at him, saying, "This dog, once it has a bit of color, opens a dye shop!" She placed Miyoi's book bag and writing supplies onto the cart, then came over to adjust the fluttering ribbon at her collar, earnestly saying, "Lady, be careful on your journey. When night falls, I will be waiting for you at the door with the bright moon."

Isn't it necessary to have evidence for such matters? Even he, the husband, is silent; who can do anything to her?" While speaking, the carriage arrived in front of Hu Ji Soup Dumpling Shop. Wu Xia pulled the reins, leaped down from the carriage, and leaned in to ask: "Will the lady be dining inside the shop or in the carriage? If in the carriage, I can go and bring it to you.

She nodded seriously, "I have seen my four brothers scattered about, drinking hot wine, splashing cold water on themselves, their faces flushed, looking all wobbly..." She looked at his expression, then glanced at his chest, and was quite surprised to find that the scholar was just as usual. She exclaimed softly, blinking her eyes and murmuring, "It doesn't seem like... but why is the scholar dressed like this?"

Taking her out? There is probably nothing more glamorous than taking her out in this world. He leaned against the railing with a faint smile, "The family banquet will be attended by the sons of the Murong family, and this is a perfect opportunity to make some selections. Besides, Princess Kangmu will also be present; don't you want to meet your sister?"

He tilted his head back and took two swigs of the strong liquor, the fiery sensation coursing down his throat, winding its way through his chest. He turned back to look at her; her hand holding the chopsticks was almost like a carved ivory, having once quietly lingered in the palm of his hand. She was both pitiable and lovable, yet born into a noble family.

She was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and then lowered her head to say: "The student has never been to the palace and is afraid of losing decorum. Moreover, it is a family banquet, and other nobles are accompanied by their families. It would be somewhat inappropriate for the teacher to bring a student along."

She smacked her lips and said, "I told you so, wearing less will make you catch a chill." As she spoke, she turned around, only to find that the attendants on both sides had retreated without her noticing, and even the one who was indifferent to the seasons was gone. This made things rather troublesome; she couldn't even call someone to bring him an extra piece of clothing. After a moment of thought, she said, "Shall I go outside and call someone to bring a charcoal stove for you?"

In other words, the female disciple only accepted her. Upon hearing Pang Xiao say this, Mi Rong immediately felt delighted. A sweet sensation permeated her entire being. She let out a sigh of relief, finally feeling at ease. Upon reflection, she realized that she seemed laughably childish, like a petulant child afraid that the attention of the adults would be drawn away by other siblings, thus diluting the love that was originally meant solely for her.

"How is it impossible? The Xiao Consort is a princess of the previous dynasty, and after the Great King ascended the throne, he conferred her as Empress. Naturally, the ministers in court would advise accordingly. You are a descendant of the Wang and Xie families, and it is only right to establish you as the central palace. " He said, then shifted his gaze, "In truth, when seriously considered, all manner of precautions and self-preservation cannot compare to being the king oneself. Rather than allowing others to wield the power of life and death, why not seize that power for oneself? With your talents and knowledge, you would have more than enough capability to govern the world. Don't you think so?" Rather than allowing others to wield the power of life and death, why not seize that power for oneself? With your talents and knowledge, you would have more than enough capability to govern the world. Don't you think so?"

Yayoi was left dizzy by his words. After calming down and reflecting, she managed to clarify one point: if she could marry Prince Jinyang, it would be beneficial for her teacher. It seemed that Pang Xiao was implying she should negotiate more, while also hinting at another layer of meaning, "No amount of precautions and self-preservation can compare to becoming a king oneself." This made a certain amount of sense, but what good was it to explain this to her? She was a person who muddled through life, so how could it help her?

Yayoi felt a bit embarrassed. How should this be understood? Although he was holding her, did it mean that it had nothing to do with her? Indeed, the master's thoughts were not something ordinary people could decipher. Thus, she quietly closed her mouth, served him as he sat down, poured him wine, and with a smiling face said: "What the master says is true; the student is dull and understands nothing. The master must have his reasons for doing things, and if I were to ask, it would only make me seem more foolish."

Without summer, she smacked her lips, "The lady has been by His Highness's side for a long time, so she knows that the world thinks he sits high above the clouds. With his profound learning in the deep mountains and such a glorious background, one must crane their neck to catch a glimpse of him. However, that is not the case; His Highness is amiable and kind-hearted. I am not speaking on behalf of my own lord, but among so many kings, our great king is the most considerate, well-versed in human affairs. As for the illegitimate princes, I will not mention them; just among those born of the same mother, aside from His Highness of Jinyang who can rival our prince, the others... I am not speaking on behalf of my own lord, but among so many kings, our great king is the most considerate, well-versed in human affairs. As for the illegitimate princes, I will not mention them; just among those born of the same mother, aside from His Highness of Jinyang who can rival our prince, the others... cannot be compared."

Miyoi nodded and said, "You can go in now." She stepped onto the single carriage, lifted the felt cover, and said to Wuxia, "Walk slowly when you reach the cross street. I plan to save some room in my stomach for soup dumplings. Do you know which bakery has good dumplings?"

She was chuckling to herself with her arms crossed when suddenly someone patted her on the shoulder. She turned around to see a person dressed in a crimson gauze robe, with a white undergarment made of black-edged silk visible underneath. The long ribbons of the distant travel cap, adorned with large red and gold borders, hung down in front of her chest, further enhancing her graceful demeanor and imposing presence

Zai Qing paused for a moment and said, "You are truly heartless and ungrateful. Haven't we been getting along well usually? Then let me ask you, am I not your senior brother?"

She responded in a somewhat confused manner: "It is only right for the Master to be strict; the students have never complained about him." After finishing her words, she smiled again, "However, if he could be a bit more amiable, that would be even better."

The greater the reputation, the more one must suppress it. Pang Xiao turned his gaze sharply towards her, "Historically, when establishing a successor, the legitimate heir is prioritized, and if there is none, the eldest son is chosen. The one who will ascend the throne in the future will undoubtedly be Prince Jinyang. However, Prince Jinyang is young and vigorous, and once he ascends to power, it is likely that the lives of his other brothers will become difficult. I have heard the Master mention your marriage; he cares for you and wishes to uphold the reputation of the Xie family. This is naturally not for his own sake, but entirely to elevate you. Therefore, I think that if you truly end up with Prince Jinyang in the future, should the Master encounter any difficulties one day, you should at least remember the bond between teacher and student."

Miyoi hesitantly tugged at the cuff of her wide sleeves and said, "The master is truly thoughtful; I will have to trouble you in the future."

It is certain that Yayo will have to discuss the matter of transferring schools with her. In the past, the academy did not admit women, so she had no choice but to mingle among men. Hasn't the master repeatedly instructed her to be more discreet? Now, it is just right to place her in a girls' school, which can be considered a return to the right path. It is likely that the master had already issued the order long ago; at this moment, it is merely a matter of passing on the message through Pang Xiao.

The Master is truly too ...! ... too unseemly! Dressed in a flowing ink-wash robe, with wide-cuffed trousers, his chest is wide open, revealing a patch of bare skin inside, and he is surprisingly not even wearing an undershirt! She secretly stole a few more glances, her face flushed and heart racing! After observing, she began to grumble again, although his physique is quite good, he is still a role model for others, he should at least maintain some decorum in front of his students! She often felt that he was dignified and tidy, but did not expect that there would be times like this!

Yayoi hesitated slightly, "You and Wudong are both close aides to the Master, inseparable from each other, how is it that you are driving for me?"

Zaiqing stuck out his tongue, saying, "Are you joking? Pang Xiao is just like the King of Hell; who would dare to provoke him easily! You want me to ask him to help send a letter through the wild goose? That would be as if someone had hit him in the head with a dog’s brain!" After saying this, he stared at her with wide eyes, "If he doesn’t help, so be it; I’ve misjudged you all along, thinking of you as a friend for nothing!"

Pang Xiao gathered the calligraphy books on the table, lowered his eyes, and said: "The Master does not teach you, as mentioned yesterday, your studies will be taught to you separately, while others will be managed by the university with a doctor's degree, that matter is not his concern"

After listening, Yayo felt a deep sense of melancholy. It seems that the Second Prince is indeed excessively timid. A person like him, if he were to marry a virtuous woman, might be able to live a harmonious and easy life together. Unfortunately, the princess is precisely one who does not adhere to the duties of a wife, with a temperament that is both fiery and domineering. In her hands, the Second Prince has become a soft persimmon, easily shaped and molded according to her whims

She murmured, "It's manageable to live here, but how could the Duke of Le Ling's residence be built at the East City Horse Market? That place is quite remote; it was even used as an execution ground back in the day. The last time I visited the Duke of Jin Yang's residence, the feng shui of that house was excellent! It's located near Jin Yong City, close to Ye Palace, and it clearly has the characteristics of a hidden dragon's abode."

He glanced at her and said, "In a couple of days, there will be a family banquet in the palace. You will accompany me there."

This could also be considered a form of possessiveness. She just didn't dare to voice it, causing the scholar to seem like her private possession. She felt a bit embarrassed and recalled how the scholar had held and embraced her last night. Although she was somewhat slow to realize, she was still a girl at heart. She pretended to be magnanimous on the surface, but inwardly she was quite calculating. Lying in bed, she wrestled with her thoughts for most of the night, various strange ideas passing through her mind, and in the end, all that remained was a sense of melancholy

Miyoi blushed and said, "Elder brother, your words make me anxious. How could I possibly marry Prince Jinyang?"

"Slim waist." He called her softly

Miyoi thought for a moment and smiled, saying: "No need to trouble yourself, just bring me what His Highness the King of Leiling usually uses."

Gradually arriving at the entrance of the soup dumpling shop, the monk did not look at anyone directly, his eyelids drooping as he murmured a passage of scripture. The Buddhist teachings emphasize going with the flow, and nothing should be forced. Whether one is willing to give alms is entirely up to the individual; if you are pleased, you may place something in the bowl; if not, he will finish his recitation and leave immediately, not lingering for a moment.

She remained silent, vigorously scooping up two mouthfuls of soup from the bowl. He glanced down with a frown, rolled up his wide sleeves, and served some dishes onto her plate, asking, "Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your taste? Do you want something spicy?"

The customs passed down from previous dynasties have led to some confusion in titles. In the Taixue, the masters hold the title of doctor’s degree, and even the errand boys in the shops are addressed in the same manner. The shopkeeper warmly approached, sizing up Miyoshin, and exclaimed: "Isn’t this His Highness the Prince of Leiling? Is this young gentleman a student of the Taixue?" While leading him to a seat, he continued, "What flavors would the young gentleman like to eat? We currently have fresh water plants and sunflowers, as well as cold dishes, Kunwei, and eel. If the young gentleman prefers something salty, would you like to have a few toppings?"

At the street corner, people come and go; it is good not only to enjoy the scenery but also to observe the lives of others. A limping monk dressed in a yellow robe is going from house to house begging for alms across the market. The bowl in his hand is larger than any she has seen before, almost comparable to a washing basin. In Daye, where Buddhism is prevalent, a complete round of alms can yield considerable merit. Those with money give money, while those without offer leftover tea and food from the New Year. When the monk passed by the window, Miyoshiko took a glance; the large bowl was indeed substantial, filled with a haphazard assortment of items. There were five cash coins, steamed buns, incense candles, and even silk brocade and jingling ornaments.

Her heart raced like thunder, and the blood surged to her face. The thought of the master's bare chest made her feel embarrassed, especially since he was so close. Now that someone had entered, wouldn't it be impossible to explain with so many mouths around! She pondered back and forth, caught in a dilemma. ... Not long ago, Wang Xiang lay on the ice to seek carp, and now the master was cold; she could warm him up ...! ... It should be nothing, right! Although her heart was open, she still could not remain calm. His breath lingered by her ear, and now there was no trace of the elder's imposing authority. Not long ago, Wang Xiang lay on the ice to seek carp, and now the master was cold; she could warm him up ...! ... It should be nothing, right! Although her heart was open, she still could not remain calm. His breath lingered by her ear, and now there was no trace of the elder's imposing authority. He was just an ordinary young man, and quite a handsome one at that.

This is quite an unexpected piece of gossip, "Miyoi Dala, 'Does the Master love sweets? It's rare for a man to enjoy sweet things!'"

Just as she was about to leave, the young man stood up, blocking her path, and said with a smile: "Are you a student from the academy? Where are you from? Do you have a wife at home?"

She did not respond, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived in front of the South Courtyard's Weeping Flower Gate. Pang Xiao slightly paused his steps, "These are private matters among our fellow disciples, do not spread them outside. If the news leaks, it would not be good for the Master, do you understand?"

Every move of the Master left her in admiration. At home, he did not refer to himself as "teacher," but instead called himself "this king" in a different tone. Such arrogance and self-importance, with an imposing presence, made Mi Ying immediately worship him wholeheartedly, leaving no room for any other thoughts. She replied obediently, "The student has remembered, it will not happen again."

In fact, the floor heating was on in the room, and the temperature was not low. Miyoi was puzzled; as a girl, she did not feel cold at all, while the master, being a man, was surprisingly sensitive to the cold.

Without summer, this finally came to an end. Grumbling, he got into the car and angrily said: "The Han family of Wu County, just wait until I report back to His Highness. It would be strange if I don't find a reason to deal with him!"

During the three years in Ye City, Miyoi rarely went out and did not have the habit of eating snacks by the street. Now, it is a rare pleasure to sit in the corner of the hall and enjoy the scenery, bringing a unique sense of relaxation and contentment.

Wu Xia, with a playful grin, leaned against the corner of another table and said, "You tell me, I am not here to relay messages for you. Matters of the Buddhist realm are beyond even the saints' concern; how about you call me the great king of my house?"

This is undoubtedly the most attractive bargaining chip. Upon hearing that she could meet with Buddha, Yayoi cast aside all her reservations. It had been over three years since they last met, and she missed her sister dearly. How could she possibly express her gratitude for the master's generosity?

Miyoi was so embarrassed that she exclaimed, "Scoundrel!" Wuxia had originally planned to withdraw the wooden block under the wheel, but upon hearing her shout, he rolled up his sleeves and rushed over, cursing, "You murderer, don't you even bother to find out who this is! How dare you speak so foully in front of me! Be careful, or I will break a couple of your bones!"

Wu Xia flicked the leather whip in his hand with flair and spoke in a disdainful tone: "Stop mentioning the King of Guangning; this king is a laughingstock, it would be utterly embarrassing to even bring it up."