Chapter Seven, Dust Rises

That was Ji Fu, the chief steward of the Jin Yang Wangfu, who had profited quite a bit, with a robust build that made him resemble the prince even more than the prince himself. Usually, he was imperious in front of his subordinates, but when faced with royal relatives, he became a coward. Initially, the Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince found him displeasing and cornered him in an alley, urinating on him. He wept and complained to Murong Cong, nearly causing a rift among the brothers.

He approached with a sulky demeanor, and she, being rather slow-witted, only noticed him when he was almost right in front of her. She exclaimed, "The master has finished the banquet already, so soon?"

A few words were exchanged with veiled barbs, and two women covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, laughing discreetly. Such pettiness seemed to indicate that they were concubines of the Prince of Jinyang. Miyoi, who already had a bit of pride, looked down upon these lower-class individuals. If they kept to themselves, it would be fine, but now they had provoked her and even involved her husband, which made her anger rise sharply. She said in a low voice: "Do you two ladies find amusement in gossiping about others behind their backs? First it was the Prince of Guangning, and now it is the Prince of Yueling? I had no idea that the Jinyang Prince's residence had such a way of treating guests!"

Yayoi is very stubborn; she believes she has done nothing wrong, and the master's anger is unreasonable. She stiffens her neck and says, "I will not go"

Murong Cong greeted his brothers to sit down and, with great interest, observed Mi Sheng, "Would the lady care to drink with us? I can have someone prepare plum wine."

Yayoi left the garden on her own

She did not expect that such a prominent noble would care so much, perhaps out of fear that the urgent situation would lead to an empty national treasury. Nevertheless, her concern for the country and its people is indeed commendable

Yayoi was startled by him and hurried to catch up, following closely by his side. She was filled with doubts; the master had not even brought along Pang Xiao, yet he chose to bring her. Could it be that he truly intended to hand her over to Prince Jinyang? She began to feel a bit resentful towards the master for his lack of compassion. After all, he had a legitimate wife, and even if he ascended to the throne in the future, it would not be her turn to become the empress! Did men really prefer their concubines? Did she still have hope for promotion? However, Prince Jinyang was too old for her, being around thirty-one or thirty-two years old, most likely with a protruding belly and a scruffy beard. Did men really prefer their concubines? Did she still have hope for promotion? But Prince Jinyang was too old for her, being around thirty-one or thirty-two years old, most likely with a protruding belly and a scruffy beard. Just thinking about it frightened her, and she hesitated, unable to take a step forward. She began to regret; if it were to be like this, she would rather marry Wang Qian!

She merely sobbed, biting her lips until they bled. He could no longer bear to look; each glance brought him additional torment. Suddenly, he turned and got into the car, the curtain falling heavily, shutting her out, out of sight, out of mind

In a fit of anger, the teacher is likely to punish her again later! With a sorrowful expression, she bowed down and said, "I truly do not dare to speak falsely; if I do, my tongue will rot. Why does the teacher not believe me? Although I am young, I still have standards for choosing a husband. Do you think I would just want to marry anyone who comes along?" She cast a resentful glance at him and added, "Is this how the teacher views students? The teacher underestimates me too much."

He furrowed his brows and slowly paced with his hands behind his back. After taking a few steps, he turned to look at her, "Do you like men who lack firmness? Those who usually dare not breathe loudly, who are overly cautious in their actions, fearing to offend others, and who can only say 'yes'?" He chuckled, "You truly have a discerning eye, bringing honor to your teacher."

Her being with Prince Guangning took him by surprise. The two seemed to be enjoying a lively conversation, and she wore a charming smile on her face. He paused to watch for a while, feeling annoyed that she was not being obedient. They had previously agreed that she would not wander off, yet after he took his leave, he found that not even a trace of her could be found.

Pang Xiao was taken aback, "Have you gone mad? Regardless, the Master is an elder; you should not refuse to apologize. Are you expecting him to bow down to you? There are no parents without faults in this world, how is the Master any different from the elders in your household? If Minister Xie has made an oversight, are you still going to hold a grudge?" After saying this, he changed to a more conciliatory tone, "Just consider it a favor for your brother! If the Master is angry, everyone will have a hard time."

After wandering through a grove of plum trees, with snow weighing down the branches and the occasional sound of snowflakes falling, she looked ahead. On the bluestone path, two elegantly dressed women walked side by side, their garments flowing and their ornaments jingling. As they walked and laughed, one remarked, "What a pity he is a king, born of the same mother, yet the difference compared to the great king is so vast!"

She was feeling uneasy under the gaze of King Jinyang. As soon as the master spoke these words, she felt as if she had been granted a great pardon. She hurriedly bowed and said, "I won't go far, just wandering by the pond ahead. If the master calls for me, I will return immediately"

Murong Cong examined her and squinted, murmuring: "The daughter of the Xie family is indeed extraordinary. How old is she this year?"

That was Princess Xiao of Jinyang, the biological sister of the former emperor. Although her family had fallen into decline, her relationship with Murong Cong was still respectful, and her position in the royal residence was unassailable. Upon seeing Murong Cheng bow to her, she slightly inclined her body and said, "Has Ninth Brother arrived? Your elder brother has been looking forward to you, so please go in quickly!" After speaking, she did not linger and led a group of maids away.

At this moment, Mi Yao secretly glanced up and was taken aback; the Prince of Jinyang was completely different from what she had imagined. With red lips and white teeth, and hair as dark as ink, he bore a striking resemblance to her teacher, almost seven or eight parts alike! It is said that he is in his early thirties, but judging by his appearance, he seems even more composed than her teacher, showing no signs of aging.

"I learn everything," she began to crack her fingers. "Divination, medicine, calligraphy and painting, archery, astronomy, chess, and Hu writing... I learn whatever the students learn, but unfortunately, I lack some skills in embroidery and weaving. " She stuck out her tongue again, "Actually, whatever I learn, I only grasp it halfway, which often annoys the teacher. It forces the teacher to keep me by his side for easier guidance and discipline."

She said, glancing at him from the side, and he straightened his back. The gauzy robe draped down from his shoulders; although his figure was thin, the demeanor of the Murong family was still well-preserved. He was an imposing person, yet for some reason, he had gained a reputation for being timid. Perhaps there was some element of misunderstanding involved! She had heard before that he was very intelligent in his youth and had knowledge. The sage once set a problem to test their brothers, each of them presented a tangled mess and were asked to sort it out. Perhaps there was some element of misunderstanding involved! She had heard before that he was very intelligent in his youth and had knowledge. The sage once set a problem to test their brothers, each of them presented a tangled mess and were asked to sort it out. While others were busy untangling, he simply drew his sword and cut through it. The sage asked him why, and he said, "Those who are chaotic should be cut down." Clearly so decisive, how did he grow up to become so indecisive instead?

Accompanying Wang Guangning, Jifu kept exchanging glances, causing the two women to instantly display a myriad of colors on their faces. The Xie family from Chenliu is a prominent and prestigious clan in Daye, known for the saying, "Having daughters as wives, with princesses in abundance," which speaks to the glory of the Xie women. For women of their status, teasing their suitors is not inappropriate; however, being presumptuous in front of women of noble birth is somewhat embarrassing. One cannot predict what achievements these noble ladies may attain in the future, and offending them carelessly could lead to unfavorable consequences. Thus, with a smiling face, they apologized, "We truly apologize for the rudeness; we thought we were addressing a young gentleman, not a lady from the Xie family. We hope for your understanding regarding any offense caused."

Murong Hang remained silent, the sky was cold, and she stood in the biting wind, pure and untainted. Such a character in a woman is rare; beneath her delicate exterior lies a courageous heart. He turned his head away, the sensation of his fingers gradually becoming distinct. The end of this winter was surprisingly warm

He looked out the door; the sky was still overcast. In fact, he should have felt a bit happier, but the gloomy weather inexplicably troubled his mind

Such a conversation is indeed very casual, and Mayumi withdrew her hand from the cage, raising the autumn board marten fur set on her wrist, "I wear a lot, and there is this too! I thought, if Your Highness is cold, you could use my warm pocket, it is still warm inside"

He looked at the tears, his mind in a state of chaos, "What are you crying for again? Did I say something wrong?"

Murong Cheng appeared indifferent, with a somewhat detached demeanor. "She is no longer a child; if she has someone she is interested in, she can make her own decisions."

Murong Cheng responded with a sound, "It has been delayed for a while. The Taixue is about to open a women's school, and there are many matters to attend to. Second brother, please enter the garden; I will take my leave first. Let's arrange a time another day to gather at the Peach Blossom Dock and have a get-together."

She has a certain skill in speaking nonsense with her eyes wide open. Murong Cheng did not refute this but merely smiled slightly and said, "You need not serve me any longer; the scenery in this garden is beautiful, so feel free to wander around. Just don't stray too far; if you lose your way and I have to exert effort to find you, it will be troublesome."

He paused for a moment, realizing that she might not be interested in this topic, and quickly smiled, saying: "I have often heard about a female disciple under the Ninth Prince; today I happen to meet her. Aren't the studies in the Imperial Academy aimed at men? What do you study there?"

He noticed and shifted his gaze to meet hers, immediately taken aback, a look of inquiry rising in his eyes. He exclaimed, "Who is this? Is she your female student? The young lady from the Xie family?"

"Have I upset the master again?" Pang Xiao sighed, "Let's wait until the master's anger subsides, then we can go and apologize to him."

Another way: "The dragon has nine offspring, each different. However, being overly timid only invites ridicule. It is said that during the New Year visit to the palace, one was scolded by the princess as one entered and exited. From Yanqiu Gate to Tongque Terrace, he merely responded with submissive agreement, making it seem as if an adult was lecturing a child."

Murong Cheng disdainfully refused to engage in a war of words with him, turning her face away and casting a glance towards the direction of Jin Chi, "Is the princess available?"

The west gate was open, and a maidservant came out carrying a bucket of water, walking around them and gradually moving away. Pang Xiao said: "You will stay here from now on, and I will be on the other side. If there is anything you do not wish to trouble the master with, just come find me"

Murong Cheng emerged from Xunxiu Garden and searched for her in vain. It was only after ascending the stone steps along the edge of the Golden Pool that she found her in the path among the plum trees

He shook his head and said, "It's not cold. Are you cold?"

It is truly not easy for her to discern that he is unhappy! How strange that he is so angry, is it because she did not follow his expectations? However, she successfully captured the attention of King Jinyang, and he feels he should be quite satisfied, yet for some reason, he remains rather unhappy

The gilded curtains on the carved door were already drawn up, tied neatly with tassels on both sides. Before he could enter, Murong Cong was supported by two maidservants as he emerged from the inner hall. He limped with one leg hanging down, his robe wide open, panting heavily from exhaustion. The two women were weak, and their support was unsteady, swaying dangerously as if they might topple over. Seeing this, Murong Cheng hurried over to assist, and the two brothers linked arms to help each other, finally managing to settle down comfortably on the Hu couch.

Murong Hang's smile grew even wider, "Your husband must be hoping for your success! Moreover, it is a good thing for a girl to go out and gain some experience."

Murong Cheng noticed her in a daze, and with a swift shake of her sleeves, she turned and walked towards the Moon Cave entrance. Mi Sheng hurriedly tucked her neck in and caught up, feeling curious about the two kings, but lacking the courage to inquire about them in front of the master; she could only return and ask Zaiqing and the others.

The two women exchanged glances, "What a temper! We haven't said anything, yet you bring a truckload of bricks and tiles. Asking who you are, whether you are male or female, is that off-limits?"

"Your Highness, please watch your step," the attendant said attentively, bending down as he spoke, as if he would immediately lie down to serve as a stepping stone should the Ninth Prince accidentally miss his footing.

The inner servant said, "The palace physician has come to examine him, prescribed medication, and he has taken five or six doses according to the prescription. He is much better now. However, there is still some swelling, and his knees are too thick to fit into his trousers. The physician mentioned that we should wait for about ten more days. If the swelling does not subside after ten days..." He glanced around and whispered, "I fear that leg may be rendered useless."

"I visited Langya County a couple of days ago and just returned to Ye City this morning. The household servants reported this news, so I hurried over to take a look." Murong Hang took off the warm pouch and returned it to Mi Sheng, thanking her, while also asking Murong Cheng, "How is it now? Is the injury serious?"

He secretly regretted and leaned back to look. She sat in the high palanquin, the blanket occasionally lifted at a corner by the wind. Her face was not visible; only her robe and the belt made of the beads around her waist could be seen. The tassels were so long, cascading down to the footboard, and the palanquin swayed gently with the slightest bump, like ripples stirred by falling leaves, creating circles that made one feel dizzy

Men drink without regard for the time; whenever the mood strikes them, they can host a banquet even in the early morning. Murong Cheng rarely visits the Jin Yang Wangfu, and when his elder brother sincerely invites him, it is naturally difficult to decline. What is surprising is the speed at which the chef serves the dishes, as if everything had been prepared in advance; in less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the tableware is laid out completely. The food table is brought in together, and a thick sheepskin mat is laid down, making everything ready.

Yayoi smiled awkwardly as the master lifted the hem of his robe and stepped into a courtyard. She had no time to converse with the steward and hurriedly followed him. Upon entering, she saw the ground paved with golden bricks and the beams and pillars intricately carved and painted, which would astonish even those accustomed to grand scenes. From the cabinets to the decorations, everything was crafted with exceptional ingenuity. She secretly clicked her tongue, realizing that the Prince of Jinyang must be a person of extravagant desires. Both greedy for wealth and lustful... She swallowed hard, feeling a cramp in her calf, and her fear intensified.

The royal residence is indeed vast, with pavilions and towers visible in the distance, their eaves soaring at varying heights, concealed among the branches and leaves of evergreen trees, presenting an unparalleled scene of prosperity. She stood by the lakeside for a while, like an adventurous child, looking here and there, quite intrigued. As she walked further away, she turned back to glance in the direction where her teacher was. The horse-riding tower of Xunxiyuan is quite prominent; as long as her teacher remains there, she can find her way back no matter how far she wanders.

As a servant, he always forgets not to show his loyalty at all times. Murong Cheng smiled, "You have worked hard; in the future, the king will naturally not treat you unfairly"

The more he spoke, the more harsh he became. She flushed red in the face, unable to retort, and the view before her twisted and trembled. After a moment, tears began to fall onto the bluestone pavement, and a lump formed in her throat, nearly suffocating her.

Jifu looked at her carefully and said, "I have often heard that there is a young lady in the Taixue, and I suppose you must be that young lady!"

Murong Cheng said, "She is her half-sister from a different mother." Clearly, he had known that this would be the outcome all along, yet for some reason, he suddenly felt a bit of aversion. She stood behind him, and he had to exert great effort to restrain himself from turning back to look at her. Cheng's gaze was unrestrained, and he couldn't help but frown, changing the subject, he asked, "Has my elder brother found out who was behind this incident?"

Murong Cheng lowered his head and smiled, "What my brother said is true." Secretly pondering, he was not a reckless person; it would be impossible to extract information from him. At present, adopting a strategy of inaction might not be a bad thing, just as the monk from Zongsheng Temple said, "Those who enjoy non-action are free from all bindings." Being an outsider actually aligns more with his usual approach to life.

Murong Hang greeted politely, and a maid beside him came to guide the way. He nodded courteously to Miyoshin and then, with his hands tucked away, walked leisurely towards the end of the corridor

She feigned surprise and said, "Sympathize with His Highness? Who is His Highness that I should sympathize with?" Then she smiled, "Is His Highness concerned about the idle gossip of others? There is no need for that! The next time I hear them gossiping, I will have them tied up and sent to His Highness, the Prince of Jinyang, for him to deal with. After all, His Highness is the Grand Commander of the Capital; if he cannot even manage the inner residence, how can he take charge of state affairs?"

Murong Cheng impatiently pressed his lips together and, having stepped over the threshold of the Jin Yang Wangfu, remarked: "No matter how good he is as a brother, he still falls short of being a husband for you."

He fell silent and walked through the moon gate towards the inner courtyard. Just after crossing the threshold, someone approached quickly from a distance by the golden pond, bowing and saying, "Your Highness has arrived? I only just received the news and was unable to greet Your Highness at the door; I truly deserve to die a thousand deaths! Please, Your Highness, come inside quickly; the King is in the Xunxi Garden!"

Jifu nodded in compliance and said, "Your Highness may stroll around for a while; I will have someone waiting nearby. If Your Highness has any matters to attend to, please feel free to instruct them." After speaking, he bowed and swiftly waved his hand, dismissing the two gossiping women.

Mu He, upon seeing the image of Shu Rongcheng, could not help but laugh. This king, despite his usual ruthlessness, was quite fond of beautiful women. Any woman with a hint of beauty would certainly not fall into his sights, let alone a lady of high birth and good looks like her! He said leisurely, "There is nothing to worry about with the Xie family; she is not entirely without support in Ye City. After all, she is a disciple of mine, and I will certainly take care of her. She originally lived in the Taixue, but now that she has grown up, it is inconvenient for her to live with those senior brothers. I will allocate a courtyard for her in my residence, and after school, she can return to the residence of the Prince of Le Ling, which is certainly better than living outside." Suddenly, he smiled again, "Why do you ask about this, brother?"

Jifu bent down and said, glaring fiercely at the two girls. He muttered, "Are you still standing there? Are you waiting to be whipped?"

Yayoi bowed gracefully, lowered her eyes, and stepped forward to perform a long salute, saying, "I have come to pay my respects to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be in good health"

Murong Hang was even more surprised, standing there in a daze, unsure of what to do. After a moment of thought, she realized that perhaps she had overheard the idle chatter of the two singers from earlier, and couldn't help but smile wryly, "Do you pity me?"

As they continued to speak, they paused in front of Mi Ying. One of the women tilted her head to scrutinize her, asking, "Who is this?" Upon seeing her dressed in a blue robe, she laughed and said, "Is this person male or female? Their appearance resembles that of a young lady, yet they are wearing the attire of the Imperial Academy. Did they come here with His Highness the Ninth Prince? I have heard that His Highness the Ninth Prince has yet to marry, it seems he has quite an eye for selecting disciples!"

He cupped his hands in salute and said, "How have you been lately, sister-in-law?"

His eyes are deep-set, yet his lips are pale to the point of whiteness. A man with such features appears to have some physical deficiency. Miyoi pretended to gaze into the distance, exhaling a puff of white mist, "The wind is really strong! Your Highness, are you cold?"

Murong Cheng smiled and said, "Exactly." He gave a glance to Chong Msheng, "Come, let us pay our respects to His Highness, the King of Jinyang."

Yayoi waved her hand repeatedly, "Thank you for your kind offer, Your Majesty, but I do not drink alcohol; it goes straight to my head."

Murong Cong was quite different from before. In the past, during gatherings with his brothers, he would never hesitate to pursue any woman he fancied, regardless of whether she was a young lady or a married woman. However, this time was peculiar; he appeared very composed and steady, which left him perplexed. Prince Jinyang had always been unconcerned with trivial matters, and it seemed that this was not solely due to the reputation of the Xie family's daughter... Could it be love at first sight? He nearly laughed at this thought. Murong Cong was a seasoned player in the realm of romance; could he really be acting like a lovesick youth? If that were the case, it would indeed play right into his hands...

Murong Hang nodded, "Has your master come to visit His Highness Jin Yang today as well?"

Murong Cheng is a man, and men understand the hearts of men best. With such unparalleled beauty, anyone would be reluctant to miss the opportunity. He sat in an official's hat chair, his hands resting on his knees unconsciously clenched into fists, yet his face remained as usual,淡淡道: "I just turned fifteen. A few days ago, I went to Chen Liu to attend her coming-of-age ceremony. On the way back, I stayed at the Ji Jun post station and learned of my elder brother's ambush in Taihang. I was supposed to come yesterday, but due to returning to the city too late, I had to wait until today."

Murong Cheng walked with his sleeves tucked in and asked the inner servant, "Is the king feeling better now?"

He and her sixth brother, Xie Yun, are somewhat similar; both are very modest. Before speaking, they carefully consider their words multiple times, fearing that they might hurt others, yet they inadvertently earn a reputation for being timid. She admires such individuals, gentlemen like jade, possessing thoughts that do not necessarily need to be expressed through words or actions

In the spring of the year, it is improper for a stranger to casually inquire about a woman's age. She finds it difficult to answer and does not wish to respond.

Jifu said: "At this moment, I am also in the garden, having just served the king with medicine."

Jifu spoke in a humble and submissive manner, saying, "Your Highness, this is truly overwhelming for a lowly person like me! I am but a servant, what blessings could I possibly have? I only hope for the well-being of the great king, and as a lowly person, I will serve diligently by your side; that alone is the good fortune I have earned in my past life"

Murong Hang let out a sound of acknowledgment and turned to Jifu, saying: "You need not follow me; I will go in later. I would rather not encounter them while they are drinking, as I do not enjoy this early in the morning, and it would only dampen my spirits."

How should I put this? She chatted with Prince Guangning for a few moments, and the Master mistakenly believed that she had taken a liking to him, which caused him to fly into a rage? She rubbed her hands together, finding it somewhat difficult to speak, and after hesitating for a moment, she said, "It is all my fault; I was careless and caused the Master to be displeased." Aside from sighing, Pang Xiao could find no other way to express himself. He cast a glance towards the tall building and said, "The Master is in the main office; I will have someone prepare tea and water for you to take in." She opened her mouth, initially wanting to haggle, but then steeled herself. After all, one can avoid the first day of the month but not the fifteenth; one cannot hide from someone they will inevitably encounter again.

She was taken aback. Are the Master and Prince Guangning not siblings? It would be one thing for others to mock him, but how could even his own brother look down on him? She was in a daze, "Master, are the two princes truly so unworthy?"

"Why did you come out by yourself, big brother?" He looked at Cong's leg, "How is it now? Does it still hurt?"

Things seem to be progressing step by step towards the goals he has set, yet he has become indecisive. Unfortunately, he is not a person who can control his emotions rationally; after a moment of hesitation, he simply goes with the flow, pouring wine with one hand while responding, "She is still young; according to her own wishes, she probably wants to wait another two years. What? Does my brother have any good candidates here?"

Yayoi did not know that she could have such casual conversations with someone who was almost a stranger

He ignored her and cupped his hands in a salute to Murong Hang, saying, "Second brother has also arrived, what a coincidence." As he spoke, his gaze fell on Murong's hands, and he felt increasingly puzzled. Looking again at Mi Sheng's hands, her fingers were red from the cold, with a small section of her fingertips exposed outside her wide sleeves, resembling a half-ripe cherry.

He was surprised and smiled again, "Where would you find a man wearing a warming pouch? Thank you for your kind intention"

As I was contemplating, a cold snort floated down from above, "You seem to have something to say to everyone. What about this Second Wang? What did you discuss?"

Murong Cong clearly did not wish to dwell on the matter. He clapped his hands to summon someone and instructed, "Go prepare a banquet; I wish to drink a few cups with the Ninth Prince. Ever since I was injured, I have not touched a drop of alcohol for several days, and it has driven me nearly mad with boredom. Today, I shall take up some of your time for scholarly pursuits, and let us brothers gather and enjoy ourselves properly"

Murong Cheng glanced at him and said half-jokingly, "It seems that the steward has become even more fortunate after a few days of absence"

"Your Highness, did you come alone?" She smiled up at him, "The sun has not yet come out, and it has been raining and snowing for four or five days. I do not know when it will come to an end"

Prince Guangning Murong Hang

Murong Cong is heavily suspicious and has suffered serious injuries. In his view, all those brothers, like tigers and wolves, are highly suspect. Each of them harbors intentions to harm him in their quest for the throne. Therefore, it is quite normal for him to be unfriendly towards everyone. After all, he is the legitimate eldest son, and no matter how aloof he may be, others cannot do anything to him.

On this road in Meilin, only she and Prince Guangning remained. This prince had a gentle disposition and was not the type to be ostentatious, so being alone with him did not feel oppressive. Miyoi recalled the news she had just heard, and upon seeing him truly thin and not looking very well, she felt a pang of pity for him.

What are the plans of the Xie family? Now that she has reached the age of marriage, how can she still be called out? Is she currently living in the Taixue?

She was walking so slowly that he had to stop and impatiently said, "Can you move at all? Do you want me to call someone to carry you?"

Now she felt quite embarrassed, thinking that it was unreasonable for everyone to be anxious just for her sake. She slumped her shoulders and could only respond, "Brother, don't say anymore, I will go back right away."

Her beaming smile was particularly captivating, leaving Murong Cong somewhat dazed. After she left, he turned to Murong Cheng and said: "I have only heard of such things in the past, but I never knew you had such a treasure under your wing! Tell me, has she promised herself to anyone?"

Miyoi said, "At this moment, we are having a banquet. I am feeling bored, so the master sent me out."

He was filled with anger, pointing at her warm pocket and saying: "Then what is this all about? Everything was fine, how did it end up in someone else's hands? I often teach you to reflect on yourself; you are a woman, different from those senior brothers, yet have you ever truly listened? Your parents entrusted you to me, and I must be able to account for that. Now, in such a muddled state, if one day you secretly agree to a lifelong commitment with someone, I fear I would still be in the dark!"

Murong Cong fell silent, picked up a piece of food, and after a long while said, "The daughter of the Xie family should not be matched with just anyone!" After speaking, she looked at him with a hint of a smile, "As a husband, you will certainly need to pay more attention in the future"

Pang Xiao nodded and said, "The Master has instructed to allocate a room for you in the official office, where you can study and write after school."

"What trouble has occurred at the Jin Yang Wangfu?" Pang Xiao stood under the eaves, with his hands tucked in, frowning as he asked her: "Was it you who caused the disturbance, or was it the Jin Yang Wang who was negligent?"

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Taixue, someone was there to receive them. He forced himself not to look back and quickly stepped into the archway. Pang Xiao did not have time to follow him in and looked back at the carriage with some confusion. Mi Sheng got down with a drooping head, her face long and full of displeasure. Pang Xiao knew that the master and disciple had probably quarreled over something again. It was just strange that the master, who had always been as steady as a mountain and psychologically strong, had recently been showing signs of emotional instability for reasons unknown. He helplessly observed Mi Sheng, noting that as she grew older, she was also more likely to stir up trouble.

The young man driving the car started to roll up the door mat. Just as Murong Cheng was about to get in the car, she heard his words and stopped, turning around to say: "Is it really true that you have no thoughts on this? Don't treat me like a child to be coaxed. You two seem to be enjoying your conversation, don't you?"

Women inherently possess a protective instinct towards the weak. She lives among men and does not have the same taboos as other girls, lacking the self-consciousness of needing to be reserved when meeting someone for the first time. He is a gentle person, seemingly incapable of causing harm to anyone. She took off her hand warmer and put it on him, her fingertips brushing against the back of his hand, which was indeed cold. She said, "Your Highness, you must take care of yourself. Why are you not even wearing a cloak? You might catch a cold and fall ill." She took off her hand warmer and put it on him, her fingertips brushing against the back of his hand, which was indeed cold. She said, "Your Highness, you must take care of yourself. Why are you not even wearing a cloak? You might catch a cold and fall ill."

Miyoi's complexion turned slightly green as she instinctively gauged the distance between herself and Wang Guangning, and it seemed to be acceptable, at least three and a half feet away. However, judging by the tone of the teacher, he still appeared somewhat dissatisfied. This posed a dilemma for her; as a living person surrounded by men, she had to interact with the gentlemen wherever she went. Should she speak? Should there be an exchange of glances? With so many restrictions, she pondered back and forth, truly at a loss for what to do.

Pang Xiao led her through the main gate, and after passing the stone tablet, they arrived at the archway, with the government office located at the other end of the archway. The building was constructed on a high square brick platform, featuring a wooden frame structure. With white walls and gray tiles, and large red supporting columns, it exuded an air of grandeur. On either side, there were smaller side rooms, with straight-lattice doors and windows, also displaying a neat and imposing appearance

Murong Hang is a kind-hearted person, always wearing a cheerful smile on his face. "I just entered the garden and already heard people talking about me; it can serve as a topic of conversation, which is not bad at all." He turned around and glanced at Mi Ryo, "I know you; you are the female disciple of the Ninth Prince and the young lady of the Xie family."

Murong Cong reached out to touch his right leg, "I have a rough idea in my heart about who it might be. However, it has not yet been confirmed, so it would be unwise to speak carelessly."

Regardless of any hidden disdain, he is ultimately a king. The two elegantly dressed women bowed and said, "Your Highness, the King of Guangning, may you have eternal happiness."

Murong Cheng responded with a sound, "Have the other kings all come by?"

She looked up at him in a daze, and the master's eyes were filled with the power of wind and thunder. Her heart raced, "It's not that great! His Royal Highness, the Prince of Guangning, is very amiable, he talked to me about the studies in the Taixue, and even mentioned Laozi and Zhuangzi... Is the master not pleased?"

Just as a quarrel was about to break out, a person hurriedly arrived from behind, dressed in the crimson robes and golden belt of a prince. Tall in stature, he somehow appeared somewhat frail. With a fair complexion and perfectly symmetrical features, his gaze was different from that of other men from the Murong family; it was not sharp or edged. His eyes were like water, subtle and gentle.

Yayoi did not even glance at them, but instead bowed to Murong Hang and said, "The student pays respects to the king"

Murong Cheng said: "I injured my right leg, but I believe it is not serious. I still have feeling in it, and I can manage to get up. However, it will hurt for a while, and it should be better in a few days." He cast a cold glance at Miyori and asked, "How did my second brother encounter that inferior disciple?"

Murong Cong nodded slightly, "Thank you for your concern." He glanced at Mi Rong again, "I remember that the Eleventh Princess also seems to be from the Xie family."

Murong Hang still had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, "I was just about to go to the garden, and coincidentally ran into you here. Are you about to leave?"

Murong Cong let out a snort, "How could it not hurt! Those rascals came for my life; if that knife had been aimed at my neck, I would likely be dead by now." He turned his gaze to the two maidservants standing by, waved his hand dismissively a few times, "Bring someone more capable; you have no sense at all, almost causing this prince's leg to break again!"

Murong Hang's demeanor is very refined, always leaving some room for interpretation in his statements. For instance, when discussing Laozi and Zhuangzi, he may have some disagreements, but he does not express them directly. Instead, he ambiguously states that something is "not quite appropriate" or "seems to have some discrepancies," which is rather vague. Although this approach is somewhat negative, it does not come off as unpleasant. The young gentlemen of Daye place too much emphasis on personal charm, often striving for distinction by deliberately presenting themselves as unconventional. This may be well-received in literary circles, but their ostentatiousness often conveys a sense of emotional detachment and aloofness. The young gentlemen of Daye place too much emphasis on personal charm, often striving for distinction by deliberately presenting themselves as unconventional. This may be well-received in literary circles, but their ostentatiousness often conveys a sense of emotional detachment and aloofness.

She murmured, sighing secretly, that now it was good, truly living under the master's watchful eye, unable to be apart for even a moment. Deep down, she felt a strange fear of him, a fear that stemmed from the apprehension of seeing him. If they were to spend every day together in the future, she would likely become a dull-witted fool. However, there was no way around it; she had no room to choose! Whatever the master arranged, she would simply follow his lead.

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Guangning, has not yet arrived. The eunuch cleared his throat and continued, The king has not been in a good mood; he has not treated anyone who has come with a pleasant demeanor. However, he merely exchanged a few perfunctory words before hastily dismissing them.

Murong Cheng scrutinized her; the way she clenched her teeth resembled someone about to face execution. Just as he intended to speak with her, a beautiful woman emerged from behind the curtain, her hair styled in a high bun. She wore a cross-collared dress with a waist tied in a mandarin style, and her delicate fingers adorned with gold and crimson threads cascaded gracefully, further accentuating her radiant beauty.

Yayoi blushed and said, "The students do not have this thought; the master has misunderstood."

Jifu is a slippery character, his big face smiles like a flower, and he flatters at every opportunity. "These are all the duties of a petty person, and a petty person would never dare to take credit. As long as His Highness knows of my filial piety, even if in the future the King orders me to clean the latrines, His Highness will still remember my good deeds!"

The inner servant said: "The king came to the residence the day after his return, but did not stay long, leaving under the pretext of military drills in the camp."

Since childhood, I have been known for my propensity to cry, and I have grown up to be quite the honest person. It is not for me to say, but the Princess of Guangning is rather fierce; how can one treat their husband in such a manner? When she is angry, she does not allow him to eat, no wonder he is so thin, as thin as a grasshopper

"When will the six kings arrive?" he asked, glancing back, always worried that she might lose herself in a daze. Occasionally checking, he felt reassured only when he saw her following behind.

She performed a bow and said, "Thank you, elder brother"

Murong Hang walked slowly with his hands behind his back in the corridor, "It has been these past two days! I hope it clears up soon; if this continues, the seedlings will freeze to death, and the crops will be affected during harvest."

The wheels rolled on, and the anger in his heart surged, causing a tightness in his chest. He sighed deeply, his voice strained, as her tearful face constantly flickered before his eyes, disturbing his peace of mind. After a while, he gradually calmed down and began to reflect; had he perhaps spoken too harshly? After all, she was just a young girl, and even if she was thoughtless, it was merely due to her youth. His severe reprimands, coupled with remarks about lifelong commitments, now seemed excessive in retrospect