Chapter 2, Frowning

King Leiling replied, "No need for that; a simple meal is better. After the New Year, I have spent over ten days in the palace, and it has been overly lively. Officials from other provinces have also come to the capital to pay their respects, leading to much coming and going at the royal residence. I am taking this opportunity to escape from the bustling celebrations of the coming-of-age ceremony, and now I only wish for some peace and quiet"

The next day at the fifth watch, Miyoi arrived at the garden where the master was staying, waiting there.

Yuan Xiang stepped forward and whispered to her, "Who else could it be? His Highness, the Prince of Le Ling, has arrived! The master and the gentlemen have welcomed His Highness into the main hall, and they are sending for the lady to come and pay her respects with a bow!"

His Royal Highness, the King of Leiling, is quite courteous, saying, "Thank you, Minister Xie, for your kind words. Your daughter is exceptionally intelligent and rare to find."

In the past, the customs dictated that the New Year was not considered fully celebrated until the Lantern Festival. However, starting from the second day of the New Year, the festivities became less grand, merely adhering to some customary practices. This year, the beginning of spring fell on the seventh day of the New Year, and early in the morning, the young ladies of the household busied themselves by cutting out human-shaped figures from five-colored silk to paste on the screen, and also carving human figures from gold leaf to adorn their hair. On the seventh day, there was also the tradition of making pancakes, which required personal involvement in the courtyard, a challenging task for the pampered ladies.

The two siblings exchanged words as they walked far away. Faintly, the sound of a wooden clapper could be heard from the street, echoing in their ears

Xie Yun said, "It is getting late, let us postpone it to another day. You should go inside quickly, do not catch a chill." The young servant assisted him in tying the ribbons on his cloak before he stepped into the night.

He paused for a moment and said, "Wang Qian is currently appointed as the governor of Cangzhou. He is a prudent person, and his demeanor is also measured. I think he is quite a suitable match." After saying this, he cast her a glance that seemed to be a smile yet not quite, and asked, "What do you mean by that yourself?"

Unlike the previous days, her parents now understand that it is not easy for her to be outside. Sometimes, when she misses the time for morning and evening rituals, they do not blame her harshly, and the days pass by in a blur. The teacher is an outsider, and the rules in the academy are strictly enforced. Now that she is a guest at the Xie family, she is both the host and a student. Even if it is solely to bring honor to the Xie family, she must diligently attend to the teacher's needs.

Miyoi did not take her advice to heart; instead, she felt more sympathy for Xie Yun. No wonder he said that love had no outcome; it turned out he was referring to Fo Sheng. After all, everything has its cause and effect. Fo Sheng has been gone for three years without any news, and perhaps he also resents his family for tearing them apart.

"Exactly!" she interjected, "What does the master think?"

Yayoi did not know how to advise him. Generally, large families like theirs do not separate; hundreds of people live and eat together in one household. If they could live independently, they would suffer less from the unpleasantness, but unfortunately, that is not feasible. Since they see each other frequently, this issue exists very realistically. Even the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is apparent, and his position seems somewhat ambiguous. He is even inferior to an illegitimate son, at best considered a stepson. His father is benevolent and treats all equally, yet marriage is difficult. The daughters' families are meticulous in choosing suitors; both lineage and wealth are equally important. He cannot aspire to marry a princess like his brothers. Not to mention a princess, even the legitimate daughters of other prominent families are beyond his reach; he is likely only suitable for a concubine. How can a concubine establish herself among those sisters-in-law who are favored? Wouldn't she have to endure endless bullying?

The servants could not perceive her deep-seated grievances. She herself understood the immense pressure that an exceptionally outstanding teacher posed for a student like her, who was not particularly promising. Those with high aspirations naturally have high expectations, but fortunately, he did not pay much attention to her on a regular basis. Aside from the overwhelming pile of assignments that caused distress, it was already a significant concession compared to her fellow students.

The children were driven away, and Lian Sheng laughed, saying: "What bad luck, the things from the dung heap are brought right next to the stove."

He ignored her completely, not even lifting his eyelids. She felt somewhat embarrassed and could only stand there obediently. It was only now that she realized how difficult it was to be a servant; standing for long periods was indeed exhausting. She recalled how her mother had set rules for her sisters-in-law, and how the ten or so bricks under the south window of the main room had collapsed. She pondered this with a sense of dread, thinking that if she were to marry into the Wang family in the future, and if her mother-in-law were strict, like Jiao Zhongqing's mother in the plays, she would not only have to stand but would probably also have to spin yarn and weave cloth...

The more anxious she became, the more she felt that the restrictions of her skirt were a hindrance. The upbringing in the Xie family was exceptionally refined, with the most stringent requirements placed on their daughters, from their words and actions to their mannerisms and poise. Unlike ordinary families who were more casual, the young ladies of the Xie family were expected to walk with graceful, delicate steps. The design of the skirt was particularly intricate; the silk ribbons and jade pendants were just the beginning, while the highest level of elegance involved a row of tiny silver bells sewn around the knees, where even the slightest movement could create a tumultuous wave. However, at this moment, she could not afford to think about all that; she lifted the hem of her skirt and ran swiftly.

She hesitated a bit, saying, "I am a woman, and it is not convenient for me to serve closely."

Throughout his life, my father was cautious in his demeanor, always speaking to the Murong family with humility and deep respect. He said, "My daughter is of limited talent, and over these three years, she has caused Your Highness much trouble; I am truly ashamed."

"Why didn't you come?" Mayumi asked in confusion, pondering for a moment before turning around, "Did they say something to you?"

Several young girls are still unmarried, and empathizing with others inevitably leads to "sorrow and grief, with tears flowing in uneven lines"

The commotion was indeed significant; as soon as they reached the bluestone steps in front of the Xuande Hall, even before entering, they had already attracted the attention of many who turned to look back.

Miyoi, upon hearing this, was also infuriated. After holding back for a long time, she finally said, "Brother, do not pay them any mind. As siblings, if we are to be overly cautious, won't we only drift further apart in the future? In any case, I am not afraid of offending anyone. If they speak ill of you again, just let me know, and I will bring them before Father to discuss it."

With a sense of nostalgia, a sister-in-law from a large household approached from a distance. Leaning in to observe the pancakes they were making, she smiled and said, "The adults have gone to climb the heights, and I came to ask if you can eat. Today, we have new dishes; the kitchen has prepared Qiang-style roasted meat and vinegar celery, just waiting for your smoked pancakes to accompany the meal"

The King of Leiling expressed his gratitude, clasped his hands, and was led by Xie Zhao towards the end of the corridor. Mi Sheng bowed to his departing figure and only straightened up after the sound of footsteps gradually faded away.

She listened in a daze, realizing that she would need to prepare a set of arguments to plead her case to the teacher. Indeed, what one fears often comes to pass; aside from academic discussions, she and the teacher rarely spoke. Now, suddenly having to discuss her marriage was somewhat embarrassing. Other matters could be set aside, but if he and her grandparents were to align in their views and also believed that she should marry Wang Qian, then she would truly be at a dead end.

Yayoi lifted the lid and presented the spoon to him. He slowly took a few bites, and his expression seemed to soften. She let out a slight sigh of relief but did not dare to be negligent. She called for someone to add some new charcoal to the copper stove and personally brought it to his feet, smiling apologetically, "It is extremely cold, Master, please do not catch a chill. Standing on it for warmth will help!" Noticing that he was only wearing a knee-length wide-sleeved garment, she added, "Are you planning to read now, Master? Sitting still for too long will let the cold seep into your bones. Let the students bring you an extra garment! Yangxia is not like Yecheng; the population is sparse, the houses are few, and the wind is stronger than in Yecheng."

Due to waking up early, she yawned one after another, almost unable to hold it back. Tears streamed from her eyes, and she wiped them with a handkerchief. The night was long and the day short; the rooster had crowed twice, and only then did a faint glimmer of light begin to emerge. The master was still asleep, and she dared not make a sound for fear of waking him. As she sat, she gradually became drowsy; unable to fall back asleep, she thought it would be fine to take a short nap. She comforted herself, curled her arm to rest on the armrest, and truly began to drift in and out of consciousness.

The Xie family, both father and son, are intelligent individuals. Upon hearing the announcement, they felt it inappropriate to delay his company any further. Minister Xie said, "Your Highness has traveled a long way and must be weary. My wife has already prepared the guest room to welcome you. Please rest early; today, in our haste to greet you, we have neglected your comfort. Tomorrow, I will make further arrangements to properly host you and wash away the fatigue of your journey."

Xie Yun smiled and nodded, "You still have that temperament, but today the Master has done quite well. I was thinking, since you are unwilling to marry Wang Qian, why not ask the Master for help? My father once mentioned consulting His Highness the Prince of Yueling; if His Highness does not agree, this marriage cannot be concluded."

Minister Xie listened to Nuo Nuo and said, "Then let Er Lang escort Your Highness back to the residence. If Your Highness has any instructions, please send for Eleven Niang."

The night is cool as water, and a few stars are embedded in the pitch-black sky, appearing surprisingly distant, almost vague. He sighed, and in an instant, a thick fog intertwined before his eyes. His voice turned faintly cold as he slowly said: "You know that my position at home is awkward. Although my father treats everyone equally, I still feel uncomfortable inside. Among so many brothers and sisters, I only get along well with the eldest brother and you. Why bother getting married! It is already painful for myself, and to involve another person means that even among sisters-in-law, there will be a distinction of wealth and status."

He understands that marriages between prominent families have significant limitations. The only suitable matches for her are the Wang family of Langya, the Yang family of Hongnong, and the Xie family of Taikang. Although the latter two families are also prosperous, they are ultimately not as illustrious as the Xie family of Chenliu. Currently, the only family that can be compared is the Wang family of Langya, and the selection is limited to those within the Wang family.

Miyoi contemplated and said with a smile, "In the future, whoever marries my elder brother will be truly fortunate. My elder brother would rather suffer himself than let his sister-in-law suffer."

The weather is chillingly cold, and when one has nothing to do, this grand house feels exceedingly desolate. Fortunately, a thick gray mouse fur cover and a chair cushion are laid on the chair, and beneath my feet is a charcoal stove. The heat billows out from the rows of round holes on the copper stove lid, spreading from the soles of my feet up to my calves, and before long, my body warms up.

The several maidservants under her care were truly interested in His Highness, the Prince of Yueling. Seeing him so well-endowed, each of them blushed and secretly inquired about him. The admiration of the young ladies was evident on their faces, and being the most understanding among them, she took the opportunity to speak to them in detail during the early hours before going out

"Then give it a try! After all, it is a significant matter in life, and we cannot be overly concerned about the details." Xie Yun said, "To be honest, I have met Wang Qian. Although he is somewhat overweight, he is quite talented and treats others with humility and courtesy. If you were to reject this marriage proposal solely based on his weight, it would seem rather hasty."

"Isn't brother going back yet?" She walked over and through those warm eyes, saw the heart-wrenching weakness.

Murong Cheng finished tidying up in the inner room and came out. As soon as the young man lifted the soft curtain, he was greeted by such a scene

Xuan Sheng sighed, "On a rainy day, I slipped while walking under the eaves and fell, causing the child to be dropped. Speaking of this makes me anxious; my mother scolded me without asking for the details. My second sister-in-law is pitiful, feeling weak, kneeling on the low bench, bowing and knocking her head. It was truly shocking; even now, she is still unwell."

Miyoi expressed her dissatisfaction, "Is Brother Qi reveling in my misfortune? I cannot compare to you; the school is lawless and chaotic."

Minister Xie was indeed surprised. This girl is the youngest in the family, spoiled since childhood, with a straightforward temperament, and has never shown weakness in front of her parents. It is truly comforting that her esteemed teacher has taught her well and managed to cultivate her into such a respectful and diligent individual

The King of Leiling had a faint expression, making it difficult to discern his emotions. After a while, he said, "During the festive season, I shall not pursue this matter further. Remember, do not let it happen again; if it occurs once more and I find out, I will not be lenient."

Miyoi felt a pang in her heart, and she dared not entertain such thoughts. The girl was inexperienced; she had spent three years in the capital and had seen all kinds of talented young men! Although she had not yet encountered anyone more impressive than Master Zhou Zheng, she firmly believed that in the future, a more suitable partner would surely appear. However, this was not the time to think about that; the fat young man from the Wang family was waiting to propose and inquire about names. If a decision were made now, all her dreams would come to an end.

"This statement is incorrect," said Sister-in-law Four. "You are an inner disciple, and it is only proper for the Master to be present as a witness. If you claim to be too busy to come, it would instead be a breach of etiquette."

She felt a bit embarrassed, "The gentleman also recognizes him, it is Wang's eldest son."

Is it known whether the master teaches spinning and weaving? She amused herself and quickly glanced at him. He lowered his head, his expression cool and distant. However, compared to the sternness he displayed during admonishments, he now appeared unusually magnanimous. Miyoshiko had never faced the sage, but she had heard that the sage was once a renowned handsome man, and the master's beauty seemed to have inherited from Emperor Wuding. Yet, no matter how handsome, maintaining a stern face is ultimately not very pleasant. The master is profound and discerning, and all the students are aware of this. A beautiful person who is excessively strict can also instill fear in others.

She felt as if struck by lightning, "The Master also says he is good? But I do not wish to marry... I have not yet completed my studies, and I have not had the chance to repay the Master, how can I hastily marry like this!" She hurriedly continued, "In fact, as soon as the Master arrived yesterday, I wanted to speak with him. Since the Master has taken me as a disciple, I hope he will consider this. Please give me the opportunity to repay the Master well in the future!"

It seems that the master has mentioned the matter of the Langya Wang family's proposal in the letter. Your Highness has come in advance to discuss it with the master! Yuan Xiang was busy applying powder and rouge for her, saying: "If we can free up two days, once it is finalized, we can invite the Wang family to come and celebrate."

"That was before the grand wedding, over three years ago." The wet nurse said, gathering her sleeves, "I mention this to the young lady as a reminder. The madam is merely a concubine's daughter, yet he is still so fixated on her. The young lady, being the legitimate daughter of the main wife, is likely to attract even more of his attention."

She was quite surprised, "The Master is coming to Yangxia? How strange, I thought he was very busy and wouldn't have time to attend my coming-of-age ceremony"

The housekeeper and several maids prepared a bath for her, while her wet nurse stood by with her arms crossed, saying: "The young lady has not been home all year, so she probably does not understand. It would be wise to have less interaction with Young Master Liu, lest people speak ill of you behind your back"

Crossing the long steps, I arrived at the courtyard of the Miye. A servant waiting at the door hurried out to greet me. She took off her warm wrap and handed it to the person behind her, saying, "As for talent and character, I have indeed seen far too many. Who under the master's tutelage is not exceptionally gifted? In any case, I have my own opinions, so do not worry, elder brother!" She turned to remove her cloak and asked Xie Yun, "Elder brother, would you like to come in for a cup of tea before you leave?"

There is no time to delay; she hurriedly adjusted her skirt and stepped out. She would rush over immediately, and at the very least, she could divert the conversation at a critical moment

Even so, one should be grateful to him, as he at least provided some comfort to the old father, preventing him from regretting raising such a useless daughter. Thus, Miyoi devoted herself even more diligently to serving, moving several handkerchiefs with care and attentiveness. The gentleman had one admirable quality; he did not enjoy lingering at the wine table, and after three rounds of drinks, he began to decline further. Although no one left their seats, the drinks were simply replaced with tea. As a result, while everyone else was drunk, I remained sober, and indeed, no one had ever witnessed His Highness, the Prince of Leiling, lose his composure.

She said, hurriedly going to fetch hot water, wringing out a cloth to help him clean his hands, "Master, you have been sitting for a long time, why not stretch a bit! My father sent someone earlier to inform that there are scripts and excerpts prepared in the pear garden for your amusement. Please rest for a moment, and the students will assist you in going over."

He let out a sound, "Wang Qian"

She stood by with her sleeves drawn in, carefully serving tea. In a moment of pride, she lost control and her gaze inadvertently met that of the master, causing her to startle and shiver. She no longer dared to let her mind wander.

Xie Yun's eyes filled with helplessness, "We are separated by a layer; in name, we are siblings, but we cannot be like them. If we get too close, there will surely be gossip, yet my feelings for you remain unchanged. Although we were not raised by the same parents, I have watched you grow up. Their gossip is infuriating to the extreme"

Back in the main hall, he continued to read the book "Qixie Ji" with a lukewarm demeanor. She did not want to interrupt him, so she stepped forward to drape a cloak over him and quietly retreated to stand by his side.

Miyoi followed his gaze and looked over; the wooden brackets under the eaves were mottled with red paint, exuding a sense of solemn antiquity. She bowed and said, "In response to your words, this courtyard was built by my grandfather, and it has been around for about fifty or sixty years now. My father advocated for frugality, and the estate was entrusted to him, yet no construction has taken place in the manor."

She laughed, "No, I study in the school every day, how could I meet someone I like! What about you, brother? It's the twenty-fourth of the New Year, aren't you getting married yet?"

The incense smoke wafted gently from the top of the incense burner, and the room was quiet, with only the short, crisp sound of him turning the pages of the book. It was uncertain whether he had caught a chill on the way here, but he was coughing slightly. Each time, he curled his half-closed fist in front of his mouth, and his long, fair fingers, resembling pearls and jade, were even more beautiful than those of a girl

She also knew that he had only drunk a few cups of wine at the banquet, and her observations were quite meticulous. With this in mind, the anger in his heart had somewhat subsided

The crowd laughed heartily, saying, "What nonsense! Which delicate lady can compare to you? You are a heroine, talented in both literature and martial arts!" They sighed inwardly, realizing that the hardships endured while studying abroad had truly made her seem invulnerable. Such a woman is rare; perhaps she will achieve great things in the future.

Yuan Xiang squinted her eyes as she helped her change her cloak, exclaiming: "This is the first time I have seen His Highness the King of Leiling; there truly exists such a handsome figure in this world! What a pity that the lady has a master-disciple relationship with him. Otherwise, according to the order of precedence, the lady should be matched with His Highness instead."

The wet nurse paused for a moment and said, "How could I mean that! Young lady, you may not know, but he had a romantic involvement with the eldest lady. People in the household say he intends to follow in the footsteps of He Yan, marrying into the family as a son-in-law, hoping to secure a long-term stay in the Xie family. You were young at that time, and no one spoke to you about these matters. Now that you are older, it is wise to be cautious, lest someone takes advantage of you."

He nodded slightly, his expression difficult to read between joy and anger. Miyoi bit her lip in contemplation; since the Wang family had been mentioned, it was indeed a good start, and it would be natural to continue the conversation. Gathering her courage, she said: "Master, you are usually busy, but you have come this time for my coming-of-age ceremony, and I am truly grateful. I had originally thought that when you returned to Ye City, I could assist you with your carriage, but a few days ago, my mother mentioned my marriage, and it seems I may have been promised to someone, which would make it inappropriate for me to serve you anymore."

"I am not a delicate lady hidden away in a boudoir; I am a false man." She said, with her lips slightly downturned, fiddling with her fingers.

She does not understand the concept of climate, but feels genuinely happy just to be able to leave home. Thus, filled with hope, she was brought to Ye City. Three years have passed, and she has begun to taste the bitterness of being deceived. When she calms down and reflects, she realizes that the Master likely feels the same way. She is not a piece of uncut jade; she is clearly a stubborn rock. This has led to a situation that is neither here nor there, and now, as long as she agrees to the marriage with the Wang family, the Master can smoothly relieve himself of his burdens.

Xie Yun held a lantern to illuminate her path and said, "I have been to Ye City several times, intending to visit you, but ultimately I decided against it."

She looked at him with pity and said, "But continuing like this is not a solution. Perhaps I will find an opportunity to mention it to my mother, so that she can keep an eye out for you"

However, being a student is indeed quite miserable. The Qi people respect their teachers and value the way of learning, whether it is hosting guests at a banquet or studying and writing at home, every student has the obligation to assist. In the past, when the master had favored disciples accompanying him, there was no need for her to lend a hand, but today, looking around, those senior brothers are not present. As a result, she has to step up, feeling a bit like "who if not me"

She said tremulously, rising and stepping aside. Her mind began to ponder again, thinking that this should indicate she was not yet able to leave her master's tutelage and would need to remain under her master's guidance for a while longer. She felt a sense of joy, speculating that the master might not approve of this marriage. If that were the case, it would truly be a blessing from heaven

Yayoi felt a tingling sensation on her scalp, and the sight of her teacher was most terrifying. Moreover, Ayah's gaze was like lightning, as if he wished to shoot two holes through her, clearly disapproving of her impudence. She was so nervous that she was at a loss for what to do, and only then remembered to lower her skirt and enter. Not daring to look up, she bowed deeply, adjusting her collar, and said, "Student pays respects to the teacher, wishing you a Happy New Year."

She stood up, somewhat perplexed, "Who could have come at such a late hour?"

He spoke in a rather desolate tone, and Yayin listened quietly, feeling moved as she said, "Brother, your broad-mindedness earns my admiration. In fact, this is quite good; one can live freely without lacking food and drink. In a large household, there are many people and many disputes. It is better to go out and live one's own small life; thinking about it is extremely pleasant."

She was unaware if her father had mentioned it in his letter, thus she paid extra attention to his expression. He turned his face, his eyes deep as a well, "Your daughter will soon reach the age of marriage, it is time to discuss marriage. So, which family is being referred to?"

She lowered her eyes and said, "I indeed wish to go out to serve, I mentioned it to my father on New Year's Eve. It did not come to fruition, and I was scolded for it. However, I am also not very satisfied with the marriage proposal from the Wang family; the young master Wang is notoriously stout, how am I to deal with that?"

"I suspect that my younger sister is anxious to pay her respects to the master, which is why she is in such a hurry, isn't that so?" The second brother smiled as he helped her out of the predicament, "Now that you are older, you must be more aware of propriety. Quickly apologize to the master and seek his forgiveness."

Her face felt hot and flushed as she lowered her head, "Second brother speaks truly. Please rest assured, I was worried that the master might be upset for not seeing me for a long time, which is why I hurried here. I..." She swallowed hard, "I have not served the master for half a month, and I have been concerned about the master's well-being. If the master were to be angered and suffer because of this, it would be a great disobedience on my part, and I would be unable to absolve myself even if I died a thousand deaths."

Xie Yun turned his face to look at her, "Do you have someone you fancy?"

Upon further observation, the four individuals standing on the shore with their sleeves rolled up, only Miyoi was busy working. She exclaimed, "This is quite something, an entire family of dozens relying solely on one person, how remarkable!" She then instructed her servant to bring some binding straps to assist with the wide sleeves, saying, "It is rare for someone who is seldom home to return and still have to toil like this; it truly pains me to see it."

She said with a frown, "Wang Lang is stout, and his attire is quite ample. It measures six feet in width, spread out like a pig... Sir, have you heard this before?"

She opened her eyes and, as expected, was greatly startled. She jumped up in a flurry and timidly asked, "Has the master risen?" Looking around, she rolled up her sleeves and said, "I will fetch water for the master to wash up."

I truly do not know how long has passed, when I finally saw the Master close the book, raise his eyebrows and say: "I read 'The Records of Qi and Harmony' when I was ten years old, and now reading it again, I have a different feeling."

Yayoi sighed with a sense of resignation, fearing that this was the plan. As for her own marriage, she had no authority to make decisions. If her father were to discuss it with the teacher now, she would have no time to intervene; once the teacher nodded in agreement, there would be no room for negotiation.

Miyoi bowed and said, "Thank you, Master, for your praise. My family does not indulge in extravagance. It is often said that throughout history, renowned scholars have emerged from humble beginnings. Given our background, we should be even more diligent in maintaining our integrity and cultivating virtue." She smiled and added, "Therefore, since the Master has come, he can only stay in this old residence. If there are any shortcomings, I hope the Master will not take offense."

She stood in front of the treasure cabinet in the outer room, instructing someone to prepare the green salt. It was unclear when the master had risen, and fearing the hot water would cool down, she sent someone to cover the bucket with a thick quilt. After waiting for a long time with no movement from inside, Miyoi sought out an official's hat chair and sat down.

She was taken aback, "The Master has arrived? Isn't it only the 12th today?! I will only reach the age of 15 for my coming-of-age ceremony, why has he come so early?"

She cleaned half of her face and raised her head, "What do you mean by that? How can you speak like those ignorant people? Six Brother is a good person, yet you treat him so poorly just because he was brought here?"

He furrowed his brows and scrutinized her, while she seemed to enjoy it, her face flushed from sleep. The young man, sensing the unfavorable expression on his face, was about to step forward to call out to her, but was stopped by a wave of his hand. He restrained his temper and walked over, kicking the leg of the stool, then stood with his hands behind his back directly opposite her, eager to see how she would respond

A row of octagonal oil paper lanterns with floral designs hung down from the coffered ceiling, while the entrance's curtain was raised high. In the center of the room stood a bronze incense burner, with a blazing fire illuminating the entire space.

They walked side by side in the narrow path, the lantern illuminating a small space. She murmured, "It's hard to say whether it's good or bad, it is what it is! Is elder brother going to enter officialdom?"

He had someone bring his cloak to drape over her, saying, "After the New Year, I have been busy with matters at the farm, and you didn't say a word when you returned. I will send you back... How has this year been for you outside?"

She had always held him in awe, and upon hearing his displeased tone, her heart raced. Stealing a cautious glance, she saw his face dark as water, which made her even more anxious and uneasy. Her calves felt stiff, and her hands and feet were at a loss. She stood there, caught in a dilemma, regretting how she had carelessly fallen asleep; it was only natural for him to be angry. She had not come to show filial piety but had instead caused him discomfort. At that moment, she was filled with regret and even contemplated whether to kneel and bow her head in apology.

The King of Leiling still maintained his usual cold demeanor, seemingly allowing her to forgo the formalities only out of respect for her father. However, it was not true leniency, as he reproached her, saying: "When you entered my tutelage, I admonished you to uphold propriety and maintain a tranquil and self-restrained demeanor. Now, let us see if you have adhered to my words."

Xie Yun's words struck a chord in her heart, and she hurriedly agreed, saying: "It is still Sixth Brother who understands me! I have been thinking the same way, but I lack confidence. I have little interaction with the Master and usually do not speak of personal matters. Suddenly asking for a favor feels a bit difficult to articulate"

On the evening of the twelfth day, with no waves or ripples, Miyoi sat on a stool, counting the items she needed to take back to Yecheng, while the slanting rays of the sun illuminated her. Just then, her maid, Yuanxiang, hurriedly entered, bowed, and said, "Madam, please hurry to the front; there are guests arriving"

Those bamboo poles were left over from the first day of the lunar new year, and there is a legend regarding the practice of striking the dung heap. It is said that a merchant named Qu Ming from Hejian once passed by Pengze Lake, where a beautifully dressed man emerged from the river, claiming to be Qinghong Jun. He invited Qu Ming to his residence for a visit and offered generous gifts. Qinghong Jun asked Qu Ming what he desired, and a bystander taught him to say, "Just ask for what you wish." "What you wish" was originally a cherished maid of Qinghong Jun, who, in the end, had no choice but to give her to Qu Ming. From that point on, any wish of Qu Ming could be fulfilled. Unfortunately, Qu Ming was narrow-minded; on the first day of the lunar new year, he woke up a bit late and resorted to beating with sticks. "What you wish" escaped to the dung heap, and Qu Ming called out and struck with a money staff, but "What you wish" never returned. Later generations transformed this story into a custom, striking the dung heap to ask for wishes, hoping that their hearts' desires would come true

"Your Highness, who is known as Cheng, is the fourth son of Empress Tuoba. Initially granted the title of Duke of Yueling, he was later elevated to the rank of King after the sage ascended the throne. He currently holds the position of Minister of Education and also serves as Grand Commandant." She half-raised her eyes to look at the lotus-patterned ceiling and casually spoke a string of flattering words, "Your Highness possesses both grace and beauty, has a profound understanding of classical texts, is wise and accomplished from a young age, and is humble and magnanimous. He reads ten lines of text at a glance and plays chess without missing a single move. The sage and the empress hold him in great affection. What do you think? Is it not a blessing from a previous life to have such an extraordinary teacher?"

He felt a bit melancholic, "We often cannot be the masters of our own lives. Even if we love someone, it may not necessarily lead to a result in the end. I do not aspire to climb high; it would be sufficient to find a gentle and virtuous partner in the future and live a stable life. If I cannot provide someone with great glory, and if I cannot even guarantee a comfortable life, then it is better not to marry, lest I burden others"

"Do you think he is fat?" Murong Cheng said, "To be honest, a little, but a man's appearance is secondary; what matters more is his character and integrity. Wang Qian is a young man with ambition and potential, and his future is limitless. Allowing him to pursue you can be considered a match in social standing."

Originally, her coming of age and marriage was a mutually beneficial opportunity. Among the four clans, the Langya Wang family ranks above the Xie family, and their prestigious status is indeed admirable, making it a suitable match. But why must it be that plump Wang Lang? After weighing the pros and cons, it seems continuing her studies would be more advantageous. But what should she do now? If the teacher is angry, he might send her away even more.

He nodded slightly, "In April, I will visit the registrar at the gate, and it will be good to come and see you often then. It will be more convenient for you to have what you need there. I just don't know how the matter of the marriage with Wang Qian will be discussed. If it is settled, it is likely that preparations for the wedding will need to be made at home."

Murong Cheng listened, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, "Wang and Xie are equally esteemed. I have visited the Wang family; their carved beams and painted rafters, pavilions and towers, display an immense wealth and grandeur. Your father is a renowned sage of Daye, and it seems that his reputation is indeed well-deserved"

Miyoi felt a tremor in her heart; she knew she was not as good as the Master claimed. Studying could be considered as striving for progress, but one could never read ten lines at a glance; practicing calligraphy could be seen as diligent, yet the wild cursive she produced was both chaotic in spirit and form; and as for the Book of Changes, she could never quite grasp the Qian and Kun trigrams. The reason the Master praised her was likely to save face for her father and second brother.

This is a difficult problem; historically, there have not been many female disciples. How should a female disciple show filial piety to her male master, as there are no precedents? Minister Xie pondered and said, "Just arrange for two clever young men in the room, and let the young lady serve tea and snacks outside. Your master is like a father; you should show respect to the Prince just as you would to your own father. Be sure to gauge the situation appropriately and do not offend the master."

He remained silent, not expressing himself clearly, and simply lowered his head to read. Miyoi wanted to take the opportunity to engage in conversation, but found it impossible, so she could only walk dejectedly into the house to find her overcoat. As she draped the fox fur lining over herself, she pondered, deciding to stay nearby all day, confident that an opportunity would present itself.

When Yayoi held the fire starter, she felt as if she could do anything. Tasks that were originally meant for men were accomplished by her with ease. Starting a fire, setting up the pot, she was adept at it all. Her sisters were astonished; she stood there, yet there was a faint sense of incongruity and sadness about her.

She saw the person sitting upright at the top, with a tall and straight posture, calm features, wearing a jade crown and a snow-white robe with wide sleeves, which further accentuated his broad and clear demeanor. He cast a faint glance at her, seemingly not very satisfied, and then furrowed his brows.

That sister-in-law comes from a distinguished background, being a princess of Liaodong from the previous dynasty. Unfortunately, her family has fallen from grace, and her mother-in-law seeks to provoke her, leaving her with no choice but to endure in silence

Miyoi did not have those taboos, and while busy rolling up her sleeves to make pancakes, she said, "Child, what is there to fuss about? I wanted to ask earlier, but I forgot when I was interrupted. Last year when I left, Sister Xuansheng's sister-in-law was pregnant; why is it that there is no child now?"

She was lost in her thoughts, anxiously waiting for her second brother and the others. Aren't they good friends? Why haven't they arrived yet, even though the sun is already high in the sky? If they come, they can talk, and the atmosphere would ease a bit. She had been standing for a long time, too afraid to move, feeling as if the blood in her body was about to freeze.

The elder sister recalled the handwritten letter delivered by the courier this morning and said, "Did A-Jia tell you? The Ninth Prince has replied, and it is certain that he will attend the ceremony on the fifteenth. I have arranged matters at hand, and the Thirteenth will set off now, arriving the next day."

The sun has risen higher, and the mist has dissipated. Gentle light streams in at an angle from outside the threshold, illuminating the smooth blue bricks. Each branch and leaf within the floral shape seems to come alive, entwining and stretching in her line of sight, blossoming into vibrant lotuses.

Yayoi could only bow in response, as she and her brothers respectfully sent off their father. As people gradually dispersed, she began to feel the chill. The north wind howled, causing a row of lanterns under the eaves to sway back and forth. She rubbed her hands together, and upon turning around, she saw her sixth brother, Xie Yun, standing in front of the flower gate, his tall figure and handsome, pale face smiling gently at her.

Here, amidst laughter and conversation, several nephews are carrying bamboo poles with money strings attached, circling around the bonfire. Upon seeing this, Daosheng drives them away, saying, "Go, go, why come here to play tricks when there are better places? Be careful, I will tell your father to punish you!"

"No need, I do not dare to trouble you. " He turned and sat down at the desk, casually flipping through the books on the table without looking at her, only saying: "It is my fault to have troubled you to come so early. If you want to sleep, you may go back to sleep; you do not need to attend to me here."

He smiled and said, "You need not worry about me. In a while, I will take up a position in the provincial government and will move out of the house. Once I have established myself and built my own residence, I will discuss it in detail with my father, and he will surely understand me."

She replaced his cooled tea and, seizing the opportunity, said: "Are you feeling unwell, Master? I can have someone bring some loquat syrup for you to use."

Yayoi's second brother, Xie Chao, has a considerable friendship with King Le Ling. The reason she was forcibly taken as a disciple was that three years ago, after Xie Chao's victorious campaign against the Rouran, he brought this prince back as a guest. Coincidentally, a servant in the back courtyard, who was tending to the flowers and plants, caught a sparrow for her to play with. At that time, she was unaware that there were guests in the residence, and while holding the fine hemp string, she went to find her second brother. As soon as she entered the room, she caught the attention of the Ninth Prince, who remarked that she possessed a natural talent and was a piece of uncut jade. With careful carving, she would surely become a remarkable figure in the future.

The seventh brother, Xie Heng, laughed, "Upon seeing the master, she behaves like a cat avoiding a mouse; it seems that she can finally be managed now"

I have never heard of such a thing before, that Xie Yun and Fo Sheng had an affair. She was stunned and said, "Didn’t my elder sister marry King Kangmu? How could there be such a rumor?"

To say she was fortunate would be no exaggeration. She had been on edge, fearing that her father would bring up her marriage with the scholar. Unexpectedly, over the course of a meal, the two only discussed local customs and trivial matters among colleagues, without touching upon the union between the Wang and Xie families

Just then, a maidservant outside the door brought in a bowl of soup. She hurried to receive it, bending down to present it before him, and stammered, "The student has forgotten his duty; please forgive me, esteemed teacher. You did not have any food yesterday, and I believe you are hungry. Please eat something first, and we can discuss punishing the student later."

Xie Xun was afraid that her child would get angry due to a temper tantrum, so he hurriedly smoothed things over, saying: "Brother is just joking with you, do not sulk. Get up early tomorrow to serve the master and clean his face. Setting aside his status as a teacher, he is after all of noble birth, so it is always wise to treat him with care."

Minister Xie felt quite embarrassed and was trying to protect his daughter, saying, "As a subordinate, I have failed in teaching my daughter. Everything was fine when I returned, but who would have thought that after staying at home for a few days, she would become so unruly. Your Highness, please temper your anger; I will certainly discipline her severely when I return."

"Your father has worked hard," he said, stepping into the light and shadow. The sun illuminated his face, deep-set eyes, and fair skin, giving him an air of innate nobility. With his fingers resting on the door frame, he looked up and remarked, "This house has been around for quite some time, hasn't it"

Liu Xiong is different from the other brothers; his mother gave birth to him seven months after entering the Xie residence, and he is not the biological child of his father. Because of this, he seems to always be regarded as inferior. Clearly excelling in both academics and character, he appears overly vulnerable to bullying. The younger brothers, filled with jealousy, call him a false child. He is truly a weak yet kind person, suffering grievances in silence. They all say he lacks temperament, but Mi Sheng finds him magnanimous. In the Xie family, where many shine brightly, a quiet person like him is indeed precious