Chapter 7, The Scholar

Su Ying learned that Princess Zhen Ning had left the palace to attend a public school. She was slightly surprised but did not worry as much as Cui Luohua. She pondered for a moment and asked, "What do you think of that tutor? Do you think Zhen Ning has feelings for him..."

Cui Luohua was momentarily taken aback and bowed, saying: "I shall draft a memorial for Your Highness right away"

Su Ying's heart ached slightly, "This year, due to the Emperor's illness, there was no banquet in the palace for the people of the Ping Wang residence. It seems they haven't come in for a long time... I want to go back and take a look"

Inside the small door is the back residence of the academy, a place that is very spacious and clean, with an abundance of flowers and trees, and the air is fragrant, making one feel refreshed and at ease. Cui Luohua secretly admired the beautiful environment here, and after the young woman entered the room and sat down, she first offered a few compliments. The young woman was very pleased and soon presented fragrant tea, saying: "My husband is indeed the teacher of the academy; if you have any questions, you might as well let him explain them to you." Cui Luohua was just eager to meet Li Huaiying and hurriedly expressed her thanks.

After waiting for nearly two hours, the side door creaked open with a "creak," and a young woman stepped out, escorting Zhen Ning. Cui Luohua hurriedly hid behind a tree, secretly observing the woman: she was at most eighteen or nineteen years old, her features exuding a hint of intelligence, yet her attire was quite ordinary.

Li Huaiying spoke eloquently: "However, public schools have other advantages. Within the confines of family education, the scope of thought is limited; any occasional new ideas may be dismissed as inconsistent with the traditions of the school of thought, leading to a certain monotony. Public school students come from all corners of the world, gathering talented individuals who engage in discussions that complement each other, resulting in broader perspectives and ideas, as well as a more vibrant approach to handling affairs"

Su Ying smiled gently and said, "Let us pretend that nothing happened today for the time being. The next time Princess Zhenning leaves the palace, if she still goes to that academy, you must inform me immediately." She moved to the pomegranate flowers, carefully appreciating them before cutting a few branches with full petals or those bearing pomegranate seeds the size of beads, and meticulously arranged them into a bouquet to be sent to the Yuxie Palace. "Today I met the heir of the Yong Wang," she said, "With such an enviable child, I believe that even if the Yong Wang is far from the bustling capital, he will not feel lonely."

Cui Luohua furrowed her brows tightly and said in a deep voice: "It is not a matter of a day or two for the students of the public school to foolishly attempt to shake the foundations of the aristocracy. However, they are weak and have never had the opportunity to succeed. It is never a good thing for a princess, being of royal blood, to be incited by them"

Zhen Ning walked briskly, yet she did not seem hesitant, clearly well-acquainted with the route. Cui Luo Hua, having rarely left the palace, was also disinterested in the surrounding splendor, her eyes fixed intently on Zhen Ning as she followed her to the outer wall of a secluded courtyard.

The young woman asked in confusion, "Excuse me, does this lady have business here?" Cui Luohua smiled modestly and replied, "I have come on behalf of my young master." The young woman pointed out, "If you are looking for someone, you can go to the west gate and have them announce your search." Her tone was gentle, and Cui Luohua also softened her expression, shaking her head and saying, "My young master is eager to enter the academy to study, and I have come to see for myself on behalf of my lady."

Cui Luohua had no more questions to ask, and hurriedly expressed her thanks and took her leave, yet she became alert in her heart regarding this meeting.

The young woman showed no signs of displeasure, merely reminding Zhenning to be careful on her way home. Zhenning expressed her gratitude, glanced at the time, and hurriedly returned along the same route.

Perhaps it is the one who first opens the other eye, like Zhen Ning, who enjoys running outside. Su Ying recalls that when she was young, she would change into a different outfit, pretending to be another person to see the world. ... Unfortunately, as she grows older, her concerns increase, gradually. ... "My world is getting smaller and smaller!" She stood gracefully beside the blooming flowers, letting out a long sigh. The autumn wind stirred a strand of hair by her cheek, making her eyes appear deeper and her expression more desolate. ... "My world is getting smaller and smaller!" She stood gracefully beside the blooming flowers, letting out a long sigh. The autumn wind stirred a strand of hair by her cheek, making her eyes appear deeper and her expression more desolate. Cui Luohua did not respond for a while, and Su Ying slowly turned to look at her, suddenly realizing from her expression: in Cui Luohua's eyes, there was a fragile and lonely person wrapped in luxurious attire—this scene felt familiar, as long ago, Su Ying had gazed at the seventh wife of King Ping, Bai Xiaoxiao, in the same way.

Soon, a palace maid entered to report that Princess Zhenning had secretly slipped out of the sleeping quarters

Zhen Ning did not hesitate to find the side door, knocked on it, greeted the person who answered with a smile, and then walked in. Cui Luohua waited for a while but did not see her come out. Noticing that the residence was quiet and solemn, she had a vague impression of it but could not recall where it was, so she decided to walk around the wall to the front to investigate.

Cui Luohua listened and observed, secretly laughing at his youthful naivety. She gently said, "It is commendable for young people to have such confidence. If it is said that the family background does not match the broader perspective of public school students, then why are there more aristocratic offspring in the court and fewer public school students?"

Upon reaching the front gate, she looked up to see a grand entrance with a plaque hanging high, inscribed with the four characters "Mingde Academy." In front of the gate stood a stone tablet recording the establishment and history of the academy. Just as she had thought, this was a public school established by the court. Cui Luohua furrowed her brows deeply, unsure of what Princess Zhenning was doing at the academy. She walked around the academy and noticed there were two side doors for servants and visitors to enter and exit. She speculated that the place where Zhenning entered and exited was connected to the back residence of the academy, further perplexing her about the princess's connection to the academy. As she walked around the academy again, she saw the two side doors for servants and visitors. She guessed that Zhenning's entrance was linked to the back residence, making her even more confused about the princess's relationship with the academy. In her confusion, she returned to the side door and waited quietly behind an old poplar tree.

The couple spoke as they closed the door and left. Cui Luohua, having heard their words, stepped out from her hiding place with a cold laugh. Unexpectedly, the woman did not leave; upon hearing the noise, she opened the door again to look outside and immediately spotted Cui Luohua. Upon being discovered, Cui Luohua graciously nodded in greeting.

Cui Luohua and Su Ying both vaguely felt that truly getting close to the students of the public school seemed to be a dangerous omen, but they could not foresee that in the coming year, it would be a mere scholar whom they looked down upon who would undertake actions that even the most authoritative noble families, such as the princes and the Hou family, would not dare to take lightly

The young woman carefully examined Cui Luohua, noticing her noble demeanor and elegant speech, which made her feel less guarded. She opened the door wide and said, "If the lady does not mind, please come in and allow this foolish woman to serve you a cup of tea." This was exactly to Cui Luohua's liking, and after a slight hesitation, she followed her inside.

The surroundings were extremely secluded, and Cui Luohua could hear their conversation with a little effort. The woman asked Zhen Ning with great concern: "Running out like this time and again, it won't be long before your family finds out. Won't it be difficult for you if your stepmother discovers it?" Zhen Ning replied with a smile: "Haven't I mentioned it before? I used to have a domineering sister at home, and everyone kept their distance from her. Now, as long as I pretend to be like her, everyone thinks I am just like her when she was young, and they avoid me as if they were trying to escape. My stepmother dislikes that sister the most, and she treats me the same way now, hardly willing to pay me any attention—my life is quite peaceful now. " She paused and added: "Moreover, to listen to Mr. Huaiying's lectures, what does it matter if I get scolded by her a few times?"

She took a deep breath, and by the time she lifted her head, she had already returned to her normal state

Upon hearing this, Su Ying finally revealed a smile. "There are priorities in matters; the affairs of the Eastern Palace are urgent, and we must not make any mistakes— as for Zhen Ning's situation, a dignified princess leaving the palace cannot be overlooked. This still requires Cui Bingyi to pay close attention."

After she walked out for several dozen steps, Cui Luohua calmly went to the Registry Office to sign in. She saw that the entry above hers recorded: "Danxi Palace maid Feng Lingrou, granted permission by the Empress Dowager to leave the palace, from the hour of Yin to the hour of Wu," and the entry for her comings and goings noted: "Exited at the hour of Yin and a quarter."

Cui Luohua could sense the princess's tone filled with longing, which made her even more curious. She then heard the princess continue, "Until now, I have only heard his voice and never seen his face, which has already deeply impressed me. If one day I could have a long conversation with him, I would have no regrets in life!" As she spoke, Zhen Ning suddenly realized she had misspoken, and taking the woman's hand, she smiled and said, "I am unaware of the depths of the matter and have spoken so freely about your esteemed husband in front of you, please do not take offense, madam."

The gentleman means that the children of noble families enter positions relying on their influence, merely occupying their posts without merit, while only the students from public schools are appointed based on their abilities, albeit in fewer numbers, yet of higher quality

Perhaps due to her frequent successes, Princess Ning did not take great care to conceal her actions. She changed into a set of ordinary clothing, took the palace maid's seal to record in the forbidden archives, and then joyfully walked out of the palace gates

Cui Luohua understood that there were still many matters in the palace that Su Ying needed to attend to, and did not dare to trouble her further with the affairs of the public school students

Su Ying, however, changed her mind in an instant and interjected, "No rush." After saying this, she bitterly smiled and continued, "The aftermath of the matter concerning the Prince of Lanling has yet to settle; it is best not to stir up trouble—by doing nothing, no one will blame me for inaction, and I might even be honored with a title for my adherence to convention." She lowered her head and added, "But the Empress must never allow the monarch to deviate from the norm for her sake; that would be the Empress's fatal error—this is what my teacher taught me."

Cui Luohua also came from a prominent family, and upon hearing his words, she was quite pleased, nodding repeatedly

Li Huaiying's expression changed, and his wife hurriedly stepped forward to mediate: "Is it really that serious? Huaiying, it's getting late; shouldn't you go check in front?"

The voice was soft and pleasant to hear. Cui Luohua could not help but peek, noticing that his figure was quite upright, and seeing the young woman in close proximity to him, she pondered that this must be the "Mr. Huaiying" that Zhen Ning had mentioned. However, what truly impressed Zhen Ning was that this was a young man who had just reached his twenties, which was indeed beyond Cui Luohua's expectations

Public schools and aristocratic families, royalty and commoners, the central palace and ... ... "Su Ying sighed, 'Mr. Cui, is it that the situation is about to become chaotic, or has this country always been embroiled in such disputes from the very beginning? Is it because I have closed one eye to what is visible and opened the other to seek illusions, that I have remained unaware all this time?'

Su Ying held a hairpin in her hand, gently tapping it on the back of her hand, secretly pondering: If Zhen Ning merely eavesdropped and learned to discuss the merits and faults of the Chancellor in front of the Emperor... then what do the students in the public school usually learn? Is it slandering the court's politics?

Cui Luohua smiled and also set off. In order to understand why Zhen Ning frequently left the palace, she had already waited for several days

Cui Luohua did not know who Feng Lingrou was, only that this person was certainly not a high-ranking female official beside the Empress. She did not expect that a mere lowly palace maid would dare to collude with a princess to forge the Empress's decree. She committed that name to memory and followed Zhening out of the palace.

Li Huaiying smiled and said: "In the court, whether there are many or few, it can only be said that the court has its biases in employing people; how can this reflect the level of knowledge?"

The time limit for the token held by Cui Luohua is still early, and he intends to linger here a little longer. Just then, he saw a young man walk up to the woman, stand sideways, and ask: "Has she left?"

Please discuss the developments in the Eastern Palace. He is returning soon; have the people in the Eastern Palace prepared to welcome him?" As she turned, her silhouette was tinged with the essence of autumn. Cui Luohua hurriedly followed, whispering, "Your Highness, do not worry."

His wife smiled and said, "What is inappropriate about it? If I hadn't secretly learned back then, how would I have come to know you? I see that Miss Rui'er is intelligent and wise, eager to learn and well-mannered. If she could find a suitable match in our academy, it would indeed be a delightful story."

If it is destined that there are many things in this world that are unrelated to her, then she is determined to make the most of the few that are connected to her

Although it was merely a moment of casual conversation, Cui Luohua had already caught some hints of danger from Li Huaiying's words. She set down her teacup, her face showing concern: "In fact, we have already engaged a tutor for the young master at our residence. He is a gentleman with a profound family background in education. However, for some reason, the young master does not like to study at home and insists on attending the public school. Mr. Li wonders, which is superior and which is inferior, public school or home education?"

Cui Luohua, hesitant to speak further, cautiously inquired: "Then, how should the palace maid named Feng Lingrou be dealt with?"

There is nothing to be concerned about. Cui Bingyi is thinking too far ahead, truly overly cautious. Su Ying's eyes gently swept across Cui Luohua's face, as she inserted a golden hairpin into her hair, and said leisurely: "What can a mere scholar possibly achieve?"

Li Huaiying solemnly responded: "Family education often requires the efforts of several generations, even dozens of generations, to take shape. The perseverance alone is already admirable. In times of great chaos, schools may struggle to maintain themselves, but family education can be passed down from father to son, allowing knowledge to be inherited. This is a contribution to the nation and is equally worthy of respect. Alternatively, if a family possesses a broad vision, scholars and literati will flock to it, and knowledge can mutually promote one another, eventually forming a local school of thought. The impact on the refinement and continuation of knowledge should not be underestimated. In times of great chaos, schools may struggle to maintain themselves, but family education can be passed down from father to son, allowing knowledge to be inherited. This is a contribution to the nation and is equally worthy of respect. Alternatively, if a family possesses a broad vision, scholars and literati will flock to it, and knowledge can mutually promote one another, eventually forming a local school of thought. The impact on the refinement and continuation of knowledge should not be underestimated. These three aspects are sufficient to be regarded as great achievements.

Is it inappropriate for a girl to eavesdrop on a lesson in the backyard? His tone was somewhat uncertain

This is precisely what I am concerned about," Mr. Huaiying sighed. "If this young lady is truly as extraordinary as you say, she must be from a prestigious family. Our dynasty places great importance on lineage; how could the children of ordinary schools possibly match those from noble families? To this day, we still do not know which family she belongs to, so it is best not to misjudge her. She is so eager for knowledge that I cannot bear to turn her away, but... you must absolutely avoid complicating matters and creating unnecessary entanglements.

On the day of the Yong Wang's audience, Cui Luohua was not at leisure. She announced early in the morning that she would accompany the Empress in the Danxi Palace during the Yong Wang's audience. However, on that day, she simply sat quietly in her residence, waiting in silence

"That is not the case," Cui Luohua hurriedly said, "It seems that the princess only went to listen to his lectures and has not even met him in person. This is precisely what I am most concerned about."

The regulations regarding the interactions between men and women in the northern regions were originally not very strict, but after Li Huaiying entered the room, he adopted a very cautious demeanor, not allowing his eyes to wander carelessly and speaking with measured restraint. Cui Luohua noticed that this young man was just over twenty years old, and his appearance could only be described as upright and handsome, yet his composure inspired respect, which also explains why Zhen Ning held him in such high regard. During casual conversation, she learned that Li Huaiying was actually a standout student at the Taixue. The country had allowed talented individuals from various regions to enter the Taixue over a hundred years ago, resulting in the number of students reaching as high as two thousand during the time of the late emperor, making it difficult for all Taixue students to hold official positions. Li Huaiying did not come from a noble background; he graduated from the Taixue last year and got married, shortly thereafter he began teaching at the Mingde Academy.