Chapter 21: Pretty Boy

Rope Fault Hall.

The fat-faced, big-eared Du Hongying sat in the central seat of honor, leisurely lifting her teacup and taking a small sip of hot tea. She then reluctantly glanced at Lu Yuner, her eyes filled with disdain and jealousy, considering herself superior.

Lu Yuner was naturally beautiful, with exquisite features and a pair of enchanting almond-shaped eyes. She was truly a stunning beauty, the epitome of charm and grace.

But so what? Now she was about to become nothing more than a pretty boy!

Before, she was at least a minister, holding the rank of Senior Second Grade. Although she often opposed and deliberately made things difficult for them, they still had to speak politely to her. But now the tables have turned, and Lu Yuner must be regretting her past actions!

The men’s and women’s academies were separate for teaching. They thought transferring her from the women’s academy to the men’s would make things difficult for her and humiliate her. Unexpectedly, after just a few days, she shamelessly dared to set her sights on the young master Su.

This young master Su had such a noble status. His mother, Su Bai, was the only non-imperial prince of the current reign, second only to one person and above all others.

Years ago, when the court was in turmoil and various factions in the palace were openly and secretly fighting for imperial power, no one expected that the ninth princess Mu Yue, who came from the Cold Palace, would ascend to the throne.

However, the biggest supporter behind this was Prince Yun Su Bai. After Her Majesty ascended the throne, she specially permitted her to enter the court without hurrying, to give praise without naming, and to wear a sword and shoes in the palace. Everyone knew this was the highest honor, rarely granted throughout history.

Now, Prince Yun doesn’t participate in court politics or get involved in factional disputes, living a reclusive life of leisure. But her influence and status in the court still cannot be underestimated.

This Prince Yun has only one son, who is still unmarried. The court officials all want to form a marriage alliance with Prince Yun.

After all, if one could win the favor of young master Su, it would mean holding half the power and status, with glory, wealth, fame, and fortune easily within grasp.

They thought Lu Yuner was so noble! Who knew she would turn out to be such a lowlife in the end.

After nearly half an hour, Du Hongying gave her a disdainful look and finally spoke slowly: “Doctor Lu, do you know why I brought you to this Rope Fault Hall?”

“Please speak, Supervisor,” Lu Yuner paused, choosing her words carefully, knowing what she was up to.

Du Hongying looked at her standing straight as a bamboo, with a hypocritical air of neither servility nor arrogance, and inwardly snorted coldly before speaking: “This Imperial Academy is the highest institution of learning in the Great Yuan Dynasty, a place to cultivate talents for our dynasty. Since Her Majesty ascended the throne, she has paid particular attention to the management of the Imperial Academy.”

As she spoke, she put down her teacup and walked straight towards Lu Yuner, her gaze filled with contempt, saying meaningfully: “As the Supervisor of the Imperial Academy, I have the duty to investigate and punish those who neglect their teaching duties and violate the rules. Today, you were seen running through the academy holding young master Su, violating the separation between men and women. Moreover, as a teacher of the Imperial Academy, you should know to maintain an appropriate distance from students. However, considering you’ve only recently arrived at the Imperial Academy and there were extenuating circumstances, I’ll merely give you a verbal warning this time. If it happens again, you will be severely punished without exception!”

This punishment for Lu Yuner was merely a small warning. Plus, with Liu the young general still at the Imperial Academy, everything would be easier to handle once she returned to Hua Bei…

She then changed her tone, speaking in an affected manner: “However, let me remind Doctor Lu, as a teacher, your duty is to impart knowledge, teach, and solve doubts. Don’t develop any inappropriate thoughts!”

Suddenly, a flash appeared in Lu Yuner’s eyes, and she replied: “I humbly accept the Supervisor’s guidance.”

One must bow their head under the eaves, and Lu Yuner understood this. However, she truly had no other thoughts about young master Su.

After leaving the Rope Fault Hall, Lu Yuner nonchalantly went to the Doctors’ Hall to get her food box, when she saw a familiar figure walking towards her.

“Sister Yuner, you’ve finally come out of the Rope Fault Hall. Come, let’s go eat together!” Liu Lan saw that she seemed unaffected, apparently not having been impacted much. Since last time when sister Yuner didn’t let her stand up for her, she decided not to act unless she said something.

It seemed she knew about it, but this time she was clearly trying to stay calm. Lu Yuner smiled and nodded: “Mm.”

However, as they spoke, Lu Yuner intentionally covered the bite mark on her lip. Although she tried to hide it, this was the young General Liu! She would strip you bare of even the tiniest detail.

After finishing their meal, as the two were about to part, someone couldn’t hold back anymore.

“By the way, we both got drunk last night. I heard from Nanxi that young master Su sent you home,” Liu Lan suddenly moved closer to Lu Yuner, her eyes filled with scrutiny, not missing any unusual signs, and asked slowly: “Did anything… happen between you two?”

Although the latter half was phrased as a question, it contained a subtle, unclear probe. Lu Yuner smiled and met her gaze, her expression unchanged as she replied: “Nothing happened.”

“Really nothing? Young master Su was lively and energetic yesterday, why did he suddenly fall ill today?” Liu Lan continued to ask. Then a glint flashed in her eyes, “Could it be that sister Yuner acted recklessly while drunk?”

Acted recklessly while drunk? How could that be possible! Lu Yuner smiled helplessly: “Sister Lan, surely you haven’t forgotten what state I’m in when drunk. How could I possibly act recklessly?”

Seeing this, Liu Lan immediately caught on, “Then did young master Su act recklessly?” As she spoke, her examining gaze swept over her from top to bottom, finally landing on Lu Yuner’s lips. Her eyes gradually narrowed. It seemed this young master Su had truly taken a liking to sister Yuner.

When Lu Yuner heard this, her pupils involuntarily contracted slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. This subtle change, however, didn’t escape Liu Lan’s keen eyes. Liu Lan’s eyebrows raised, and she immediately understood, inwardly delighted. It seemed her heart’s desire wouldn’t take long to be realized.

Just as Lu Yuner was about to explain, Liu Lan interrupted her, curving her lips in satisfaction: “Alright, no need to say more. I already know the answer. I’ll take my leave now.”

Lu Yuner, holding her food box, watched the departing figure and inwardly smiled bitterly: This sister Lan, nothing could be hidden from her. It seemed her skills in interrogation and case-solving had greatly improved in the army.

However… her matter with young master Su would soon come to an end. When sister Ranzhi returns, they can properly discuss what to do next.

After finishing afternoon classes, Lu Yuner went to the sports field with Zhu Miaomiao.