Chapter 6: A Day at the Imperial Academy

After the person left, Sheng Qingzi glanced lightly at Liu Lan’s position, coincidentally meeting Liu Lan’s smiling and ardent eyes, which did not hide the thoughts beneath the ripples in her eyes, infinitely magnified and exposed nakedly before him.

Although she had just reached out to steady him, and he had thanked her out of courtesy, the way she looked at him was no different from those women with ulterior motives. Moreover, given her illustrious family background and significant status, he couldn’t deal with her using the usual methods for handling lustful individuals. It seemed he could only take things one step at a time and hope she wouldn’t go too far.

Sheng Qingzi really couldn’t understand why Doctor Lu would be friends with someone like this. The only reason he could use to convince himself was that Doctor Lu might be beautiful and kind-hearted.

Sheng Qingzi temporarily hid his confusion in his heart, stepped forward, and unconsciously moved closer to Lu Yuner’s right side, saying, “You two, follow me.”

Lu Yuner noticed Sheng Qingzi’s deliberate attempt to maintain distance from Liu Lan. She sighed lightly in her heart. Knowing Liu Lan’s character, she squeezed her eyebrows at Liu Lan, giving her a look that meant “tone it down, don’t scare him.”

Liu Lan nodded with a smile, then followed.

A moment later.

It was the height of spring, with lush greenery everywhere. A gentle breeze caressed all things, making every scene refreshingly new and full of vitality.

As Lu Yuner’s group walked forward, they saw in the distance, at the center surrounded by verdant foliage, a sight of golden splendor gleaming in the warm spring sunlight. The Confucian Temple was grand in scale, its main buildings covered with yellow glazed tiles, showcasing the imperial majesty.

At this time, Liu Lan walked obediently alongside Lu Yuner, her arms crossed over her chest, not daring to take even half a step more. However, her eyes were fixed unblinkingly on the slender blue figure in front.

Sheng Qingzi walked in front with his back to the two, but the blatant and disrespectful gaze from behind made him very uncomfortable. It felt as if it was constantly clinging to his body. He frowned in displeasure, awkwardly bit his lip lightly, and quickened his pace.

How annoying can this person be?

Meanwhile, Lu Yuner’s picturesque brows relaxed as she leisurely admired the lush green scenery along the way. Her thoughts, however, drifted to the spring before her soul transmigration.

At that time, she was a third-year university student, enjoying her wonderful campus life. She never imagined that due to a sudden traffic accident, her soul would transmigrate to this matriarchal world. Having read novels about matriarchal societies before and being relatively easy-going, she adapted within a few days of transmigrating.

However, such a bizarre and unbelievable event, she had never told anyone about it. If she were to speak of it, she feared people would think her mad and shun her.

This year wasn’t too long or too short. She would think of her family and friends, wondering how they were living now. Thinking of this, Lu Yuner felt a sourness in her heart and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

She was about to withdraw her gaze when she suddenly caught sight of a stone tablet not far to the right, with the words “Forbidden Area” written on it. Behind the stone tablet was a lush bamboo grove, swaying in the spring breeze, accompanied by a rustling sound that echoed crisply like music in this quiet walkway, even seeming a bit eerie.

Thinking that she would be teaching here in the future, and driven by curiosity, Lu Yuner deliberated for a second before asking, “Doctor Sheng, why is that bamboo grove forbidden?”

Sheng Qingzi’s form stiffened. Looking at his memory, he was originally going to mention this, but that person had caused him to forget.

Sheng Qingzi stopped and turned to look at the bamboo grove, his expression serious as he said, “That bamboo grove is called the Jade Garden. It used to be a place for students to rest or appreciate, but…” His eyelashes fluttered lightly as he paused, then continued, “Since several ‘haunting’ incidents occurred half a year ago, causing unrest among the people in this academy, the Director ordered that no one be allowed to enter that bamboo grove.”

“Haunting?” Liu Lan raised an eyebrow and laughed coldly. “I never thought that the Imperial Academy, known for its rigorous scholarship and noble academic atmosphere, would believe in such talk of ghosts. It’s utterly absurd! If that’s the case, why not just stay at home every day, worship Buddha, and burn incense to pray for academic success!”

In her years of killing enemies on the battlefield, the souls under her blade were not few. How come not a single ghost had come to find her! This was simply nonsense!

Sheng Qingzi secretly gritted his teeth, his fine brows slightly furrowed, and immediately took over the conversation: “The Director sent people to carefully inspect inside, and there was nothing there at all. For the safety of the students, that’s why the Jade Garden was sealed off. For the past half year, everything has been peaceful.”

Lu Yuner pondered for a moment before speaking: “If it’s ‘haunted,’ has anyone actually seen the ghost?”

Initially, she didn’t believe in such talk of spirits and ghosts either, but after experiencing it herself, she had to believe to some extent.

Sheng Qingzi turned his gaze towards Lu Yuner, his expression softening as he said, “I don’t know about that. Because it involves the reputation of the Imperial Academy, only the Director and the Deputy Director know the specific details. Anyway, don’t go…”

Before he could finish speaking.

“Qingzi, have you forgotten the consequences of delaying this sacrifice ceremony!” Suddenly, a cold voice came through.

Recognizing the speaker, Sheng Qingzi immediately turned and responded, “Alright, Sister Bing, I’m coming right away.”

Lu Yuner looked towards the source of the voice and saw Liu Bing standing at the intersection ahead, wearing a robe and looking at them expressionlessly, exuding a chilling aura in the sunlight.

Sheng Qingzi hurriedly said, “Let’s go quickly! Otherwise, we’ll really be late!”

Lu Yuner and Liu Lan also quickened their pace to follow.

They entered through the Gate of the First Teacher[1] and arrived at the second courtyard, which is the central location of the Confucian Temple, the Hall of Great Accomplishment, where every grand ceremony to honor Confucius is held.

At this time, all members of the Imperial Academy were already standing in neat rows. On the altar placed in front of the spirit tablets were the most commonly used sacrificial offerings: dates, chestnuts, turnip pickles, and celery.

Each had a different meaning: dates symbolized early ambition, chestnuts represented reverence, turnip pickles stood for talent, and celery for talent as well. Although the offerings were simple, they contained respect for the Most Sacred Teacher and lofty aspirations.

Sheng Qingzi led them to stand in the ranks.

About half an hour later, the sacrifice ceremony ended. The Deputy Director noticed that Lu Yuner and Liu Lan were not wearing their doctoral robes, so he took them to the Hall of Rectifying Faults[2]. Along the way, Lu Yuner heard many flattering words. After receiving their doctoral robes, the two chatted briefly with Han Ranzhi before returning home.

At this time, the sun was setting in the west, approaching dusk.

Lu Yuner sat in the carriage, half-leaning against the wall, her eyes quietly closed. Unexpectedly, today’s visit to the Imperial Academy had allowed her to meet quite a few people. Recalling the various events of the day, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned upward. It was indeed much more relaxing compared to maneuvering against sycophants in the court.

Over the past year, she had spent no small amount of mental energy on affairs, truly taxing her little brain.

Qiu Yi, holding the lady’s robe in her arms, sat beside her. Seeing the lady in a good mood, she smiled along and spoke up, “My lady, did something happy happen today?”

“Mm, I met a few nice friends,” Lu Yuner replied with a contented expression, her eyes still closed.

Although Qiu Yi was happy for her lady, she still had some concerns. Frowning slightly, she said, “My lady, now that your status has changed, the court officials have always been the type to curry favor with the powerful. Moreover, the Imperial Academy is under the Ministry of Rites. Qiu Yi fears that someone might…”

“You’re afraid someone might give me a hard time.” Lu Yuner slowly opened her eyes. The issues Qiu Yi was considering, she had already thought about. Although the Lu family was from a military background, times were different now. Plus, she had offended quite a few people, who would surely try to cause her trouble secretly.

Lu Yuner’s eyes curved in a smile, “Your lady has worn quite a few tight shoes, but you know what! After a few days, those tight shoes don’t fit anymore. Maybe your lady’s feet are too big and stretched out the shoes. Why don’t you accompany me to the shoe shop to buy a new pair in a few days?”

As she spoke, she looked down at the shoes on her feet.

“My lady, please don’t joke around. I’m talking about serious matters!” Qiu Yi sighed helplessly. Every time she brought up important issues, her lady would beat around the bush with her.

Lu Yuner composed herself slightly, but still maintained a smile, “Alright, I know what you’re worried about. Look at how big the world is, sunlight can’t reach every dark corner. But speaking of which, you should also trust General Liu!”

When Qiu Yi heard about General Liu, this powerful backer, the wrinkles between her brows gradually smoothed out, and the worry in her heart dissipated.

Lu Yuner: “Really, in a few days, accompany me to buy a new pair of shoes. Oh, I’ve decided to stay at the Imperial Academy during the teaching period. I’ll stay at the mansion for these few days. The Imperial Academy doesn’t allow attendants, so you’ll stay at the mansion and help me take care of the house.”

“My lady? This…” Qiu Yi furrowed her brows, her pupils widening, a look of confusion spreading across her face. She was clearly startled by her lady’s sudden decision. She had been by her lady’s side since childhood, personally taking care of all her lady’s daily needs. What if she became uncomfortable living at the Imperial Academy?

Lu Yuner patted Qiu Yi’s shoulder and said softly, “Don’t worry, I’ll come back when I have time. The Imperial Academy is a place for education and nurturing talent, known for its rigorous scholarship and strict management. Moreover, the Lu mansion is quite a distance from the Imperial Academy. If I were to live at the mansion, your lady would have to get up early and return late every day with dark circles under her eyes. Don’t you want your lady to get a good night’s sleep? Besides, didn’t Mu Yang send a letter saying he’d be coming to the capital in a few days? You’ll have company then.”

Qiu Yi pursed her lips and nodded obediently.

This Mu Yang was actually her lady’s sworn brother. Years ago, when General Lu was still alive, on the way to Jiangnan, they found a little boy who was unattended and lost. So General Lu sent people to look for his relatives. Later, they found the child’s family; it turned out the boy’s mother had been busy with business and neglected him. Seeing that he had a connection with this little boy, General Lu adopted him as his sworn son.

Over the years, the two families have frequently exchanged letters, maintaining a deep friendship.

Lu Yuner smiled with satisfaction, thinking about starting her teaching tomorrow, feeling inexplicably excited. After all, she had only been a student before, and it would be her first time standing on the teaching platform with a textbook to educate others. To avoid misleading the students, she planned to return to the mansion to prepare her lessons well and improve her own literary quality.

Fortunately, both her parents were high school Chinese teachers. Under their influence since childhood, she developed a strong interest in literature. So in high school, she resolutely chose to be a liberal arts student, and in university, she also chose the Chinese language major.

Combined with the memories of the original owner, she might not be able to claim vast erudition, but she could barely be considered well-read.

Author’s Note: