When Xie Qiuyan entered from outside, Tang He was sitting upright, staring seriously at the documents spread across his desk.
By now, Xie Qiuyan thoroughly understood Tang He’s character. Without hesitation, he strode over and glanced down at the tabletop. He almost burst into a cold laugh. Sure enough, the “official documents” were actually a map of the Capital Women’s Academy.
Heh.
When that b*stard surnamed Tang decided to stir up trouble, he certainly approached it with dedication.
Naturally, Tang He noticed where Xie Qiuyan was looking but he felt no embarrassment whatsoever. Completely justified in his own mind, he casually folded up the academy map before asking instead, “What brings you here?”
Xie Qiuyan replied, “…Why can’t I come?”
The two men looked at one another. Neither spoke.
In the end, business concerning Wangye was more important. Suppressing his irritation, Xie Qiuyan spoke first. “I’ve already gone to take a look. Today all four gates of the women’s academy, the east, south, west, and north, are open. Miss Zhen is stationed at the eastern gate.”
After a pause, he continued, “I also made a few arrangements along the road. If nothing unexpected happens, Shizi and the others should enter through the eastern gate.”
Even so, he still looked somewhat uneasy. “But there’ll be so many female students standing outside the academy today. The Heir Apparent and the others may not even notice Miss Zhen.”
“No problem.” Tang He had already anticipated that concern. His tone was filled with quiet confidence. “Young Master Pei, the eldest grandson of Grand Secretary Pei, will be accompanying Rong Shizi and the others today. Young Master Pei is Miss Zhen’s cousin from her mother’s family. He’ll certainly recognize his own cousin. When cousins happen to meet after such a long time, they’re bound to exchange a few words. And as for Rong Shizi…”
Rong Shizi always tries to get close to beautiful women, and since Miss Zhen is so beautiful and he has never seen her before, he has no choice but to shamelessly approach her.
Xie Qiuyan knew Rong Shizi’s temperament well, and a look of pained sympathy inevitably appeared on his face. Does Tang He have some grudge against Rong Shizi or something? Why does he always choose to use him as the one to set up?
Thinking of how Rong Shizi had treated him rather warmly during the past few days at the Prince Regent’s residence, Xie Qiuyan couldn’t help speaking up on his behalf. “Rong Shizi is still rather childish at heart. He’s never had any ill intentions. There will be plenty of people at the women’s academy today, why do you have to choose him specifically?”
Tang He sighed. “If it were just some ordinary person, would someone as proud and arrogant as His Highness even spare them a glance?”
He estimated that only someone like Rong Shizi, a favored son of heaven blessed with both an outstanding family background and exceptional looks, would even be worthy of catching the Prince Regent’s attention, making him feel the slightest bit uneasy.
Jealousy was simply part of human nature. Men and women alike were no exception. As long as the Prince Regent witnessed Rong Shizi interacting with Miss Zhen, perhaps jealousy would naturally arise. If that happened, then perhaps His Highness would finally begin to understand his own feelings. After all, no teacher would become jealous simply because his student was speaking with another man.
Of course, such an opportunity was rare. Tang He had prepared other contingencies as well.
Thinking of the arrangements he had made, Tang He quietly raised his eyes toward the map of the Capital Women’s Academy that he had only just put away.
As someone who had frequently fallen victim to Tang He’s schemes, Xie Qiuyan immediately became wary. “What have you been plotting behind my back this time?”
Tang He laughed. “As if.” After a pause, his expression became serious. “In any case, when Wangye leaves today, stay close to him. When the time comes, just adapt to whatever happens.”
Xie Qiuyan: “…” I have a bad feeling I’m about to get dragged into another one of your schemes.
Naturally, Tang He noticed Xie Qiuyan’s suspicious gaze. Keeping a perfectly straight face, he added, “You’re the one accompanying Wangye today. Do you really think I’d dare scheme against Wangye himself?”
When he put it that way, it actually made sense. After all, Tang He’s current plotting amounted to little more than nudging things in the desired direction. If he actually dared manipulate the Prince Regent himself, Wangye would reward him with a severe beating. He’d probably spend half a year unable to get out of bed.
Thinking of that, Xie Qiuyan finally relaxed somewhat. He snorted. “I just hope tonight goes as smoothly as you’ve predicted.”
Tang He remained completely composed. “It definitely will.”
“However, there is one problem.” He drew a deep breath. “Someone from the palace came today. They summoned His Highness to discuss state affairs. He still hasn’t returned.”
Everything was prepared. Only the east wind was missing. But how were they supposed to lure that “east wind” out from the depths of the imperial palace?
Just as Tang He was frowning and thinking of some excuse to get his Wangye out of the palace, Xie Qiuyan, the straightforward fellow that he was, suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “Do you think Wangye even knows that today is Qixi?”
Tang He: “…”
The truth was, Fu Changxi genuinely didn’t know. When he was young, he had once become so furious that he threw the imperial marriage decree back into Emperor Xiaozong’s face before immediately leaving for the northern frontier. For more than ten years afterward, war and chaos had consumed his life. He had never celebrated Qixi again. Naturally, he had long since forgotten the festival altogether.
Thus as he sat inside Cien Palace, he was already growing impatient. Who knows what Empress Dowager Zheng is plotting this time?
Early that morning, she had sent people to summon him from the Prince Regent’s residence, claiming there were important matters requiring discussion. Yet after he entered the palace, he had not even seen the young emperor. Instead, the Empress Dowager had kept him there, chatting endlessly about trivial matters.
Such insignificant topics yet she had insisted on dragging the conversation on until now. She even intended to keep him for dinner at Cien Palace….
Fu Changxi had always detested Empress Dowager Zheng. He couldn’t even be bothered to look at her. The mere thought of sitting across from that face while eating made him feel sick. How could he possibly have any appetite? Although he very much wanted to leave, for the moment, he couldn’t think of a reasonable excuse so he merely sat there with a cold expression, saying nothing.
Naturally, Empress Dowager Zheng noticed his impatience. She sighed softly. “Wangye is still just as temperamental as ever.”
Fu Changxi merely cast her an indifferent glance. His reply was equally indifferent. “Every person has their own temperament. At my age, I doubt mine will ever change.”
His icy response momentarily left Empress Dowager Zheng speechless. Yet she showed no anger. Instead, a faint smile appeared upon her breathtakingly beautiful face.
By now the palace lamps had all been lit. Pearls set into the walls glowed brilliantly. The entire Cien Palace shone as brightly as midday. Ordinarily, Empress Dowager Zheng dressed in plain colors. Today, however, she had unusually chosen garments in vivid hues that accentuated her extraordinary beauty.
Seated upon the phoenix throne, her cloud-like black hair was arranged elegantly. Her features were as exquisite as a painting. With only the faintest smile, she possessed beauty capable of toppling cities.
Fu Changxi merely frowned in disgust. He turned his head slightly away. He didn’t even wish to look at her.
Just then, someone hurried in from outside to report:
“Reporting to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, and to the Prince Regent. Someone has arrived from Wangye’s residence. They report that something has happened at the manor. They respectfully request that Your Highness return to discuss the matter.”
At last, Fu Changxi had his excuse. He was unwilling to remain there for even another moment. Immediately flicking his sleeve, he rose to his feet. “Since there is business at my residence, I should return.”
Without even waiting for Empress Dowager Zheng to respond, he strode out of the palace hall.
Empress Dowager Zheng stared fixedly at his retreating figure until it disappeared into the distance. Then she swept every cup and dish from the table onto the floor with one motion. Even then, her anger had not subsided. She slowly surveyed everyone present then she raised one elegant hand.
Her fingers were long, slender, pale, and delicate like freshly peeled spring bamboo shoots. She pointed directly at the eunuch who had just delivered the report. Almost grinding her silver-white teeth to pieces, she spoke in a voice that remained graceful and icy. “Guards, take him away. Beat him to death.”
The eunuch didn’t even have time to beg for mercy. A gag was stuffed into his mouth. He was dragged away.
Only then did the Empress Dowager feel slightly better.
However, Fu Changxi’s mood after leaving the palace wasn’t particularly pleasant either.
Especially after learning that his nephew had invited companions to visit the Capital Women’s Academy. The already unpleasant expression on his face immediately darkened further.
Tang He had reported it like this: “Wangye must have forgotten, today is Qixi. It’s lively all over the capital. The women’s academy is also holding a garden festival. Rong Shizi couldn’t bear staying cooped up at the residence so he invited Young Master Pei and several others. They’ve gone to the Capital Women’s Academy to enjoy themselves…”
The Capital Women’s Academy!
To have some fun!
Fu Changxi felt as though someone had struck him twice in the chest. A suffocating pressure welled up inside him, so intense that he nearly coughed up blood.
Tang He, however, couldn’t resist adding fuel to the fire. Feigning ignorance, he asked, “Wangye, shall we return to the residence for dinner?”
With a dark expression, Fu Changxi narrowed his eyes at Tang He in what was clearly a warning. “Qingzhi, the more you speak, the more likely you are to make mistakes. You’ve talked far too much. It’s becoming rather obvious.”
Tang He’s expression changed at once. He lowered his head respectfully. “Yes. Your subordinate has overstepped.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Fu Changxi slowly closed his eyes, softening the sharp lines of his features ever so slightly. After a long while, he let out a deep breath. The tightness in his chest eased a little before he finally spoke. “To the Capital Women’s Academy.”
The tension in Tang He’s shoulders finally relaxed.
Suddenly, he recalled a line from a Buddhist scripture: When people obtain love, it is as though they enter a burning house. Troubles arise of themselves; cool serenity is gone. They continue walking forward with determination, yet retreat is equally difficult.
Even if honey dripped from the edge of a blade, there would still be those willing to endure the pain of slicing their tongues just to taste that tiny bit of sweetness upon its edge.
Such was the pursuit of love.
Even the Prince Regent was no exception.
*****
By then, Rong Ziming and his companions had already arrived at the eastern gate of the Capital Women’s Academy. Just as Tang He had predicted, the moment Pei Rusong stepped down from the carriage, the very first thing he saw was the young woman standing beside the entrance.
Back then, Madam Pei had merely stood beneath a tree, lifting her fan to partially conceal her face as she cast a distant glance. That single glance had been enough for Father Zhen to fall hopelessly in love at first sight, leaving him unable to forget her for the rest of his life.
One could easily imagine how breathtakingly beautiful she must have been.
Zhen Tingyun already resembled Madam Pei greatly in her youth. Or rather she surpassed her.
The instant Pei Rusong got off the carriage and looked up, he saw the young girl with skin like snow and features like carved jade. She was graceful, radiant, and delicately beautiful. Dressed in the academy’s crimson blouse, she simply stood quietly beside the gate, yet even so, she carried herself with effortless elegance that naturally drew every eye.
People constantly passed through the entrance. From time to time, someone would secretly glance her way. She was like a crimson rose blooming upon a branch, its brilliant color irresistibly attracted others. Yet anyone who approached feared being pricked by its thorns, not enough to truly hurt, but enough to leave an irresistible itch.
Pei Rusong couldn’t help sighing. Although he had only met Zhen Tingyun once, his little cousin had indeed left a deep impression on him. Not long ago, the Pei family had even been thrown into turmoil over the examination certificate incident. His younger sister had received a severe scolding, become so distressed that she fell ill, and had yet to fully recover. Even now, she remained confined at home studying, forbidden from leaving her room.
As for his mother, Eldest Madam Pei… although Old Master Pei, her father-in-law, hadn’t openly reproached her, Eldest Master Pei had been furious enough to lose his temper once and had stripped her of the household management. Even now, Eldest Madam Pei was still quietly reflecting on her mistakes at home, filled with endless regret.
Pei Rusong lost himself in thought for a brief moment before quickly withdrawing his gaze. Instead, he turned to look at the two friends standing beside him.
Although Rong Ziming was still young, he was already accustomed to flirting. The moment he stepped down from the carriage, his eyes immediately began searching everywhere for pretty girls. Being both young and sharp-eyed, it didn’t take him long to notice Zhen Tingyun standing at the gate. His beautiful phoenix eyes instantly lit up.
Standing on the other side was Yan Wang Shizi, Fu Nianjia, dressed in a lake-blue robe.
Among the three of them, Fu Nianjia was the tallest. His bearing was exceptionally distinguished. Standing silently amid the crowd, his back was straight and upright, making him stand out at a glance.
The members of the Fu family all possessed sharply sculpted features, handsome yet cold. Fu Nianjia was no different.
However, with the sunlight behind him, even from Pei Rusong’s angle only the sharply defined outline of his profile could be seen, together with the nearly unreadable expression hidden within the shadows.
Perhaps Pei Rusong was imagining things. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Fu Nianjia was silently watching someone not far away.
Those deep eyes, like a bottomless pool, remained utterly motionless. Without blinking once, he stared fixedly at Zhen Tingyun.
As though she were a beautiful dream so impossible that he didn’t even dare disturb it.
The thought startled even Pei Rusong himself. He smiled, deciding he must simply be overthinking things. Changing the subject, he turned to his two companions. “Oh, right. My cousin is here as well. I’ll go say hello first.”
Rong Ziming blinked. “Your cousin? Is it the one wearing red?”
Pei Rusong felt that Rong Ziming truly was a little slow today. “This is the Capital Women’s Academy. All the female students are wearing red.”
Only then did Rong Ziming realize his mistake. Embarrassed, he rubbed his nose before asking another question. “The one with the dimples when she smiles?”
Pei Rusong: “…I’ve honestly never paid attention.”
He liked his little cousin because she resembled his aunt, and because she studied diligently. Even after being abandoned in the countryside, she had never given up learning. She continued striving upward through her own efforts. What he admired was her attitude toward learning. Why would he have paid attention to whether or not she had dimples when she smiled?
Instead, Rong Ziming shamelessly turned around and criticized him. “You’re her cousin, aren’t you? You really don’t pay enough attention to your own little cousin!”
Pei Rusong: “…”
Before Pei Rusong could answer, Rong Ziming had already dashed off toward Zhen Tingyun. Whether she really was Pei Rusong’s cousin or not, he could always use that as an excuse to start a conversation. And if anything went wrong, he could simply blame Pei Rusong.
Thinking this, Rong Ziming bounded right up before Zhen Tingyun and cheerfully called out without the slightest sense of reserve, “Little Sister Zhen!” At least he still remembered that Pei Rusong only had one paternal aunt and that she had married into the Zhen family.
At that moment, Zhen Tingyun was checking the admission tickets presented by visitors entering the academy. Suddenly hearing someone jump in front of her and call her “Little Sister Zhen,” she couldn’t help but startle. She quickly widened her eyes to look at him.
At the same time, genuine confusion filled her gaze. Do idiots nowadays all dress this handsomely? What’s with this “little sister” business? If I don’t answer him… is he going to hit me?
Perhaps the way she looked at him, as though she were looking at a complete fool, was simply too genuine. Even someone as quick-witted as Rong Ziming suddenly found himself at a loss for words. In the end, all he could do was point helplessly back toward Pei Rusong. “I came with your eldest cousin.”
The moment Zhen Tingyun followed the direction he was pointing, she immediately spotted Pei Rusong. Only then did she let out a sigh of relief before smiling and calling out, “Cousin.” She had quite a good impression of Pei Rusong. After all, when they had first met, he had been warm and approachable. He had never looked down on the simple or childish questions she asked. Instead, he had patiently explained her lessons to her for a long time, encouraging her to study hard and gain admission to the women’s academy. He was, in every sense, the model of a good elder brother.
Hearing her call, Pei Rusong no longer lingered where he stood and walked over.
Fu Nianjia remained as silent as ever and followed behind him.
Only then did Zhen Tingyun notice Fu Nianjia standing beside Pei Rusong.
In truth, someone like Fu Nianjia was impossible to overlook. He was tall and straight, dressed in elegant brocade robes, with strikingly handsome features.
He resembled a flawless jade gentleman. Even standing among a crowd, he seemed lofty and untouchable.
Zhen Tingyun found herself looking at him a few more times. Yet the longer she looked, the more he reminded her of Yuanhui. From his appearance to his bearing, she couldn’t point to any one feature that was exactly alike, but there was simply an inexplicable resemblance that made her instinctively connect the two.
Thinking of that, another person suddenly came to mind, the Little County Princess of Yan Wang’s Manor. She had once thought that the little princess also bore a certain resemblance to Yuanhui.
Comparing them now, however, the little county princess and this man were truly the ones who looked alike.
Remembering the little county princess, then looking at the man beside Pei Rusong whose features closely resembled hers, Zhen Tingyun could more or less determine his identity. There was no need to guess anymore. This had to be the person Zhen Yiyun was utterly devoted to, the man she constantly dreamed of, the future husband destined for her in the novel, Fu Nianjia, Yan Wang Shizi.
Looking at Fu Nianjia’s solemnly handsome face, then thinking of Zhen Yiyun’s personality, Zhen Tingyun couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.
He’s really pitiful… If he actually marries someone like Zhen Yiyun, the rest of his life is probably going to be absolutely miserable.
Still, pity was one thing. Zhen Tingyun had absolutely no intention of getting involved with a man whom Zhen Yiyun had set her sights on. She quickly withdrew her gaze and, keeping her eyes properly forward, spoke to Pei Rusong instead. “Cousin, what made you come here today?”
Next year would be the imperial metropolitan examination. Given how diligent her eldest cousin usually was, shouldn’t he be at home studying instead?
Pei Rusong smiled helplessly. “I heard the Qixi garden festival here is quite lively today, so I came out with a few friends for a stroll.”
As an elder cousin, he naturally asked after Zhen Tingyun’s studies before inquiring how she had done on the recent joint examination between the two women’s academies.
The moment the examination was mentioned, Zhen Tingyun immediately felt guilty. She hurriedly nudged Yang Qionghua beside her, took a lantern from her, and handed it to Pei Rusong. “It’ll be dark soon. I imagine it’ll take Cousin and the others quite a while to walk from here to the lakeside. By the time you get there, it’ll probably already be night. So you should take a lantern with you, just in case.”
It was a tactful way of urging them onward while also doing him a favor. “These lanterns were meant to be sold to visitors who arrive later. But since I like my cousin, I won’t charge you for this lantern.”
Seeing her so sweet and endearing, Pei Rusong couldn’t help laughing. He looked toward Rong Ziming and Fu Nianjia beside him. “Then… shall we head inside?”
Fu Nianjia said nothing. He merely gave a slight nod. His jaw remained tightly set, the sharp lines of his face making him appear particularly cold.
Rong Ziming, however, was far less cooperative. Whenever he was in front of a pretty young lady, he could lower his dignity without the slightest hesitation. Not only did he refuse to leave, he even widened his beautiful phoenix eyes and shamelessly acted spoiled toward Zhen Tingyun. “Aren’t the students here supposed to guide guests around the academy? It’s my first time visiting, can’t you show me around a little?”
That rule did indeed exist. However, it generally applied only to distinguished female guests who had received formal invitations. Most of those ladies came from prominent families and were themselves graduates of the Capital Women’s Academy. They could board boats directly to the island in the middle of the lake to attend the banquet specially prepared for that evening.
As for ordinary visitors like Rong Ziming, the academy had no requirement that students guide them. Of course, they were allowed to if they wished. It all depended on personal preference.
Or, as people liked to joke, whether there was “chemistry.”
After Rong Ziming said this, Pei Rusong thought for a moment. Concerned for his little cousin, he added, “You’ve been standing here for who knows how long already, why not come inside with us for a walk? You can enjoy some of the festivities as well.”
Hearing that, Zhen Tingyun glanced toward Yang Qionghua.
Ever since seeing Pei Rusong, Yang Qionghua had looked eager to say yes. When she noticed Zhen Tingyun looking at her, she immediately nodded enthusiastically. “Since he’s your cousin, let’s accompany them inside for a stroll.”
She sounded remarkably eager. “There aren’t many people yet, there should still be places by the lake. We should go while it’s early. If we wait too long, it’ll just be packed with people.”
After thinking it over, Zhen Tingyun felt that standing at the entrance was both tiring and boring anyway. Besides, she really was curious about the garden festival. So she nodded in agreement.
****
By the time the Prince Regent’s carriage arrived at the Capital Women’s Academy, dusk had already begun to fall. The students stationed at the entrance had already been replaced by another group.
Zhen Tingyun and Yang Qionghua had long since accompanied Pei Rusong and the others into the academy grounds. Meanwhile, the number of visitors outside the entrance had only continued to increase.
Sitting inside the carriage, Fu Changxi merely looked outside once before seeing the bustling crowd. Immediately, his head began to ache. Given his status, his routes were normally cleared in advance whenever he traveled. Naturally, he had no patience for places packed shoulder to shoulder with people.
More importantly, Fu Changxi’s sharp eyes immediately noticed the young men and women hidden among the evening crowd, secretly exchanging glances and quietly holding hands. The customs of the day were relatively open. And since it was Qixi, there were naturally many unmarried couples strolling together. Yet when Fu Changxi saw the scene, he found it nothing but irritating.
Tang He naturally noticed the change in Fu Changxi’s expression. Pretending to inquire about the situation, he stepped away for a moment before quickly returning. Lowering his head respectfully, he reported, “Your Highness, Rong Shizi and the others entered not long ago.”
After a brief pause, as though suddenly remembering something, he casually added, “Yan Wang Shizi is with them as well.”
That part was something Tang He himself had not anticipated beforehand. However, with the addition of Yan Wang Shizi, the effect of today’s plan could only become even better.
Sure enough, Fu Changxi’s expression darkened even further.
Standing at his side, Tang He added fuel to the fire with another seemingly casual remark. “Since Young Master Pei was there as well, it was Miss Zhen who accompanied them inside.”
After listening to Tang He’s three short sentences, each delivered with deliberate pauses, Fu Changxi finally found himself unable to remain seated. He reached up to lift the carriage curtain, intending to get out, but then paused and coldly ordered, “Bring me a change of clothes.” He had just come from the palace and was still wearing the full ceremonial robes of a feudal prince. Naturally, he could not go inside dressed like that.
A servant quickly brought over the black robes that Fu Changxi usually preferred to wear.
Having changed his clothes, without even taking the time to change his boots, Fu Changxi lifted the carriage curtain himself, stepped down from the carriage, and headed straight toward the entrance of the women’s academy.
Tang He naturally didn’t dare follow. As a frail scholar, how could he possibly keep up with the Prince Regent’s long, powerful strides? He could only secretly signal to Xie Qiuyan with his eyes. The rest is up to you.
For that single instant, Xie Qiuyan seemed to recall the countless times Tang He had tricked him into doing his dirty work. The pressure on him instantly became enormous.
Today, however, the academy was crowded, and there was also the possibility that someone might try something in secret. Concerned for his Wangye’s safety, Xie Qiuyan dared not be careless. He hurried after him, though he kept several steps behind. If anything happened ahead, he would be able to rush forward immediately.
In truth, although Tang He had planned everything carefully, there was one thing he had been wrong about. He had said, “If it were merely an ordinary person, with His Highness’s pride, how could he possibly pay them any attention?” But in reality, as Fu Changxi now stood amidst the crowd and looked ahead, all he could see were handsome young men about the same age as Zhen Tingyun.
Instantly, the fire in his heart flared up. It burned so fiercely that it could no longer be suppressed.
Even Fu Changxi himself felt that this anger had arisen for no apparent reason. Yet the fire in his heart only burned hotter and hotter. It felt as though his heart itself were being scorched black, unbearably painful.
As he walked among the crowd, looking at the young men and women around him, he suddenly felt that dressed in his black robe, he seemed to have aged several years for no reason at all. He simply did not belong among them.
After all, those who still celebrated Qixi were mostly innocent young men and women. Men of Fu Changxi’s age generally already had wives, concubines, and children. Who would still have the leisure to squeeze into a crowded women’s academy?
