Having finally found some free time, Li Xi decided to personally go to Baichuan Academy to pick up Li Yi and bring him back to the General's Mansion to celebrate the New Year together.

Prior to this, the emperor had intended to reward her with an even larger general's mansion.

However, she declined the offer, citing her familiarity with her original residence, and insisted on returning to her original mansion.

When Li Xi arrived at Baichuan Academy, Li Yi was chatting happily with his classmates.

She looked at Li Yi from afar, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

However, at that moment, Li Yi's gaze also fell on her. The two smiled at each other, and everything was understood without words.

After seeing his classmates off, Li Yi jogged over to her side.

"Xiao Yi, you haven't packed yet?" Li Xi asked with a smile.

Li Yi smiled helplessly and explained, "I had already packed up, but these classmates kept me occupied. They all want to meet our family's illustrious general."

Hearing this, Li Xi couldn't help but laugh out loud. She deliberately teased, "Oh? So how are you going to introduce me to people?"

Li Yi scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and replied, "I told you that my brother is very busy with official duties and really doesn't have time."

He looked around warily. "Let's get out of here quickly, or they'll be in trouble if they see you."

After saying that, he took Li Xi to the headmaster's courtyard. "The headmaster said he still has some homework to teach me."

As Li Xi passed by Luo Yun's courtyard, she noticed it was locked and asked curiously, "Hey, where's your Master Luo? Did he go back for the New Year so early?"

Li Yi shook his head. "Master Luo has been gone for several months. The headmaster said he had some family matters to attend to and needed to go back to take care of them."

"I see. I hope his family matters can be resolved smoothly."

As the year draws to a close, most of the students at Baichuan Academy have returned home, while some have chosen to stay at the academy due to the long distances involved.

The headmaster of Baichuan Academy was named Xu Anning, with the courtesy name Xiuwen.

This person was exceptionally intelligent and talented in writing from a young age.

However, his life was full of misfortune. Both his parents died when he was young, and he lost his wife early in life. His daughter also died of malaria.

When the retired emperor was in power, Xu Anning took the imperial examination and became the second-highest scorer, subsequently entering the court as an official.

But twelve years ago, he resolutely resigned from his position as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

The retired emperor deeply regretted his talent and tried his best to retain him. He personally recommended him to the emperor, and he was eventually appointed as the headmaster of Baichuan Academy.

From that time on, Xu Anning devoted all her energy to the development of the academy.

He deeply understands the importance of education for the future of the country, and therefore dedicates himself to cultivating batches of outstanding students.

He has lived as a widow for many years and has come to regard the college as his home.

"Oh? General Li actually has the time to visit my humble academy. It's truly an honor." He smiled and bowed to Li Xi to express his welcome.

Time has left its mark on his face, but it has also given him a detachment and composure that transcends worldly concerns.

Upon hearing the headmaster's words, Li Xi quickly stepped forward to take his hand and said respectfully, "Headmaster, you are too kind. You have made me feel ashamed."

She was well aware of the headmaster's status and influence in the academic world, and therefore held him in high esteem.

"General Li recently defeated the remnants of the Red Lotus Sect, bringing long-awaited peace to Jingyuan City. This is truly a remarkable achievement, worthy of our utmost admiration." Xu Shan nodded repeatedly, full of praise.

"It's all my duty, Headmaster, you flatter me," Li Xi replied humbly.

"The Red Lotus Sect has wreaked havoc in this region, causing great suffering to the people. As a general, it is my duty to protect the peace of this area. This time, we were able to quell the rebellion thanks to the bravery and fearlessness of our soldiers and the support and cooperation of the people in the city."

Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Xu Shanzhang's eyes.

He looked at Li Yi and said, "Chengyi, you should learn from your elder brother and pass the imperial examination next year so that you can bring prosperity to the people of Jingyuan."

Li Yi solemnly replied, "I will certainly keep this in mind, work diligently and tirelessly, live up to my teacher's high expectations, and take my elder brother as my role model to strive forward."

The two then decided to discuss the details of their studies in more depth, and the atmosphere became more serious and focused.

Seeing this, Li Xi felt it was inappropriate to disturb them, so she quietly withdrew.

They began to stroll around Xu Shanzhang's courtyard, which was full of scholarly atmosphere.

The courtyard is elegantly laid out, like a beautiful painting, revealing the owner's extraordinary taste in every detail. It truly deserves to be the residence of a scholar and literati.

The courtyard after the snow is even more unique, with its blue bricks and gray tiles covered in white snow. Like a beautiful woman dressed in silver, it appears exceptionally pure and beautiful.

The ancient vines, now coiled around the ground, are draped in a pure white coat, like the finishing touch in a delicate ink painting.

In one corner of the courtyard, several wintersweet trees were in full bloom.

Li Xi clicked her tongue in amazement, marveling at how extraordinary the aesthetic sense of the ancients truly was.

"General Li, it's freezing cold. Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up," a young waiter dressed in elegant clothes interrupted her thoughts.

Gently place a delicate porcelain cup on the table beside her.

The aroma of tea rose gently, instantly dispelling the chill in the air.

Li Xi smiled slightly, cast a grateful glance at the waiter, and said softly, "Thank you, sir. The aroma of this tea is wonderful; just smelling it makes me feel refreshed."

She took the teacup and savored it carefully.

The tea soup felt warm and smooth like jade, slightly bitter at first, but then sweet.

"Excellent tea, truly a rare find," Li Xi exclaimed.

The waiter smiled slightly and explained, "General, you have excellent taste. This tea is called 'Winter Plum Snow Stamen,' a rare delicacy unique to Sichuan. It is brewed under plum trees every winter with the first snowmelt to bring out its true flavor."

Upon hearing this, Li Xi sighed softly, "The plum blossoms stand proudly in the snow, their fragrance lingering in the snow-covered petals. This tea truly lives up to its name, possessing a unique flavor. It is my good fortune to be able to taste such a fine tea today."

She put down her teacup and her gaze involuntarily drifted out the window.

Snowflakes fluttered down, creating a stark contrast between the snow-covered world and the warm, spring-like atmosphere inside.

A strange feeling welled up in her heart, as if she herself had become part of this ancient and tranquil landscape.

"Young man, could you show me around this garden? I've heard that not only is the tea here excellent, but the scenery is also superb," ​​Li Xi suggested, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing for the unknown.

The waiter bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Of course, General, please follow me."

"Young man, where is your headmaster from?" She didn't know much about Headmaster Xu, but her master often interacted with him.

Upon hearing this, the waiter's face showed respect, and he said softly, "Our Headmaster Xu is from Sichuan, and those 'Winter Plum Snow Buds' are produced in Headmaster Xu's hometown."