The twelfth day of the first lunar month
The news of the arranged marriage spread from inside the palace to outside the palace in less than half a day, sweeping across most of Chang'an.
The first reaction from everyone was, "Wasn't Lu Kou already dead?"
"How come I remember that Madam Lu passed away many years ago?"
"She died of illness a few years ago, when she was still the wife of the Fan family."
"This is a ghost marriage? Xuan... Ah, did someone in the palace arrange a ghost marriage for her? Shouldn't Master Fan be buried alive with her? Why is it a 'teasing groom' marriage?"
"A ghost marriage! You really dare to think of that. Don't worry, Madam Lu has come back to life. No matter what, Master Fan is a merchant. Back then, it was just a forced move by someone in the palace. Regardless of age, appearance, or family background, Master Xi is a match for Madam Lu... No, she is now Princess Jinyang. Who knows what fate will bring her in the future?"
"As long as you're alive, that's enough. The most frightening thing is when a funeral is mixed with a wedding."
“Our Chang’an city doesn’t have such bad habits.”
"What a pity for Master Fan. He got married, but his wife died, and now he's taken someone else. In this situation... there's no one left at the Fan family's door."
"No matter what, it's a happy occasion now. Why should we ordinary people care about all that? As long as we're living comfortably, that's all that matters. We can even grab some wedding candy and share in the joy."
...
In a corner of the teahouse, two people in disguise whispered to each other.
"The Imperial Tutor told us to keep an eye on her. Should we report this?"
"What did the Chu family say?"
"He didn't say anything."
"How can anything be accomplished by dragging things out? Never mind them, send the message to the Imperial Tutor, he will make his own judgment, let's go!"
"Oh, let's go."
—
Shanhai Academy
The sound of students reading aloud drifted through the window, and the chaos in the imperial court outside did not seem to affect the students of Shanhai Academy.
Ni Zuilan made her routine rounds outside. Inside, the master on the platform was speaking eloquently, exchanging words with his disciples. The young men were full of youthful vigor, and there was always a question of right and wrong. She listened for a while, then left with a smile. The world needed precisely this kind of stubbornness.
It has been half a month since Yueling last came and hurriedly took someone away.
Logically, they should have arrived in Yue by now, riding at full speed.
Why did her master have to bring her disciple's son-in-law along of all people from her hometown? If Ah Xu finds out, it won't be a picture of a deep master-disciple relationship anymore.
She bet A-Xu didn't know that the envoy to Yue was Fan Lingzhang.
Ni Zuilan chuckled. She cleverly claimed that Fan Lingzhang was a successful businessman with extensive connections and was eloquent, so he could definitely persuade Emperor Ning to send troops. She also brought along the young master of the Sui family, saying that he would have company on the journey.
Yueling acts on a whim, and even after being her apprentice for so many years, she still can't figure out whether the locals did it intentionally or unintentionally.
A servant rushed over, shouting, "Headmaster, we've finally found you! The aristocratic families are making trouble again."
Ni Zuilan frowned: "What's going on?"
"Young Master Cui said that it is bitterly cold in the mountains, and Old Master Cui's old illness has relapsed. He was planning to send Old Master Cui down the mountain for treatment. Then some people started causing trouble... Now they are all blocking the mountain pass, so we can only send someone to inform you."
"I'll go take a look."
As they approached the mountain pass, Cui Xingzhi's shouts could be heard from afar: "Cui Zhuyu! Let me see what's wrong with my father! My father is sick, why won't you let me visit him! What are you up to?"
Cui Zhuyu smiled, not annoyed by his accusations. "The old man can't stand the wind, so Uncle Thirteen should consider his grandfather's health."
"Pah! Don't think I don't know about your dealings with them. Don't use my father as an excuse. You! And all of you! The one who sneaked away, do you think I didn't see you? You've been acting like a ghost for half the day. You weren't hiding from anyone, you were just trying to get my attention, weren't you?"
"And you too! Hey!" Cui Xingzhi pointed at him, and without looking back, he grabbed his bundle and ran off.
"I didn't even get a good look at what he looked like! How did he get away?"
Cui Zhuyu stopped him, "Thirteenth Uncle, don't be ridiculous. Grandfather's illness is serious. You know how severe his headaches are."
Ni Zuilan lifted her clothes and came over with an embarrassed smile, "I'm late. It's my fault for not taking good care of him. How is Grandpa Cui?"
Cui Zhuyu couldn't stand Cui Xingzhi's stubbornness either, and her expression softened considerably when she saw Ni Zuilan arrive.
"You're too kind, Headmaster Ni. Shan Hai Academy is excellent in every way, and with His Majesty overseeing it, the aura of the dragon is all around. How could it not be good?"
"It's just that my grandfather is getting old and has been suffering from headaches and fevers. He can't stand the wind, and the mountains are quite cold, especially in winter. To avoid troubling everyone, my grandfather has already used up all the secret medicines from the Cui family doctor. Now, in the first month of the lunar calendar, he really can't hold on any longer. Otherwise, according to my grandfather's heart, he would definitely stay at the academy to be by your side."
Cui Zhuyu was about the same age as Cui Xingzhi, only 29 years old. She had a beautiful voice, melodious and graceful, and every word was precious, making people empathize with her.
“The fault lies entirely with Zhu Yu. The headmaster knows Zhu Yu’s character well. Zhu Yu lost his father at a young age and was raised and cared for by his grandfather. Zhu Yu cannot bear to see his grandfather fall seriously ill. Zhu Yu knows that this is a critical moment. The Cui family will not stand idly by. However, we should arrange for his grandfather to return home to recuperate, so as to prevent anything from happening to him and repay his grandfather’s kindness in raising him.”
Cui Xingzhi stammered for a long time without being able to say a word, and could only helplessly fling his sleeves, saying, "I can't argue with you."
Cui Zhuyu concealed her thoughts, inwardly cursing Cui Xingzhi for being ungrateful. Her actions were all for the sake of the Cui family's century-long glory, and her grandfather had approved of it. Among the Cui family, only Cui Xingzhi was a fool who couldn't see the bigger picture.
Protecting themselves is what the Cui family should do.
Ni Zuilan: "The academy will naturally take into account Old Master Cui's health, and we also trust Zhu Yu. I believe in every child who leaves here."
Cui Zhuyu remained silent, for once, and gave a stiff smile.
"I wonder if the other companies have any urgent matters?"
"Ah, this, a servant brought a message that my old mother fell down the steps and was injured. The headmaster knows that the old woman is afraid of falling, so I must hurry up and do my best to be filial to her."
The people around him glared at him, thinking, "Damn it, he stole my lines!"
"My house was burned down by that damned Sima Xian! How could he be so heartless? That was my family's century-old house! The sycamore tree in the yard watched me grow up!"
Cui Xingzhi's lips twitched. "It's getting more and more outrageous."
"It's alright, go on your way. You always have to leave eventually. Whether it's illness or family troubles, it's all important. Have a safe journey and don't let me see you off." Ni Zuilan waved goodbye to them.
Cui Xingzhi! "I'm not leaving!"
"Thirteen Lang, you can go too. I'll give you a break and take good care of your father."
After saying that, Ni Zuilan turned and left. Cui Xingzhi hesitated in place, glaring fiercely at Cui Zhuyu, "Let me see my father."
"please."
As Ni Zuilan walked, her maid asked, "Did the headmaster really let them walk like this?"
"Um."
"Could it be that the Imperial Advisor sent a message over there?"
Ni Zuilan shook her head. She knew what the maid was going to say, and asked her in return, "If you were Sima Xian, wouldn't you be suspicious of them? It's good to protect yourself, but you can't just take advantage of others. The Cui family only intervened for the sake of Shisanlang. They just happened to save the academy's life. They're taking advantage of the situation, so it's no wonder the Cui family is resentful. We've already gotten what we wanted."
The Cui family was already in the game from the very first step they took into the Shan Hai Academy. Without the Cui family, how could there be anyone else?
The maid didn't quite understand and scratched her head.
"You are still inexperienced, you should learn from them as much as you do."
On the other end, Fu Mingguang received the message and looked strange. The person relaying the message below dared not utter a sound.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, "Tell Sui He to go."
Fortunately, Fan Lingzhang wasn't there; he probably already knew what was going to happen.
Fan Lingzhang hadn't done anything wrong. He and Sui Chuke had just met with the two emperors of Yue, had a pleasant conversation, and were now on their way back.
"You've made something of yourself. You've never been to the Daming Palace, but you've already been to the Ning Palace."
Chu Ke chuckled, "If we stay here any longer, we'll soon be living here."
“If we stay any longer, my Fan family will go bankrupt.” Fan Lingzhang smiled and glanced sideways. From then on, the red walls and green tiles of the palace were all thanks to his contribution.
"Who told you to be the richest man in the world? I think the Imperial Advisor planned this all along, otherwise how could it be us?" Sui Chuke put his arm around him and whispered, "You can't find another family in the whole world with the wealth of your Fan family and the mechanical skills of my Mo family."
"Let's talk about it when we get back to our lodgings." Fan Lingzhang looked a little weary. He looked up and rubbed his temples. He had been away for half a month and didn't know how A-Ling was doing.
After returning home, Sui Chuke poured him tea. Seeing his worried expression, she joked, "Are you lovesick?"
Fan Lingzhang glanced at him, silently picked up the tea he had poured, took a sip, and sighed to himself.
"Tsk tsk tsk, a day apart feels like three autumns. When will I finally have some romantic opportunities?"
"Bad romantic prospects?"
Sui Chuke: "If you can't speak properly, then shut up."
"Hey! You're looking for the Imperial Advisor? If the Imperial Advisor doesn't work, there are so many immortals on Moon Mountain. Surely one of them can see your marriage prospects?"
“That makes sense. I’ll go take a look when I have time. I didn’t expect there to be so many disciples from Yue Mountain in Yue Kingdom.”
Fan Lingzhang pretended to think, "The Yue Mountain Immortal and the Grand Preceptor of Yue are of the same generation and are still alive. There are three or four people of the same generation as the Grand Preceptor. If the Grand Preceptor takes on disciples and the disciples take on disciples, there will be many people. I heard that the Yangyue Palace where they live was specially built for them by the two sages of Yue. It is the highest and most magnificent place in the entire Shengjing."
"It sounds like the Imperial Preceptor's Hall is quite simple." Sui Chuke clicked his tongue in amazement. He had once asked Sui Zhixu what the Imperial Preceptor's Hall looked like, and what he found was just a table, a bed, and a tea set. It was rather shabby.
"Compared to Yue, Qi has far fewer people. He Miao's practice of evil arts cannot be counted. There is only the Grand Preceptor. Although Master Ni has many disciples, they do not practice magic. Aling is even less so. In this sense, the Grand Preceptor does not have a single disciple who is properly learning magic."
"That sounds even worse."
"I've been working so hard, and you two are saying I'm pitiful?! Fan Lingzhang, Sui Chuke, do you two want to die?!" Yue Ling had been diligently arranging things for three days later, and when she returned to her residence, she heard these two standing there like idiots, talking without a care in the world.
"The Imperial Advisor."
Fan Lingzhang and the other man quickly stood up.
“We didn’t mean anything by it. You are A-Ling’s master. How could I not respect you? You tell me, I would come without hesitation if you gave the order.”
"Oh, really? Your wife is going to die."
"What?!!"
Fan Lingzhang, who had been smiling smirked, suddenly looked dejected.
"What's wrong with Ah Ling?"
"Sima Xian has bestowed a marriage upon her and Xi Yushao; the imperial decree has been issued." Yueling sat down, picked up a pastry from the plate, and casually took a bite.
"A marriage decree?"
"Maybe you'll be married by the time you get back. And Xi Yushao is actually a pretty good guy; he's even willing to be someone else's father."
"Wh...what do you mean?"
After being hit one blow after another, Fan Lingzhang was completely dumbfounded. Seeing his foolish state, Chu Ke slapped him on the back of the head.
"Holy crap, Xu is pregnant! It's one thing for Xi Yushao to try and steal your wife, but he's also taking advantage of you."
"What do you mean, 'I can forgive him for trying to steal my wife,' he can't steal my wife! No way, I want to go back."
Fan Lingzhang looked around and rolled up his sleeves to pack his things.
Yueling leisurely ate pastries and drank tea.
Sui Chuke stopped him, saying, "You can't leave yet. This matter isn't over yet. If you leave, the two sages of Yue will surely think that Qi is untrustworthy."
"I was never a member of your court. I wouldn't care if it weren't for my wife. Now that my wife is gone, why should I care about these things?"
Sui Chuke stood there stunned, then grabbed his collar angrily, "Fan Lingzhang, don't go crazy!"
The two stared at each other, and soon Fan Lingzhang was defeated.
"I'm sorry, I misspoke." Fan Lingzhang shook off his hand and sat on the ground, sullen.
"Hey, young people are so hot-tempered. I haven't even finished speaking yet."
Seeing that they had finished arguing, Yueling clapped her hands and stood up after finishing her meal. "It's all temporary. We have a plan for three days from now. Don't worry, your wife doesn't have any intention of changing husbands yet. It won't be Xi Yushao who she wants."
"That's true, hehe."
Seeing Chu Ke grinning foolishly, he couldn't stand it. "Why didn't you think of that just now?"
"I was startled and didn't react in time."
Sui Chuke rolled his eyes: "Stupid! Stupid as a pig!"
This is what it's like to be a man without a wife.
Sui Chu Ke: "..."
"Imperial Preceptor, please look at my marriage prospects."
"Um, I'm not good at this. You should go find Yuechi, my senior brother. He specializes in telling marriage fortunes for you in the Yue Kingdom."
The moon-aged woman ran away as fast as she could, leaving Chu Ke with nothing but a slap in the face.
What does this mean?
He looked at Fan Lingzhang, and Fan Lingzhang looked at him too. "Why don't you go and take a look?"
Sui Chu Ke pursed his lips, sensing that something was terribly wrong.
—
"Ah-choo—" Sui Zhixu sneezed several times in quick succession. She rubbed her nose and looked puzzled.
"I'll go find the imperial physician. I wonder if I've caught a cold; that would be bad."
Gu Qingyi made a move to stand up, but Sui Zhixu grabbed her sleeve, raised her chin, and shook her head.
She caught a glimpse of Chu Yong out of the corner of her eye, and a strange feeling welled up in her heart. She grabbed Gu Qingyi's sleeve and pulled her into her arms.
Gu Qingyi smiled gently, "What is it now?"
"Ma'am~"
Sima An nudged Chu Yong and whispered, "Our teacher is from Shu, so learn from him."
"Ma'am~"
Sui Zhixu and Sima An each hugged Gu Qingyi from the left and right, calling her "Auntie" repeatedly.
Seeing their reaction, Chu Yong looked flustered, but Gu Qingyi's gentle expression was clearly visible to the naked eye, unlike her usual cold demeanor.
He mustered his courage and moved his lips several times, occasionally glancing at Xu.
provocative!
It must be a provocation!
"Ma'am!"
His voice was like a tall building rising from the ground. Gu Qingyi was startled by his loud voice, and even Chu Yong's attendants were shocked and wished they could disappear into the ground immediately.
Sui Zhixu and Sima An exchanged glances: "Auntie~"
"Ma'am."
"Ma'am."
...
"Alright, alright."
The sounds rose and fell, with varying pitches, making Gu Qingyi feel as if she were surrounded by eight hundred children.
"Speak, what is it?"
Sui Zhixu's eyes lit up, "I..."
“I don’t know why your uncle suddenly issued the decree. The decree has been issued, and I can’t take it back.” Gu Qingyi sighed.
She was momentarily distracted when she realized that Sima Xian had already issued the decree. A-Ling pulled her away, and she turned back to give Sima Xian a probing look, but he avoided her gaze, looking as if he had something on his mind.
"I want to eat walnut shortbread."
As soon as he heard Xu speak, his peach blossom eyes stared straight at her, a faint smile on his face, but his eyes seemed to hold unspoken words.
Sima An: "I also want to eat walnut shortbread made by the teacher himself."
"I...I also want to eat Mother's walnut pastry."
"Alright, alright, I'll make it for you." Gu Qingyi stroked Sui Zhixu and Sima An's hair.
"But you can't eat too much at night." Her eyes swept over Chu Yong, whose hands were clasped together and he was even tugging at his clothes.
"Take some back with you."
Chu Yong: "!"
"Um."
Sui Zhixu nestled in Gu Qingyi's arms, looking at her, and whispered to her, "If you really don't like him, I'll kick him away for you."
Gu Qingyi touched her face, "You're so young and you worry so much."
Xu only received Gu Qingyi's walnut pastry that night.
"Eat two pieces less, and you can eat more tomorrow."
“It’s not that I want to eat it, it’s that he wants to eat it.” Sui Zhixu pointed to her stomach.
Gu Qingyi laughed and scolded her, "Where did you learn such shameless talk?"
Sui Zhixu grumbled, "Really, he also said the medicine was too bitter."
"Even if it's bitter, I'll drink it."
Sui Zhixu: "Anniang."
Sima An, eating a walnut pastry, looked up blankly and asked, "Huh?"
"My sister is right."
"Impossible. Make one person copy the book ten more times. Hurry up and eat, then rinse your mouth and go to sleep."
Sui Zhixu: "Oh."
Sima An: "Oh."
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