Turning around, she saw Xie Ansu. He stood under a crabapple tree, smiling like a spring breeze, his eyes clear as he looked at her.
Qi Mingyue curtsied and said, "Qi Mingyue from the capital is new to the academy. I greet Young Master Xie."
Xie Ansu's eyes flashed with surprise: "Is this Miss Qi, who wrote the commentary on 'A Moonlit Night on the Spring River'? I have long admired your name! After reading your work, I am deeply impressed by your profound knowledge and unique insights. I am filled with admiration."
Qi Mingyue was slightly taken aback, not expecting that someone in Yingzhou had read her article. "Thank you for your kind words, young master. These are just some humble opinions."
“Miss Qi, there’s no need for you to be so modest,” Xie Ansu said sincerely. “I was just discussing your commentary with my classmates the other day, and your analysis of the changes in Zhang Ruoxu’s feelings in his poem was truly exquisite.” As he spoke, he took out a small booklet from his sleeve, which was a standalone edition of Qi Mingyue’s article.
The two began discussing poetry and literature, finding themselves increasingly compatible. Xie Ansu was not only quick-witted but also possessed remarkable insights, resonating deeply with Qi Mingyue. Before they knew it, the sun was setting.
"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study," Xie Ansu exclaimed sincerely. "Miss Qi truly lives up to her reputation."
Qi Mingyue also felt that it was rare to meet such a kindred spirit, and smiled and said, "Young Master Xie is very talented, and I have benefited greatly from his teachings."
As they parted, Xie Ansu solemnly said, "There will be a debate on classical texts at the academy tomorrow. If Miss Qi is interested, would you like to come along?"
Qi Mingyue nodded in agreement. Watching Xie Ansu's departing figure, she felt even more excited about life at Yingzhou Academy.
However, Qi Mingyue did not notice that Bai Lian'er was quietly watching them from the corridor not far away, unconsciously twisting the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes filled with complex and unreadable emotions.
…………
The following day, at the Confucian classics debate, Qi Mingyue and Xie Ansu sat side by side. The debate was heated, and Qi Mingyue hesitated several times before speaking, ultimately remaining silent due to her newcomer status.
Xie Ansu noticed this and encouraged her in a low voice, "Miss Qi, if you have any insightful opinions, please feel free to speak them. The academy advocates for diverse perspectives and does not judge people based on seniority."
Just then, the debate centered on the interpretation of a passage in the *Book of Rites*, with both sides holding firm to their own interpretations and unable to reach a consensus. Qi Mingyue pondered for a moment, then finally spoke softly: "In my humble opinion, this passage should be interpreted as follows..."
Her voice, though not loud, was clear and pleasant. Her analysis, rich in classical allusions and insightful, immediately captivated the entire audience. Even the elderly gentleman presiding over the debate nodded frequently, showing his appreciation.
After the debate, several classmates gathered around Qi Mingyue to talk, all expressing their admiration for her insights. Xie Ansu even laughed and said, "If I had told you earlier, Miss Qi would have been able to amaze everyone with her words."
Qi Mingyue offered a few modest words, but was in a rather pleasant mood. Having only been in Yingzhou for two days, she was already able to exchange ideas and learn from these talented individuals; the trip had truly been worthwhile.
However, amidst everyone's laughter and conversation, Bai Lian'er quietly approached Qi Mingyue and whispered, "Sister Qi, you are truly talented. No wonder Young Master Xie speaks so highly of you." Her tone was gentle, but a hint of elusive darkness flashed in her eyes.
Qi Mingyue didn't notice anything amiss, taking it as just a casual compliment and thanking her with a smile.
A few days later, the academy organized a trip for its students to the outskirts of the city for a spring outing and poetry composition. The spring breeze was gentle, and all kinds of flowers were in full bloom. The talented young men and women gathered in small groups, reciting poems and composing couplets, which was quite elegant.
Qi Mingyue and several classmates were resting in a pavilion, Xie Ansu was among them. The group composed a couplet on the theme of "spring". When it was Qi Mingyue's turn, she thought for a moment and recited the line "The east wind does not understand the taste of sorrow". The imagery was beautiful and the meter was perfect, winning applause from everyone present.
Xie Ansu exclaimed in admiration, "What a wonderful line! Miss Qi is indeed quick-witted!"
Everyone was in high spirits, except for Bai Lian'er, who sat to the side looking sullen. A female student asked with concern, "Miss Bai, are you feeling unwell?"
Bai Lian'er forced a smile: "It's nothing, I'm just a little dizzy, I'll be fine after a short rest."
Upon hearing this, Qi Mingyue took out a small porcelain bottle from the sachet she carried with her: "This is my homemade peppermint balm. Its aroma can refresh the mind. Miss Bai, you might as well give it a try."
Bai Lian'er took the bottle, sniffed it lightly, and said with a smile, "It really does feel much more refreshing. Thank you, Sister Qi." However, when no one was paying attention, she quietly put the porcelain bottle away.
After the spring outing, the students returned to the school one after another. Qi Mingyue, engrossed in admiring the scenery, fell behind and unknowingly wandered into a secluded grove. Suddenly, she heard sobbing coming from the grove. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw Bai Lian'er sitting alone on a rock, weeping.
"Miss Bai, what's wrong?" Qi Mingyue quickly stepped forward and asked with concern.
Bai Lian'er looked up, her eyes brimming with tears: "To tell you the truth, Sister Qi, when we were composing verses just now, I actually thought of a line, but I was too timid to speak. Now that I think about it, I really regret it..." As she spoke, tears streamed down her face again.
Qi Mingyue gently comforted her, "Why blame yourself? There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Bai Lian'er cried even harder, "I am dull-witted and cannot compare to Sister Qi's quick thinking. Even Young Master Xie..." She suddenly stopped and said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Sister."
Qi Mingyue was puzzled, but she didn't press the matter, and could only offer words of comfort. After Bai Lian'er calmed down, the two returned to the academy together.
However, what Qi Mingyue didn't know was that right after they left, a student emerged from behind a tree, gazing thoughtfully at their retreating figures. The next day, rumors quietly spread throughout the school that "Qi Mingyue is arrogant and bullies her classmates."
At first, there were only faint sounds, which Qi Mingyue did not pay attention to. Until that day in the guqin lesson, when the teacher asked everyone to practice the famous guqin piece "Flowing Water", Qi Mingyue played it casually and naturally, which drew everyone's praise.
After class, Bai Lian'er timidly approached Qi Mingyue: "Sister Qi, your zither playing is superb. I wonder if you could give me some pointers?"
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