In one sentence, his fate was sealed. Not only was Liu Wenxuan's talent questioned, but his character was also cast in doubt. His face was ashen, and he slumped in his seat, knowing that his career and even his life were completely over. He didn't even dare to look up in the direction of the royal seats, where Xiao Chengyu was calmly watching him, his eyes devoid of any emotion, only cold disappointment and utter relief.
Liu Wenxuan was disgraced and expelled from the Imperial Academy. The Liu family's reputation was also ruined. Vice Minister Liu was reprimanded by the emperor for failing to educate his son, and was fined and demoted. The farce thus came to an end.
After this incident, Xiao Chengyu fell ill, not so much because of her grief, but more because of the humiliation and lingering fear. Her father, mother, and brothers did not blame her excessively, but instead showed her even more tenderness and care. Her mother, Xin Jiuwei, gently comforted her: "Yu'er, it's not your fault for misjudging people. There are many hypocrites in the world. After this experience, you will be able to see things more clearly in the future. Remember, those who truly love you will love you for who you are, not for your status."
Xiao Chengyu leaned against his mother's chest and nodded gently: "Mother, I understand. I was too naive, indulging in the fantasy of talented men and beautiful women, and forgetting the wickedness of the human heart."
After recovering from her illness, she seemed much calmer, but also more insightful, no longer easily misled by superficial talent and words.
On this fine day, Xiao Chengyu, having been cooped up in the palace for a long time, informed his mother that he would take only two personal maids with him and leave the palace by carriage. He wanted to go to the royal temple, Dacibei Temple, to offer incense and calm his mind, and also to pray for his family who had just experienced turmoil.
The Great Compassion Temple was a popular place of worship, but the royal family had its own tranquil Zen monastery. After offering incense, Xiao Chengyu strolled along the bamboo path behind the temple, looking at the lush bamboo leaves and listening to the babbling brook, his mood gradually calming down.
Suddenly, a melodious and soothing zither tune drifted from the depths of the bamboo forest. The sound was ancient and clear, carrying a calming power that soothed the soul. Xiao Chengyu stopped to listen, feeling as if the lingering melancholy in his heart had been cleansed by the music.
She followed the sound of the zither and saw a young man in a plain blue robe playing the zither in a small pavilion hidden among the bamboo groves. He was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a handsome profile and a gentle, refined demeanor. His expression was focused and serene, as if he were completely immersed in his own world of music, blending into the quiet bamboo grove around him.
As the music ended, its lingering notes faded away. The young man slowly raised his head, seemingly only then noticing Xiao Chengyu outside the pavilion. He was slightly taken aback, then quickly stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, his posture composed and elegant, his eyes clear and gentle, showing no trace of amazement or prying, only a slight apology for disturbing his peace: "I am Gu Nianzhi, unaware that the young lady was here, my music has disturbed you."
Seeing his refined manners and clear eyes, Xiao Chengyu felt a sense of goodwill towards him and returned the greeting, saying, "Young master, you flatter me. I came uninvited and was captivated by your music, thus disturbing your enjoyment. Your zither skills are superb and calming."
Gu Nianzhi smiled slightly, like a spring breeze: "You flatter me, young lady. It's just a random twirl, merely for my own amusement. You seem to have something on your mind; if this clumsy music can offer some relief, I would be most fortunate." His words were considerate, yet devoid of any flattery, naturally sincere.
Xiao Chengyu's heart stirred slightly. Gu Nianzhi? She seemed to have some impression of him. It seemed to be... the youngest grandson of the retired Crown Prince's tutor and the great Confucian scholar Gu Lao? She had heard that the Gu family was a family of noble character and strict family discipline, with their children emphasizing scholarship and conduct, not getting involved in factional struggles, and not seeking empty fame.
The two chatted for a few moments in the pavilion. Gu Nianzhi spoke with elegance and erudition, yet she did not show off. Instead, she listened attentively to Xiao Chengyu's occasional reflections and always offered gentle words of comfort, quoting classical texts without leaving a trace, as if conversing with a good friend.
He did not inquire about Xiao Chengyu's identity, nor did Xiao Chengyu reveal it. But this feeling of equality, purity, and exchange based on talent and temperament made her feel very comfortable.
It wasn't until a maidservant reminded him that it was getting late that Xiao Chengyu got up to take his leave.
Gu Nianzhi rose to see her off, picked up a newly carved bamboo flute from the stone table, and handed it to her with a gentle smile: "The mountains are serene and quiet. I happened to find a bamboo joint and made a small flute. Although the tone is rough, it has its own unique charm. I give it to you as a memento. I hope that your mind will always be as clear and peaceful as the breeze in this bamboo forest."
Xiao Chengyu took the bamboo flute, still warm from his hand. The flute was polished smooth and lustrous, with a few simple orchid carvings on it, quite elegant. A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and she said softly, "Thank you, Young Master Gu. It was a pleasure to meet you today."
On the carriage back to the palace, Xiao Chengyu held the bamboo flute, watching the scenery pass by outside the window, a sense of peace filling his heart. Unlike Liu Wenxuan's deliberately cultivated "transcendence," Gu Nianzhi's gentle and insightful nature emanated from his very being. He was like a refreshing breeze, dispelling the last gloom in her heart.
She didn't know what the future held, but after this emotional ordeal, she understood even more clearly what she truly appreciated and needed. This chance encounter in the bamboo forest, like a new sprout quietly emerging from the ruins, brought her new hope and possibilities. There will be times when the wind and waves are strong, but she will set sail and cross the vast ocean. Her journey is still long.
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