CHAPTER 008
Everyone quickly grabbed their textbooks and headed to the classroom.
In the Jingyi Pavilion.
"Master Principal, I have already given the orders. This Lu Yun'er seems quite obedient, following the arrangements without any trouble."
Du Hongying slightly bowed, a fawning expression on her face as she looked at the Principal, who was carefully polishing porcelain with a silk handkerchief by the antique shelf.
She continued to flatter, "To think that she used to be so arrogant, daring to disrespect you. She probably never imagined she’d end up like this. Now that she’s been demoted and is under your supervision, I bet she deeply regrets her actions."
"You don't know anything!"
Hu Lanzhen set down the red-glazed willow leaf vase in her hand, casting a sidelong glance at Du Hongying, her voice cold as she continued, "Lu Yun'er is not as simple as you think."
The latter part of her sentence was spoken in an icy tone, with a sinister glint flashing through her murky eyes.
Hu Lanzhen turned and sat in the official hat chair, with Du Hongying closely following behind.
Hu Lanzhen picked up the teacup on the table, lightly brushing the lid against the tea, "But to be fair, Lu Yun'er is indeed a talented and exceptional woman. She served as the Minister of Revenue for just one year, yet her achievements were remarkable. At such a young age, she’s already accomplished so much; her abilities should not be underestimated. Logically, she should have been on a path of rapid promotion, enjoying a successful career. How could she have suddenly been demoted?"
Du Hongying cautiously speculated, "Well… ever since the new Empress ascended the throne, the political arena has been full of uncertainties. Lu Yun'er has always been out of touch with the times; perhaps she inadvertently crossed a line with Her Majesty."
After taking a delicate sip of tea, Hu Lanzhen narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze turning even colder, "The higher-ups have made it clear: regardless of the reason, we must tread carefully. As long as Lu Yun'er behaves herself, we can ignore her for now. The main issue is that it’s been over a year, and the longer we delay, the more dangerous it becomes. We must find that item quickly, or else we might lose our heads."
Hearing this, Du Hongying instinctively swallowed hard, beads of cold sweat beginning to form on her shiny forehead. She replied, "Yes."
At the mention of this, Du Hongying inwardly cursed, reflecting on how she had spared no effort over the past year, thoroughly searching the National Academy but finding nothing. She could only blame that wretched woman for hiding it so well.
Hu Lanzhen cast a shallow glance at Du Hongying, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes hinting at a meaningful smile. "I heard that your youngest son was recently made a nobleman. Congratulations, Supervisor!"
Du Hongying’s eyes darted quickly as she caught on instantly, immediately flattering, "Indeed, my youngest son was recently granted the title of nobleman by Her Majesty. By the way, I noticed that there are still a few empty spots on your antique shelf, and I recently received some fine Jun kiln porcelain as a gift from a friend."
She paused briefly, glancing at Hu Lanzhen's expression. Seeing her eyebrows lift slightly, Du Hongying continued, "As people often say, ‘It enters the kiln in one color, but comes out in a thousand hues.’ The glaze of Jun porcelain is crystal clear and exceptionally beautiful. I would like to present it to you, Master Principal, as a token of my gratitude. I hope you will accept it."
"As the saying goes, ‘A single piece of Jun porcelain is worth more than a fortune.’" Hu Lanzhen smiled, her tone slightly raised as she responded, "Jun porcelain is indeed precious. Since it's a gift from your friend, how can I take something so dear to you? That wouldn’t be appropriate!"
Du Hongying quickly responded with flattery, "If it weren’t for your assistance, Master Principal, how could my son have achieved his wishes? This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please, I hope you will accept it."
Hu Lanzhen's smile deepened, the corners of her mouth curling up further, "Very well then. Since it’s a gift from you, Supervisor, I will accept it. Have it delivered to my residence at your convenience."
Du Hongying, fully understanding the situation, grinned and said, "Certainly."
At that moment, a charming young male student cheerfully entered the Lexiong Hall.
The cute student waved his hand, speaking with excitement and a deliberately mysterious air, "According to reliable information, a female scholar will soon be joining our male academy. Do you know who she is?"
The students eagerly gathered around, curiously asking, "Who?"
The cute student flashed a sweet smile, his fair cheeks forming adorable dimples, and hinted, "Do you remember the lady in white who stood next to the Academic Director during the sacrificial ceremony? The female scholar who’s about to start teaching here in Lexiong Hall is her."
As soon as he said this, the students began to chatter, the room abuzz with excitement.
"It’s really her! That’s great news!"
"Yes, she’s so beautiful."
"I also heard that Scholar Lu once served as the Minister of Revenue! She’s an exceptionally talented woman."
…
Suddenly, a clear and melodious male voice rang out.
“Quiet down, class has already started. Everyone, please return to your seats. Zhen Keke, sit back in your place,” said a young male student. His gentle and refined features, along with his warm demeanor, were as soothing as a cool breeze or a bright moon, making everyone feel at ease.
Zhen Keke obediently replied, “Got it, Director An!”
An Caihe smiled in satisfaction.
A moment later, a figure in blue gracefully entered Lexiong Hall, their robes flowing elegantly with each step as they approached the lectern with a calm and steady pace.
As someone entered, the male students immediately sat upright at their desks, all eyes fixed on the new lecturer beside the main desk.
An Caihe’s usually serene eyes showed a hint of interest.
Lu Yun'er stood by the lectern, her face adorned with a gentle smile. She stood there gracefully, like a white magnolia blooming amidst the clouds, exuding a subtle and elegant fragrance that naturally drew attention.
Facing a group of lively and youthful students, she smiled and began, “Greetings, gentlemen! My name is Lu, and I will be teaching your Confucian classics course from now on. Rest assured, my teaching style is quite relaxed. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have. However, I do expect everyone to follow the classroom rules—no leaving early and no arriving late. I hope that each of you will enjoy the learning process and gain something valuable.”
Lu Yun'er had reviewed the curriculum at the National Academy and found it to be too dry and tedious. As a former student herself, she could only make moderate adjustments within the acceptable boundaries of this world’s educational system.
After all, few people truly enjoy studying.
An Caihe stood up, his movements refined, “Dr. Lu, welcome! My name is An Caihe, and I am the Director of Lexiong Hall. If you need any assistance in the future, please feel free to let me know.”
Lu Yun'er glanced at the polite and elegant An Caihe and smiled, “Thank you.”
Her gaze swept over the students seated at their desks, noticing an empty seat in the second row, second column. Curiously, she asked, “The student who usually sits here—are they ill?”
Zhen Keke glanced at the empty seat and immediately replied, “That’s Su Qingwan’s seat, the seat of the young heir.”
Lu Yun'er frowned slightly, realizing it was the young heir Su. She asked, “Did they request leave due to illness or any other reason?”
An Caihe replied, “None whatsoever.”
Lu Yun'er lowered her gaze in thought: Though the Emperor has decreed that within the National Academy, the relationship between teachers and students should be respected, and that teachers should be given priority, power and influence still play a role here. However, the young heir’s absence might have other reasons. As a teacher, it’s my responsibility to follow up, especially since…
After a brief moment of contemplation, Lu Yun'er said, “Director An, please continue leading the class. I will head to Jingyi Pavilion.”
An Caihe replied, “Understood, Dr. Lu.”
On her way to Jingyi Pavilion, Lu Yun'er noticed a small figure by the lotus pond in the distance. The boy was crouching down, thoroughly enjoying himself as he admired the scenery and played with the fish.
As she walked closer, she realized it was the young heir, Su Qingwan. She couldn’t help but smile, finding it amusing that the young heir was so playful. But then again, during such a beautiful and youthful age, a bit of indulgence was understandable. After all, youth only comes once, but one must also know when to be serious.
“Young Heir Su, are you enjoying yourself?” Lu Yun'er asked with a gentle smile.
“It’s you! Are you looking for me?” Su Qingwan stood up and turned around, responding as he gazed at the smiling Lu Yun'er in front of him.
She stood there like a jade tree in bloom, her smile as radiant as the moonlight, with eyes that sparkled like the stars—bright, clear, and captivating.
It was just as the student had said—if you looked long enough, you might get lost in those eyes.
Suddenly, he seemed to realize something, his pupils dilating slightly as he glanced toward the lotus pond.
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