CHAPTER 006
After everyone had left, Sheng Qingzi cast a brief glance at Liu Lan's position, just in time to meet Liu Lan's smiling and fiery gaze. Liu Lan made no effort to hide the thoughts beneath the rippling surface of her eyes, which seemed to magnify and lay bare before him.
Although Sheng Qingzi had just reached out to support her, which prompted her polite thanks, her gaze toward him was no different from those of other women with ulterior motives.
Moreover, given her distinguished family background and high status, he couldn’t use the usual methods he employed to deal with lecherous people. It seemed that he could only take things one step at a time and hope she wouldn’t cross the line.
Sheng Qingzi couldn't understand why Dr. Lu would be friends with someone like this. The only reason he could come up with was that Dr. Lu was kind-hearted and couldn't refuse.
Sheng Qingzi temporarily set aside his confusion, subconsciously moving closer to Lu Yun'er’s right side as he stepped forward, saying, "Both of you, follow me."
Lu Yun'er noticed Sheng Qingzi's deliberate effort to keep his distance from Liu Lan, and she sighed inwardly. Knowing Liu Lan's character, she shot Liu Lan a glance, signaling, "Tone it down, don't scare him off."
Liu Lan smiled and nodded, then followed along.
Soon after.
It was spring, and the greenery was vibrant. A gentle breeze brushed against everything, bringing a refreshing and lively atmosphere.
As Lu Yun'er’s group walked forward, they saw the center of a lush green area in the distance. Bathed in the warm spring sunlight, a grand and magnificent building stood, dazzling in its splendor.
The Confucius Temple, with its imposing scale, had its main structures covered in yellow glazed tiles, showcasing the royal family's noble demeanor.
At this moment, Liu Lan walked alongside Lu Yun'er, arms crossed in front of her chest, not taking a step ahead. However, her eyes remained fixed on the slender blue figure in front of her.
Sheng Qingzi walked ahead with his back to the two of them, feeling uncomfortable under the blatant and disrespectful gaze behind him, as if it clung to him. His face showed displeasure, and he bit his lip lightly in frustration, quickening his pace.
How could someone be so annoying?
Meanwhile, Lu Yun'er's elegant features relaxed as she leisurely admired the lush scenery along the way. But her thoughts drifted back to a spring before she had experienced soul transmigration.
Back then, she was a third-year university student enjoying a wonderful campus life.
She had never imagined that a sudden traffic accident would lead to her soul being transported to this female-dominated world. Having read novels of the same genre and being naturally easy-going, she quickly adapted to her new situation within a few days.
However, such a bizarre, absurd, and unbelievable event was something she had never shared with anyone. If she did, she feared they would think she was crazy and avoid her.
A year had passed, neither too long nor too short, and she still thought of her family and friends, wondering how they were living now. As the thought crossed her mind, Lu Yun'er felt a pang of sadness and smiled bitterly.
She was about to return her gaze when she suddenly noticed a stone stele on the right side in the distance. It bore the inscription "Restricted Area," and behind it was a lush bamboo grove swaying left and right in the spring breeze, accompanied by the rustling sound of leaves. The crisp sound echoed eerily along the quiet path.
Lu Yun'er, thinking she would be teaching here in the future and driven by curiosity, hesitated for a second before asking, "Dr. Sheng, why is that bamboo grove a restricted area?"
Sheng Qingzi paused for a moment, realizing that he had forgotten to mention this earlier due to the distraction caused by a certain someone.
Sheng Qingzi stopped, turned to face the bamboo grove, and said solemnly, "That bamboo grove is called Jade Garden. It used to be a place where students would rest or enjoy the scenery. However..."
His eyelashes fluttered slightly as he paused, then continued, "Ever since a few 'haunting' incidents occurred six months ago, causing unrest among the academy, the grand supervisor ordered that no one be allowed to enter the bamboo grove."
"Haunting?" Liu Lan raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "I never expected such a rigorous academy with a noble academic spirit to believe in ghosts and spirits. It's utterly ridiculous! If that's the case, they might as well stay home and pray to Buddha for academic success!"
She had slain countless enemies on the battlefield over the years, yet not a single ghost had come seeking revenge. This was pure nonsense!
Sheng Qingzi gritted his teeth and frowned slightly, immediately responding, "The grand supervisor sent people to investigate thoroughly, but there was nothing inside. For the safety of the students, the Jade Garden was sealed off, and there hasn't been any trouble since."
Lu Yun'er pondered for a moment before speaking, "Did anyone actually see these ghosts?"
Though initially skeptical about such supernatural claims, her own experience made her more inclined to believe them.
Sheng Qingzi glanced at Lu Yun'er, his expression softening, and said, "That, I don't know. Given that it concerns the academy's reputation, only the grand supervisor and the dean are privy to the details. In any case, just don't go there..."
Before he could finish speaking.
"Qingzi, have you forgotten the consequences of delaying the sacrificial rites?" A cold voice suddenly rang out.
Recognizing the speaker, Sheng Qingzi quickly turned around and responded, "Alright, Sister Bing, I'm coming."
Lu Yun'er followed the voice and saw Liu Bing standing expressionlessly at the intersection ahead, her posture upright in her lan-shan robes. The sunlight cast a chilling aura over her.
Sheng Qingzi hurriedly said, "Let's go quickly, or we'll be late!"
Lu Yun'er and Liu Lan quickened their pace and followed.
They entered the Xianshi Gate[1] and arrived at the second courtyard, which was the central area of the Confucius Temple, the Dacheng Hall. Every sacrificial ceremony to Confucius was held here.
At this moment, the entire National Academy was lined up in formation. In front of the ancestral tablet on the sacrificial table were the most commonly used offerings: dates, chestnuts, pickled vegetables, and celery.
Each offering held a different meaning: the dates symbolized the early determination to set goals, the chestnuts represented reverence, the pickled greens symbolized talent, and the celery also represented talent.
Although the offerings were simple, they conveyed a deep respect for the great sage and teacher, as well as an ambition for the future.
Sheng Qingzi led them to join the ranks.
About half an hour later, the sacrificial ceremony concluded.
The assistant supervisor noticed that Lu Yun'er and Liu Lan were not wearing the appropriate academic robes, so he took them to the Disciplinary Hall[2].
Along the way, Lu Yun'er heard quite a few flattering remarks. After receiving their robes, the two exchanged a few words with Han Ranzhi before returning home.
By this time, the sun was setting, and evening was approaching.
Lu Yun'er sat in the carriage, half-reclining against the wall, her eyes peacefully closed.
She hadn’t expected to meet so many people during her visit to the National Academy today.
Reflecting on all that had happened, a smile unconsciously tugged at her lips; it was indeed much easier than maneuvering among the treacherous courtiers at court.
Over the past year, she had racked her brain to get things done, which had taken a toll on her.
Qiu Yi, sitting beside her and holding her robe, noticed her good mood and smiled along with her, asking, "Madam, did something pleasant happen today?"
"Yes, I met a few good friends," Lu Yun'er replied, her face relaxed and her eyes still closed.
Although Qiu Yi was happy for her, she was still a bit worried and furrowed her brow.
"Madam, now that your status has changed, the court officials are always looking to curry favor with those in power. And given that the National Academy falls under the Ministry of Rites, I’m afraid someone might..."
"You're worried someone might make things difficult for me," Lu Yun'er slowly opened her eyes.
She had already considered this issue long ago. Although the Lu family was a military household, it was not what it used to be, and she had made quite a few enemies. It was inevitable that someone would try to cause trouble for her in secret.
Lu Yun'er’s eyes curved into a smile, "I've worn quite a few 'small shoes' in my time, but you know what? After a few days, they never seem to fit anymore. Maybe it's because my feet are too big and they burst the shoes. How about this: in a few days, you and I will go to the shoe shop and buy a new pair."
She looked down at the shoes she was wearing as she spoke.
"Madam, please don't joke around; I'm serious!" Qiu Yi sighed helplessly. Every time she brought up something important, her mistress would change the subject.
Lu Yun'er toned it down a bit but still smiled. "Alright, I know what you're worried about. But look, the world is so vast, and the sun can't shine on every dark corner. Besides, you should trust General Liu."
Hearing the mention of General Liu’s strong backing, Qiu Yi's frown gradually disappeared, and her worries eased.
Lu Yun'er continued, "Really, we'll go get new shoes in a few days. Also, I've decided to stay at the National Academy while I'm teaching. I'll stay at home for the next few days, but the academy doesn't allow personal attendants, so you'll stay here and take care of the house for me."
"Madam? But..." Qiu Yi’s eyes widened in surprise at her mistress’s sudden decision. She had been by her side since childhood, taking care of her every need. What if she wasn’t comfortable staying at the academy?
Lu Yun'er patted Qiu Yi’s shoulder gently, saying softly, "Don't worry, I'll come back when I can. The National Academy is a place of education, known for its rigorous academic standards and strict management. Also, the Lu residence is quite a distance from the academy. If I were to stay at home, I'd have to get up early and return late every day, which would leave me with dark circles under my eyes. Don't you want your mistress to get a good night's sleep? Besides, didn’t Mu Yang mention in his letter that he's coming to the capital soon? You'll have company then."
Qiu Yi pursed her lips and obediently nodded.
Mu Yang was her mistress’s sworn brother. Many years ago, when General Lu was still alive, he had found a lost little boy while traveling south to Jiangnan. The general sent people to search for the boy's family, eventually finding them. It turned out that the boy’s mother had been so busy with business that she had neglected him. Seeing the bond between the boy and General Lu, the general adopted him as his godson.
Over the years, the two families had maintained close ties through frequent correspondence.
Lu Yun'er smiled in satisfaction. With tomorrow marking the start of her teaching duties, she couldn’t help but feel a bit excited. After all, while she had only ever been a student, this would be her first time standing on a three-foot podium, holding a textbook, and educating others.
To avoid leading the students astray, she planned to return home and prepare thoroughly, enhancing her literary skills.
Fortunately, her parents were both high school language teachers.
Their influence had fostered her deep interest in literature from a young age, leading her to choose the liberal arts track in high school and major in the Chinese language during college.
Coupled with the memories of the original owner of this body, she might not be a master of vast knowledge, but she was well-read enough to get by.
Author's Note:
[1] Xianshi Gate: The main gate of the Confucius Temple.
[2] Disciplinary Hall: The office of the assistant supervisor.
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