If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

The day after his coming-of-age ceremony, Xi Jian led his children to pay homage to his first wife.

The three siblings of Xi Rui burned incense and knelt in worship before the ancestral tablets in the ancestral hall.

Xi Jian gazed at the memorial tablet at the head of the table, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

The children have all grown up. Can you see that?

Youan is very promising, Fanfan is a lot like you, and Asong, I don't know who he took after, but he's also good at pleasing people.

Can you hear me?

我 很想 你.

After bowing, the three siblings helped each other to their feet.

"Father, please take care of yourself, otherwise Mother in heaven will not be at peace."

Xi Rui was the eldest son, and he knew all too well how deep the love between his father and mother was.

In the first few years after his mother's death, he was constantly worried that his father wouldn't be able to hold on.

Xi Jian shook his head blankly, "Your father is in good health, but the three of you are all of marriageable age, especially You'an. Your marriage really shouldn't be delayed any longer."

"Father, I really have no intention of getting married and starting a family. As a warrior who has fought countless battles, I am ready to die for my country at any time. So please don't delay that girl's life."

"As for carrying on the family line... isn't there still Ah Song?"

Xi Song: "..."

Despite his powerful and influential position, Xi Jian had a bad habit—spoiling his children.

"Alright, alright, I can tell you haven't met the right person yet. No rush, no rush."

Looking at his daughter again, he said, "Fanfan, you don't need to say anything more, do you? The doorstep has been worn down by people coming to our house to arrange marriages for you."

"Father, I don't want to get married yet. Once a woman gets married, she will never have a chance to live for herself again. I haven't had enough freedom yet and I don't want to be locked up in a cage so early."

Xi Rui stroked his chin and offered his sister a suggestion, "I heard from Qingdai from the Shen family that Old Master Shen really wants her to study at the academy for two years. If you don't want to be bothered by those matchmakers, you might as well go with her."

"Go to the academy to study?"

Xi Lingxian felt a surge of excitement and was somewhat tempted.

She used to be carefree and hated the boring and tedious things like studying and going to school. She only knew how to eat, drink, play, and wear clothes and jewelry.

In her past life, the noble ladies of the Wang and Xie families often mocked her because of their extensive knowledge and talent. She knew that she was lacking in talent, so she pretended to be tough, but in reality, she was also insecure.

"Brother, that's a good idea. I can go with Ah Song."

Xi Song: "..."

Him again?

How come one minute it's about carrying on the family line and the next it's about choosing to enroll in school?

Although Xi Jian was originally a leader of displaced people, he respected scholars the most and firmly believed that there was wealth to be found in books.

Now that I see my daughter is interested in studying, how could I not be happy?

"There are many fine academies in and around the capital. The headmaster of Linchuan Academy is a good friend of my father. If Fanfan is interested, I will send a message to arrange it for you."

"Ah Song, are you willing?"

Xi Song scratched his cheek. "If my sister is going, then I'll go too."

In these turbulent times, official schools have fallen into disrepair, but aristocratic and official families still attach great importance to the inheritance of family culture, and the practice of private lectures has become popular.

Among the many academies and schools, Linchuan Academy was established by a great Confucian scholar during the Southern Song Dynasty. It not only studied Confucian classics but also offered courses such as Zuo Zhuan, aiming to cultivate talents capable of "recovering the Central Plains".

Linchuan Academy is located in Zhongshan East Field on the eastern outskirts of Jiankang. East Field is adjacent to the lower reaches of Qingxi River and is not far from the residence of the Xi family.

Xi Lingxian suddenly felt that she had wasted her life in the past. With such good academic resources, she had indulged herself and lived a life of being a good-for-nothing.

Fortunately, I still have the opportunity to learn and improve myself in this lifetime.

……

The young lady was about to start school, which kept her close maids very busy.

Sewing book bags, selecting pens, ink, paper, and inkstones, carrying clean water pouches, and exquisite snack boxes.

The study was a place for studying, and no matter how famous it was, it could never compare to home in terms of food, drink, and daily necessities. The maids were worried that their pampered young ladies would not be used to it, so they had to take care of everything.

Xi Jian was already used to Xiao Yun's sudden visits.

They would come every few days, either to deliver gifts or to hand out invitations, their attitude both attentive and restrained, leaving no room for complaint.

He sensed that this person was no ordinary individual, but to avoid alerting him, he was patient enough to deal with him.

He received Xiao Yun in the front hall. As soon as the tea was served, Xiao Yun got straight to the point.

"Lord Xi, I have come today for one matter."

"The abbot of Linchuan Academy sent someone to find me a few days ago, wanting to invite me to serve as a historian at the academy. I have considered it for a few days and have already agreed."

Xi Jian paused slightly in the hand holding the teacup.

Did the Prince of Chenliu go to the Linchuan Academy to become a teacher?

He glanced at Xiao Yun, his gaze now filled with scrutiny.

Is this prince truly interested in teaching, or does he have ulterior motives?

Xiao Yun smiled, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze: "I know what Lord Xi is thinking. I do have my own reasons for going to the academy. Although I am a member of the imperial family, it is ultimately a nominal position. Without any official rank, spending my days idly is a waste of time. I do not wish to get involved in the power struggles of the court and am willing to do my best to spread knowledge and resolve doubts."

His words were perfectly watertight.

Xi Jian couldn't find a reason to refute him. The man was a prince of the imperial family, and he could teach wherever he wanted. It was none of Xi Jian's business.

"Your Highness's magnanimity is truly admirable."

Xiao Yun didn't say anything more. After sitting for a while, he got up and took his leave.

Xi Lingxian stood under the shade of the flowers, watching his figure disappear outside the courtyard gate.

She went to study, and he went to teach.

This person is just as difficult to deal with as Wang Jue.

None of them are any good!

Linchuan Abode is located in Dongtian, Zhongshan, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, covering a vast area.

Gu Yong, the headmaster of the retreat, is sixty-seven years old this year. His beard and hair are all white, but he is still very energetic.

Xi Lingxian arrived at Linchuan Retreat at the end of October.

She brought two cars. One for herself, and the other for clothes, books, and some miscellaneous items.

Xi Song sat opposite her, engrossed in a comic book, and hadn't uttered a single word since boarding the bus.

"Young master, young lady, we have arrived at the residence."

Xi Lingxian lifted the carriage curtain and, without the help of a maid, nimbly jumped down from the carriage like a rabbit.

A mountain breeze blew in my face, carrying the scent of pine needles and earth, cool and refreshing.

"Miss Xi."

She turned around and saw Xiao Yun standing at the entrance of the study, wearing a moon-white robe and holding a scroll in his hand.

She gave a slight curtsy and said in a calm voice, "Your Highness."

"Headmaster Gu sent me to pick you up. I'll take you there."

Xi Lingxian led her younger brother into the study.

The Linchuan Abode was much larger than Xi Lingxian had imagined.

Built against the mountain, layer upon layer, it extends from the foot of the mountain all the way to the mountainside.

Lecture halls, libraries, dormitories, archery ranges, pavilions, and corridors are arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, nestled among pines and bamboos.

"This is the lecture hall, where Headmaster Gu teaches every morning." Xiao Yun pointed to a building with upturned eaves in front of them. "That's the library, which houses tens of thousands of volumes, covering the four categories of classics, history, philosophy, and literature. If you would like to borrow a book, please go inside and register with Steward Chen."

Xi Lingxian nodded, her gaze sweeping over the students moving through the corridor.

In twos and threes, people chatted and laughed. Some were discussing their studies, some were debating the current situation, and some were secretly observing her, the new female disciple.

Xiao Yun continued walking forward, passing through a moon gate and entering a quiet courtyard.

"This is the female disciples' quarters, separated from the male disciples by a wall, so they won't disturb each other." Xiao Yun stopped at the courtyard gate without going in. "The young lady's quarters are the second one on the east side, and they've already been prepared. Your younger brother's quarters are on the male disciples' side; someone will take him there in a bit."

"This place is not far from the Xi residence. You don't need to stay here, but just in case, we have prepared a room for you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xiao Yun shook his head and said gently, "There is no Your Highness here. You may call me Master."

Xi Lingxian looked at him and felt that something was wrong.

"Master," she said dryly, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Xi Song, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

"Master Xiao, I would like to ask you something."

"Speaking."

Xi Song: "I have heard that the academy is currently lacking a teacher to instruct in classical studies. Is this true?"

"That's true." Xiao Yun nodded. "Headmaster Gu has been looking for a suitable candidate, but hasn't found one yet."

Xi Song seemed to remember something, and her voice rose a few decibels: "I know! Second Brother Wang served as a Confucian classics tutor for two years. I heard someone say the other day that someone wanted to invite Second Brother Wang to continue as the tutor."

Xiao Yun's smile froze slightly, for only a moment.

"Oh?" he said calmly. "Young Master Wang is well-versed in classical studies. It would be a great blessing for our academy if he could come."

Xi Song said with great interest, "It's a pity that Brother Wang Er holds an important position in the court and doesn't have time. I heard he declined. Otherwise, in terms of classical studies, among the young people today, no one can compare to Brother Wang Er."

When he said this, he had a proud and smug look on his face, as if Wang Jue were his own brother.

Xi Lingxian stood to the side, listening to her younger brother chattering about "Brother Wang Er" and "Brother Wang Er" repeatedly, and a vein throbbed on her forehead.

Xiao Yun smiled and said, "Young Master Wang is indeed very knowledgeable," before turning and disappearing outside the moon gate.

"Ah Song".

"Hmm?" Xi Song was still flipping through his book, without even looking up.

"Were your words just now intentional or unintentional?"

Xi Song looked up, bewildered. "What did you say?"

Xi Lingxian looked at his innocent face and sighed again.

That idiot.

"It's nothing." She shook her head. "Go to your quarters."

Xi Song said "Oh," and left with the book in her arms.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned around and said something that almost made Xi Lingxian lose her balance: "Sister, it would be great if Brother Wang could come. I heard that before he entered officialdom, he served as a teacher here for two years. He explained the classics in a profound yet simple way, and he was particularly good."

Xi Lingxian took a deep breath and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Hurry up and go." Her voice was laced with gritted teeth.

Xi Song shrank back, grabbed the book, and ran away.