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

Langya Prince's Mansion

With the emperor critically ill and several factions in the court each having their own agendas, the number of memorials on Wang Jue's desk increased day by day.

Chang'an hurried into the study. "Young Master, it seems something has happened to Miss Xi at the academy."

"explain."

Chang'an recounted everything he knew.

Wang Jue's eyes flickered for a moment.

She was wronged, but she didn't tell anyone?

"What else did Xiao Yun do?"

"Given Miss Xi's status, the Prince of Chenliu dared not do anything openly; he could only use his position as a teacher to make things difficult for her in secret."

"Miss Xi is quite capable. After suffering two losses, she learned her lesson and didn't let the King of Chenliu gain any advantage after that."

The advisor, Mr. Zhou, was speechless. "This... this is really something that the eldest daughter of the Xi family could do? I find it more believable that she would take a whip and give the Prince of Chenliu a good beating to vent her anger."

Chen Ting: "He may be a bit spoiled, but he's not brainless. If word gets out that he attacked his mentor, his reputation will be completely ruined."

His advisors and retainers were full of gossip, all saying that the Prince of Chenliu was a despicable person and that he was contemptible.

Wang Jue had not expected that Xiao Yun would be so unable to accept a girl's rejection that he would become so enraged that he would resort to such despicable and childish means to retaliate.

It seems he overestimated him.

"Keep an eye on it."

Chang'an nodded, and Si Shixiao, as if remembering something, asked, "Young Master, if the Prince of Chenliu persists, is there anything I can do?"

Wang Jue smirked. "Do you think that girl is the type to let herself get taken advantage of and be completely defenseless?"

"Can……"

"If she could have filed a complaint, she would have done so long ago, but she chose to endure it on her own. Clearly, she wanted to push herself and fight back against Xiao Yun's malice in a fair and square manner."

"If I were to intervene at this time, she would not only not be grateful, but would also think that I was meddling and bullying her."

Mr. Zhou blinked and shook his head, thinking he must be hallucinating.

Otherwise, how could one detect such a subtle hint of... grievance in the young master's last words?

That's terrifying, absolutely terrifying!

……

At the end of October, two more disciples arrived at the retreat.

They were all old acquaintances, Xie Wanyi and Princess Nankang.

This infuriated Headmaster Gu Yong. He may be old, but that doesn't mean he's deaf or blind.

Unfortunately, the other party all had a background, so he couldn't kick them out.

"If anyone brings the petty squabbles and jealousy of men and women into the academy and corrupts its atmosphere, I will make sure she can never hold her head up high in Jiankang City for the rest of her life."

Xie Wanyi replied politely, "Professor Gu is overthinking things. My daughter is only focused on her studies and has no other intentions."

"That would be for the best. The Xie family was a prominent family during the Southern Song Dynasty. Miss Xie should not disgrace the family's reputation."

"Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster. I will remember it."

Xie Wanyi wasn't that stupid. The hermitage was such a sacred place; causing trouble here would only invite trouble upon herself.

What she wanted was to completely crush Xi Lingxian.

How could a vulgar shrew who only learned a few words and was a self-taught nun compare to her?

It just so happens that her cousin Qingyu is also here as a teacher. She wants to show him with her own eyes how outstanding her talent and ability are, surpassing Xi Lingxian by a thousand times!

Only she can shoulder the responsibility of being the matriarch of the Wang family.

Xiao Yun's "retaliation" against Xi Lingxian was brief and to the point.

He was merely a nominal feudal lord; if things really got serious, he couldn't afford to offend the daughter of a military general.

However, this incident made him even more interested in the girl.

Not only is she not a foolish beauty, but she also has a proud and arrogant stubbornness, which is strangely similar to Wang Jue.

As expected, these once-glorious children of noble families are all birds of a feather.

But beautiful women have special privileges.

Wang Jue's pride infuriated him, but Xi Lingxian's drive only fueled his growing interest in her.

It's only when you tame this proud, rouge-colored horse that you feel a sense of accomplishment.

"Your Highness, the eldest daughter of the Xi family is no innocent person. You mustn't get yourself into trouble," the guard warned.

Xiao Yun moved the chess pieces, "The master from the Southern Frontier gave me those good things many years ago. They've been sitting in the storeroom for years, and it's time for them to see the light of day again."

The guard's heart tightened. "Your Highness... this is a private residence, and Xi Jian commands tens of thousands of troops. He cherishes this daughter dearly. If we act rashly..."

"What are you thinking about?"

"Such a beauty, you'd be willing to hurt me but not me?"

The guard was a little confused. "Which of the medicines given to you by the master from Southern Xinjiang do you wish to use?"

"Make her..." Xiao Yun paused, then smiled playfully, "...something that makes her unable to leave me, something that will willingly give me everything."

The guard suddenly realized, "I'll go get it right away."

……

October 28th is the birthday of Xiao Yun, the Prince of Chenliu.

Although he had no real power, he was still a prince of the royal family.

Headmaster Gu Yong paid out of his own pocket to set up several tables of food and drink in the open space of the academy courtyard, and brought his disciples to celebrate his birthday together.

Xiao Yun was handsome and gentle. During his time at the academy, he was highly regarded by his disciples. Xi Jian toasted him, and the disciples took turns offering him drinks. Xiao Yun responded to each one with composure and grace.

Xi Lingxian looked coldly at this hypocritical man, feeling utterly contemptuous; but she felt that she had grown up a bit, and no matter how much she disliked him, she could still remain calm on the surface and pretend that nothing had happened when she offered him a toast.

Is this what they call "not showing one's emotions"? She was somewhat impressed with herself.

She mentally praised herself.

Wang Jue, seated at the head of the table, took in the entire scene, his fingers tightening slightly as he caressed his wine cup.

"what!"

A sudden cry from her brother startled Xi Lingxian, who was lost in her own thoughts.

She looked up and saw a girl in a pale yellow dress clumsily wiping Xi Song's body with a handkerchief.

"I'm so sorry, Second Young Master Xi, it's dark here, and I couldn't see clearly for a moment. I'm truly sorry."

Xi Song glanced at his clothes, which were soaked with wine and snagged by the girl's fingernails, feeling annoyed but also forced to maintain his dignity. "Never mind..."

The girl's expression softened slightly, and then she heard the person on the other end say, "Just compensate me for the price, and I won't argue with you about anything else."

"..." The girl froze on the spot.

When Xi Song saw that everyone was looking at him, he thought they had misunderstood him and thought he was asking for an exorbitant price. He quickly explained, "My clothes are made of shimmering brocade, and each piece costs a hundred gold coins. Nobody's money comes from thin air. Surely you don't expect me to suffer such a huge loss."

Everyone fell silent.

Even for the royal family and the Langya Wang clan, the Floating Light Brocade was an extremely precious item, and it was only natural to demand compensation for any damage it had caused.

But the girl was beautiful, and with tears welling up in her eyes, she looked pitiful.

A normal man would more or less show tenderness and comfort her, and out of male pride, he wouldn't mention compensation.

Who would have thought that this second young master of the Xi family...

The girl's eyes were red, her lips were pursed as she held back her tears, and she remained silent for a long time.

Xie Wanyi slowly stood up. "Second Young Master, Sister Zhuang's mistake was unintentional. It's just a piece of clothing. You come from a distinguished family, so why are you being so petty?"

Xi Song looked bewildered: "Fine, Sister Wanyi is so generous, then you'll compensate for her?"

Hsieh Wan-yi: "..."

Xie Wanru retorted irritably, "Why should my sister pay? Xi Song, you're a man, why are you being so stingy?"

Xi Song frowned as he glanced at the Xie sisters. "I think the Buddha statues at Qing'an Temple don't need gilding anymore. Just invite you two to sit down. You're practically reincarnated living Buddhas!"

Upon hearing this, many people at the table burst out laughing.

Xi Lingxian looked at her younger brother in surprise, "When did you become so eloquent?"

Xi Song blinked. "You've been asking Brother Wang for advice on metaphysics and philosophical discussions quite a bit lately. Have you made any progress?"

Xi Lingxian remained silent.

The girl covered in wine was named Zhuang Yaru, the daughter of Mrs. Xie, and was thirteen years old.

No one can say for sure whether this was intentional or unintentional.

Xie Wanyi stood up for him and agreed to settle the matter by paying compensation.

Xi Song was indignant. "Even with money, I can't buy the shimmering brocade. What bad luck!"

Xi Lingxian glanced at the young lady Zhuang and saw that her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were darting shyly toward Xi Song.

It doesn't seem like they're deliberately picking a fight; it seems more like...