Chapter 74: Desperate Struggle

  What? He's actually going to substitute teach at the school house? Yun Shangyue heard Rong Jing's words and suddenly stood up from her seat, "Bang" a loud noise echoed, her head heavily bumped into the top of the carriage shed. She immediately covered her head with her hand and let out a painful cry. But she didn't forget to glare fiercely at Rong Jing.

  Rong Jing raised his head from the book, looked at Yun Shangyue with a helpless gaze, and sighed: "I didn't know you were so excited about me going to substitute for the lesson? Should I be delighted that you're so happy to see me? If not, I'll go ask the Emperor's permission, and from now on, I'll take charge of the lessons in the imperial study."

  "You...!" Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing, furious: "Who's happy to see you? I'm so angry, how can you be so heartless? It's not enough that you've ruined me, but now you're going to go and harm the prince and princess in the study. How can you be so relentless? Is it that from now on, no matter where I go, I'll always see you?"

  Rong Jing looked at Yun Qian Yue's excited appearance and nodded slowly, "I don't know if you'll see me wherever you go in the future, but one thing is for sure, during this period of time when University Scholar is still ill, you will see me every day."

  "I don't want to see you!" Yun Qianyue hummed and shouted at the outside, "Stop the car, I'm not going to class anymore!"

  "I'm afraid you can't avoid this. The Emperor has already given his decree, and if you don't go, it would be disobedience. Besides, do you think I want to see you? It's just that Cloud Meng, the Grand Commander, brought a message from Cloud Grandfather, telling me that he knew I was going to the Imperial Study, and asked me to take care of you for a while. He doesn't trust you, fearing that you'll make another reckless move like yesterday when you publicly requested an imperial marriage, and let things get out of hand. With Cloud Grandfather's kindness towards me, I couldn't refuse, so I agreed."

  "Ah, Gongzi, you're really being too hard on yourself! Do I need to rush over again and beg the Emperor for a royal decree to marry me off to you? Just so that you can stop tormenting me every day, running all the way from Rong Wang Fu to Yun Wang Fu, and then sneaking into the palace to bully me some more? Are you enjoying bullying people or what?" Yun Shang Yue also knew that in this world, imperial decrees were above everything. She didn't have the ability to escape this life yet, so she didn't dare challenge imperial authority. All she could do was turn around and glare at Rong Jing with a saccharine tone.

  Her eyes sparkled slightly, her long eyelashes covering her eyes, but in an instant he raised his head again and calmly said to Yun Shang Yue in a gentle voice that was rare in a thousand years: "Let's just forget it. Where is there a daughter who does imperial decrees for marriage every day? You've done it once and let the people of the world laugh their teeth off, this kind of thing isn't glorious, you're not even married yet, these kinds of imperial decrees for marriage are still to be expected from the man who will marry you in the future. But I don't have such plans for now, so you don't need to have a burden on your mind!"

  Yun Qian looked at Rong Jing with a gloomy face. Thinking that this person was so black-hearted, he had reached the extreme!

  "I'm really wronged, you're such a big troublemaker, whoever puts up with you would feel headache, where did I bully you? Every time it's you bullying me. Look at this, this is the mark left by your bullying yesterday, and it hasn't faded after a day and night."

  Yun Qian Yue looked at Rong Jing's neck and saw that there were indeed faint red marks, she spat out a sound, "Serves you right, you asked for it!"

  "Yes, I'm to blame, I shouldn't have been softhearted that day in the palace and saved you from being thrown into the heavenly prison. And I especially shouldn't have followed you down into the dark passageway of Lingtai Temple to protect you when you fell. My back is still purple from being bumped, it hasn't faded yet! I also shouldn't have rushed around for several days to help you move out the twelve Buddha statues from the underground hall of Lingtai Temple and hide them because I was afraid they would be discovered by the Emperor. And even more so, I shouldn't have appeared at the critical moment when Leng Shaoyu wanted to kill you and helped you kill his hidden guard, Leng Shaoyu probably still hates me for that! There are many things I shouldn't have done, all of this is my own doing. Are you satisfied now?" Rong Jing threw down the book in his hand and closed his eyes.

  His poetic and picturesque face was pale at this moment, although there was no pain, it made people feel that he was heartbroken.

  The cloud was shallow and the moon was angry, but in an instant, it disappeared. Looking at Rong Jing's half-resentful face, he pursed his thin lips, motionless. She also pursed her lips, sat down, thinking that this guy had saved her many times. She was indeed being too cruel to him.

  The car fell silent for half a ringtone, and neither of them spoke again. A solemn atmosphere spread.

  After a long time, Yun Shangyue reflected on herself and felt that she was not young even if she added up her two lifetimes. Why bother with a youth who was only barely out of his teenage years? Yet, his sharp tongue and calm demeanor made her forget about their age difference every time. She looked up at Rong Jing, who still had an air of coolness about him. She stretched out her foot and lightly touched him, "Hey..."

  The scenery is so beautiful that it seems unreal.

  "Hey, you... " Yun Qianyue was at a loss for words for a moment.

  Rong Jing didn't even lift an eyebrow, as if he was ignoring him like he wasn't in the car.

  "That's it, I was wrong. I shouldn't have pinched you, and it's also your fault for teasing me with your poisonous mouth, that's why I lost my temper." Yun Shangyue sniffled, feeling how come she ended up apologizing? Wasn't she the victim too? Hadn't she suffered enough from his temper these days? But yesterday, she indeed shouldn't have used such a heavy hand, it must have hurt a lot at that time. She saw Rong Jing still not lifting his eyelids or moving, immediately went over and buttoned up his open collar, her voice unconsciously softened, "Okay, don't be angry anymore, okay? It's sister's fault, sister shouldn't have used such a heavy hand, sister won't..."

  "You're not even sixteen this year, nominally fifteen. And I'm still not weak-crowned, but also two years older than you, nominally seventeen. How did you become my sister? Besides, I don't remember when the Rong and Yun royal families became as close as one family?" Rong Jing opened his eyes, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Shallow Moon's hand paused, looked down at her own small board, and fell silent for a moment.

  "This lifetime you probably won't be able to become my sister. Even if you were reborn, it would be difficult to achieve. So from now on, don't mention the two words 'older sister' again." Yon Jing said.

  Yun Shallow Moon fell silent again, and involuntarily hummed: "Then I'll just be your younger sister, okay?"

  "It's probably not going to work out either. The Rong and Yun royal families have had no familial relationship for a hundred years, not even as in-laws. Moreover, even if you were to marry Rong Feng, you would only be my niece-in-law. If you were to marry my younger brother, you would only be my younger sister-in-law. My parents passed away ten years ago, so even if you wanted to be reborn as my younger sister, it's not possible." Yun Jing's words fell, and he looked at Yun Shang Yue with a serious expression, pausing for a moment before continuing slowly: "So from now on, don't mention the word 'sister' again!"

  Yun patted the moon and fell silent again, thinking that it was indeed an ancient person. In the 21st century, sisters and sisters who were all over the streets couldn't get through here. She continued to be silently sorrowful.

  "There's still one button left undone." Rong Jing reminded Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Qian Yue let out a soft "oh" and reached out to fasten the top button on his collar. Her fingertips brushed against his warm skin, causing her to shiver slightly before quickly withdrawing her hand. She stepped back to lean against the opposite wall of the car. Her fingers curled up involuntarily in her sleeve, as if trying to shake off the smooth sensation that lingered on her fingertips.

  Rong Jing's eyes seemed to be gazing into the distance as she swept a glance over the edge of her sleeve, which had been pulled back by the shallow moonlight filtering through the clouds. Her eyes sparkled for a moment, but she didn't say another word.

  Yun Shallow Moon felt that her heart had just trembled slightly, and she couldn't help but despise herself. In her mind, she thought to herself: Yun Shallow Moon, you're really getting more and more cowardly as time goes on. Is it because your age is shrinking that your courage is also shrinking? But you're still just an immature young man, despite being handsome and unparalleled in the world, born with a natural air of superiority. He's someone who wouldn't even eat a single strand of silk if it meant taking advantage of others for fun, and yet you trembled just from touching him? Who can seduce him? Look at your own lack of integrity!

  The scenery is no longer speaking. The shallow clouds and the moon are also no longer speaking. The carriage is quiet, but this time the quietness is not as dead as before, but rather has a gentle and peaceful atmosphere surrounding it. A faint quietness, a faint comfort.

  After two incense sticks, the horse carriage stopped, and the sound of zither music came from outside, "Young Master, we have arrived at the Imperial Palace!"

  "Hmm!" Rong Jing responded with a murmur.

  Yun Qianyu stretched out her hand and rubbed it hard, as if to drive something away. After rubbing twice, she saw Rong Jing looking at her, immediately stopped her hand, coughed lightly, picked up the flower basket beside her, lifted the curtain, and jumped down from the carriage.

  Rong Jing chuckled softly, lowered his head to look at his collar, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. His jade-like fingertips gently touched the two buttons on his neck, then he composed himself, slowly got up, pushed open the curtain, leaned out slightly, and stepped down from the carriage.

  Yun Qianyue heard the low laughter but didn't turn her head, and the faint tremble that had just risen was instantly dispelled, more effective than her fiercely rubbing those two hands by who knows how many times! She glanced at his mouth, indeed black-hearted, even if the world were turned upside down and the heavens collapsed, it probably wouldn't change his black-hearted nature.

  "I knew Sister Yue would come with Jing Shizong! This is really what I've been waiting for." Yu Cong's voice came, her smile warm and gentle, making one feel comfortable beyond words.

  Yun Shallow Moon turned her head along with the sound, and at the entrance of the imperial palace, there were more than a dozen horse-drawn carriages stopped, each one was extremely luxurious, decorated with red, green or bright ribbons, and in front of each carriage stood several young men and women. Everyone held either a book box or a flower basket in their hands. She swept her eyes over those people, none of whom she recognized, until she saw Yu Jing, a familiar face, who was walking towards her at this moment, with a gentle and elegant demeanor, truly worthy of the title of the world's number one beauty.

  Yun Shallow Moon blinked her eyes, and her gaze swept over Rong Jing's face. Seeing his pale complexion, she smiled faintly, "So it's Qin sister, you're also in the imperial palace today?"

  "I'm the one who comes to the palace every day! Doesn't my sister know? The Emperor has already selected a few children from the ministers' families to be companions and study with the princes and princesses, I am the companion of the Seventh Princess. Maybe it's because Older Sister Yue has never liked reading or studying, so she doesn't care about this!" Yu Cong stopped in her tracks, smiled and curtsied to Rong Jing, "Rong Shizi is polite!"

  "Miss Qin, no need for excessive courtesy!" Rong Jing nodded lightly.

  It turns out! Yún Qiǎn Yuè thought that watching her come to the study room for class every day wouldn't be boring at all!

  "That day at Lingtai Temple, something happened and I was scared to death. Fortunately, Jing Shizi appeared and helped me and the Crown Prince escape from being trapped in the underground Buddha hall. However, I also hurt my forehead and was taken back by Father to rest for several days. When I heard that my sister and Jing Shizi had returned safely, I was overjoyed. Originally, I wanted to visit them, but didn't expect my sister to go to Rong Wang Fu the next day. I could only go to Rong Wang Fu, but was told that Jing Shizi and my sister were focused on studying and it wasn't convenient to disturb them. I had no choice but to return to the manor.

  The other day, I finally waited for my sister to come out of Rong Wang Fu, but yesterday she went to the Wu Zhuangyuan Conference again. I heard that today's conference was cancelled because Xiao Wangye got sick after getting rained on. So I thought that maybe today would be a good opportunity to see my sister.

  Unexpectedly, it really turned out that way! What's more surprising is that Jing Shizi will substitute for teaching the lessons in the study room. I've long been thinking that if I could get Jing Shizi's guidance, it would be a blessing. I even secretly envied Yueshang's sister, but didn't expect my wish to come true today."

  Yu Cong stood up straight and smiled at Rong Wang and Yunshang Yue, speaking in a flattering tone that pleased everyone present.

  Yun Qian's heart is secretly admiring, thinking that no matter what this woman thinks in her heart, at least on the surface she has done a flawless job. Her language expression and facial expressions are truly impressive. Her words are as elegant as a lotus flower, comparable to Wang Xifeng!

  "Miss Qin, I'm just temporarily taking over the class for a few days." Rong Jing's expression remained unchanged, without even a hint of emotion. After speaking, she ignored Yu Cong and walked towards the palace gate, taking two steps before instructing Yun Shuang Yue: "My book box is in the carriage, can you help me bring it in?"

  Such a beautiful woman rushed over, isn't it just to give him face? But this man is completely indifferent and doesn't even bother to respond, it's really infuriating! Yun Shang Yue couldn't help but admire Rong Jing at the same time, and resentfully said: "Why should I get it for you? Don't you have hands? Get it yourself!"

  "Yesterday, I was exhausted from making the steamed fish with egg custard for you. You know how complicated that dish is to make. I spent the whole afternoon and entire evening on it. Now my hands are too tired to even lift anything. Can you help me carry this?" Rong Jing said without even turning his head, as if it was a matter of course.

  Yun Shallow Moon opened her mouth, but didn't say anything, which was equivalent to acquiescence. Generally speaking, it's easy to take someone's hand, but hard to eat from their mouth.

  "Eldest Sister Yueshen, Jing Shizi actually... personally cooked for you?" Yu Cong saw Rong Jing not even glance at her, his face stiffening, and upon hearing Rong Jing's words, he turned to look at Yun Qiu Yue, softly inquiring.

  "Don't listen to his nonsense, he's just too lazy to fetch things. Think about it, a man who spends all day writing and is weak as a scholar, can he even cook? Don't forget who he is, he's Rong Jing! He's always been arrogant and looking down on others, you might as well say that pigs will climb trees if you expect him to cook.

  Yun Qian Yue responded to Yu Cong's gaze, snorted and hummed: "He just can't bear to bully me, let me be his book boy and carry his book box for him."

  "Exactly!" Yu Jing also felt that Jing Shizong couldn't possibly cook himself, and the anxiety she had just mentioned suddenly dissipated. Her stiff face instantly softened, and she smiled warmly at Yun Shangyue, scolding her with a smile: "Sister Yueshang, don't say such things! Others can only dream of having such good fortune! I think Jing Shizong treats you differently. Which woman in the capital has the same good fortune as you, sitting together in the same carriage every day, and being personally picked up and dropped off by Jing Shizong? It's something that others can't even imagine!"

  Yun Pian Yue rolled her eyes, feeling that she and the people of the world had no common language. With a disdainful curl of her lip, she turned around and lifted the car curtain to take out Rong Jing's book box, suddenly feeling that both hands were heavy. It was estimated that if she carried it all the way to the study room, she would definitely end up with sore arms and aching shoulders.

  "Big sister Yueliang, if you really don't want to mention Jing Shizi's book box, then give it to me! I'll help Jing Shizi take it in." Yu Cong looked at Yun Qianyue's bitter face and smiled: "Anyway, we're going all the way in together."

  Yun Qian's eyes lit up, and since someone was willing to help, she naturally wouldn't decline. She immediately handed the book box to Yu Cong, "That's perfect! You can carry it for me!"

  Yu Jing reached out to take it, but before her hand even touched the box, she heard Xuan Ge's voice ring out, his tone cold and hard. "Miss Shallow Moon, unless my family's young master permits it, no one is allowed to touch his things. If that person touches it, they must be clear about the consequences. Losing a hand would be getting off lightly."

  Yu Jing's body stiffened instantly, and her smiling face also froze in an instant.

  Yun Shallow Moon was also stunned, turned her head to look at Xuan Ge, saw Xuan Ge's face cold and hard, staring at her with obvious dissatisfaction. She hummed a sound, withdrew the book box and put it on her arm, muttering: "Really big trouble!"

  "Jing Shizi is indeed different from his sister Yueliang." Yu Cong said faintly, seeing Yun Qianyue's eyes change color.

  "I didn't say he's been bullying people for fun? I'd rather not have this good fortune, if we walk to the study room without dying from exhaustion, my arms will probably be crippled. Cloud Shallow Moon was too lazy to bother with this little beauty again, and took a step forward. Why must women make things difficult for other women?! She walked two steps, suddenly had an idea, turned her head back, and smiled at Jade Cong: "Qin sister, why don't you help me carry the flower basket?"

  Yu Cong was stunned for a moment, looking at Yun Qian Yue, her smile was as bright as the white snow in spring, exceptionally radiant.

  "Are you valuing beauty over friendship? Your eyes only have that weak and beautiful person, but what about me, your sister? Can't you see I'm struggling to hold onto these two? Are you really willing to watch me get exhausted?" Yun Shangyue pouted at Yu Cong.

  Yu Jing's stiff expression on her face instantly dissipated, and she hastily walked forward, stretching out her hand to Yun Shangyue, laughing as she said: "See what I said? Yu Jing's face can't even be maintained. It's all because you didn't want to take the box from Jing Shizi that I wanted to help you take it, but instead you turned around and scolded me! Since you think it's a bother, now taking your book box and Jing Shizi's is the same principle, right? Give it to me! I'll help you carry it!"

  "That's great! Thanks a lot, Yu Ning! You're really nice!" Yun Qian Yue suddenly smiled and praised her. She put her own basket on Yu Ning's arm and turned around to walk forward with light steps, not forgetting to urge: "Hurry up, I've never been to the upper study room before! Let's see what fun things are there."

  Yu Jing's arm sank slightly, and the color of the flower basket on her arm darkened for a moment before returning to normal. She turned her head to look at Xuan Ge, who was gazing up at the sky, completely unaware of what had just happened. She then looked over at the maid waiting by the carriage in front of the Chancellor's residence, and the maid immediately walked over with her basket, following Yu Jing as she caught up with Yun Shangyue. Smiling, she said: "Sister Moon, you're always joking around! You used to come to the study all the time, but then you started making a fuss about not coming, and in the end, you really didn't come."

  "Huh? When was that? I don't remember..." Yun Shangyue's heart skipped a beat.

  "Hmm, thinking about it, it's been around ten years, I suppose. It was so long ago, no wonder my sister doesn't remember. You were the companion reader of Sixth Princess back then!" Yu Cong said with a smile.

  "Oh, it's been over a decade already, who remembers such distant things!" Yun Shang let out a sigh of relief and waved her hand, "It seems like there's nothing fun to do in the study room, otherwise I wouldn't have left after just two days!"

  "The study is just a place to read books, and Eldest Sister doesn't like reading, so naturally she wouldn't like going to the study. However, it's said that you left not because you didn't like reading, but because of the Crown Prince. At that time, the Crown Prince was alone summoned by the Emperor to be taught by the Crown Prince's Tutor, and you came for two days without seeing the Crown Prince, so naturally you also stopped coming." Yu Cong lowered her voice and said with a smile.

  "So that's how it is! My memory isn't as good as yours, I guess we're not cut out for the same kind of studies." Yun Qianyue nodded her head, thinking about Ye Tianqing, that scoundrel, and wondering which lifetime he had accumulated virtue in to make his body's owner love him to death.

  "It's said that at the time, Her Majesty the Empress had some complaints about you not coming, and His Majesty also wanted you to continue. However, after Crown Prince Rong of the Rong Palace was assassinated on his way back from a victorious battle, Crown Princess Rong died with him, and Jing Shizi suffered a great calamity and fell ill for a long time. Fortunately, Master Lingyin saved Jing Shizi. Cloud Prince Yun of the Yun Palace went missing and was found unconscious for several months, also thanks to Master Lingyin's rescue. Later, the Wen Bo Hou Palace was exterminated in one night, and that year was not peaceful under the rule of Tian Sheng. Many things happened, and His Majesty and Her Majesty were too busy to pay attention to you, so they let you be. After that, you became more and more unruly, and it's been ten years like this. Sister's studies have also been delayed because of this." Yu Cong sighed, looking at Yun Shangyue with some doubt, "Have you really forgotten all these things, sister?"

  "Some I remember, some I've forgotten. You also know that in these years my heart has been preoccupied with that annoying guy, where would I have the mind to think about anything else? It's not strange that I don't remember, muddle-headedly passing by more than ten years, now I'm finally clear-headed." Yun Shangyue also let out a sigh.

  "The prince is actually quite good." Yu Jing said softly, biting her lip.

  "Hmm, it's pretty good. Otherwise, how could I have been disliked for over a decade? At that time, I didn't even have the self-awareness, no talent but still wanted to stick to others, only to be rejected. But if it were you, with your talent and beauty, I'm sure he would know how to cherish you." Yun Shangyue nodded randomly, bringing the topic back to Yu Cong.

  Yu Jing's footsteps paused for a moment, and she smiled: "Yu Jing thinks her status is too lowly, not worthy of Your Highness the Crown Prince, so she dares not harbor such thoughts."

  "Oh!" Yun Qianyue drew out her voice, suddenly leaning in close to Yu Cong, "So you think Rong Jing is that weak and beautiful person? His status doesn't seem low either."

  Yu Jing's face turned red, "Eldest sister just knows how to bully me, Jing Shizun is high up in the clouds, I wouldn't even dare to think about it."

  "Is it that you dare not think of or secretly think about?" Yun Shang Yue teased, looking at Yu Cong with a smile, admiring the blush on this little beauty's face.

  Yu Jing's face suddenly turned bright red, all the way to her neck. Just as she was about to push Yun Shangyue away, a familiar voice came from behind, "Just now, Ben Taizi arrived and saw a pair of sisters standing there like flowers. I thought it was someone else! It turns out it's Moon Sister and Qin Miss!"

  Yun Qianyue felt a chill upon hearing the familiar voice, and as soon as Cao Cao was mentioned, he appeared. This night was truly haunted! She pretended not to hear, didn't turn her head, and took a step back from Yu Jing.

  Yu Jing was startled, and immediately turned around to give Ye Tian a standard courtesy of a young lady, her face red as she bowed low and greeted him softly, "Yu Jing greets the Crown Prince, may the Crown Prince be safe and auspicious!"

  "Miss Qin, no need to be polite! Miss Qin is truly the most beautiful woman today!" Ye Tianqing gazed at Yu Jingxuan's small face, which was as red as a cloud, and his eyes flashed with surprise. He had never seen a woman look so beautiful when blushing.

  Yu Jing's face turned even redder, she straightened up, not daring to lift her head, her voice extremely low, "Your Highness is overpraising!"

  The night sky was filled with a sudden burst of radiance, and he couldn't help but smile as he looked at Yun Qianyue. However, she had her back turned to him and refused to look at him, let alone greet him. His face fell slightly, and he restrained himself from showing his emotions as he walked up to her, a smile still plastered on his face. "Sister Moon, it's been ten years since you last attended classes in the study, hasn't it?"

  Yun glanced at him lightly with a shallow and calm tone, "You know, yet you ask!"

  The night sky leaned against the shallow moon, and the face in front of him was as beautiful as Yu Cong's, but even more radiant and elegant. Yu Cong's small face was flushed with a delicate red glow, like smoke and mist, which was extremely beautiful. She, on the other hand, had a clear and pale complexion, her skin as smooth as jade, her face as bright as spring snow, and her lips were naturally red without any makeup, making her even more captivating. He couldn't help but hold his breath, and looking at her slender and delicate figure standing there, bathed in the warm sunlight, he felt an overwhelming urge to take her into his arms.

  Yun Jian felt the gaze of Ye Tian and his slightly changed breathing, her heart chilled, she took a step forward.

  "Eldest Sister!" Yu Cong also naturally sensed the change in Ye Tian Qing, she lifted her head to see Yun Qian Yue walking away without a word and immediately spoke up.

  Yun Shang walked two steps before realizing she couldn't find the way to the study, so she stopped in her tracks and urged Yu Cong: "Qin sister, why are you still dawdling? Look at the time, it's already late. That weak and beautiful person has already gone to the study, his heart is dark, he hasn't seen us yet, I'm afraid when the time comes, he will use the bamboo ruler to punish us."

  Yu Jing heard Yun Qianyue mention Rong Jing, and saw that Rong Jing had already entered the palace gate and disappeared into the distance. She couldn't be bothered to pay attention to Ye Tianqing anymore, hastily bowed to him again, and quickly followed Yun Qianyue in a hurry.

  "I heard this morning that Jing Shizi is going to substitute teach the classes in the upper study room, and I happened to have nothing to do, so I'll go listen too. Let's go together! The sky isn't early anymore." Yè Tiān Qīng looked at the two of them, finished speaking, and also followed along.

  Yun Qian's heart sank, so this meant that Ye Tianqing would be lingering in front of her for a whole day today? She turned cold and looked back at Ye Tianqing, "The crown prince of a country can actually have so much free time, truly a remarkable skill!"

  Yè Tiān's face stiffened, and he said in a deep voice: "Mèi Mèi, it doesn't matter if you have prejudices or misunderstandings about me, but be careful with your words. Jiǎng Shì Zǐ is the number one prodigy of Tiān Shèng, his reputation is unparalleled in the world. Even if I'm busy today, when I heard that Jiǎng Shì Zǐ was coming to substitute for the lesson, I would definitely come. Listening to Jiǎng Shì Zǐ's lecture is worth more than ten years of study."

  "I really didn't know you admired Rong Jing so much!" Yun Shuoyue snorted. Don't think she didn't know what he was thinking. This person seemed to have a deep and complex mind, but his thoughts were still revealed in his eyes. Even Ye Qianyu couldn't tell how deep or shallow he was from his appearance, let alone Nan Lingrui, who was even harder to read. And as for Rong Jing, who had always been calm and unruffled like Mount Tai, it was even more impossible! He really was far off the mark! Did he think she would turn back? Ridiculous!

  "Jing Shizi is revered by the world, and even the Emperor Father holds him in high esteem. I naturally want to learn from him." Ye Tian quickened his pace and walked alongside Yun Shangyue, seeing her disdainfully pouting, he let out a gentle sigh and said: "Sister Moon's straightforward nature is a good thing, but being too straightforward can also be a weakness, you..."

  "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I don't have your extensive knowledge. What is this 'being straightforward and easy to bend' you're talking about? I really don't understand! You might as well be playing the zither to a cow when speaking to me." Yun Qianyue suddenly interrupted Ye Tianqing's words, "I think we're not on the same path after all. It's better if we don't walk the same way!"

  As she spoke, Yun Shallow Moon took a step and walked onto another road. She really couldn't take it anymore! She had never disliked someone so much before. She thought that the hardships of her past life had already made her patient, resilient, and tolerant, but this tolerance was ineffective on Ye Tianqing. She couldn't help but wonder which lifetime she had bad luck in!

  "Eldest Sister Moon, you're heading in the direction of the Imperial Garden. The only path that leads to the Upper Study is this one!" Yu Cong was startled.

  "You go first, I haven't been to the imperial palace for a long time. Go ahead and visit the Imperial Garden first, then head to the Study Room afterwards." Yun Shangyue waved her hand and quickly walked away, disappearing into the distance in an instant.

  The night sky was gloomy, and he naturally understood that Yun Shangyue didn't want to travel with him. She even didn't want to see him now. Didn't he understand? For many years, she had been his shadow, following behind him wherever he went. Now, it's the opposite - he intentionally tried to get close to her, but was met with cold words and a slap in the face, leaving him humiliated. She didn't even acknowledge their past affection. And yet, as the legitimate daughter of the Yun King's household, she wanted to marry Rong Feng, that young man without any family background or influence. What did Yun Shangyue take Ye Tianqing for? Was it because he had been too good to her recently, too tolerant, that she became more and more arrogant?!

  "Your Highness, Moon's sister has always had a bad temper, and she is the same with everyone." Yujing saw Yunshangyue disappear without a trace, carefully choosing her words to cautiously advise.

  But such advice was like pouring oil on fire, making Ye Tian's face even darker and more sullen.

  "Yesterday, I heard that Moon Sister asked the Emperor for a marriage decree at the Wu Zhuangyuan Conference to marry Rong Feng Gongzi, the descendant of Wen Bo Houfu. I was wondering how Moon Sister would suddenly want to marry Rong Feng Gongzi? Is it possible that Moon Sister and Rong Feng Gongzi had known each other before? Today, I didn't have a chance to ask Moon Sister yet, but I'm sure there's something hidden behind this." Yu Cong added.

  "She wants to marry Rong Feng? Dream on! Don't think she can do whatever she wants." Ye Tian's hand in his sleeve clenched into a fist, thinking of yesterday's events made the veins on his forehead bulge, he didn't go to the study room anymore, instead turned towards another path, that path was directly opposite the palace gate, heading towards the imperial study.

  "Your Highness, aren't you going to the study?" Qin Yujing asked aloud.

  "I suddenly remembered something I had to report to the Emperor, so I won't go to the study room today! State affairs are important, and in any case, Jing Shizi will have to substitute for a few days. It's fine if I listen tomorrow." Only then did Ye Tian realize that his anger and thoughts had been understood by Qin Yuxin. He stopped in his tracks, suppressing the anger churning inside him, and said to Yuxin in a low voice: "Miss Qin should listen carefully to the lesson. Jing Shizi's lessons are rare opportunities that come once in a hundred years. If you perform well and gain Jing Shizi's favor, I, the Crown Prince, will report to the Emperor and fulfill your wish. A young lady from the Prime Minister's residence wouldn't be unworthy of Jing Shizi's status."

  Yu Jing's heart skipped a beat, her face flushed again, she bowed and lowered her head, saying in a low voice: "Thank you, Your Highness! Yu Jing... will definitely listen carefully to the lesson and not disappoint your kindness."

  "Hmm!" Ye Tianjing stopped talking and strode towards the imperial study in large steps.

  Qin Yuxing waited until the night sky was dark before slowly standing up, her lips tightly pursed and her hands clenched in her sleeves. She would seize any opportunity that came her way. It wasn't fair that she couldn't compare to Yun Shangyue, who didn't know how to do anything now and had even lost his only martial arts skill. With the help of the Crown Prince, she had an even greater chance of success. Thinking of that person's elegance, her heart skipped a beat. She used to not dare to hope, just thinking that seeing him once in her lifetime would be enough, but now that this wish had come true, she felt it wasn't enough and wanted to take it further, even to the point of being within three feet of him.

  "Miss, you're still holding Miss Shallow Moon's flower basket!" Yu Cong's personal maid, Chu Xi, softly reminded her.

  "Here, take it!" Yu Jing handed the flower basket to Chu Xi behind her and walked forward. She thought that if Yun Shangyue didn't go to the study, then Jing Shizi's eyes would no longer have her. The usually gentle and elegant her suddenly became a little impatient. Her small steps quickened, and in the blink of an eye, she had already walked a long distance.

  Chu Xi hastily took over Yun Shangyue's flower basket, with one arm hooked around the other, and hurriedly chased after Yu Jing, panting heavily.

  Yun Qian Yue walked quickly for a while before stopping in her tracks, hiding behind a stone wall to watch Ye Tian Qing and Yu Jing. Although she had no martial arts skills, she was proficient in lip reading, and after hearing the conversation between the two, she sneered inwardly, thinking that this must be what they meant by "colluding with each other". It seemed that they had unintentionally revealed their secret to her.

  "I didn't expect that you and I would be so attuned to each other. Knowing that I was waiting for you here, you came so quickly!" Suddenly, a warm and gentle voice sounded from behind Yun Shangyue, as Rong Jing slowly emerged from behind the pillar of the corridor.

  Yun Shallow Moon was shocked, suddenly stood up, turned around fiercely, and when she saw Rong Jing, her eyes widened in surprise, exclaiming: "Rong Jing?" Wasn't she mistaken? That man who had already gone to the study!

  "Hmm, it's me. You don't recognize me after just a short while?" Yong Jing's gaze fell on Yun Shang Yue's hand and saw that she didn't have her own basket, but was tightly holding onto his book box, with a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

  "Didn't you go to the study?" Yun Shangyue raised an eyebrow. Although she didn't know where the study was, the three roads that branched out from the palace gate were clear: one led to the main hall of the Sun Yang Temple, the imperial study; one led to the Imperial Garden; and the third road was the one Yu Cong had just led her on, which was the same road she took when she left the palace that day. So naturally, she knew it was the Imperial Garden. Could this person really get lost?

  "I knew you'd come here to take a stroll, so I waited for you. Since we said it was on the way, I couldn't just abandon you." Rong Jing walked over, smiled and said softly: "Let's go! We'll head to the study together."

  Yun Shallow Moon silently stared at Rong Jing, had he expected her to run here? Did he know that Ye Tian Qing, that annoying ghost, would appear and travel with her, and she wouldn't be able to take it and leave? Was he still human? Staring at him for a while, she said: "You're really comparable to Zhuge Liang!"

  "Who is Zhuge Liang?" asked Rong Jing with a tilted head.

  "The ancestor of being sinister! But with you around, he has retired and yielded to virtue!" Yun Shang Yue thought that if Zhuge Liang were alive, he would probably not be a match for him. Zhuge Liang still had times when he was defeated, but this guy was simply undefeated. Especially when it came to bullying her, she admitted defeat.

  "Hmm, since I'm old, it's time for me to step down and let others take over!" Yong Jing's footsteps paused, nodding in agreement.

  "It's not old age, it's death!" Yun Qianyue deliberately provoked him, turning around and scolding him.

  Rong Jing's footsteps paused again, and he turned to look at Yun Qian Yue with a faint smile. "Don't worry, I'll be fine, I won't die before you do, or else you'll get bullied." After saying that, he spoke in a gentle tone, "Let's go! It's time for class, we should head to the study room!"

  "Who else would bully me besides you?" Yun Qianyue said with a bad tone.

  "Didn't I just bully you last night? Otherwise, why would you be angry and run here?" Rong Jing said with a slanted glance at Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Qian Yue thought of Ye Tian's face and felt nauseous, "Can't you just not mention him!"

  "Alright, let's go!" Rong Jing nodded and urged.

  "I won't go!" Yun Qianyue thought that even Ye Tianqing, the person who made her feel sick, was going to the study room, she stood still and didn't move.

  "Don't worry, the emperor has been annoyed by you and won't go to the study at this hour. He's probably gone to the imperial study instead." Rong Jing's eyes flashed with a hint of profundity as he took a step forward, saying softly to Yun Shangyue who was still standing motionless behind him: "I heard that Her Majesty the Empress and all the consorts are admiring the lotus flowers in the Imperial Garden after the rain today. Are you sure you want to go for a stroll in the Imperial Garden?"

  It's better to go to the study then! Yun Qianyue immediately followed behind Rong Jing. Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue, who was following closely behind him, and smiled slightly, saying nothing more as he headed towards the study. However, his eyes narrowed slightly as he turned away, revealing a hint of coldness beneath his elegant demeanor - had Qin Yuyin not lived up to her reputation? What a wonderful Night Sky!

  Digression

  This new system is really getting me, let's all take our time to study it slowly, while studying, don't forget to check your pockets, maybe a monthly ticket will pop out, then hand it over to me happily, also, light up the five stars! O (∩_∩) O ~

  Thank you for the diamonds and flowers from everyone below!

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