The Imperial Academy.
Upon hearing that the Princess’s envoy had arrived, Tang Siye personally went to the main gate to greet her: "Lady Yu Hui, has Her Highness any instructions?"
Yu Hui gave a slight nod. "Her Highness wishes to see Young Master Sun Cai."
Tang Siye immediately sent someone to summon him while addressing Yu Hui with deference. "Last time, Her Highness gifted us over ten ancient texts, including The Zhoubi Suanjing, all of which are long-lost masterpieces of various disciplines. They have been of immense benefit to our students. Please convey our deepest gratitude to Her Highness on my behalf. Ritual Master Guo will soon pay a personal visit to express his thanks!"
Ritual Master Guo Si was the chief official of the Imperial Academy. Though his rank was not high, he had studied under Grand Tutor Rong and was highly respected by scholars across the land.
He had always looked down on women, yet now he was preparing to personally visit and thank An Sheng, a woman. When it came to winning hearts, this Princess was truly formidable.
Yan Zheng lowered his eyes without a word. Soon, an attendant from the Academy led Sun Cai out.
At first glance, his features bore a striking resemblance to Granny Sun’s.
But his demeanor was entirely different—carrying not only the pride of a scholar but also an air of untouched innocence.
"Lady Yu Hui, you came in person?" Sun Cai hurried forward, his face alight with joy. "Has Her Highness finally remembered me? Does she wish to see me?"
His eagerness was palpable, as if being granted an audience with An Sheng was the greatest honor imaginable.
Yu Hui smiled faintly and gestured to the side. "This is the Marquis of Anning. He has a matter requiring your assistance, Young Master Sun Cai. Her Highness insists that you cooperate."
Sun Cai’s expression dimmed instantly, but he managed a bow. "Greetings, Marquis of Anning. If it is Her Highness’s command, Sun Cai will naturally comply."
After leaving the Academy, Yu Hui gave a brief farewell and departed.
Inside the carriage, Sun Cai remained sullen. Yan Zheng raised a brow. "You long to see her?"
"Who?" Sun Cai blinked before realization dawned, his eyes filling with reverence. "You mean Her Highness? There isn’t a single scholar from humble origins who doesn’t wish to meet her… Perhaps the Marquis is unaware? Last year, when the Imperial Academy opened its doors to new students, it was Her Highness who persuaded His Majesty to broaden the selection, allowing commoners like us to study alongside the scions of noble houses."
"Her Highness is truly a bodhisattva descended to earth, with compassion for all under heaven. My classmates and I have sworn an oath—to master both literature and martial arts, and to dedicate our lives to the imperial court!" He chuckled sheepishly. "Forgive my presumption, Marquis. But if I may be so bold, I wish to devote all I have learned to Her Highness. Without her, there would be no Sun Cai today. That is why I changed my name from ‘Sun Cai (wealth)’ to ‘Sun Cai (talent)’—to remind myself never to forget why I began studying in the first place!"
Yan Zheng fell silent.
An Sheng’s actions were nothing more than a means to secure loyalty. These scholars, with no backing or connections, would cling to even the slightest kindness.
Yet, as the sages said, one should judge actions, not intentions. And if that were the case, was her advocacy for opening the path of learning not a virtuous deed?
A sudden weariness weighed on him. His heart felt heavy, and inexplicably, he longed to see someone.
He wanted to see her smile, to hear her voice—and so, without hesitation, he acted.
Duke of Chu’s Mansion.
When the gatekeeper informed Chu Ruoyan, her first thought was that he had lost his mind!
To brazenly come knocking at her door—did Yan Zheng think her father no longer existed?
She rushed to the side gate, but before she could speak, a pale, slender hand seized her wrist.
In the next moment, she was pulled into a secluded corner, a pair of strong hands gripping her waist firmly.
"Yan Zheng! Have you gone mad?"
Her hissed rebuke was met with a self-deprecating murmur: "Almost."
Chu Ruoyan nearly retorted that he’d brought it upon himself.
She had warned him—until the truth was clear, he should stay away from An Sheng. But he hadn’t listened!
Yet, anger aside, feeling the faint tremble in his arms as he held her, her indignation crumbled.
After a pause, she reached up to rest a hand on his shoulder. "Are… are you alright?"
The corner of Yan Zheng’s lips lifted. Having coaxed her concern, he tightened his embrace without reservation. "I’m fine. I just suddenly wanted to see you." He tilted his face up, the usual cold gloom in his eyes softening. "It’s good that you’re here."
The unexpected confession left her stunned.
Chu Ruoyan’s cheeks burned, but with his arms around her, there was no escape.
After a flustered moment, she mumbled, "Then… then do you want to hold me a little longer?"
"A little isn’t—"
Before he could finish, Nanny Zhou’s loud coughing erupted from outside.
They turned to see Chu Ruolan standing there, her eyes nearly bulging out of her skull.
Meeting their gazes, she clapped her hands over her face. "I-I-I saw nothing!"
Chu Ruoyan flushed scarlet and pushed Yan Zheng away. "Third Sister—"
Chu Ruolan backpedaled as if she’d stumbled upon state secrets. "Keep going! I saw nothing, heard nothing—ow!"
She spun around and smacked straight into a doorframe, howling in pain.
Chu Ruoyan: "…"
Nanny Zhou rushed to support her. "Third Young Miss, let this old servant help you inside!"
Chu Ruolan shook her head vehemently. "No need!" But the swelling lump on her forehead was already forming.
With a sigh, Chu Ruoyan said, "Third Sister, I know a divine physician. Let him examine you." Before she could refuse, she added, "If your mother sees you like this, she’ll demand answers."
Only then did Chu Ruolan relent.
Chu Ruoyan had Nanny Zhou escort her to the carriage. When she turned back, she found Yan Zheng watching her with amusement. Annoyed, she snapped, "This is your doing, and you dare laugh?"
The man arched a brow, his grin widening. "Ah, Ruoyan, I’ve just realized—it seems all the wit in your family was bestowed upon you alone…"
Chu Ruoyan scoffed and turned away, refusing to humor him.
The carriage sped to Tianyi Tavern, where Chu Ruoyan fetched Old Divine Doctor Qin to tend to Chu Ruolan. Only then did she follow Yan Zheng back to the general’s residence.
Granny Sun had already been brought there. Upon learning Sun Cai was coming, she had dressed meticulously.
It had been twenty years since she last saw her son. She didn’t know how he looked now—whether he was tall or short, whether he took after his father or her…
Fidgeting nervously, she finally caught sight of him.
"Cai’er!" She rushed out, unable to contain herself—only to be met with Sun Cai’s detached composure.
He took half a step back, maintaining distance, then bowed politely. "You must be my mother."
Granny Sun trembled with emotion. "You… you recognize me?"
Sun Cai remained calm. "Yes. Her Highness told me that you gave me up so I could have a better life. She said you’ve endured the pain of separation all these years. Thus, Her Highness commanded that I must honor and care for you."
"Rest assured, Mother. Once I attain an official post, I will beg Her Highness for the privilege of allowing you to serve in her household. Her Highness dislikes useless people, so you must tend to her gardens diligently—without a single misstep. If you displease her, I’ll have no choice but to send you far away."
Granny Sun’s heart turned to ice.
