Although Ye Chutang had never met Song Jingning, nor heard his voice before, she immediately recognized him by his light and cheerful tone.
She was quite eager to meet Song Jingning, the “Wenchu Star” descended to earth, but since she had just refused the arranged marriage, now wasn’t the right time.
“Director Song…”
Just as she spoke, Song Jingning was stopped by a servant outside the main hall.
“Fifth Young Master, the director is currently receiving an important guest.”
Song Jingning immediately took a step back.
“Tell my elder brother that I’ll be waiting for him in his study.”
With that, he turned and left.
Song Zhiyan had intended to invite Song Jingning in, but seeing that Ye Chutang didn’t want to meet him, he said nothing.
After Song Jingning left, he said, “Miss Ye, I understand your feelings. Matters of the heart cannot be forced. But I believe if you meet Jingning, you’ll surely become good friends.”
Ye Chutang smiled, “I think so too. There will be a chance to meet him, just not today.”
With that, she stood up. “Director Song and the Fifth Young Master haven’t seen each other for a long time. I won’t keep you from your reunion.”
Song Zhiyan hadn’t seen Song Jingning for five years and missed him quite a bit.
“I’ll have someone take Miss Ye to find Young Master Ye.”
“Alright. When I leave later, I won’t bother greeting Director Song.”
Song Zhiyan had no objections. “Very well. Miss Ye, when do you plan to start your calligraphy lessons?”
“On the first and fifteenth of every month. It’s easier to remember.”
“Then it’s settled.”
After speaking, Song Zhiyan called in a servant.
“Take Miss Ye to find her younger brother.”
“Yes, Director.”
Ye Chutang followed the servant out.
Hua Court Academy was the largest academy in the capital.
Its buildings covered an area comparable to a palace, with beautiful scenery and a strong scholarly atmosphere.
Students of all ages could be seen, from young children to the elderly.
The servant didn’t know where Ye Anjun was, so he asked along the way.
He kindly explained things to Ye Chutang as they walked.
The more she listened, the more Ye Chutang felt that the Song family’s ancestors were not only time travelers but also educators.
Though the teaching content was ancient, the methods were modern.
They tailored education to each student’s abilities, developed their strengths, balanced study and rest, and aimed for all-around development—morality, wisdom, physical health, aesthetics, and labor!
Soon, Ye Chutang found Anjun at the archery range.
The servant said, “The founder of the academy once said: the body is the foundation of learning. So a training ground was set up for the students to strengthen their bodies. If one can master both literary and martial arts, that’s the best.”
Although since the academy’s establishment, those excelling in both were few and far between, the training ground was still a great place for students to relax.
Ye Chutang nodded in agreement. “Without good health, it’s hard to endure the three-day imperial examinations.”
“That’s true, Miss Ye and Young Master Ye, please take your time. I’ll take my leave.”
Anjun immediately stepped forward when he saw Ye Chutang approaching.
“Big sister, do you know how to shoot arrows?”
Seeing Anjun’s enthusiasm, Ye Chutang patted his head and asked Zigui, “May I give it a try?”
“Please, Miss Ye, feel free.”
Some students at the training ground recognized Ye Chutang and quickly gathered their friends to watch.
By the time Ye Chutang took a bow and an arrow from the rack under the corridor, quite a crowd had gathered.
She stood right there, nocked the arrow, drew the bow, and aimed at the target farthest away.
The bowstring stretched to its limit, then released.
With a sharp whistle, the arrow shot forth, striking dead center on the target.
“Wow... incredible! The arrow actually pierced right through the bullseye.”
“I always knew Miss Ye was brilliant in her studies, but I didn’t expect her martial skills to be this impressive.”
“Miss Ye is only the second person I’ve seen since joining the academy to shoot straight through the target.”
“The first must have been Young Master Haoyue, right?”
Ye Chutang knew that Young Master Haoyue was Song Jingning.
After five years of traveling and studying, Song Jingning’s skills were as brilliant and far-reaching as the bright moon on a clear night.
He truly deserved that title.
She glanced at the murmuring students and said, “Practicing martial arts not only strengthens the body but also helps protect oneself and others.”
With a smile, she tapped Jun’er lightly on the nose.
“Jun’er, you must remember, accidents can happen at any time. Surviving is the only way to have a future.”
And to survive, one must have the ability to defend oneself.
Jun’er nodded lightly. “Big Sister, I will master both literature and martial arts.”
After saying this, he took Ye Chutang’s hand and said to Zigui, “Please take us to the next place.”
Zigui gestured politely. “Right this way, both of you.”
Ye Chutang thought the Huating Academy was vast, and since Jun’er was physically weak, he couldn’t walk too far.
She told Zigui, “Just show us the places Jun’er will visit after enrolling.”
Zigui nodded. “Alright, we’ll start with the Early Childhood Enlightenment School.”
After visiting the school, then the dining hall, they proceeded to the resting quarters.
Exiting the academy, they passed through the garden’s water pavilion, pavilions, towers, and the winding nine-bend corridor.
Suddenly, Ye Chutang heard a familiar voice and paused mid-step.
“Brother, I still want to continue my studies abroad. Marrying a wife now would be unfair to the girl,” said Song Jingning’s voice.
“Jingning, you’re not getting any younger. If you keep delaying, it will be harder to marry the girl you desire,” Song Zhiyan urged.
“When fate comes, the girl you long for will appear,” Jingning replied.
“You’re always so carefree. I’ve already sent word home; our parents are waiting for you.”
At the end of the corridor, Song Jingning waved to Song Zhiyan behind him.
“Alright, Brother, I’ll head home first.”
A branch with blooming flowers stretched into view, just enough to obscure Song Jingning’s face.
Ye Chutang only caught a glimpse of a figure clad in moon-white brocade, elegant and poised.
After Song Jingning left, Ye Chutang and Jun’er walked along the corridor out of the academy.
At the gate, a young attendant said, “Miss Ye, the dean has arranged a carriage for you.”
“Please thank Dean Song for me,” Ye Chutang replied.
She and Jun’er climbed into the carriage.
As the curtain was drawn, Song Jingning unexpectedly turned back.
He instinctively glanced over.
Ye Chutang felt the gaze and looked back.
The curtain fell, blocking their view of each other.
The coachman turned his head toward the carriage and asked, “Miss Ye, shall I take you back to the Minister’s Mansion?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Of course. Please be seated, Miss Ye and Young Master.”
The coachman spoke and then drove off.
Song Jingning watched the carriage disappear into the distance, his chest feeling a little heavy, as if he had just missed something important.
He got off, holding a bundle, and asked the gatekeeper, “Why are there women at the academy now?”
“Sir, that was the famous Miss Ye from all over the capital.”
Song Jingning had long known about Ye Chutang.
At first, the Song family had wanted him to marry Ye Chutang.
He wanted to understand what charm she possessed that made the entire family eager to arrange this marriage, so he made some inquiries.
That’s when he learned that the phrases “a prodigious talent beyond compare” and “a heart that loves all beings” were tailor-made to describe her.
He admired such a woman and wished to meet her—but certainly not as a matchmaker!
That would be too unfair to her.
Song Jingning thought to himself that there would be a chance to see Ye Chutang someday, so he restrained his thoughts.
He handed the bundle to the doorman.
Having studied abroad for five years, he had collected many gifts for his family and almost forgot to send them out.
“Take this to my eldest brother and remind him to come home early today.”
“Yes, Fifth Young Master.”
As Song Jingning mounted his carriage to leave, Ye Chutang’s carriage had already arrived at the street corner.
She clutched her chest, feeling a bit suffocated, and muttered softly,
“Could it be that I’m already showing signs of pregnancy so soon?”
Jun’er didn’t catch what Ye Chutang said clearly and cautiously looked at her.
“Eldest Sister, I have something very important to tell you.”
