Chapter 174: Until when does Young Master intend to keep holding the two of us, master and disciple

Suddenly having her waist, which had never been touched by anyone, embraced, Wei Youqing was stunned at first, then immediately became shy.

Subconsciously, her instinct was to break free.

But in a flash of thought, she stopped herself from doing something that would make Ning Mu lose face in front of such a crowd.

She only blushed, pursed her lips slightly, and her gaze began to drift.

But when she noticed that after embracing her, Ning Mu had, without the slightest concealment, immediately gone on to also wrap his arm around the fragrant, fair shoulders of Pi Yalu, the First Disciple she had just taken, she was stunned.

She was instantly dumbfounded.

Pi Yalu was likewise stunned.

She had never expected that Brother Ning, whom she had always revered for his outstanding literary talent, kind heart, and magnanimous nature, would be so "impolite" to her in front of the master she had just bowed to! And subconsciously, seeing that her master did not resist, she hesitated for a moment, then remained silent, letting Ning Mu hold her.

She hesitated for a moment, then remained silent, letting Ning Mu hold her.

Immediately after.

Listening to the words spoken by Ning Mu, both women frowned.

Right then.

Wei Youqing temporarily suppressed the shyness in her heart, turning instead to glare with annoyance at Qi Yulou, who was standing opposite her with a flash of resentment in his eyes and looking somewhat at a loss.

"Junior Nephew, I have been taught!"

Wei Youqing spoke in a cold voice, almost through gritted teeth.

It sounded like she was saying she had been taught.

But in reality, it made Qi Yulou panic instantly.

She was his Junior Uncle.

Whether in terms of seniority or status, the one who should be teaching and guiding was her.

Not him! "Junior Uncle, please don't misunderstand, that is not what your Junior Nephew meant!" Qi Yulou hurriedly tried to explain.

Wei Youqing gave a cold snort and said indifferently: "Then what did you mean?"

"Disciple means... means..."

Qi Yulou's eyes were panicked, and for a moment he did not know how to explain.

When he noticed that Ning Mu opposite him was not only holding his Junior Uncle on the left but also embracing his Junior Sister on the right, he was instantly consumed by rage, glared at Ning Mu, and pointed at him, shouting: "Junior Uncle, this person is too impolite! Your Junior Nephew's intention was to hope that Junior Uncle would not be deceived by him!"

"Since he has a past with Junior Sister, why must he provoke Junior Uncle?"

"Junior Uncle is a true hero, a Disciple of the Master, possessing a divine appearance and a beauty that could topple kingdoms; those who revere you are as numerous as the sands of the sea. With Junior Uncle's stature, even if your ideal match is not a royal noble of some nation, it should at least be a dashing and talented prodigy who is devoted only to you!"

"Yet this person is a philanderer who runs gambling dens and builds brothels; he is a scoundrel who has committed every evil. Does such filth deserve, does he deserve to hold Junior Uncle in his arms?"

Qi Yulou was filled with righteous indignation.

Especially when he mentioned "talented prodigy," he deliberately emphasized his tone and struck a pose he considered dashing.

Then he glared at Ning Mu's hand, which was rubbing Wei Youqing's slender willow waist.

Bastard, he was still touching her! And these words completely caused Wei Youqing's expression to darken.

Within her extremely unnatural expression, there was a mix of shyness and anger.

"Junior Nephew, Qi Yulou, you are overstepping your bounds!"

Wei Youqing stared at Qi Yulou, word by word, her eyes filled with warning.

"Even your master, Li Xiuyuan, would not dare to clamor like this in front of me. You, a mere junior, how dare you insult me so?"

"Tomorrow morning, you will leave the mountain and take the disciples back to the Academy!"

"If there is any further act of disrespect, you shall be expelled from the Academy!"

Wei Youqing flicked her sleeve and turned around directly.

As a true Disciple of the Master and an Instructor Libation, let alone Qi Yulou, she even had the authority to expel ordinary officials from the Academy.

Gasp! Hearing these words.

Qi Yulou was suddenly terrified, stepping back several paces in disbelief.

He had not expected that even if his relationship with his Junior Uncle was not deeply affectionate, they had at least spent a long time together and were on good terms.

But now.

Just because he had said a few things he shouldn't have, she was actually going to expel him from the Academy?

Qi Yulou dared not speak again.

But the look in his eyes as he stared at Ning Mu was full of venom.

"Yes... Disciple takes his leave!"

Qi Yulou bowed respectfully to Wei Youqing, his face deathly pale.

Ning Mu shrugged, happy to see this outcome.

Then, without even looking at Qi Yulou, who looked like a stray dog, he walked straight toward Ningyang Stronghold, still holding Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu.

Along the way.

All three were silent.

It was not that they didn't want to speak, but they didn't know what to say.

But after a long time had passed.

Seeming to finally react.

Wei Youqing looked slightly to the side at Pi Yalu, who was being held by the shoulder on Ning Mu's other side, then her face turned slightly red. She looked at Ning Mu, her gaze drifting a few times, and pouted, saying: "How long does Young Master intend to keep holding the two of us, master and disciple?"

Pi Yalu's face instantly turned a deep crimson.

At the same time.

In the depths of her heart, a trace of bitterness flashed for no reason.

If Brother Ning and her master were in love, then since she had already become a disciple, should she keep a certain distance from Brother Ning?

Otherwise, how would the Master conduct herself? And how should I conduct myself?

Thinking of this, Pi Yalu could not help but shift slightly to the side, turning her body to lift Ning Mu's hand from her shoulder.

Although she felt some reluctance.

She still lowered her head slightly, lowered her eyes, and said in a soft voice, "Brother Ning, Pi merely does not wish for you to lose face in front of Senior Brother Qi. Now that he has not followed us, Brother Ning... please show some self-respect!"

After speaking, she retreated another half-step and glanced at Wei Youqing.

By saying this, she was not only distancing herself from Ning Mu but also indirectly indicating to the Master that she could withdraw from this three-way competition.

Ning Mu laughed heartily and naturally let go of both of them.

Regarding the words of Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu, he was not in the least bit embarrassed; instead, he smiled quite naturally and said, "Ah Qing, Yalu, it is not that I care for face, but rather that your beauty and talent have caused me to be this way; my feelings of admiration have never ceased!"

At this moment.

The place where the three of them stood was the roadside of a cliff in a mountain valley, fortunately cleared by the power of Liu Qingmei, a True Person.

One could enjoy the scenery alone on this cliff.

Then.

He was seen feigning a look of adoration yet daring not to reveal his heart, walking melancholically to the front of the cliff, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the scenery in the valley.

The fierce mountain wind whistled, blowing his hair and sleeves until they rustled.

It was as if the melancholy in his heart had been manifested by the wind.

Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu were unexpectedly moved by the lonely figure in the biting wind; not knowing what to say, they looked at each other hesitantly, and then both looked at his back.

Ning Mu, with his back to the two women, rolled his eyes.

Immediately, a voice filled with desolation was carried into their ears by the wind.

"Ah Qing, you have expressed your heart several times; how could I not know? It is just that, in the end, my status is humble and my words carry little weight, and there are hundreds of disaster victims behind me who need care, so for a time, I dared not respond to your heart."

"As for Yalu, as early as in Yonghang, I had long admired you, but alas, your father is the noble Prefect, while I am but a mere merchant. Even if I have made some small contributions to the disaster relief, it was an act of harming myself to benefit the victims. As a petty person like me, how could I dare to harbor greed for you?"

"Therefore, my admiration for you two heroines has always been deeply hidden in my heart, long unable to be forgotten! Today, by some coincidence, you both appeared at my Mountain Stronghold, so I thought, could this be an opportunity and fate bestowed upon me by Heaven?"

"If Heaven gives but one does not take, one will instead suffer the blame; if the time comes but one does not act, one will instead suffer the calamity!"

"Therefore, I have gathered my courage; if there is any offense, you two may simply take my life, sigh~"

A long sigh.

And then.

Ning Mu was seen closing his eyes, assuming the posture of one stretching his neck to await execution.

Against the wind, his hair fluttered up, obscuring his face.

"Mm~"

Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu both had their expressions freeze; after the astonishment in their beautiful eyes, soft light could not help but emerge.

And before the two could speak.

At this time.

A melodious singing voice was heard, carried by the wind, the sound mixed with sorrow and longing.

"There are two beauties, seeing them I cannot forget.

Not seeing them for a day, the longing is like madness.

The phoenix flies and soars, seeking a mate across the four seas.

Alas, the beauties, are not at the eastern wall.

Using the zither to replace words, to write of my inner heart.

When will I be accepted, to soothe my wandering heart.

Wishing to match our virtues, to walk hand in hand.

If we cannot fly together, it will lead to my demise." 【From Sima Xiangru's "Phoenix Seeking Phoenix"】

This is...

Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu were both stunned.

One as a Disciple of the Master, the other as a newly promoted Disciple of Jixia Academy, their literary attainments were absolutely among the best in the Confucian Sect.

How could they not hear that the lyrics Ning Mu sang were an excellent piece of poetry?

The two had never heard this poem before.

By rights, given the popularity and literary value of this poem, once it appeared in the world, it would surely become one of the most popular works.

Then there was only one possibility.

This was completely improvised by Ning Mu on the spot, inspired by the moment! Hiss...

Being able to speak in verse was one thing.

But such a masterpiece was delivered so naturally and casually.

Even the ability of the Master would probably be no more than this! Using the phoenix to represent people.

The Feng is male, the Huang is female.

One Feng and two Huang, although a bit outrageous, were not abrupt.

The whole poem was simple in language but deep in meaning, the rhythm was smooth and bright, the emotion was passionate and unrestrained yet deep and lingering, blending the beauty of the Chu Ci style with the freshness and clarity of folk songs.

In the end, the expressions of the two softened slightly, and the tenderness flickering in their eyes became even brighter.

"Young Master Ning, I have already understood your heart. The world changes, and I do not mean to blame you."

Wei Youqing took the initiative to speak, walking to Ning Mu's side and standing still; the wind blew her hair up, blurring her eyes.

Her voice was melodious, like an oriole in the mountains, crisp and firm.

"Brother Ning, Pi does not blame you either, but now, I am already a disciple of my mentor, and worldly etiquette must still be observed. If my mentor and Brother Ning are in love, I am willing to call Brother Ning 'Master-in-law', how about that?"

Pi Yalu also stepped forward, standing on the other side of Ning Mu, her eyes gazing at the boundless horizon, still lingering with regret.

Such a talented, Literary Talent, and extraordinarily handsome young man—if one could spend the years with him, playing the zither and flute in harmony, it would truly be a joy in life.

But, in the end, there was no fate to be together! Wei Youqing, standing to the side, pursed her lips upon hearing this and said nothing more, though shy emotions flickered in her eyes.

This problem is a bit serious.

A master and disciple competing for the same man—what would it look like if this got out? But if she yielded to Pi Yalu, what would happen to her own system? After much thought, Wei Youqing could only remain silent.

For all problems, time will provide the best answer!

She thought for a moment, changed the subject, and said, "Young Master Ning, that poem you just chanted, was it composed by yourself?"

"It was just a whim, a flash of inspiration."

Ning Mu smiled slightly, neither denying nor confirming it.

In his heart, he silently apologized to Senior Sima; plagiarizing his poem was a great sin.

Hearing these words, both Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu were stunned.

A whim, and one could write such a popular and celebrated masterpiece?

If this poem were taken to the Sacrificial Saint Festival, I fear even the statue of the Literary Saint would flip over! Wei Youqing could not help but recall a sentence her master had once said.

"Essays are naturally formed by heaven; a master hand obtains them by chance."

It seems that Young Master Ning Mu has already reached the realm in literary attainment that her master spoke of! "Ah Qing, Yalu, since you two have decided to stay and help me, let me assign you both a task first." Ning Mu looked at the two women with a smile.

"What is it?"

"Please give your orders, Brother Ning."

Wei Youqing and Pi Yalu spoke one after the other.

Ning Mu said, "I want to establish an academy here in Ningyang Mountain. From the elderly down to the children, no money or tuition is needed; all may enter the academy to study. We shall teach the words of the Saint above, and Martial Dao knowledge below. As long as it is something beneficial to life, it may be taught."

"I have even thought of the name for this academy!"

"That poem just now was called Phoenix Seeking Phoenix, metaphorically referring to this humble, lonely phoenix, Ning, pursuing two divine phoenix fairies. Let the name of this academy be Phoenix Academy. What do you two think?"

Ning Mu looked at them.

Pi Yalu's eyes were sparkling; she had previously served as a lecturer at White Deer Academy, so this was her old job.

But Wei Youqing frowned.

Immediately, she looked at Ning Mu with a strange expression and said, "Opening an academy is fine, but isn't the scope of students a bit too large? Isn't the content being taught a bit too broad? If too many people are enlightened, I fear it will not be a good thing for you."

Ning Mu was startled, but he quickly understood Wei Youqing's thinking.

Wei Youqing had lived at Jixia Academy for many years and must have had deep interactions with those royal nobles, knowing some secrets.

But he shrugged and smiled calmly, saying, "It's just one academy; how many people can really be enlightened?"

Hearing this, Wei Youqing blinked; that was indeed the truth.

"Alright then, I will certainly not fail the mission." Wei Youqing smiled and cupped her hands.

The three chatted and laughed as they set off to return to the mountain.

After returning to the mountain, Wei Youqing took Pi Yalu to get settled, and that Qi Yulou actually followed along; although he dared not approach from afar, he did not leave either.

Ning Mu said nothing, and Wei Youqing acted as if she did not see him.

And just as Ning Mu returned to the main hall.

He saw a beautiful figure approaching with a slightly flustered expression.

"Ning Zhaozhu... I wonder if you have time now? I, Zhu, have an important matter to discuss!"

Zhu Yaluan, dressed in tight-fitting clothes, suddenly rushed into the hall, then her knees softened, and she knelt before Ning Mu, cupping her hands.

Her fair face was filled with panic, and pleading flickered in her eyes.

"I beg Ning Zhaozhu to uphold justice for me!"

As her voice fell, Zhu Yaluan let go of her hands, prostrated herself on the ground, and let out a plea in a fearful and emotional tone.

(End of this chapter)