Chapter 31: Would a man not of the Sage Realm dare say such a thing?

Yunlu Academy, nestled beside the southern edge of the Tiace Dynasty’s capital, is not only the largest academy in the imperial city but also a sacred place for countless scholars.

The academy occupies a towering peak, shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a fairyland; whenever dawn breaks or the sun sets, golden light pierces the thin haze, bathing the ancient buildings in a glow that adds further mystery and solemnity.

Early in the morning, a caravan slowly halted at the foot of the mountain, and from within a luxurious carriage, Princess Li Si stepped down slowly via a small ladder.

A gentle mountain breeze brushed against her robes and long hair.

Li Si had loved reading since childhood and was the most renowned talented woman in the imperial capital.

Yunlu Academy was also her favorite place to visit.

Today, she came to see it for the last time, for yesterday she had received word that the northern envoys had arrived in the capital.

According to longstanding tradition, she, as an unmarried princess, was essentially a pawn in a political marriage.

Though she felt reluctant, as a member of the imperial family and a well-educated woman, she had long accepted this outcome.

She walked along the academy’s stone-paved path, gazing at the lush pines and cypresses and the ever-blooming flowers beside her; the air carried a faint scent of books and blossoms, which once brought her peace and joy, but now only brought gloom.

Within the academy, familiar pavilions appeared—the Library, the Lecture Hall, the Quiet Reflection Garden…

These were all places where she frequently read and attended lessons.

“Greetings, Princess Nine.”

“Greetings, Princess Nine.”

Wherever Li Si passed, scholars came forward to greet her.

She nodded to each in turn, her smile gentle and reserved, inspiring admiration yet deterring any hint of disrespect.

Watching Li Si’s retreating figure, the scholars sighed deeply, feeling sorrow yet powerless to change it.

“Student Li Si bows to Master.”

Inside the Star-Gazing Pavilion, Li Si bowed before the Master.

The Confucian scholars listening nearby rose to their feet and bowed as well upon seeing Li Si.

Scholars observe many formalities, and this round of greetings took considerable time.

“Princess Nine has arrived? Please sit. Where was I just now?”

The speaker was the founder of Yunlu Academy, known as Master Yu.

He was revered by countless scholars of the Tiace Dynasty.

He had once traveled among the states, debating Dao with numerous great Confucians and never once lost ground.

When the late Emperor was alive, he had wished to recruit Master Yu into court service, but Master Yu had politely declined every time.

Master Yu was pure in nature—he simply loved reading and giving lectures.

His disciples were scattered throughout the Tiace Dynasty, many holding high positions in court; one could say he had students everywhere.

Anyone who thought him a frail scholar was utterly mistaken.

Master Yu stood eight feet tall, bald with a long white beard, his face broad and fleshy; a thin white robe could not conceal his sixteen abdominal muscles.

His arms were thicker than an ordinary man’s head.

If he changed clothes and stepped outside, everyone would assume he was a warrior.

At nearly seventy, Master Yu reached the Sage Realm, then abandoned martial arts for literature, becoming obsessed with reading, studying from dawn till dusk, and delighting in every new insight he gained from books.

This was precisely why, during his travels, he never lost ground in debates with other great Confucians.

After all, even if those Confucians outargued him, they still had to consider his feelings.

Otherwise, if this man flew into a rage and swung his fists, who could withstand him?

Over time, Master Yu’s reputation spread, and many scholars came seeking to study under him.

He established Yunlu Academy in the capital, and its fame quickly spread throughout the entire Tiace Dynasty.

Li Si was Master Yu’s disciple, and he admired her pure thirst for knowledge.

The late Emperor was too occupied with state affairs to pay her much attention, and Li Si spent more time at the academy than in the palace.

Master Yu cherished her deeply, treating her as his own daughter.

For anyone else, this would be treason—how dare one treat the Emperor’s daughter as one’s own?

But Master Yu was a Sage, and he possessed the transcendent authority and status to do so.

Moreover, the late Emperor occasionally visited the academy to play chess and converse with Master Yu, making Li Si’s status as the academy’s favorite entirely legitimate.

Not only did Master Yu dote on her, but nearly every living scholar in the academy longed to become Imperial Son-in-Law.

Li Si was one of the capital’s two supreme beauties, unmatched in both beauty and status.

Whoever married her would save decades of struggle.

Several scholars present were her admirers; some had even confessed their feelings to her, only to be expelled from the academy by Master Yu himself.

Since then, no such incidents had occurred.

Master Yu merely wished to provide Li Si with a peaceful environment for study, free from the complications of romantic emotion.

“Master, I have come today to bid you farewell.”

The sorrow in Li Si’s voice moved everyone who heard it.

As disciples of Yunlu Academy, many of them held positions in court, so news traveled quickly.

They were well aware of the northern court’s proposal for a marriage alliance.

Hence, when Li Si arrived, many scholars wore expressions of regret.

Upon hearing Li Si’s farewell, the Confucian scholars’ faces instantly filled with outrage.

“Hmph! How can the Emperor be so weak? To seek temporary peace through marriage alliance!” A scholar in blue robes slammed his fist on the table, eyes blazing with anger.

!

“Indeed! Our great nation cannot allow the barbarian northern court to bully us so! If we truly marry Princess Nine to them, won’t the whole world laugh at us?” Another scholar shook his head, voice heavy with helplessness and fury.

“This act of the Emperor brings grief to kin and joy to enemies! Where is our nation’s dignity? Where is the people’s honor?” A thin-faced scholar clenched his fists, his voice trembling with emotion.

“If this is truly to happen, how can we scholars sit idly by? We must submit a memorial to directly admonish the Emperor and restore proper order!” An elderly scholar rose, gaze firm, words resolute.

For Confucians to speak so openly of the Emperor—such words, if leaked, would surely mean execution.

But this was the academy, guarded by Master Yu, who made no move to stop them; moreover, their admiration for Li Si had clouded their judgment.

Master Yu set down his book, stroked his beard, and gazed at Li Si with tender affection.

“Si, if you do not wish to go, the academy is your home.”

At these words, every scholar in the room was stirred to excitement.

Master Yu was a Sage—his words meant he would protect Li Si.

Even the late Emperor himself would have to yield to Master Yu’s authority.

“Thank you, Master, for your kindness. I am an imperial scion, and I must contribute to the stability of the Tiace Dynasty. I am grateful for your teachings and those of my fellow scholars.”

The more dutiful Li Si became, the more painful it was to let her go.

Master Yu did not wish to see her suffer, but he respected her choice.

Yet as the scholars erupted in righteous fury, preparing to draft a joint memorial, Li Si’s maid rushed in.

“Are you being sent back so soon?”

Li Si assumed the maid had come to summon her to the palace to await her wedding.

After an engagement was sealed, she could no longer appear outside the palace, lest it damage the imperial family’s reputation.

When the maid said the Emperor had agreed to the marriage alliance, Li Si showed no reaction—she had already anticipated it.

But the maid took a breath and then relayed Li Chen’s subsequent words.

The Emperor agreed to the marriage alliance—but not by sending Princess Nine north; instead, he demanded that the northern royal family marry into the Tiace Dynasty!

Upon hearing Li Chen’s audacious demand, not only did Li Si’s eyes widen in shock, but even Master Yu showed a flicker of surprise.

This news, like a spring breeze, instantly swept away the gloom in the scholars’ hearts.

Their expressions instantly turned reverent and admiring, and they began praising the Emperor’s wisdom and might.

“Ah! So that’s it! The Emperor is truly far-sighted—this move not only upholds our nation’s dignity but also spares the princess the hardship of distant marriage! A brilliant two-fold solution!” The blue-robed scholar was the first to change his tune, voice brimming with admiration.

“Yes, yes! The Emperor’s valor and brilliance surpass all others! What a masterstroke! We were wrong to suspect him—we nearly misunderstood his noble intentions!” Another scholar quickly agreed, face flushed with shame.

“The Emperor’s action not only demonstrates our nation’s tolerance and magnanimity but also shows the northern court the true might of the Tiace Dynasty! Truly a wise and enlightened ruler!” The thin-faced scholar’s eyes gleamed with reverence, his words overflowing with praise.

“Indeed! With such wisdom, we scholars must remain loyal and serve the court! When the northern royal family enters our land, our nation will surely flourish!” The elderly scholar rose again, voice filled with excitement and hope for the future.

Watching this, Master Yu could only stare in disbelief—hadn’t these very men been the loudest in condemning the Emperor moments ago?

How could they switch sides so swiftly? Do they have no principles?

Li Si could never have imagined that her usually quiet brother, whom she had barely seen, could be so commanding.

Master Yu fell silent for a moment, then said: “Si, your brother is undoubtedly a Sage.”

Li Si asked, puzzled: “How can you be certain?”

Master Yu smiled faintly: “Who but a Sage would dare say such a thing?”

Li Si: “That makes sense.”

For the first time, Li Si felt genuine curiosity toward someone.

(End of Chapter)