Chapter 31

Yunlu Academy, nestled on the southern bank of the Great Tian Ce Dynasty's capital, was not only the largest academy in the Imperial Capital but also a sacred place in the hearts of countless scholars.

The academy occupied a towering mountain peak, with clouds and mist swirling around the mountains, resembling a fairyland. Whenever the morning sun first shone or the sunset faded, golden sunlight would pierce through the thin mist, spilling onto the ancient buildings, adding a touch of mystery and solemnity.

Early in the morning, a motorcade slowly stopped at the foot of the mountain. In a luxurious carriage, the Ninth Princess, Li Li Sining, stepped down the small ladder.

The mountain breeze blew gently, caressing her dress and long hair.

Li Li Sining had loved reading since she was a child and was the most famous talented woman in the Imperial Capital.

Yunlu Academy was also her favorite place to visit.

Today, she was taking a last look at this place because she had received news yesterday that the Northern envoys had arrived in the Imperial Capital.

According to the old rules, she, an unmarried princess, was basically a sacrifice for a political marriage.

Although she was somewhat unwilling, as a member of the royal family, she, being well-read and sensible, had long been clear about this outcome.

She strolled along the bluestone path of Yunlu Academy, looking at the lush pines and cypresses and the flowers that bloomed in all seasons nearby. The air was filled with a faint scent of books and flowers. Normally, these things would have made her feel relaxed and happy, but now there was only gloom.

Inside the academy, familiar pavilions appeared one after another: the library, the lecture hall, the contemplation garden...

These were all places where she often read books and attended lectures.

"Greetings, Ninth Princess."

"Greetings, Ninth Princess."

Wherever Li Li Sining passed, scholars would come over to greet her.

She nodded in response to each one, her smile gentle and subtle, making people yearn for her, yet not daring to have the slightest bit of profanity.

Watching Li Li Sining's departing back, the scholars sighed deeply, seemingly filled with regret but helpless.

"Student Li Li Sining pays respects to the Master."

Inside the Star Gazing Pavilion, Li Li Sining bowed to the Master before her.

The scholars listening to the lecture nearby saw Li Li Sining appear and also began to stand up and bow.

Scholars had many tedious rituals, and this set of etiquette took quite some time.

"The Ninth Princess is here. Sit down quickly. Where did I just leave off?"

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

He was a figure revered by countless scholars in the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

He had traveled to many countries and debated with countless great Confucian scholars without ever falling behind.

When the late Emperor was alive, he had intended to recruit him as a government official, but he had politely declined.

Master Yu was a pure person; he just loved reading books and giving lectures.

His students were spread all over the May Tian Ce Dynasty, and there were quite a few in the imperial court; it could be said that his students were everywhere.

If anyone thought he was a weak scholar, they would be very wrong.

Master Yu was eight feet tall, with a bald head and a big white beard, a face full of brawn, and a thin white robe that couldn't hide his sixteen-pack abs.

Especially his arms, which were bigger than most people's heads.

If he were to change his clothes and go out, everyone would think he was a martial artist.

Master Yu reached the Sage Realm at the age of nearly seventy, then abandoned martial arts for literature, becoming obsessed with reading books, reading from morning till night every day, often feeling happy because of the knowledge he gained from books.

This was the main reason why he could debate with other great Confucian scholars while traveling to various countries without falling behind.

After all, even if the Confucian scholars on the other side could out-argue him, they had to consider his feelings.

Otherwise, if this guy got anxious and started swinging, who could withstand it?

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

He opened Yunlu Academy in the Imperial Capital, and for a time, his fame spread throughout the Great Tian Ce Dynasty.

Li Li Sining was a student of Master Yu, and Master Yu appreciated her pure thirst for knowledge.

The late Emperor was busy with state affairs and had little time to care for Li Li Sining; Li Li Sining spent even more time in the academy than in the Imperial Palace.

Master Yu also loved her very much, treating her as his own.

If this were anyone else, it would be treasonous—daring to treat the Emperor's daughter as one's own?

But Master Yu was in the Sage Realm; he had this transcendent capital and status.

Coupled with the fact that the late Emperor would occasionally come to the academy to play chess and chat with Master Yu, Li Li Sining became the academy's pet in a logical way.

It wasn't just Master Yu's love; most of the breathing, living scholars in the academy—who wouldn't want to be the son-in-law?

Li Li Sining was one of the two peerless beauties of the Imperial Capital, and both her beauty and status were top-tier.

If anyone married her, they would save decades of detours.

There were quite a few scholars on the scene who were admirers of Li Li Sining. Several scholars had once confessed to Li Li Sining, but they were discovered by Master Yu, who directly threw them out of the academy.

Since then, no similar incidents had occurred.

Master Yu actually just wanted Li Li Sining to have a good learning environment and didn't want complex emotions to disturb this princess who loved to learn.

"Master, Li Sining is here today to say goodbye to you."

The sorrow in Li Li Sining's words truly made everyone who heard it feel heartache.

As students of Yunlu Academy, with many fellow disciples in the court, the academy naturally had very well-informed news.

They naturally knew a thing or two about the Wang Ting envoys coming for a marriage alliance.

That was why many scholars showed regretful expressions when Li Li Sining arrived.

Hearing Li Li Sining come to say goodbye, the faces of the surrounding scholars were instantly filled with indignation.

"Hmph, how can the Emperor be so weak and incompetent? To actually use a marriage alliance to trade for a moment of peace!" A scholar in a green shirt slammed the table and stood up, his eyes full of anger.

!

"Indeed, our dynasty is a great power; how can we be bullied like this by the Wang Ting of the barbarian lands? If the Ninth Princess is really married off, wouldn't we be laughed at by the whole world?" Another scholar shook his head and sighed, his tone full of helplessness and indignation.

"The Emperor's move is truly painful to friends and gratifying to enemies! Where is the majesty of our dynasty? Where is the face of the people?" A scholar with a refined face clenched his fists, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"If this is really the case, how can we scholars sit idly by? We must submit a petition to remonstrate and rectify the court!" An older scholar stood up, his gaze firm and his words resounding.

The scholars actually dared to speak about the Emperor like this; if such remarks were spread, most would be beheaded.

But this was the academy, with Master Yu presiding. Master Yu did not stop them, and coupled with their admiration for Li Li Sining, they were also carried away.

Master Yu also put down his book, stroked his beard, and looked at Li Li Sining with a kind face.

"Li Sining, if you don't want to go, the academy will be your home."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the scholars present were very excited.

Master Yu was in the Sage Realm; saying this meant he was going to protect Li Li Sining.

Never mind this new Emperor, even if the late Emperor came, he would have to give Master Yu face.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master. Li Sining is a member of the royal family and should contribute to the stability of the May Tian Ce Dynasty. Thank you, Master and fellow brothers, for your teachings."

The more sensible Li Li Sining was, the more she made people reluctant to part with her.

Master Yu actually didn't want to see Li Li Sining like this, but he respected Li Li Sining's choice.

But the scholars on the scene were in an uproar, and just as they were thinking about submitting a joint petition, Li Li Sining's maid ran in.

"Are you going back so soon?"

Li Li Sining thought the maid was telling her to go back to the palace to wait for the marriage.

Because once there was a marriage contract, she could not appear outside the Imperial Palace, as it would affect the reputation of the royal family.

When the maid said the Emperor had agreed to the marriage alliance, Li Li Sining had no ripples; she had long since thought of it.

But the maid caught her breath and then relayed what Li Chen had said afterward.

The Emperor agreed to the marriage alliance, not to marry the Ninth Princess to the north, but to have the Northern Wang Ting's royal family marry into the May Tian Ce Dynasty!

Upon hearing Li Chen's lion's opening of the mouth, let alone Li Li Sining widening her eyes, even Master Yu had a look of slight surprise.

This news was like a spring breeze, instantly blowing away the gloom in the hearts of the scholars present.

Their faces instantly became respectful and pious, and they began to praise the Emperor's wisdom and martial prowess.

"Oh my, so that's how it is! The Emperor is truly far-sighted. This move can both manifest the majesty of our dynasty and avoid the suffering of the princess marrying far away. It's truly killing two birds with one stone!" The scholar in the green shirt was the first to change his tune, his tone full of admiration.

"Yes, yes, yes, the Emperor is unparalleled in martial prowess. Such a brilliant plan is beyond the reach of ordinary people! We were truly small-minded and almost misunderstood the Emperor's painstaking efforts!" Another scholar also quickly echoed, a look of shame appearing on his face.

"The Emperor's move not only manifests the tolerance and magnanimity of our dynasty but also lets the Northern Wang Ting know the power of our May Tian Ce Dynasty! He is truly a wise monarch of his generation!" The scholar with the refined face had eyes sparkling with admiration, his words full of praise for the Emperor.

"Indeed, the Emperor is so wise. As scholars, we should be even more loyal to the country and serve the court! Once the Northern royal family marries in, our dynasty will surely become even more prosperous!" The older scholar also stood up excitedly, his voice full of longing and expectation for the future.

Seeing this, Master Yu was speechless. Weren't you the ones who were cursing the loudest just now?

How can you change your faces so quickly? Do you have no principles!

Li Li Sining could never have imagined that this brother, who was usually low-key and whom she hadn't even seen a few times, was actually so domineering.

Master Yu pondered for a moment and said: "Li Sining, your brother is definitely in the Sage Realm, without a doubt."

Li Li Sining asked suspiciously: "How can you tell?"

Master Yu smiled slightly: "With words like these, if he weren't in the Sage Realm, would he dare to say them?"

Li Li Sining: ". That makes sense."

For the first time, Li Li Sining felt curious about someone.

(End of chapter)