It was almost the day of the Imperial Academy’s opening ceremony, and there was an air of uneasiness in the capital. The Jinyiwei and Dongchang could be seen running around every which way.

Dozens of carriages drove to the Imperial Academy one after another. From time to time, someone would open the carriage curtains and peek at the officers and soldiers passing by outside.

As for the students who were going to study, the older ones knew some things about these matters while the younger ones were just excited about the start of a new semester.

Just like the two people inside Liu Zhenqing’s carriage.

“I knew it would be no problem for Uncle Liu to act.” Huo Yunci was endlessly happy as she held the letter she had received from Huo Fenglie.

Liu Zhenqing propped up his chin and gazed outside: “Then the two of you must remember this kindness from me, ah. If your mother finds out, I’ll definitely say you forced me to do it, or else she’ll beat me.”

Huo Yunci hugged Huo Yunqian and said with a smile: “It’s okay, we’re loyal to our friends. If something happens, we’ll handle it ourselves!” 

Liu Zhenqing’s lips curved. He said to himself, your mother will definitely say I was the one who led you astray. She won’t even blame you.

He thought about how Li Xingruo had sent a matchmaker to his door the day before in order to go through the marriage proposal process in private first. This could be regarded as caring about their marriage and being a decent sister-in-law for a moment. If she found out later that he was pretending to be a substitute at a parent-teacher meeting, she would definitely scold him for having no conscience.

Liu Zhenqing put the curtain down and said: “When you see the instructors later, you must be good. Will you be able to pretend?”

The two brats immediately said it would be no problem.

Very soon, the carriage arrived at the foot of the mountain where the Imperial Academy was located. When Liu Zhenqing looked up and saw the familiar staircase, he couldn’t help but laugh.

Huo Yunci asked curiously: “Why are you laughing? Isn’t this your first time here?”

It was indeed Liu Xiaozhu’s first time here, but Liu Zhenqing was quite familiar with it.

“I just remembered…..an interesting thing your Second Uncle told me.”

The eyes of the two children instantly widened. They wondered what kind of thing their indifferent-natured Second Uncle could have said, and inquired even more curiously.

“Back then, your parents went to school here and often sneaked down the mountain to play in the middle of the night. One winter, someone poured water on the stairs so that they turned to ice. But they were unaware, and slid directly from the top of the mountain to the bottom as soon as they came out. If your father hadn’t been able to do martial arts, your mother would’ve become disabled.”

Liu Zhenqing thought about the tragic situation their group of three found themselves in back then. It was really…..incomparably embarrassing. Li Xingruo hurt her butt after falling and couldn’t get out of bed for ten days, and Liu Zhenqing dislocated his arm. The instructors were unaware of their mischievous nature at that time, and all felt it was strange. How could two people who were resting well inside the academy have gotten injured?

After hearing Liu Zhenqing’s depiction of events, the twins wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to, so they could only endure and pretend to cough.

At this time, other students the same age as them passed by continuously, saying hello and taking in Liu Zhenqing’s presence with surprise and curiosity.

After all, the news of Madam Huo’s marriage proposal had spread within a day, and Liu Zhenqing’s identity was naturally spread amongst the people.

Now, as they saw Liu Zhenqing bringing the two children to the opening ceremony, their jaws dropped.

Before he departed the capital, Liu Zhenqing had left behind several shocking rumors. Seeing him again now, they all marveled at how capable he was to have actually captured General Huo. And looking at the Huo family’s attitude toward Liu Zhenqing, there was a clear distinction between love and hate, so they wouldn’t offend an innocent person.

Some people were exaggeratedly broad-minded, while others gossiped behind their backs, but this had little impact on the children. Liu Zhenqing had asked once when he got worried: “I’m from the Liu family. Will you be unhappy about me being with your Second Uncle?”

The two children had shaken their heads.

“Mother said that person wasn’t an enemy. He was her and Father’s brother, and no matter what the outside world says, we should remember this.”

They were made to swear an oath to remember, and although they had yet to distinguish right from wrong, they had many questions. If they faced the real Liu Zhenqing, they didn’t know what kind of feelings they would have, but they would never change their views on the Uncle Liu before them because of that. They believed in the choices of their mother and Second Uncle, as well as their own feelings.

So at this moment, while others were giving Liu Zhenqing strange looks, the twins were just like Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo. Standing beside Liu Zhenqing to the left and to the right, they blocked the gazes of others in a protective manner.

Liu Zhenqing could already think of another reason they would fight with others in the future.

He smiled helplessly. Raising his hands, he touched the heads of the two children and continued to tell them interesting things about their parents.

After arriving at the Imperial Academy square, Liu Zhenqing found that no one was in a hurry to go inside and were instead patiently waiting for something at the door. Even the academicians and instructors had come out.

After a while, Liu Qiao stepped forward and said: “I just heard news that the Empress Dowager and the Taifei will be arriving soon.

Liu Zhenqing was a little taken aback. No wonder nobody was going in. It turned out that they were waiting to receive them.

The Empress Dowager and the Taifei…..Yao Hua and Jian Shuang.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes revealed a trace of nostalgia. It wasn’t because they were classmates back then. After all, they hadn’t socialized much at that time. But in the most difficult years that followed, these two had helped a lot.

Yao Hua could be said to have stabilized things behind the front lines, helping the emperor select concubines and balance related interests. And when dealing with the Three Kings, Jian Shuang was indispensable for making suggestions behind the scenes and guiding the emperor in handling government affairs and helping Liu Zhenqing perfect his plans. Without Jian Shuang, Liu Zhenqing certainly wouldn’t have been able to control the court by himself. Liu Zhenqing had never seen a woman more talented and beautiful than her. She hid her talents while studying, but she wasn’t in very good health. She vomited blood several times that year due to fatigue, but still persisted.

It could be said that she possessed thunderous ability and skill, paired with a jade-like body and a gentle temperament.

Among these two people, Liu Zhenqing was relatively familiar with Yao Hua. After all, he’d given her a jade pendant.

Suddenly, he thought: Had Er-gou also been there when he gave away the jade pendant? He estimated that the vinegar jar had overturned at that time.

Liu Zhenqing continued to think about Er-gou, but Er-gou was very busy today and might not be able to return at night. Ai, he could only stay alone in the empty boudoir.

Very soon, a mighty royal procession could be vaguely seen. Everyone performed postures of welcome, kneeling down and shouting a deferential greeting.

Liu Zhenqing knelt down with the two children to salute. He wasn’t curious enough to go see his old friends, and just waited for the lengthy ceremony to end. Then he followed the two children in a well-behaved manner to their instructor for discipline.

When he saw the instructor, Liu Zhenqing almost lost his composure. They were actually old acquaintances. He used to be an ordinary teacher, but now he was a senior instructor?

Liu Zhenqing still recalled that in those days, this person had a habit of talking a lot. Liu Zhenqing could fall asleep on his feet every time he spoke.

“This is…..” The instructor was very surprised to see Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing immediately handed over the letter signed by Huo Fenglie and said with a smile: “The childrens’ mother and second uncle are busy, and send their apologies. I’ve come on their behalf, and will convey your words to my husband in detail later, so please rest assured.”

Liu Zhenqing looked very good dressed up, and sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Although the instructor was displeased, when faced with a signed letter from General Huo, he could only treat Liu Zhenqing as an elder for the time being and carry on.

“Yes, yes, yes, it is as you say. They shouldn’t have taken action.”

“Right, right, right, they were impulsive and you punished them correctly.”

“The Huo family elders will educate them well.”

This fellow was old, and his babbling skills had also increased with age. It nearly exhausted Liu Zhenqing’s patience. When he was a student, he always had to talk back while being scolded. This time, for the sake of the two children, Liu Zhenqing could bear it to the limit. Thinking of his grandfather, who was called over here again and again to discipline him, Liu Zhenqing finally felt a little guilty.

“What should you do next time?” The instructor asked the two children, whose heads were bowed.

Liu Zhenqing almost replied: “If forced, don’t use your fists and instead try to win with your mouths.”

But if he said that, then it would be Li Xingruo who would come to collar the three of them later.

The two children were about to speak when a woman’s light laughter came from outside the door.

When he turned around, he saw two familiar figures standing at the door. One was as dignified and elegant as the sun and moon, and the other was like a goddess from a dream, beautiful enough to cause the downfall of a country. Time seemed to have left no trace on their faces, but had added a bit more charm and grace.

The instructor was shocked, and immediately led them all to kneel down and pay tribute. But Yao Hua stopped him, saying: “There is no need to be so polite. This one and company just came to see the instructor, but unexpectedly witnessed a scene of academic discipline once more.”

It was Yao Hua and Jian Shuang who had appeared at the door. They were followed by a very small group of guards and palace attendants, clearly in an attempt to seem approachable.

Yao Hua’s voice was full of laughter, soothing the nervous mood in the room. Jian Shuang, on the other hand, was just like in Liu Zhenqing’s memories, always following Yao Hua with a polite smile.

The instructor had taught them, after all, so he wasn’t worried as he led everyone to stand up again.

“Yunci, Yunqian, what’s wrong? Are you in trouble?” Yao Hua’s gaze fell upon the dragon and phoenix twins, still on intimate terms with them.

The two children greeted her cordially. After all, every time they entered the palace, the Empress Dowager gave them the most rewards and was the kindest to them. They sensed the care and affection of an elder, and were naturally willing to get close to her.

Jian Shuang also regarded the two of them with soft eyes. But soon, they swept over to Liu Zhenqing.

The moment the two of them inadvertently locked gazes, Jian Shuang was slightly startled, while Liu Zhenqing lowered his eyes respectfully.

Jian Shuang inexplicably felt a bit strange.

At this time, Yao Hua also noticed Liu Zhenqing and said in surprise: “Young Master Liu came with the two children to see the instructor?”

Liu Zhenqing respectfully gave an explanation, and Yao Hua was a little amazed. Unexpectedly, the facts were more exaggerated than the rumors. Li Xingruo and Huo Fenglie had so easily accepted another person into the family. It was truly unbelievable that they trusted him so much. It seemed Young Master Liu must be something special.

But as the Empress Dowager, she couldn’t communicate too much with men from outside. After greeting the instructor, she wanted to take a look over at the womens’ quarters and invite Huo Yunci to accompany her.

Huo Yunci immediately looked askance at Liu Zhenqing, who nodded with a smile.

Huo Yunci left happily, the Empress Dowager helping her block the rest of the instructor’s flying spittle.

Liu Zhenqing and Huo Yunqian were the only ones left, and the instructor couldn’t reprimand them alone, so he could only allow them to leave.

Huo Yunqian said with enthusiasm: “Uncle Liu, it’s your first time here! Let me show you around!”

Liu Zhenqing was likely more familiar with every corner than any student here. In order to make trouble, how could he not be familiar with the terrain? But the child was so earnest. Liu Zhenqing didn’t want to let him down, and was naturally happy to accompany him.

Unexpectedly, they heard an argument just after taking a detour.

“What were you thinking? I just asked you to teach a lesson, and you prepared this topic. You’re making things difficult for me.”

“Laoshi, what’s wrong with it?”

Liu Zhenqing heard this and recognized Bai Su’s voice. Bai Su was actually here?

Turning into the corridor, he saw Bai Su arguing with an old white-bearded man. He must also be an academic.

It seemed that Bai Su, the number one scholar, occasionally came over to teach.

“It’s wrong, of course it’s very wrong. I told you that no discussions on Liu Zhenqing’s policies are allowed. Are you trying to cause trouble for yourself?”

“But how can one tell right from wrong without discussing it? How can you tell right from wrong if you avoid talking about it? Teacher, you taught me that I must have my own point of view on everything and not just follow the crowd. If those policies were discussed separately without using Liu Zhenqing’s name, how would they look from the perspective of Imperial power, from the livelihoods of the common people, and from the perspective of the Great Zhou Dynasty? Does Laoshi still think they were all mistakes and crimes?”

“Right and wrong can be left for future generations to discuss, not us. You’ve read so many books and still don’t understand. Don’t I know you well? You want to vindicate someone through intense discussion among the students, but it’s useless. The students here are not ordinary students, they are elites. When you raise this issue, you won’t be able to remain in class any longer. You behave yourself!”

When the academician finished speaking, he left in a huff.

Bai Su stood quietly next to some rockery, not making a sound. After a moment, he heard footsteps and glanced back in surprise: “Brother Liu?”

Liu Zhenqing took in Bai Su’s slightly pallid face. He gave a silent sigh, then stepped forward with a smile to greet him.

“I just learned about Zhanyuan’s return yesterday and went to the General’s Manor, but I didn’t see you. I was going to visit Liu Manor today, but didn’t expect to meet you here. Are you here alone?” Bai Su said in bewilderment.

“Yunqian was with me just now. I saw you, and I didn’t need him to lead me around anymore, so I told him to go back to the living quarters,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Bai Su stared for a moment: “You heard everything?”

Liu Zhenqing nodded.

Bai Su said awkwardly: “Am I useless?”

Liu Zhenqing asked: “Why would you think that?”

“I intended to clear their names directly, but I had to give up in the end because there was no substantive proof. I tried to collect evidence afterward, but was repeatedly blocked. I also wanted to write a biography for them, but my knowledge of the truth from back then is limited. Just now, I wanted to guide the younger generation to discuss it from an outside perspective and let the children understand what those people did back then without involving emotion, but I ended up getting scolded by Laoshi. It really feels like failure. Why is it so difficult to clear their names?”

Bai Su was doing this not only for Liu Zhenqing, but for his brother, Bai Yu. He wanted to tell the world that the path his brother took and the person he followed weren’t wrong, but it was far, far too difficult.

Liu Zhenqing had tried to persuade Bai Su before, but it was a pity that this child was stubborn and dug a pit for himself. 

Liu Zhenqing patted Bai Su on the shoulder and said: “You must believe that since your brother decided to take that path, how could he have cared about his posthumous reputation? They would want you to live well.”

Bai Su smiled. Of course he understood what Liu Zhenqing meant, but the children of the Bai family were stubborn. His brother had followed a traitor without hesitation, and Bai Su also wanted to resolutely complete the path to clearing their names, even if it took a lifetime. Otherwise, how could a person with someone in their heart draw a picture of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers in a broad and level manner? 

Bai Su didn’t speak further on the subject. He looked at Liu Zhenqing and said with a smile: “I’m done talking, let’s go. I’ll show you the Imperial Academy and tell you more about Zhanyuan’s childhood.”

Liu Zhenqing’s interest was immediately piqued. Huo Fenglie had indeed spent some time here.

Bai Su had gone to the General’s Manor and naturally found out about their engagement. Along the way, he chatted happily with Liu Zhenqing, full of admiration.

“That’s the martial arts training ground over there. Look at those five iron figures. They’re usually used by people practicing their martial arts. One night, Zhanyuan went crazy for some reason and suddenly came here and destroyed those iron figures overnight. When I went to see him, his hands were bleeding.”

Liu Zhenqing was surprised: “Why did he do that, ah?”

Bai Su shook his head, saying: “Maybe he was in a bad mood. He usually keeps his emotions in check, and it’s difficult for others to notice them. But when I sent him back, I thought I heard him say that he couldn’t win. I thought it was because he lost a competition after returning home.

Liu Zhenqing was full of questions when he heard a cough from behind him.

Bai Su was startled and looked over, only to see a man wearing a mask.

Liu Zhenqing quickly said: “He’s my guard.”

Bai Su didn’t think too much about it, just feeling that this guard was like a ghost.

But Liu Zhenqing snapped back to his senses. Liu Qiao was giving him a hint.

He estimated that Huo Fenglie had struck the iron figures back then to vent over his defeat to Liu Qiao during a martial arts competition.

Aiya, what a heartbreaking little cutie.

The two of them then arrived at the dining hall. Bai Su smiled and said: “You know Zhanyuan likes to pick out fish bones, right?”

Liu Zhenqing wanted to laugh.

“Back then, a person who liked Zhanyuan saw him picking fish bones and placing them aside and asked if he would give her some fish to eat. The girl was giving him a hint to show her favor, but Zhanyuan ignored it. The angry girl went back and cried.”

Liu Zhenqing released a puff of laughter. 

Bai Su chuckled and shook his head.

Liu Zhenqing asked curiously: “Were there a lot of people who liked Zhanyuan?”

Bai Su nodded: “That’s for sure, ah. Regardless of status, appearance, or ability, he was definitely the most popular person at the time, but no matter how good the man or woman was, it was pointless, because he.….ahem…..”

Liu Zhenqing smiled and said: “It doesn’t matter. I love hearing this, because he was absolutely obsessed with Liu Zhenqing at the time.”

Bai Su thought Liu Zhenqing was being magnanimous, and could only say with a laugh: “Now he absolutely likes you.”

“It’s all the same, all the same. It proves that he’s a man who cherishes bonds of friendship and family.” Liu Zhenqing smothered a smile, and couldn’t help wanting to know more. “Don’t hide it, I want to hear more proof that he liked Liu Zhenqing.”

Bai Su looked at him speechlessly. Was he not jealous at all? If he said too much, would he really not cause trouble for Zhanyuan?

“Why?”

“Because they’re all interesting stories from my fiance’s youth. I want to know more about him,” Liu Zhenqing said with great sincerity and magnanimity.

Bai Su had no choice but to speak. For example, if someone from the academy replicated Liu Zhenqing’s paintings, Huo Fenglie would use various means to secretly collect them. For another example, Huo Fenglie could occasionally be heard saying Liu Zhenqing’s name in his sleep. And when Liu Zhenqing came to the academy to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet, Huo Fenglie grew nervous days in advance and freshened himself up anxiously, paying attention to his appearance.

But at that time, Bai Su wasn’t aware that Huo Fenglie liked Liu Zhenqing, who was so much older than him, so he didn’t think much about it. But thinking about it later, he had really proven it in every way.

As they walked, the two of them came upon the Peach Blossom Forest, where the Peach Blossom Banquet was held.

As they talked, someone quickly approached Bai Su and said that an academician needed him for something. Bai Su could only depart first, leaving Liu Zhenqing to wander alone until lunchtime.

Since Liu Zhenqing was by himself, Liu Qiao naturally stayed with him.

“It’s still the same here,” Liu Zhenqing said.

Liu Qiao listened silently.

Liu Zhenqing said slowly: “There was a tradition at the Peach Blossom Banquet in those days where one would express their love to the object of their affections that night, and if they were graduating, they would propose marriage.”

“Was Master confessed to by many people?” Liu Qiao asked. 

“No, this was an unprecedented event,” Liu Zhenqing said proudly.

“Then wasn’t the general very unhappy?”

“Hahaha, he was indeed there at the time. His little face was all twisted up. I thought he was so unhappy because I didn’t allow him to drink at such a young age. Although he still didn’t understand at the time, he must have had me in his heart.” The more Liu Zhenqing spoke, the prouder he became.

Just then, he saw some guards not very far away. They saw him coming and shouted to drive him away, but a familiar voice quickly sounded.

“Is it Young Master Liu? Invite him in.”

Liu Zhenqing was taken aback. It was Yao Hua.

Looking in that direction, he suddenly felt a little awkward.

That was a secluded place, and Liu Zhenqing used to be invited there by people who wanted to confess to him.

Yao Hua had been one of them.

But Liu Zhenqing was still engaged to Li Xingruo at that time, so everyone’s confessions were nothing more than making sure they didn’t have any regrets.

Now that Yao Hua was the Empress Dowager, ordinary people could only obey her command. Liu Zhenqing told Liu Qiao to stay back and then walked over.

Very soon, he saw a mat placed under a peach blossom tree. Yao Hua had taken wine made from the peach blossoms here and was drinking it alone.

Liu Zhenqing stepped forward and saluted respectfully. Yao Hua waved her hand and said: “Young Master Liu, have a seat.”

Liu Zhenqing was stunned for a moment. He saw that Yao Hua seemed a little drunk as he approached, and felt a bit uncomfortable.

“Your Majesty has called me in for…..”

“I heard you are marrying Zhanyuan, and I was a little curious. Young Master Liu appears to be…..rather affable.” Yao Hua had not originally meant to say this, but after taking a close look at Liu Zhenqing’s face, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, especially when making eye contact. She couldn’t help feeling melancholy. Perhaps it was because of the blood relationship, or perhaps it was all in her head, but Yao Hua felt that the one before her bore a great similarity to that person.

Yao Hua was indeed drunk. Especially in this place, it was as if she was seeing an illusion. With a faint frown on her beautiful features, she reached toward Liu Zhenqing’s face uncontrollably.

At this moment, a surprised call came from a guard in the distance, as if attempting to stop someone who was in a hurry.

“General Huo! No trespassing!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhenqing quickly turned. Huo Fenglie rushed over out of nowhere, and the moment he saw them, he stopped and looked at them blankly. The look on his face was one of absolute emptiness.

Liu Zhenqing wasn’t sure if he’d seen it wrong, but a hint of red seemed to flash through Huo Fenglie’s eyes, exceedingly bright.

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Chapter 128 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 130