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墨書 Inktalez
A gentle smile hung on her face, the soft curve illuminated by the light from the doorway. Even after countless encounters, her heart still raced uncontrollably.
The young man's keen ears caught his mother's teasing words, and seeing the girl's cheeks flushed like they were painted with rouge made him feel elated.
"Of course, don't worry, Mother. Your daughter-in-law is right here and won't run away," Yang Yichen joked in response.
This left Liu Qingxi feeling awkward, unable to stand or sit comfortably. She shot a fierce glare at the young man. "In public, be mindful of your image and tone it down."
Yang Yichen understood the warning in her eyes, rubbed his nose, cleared his throat, and approached the Wen Family. "Mother, the imperial edict requires me to head to the capital soon. How are preparations at home coming along?"
Wen Family regained her composure. "We're almost done packing. Just some clothes and delicate items left. Other things are hard to carry; our journey is long, so we can buy more once we reach the capital."
Fortunately, she had received some news from her son recently, which allowed her to prepare a list of items to take along. With more definite news coming in the past few days, they were nearly ready.
Then she began to worry about Liu Qingxi again. "How are things between you and Yan? Do you need Aunt's help?"
Liu Qingxi quickly waved her hands in refusal. "No need to trouble Aunt; it's just the two of us. We don't have much clothing to pack, so it's manageable."
"That's good. Let's set off as soon as possible. You two should go to Linyi County Town first; the county office has arranged accommodations for you. Yan will go with you." After all, with an imperial command in play, how long could they delay?
It was better to head straight to the capital and leave a good impression on the Sovereign than to procrastinate.
Liu Qingxi knew time was of the essence. She had never intended for her career to be confined to this remote county; there were broader horizons waiting for her outside.
As for the capital—a place filled with both risks and opportunities—how could she possibly miss out?
Coincidentally, Yang Yichen was also heading to the capital, allowing them to travel together under the protection of an official escort, making it much safer and quicker.
Otherwise, as a young lady traveling such a long and uncertain distance with only a few servants, she could encounter unforeseen dangers along the way. Bandits existed in every dynasty; it was merely a matter of luck whether they would cross paths.
"Aunt, Yang Yichen, why don't you go ahead to Linyi County? I have something to attend to regarding Liu Qinglian's engagement; Aunt Five invited me over. I think it won't delay us too much if I wait until after her engagement."
"Of course that's fine. Mother can go with me first; you two can head to the county town later, and then we'll set off together." Yang Yichen understood that Liu Qingxi was sentimental and wouldn't force her to miss out on Liu Qinglian's engagement.
However, a little delay wouldn't affect their overall plans; he could wait.
"Alright then, I won't take long. I'll head back now to finish packing and ask the servants at home to tidy up as well so we can leave together." Liu Qingxi was determined and didn't hesitate.
After all, she had packed winter clothes previously; now that it was time for seasonal attire that needed wearing, she hadn't touched those yet. With a family fortune worth millions accumulated over many years, packing proved more troublesome than expected.
After years of accumulation, several large boxes still weren't fully packed.
Meanwhile, in Biqi Town, within a uniquely designed courtyard in an alleyway, rows of houses stood out from ordinary ones as clear sounds of reading echoed from inside.
Peering through the window revealed youthful faces filled with a thirst for knowledge. They stood tall with their hands behind their backs; their serious expressions were moving.
In the adjacent room were slightly older children listening intently as their Master passionately explained a particular Strategy Essay's meaning. Compared to those younger children, they exhibited a calmness that came from experience.
Finally, when the school bell rang signaling class dismissal, the previously serious children rushed outside joyfully, instantly revealing their lively nature and causing their Masters to chuckle.
This was Master Zhu's school. Over the past two years, after renovations, the buildings had become sturdier. As people's living standards improved, more children attended school.
Originally three classes had expanded into five; Master Zhu had also invited several disheartened Scholars among his friends to help teach—making the school increasingly lively.
Among the older boys was one who did not follow others outside for personal matters or relaxation but instead accompanied Master out.
The boy's face was slightly rounder than others his age—perhaps lacking some masculine vigor—but he showed no trace of weakness; instead he possessed a gentle charm that was just right.
Master looked curiously at this proud student—his pride—who almost had an eidetic memory. In his mind, only that celebrity who topped all exams possessed such talent.
"Liu Qingyan, what's on your mind?" The boy was Liu Qingyan; seeing him hesitate prompted Master Zhu to inquire further and offer him an opportunity to speak.
The boy's hands clenched and relaxed within his wide sleeves before he finally mustered courage and looked up into Master Zhu's eyes. "Master Zhu, I have something important to tell you—I wish to take my leave!"
What? The middle-aged Master Zhu—founder of this school—was taken aback: "Are you serious?" This talent couldn't be wasted: "I must ask—what's your reason? Will you continue your studies?"
Master Zhu was someone who valued talent deeply; he feared this promising student might abandon education altogether.
"Master," Liu Qingyan replied earnestly, "I would never give up on my studies; there are just some reasons behind this." He then explained what had happened at home clearly outlining both objective and subjective factors.
Only then did Master Zhu breathe a sigh of relief: "You scared me! A talent like you must not waste your education! It's better this way; in Biqi Town I can no longer teach you anything new—staying here would be wasting time. Once you're there, you'll find even better Masters who can provide you with superior guidance."
Though reluctant to let him go, he would never force a student against their future prospects.
Moreover, with his broad-mindedness, he didn't care about keeping students but rather wanted them to go far; that alone satisfied him.
"Master won't try to keep you any longer; come with me to my study—I have some excellent books I can give you. Never neglect your studies," Master Zhu said as he took out his treasured collection.
Liu Qingyan hadn't expected Master Zhu would accept this news so quickly; such affection couldn't be faked. After years of studying under him, they had developed feelings for each other—suddenly he felt an indescribable sense of reluctance rising within him.
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