Lushan Academy was somewhat far from the other three states, but it was very close to Western Liang—only a two-day journey. As it happened, the academy had been on holiday a few days ago and had only resumed classes yesterday. By the time the carriage reached Lushan Academy halfway up the mountain, the ancient, solemn tolling of a bell echoed through the hills.
Lushan Academy was situated on Mount Lu, hence its name. It was now April, the height of spring. From afar, the entire academy seemed wrapped in clouds of blooming, tender pink peach blossoms. As they climbed the steps, peach petals drifted down in a fluttering shower; whenever a breeze passed, they landed all over one’s hair and face.
“Marquis Dingguo, Miss Xiao.” Someone had long been waiting at the academy gates, likely a teacher in charge of student enrollment and the like. His expression was indifferent, and his manner seemed respectful, but Xiao Qianyin could still glimpse the contempt and disdain in his eyes—the lofty arrogance of one who thought himself above others.
She sneered inwardly. Calling it a dog’s eyes looking down on people was indeed no exaggeration! Like headmaster, like subordinate!
“Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Yang.” Beigong Du was clearly not very fond of him either. He merely gave a slight nod, without any attempt at pleasantries—not even bothering with superficial politeness. Mr. Yang’s expression turned rather ugly, but constrained by Beigong Du’s status, he did not dare complain.
Xiao Qianyin very much wanted to laugh, but since they were on someone else’s territory, it was better not to be too brazen.
Under Mr. Yang’s guidance, they soon arrived at the headmaster’s residence. Beigong Du thought for a moment, then said, “Yin’er, wait outside for now. I’ll go see the headmaster and call you in later.”
Some matters had to be accounted for. His granddaughter, Beigong Du’s granddaughter, had fainted at Lushan Academy and no one had bothered to attend to her? Did they truly take him for a sick cat?
“Yes, Yin’er understands.” She lowered her head slightly and replied.
Bored out of her mind, she found a stone stool and sat down. Extending her fingers, she examined her slender fingertips and the fair back of her hand. These were hands that had been pampered and privileged, with hardly any calluses from gripping a sword—worlds apart from her original hands, whose fingertips had borne a thin layer of hard calluses.
“Well, well, look who it is. So it’s the shameless slut who was rejected by the Crown Prince of Southern Tang!”
A shrill female voice rang out. Xiao Qianyin picked at her ear and said lightly, “Who is the shameless slut scolding?”
“The shameless slut is scolding you!” The other party had not expected her to be so calm, and her tone grew even angrier.
“Oh, so you admit that you’re a shameless slut? Congratulations. You’ve finally positioned yourself correctly and are willing to face your miserable, universally known identity as a slut!”
She abruptly turned around and looked behind her with careless indifference. Well now, they had certainly all come together! This scene rather looked like they had come to denounce her!