At this moment, Qi Shuguang was utterly stunned.

He really hadn't expected that she would... ask him such a question?

But how was he supposed to answer?

He hadn't lost his senses yet, hadn't forgotten where he was at this moment, nor had he forgotten his status in relation to her.

So after a long pause, he could only say, "This humble subject only... only..."

Before he could finish, the Empress Dowager spoke again, "I remember many years ago, you used to tell me everything without reservation. I didn't expect that now, you've also learned to stammer and hesitate."

As she spoke, she gave a cool laugh, seeming quite disappointed.

Qi Shuguang felt a pang in his heart and momentarily forgot many things, only bowing his head to say, "Your Majesty's insight is clear. No matter what status this humble subject holds, my heart has never changed."

As the words left his mouth, he himself was startled.

What... what had he just said?

He secretly glanced forward, only to see her first pause, then slightly raise an eyebrow, with what seemed to be a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips...

"I hope the gentleman does not forget his original intention, and focuses on cultivating excellent talents for the Great Liang."

The Empress Dowager finished speaking and turned to walk away.

Qi Shuguang hurriedly bowed his head in acknowledgment where he stood.

This library was spacious enough, and three stories high.

At this time, everyone was chatting and touring on their own, and no one could hear what they had said.

Only Yanshu had secretly witnessed everything, and her curiosity was at its peak.

What on earth did they say???

Why did the Empress Dowager look like she was in such a good mood!!!

Could it be that Scholar Qi confessed his feelings?!!!

Unfortunately, afraid that Princess Shou'an would go bother Scholar Qi again, she didn't dare to leave easily. She could only continue to converse with her on the surface, while feeling extremely frustrated inside, only able to silently shout, [Ahhh what exactly did the Empress Dowager and Scholar Qi say!!!]

At the same time, Yuwen Lan, who was looking around at the books, felt a huge shock in his ears.

— Although he was too far away to hear their conversation, he couldn't help but hear such a loud shout.

... What?

The Empress Dowager spoke with Qi Shuguang?

Surprised, he hurriedly looked around the hall, only to see the Empress Dowager also examining books, while Qi Shuguang still stood where he was before. They both looked calm, as if nothing had happened.

Looking again, he saw Yanshu talking with Princess Shou'an, also appearing calm.

He tried walking over.

First passing by Qi Shuguang, he heard him sigh in his heart, [Perhaps I shouldn't have said that just now.]

Yuwen Lan: "???"

Which sentence? What did he say?

Then passing by the Empress Dowager, he heard her seem a bit smug in her thoughts, [Silly fool.]

Yuwen Lan: "???"

Silly fool... what did that mean?

Tsk, what exactly happened just now?

Yuwen Lan finally came to Yanshu's side, only to hear Yanshu still roaring in her mind, [Never mind! For the sake of my ship, I'll fight it out with Princess Shou'an today! I absolutely won't give her a chance to cling to Scholar Qi!!!]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

She really is working hard.

The library was located at the highest point of the academy, and through the windows, one could see the entire forest.

After coming out of the hall, Hanlin Academy Scholar Zou Mozhong curiously asked, "I saw a newly cultivated empty space by the mountain earlier. I wonder what Mountain Master Qi plans to use it for?"

Qi Shuguang replied, "Although the future expenses of the academy will be borne by the court, the daily consumption of several hundred people's food, clothing, and necessities is no small matter. I plan to gradually clear out the usable land in the mountains, letting teachers and students personally farm some vegetables and grains in their spare time. This way, we can not only reduce the burden on the court but also allow students to experience the true hardship of labor. Thus, they can have more... compassion for the poor people of the world."

As he finished speaking, Zou Mozhong suddenly understood and hurriedly nodded, saying, "Mountain Master Qi is truly considerate. Nowadays, many young students consider farming to be lowly work, not knowing that farming is the foundation of the people!"

The rest of the crowd also agreed, saying, "Yes, indeed! If one cannot understand the hardship of farming, how can they truly empathize with the common people? Mountain Master Qi has great foresight."

"Yes, indeed."

...

Hearing these words of praise, Qi Shuguang himself naturally repeatedly expressed his humility, saying he didn't deserve such praise.

Yanshu, however, was very proud,

— See, isn't this why he's her idol? How impressive!!!

After such reflections, today's itinerary came to an end.

It was getting late, and everyone should head back.

As the head of the academy, Qi Shuguang naturally led everyone out again.

Having personally witnessed the new look of Songhe Academy today, the guests all praised it repeatedly, full of confidence for the future.

And having talked with Princess Shou'an for so long, Yanshu was also tired, now just wanting to quickly return to the palace and lie down.

As they reached the academy gates, the carriages were already waiting.

It was time for everyone to bow and respectfully send the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager back to the palace.

However, at this moment, Princess Shou'an suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, Mountain Master Qi, I saw a book called 'Ten Discourses' in the library earlier. I wonder if it's the only copy?"

As these words fell, Yanshu paused, suddenly having a vague bad feeling.

She saw her idol Mountain Master Qi reply, "The one the Princess is referring to is indeed the only copy, which has been kept in Songhe Academy's library for thirty years."

With these words, Princess Shou'an unexpectedly said, "I see! To be honest with Mountain Master, I've long heard of this book's reputation, but due to the remoteness of Nanzhao, I've had no chance to see it all these years. Since I've had the fortune to encounter it today, I wonder if I could go back to the library to read it for a while?"

Hm?

Yanshu immediately frowned, thinking that Princess Shou'an just wanted to stay behind after everyone left to flirt with Scholar Qi!

Outrageous!

How was Scholar Qi supposed to answer this?!

If he flatly refused, he'd seem petty, but if he didn't refuse, wouldn't that be like inviting a wolf into the house, making the Empress Dowager unhappy!

Damn it, damn it, damn it!!!

Her mind raced, trying to find an excuse to block this woman.

However, before she could speak, she heard the Emperor beside her suddenly say, "It's getting late. We've already disturbed the academy for half a day. Let's let them get back to their own business."

With these words, Princess Shou'an could only bow her head and say, "Yes."

Yanshu's eyes lit up, [Oh? Why is the Emperor so timely today?]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

He was also worried, seeing her emotions fluctuate so much today, wondering if it would affect the baby in her womb!

So it was better for him to quickly speak up and intervene.

But speaking of which, this aunt of his... if she wanted to flirt, she should just go flirt outside. Qi Shuguang wasn't that kind of frivolous person.

It wasn't easy for him to find such a suitable mountain master this time.

And earlier, in front of so many people, her action of throwing flowers at the podium was a bit too flirtatious. If she were allowed to linger in the academy now, what would the students think if they saw?

So after saying this, he added, "The academy is a place for quiet study. Idle outsiders should not casually come to disturb without reason."

As these words fell, everyone agreed in unison.

Princess Shou'an could only nod along, looking somewhat disappointed.

Yanshu's eyes lit up, thinking, [Not bad! The Emperor is really on point today! Alright, I'll let him off for not refusing to let this female player enter the academy earlier!]

Yuwen Lan: "..."

So she was actually planning to settle scores with him about that?

But... what does "player" mean?

With that said, the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager boarded their carriages and left.

The officials respectfully saw them off, then all returned to their own homes.

And Princess Shou'an, no matter how unwilling, had to return to her own residence in the capital with the imperial edict.

However, no matter how much Yanshu disliked it, Princess Shou'an was after all royal kin, and also held the status of Nanzhao's Empress Dowager. Having come all the way to the capital, the Empress Dowager, as the host, had to show some welcome.

So after a day, the palace held a luncheon in the Hall of Gentle Ceremony, specifically to welcome Princess Shou'an.

Of course, the Empress Dowager didn't really want to face Princess Shou'an alone, so she also invited the Grand Princess and her daughter Ankang county lord, as well as Princess Shou'an's sister-in-law, Princess Consort Ruyang, to accompany them.

In this way, although it was a gathering of royal ladies, it was quite lively.

Of course, Yanshu had to come to such an occasion.

— Not for anything else, but to support her number one idol!

However, with Ankang county lord here today, as fellow pregnant women, the two had many common topics.

And Ankang county lord was very generous, as a mother who had already given birth to two children, she imparted many useful experiences to Yanshu.

The Grand Princess and Princess Consort Ruyang were chatting with Princess Shou'an about the recent happenings in the capital and Nanzhao.

Princess Shou'an, having traveled extensively and met countless people, spoke eloquently and at length.

The Empress Dowager mostly listened, her expression unchanged.

However, others gradually began to grow restless.

Seeing that the banquet was already half over, Princess Consort Ruyang seized the opportunity when Princess Shou'an finished speaking to address the Empress Dowager, "Your subject dares to inquire about something from Your Majesty today."

The Empress Dowager, having sensed she had something on her mind, simply replied with an "Oh?" and said, "What do you wish to ask? Feel free to speak."

Princess Consort Ruyang then said, "I've heard that the new headmaster of Songhe Academy, Scholar Qi, is still unmarried. Is this true?"

Hmm?

At these words, the Empress Dowager paused.

Princess Shou'an also paused.

And Yanshu, who had been discussing pregnancy experiences with the Ankang county lord, particularly paused.

—Why was Princess Consort Ruyang suddenly inquiring about her idol, Scholar Qi?

Could it be that she had taken a liking to him as well?

...No, that couldn't be right. Her husband, the Prince of Ruyang, was still alive and well, wasn't he?

Yanshu immediately stopped her conversation and looked over.

Before the Empress Dowager could speak, Princess Shou'an asked warily, "Sister-in-law, why do you ask about this?"

Princess Consort Ruyang smiled and said, "It's about my niece, Xiuru. Didn't she divorce her previous husband last year? She's been living with her parents ever since. She's not even thirty yet—isn't it a shame for someone so young? I've been thinking about finding her a suitable match. I recently heard that Headmaster Qi is still unmarried, so if there's a possibility..."

Before she could finish, Princess Shou'an interrupted with a snort, "Sister-in-law, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but your niece has been troublesome since childhood. Though I'm not in the capital, I often hear about her misdeeds. They say that after marrying into her previous family, she not only failed to respect her in-laws but also bullied her sisters-in-law. She even ruined her young sister-in-law's engagement. If the family hadn't been pushed to their limits, why would they have divorced her? It's better to have her improve her temperament first, rather than inflicting her on Headmaster Qi."

Yanshu thought, "???"

Was this true?

How had she never heard about Princess Consort Ruyang's niece's scandals?

But before she could ponder further, Princess Consort Ruyang became visibly upset. She frowned and retorted, "You speak as if you're so virtuous! Didn't you once drive your sister-in-law, the Princess of Mu, to the point of wanting to return to her maiden home? How can you so lightly criticize others?"

At these words, everyone in the hall except for the two sisters-in-law raised their eyebrows.

Yanshu's eyes lit up.

Tsk, more drama to watch?

Come on, fight! Expose each other's secrets!