Kapitel 94: Chapter 94: Cici, can you guess who wrote it?
Bailu Academy (White Deer Academy), located in the Bailu Mountain Range.
The mountain range spans ten peaks, along with Bailu Town at the foot of the academy, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of Bailu Academy.
As for Wei Kingdom, where Bailu Academy is situated, it is a small human kingdom. Its territory is about one-tenth the size of Wu Kingdom, and its military strength is less than one-tenth of Wu Kingdom's.
Compared to the ten major human kingdoms, or even most of the smaller ones, Wei Kingdom is weak. Around 70% of the human kingdoms surpass Wei Kingdom in strength.
Yet, despite being surrounded by three of the most powerful human kingdoms, Wei Kingdom has managed to survive without being annexed.
This is due to two key reasons.
First, Wei Kingdom has maintained a neutral stance for the past thousand years, neither aiding nor offending others.
Second, and most importantly, is the existence of Bailu Academy.
Bailu Academy does not belong to Wei Kingdom. It is independent and not affiliated with any faction. Bailu Academy is simply Bailu Academy.
Its history predates all existing human kingdoms.
Bailu Academy is the dream of scholars across the land. Those who graduate from it often become renowned Confucian scholars or high-ranking officials in court.
These great scholars go on to establish academies, while retired court officials often turn to teaching. As a result, Bailu Academy's influence extends far and wide, with its alumni spread across the world.
Not to mention, the current headmaster of Bailu Academy is one of the ten most respected figures in the world.
Thus, as long as Wei Kingdom refrains from stirring trouble, Bailu Academy ensures its peace and stability.
Four years ago, a little girl arrived at Bailu Academy.
It's not uncommon for the academy to admit female students, as many human kingdoms have specific quotas allowing royal children to study there.
However, these royal children are not considered true students of the academy. They attend primarily for enlightenment, character cultivation, and moral instruction. After a set period, they must return to their kingdoms.
But this little girl from four years ago was different.
She was a true student, personally admitted by Bailu Academy. Moreover, she became the headmaster's final disciple.
At barely eleven or twelve years old, the girl instantly surpassed most of the academy's members in seniority.
As time passed, the little girl grew up.
By the time she reached maidenhood, she had blossomed into a graceful and elegant young woman.
Many nobles and royals, representing various kingdoms, were captivated by her innate literary talent and scholarly aura.
Royal families and noble houses sought to marry her with extraordinary ceremonies, some even proposing to make her a crown princess.
However, she rejected all offers.
No one could discern her true thoughts.
Then, as she reached marriageable age, the girl finally revealed her heart.
One day, envoys from Wei and Liang Kingdoms arrived at Bailu Academy, each seeking to propose marriage on behalf of their crown princes.
The girl did not appear.
Instead, when the envoys reached her courtyard, they found the ground covered with fragrant tea leaves, adorned with petals of jasmine flowers.
Jasmine symbolizes loyalty and devotion—an unwavering heart, laid atop the tea leaves.
The word for "tea" (茗) also shares a homophone with "ming" (铭).
In that moment, everyone understood the girl's intention.
Her heart had long been pledged to someone.
Though she never explicitly stated it, most could already guess:
The "茗" spoke of "铭."
It was highly likely that the author of the poem "Beauty bids farewell to the mirror, flowers bid farewell to the tree"—Xu Ming—was the one Zhu Cici had fallen for.
Many were surprised by Zhu Cici's affection for Xu Ming, but at the same time, they found it reasonable.
After all, if someone gifted you such a poem, how could you not be moved?
After that, the number of kingdoms proposing marriage to Zhu Cici lessened considerably. However, they didn't give up entirely.
They still hoped their young nobles could get close to her.
To many, the idea of Zhu Cici and Xu Ming being together was utterly impossible.
Zhu Cici couldn't marry outside her kingdom.
As for Xu Ming, who had achieved the rare feat of topping the imperial examinations in all three levels and had a bright future in Wu Kingdom, he was even less likely to marry into Qi Kingdom.
Among those in the academy from Qi Kingdom, the three royal princes were especially persistent.
They frequently sent gifts to Zhu Cici, even though she always returned them. Undeterred, they continued their efforts, trying their best to win her favor.
Qi Kingdom had yet to determine its crown prince, and these three princes were all vying for the position.
To them, Zhu Cici wasn't just a beautiful and exceptionally talented woman with an innate literary soul. Her father was Marquis Yunyi, Qi Kingdom's foremost Confucian general.
Marrying Zhu Cici meant securing the unwavering support of Marquis Yunyi—a tempting prospect for any of the princes.
As for Xu Ming? The princes barely considered him a threat.
True, that poem was impressive, but it was a thing of the past.
Moreover, the relationship between Xu Ming and Zhu Cici seemed impossible from any perspective.
As time passed, they believed that the poem's influence on Zhu Cici would fade.
As she matured, she would eventually realize that her connection with Xu Ming was no more than friendship, and she would let go of the idea.
When that time came, it would be their chance.
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"Cici, Cici!"
Outside a courtyard in Bailu Academy, a young girl called out eagerly.
After a moment, a maiden holding a book walked out of the courtyard.
She wore a black-and-white brocade dress, embroidered with delicate white plum blossoms at the hem.
A white brocade sash encircled her slender waist, accentuating her graceful figure.
Her jet-black hair was styled into a simple yet elegant ruyi bun, adorned with nothing but a white jade hairpin shaped like a plum blossom.
Though her attire was minimalist, it exuded an air of freshness and sophistication.
Her face, lightly dusted with makeup, was framed by a subtle palace-style gown in pale blue, embroidered with cloud-like patterns and flying geese.
A freshly picked white plum blossom was slanted in her hair, complemented by a single green jade hairpin adorned with dangling silver tassels and beads.
As she walked, the hairpin swayed gently, adding a touch of liveliness to her elegant demeanor.
Compared to her childish appearance four or five years ago, the maiden had now blossomed into full beauty.
Her flowing black dress hinted at the youthful allure of her figure.
Her almond-shaped face carried a natural purity unique to her age.
She was poised, gentle, and refined—a young woman who seemed born to embody grace and elegance.
She resembled a black lotus—pure and dignified.
"What is it, Weiwei?" Zhu Cici smiled as she stepped out of the courtyard.
"Cici, the teacher is calling us to class," said the girl, Xia Wei, as she took Zhu Cici's soft, delicate hand.
"Class?" Zhu Cici blinked in surprise. "Isn't today a rest day? Why is there a lesson?"
"I heard the academy has received a remarkable new literary piece. The teacher couldn't wait and wants to discuss it with us right away."
As she spoke, Xia Wei suddenly smirked, glancing at Zhu Cici with a mischievous glint.
"Cici, can you guess who wrote this remarkable piece?"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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