That very afternoon, Ding Guangji arrived with a few men to visit, primarily seeing Bai Zepei and Bai Ruozhu, explaining the incidents, and noting that those from the Chang'an Academy did not wish to stay long, so they returned to the capital that same day. They had come to apologize for the trouble they had caused at the Beiyu Academy, but Bai Ruozhu was not one to dwell on such trivialities, and, as a result, the two parties became quite familiar with each other.
Jiang Yichun had official business to attend to and left in a hurry. Bai Ruozhu glanced at him but did not ask further, knowing that some secrets of the Imperial Court were not hers to inquire.
As night fell and Little Dengdeng had fallen asleep, Jiang Yichun returned with a solemn expression on his face.
"What's wrong? You look upset." The competition had ended, and it should have been time for leisure and scenic tours; what else could have gone amiss?