mesbooks Chapter 123 Reunion with Li Lingxuan
Chapter 123 Reunion with Li Lingxuan
"Xiaozhi, come here." Cen Jiexiao put down the scroll in her hand and waved to Xiaozhi. "I remember telling you before that Li Lingxuan also came to Linkang Prefecture with the royal sacrificial group, right?"
"Yes, Dean." Xiaozhi nodded in response, "Princess Li did come with us, what's wrong?"
Cen Jiexiao tapped her fingers lightly on the table, and after a moment's silence, she said, "Li Lingxuan has also come to Linkang Mansion. We must complete what we promised her before."
"What does the dean mean..." Xiaozhi hesitated slightly.
"I promised her before that I would find a way to help her promote the success of this marriage and help her become the Crown Princess of Xixiang." Cen Jiexiao explained.
"But... Dean, do we really have to help her? After all, she is on the Queen Mother's side. What if..." Xiaozhi looked embarrassed.
"I know what you're worried about," Cen Jiexiao interrupted her. "But Li Lingxuan is a little different from the others on the Queen Mother's side. After spending a few days with her, I've discovered she doesn't seem particularly hostile toward our academy. Furthermore, she's the only one on the Queen Mother's side who has a relatively good relationship with us. During this East China Sea sacrificial ceremony, perhaps she can really help us at a crucial moment."
"The dean is right." Xiaozhi nodded to show his understanding.
"So, I plan to invite Li Lingxuan to visit the academy tomorrow." Cen Jiexiao ordered.
"Dean, do we need to make any preparations?" Xiaozhi asked.
"It's nothing. You have good observation skills. You can also come there tomorrow to see how our princess is doing recently." Cen Jiexiao smiled faintly.
At daybreak, Bi Tao rose early to help Li Lingxuan dress. Li Lingxuan, looking at her delicate makeup in the bronze mirror, felt a sense of unease. Yesterday, Sister Cen Xiao had sent an invitation to Zhaoyin Academy, inviting her to a chat. She was a little confused about her intentions.
"Princess, what's on your mind today?" Bi Tao asked softly while combing Li Lingxuan's hair. "I noticed you've been a little absent-minded since last night."
Li Lingxuan sighed softly and said, "Yesterday, Sister Cen Xiao sent someone to deliver an invitation to me to go to Zhaoyin Academy today. Do you think she will threaten me by helping me to get married to Prince Xixiang?"
Bi Tao thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, Dean Cen's reputation and character are not good. Perhaps he just wants to make friends with you, Princess. After all, your current status is different from before, and you are also a favorite of the Queen Mother. I think Dean Cen also wants to establish a good relationship with you."
Li Lingxuan shook her head and said, "I hope so. But I'm still a little uneasy. I always feel that this matter is not that simple. Besides, Sister Cen Xiao doesn't get along with my aunt after all."
"Princess, you are worrying too much. Even if Dean Cen really has some purpose, you are a princess. Are you afraid of her, the dean of a college?" Bi Tao comforted her.
Li Lingxuan forced a smile and said, "You're right. I was overthinking it."
After breakfast, Li Lingxuan took Bitao on a carriage to Zhaoyin Academy. As the carriage slowly moved along the street, Li Lingxuan's mind was full of thoughts. In fact, her wish was simple: to successfully marry Xixiang, fulfill her wish, and also fulfill her responsibilities as the princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
"Princess, we're here." Bi Tao lifted a corner of the curtain and reminded softly.
Li Lingxuan came back to her senses, nodded slightly, and stepped down from the carriage gracefully.
Upon hearing that Li Lingxuan was coming, Cen Jiexiao had already been waiting at the entrance with several academy disciples. Catching sight of Li Lingxuan from afar, Cen Jiexiao approached with a smile. Knowing that Li Lingxuan must have had concerns, she acted with increasing warmth and kindness, attempting to allay her concerns.
"Princess Li's visit has truly brought honor to Zhaoyin Academy." Cen Jiexiao said in a gentle tone with just the right smile on her face.
"Dean Cen, you're too polite." Li Lingxuan smiled faintly, her bright eyes and white teeth shining, and she looked at Cen Jiexiao calmly. "I hope Dean Cen will not mind disturbing the quiet place of the academy."
"Princess, you are joking. You are the princess of the current dynasty, of noble status. It is our honor that you can visit our small academy." Cen Jiexiao said with a smile, "Princess, please." As she spoke, she stretched out her hand and made a "please" gesture.
Li Lingxuan followed Cen Jiexiao into the courtyard and looked around. It was shaded by green trees, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. Several students sat beneath the trees, quietly discussing academic matters. The scene before her was a stark contrast to the formal and formal academy she had imagined; it seemed remarkably tranquil and elegant. "Last time, due to urgent matters, I didn't get to explore it properly. I never expected Zhaoyin Academy to be this beautiful! It's completely different from what I imagined," Li Lingxuan exclaimed with genuine admiration.
Hearing Li Lingxuan's praise, Cen Jiexiao's smile grew wider, and she spoke with a hint of pride, "As long as the princess likes it, I'm glad. As for me, I love the scenery of this academy the most. It's quiet in the bustling city, and it offers different views in each season."
"Yes, after seeing it today, I can see that it lives up to its reputation." Li Lingxuan originally thought that a place like an academy must be full of bookish atmosphere and very boring, but she did not expect that as soon as she entered the yard, she was attracted by the scene in front of her.
Li Lingxuan's gaze unconsciously passed Cen Jiexiao and settled on the open space in the backyard not far away. It was a spacious field, bathed in sunlight, where a group of female students were playing, their figures appearing particularly lively in the sunlight. Some gathered in groups of three or four to play football, their laughter and chatter ceaseless; others, armed with bows and arrows, practiced archery with valiant grace, their feathers swishing through the air; and others gathered together, whispering something, sometimes laughing softly, sometimes whispering softly, their faces brimming with youthful, energetic smiles.
This scene was completely different from her impression of the ladies who never left the house, only knew how to recite poems and compose couplets, and were well versed in etiquette. An indescribable sense of freshness came over Li Lingxuan, making her a little fascinated.
The last time she came, the academy's unique musical ensemble had already opened her eyes. Now seeing this scene again, Li Lingxuan felt even more curious about Cen Jiexiao.
Just what kind of person was this Sister Cen Xiao? What kind of fantastical ideas were swirling in her head? Why did she always come up with such unusual ideas, such shocking yet refreshing things? Li Lingxuan had a vague feeling that Sister Cen Xiao was different from the conventional, rule-abiding female teachers she had met before. She seemed to possess an indescribable charm, drawing her attention like a magnet, making her want to get closer, want to understand her, and explore her deepest secrets.
Li Lingxuan's attention was drawn to a group of female students in the backyard. They were gathered together, seemingly engaged in some intense competition, and bursts of laughter erupted from time to time. Driven by curiosity, she gently touched Cen Jiexiao's arm and asked, "Dean Cen, what are they playing? Why is it so lively?"
Cen Jiexiao followed Li Lingxuan's gaze and a pleased smile appeared on her face: "Princess, you may not know that this is the new women's Cuju class in our academy."
"Cuju class?" Li Lingxuan covered her lips in surprise. This was something she had never heard of in the education she had received since she was a child. "Isn't Cuju a sport only for men? How can women learn it?"
Seeing Li Lingxuan's surprised expression, Cen Jiexiao patiently explained, "My princess, you don't know that staying in your boudoir all day is not good for your physical and mental development. I've noticed that most of these female students are weak, so I thought of offering a Cuju class so that they can exercise and strengthen their bodies while studying."
"I see," Li Lingxuan nodded thoughtfully, her eyes once again fixed on the female students. "But, is Cuju really appropriate, as it's rough and unbecoming of a woman?"
"Your Highness, you are wrong," Cen Jiexiao said with a hearty laugh. "Who says women can only stay indoors? Women are just as capable as men. Women can also defend their country. Although Cuju isn't as thrilling as fighting on the battlefield, it also requires agility and teamwork. It's a form of exercise for women."