Вдовствующая императрица Сяосюань

Глава 21

“We haven’t seen each other for a year, what are you going there for? I’ll arrange a time for you to meet after we catch up.” Ru Feng looked at him sincerely.

"Alright," Yu Xuan gave in.

So, Ru Feng straightened his clothes and went inside.

"Senior brother, senior brother, over here!" As soon as he entered the door, Ru Feng heard a familiar voice. Looking closely, he saw Han Shan and Zui Yue.

Zuiyue was still dressed in purple, sitting there quietly, like the autumn moon in the still night, gentle and intoxicating.

Han Shan was still dressed in white, and his temperament was much calmer than before. He simply observed everything around him without making a sound.

"Huh, why are there only the two of you? Where are the others?" Ru Feng walked over happily, lifted her skirt, and sat down.

Han Shan looked at Ru Feng excitedly: "They haven't even finished their apprenticeship yet, how can they go down the mountain? Let's wait a year or two before talking about it." His tone was rather gloating.

"Senior brother, it's been a long time." The soft, gentle voice came from Zuiyue.

"It's been a long time. How is Master?" Ru Feng's voice softened. This junior sister was studying medicine. She had a gentle personality and was a bit slow in doing things, but she had a great talent for medicine.

“Very good,” Zuiyue replied simply.

"Zuiyue, you've made great progress in your medical studies, congratulations!" Rufeng said with a smile.

“No.” Zuiyue shook her head. “It’s just that my master said that instead of staying cooped up in the mountains, I should go out and broaden my horizons.”

Han Shan, who was standing next to him, quickly interjected: "Actually, Zui Yue has learned quite well, but she lacks practice, so Master let her come down the mountain with me."

"And what about you?" Ru Feng picked up the bowl and chopsticks handed to her by the waiter, took a bite of food, and never missed an opportunity to eat.

Seeing this, Zuiyue and Hanshan quickly helped to serve Rufeng the dishes she liked.

"My martial arts skills are good enough to protect myself now. It's too boring on the mountain, so my master sent me down the mountain ahead of schedule."

Ru Feng nodded in satisfaction: "Hehe, it's a wonder you still remember that these are all my favorite foods. I also want to congratulate Han Shan. You've always been serious about learning martial arts, and you have great talent."

“Master said yours is the best,” Zuiyue interjected.

“How could we not remember? All four of us miss you. If it weren’t for Master’s permission, we would have gone down the mountain to find you long ago. Without our senior brother on the mountain, what’s the point?” Hanshan complained. “Master also misses you. Since you went down the mountain, he hasn’t said a word all day, and we don’t dare to say anything to him.”

At this point, a hint of sadness flashed in Zuiyue's and Hanshan's eyes.

Ru Feng raised an eyebrow: "Why are you making that face? You all know Master's personality. It's normal for him to not be able to say a word for a long time. It's just that I'm a bit talkative, so he's talking to me."

"Senior brother, why are you making such a racket?" Han Shan laughed.

The atmosphere immediately relaxed.

"Tell me, where do you plan to go after seeing me?" Ru Feng asked after he had finished eating and drinking.

"Does Senior Brother despise us? Can't we stay by your side?" Han Shan asked, his face full of dejection.

"Do you want to study at the academy like me?" Ru Feng asked incredulously. Study? What a boring life! If it weren't for Grandpa and Father's insistence, and that big rock in the military camp, Ru Feng really wouldn't want to come to the academy.

The two quickly shook their heads: "No, no, no, we don't like it. We are people of the martial world, what are we supposed to read? It's too boring." Han Shan waved his hand hurriedly.

"That's why," Ru Feng said, as if he had expected it all along.

"Senior brother, we've traveled all over Xiangzhou City today, and thinking about it, it's actually quite nice here. Besides, Master said you might need our help, so we've decided to settle here until you leave," Hanshan said seriously.

Ru Feng remained silent for a moment, then thought for a moment before asking, "What about your businesses down the mountain?"

"Everything is continuing. I've hired someone I trust to manage it, so it's fine. I plan to open a shop in Xiangzhou City, and I'll be doing some market research in the next few days," Hanshan replied earnestly.

Ru Feng nodded. Han Shan had always had a knack for business. When Ru Feng was fourteen, she made a pair of high-heeled shoes to prevent herself from not growing tall. Han Shan saw a business opportunity in this and took the shoes down the mountain to sell. Somehow, he made a hundred taels of silver, which made everyone admire him.

Ru Feng thus deliberately cultivated his business knowledge and instilled in him some modern concepts. Han Shan applied what he learned and quickly became a rising star in the local business community, which is why Ru Feng was able to bring money home.

So the two discussed it for a while and agreed on a time to meet next.

Soon, the time came, and Ru Feng and Yu Xuan returned home just as the academy was closing.

That night, Ru Feng lay in bed, thinking, "Tomorrow, I must go to Luolin Academy to discuss this matter with someone."

!

Chapter 42 Finding People

The next day, Ru Feng and Yu Jue went to Luolin Academy to find their headmaster.

"Brother Jue, why did I have to go to him instead of him coming to me?" Ru Feng was puzzled. There were only twenty-odd days left, and the other party didn't seem to be in a hurry. Ru Feng wasn't in a hurry because he was busy with his junior brothers' affairs, so was the other party also busy with something else?

"I don't know, let's go and see." Yu Jue said with a smile. Originally, Yu Xuan was supposed to come today, but Ru Feng wanted to take the opportunity to get closer to Yu Jue, so she canceled. This made Yu Xuan very unhappy, and Ru Feng had to make some concessions before she would be satisfied.

"Brother Jue, I wonder if we'll be able to see Xiaoying?" Rufeng asked after thinking for a moment. Rong Yiying was also a student at Luolin Academy, but given his personality, he probably wouldn't be interested in these competitions, so seeing him... well, that would be a bit difficult.

"Maybe it's possible. Lorraine Academy isn't very big, so it should be easy to find him," Yu Jue comforted, patting Ru Feng on the shoulder.

Lorraine Academy and Fengxian Academy are located opposite each other, separated only by a large square, so Ru Feng and his group only spent a dozen minutes walking to the entrance of Lorraine Academy.

After speaking with the guards at the entrance of the academy and showing them a sign for Fengxian Academy, Rufeng and his group were finally allowed to enter.

"I didn't expect it to be so strict here. People say Lorraine Academy is very lenient." Ru Feng pouted and put the sign into her pocket.

Yu Jue chuckled: "The leniency is only relative. In fact, every academy checks people coming in and out, for the safety of the students."

Ru Feng could only reluctantly nod in agreement.

As Feng and Yujue walked in, they had to climb some stone steps to reach the academy. The scenery along the way was similar to that of Fengxian Academy, except that there weren't as many maple trees.

Fengxian Academy has become more delicate and exquisite, while Luolin Academy has become more simple and grand.

Many students passed by on the road, all wearing blue robes. Only Ru Feng and Yu Jue were dressed in white, making them stand out in the crowd and attracting a lot of attention.

Ru Feng stopped a seemingly kind young man: "Brother, I am Yu Chi Ru Feng, the head of Feng Xian Academy. I have something to discuss with your head of the academy. May I ask where I can find him?"

Ru Feng's attitude was extremely polite and sincere, but the young man's face turned red instantly. He stammered, "...Brother, we...our headmaster..." Before he could finish speaking, he ran away in a flash, turning back to say, "Go ask someone else."

Ru Feng was taken aback and looked at Yu Jue. Yu Jue was also surprised: "I have heard that Luo Lin Academy and Feng Xian Academy have always been at odds, but I have never heard of such a situation."

Ru Feng raised an eyebrow, looking at the pedestrians on the road. Just as she was about to ask someone else for directions, she heard Rong Yiying's voice.

"Someone just told me that two students from Fengxian Academy have come to the academy, and the shorter one is particularly beautiful. Some people get flustered when they see his big eyes, so I decided to come and see for myself. I didn't expect it to really be you." Rong Yiying's voice was still calm, but tinged with sarcasm.

"Xiaoying, you're finally here! Hehe, I thought I wouldn't see you." Rufeng was very happy. "Hehe, it seems my charm is still as powerful as ever, hehe..."

Seeing that Ru Feng was about to boast again, Rong Yiying quickly changed the subject: "I'll take you to find the headmaster." If Ru Feng continued, she wouldn't be able to stand it. This kid has a good-looking face, yet he's so smug. He's not a woman. What's the use of a good-looking man? Being capable is what really matters.

Ru Feng had no choice but to shut up. Honestly, at Fengxian Academy, Ru Feng had become familiar with everyone, so they treated him casually. Now that he was here, everyone's attention to him immediately satisfied Ru Feng's vanity.

Ultimately, Ru Feng was quite satisfied with his thick skin.

"Superficial!" Rong Yiying sneered.

Ru Feng curled his lip: "Xiao Ying, you just can't stand to see me happy, can you?" He shook his head as he spoke, "What a twisted person. People need praise so that we can do better and be happier."

"Alright, Ru Feng, just be quiet for a bit." Seeing Rong Yiying quicken her pace, Yu Jue hurriedly reminded the head-shaking Ru Feng.

Ru Feng looked up and carefully examined Yu Jue: "Brother Jue, you are actually very handsome. You are the type of gentleman, the epitome of gentleness, the prince in every woman's heart, and the dream lover of every unmarried girl..."

"Alright, Ru Feng, stop talking." Yu Jue quickly stopped him, but his ears turned red.

"I haven't finished speaking yet..." Ru Feng protested.

"We've arrived. This is our headmaster!" Rong Yiying said coldly. Ru Feng quickly shut up and stared intently at the headmaster, who was standing in the pavilion looking at them.

The headmaster of Lorraine Academy was a young man of about twenty years old named Gao Yueqi. He had an ordinary appearance but was strong and powerful. Standing in front of him, Ru Feng looked as harmless as a little white rabbit.

Ru Feng estimated that he was about 1.9 meters tall and was wearing a sky-blue outfit, which was the school uniform of Lorraine Academy, showing off his muscular physique.

In stark contrast to the spacious and flowing style of Fengxian Academy, Luolin Academy emphasizes simplicity and elegance, giving it a unique charm when worn.

Ru Feng then looked at Rong Yiying's clothes, admiring her well-defined curves. He reached out to touch Rong Yiying's chest and sighed, "Xiao Ying, you have a nice figure, quite curvaceous."

Rong Yiying immediately dodged Ru Feng's sneak attack and glared at him fiercely: "Let's talk about your business."

Yu Jue, who was standing next to her, pulled Ru Feng's hand back, saying, "Don't touch me."

Gao Yueqi seemed oblivious to this scene, and looked directly at Ru Feng: "Young Master Yuchi, let's begin our discussion."

“Just call me Rufeng,” Rufeng said cheerfully. “I’ll just call you Yueqi.”

The other party nodded.

!

Chapter 43 Discussion

"What are your thoughts on this competition?" The three sat on a stone bench. Rong Yiying leaned against a pillar of the pavilion with his sword in hand. Ru Feng spoke first, asking with a smile.

"No objection, just do it the same as before." Gao Yueqi said without hesitation. What was there to say? Fengxian Academy and Luolin had always harbored deep resentment, so everyone was determined to win this time.

Ru Feng looked at him with disappointment: "Don't you want to be innovative? What's the point of always doing the same thing as before?"

Gao Yueqi looked at him in surprise: "Then what do you want?"

Ru Feng looked at Yu Jue, who quickly handed a roll of white paper from his pocket to Gao Yueqi.

Gao Yueqi took it with a puzzled look, flipped through it for a while, and then stared at Ru Feng: "This plan... is very good, but will the people from the other academies agree? And if we really follow this plan, we will be very busy."

"Does Yue Qi find this troublesome? Let's not call this a competition, let's change the name to 'sports meet'. All the academies in Xiangzhou City will participate. The more people there are, the more lively it will be, and the more fun it will be!" Ru Feng smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits.

"But there are some things here that I don't understand," Gao Yueqi said, pointing to a noun, whether out of perfunctory replies or genuine interest.

Ru Feng peeked out and laughed, "This is easy, a relay race is just running." Ru Feng briefly explained the rules of the relay race to them, and emphasized, "Remember, no using light-footed skills, otherwise it won't be so fun."

Over the next period of time, Ru Feng explained the rules of these sports one by one. In fact, Ru Feng's idea was to add some content, such as high jump, long jump, riddles, swimming, shot put, etc., and then invite the other six academies in Xiangzhou City to participate. This would also reduce the tension between Fengxian Academy and Luolin Academy.