What kind of flirtatious noblewoman?
How dare she extend her evil claws towards her idol!!!
Yanshu was very angry and quickly asked the system: [What's the background of this Princess Shou'an? Why haven't I seen her before?]
The system replied: [Princess Shou'an is the niece of Emperor Gaozu, which makes her the cousin of the Former Emperor and the Grand Princess, and the aunt of the current Emperor. She has a passionate and outgoing nature. Years ago, she volunteered to marry into the Mu Prince's Mansion in Nanzhao and became the Mu Princess. However, her husband died after just two years, and since then, she's been living as a merry widow.]
Yanshu: [...]
Why did it sound like there was a hint of envy in that explanation?
Still, she didn't quite understand, so she hurriedly asked again, [After her husband died, doesn't she need to manage the household? Doesn't she have children?]
The system replied, [She has a son, but he was too young at the time. So after her husband's death, her brother-in-law Mu Zhengping ascended to the position, becoming the current Mu Prince. Princess Shou'an, of course, no longer needed to manage the household. As a member of the Yuwen Royal Family, and given the generations of friendship between Nanzhao and Great Liang, coupled with Nanzhao's naturally open-minded culture, even though she became a widow, she wasn't subject to many restrictions. She frequently travels between Nanzhao and Great Liang, often sightseeing and flirting with handsome men, living quite happily.]
Yanshu: [...]
Ahem, she had to admit, after hearing that, she felt even more envious.
But coming back to the point, no matter how good Princess Shou'an's life was or how much she loved to flirt with handsome men, the one standing on the podium now was Mr. Qi!
This was the world-renowned new principal of Songhe Academy, one of the Four Great Masters with a wealth of talent. How could she be so frivolous towards him?
Couldn't she go flirt with those young pretty boys instead? Why did she have to come here and make others uncomfortable!
If she was this angry, the Empress Dowager's heart must be even more upset!
But then the system added, [In Princess Shou'an's eyes, Mr. Qi is far beyond comparison to ordinary pretty boys! You think she's just attracted to his looks? Actually, she's been deeply in love with him for a long time.]
Deeply in love?
Tsk, it seems there's quite a story here.
Yanshu immediately said, [Quick, tell me the details.]
The system then explained, [This story goes back many years. When Princess Shou'an had just become a widow, she returned to the capital and stayed for a while. During that time, she flirted with many talented young men in the capital. However, no matter what she did, only Qi Shuguang remained unmoved. As the saying goes, the harder something is to obtain, the more it makes one obsess over it. So Princess Shou'an became increasingly fixated on Qi Shuguang.]
[But not long after, there was a period of instability in Nanzhao, and she was called back by people from the Mu Prince's Mansion, so she had to put her pursuit on hold. By the time she returned a few years later, Qi Shuguang had already resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown. Although Princess Shou'an has had many lovers over the years, Qi Shuguang, the one she couldn't have, became the one she couldn't stop thinking about.]
[Now, with the great scholars gathering in the capital, she heard the news from afar and was shocked to discover that Qi Shuguang, who had been out of touch for years, was among them. She immediately set out from Nanzhao. Unfortunately, the journey was quite long, which is why she's only just arrived.]
Yanshu: "..."
That journey was indeed quite far. It's a shame, as the scholars are set to leave in just two days.
After the system finished speaking, Yanshu couldn't help but frown inwardly, [So you're saying Princess Shou'an came specifically for Qi Shuguang?]
[...EMMMMM Especially since she's a well-known flirtatious noblewoman, does this mean Qi Shuguang has been stuck with a persistent admirer?]
As she was thinking this, she saw Princess Shou'an in the distance addressing Qi Shuguang, who was still stunned by the flower-throwing, "It's been years since we last met, yet Scholar Qi still maintains such an outstanding demeanor."
Hm? Years since we last met?
Hearing her speak like this, the already curious crowd began to ponder—
From the sound of it, this veiled woman...
Was an old acquaintance of Principal Qi?
However, Qi Shuguang seemed to have no recollection of who she was, and still looked confused as he said, "I'm not sure who you are, madam..."
The woman then spoke with a hint of reproach in her voice, "So the scholar has truly forgotten all about me."
With these words, the crowd once again raised their eyebrows—
From the sound of it, could there be some history between these two?
Yanshu immediately became anxious, shouting inwardly, [Hey! Princess Shou'an, you experienced player in love, stay away from our Scholar Qi! Don't you dare taint my pure and flawless male lead!!!]
She shouted so loudly that someone nearby wanted to cover their ears.
Yuwen Lan, who had been quietly observing the situation alongside Yanshu for a while, had already understood two things—
First, this woman who dared to throw flowers at Qi Shuguang was his aunt, Princess Shou'an.
Second, Princess Shou'an also had feelings for Qi Shuguang, and had come all this way just for him.
Yuwen Lan: "..."
Who would have thought that Qi Shuguang was such a catch?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but secretly listen to the Empress Dowager's thoughts, wanting to know her reaction to this scene.
He heard the Empress Dowager inwardly snort, [Sure enough, it's that thick-skinned Shou'an again!]
Yuwen Lan: "???"
The Empress Dowager actually recognized her immediately.
How impressive?!!!
Well, he then hurriedly looked towards Qi Shuguang, inwardly raising an eyebrow, wondering how he would respond to this situation.
He saw Qi Shuguang pause for a moment, and then, bowing slightly to Princess Shou'an, smile and say, "Please forgive this old man's dullness, madam. I don't seem to have any connection with you."
Princess Shou'an had no choice but to finally introduce herself, "I am Princess Shou'an, Yuwen Rong. Does Mr. Qi remember now?"
Princess Shou'an?
Qi Shuguang paused again, and then quickly stepped down from the podium, bowing to her and saying, "So it's Princess Shou'an who has graced us with her presence. Please forgive this commoner's poor eyesight."
His attitude was neither servile nor overbearing, but quite forthright.
Seeing this, Yanshu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, [As expected of my great scholar! He didn't fall for this flirtatious noblewoman's tricks. I hope the Empress Dowager doesn't misunderstand.]
Yuwen Lan, hearing this, paid attention to the Empress Dowager again.
He heard the Empress Dowager think, [That's more like it.]
Yuwen Lan: "..."
Well, that girl can rest assured, the Empress Dowager indeed didn't misunderstand.
Then he heard Yanshu pondering in her mind, [Come to think of it, shouldn't Princess Shou'an's first order of business upon returning to the capital be to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress Dowager? By openly revealing her identity like this, isn't she afraid of being punished for disrespect?]
The system sighed, [After all, she's still the Empress Dowager of Nanzhao, and she's the Emperor's elder. To maintain friendly relations with Nanzhao, the Emperor can't really blame her, can he?]
But no sooner had these words been spoken than Princess Shou'an temporarily bid farewell to Qi Shuguang and made her way towards the VIP seats where the Emperor was seated.
When she arrived, she removed her veil and bowed, saying, "This subject, Shou'an, pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. I have just arrived in the capital today and, hearing that Your Majesties were here listening to the lecture, I hurried over to pay my respects."
Seeing this, Yanshu inwardly clicked her tongue. This Princess Shou'an was no fool. She had come specifically to see Scholar Qi, but with this act, it now appeared as if she had rushed here specifically to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
And just as the system had said, given the number of people present today and the special status of Princess Shou'an, Yuwen Lan couldn't really reproach her. He simply asked, "So it's Aunt. I had no idea you had come to the capital?"
Princess Shou'an quickly replied, "With Your Majesty's auspicious birthday celebration coming up next month, I was worried about potential travel delays and set out early from Nanzhao. I had intended to send a messenger ahead to report my arrival, but due to terrible weather along the way, the messenger couldn't arrive in advance. Thus, I could only come in person to pay my respects and ask for forgiveness."
As these words fell, Yanshu couldn't help but click her tongue again, [Indeed, she's an old hand at love affairs, lies come easily to her. She came to see the handsome man, yet she claims it's to celebrate the Emperor's birthday early. Making the Emperor feel touched for nothing.]
Yuwen Lan: "..."
How could he be so easily moved?
However, Princess Shou'an's excuse was good enough, and he really couldn't say anything, so he just nodded and said, "Aunt must have had a tiring journey."
Of course, the opening of Songhe Academy was the main event today, so after saying this, he didn't engage in further pleasantries with her.
And with Qi Shuguang's lecture now over, today's Great Scholars Forum had come to an end.
Following the announcement by the on-site ceremonial official, the common people began to disperse.
However, it was rare for the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager to venture out, so they certainly couldn't simply return to the palace just like that.
Next, they were to personally tour the Songhe Academy, surrounded by officials.
Yanshu was very excited, knowing that leading the way at the front was none other than her idol, Dean Qi!
And between Dean Qi and the Empress Dowager, there was only the Emperor!
My, my, being able to walk like this, could it be considered a sightseeing trip for the two of them?
Hehe, just thinking about it was thrilling.
Yuwen Lan: "..."
To be honest, he still didn't quite understand her sense of humor and what angered her.
However, before the group could take a step, Princess Shou'an came up and said to Yuwen Lan, "It's rare to encounter such a grand event today. May I have the honor of accompanying you all? Nanzhao has always revered Central Plains culture. I hope to take this opportunity to broaden my horizons, so that when I return to Nanzhao, I can build a proper academy to promote Central Plains culture."
Upon hearing this, Yanshu immediately became agitated again, inwardly grumbling, [Ugh, will this ever end?! This experienced player in romance is truly thick-skinned! How dare she follow us! Emperor, please don't agree to her request!]
Yuwen Lan: "..."
However, before he could open his mouth, Mr. Yu of Nanyang, who had just given a lecture, and Mr. Ji of Jinling City both nodded in approval, "It's commendable that the Princess has such a desire to learn. This is a good thing!"
"Indeed, Nanzhao and our dynasty have been friendly for generations. It's only right that we exchange more, allowing Central Plains culture to flourish. Please, Your Majesty, grant her permission."
Mr. Gu of Lanling didn't say anything, but quietly glanced at Qi Shuguang with a meaningful look in his eyes.
Qi Shuguang also didn't say anything, maintaining a solemn expression.
The other accompanying officials nodded as well, saying, "It is indeed a good thing. Please agree, Your Majesty."
In such a situation, Yuwen Lan really had no reason to refuse, so he could only nod and say, "Then please join us, Princess."
As soon as he finished speaking, Princess Shou'an quickly agreed.
However, Yuwen Lan once again heard Yanshu's angry voice in his ear, [Hey Emperor, what's wrong with you?!!!]
"..."
He could only pretend not to hear.
Nevertheless, he couldn't help but try to listen to the Empress Dowager's thoughts—
He heard the Empress Dowager snort and laugh, saying, [Very well, let's see what tricks you can pull!]
Thus, the group began their tour of the academy.
Fortunately, due to the difference in status, Princess Shou'an could only walk behind Yanshu, unable to get close to Dean Qi, which somewhat comforted Yanshu.
Speaking of which, this academy truly deserved to be called the best in the capital. First of all, it was indeed large, with classrooms, living quarters, and dining halls for teachers and students, all complete. In addition, there were two spacious library buildings, storing various classics from famous authors, which could be described as very rich in content.
Most of the people present were scholars, and seeing the collection of books naturally piqued their interest. They began to search around, looking for books that suited their tastes.
Yuwen Lan also couldn't help but look around.
For a moment, there weren't many people around Dean Qi.
Seeing this situation, Princess Shou'an hurriedly approached him and said, "It's been many years since we last met. I wonder if sir has started a family yet?"
Qi Shuguang politely bowed his head and said, "This humble one has not yet married."
Nearby, Yanshu, who was accompanying the Empress Dowager, caught sight of this scene and immediately became angry — hmph, how dare Princess Shou'an take this opportunity to chat up Scholar Qi?
Unacceptable!
So she took a few steps forward and said, "Speaking of which, I've long heard that Nanzhao has spring-like weather all year round, with all kinds of rare flowers and strange trees, but I've never seen them. I wonder if the Princess could tell me in detail what kinds of plants are rarely seen in the Central Plains?"
As she was now a consort, Princess Shou'an had no choice but to leave Scholar Qi's side and walk over to her, bowing and saying, "It would be my honor..."
She then began to explain.
While listening, Yanshu glanced to the side.
She saw that at some point, the Empress Dowager, who had been browsing books on the shelves, had wandered to a spot not far from Scholar Qi.
And Scholar Qi automatically stood to the side, like an attendant, not daring to leave.
She was startled, and immediately became excited.
Ah, ah, ah, the Empress Dowager actually walked over to Scholar Qi on her own?
Ah, ah, ah, are they going to talk?!!!
Ah, ah, ah, what will they say?!!!
And just as she was thinking this, she saw the Empress Dowager indeed open her mouth and say something in Scholar Qi's direction.
Yanshu: "!!!"
Unfortunately, the library was too large, and Princess Shou'an was talking to her, making it impossible for her to hear clearly.
After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, Scholar Qi seemed to pause.
...
Indeed, at this moment, Qi Shuguang was stunned.
Because the Empress Dowager had actually asked him, "After all these years, you're still alone. Could it be that Mr. Qi has someone in his heart?"
