The same moment Xu Ming was observing the young woman, she was also studying him.
She, too, felt that he looked somewhat familiar.
A childhood image of someone suddenly surfaced in her mind.
Her heartbeat quickened, yet she didn’t dare to be sure.
After all, so many years had passed. No matter who it was, they would have changed drastically.
“This gentleman, your eyes are about to fall out,” Fang Yu teased with a smile as he looked at the man before him.
But neither he nor the others found Xu Ming’s reaction inappropriate in the slightest.
They were all used to it by now—any normal man who laid eyes on Cici for the first time would have the exact same response.
Honestly, if a man’s gaze wasn’t drawn to Cici, Fang Yu would have to wonder if there was something off about his preferences.
“My apologies,” Xu Ming said with a polite bow, smiling. “I just feel that this young lady looks like someone I once knew, but I can’t seem to recall exactly.”
“Haha, my friend, that’s quite an outdated way to start a conversation,” Chen Kun laughed, then bowed in greeting. “I am Chen Kun of White Deer Academy.”
Ling Bisheng also bowed. “I am Ling Bisheng of White Deer Academy.”
“I am Fang Yu of White Deer Academy.”
The young woman standing before them placed her hands together and gave a graceful curtsy. “I am Zhu Cici of White Deer Academy.”
Hearing that name, Xu Ming found it strikingly familiar.
And then, in an instant, it all came rushing back.
It wasn’t that he had forgotten her—he couldn’t have forgotten her.
After all, that delicate little girl from his childhood had been utterly unforgettable.
Not to mention, the poem he had once gifted Zhu Cici had ended up becoming a pivotal moment in Wu Kingdom’s history, shaping events in ways that left a lasting impact. Even if he had somehow forgotten, the historical records of Wu Kingdom would have reminded him.
That very poem he wrote for Zhu Cici had been widely circulated. He often heard people mention it, even in recent years.
And yet, now that Zhu Cici was standing right in front of him, the moment still felt unreal.
A wave of emotion welled up in his heart.
Time truly flew by so quickly.
The round-faced, chubby-cheeked little girl of his memories had grown into such an elegant, graceful young woman.
“You must have heard of White Deer Academy’s Zhu Cici,” Fang Yu chuckled, noticing Xu Ming’s dazed expression. “And you’re not mistaken—this is the very same Zhu Cici from the Beauty List. But if you’re thinking of pursuing her, well… you’ll have to get in line.”
“Brother Fang, don’t joke like that,” Zhu Cici said with a soft smile, her bright, beautiful eyes blinking as she looked at Xu Ming. “Please don’t mind him—he always speaks without a filter. His teacher has reprimanded him for it countless times.”
“Of course not,” Xu Ming replied with a gentle smile, shaking his head. Then he clasped his hands and respectfully bowed to the group. “I am Xu Ming of Wu Kingdom. It is a pleasure to meet you all.”
The others returned the gesture. “Brother Xu, you’re too polite.”
But in the next moment, their minds seemed to freeze.
What did this man just say?
Who did he say he was?
In an instant, everyone reacted, their gazes snapping toward Zhu Cici.
Her eyes flickered, her body frozen in place as if struck by lightning.
Her mind went completely blank.
Xu Ming’s voice echoed in her ears again and again.
She stood there, unmoving, as if time had stopped around her.
Xu Ming looked at her with warmth in his eyes.
His voice was soft, steady.
“Miss Zhu… it has been a long time.”
A Courtyard on the Outskirts of the Dragon Palace
Liu Jijiou and Lu Xiaoliu sat together, brewing tea.
The two of them looked completely at ease.
“The younger ones invited you to eat with them. Why didn’t you go?” Liu Jijiou asked.
Lu Xiaoliu chuckled. “A group of young people gathering for a meal—what business does an old man like me have there? Besides, my reputation is terrible. They probably want to stay far away from me. The only reason they extended the invitation was to avoid appearing rude.”
“You…” Liu Jijiou started to say something but, in the end, merely sighed.
“You met with that young master from Wu Kingdom last night?” Liu Jijiou took a sip of tea and asked the young man beside him.
Lu Xiaoliu nodded. “I did.”
Liu Jijiou: “What do you think of him?”
Lu Xiaoliu thought for a moment. “Nephew Xu’s tea-making skills are quite good—far better than yours, Jijiou.”
Liu Jijiou shot him a glare. “Stop joking around. I’m asking about him—his character.”
“He’s very good,” Lu Xiaoliu said with a grin. “As expected of a disciple of Mo Chi. Whether in his conduct or his knowledge, he is indeed remarkable. And he carries a composure far beyond his years.”
“Hmm…” Liu Jijiou nodded. “Then, do you think he’s qualified?”
At those words, Lu Xiaoliu fell silent.
Liu Jijiou did not press him, simply waiting for his answer.
After a long moment, Lu Xiaoliu finally spoke.
“Whether he’s qualified or not—it’s not for me to decide. And even if he is, does it matter? The real question is whether he’s willing.”
“You’re right,” Liu Jijiou sighed. “But… time is running out.”
“That is our problem,” Lu Xiaoliu said, meeting Liu Jijiou’s gaze. “We shouldn’t burden the younger generation with it.”
For once, Liu Jijiou saw something rare in Lu Xiaoliu’s eyes—anger.
Just as the atmosphere between them grew heavy—
The sound of knocking echoed through the courtyard.
Lu Xiaoliu exhaled deeply and rose to his feet. “I’ll get it.”
He walked to the courtyard gate and opened it.
Standing outside was a palace maid, dressed in ceremonial robes.
Lu Xiaoliu recognized her—Xiaolan, the Empress’s personal attendant.
“Forgive the disturbance, Mister Lu,” Xiaolan said with a respectful bow.
Lu Xiaoliu returned the gesture. “What brings you here, Miss Xiaolan?”
Xiaolan straightened. “I just went to Young Master Xu’s courtyard, but he wasn’t there. Since your residence is closest to his, I came to ask if you have seen him.”
“I heard from our White Deer Academy’s Yu Wenxi that they’re having a gathering. Since Yu Wenxi and Nephew Xu know each other, I assume he must have gone to Fan Hai Tavern for the gathering.” Lu Xiaoliu paused. “May I ask why you are looking for him?”
“It is Her Majesty,” Xiaolan said with a smile. “The Empress wishes to see him again.”