The duel between masters, a single move determines the victor. Ji San’s immobilized hand indicates that he has already lost. The State Preceptor, with a face like elegant jade and eyes like autumn waters, is also quite adept in martial arts.
The swordplay seemed as gentle as a spring breeze, yet concealed lethal intents.
"What are you doing? As the Crown Prince, you ought to seek benefits and welfare for the people of the kingdom and not target a young girl with deadly intent in public. If your father and mother knew of this behavior, they’d be gravely disappointed. You should have the world in your heart; how can a person with such a heart act in this manner?"
Li Changnian, seeing it was the State Preceptor, became flustered and hurriedly explained, "It’s not that I lack concern for the world, but this girl behaves so dominantly. She attacked Liu in the Imperial College, and I couldn’t stand her actions, so I decided to uphold justice and give her a minor reprimand. Rest assured, State Preceptor, I know my limits."
The State Preceptor before him was a close confidant of his father.
His father was usually very strict with him, frequently admonishing him to study diligently, do his homework, and always maintain proper behavior, reprimanding him for the slightest mistakes.
However.
The way he treated the State Preceptor was different.
Every time he appeared, his father would cheerfully engage in conversation, sharing personal matters, "Wanmu, you’ve finally come to see me. About that chess game we didn’t finish last time, what do you think?"
"Wanmu, the thousand-year ginseng I gifted you, did you consume it? I can give you more once it’s finished. There’s plenty in the treasury, no need to be polite with me."
"Come, help me review Imperial Censor Jiang’s letter, I’m undecided on this matter."
And so on.
Occasionally, Li Changnian felt resentful, with his father so harsh on him yet treating the State Preceptor as if he were his own son.
Therefore, he also held the State Preceptor in reverence and awe.
Pei Wanmu, noticing his evasion and lack of repentance, said displeased, "Regardless, openly troubling this young girl is wrong. You should persuade others with reason. Your conduct this time is greatly inappropriate. Return and write a three-thousand-word letter of apology to me. If it’s short by even a word, I will report your actions to the Emperor truthfully."
With these words~
The previously imposing Crown Prince immediately deflated, unable to hide the embarrassment on his face.
As if unwilling, his gaze was fixed on the jade-like man before him, wanting to speak but holding back.
Ultimately, he said nothing.
"Qingxi, Xue Ling, let us leave."
He left the scene with his companions.
Ji San still looked pitifully at the State Preceptor, who had not yet released his hand, pleading, "State Preceptor, I, too, am following orders. If I disobey, you know well what a dire fate awaits."
In the next moment, his hand was released, and he said, "Thank you, State Preceptor."
With a black-clad leap, he vanished out the window.
This farce came to an end.
Those present looked at each other in silence.
Though Ye Zhi was saved by him, she hadn’t forgotten how he had scolded Little Fairy a few days prior. Begrudgingly polite, she bowed and saluted, her tone slightly reluctant, "Thank you, State Preceptor, for saving me."
For Little Fairy’s sake, she almost preferred to let Ji San slap her.
She glanced in Little Fairy’s direction, not wanting to look at the State Preceptor, pretending to admire the night scene outside the window. Little Fairy was still holding a grudge, unwilling to acknowledge Pei Wanmu.
Who knows when the two will reconcile.
Ye Zhi was embarrassed to say much to the State Preceptor, simply giving brief thanks. When Little Fairy’s mood improved and she forgave him, thanking him properly wouldn’t be too late.
Thankfully, he was there; otherwise, had Ji San landed his punch, her little face would have been swollen for days.