At this time, near the Plum Garden and not far from the back mountain.
Leisurely walking, the winding path is deeply serene.
The Plum Garden contains courtyards and patios, intricately carved gatehouses, red doors and purple windows, possessing a unique charm. Each window and page witness the growth of countless students, with traces of wear illustrating the passage of time.
Li Qinglian carefully organized her personal belongings, neatly placing them, her clear and elegant brows gazing toward the direction of the back mountain.
She wondered how Ah Zhi was doing in the exams.
The princes and princesses are exempt from exams, entering directly. While other students endure long queues and multiple hurdles, the Emperor’s children and policy-eligible individuals are arranged by the Imperial College to acclimate until the passing students are admitted, starting school together.
Entering without exams is already the greatest leniency. Those admitted must do their own laundry and take care of their daily lives. They cannot bring maidservants inside.
Thus, the Imperial College admissions weed out some pampered girls.
For noble young ladies used to being served, it is likely difficult to adapt in a short time.
If they want to live well, they should hire private tutors at home.
Li Qinglian’s mother is from a foreign clan, and her other siblings in court look down on her mother’s family, rarely associating with them.
The title of Thirteenth Princess is an empty shell!
She believes, as the legitimate second daughter of the First Grade Lord Minister shows an interest in befriending her, she should cherish this friendship more, after all, not everyone disregards the foreign origin of her mother.
(In fact, Ye Zhi approached her for her beauty...)
Her raven black hair reaches her slender waist, with a jade plum blossom hairpin inserted between the tied-up locks. Wearing a plain white short coat and long skirt, she appears even more lithe and graceful.
She carries the temperament of a young girl first growing up, beautiful as a little fairy.
Emperor Jingping hardly remembers having such a daughter. After all, with dozens of princes and princesses in the harem, he only remembers the important ones. For example, the Left Minister’s daughter is an Imperial Concubine with a son, while the Right Minister’s younger daughter has one son and one daughter, the Empress Dowager’s niece, the sister of the National Guardian General, a princess from a certain country, etc...
Three thousand concubines in the Imperial Palace is not just a saying.
After hesitating for a moment, the shy Qinglian decided to go out and see how the exams were going, hoping to run into Ah Zhi.
Left the Plum Garden.
At the entrance was a path on either side, and, being unfamiliar with the area, she arbitrarily chose one to follow. Planning to ask someone once she saw them.
After walking for a while, not having seen anyone, she came upon a desolate small courtyard.
The courtyard name was given quite casually.
Qingqiu Courtyard.
The wooden gate was not properly shut, leaving a gap the size of two fists. The road here was quiet, with no one around. Fearing she might go further astray, Qinglian plucked up her courage and knocked on the wooden door.
"Hello, is anyone there? I would like to ask the way to the exam hall."
Approaching noon, the sun was fierce, but this Qingqiu Courtyard carried a creepy vibe, making one feel uneasy.
No response came.
Unwilling to give up, her soft voice called out again, "Is anyone there? I want to ask for directions."
Still no answer, as she was about to leave, a "thud" sounded from inside.
Could it be haunted?
"It’s better to leave this place early; it is not a place to linger."
After mumbling quietly, she prepared to leave. As this area was for residence, and new students hadn’t yet been arranged here post-exams, it was still relatively deserted. Staying for two days, Qinglian hadn’t felt the atmosphere of being admitted.