Having received the answer she wanted and an unexpected joy along with it, Gu Wuyou returned to Pingshuo Hall in a cheerful mood.
She stepped into the classroom just in time. The instructor had already arrived, and the students were all seated properly. When they saw her enter, they all turned their heads to look. Fortunately, the one teaching this lesson was her second sister, who merely curved her gentle eyes into a smile upon seeing her arrive so late. With a soft voice, she said to her, “Go take your seat quickly, class is starting.”
Gu Wuyou looked at Gu Tiao, her face involuntarily flushing red. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some understanding hidden in her second sister’s smile. Feeling embarrassed, she dared not meet her gaze and simply nodded before obediently taking her seat.
Earlier, she had already decided to listen attentively.
Just as her second sister had told her—since she was here, she shouldn’t waste time. After all, when she looked back on this period in the future, it wouldn’t be good if all she could remember was staring into space.
And then there was the conversation she had with the Great General today.
Since she had told the Great General to attend class properly and not skip, she ought to set an example herself. She couldn’t very well be lazy while expecting others to study diligently.
That would make no sense.
For these two reasons, she was exceptionally focused in class today.
She even received praise from several instructors, which made her quite happy.
Perhaps busy times always pass quickly—Gu Wuyou spent the entire morning learning the zither and painting. In what felt like the blink of an eye, it was already time for the midday meal.
For the past few days, since Xiao Yi hadn’t been around, Gu Wuyou had been going to the dining hall with Gu Yu. But now… she glanced toward Xiao Yi. She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she had a strange feeling that Xiao Yi was deliberately keeping Gu Yu from approaching her.
The thought seemed odd and absurd.
But she couldn’t shake the feeling. Earlier in the morning, during breaks, Gu Yu had attempted to come over to her several times. Yet, each time she got up, before she could take action, Xiao Yi would always find a way to call her back into conversation.
Because of this, she and her sister hadn’t exchanged a single word all morning.
Gu Wuyou wasn’t oblivious to these things. People always tend to divide those they like and dislike into separate groups. Naturally, the group one favors shouldn’t be allowed to mingle with the ones they dislike.
She used to be like that as a child.
She had just never expected that the usually poised and magnanimous Princess Changning would act the same way—it was rather surprising.
Gu Wuyou chuckled to herself. She didn’t want to make things difficult for Gu Yu, nor did she care to argue with Xiao Yi. So, she simply planned to wait until everyone had left before seeking out her second sister. She had been so busy these past few days that she hadn’t had much time to talk to her.
Now was a good opportunity to chat over lunch.
As she thought about it, her hand reached for the unfinished sachet. Just as she was about to add a few more stitches, Gu Yu’s clear voice rang out from the other side, carrying a hint of urgency and mild reproach, “Gu Wuyou, what are you doing? Aren’t you coming to eat?”
The moment those words fell—
A group of people paused in their steps, and Gu Wuyou looked up, her expression slightly startled.
Gu Yu, seeing her reaction, felt a little awkward and uneasy. She had never called out Gu Wuyou’s name so openly before. But seeing her standing there all alone, looking somewhat pitiful, she couldn’t help but mutter again, “Are you coming or not?”
Gu Wuyou finally smiled, setting down the sachet in her hands. With a crisp and cheerful tone, she replied, “Coming.”
If Gu Yu had been unwilling to associate with her at the academy, she would have respected that.
But since Gu Yu was willing, why should she hesitate?
As she got up and walked over, Gu Yu quietly spoke to Xiao Yi, “Ah Yi, from now on, can Gu Wuyou eat with us?”
There was a hint of worry in her voice, as if afraid that Xiao Yi would disagree.
Xiao Yi remained silent for a moment, holding a handkerchief in her grasp, the usual gentle smile still on her face. But hidden within her sleeve, where no one could see, her long fingers tightened around the fabric.
Seeing Gu Wuyou approach step by step, Xiao Yi finally let out a light smile and said, “Of course.”
She spoke with great magnanimity, but then subtly shifted her tone, as if sighing, “I’m just afraid she might not be willing.”
She had originally intended to remind Gu Yu of past events, but to her surprise, Gu Yu actually breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and even spoke up on Gu Wuyou’s behalf, answering, “She won’t.”
Her response was open and direct, as if she and Gu Wuyou had been close friends for over a decade and had never harbored any resentment toward each other.
Seeing this, Xiao Yi’s heart sank even further. What exactly had happened during the past two days when she wasn’t at the academy? How had these two sisters, who had never gotten along since childhood, suddenly become as close as twins?
It had been the same earlier this morning.
If she hadn’t stopped Gu Yu, the girl would have surely left with Gu Wuyou.
And during class breaks…
The feeling gnawed at her. It wasn’t that she resented Gu Yu befriending others—it was just that the person in question happened to be Gu Wuyou, someone she had despised since childhood.
Gu Yu, however, was oblivious to her thoughts. She only knew that Xiao Yi had already agreed, so there was nothing more to worry about.
Noticing that Gu Wuyou was walking sluggishly, she frowned and reached out to pull her forward, muttering with some impatience, “Why are you moving as slow as a snail?” After speaking, she didn’t let go of Gu Wuyou’s hand. Instead, she held onto her with one arm while linking the other through Xiao Yi’s, beaming as she led them outside.
The surrounding students were all taken aback by this sight.
Especially when they saw the formerly hot-tempered Gu Wuyou now with eyes as gentle as spring water, the corners of her lips carrying a bright and warm smile. Many of them widened their eyes in disbelief.
It was as if they had just seen a ghost.
The notoriously short-tempered Princess Leping actually had a moment of such softness and obedience?
Were they still dreaming?
Regardless of what they thought, their feet instinctively followed along. There were usually many students who liked to dine with Xiao Yi and Gu Yu, but now that Gu Wuyou was among them, the atmosphere inevitably felt a little strange.
No one was quite sure whether they should speak or remain silent.
Still, many of them stole glances at Gu Wuyou out of the corners of their eyes. They had encountered her a few times before, perhaps even shared a meal, and their impression of her had always been that of an “overbearing and temperamental” person.
Thus, when they heard that Gu Wuyou was coming to the academy, their first reaction had been one of displeasure, fearing that this notoriously ill-tempered Princess Leping would stir up trouble again.
But now, having interacted with her, it didn’t seem so bad after all.
Although most of them still didn’t dare to talk to her, the fear and dislike they had once harbored had unknowingly lessened.
“Eh? You don’t like scallions either?”
At that moment, a young girl in a green dress sitting beside Gu Wuyou suddenly spoke up. She had only mentioned it casually, but when Gu Wuyou turned to look at her, she blushed and hesitated before adding timidly, “I… I don’t like them either.”
Gu Wuyou chuckled upon hearing this. “Yes, I’ve disliked them since I was a child.”
In her early years, she had been insecure and poor at socializing. Every time she went out, she would hear people gossiping about her behind her back, which only made her personality more withdrawn and unwilling to engage with others.
It wasn’t until after she married Li Qingyuan that she slowly began to change.
Now, seeing the girl beside her with a face flushed red, she softened her voice and explained, “It used to be worse. I couldn’t stand even a little bit of it. If a dish on the table had even a trace of scallion, I wouldn’t touch anything on that table and would have the kitchen prepare an entirely new meal.”
She spoke in a candid manner, her brows and eyes always carrying a smile. What should have been an act of willfulness somehow carried an endearing charm when she said it.
The young girl in the green dress seemed to be bewitched by her and couldn’t help but ask, “What about now?”
“Now—”
Gu Wuyou smiled. “A little bit doesn’t bother me anymore, but I’ll have to eat something sweet afterward to get rid of the taste.”
Perhaps it was the way she spoke so gently, or perhaps it was the bright and inviting smile on her face, but even those who had initially hesitated to talk to her couldn’t help but chime in.
“I don’t like scallions either. Once, I accidentally ate some and nearly threw up.”
“Me too, me too.”
Friendships among girls often formed over a discussion about makeup and clothing—or even from sharing common likes and dislikes. Sometimes, just discovering a small shared habit was enough to spark a conversation that led to a much longer exchange.
By the end of the meal, nearly half of Pingshuo Hall had already warmed up to Gu Wuyou.
Seeing Gu Wuyou chatting and mingling well with others, Gu Yu was naturally pleased. She thought that since Gu Wuyou was going to be staying in the capital for a long time, she should make some friends.
It wasn’t about forming deep bonds, but at the very least, she shouldn’t be left out at social gatherings, banquets, or tea parties in the future.
Laughter and conversation filled the air at their table.
In contrast, the atmosphere around Xu Wan and Xiao Yi was notably cold. However, Xu Wan, fearing Gu Wuyou’s temper, didn’t dare to say much, and Xiao Yi, as usual, concealed her emotions well. In the end, their meal was… harmonious enough.
While they were still eating—
At the other end of the academy, Buzhi Hall had also just finished class.
Qi Xu was always the most excited when it came to mealtime. The moment the teacher stepped out, he eagerly urged, “Let’s go, let’s go! I asked around yesterday—today’s menu has braised lion’s head meatballs and sweet and sour ribs. If we’re late, they’ll be gone.”
“Look at you.”
Fu Xian gave him a light smack on the head in exasperation. “All you think about is food. Have you seen your stomach?”
Qi Xu clutched his head, grumbling in protest, “You’re one to talk! Who was it yesterday fighting over food with a little girl?” As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Fu Xian’s face flush red. Seeing that he was about to retaliate, Qi Xu quickly bolted out the door, laughing as he ran.
The two of them chased each other outside, leaving behind Jing Yubai, who watched with a faint smile, and Li Qingyuan, who still looked a little drowsy.
Jing Yubai glanced at Li Qingyuan beside him and asked in a gentle tone, “Tired?”
“Mm.”
Li Qingyuan nodded. He had either slept in class or skipped lessons altogether in the past. Today, he had forced himself to stay awake for two entire sessions, and it really hadn’t been easy.
“There’s plenty of time at noon. After you eat, go back to your room and take a nap.”
Jing Yubai finished speaking and seemed to hesitate for a moment before adding, “You’ve missed too many lessons at the academy these past days. I’ll organize the past materials for you later—you can go through them.”
His voice was slow, and there was a hint of uncertainty in his tone.
Li Qingyuan found it amusing. He lifted his gaze, his long eyelashes fluttering slightly, revealing a pair of smiling phoenix eyes. He reached out and gave Jing Yubai a light pat on the shoulder, his smile carefree and relaxed. “Alright.”
If it had been before today, he might not have given much thought to what he wanted to do in the future.
But now, there was an impulse rising within him. Maybe it was for himself, or maybe it was because of the lingering emotions left behind from the scene earlier that morning—emotions that hadn’t yet faded.
Suddenly, he wanted to do something.
In this world he had once despised the most, he wanted to leave his mark.
If you asked Li Qingyuan what he wanted to do now, perhaps even he wouldn’t be able to give a clear answer.
All he knew was this—he wanted to take things one step at a time.
For years, he had drifted along, indulging in the present without a care for the future. Living by the mantra drink today’s wine while it lasts, he had never once thought about what lay ahead. But now, he no longer wanted to stay drunk in oblivion.
He wanted to keep his eyes open and truly see this world.
Maybe, in the end, even after walking this path, he would still have no clear purpose.
But so what?
Youth was fleeting, wild and unrestrained. As long as he did not waste this time, it would all be worth it.
So, he would take it as it came.
Not worrying about the future, not asking what lay ahead, not concerning himself with anything else. He would simply use this time—this best of ages—to do what he wanted. Whether that meant pouring his energy into the ink and brush to craft something brilliant or pursuing another path entirely, it would all be for himself, for the friends and family who had stood by him all these years, and for the people he cared about and… the one he liked.
Thinking of this, Li Qingyuan’s smile grew brighter, and even his eyes carried a newfound vigor.
Jing Yubai didn’t know what was on his mind, but seeing the newfound clarity in his expression—something he had never seen before—he couldn’t help but smile as well.
Not far ahead, Fu Xian and Qi Xu had finished their playful scuffle and were now walking side by side with their arms slung over each other’s shoulders.
Seeing that Li Qingyuan and Jing Yubai were still trailing behind, Fu Xian called out, “Seventh Young Master, Bai, hurry up! If we’re late, all the good food will be gone.”
Hearing this, Li Qingyuan snapped out of his thoughts and chuckled. “Coming.”
As they made their way toward the dining hall—
Meanwhile, at Pingshuo Hall, the students had already finished their meal and were heading out.
As Li Qingyuan walked, he couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy, wondering if his little chili pepper had been ostracized because of him. Would she be left eating alone again?
Should he sneak a glance at her later…?
Maybe…
Should he buy her a stick of candied hawthorn?
He remembered how much she had liked that sweet and sour treat the last time. But if he did, he wouldn’t be able to use Aunt Lan as an excuse again…
Just as he was thinking about this, he suddenly heard a burst of laughter from not too far away. The voices were mixed, lively and numerous, yet he was able to pick out a familiar one amidst the chatter.
Looking up—
He spotted a girl in red walking ahead, surrounded by a group of people as they made their way out of Pingshuo Hall.
Beside her was Gu Yu. The two sisters seemed to be talking about something, and whatever it was made Gu Wuyou smile, her eyes curving into crescents.
She had always been beautiful, but now, as she walked through the cold winter wind, her radiant smile made her look even more dazzling.
Before he knew it, Li Qingyuan had fallen into a daze, staring at her without realizing it.
Jing Yubai was still speaking beside him, but after a while, he noticed the lack of response. Turning to look, he saw Li Qingyuan completely lost in his gaze. Following his line of sight, Jing Yubai instantly understood what was going on.
He chuckled softly but said nothing.
Li Qingyuan, belatedly realizing what he was doing, saw the knowing look in Jing Yubai’s eyes. His ears immediately turned red, and he hastily explained, “I was just worried that she’d be left out because of me.”
Absolutely nothing else.
Jing Yubai responded with an exaggerated “Ohh,” as if to say I understand completely.
Li Qingyuan’s face grew even hotter. No longer bothering to explain himself, he simply muttered, “Let’s go,” before striding ahead toward the dining hall.
At that moment, as if sensing something, Gu Wuyou—who had nearly stepped out of the courtyard—suddenly paused and turned around.
Her eyes swept across the bustling scene behind her and, sure enough, landed on a familiar figure in the distance.
The laughter in her eyes deepened, now carrying a hint of warmth.
“What’s wrong?” Gu Yu noticed her stopping and followed her gaze.
“Nothing.” Gu Wuyou smiled, withdrawing her gaze and, without hesitation, linked arms with Gu Yu. “Let’s go.”
Winter was harsh.
But if people’s hearts were warm, then the cold was nothing to fear.