Chapter 33: An Invitation from the Hanlin Academy

The return of the Great Matriarch to the Kingdom of Women was a cause for universal celebration, and the entire nation was immersed in jubilation.

However, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang felt a sense of desolation. Han Tianyue was firmly convinced that if they continued heading east, they would eventually cross paths with Prince Mao once more.

Just then, a voice called out from behind them, "Are you four brothers—Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang?"

The voice was gentle and delicate. Feng Shang stopped and turned around, replying, "That is us!"

The person who had called out was indeed endowed with exquisite natural beauty, and Feng Shang looked at her with such longing that he could barely restrain himself from rushing over.

The young woman said happily, "That’s wonderful! I am a student at the Hanlin Academy, and I have come to find you at the request of Teacher Xia Zhi!"

"The Hanlin Academy is inviting us?" Han Tianyue felt a surge of suspicion. They had no prior connection with the academy, and he wondered why they would travel such a long distance to seek them out. "May I ask what Teacher Xia Zhi wants with us?"

"I only came out with a few classmates to find you," she replied. "As for why Teacher Xia Zhi wants to invite you, we have no idea!"

"It must be because I saved them last time, and they want to thank me!" Feng Shang interjected. "It seems the teachers and students of the Hanlin Academy are much better than those women, who cast us aside the moment they were done with us!"

Han Tianyue, however, did not share this view. "The Kingdom of Women acted that way because of their laws; if they broke them, they would lose control of their people. As for the Hanlin Academy, why would they invite us for no reason? This certainly cannot be anything good."

Han Tianyue was reluctant to go, but Feng Shang, already draping his arm over the girl's shoulder, laughed and said, "Come on, let's head to the Hanlin Academy right now!"

"I think we should go and see what the Hanlin Academy is all about," Mao Xuanzi said, sensing Han Tianyue’s reservations.

Han Tianyue looked at Mao Xuanzi and nodded. "If that is the case, then let us go to the Hanlin Academy and find out what they want with us."

With that decided, the group followed the girl toward the academy. Because the spirit-devouring beasts of the Purple Bamboo Forest had already returned to their places, they had to take a long detour and did not arrive at the Hanlin Academy until nightfall.

The majestic and imposing Hanlin Academy bore a striking resemblance to their own school; as they entered, they felt as though they had returned home, as the layout was remarkably similar.

"Brother Feng Shang and the other three young brothers, you have arrived!" Teacher Xia Zhi greeted them.

Feng Shang stepped forward and asked, "May I ask why Teacher Xia Zhi has invited us to the Hanlin Academy?"

Teacher Xia Zhi smiled faintly. "It is late today; let us converse tomorrow."

After she finished speaking, she turned to the student who had brought them. "Xiaotong, please show them to the guest dormitory for the night."

"Yes, Teacher Xia Zhi," Xiaotong replied.

Teacher Xia Zhi took her leave, and the group followed Xiaotong toward the guest quarters.

"Xiaotong, Xiaotong—what a lovely name!" Feng Shang said tenderly as he followed her. Xiaotong blushed deeply; had it not been for Teacher Xia Zhi’s instructions, she likely would have fled long ago.

"I never expected that we would be able to experience school life again," Fang Zhe remarked with a sigh.

Although Han Tianyue remained wary, they were already inside the academy, and he decided to accept the situation. The room had four beds; Feng Shang immediately claimed one, while Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, and Fang Zhe each took the others.

Seeing them settled, Xiaotong turned to leave. "I am going now. If you need anything, just call me; I am staying in the room right next to yours."

"Really?" Feng Shang looked at her with soulful eyes.

Xiaotong nodded shyly. "I’m going now. Call if you need me!"

"Mmh-hmm!" Feng Shang nodded repeatedly.

Watching her leave, Fang Zhe said sternly, "Feng Shang, try to show some restraint. This is someone else’s academy, not our own school!"

Feng Shang, uninterested, lay down on the bed and shouted, "It’s been so long since I’ve slept in such a comfortable bed!"

Soon, he was fast asleep. Han Tianyue, however, remained guarded.

Mao Xuanzi glanced at Han Tianyue. "Actually, Feng Shang is right. It has been a long time since we slept on beds like these. Get some rest; whatever is meant to happen will happen tomorrow."

The four of them slept soundly until dawn. They were awakened by a knock at the door: "Brother Feng Shang, and the other three brothers, have you slept well?"

"Oh!" Though reluctant to get up, they eventually crawled out of bed. "That was so comfortable!"

It had been ages since they had slept through the night, and they began to reminisce about their school days—those truly wonderful years.

Han Tianyue opened the door. "Good morning, Teacher Xia Zhi."

"I hope I haven't disturbed you," she said politely.

"Not at all!" Han Tianyue replied with a smile.

"That is good to hear. Our Dean wishes to see you," Teacher Xia Zhi said, glancing into the room to see that Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang were already up.

"Please, lead the way," Han Tianyue said.

Teacher Xia Zhi escorted them toward the Dean’s office. As they left the dormitory, they crossed paths with Xiaotong again. Feng Shang hurried to greet her, but Xiaotong skirted around them, cast a shy glance their way, and hurried off.