In Prefecture City, seven rivers converge, creating prosperity. It was mid-October, the temperature was freezing, and the sky vaguely began to sprinkle the first snow. Winter arrived early in Prefecture City, and pedestrians on the streets were already wearing thick coats.

After leaving the Fragrant House, a chilly wind beat upon them. By then, noon had passed, the sun was obscured by clouds, and the chill grew more intense. Li Xian noticed Hong Chengbing and the other three shivering, inadequately dressed for warmth, so he handed each of them ten taels of silver, urging them to buy thick coats before the snow fell.

The three expressed their deep gratitude.

They walked back toward Chao Fu Courtyard. Soon, Li Xiaofan noticed Gu Nianjun and called loudly to her.

Gu Nianjun, graceful and elegant, stepped forward and said, "Little Brother Xiaofan."

Li Xiaofan hurried over, "Sister Gu, why are you here? Did you come to eat too?"

Turning aside, he introduced, "This is my older brother, Li Xian."

"Li Xian?" Gu Nianjun looked over with mild surprise, nodded gently but didn't greet him directly, saying, "Little Brother Xiaofan, your mentor is calling you."

"My mentor is calling me?" Li Xiaofan was briefly stunned.

The group returned together, weaving through several major streets to arrive at the courtyard entrance. Li Xiaofan suggested, "Brother, why don't you meet my mentor with me?"

Li Xian knew Xiaofan's mentor, Fu Haoran, was a highly formidable figure, one worthy of respect even from noblewomen. He pondered, "Such a figure is beyond my current standing, and normally, I wouldn't seek him out due to potential complications. But Xiaofan is my younger brother; meeting his mentor would help me understand Xiaofan's life better."

He stated calmly, "All right."

Li Xiaofan was overjoyed. Gu Nianjun advised, "Little Brother Xiaofan, your mentor is summoning you, likely to discuss something important. It may not be appropriate for your brother to accompany you."

"Why don't you go ahead and meet with Senior Haoran while I take your brother for a stroll around the courtyard?"

"Ah!" Li Xiaofan joyfully agreed, signaling to Li Xian with a smile, "Sure, thanks to Sister Gu for accompanying my brother for a walk."

"The two of you must enjoy your walk."

Then he ran with Hong Chengbing, Liu Shu, and Lu Xuan into the courtyard, turned several corners, and disappeared.

Deeper into the courtyard.

A pavilion stood tall, three stories high, with purple bamboo planted in the yard. The plaque read "Haoran Building" in bold and clear script.

It was evident the calligrapher had deep knowledge of the Civil Dao and was upright by nature, standing tall and proud.

Fu Haoran, being a "Celestial Official come to earth," was watering flowers in the yard. Hearing the footsteps, he knew Xiaofan had returned, and said, "Xiaofan, you're back?"

"Mentor." Li Xiaofan respectfully bowed, asking, "Did you summon me for something?"

"The treatises I gave you two days ago; recite them in my presence," instructed Fu Haoran.

"All right." Li Xiaofan, with photographic memory and exceptional recall, recited them fluently, comprehending even the difficult points thoroughly. Fu Haoran nodded approvingly, with love in his eyes, stroking his beard and saying, "Excellent, excellent, good child, very good indeed."

"Thank you for the praise, Mentor," Li Xiaofan said joyfully.

"Was it your brother who sought you just now when you stepped out?" Fu Haoran inquired.

Li Xiaofan picked up a watering can and began to help water the flowers skillfully, replying, "Yes, my brother specifically came to see me, and I was hoping to introduce him to you."

"No need," Fu Haoran remarked, "Xiaofan, I mentioned your academic expedition before. Are you ready for it?"

"Academic expedition…" Li Xiaofan's eyes lit up, "We scholars seek to see heaven and earth, to understand all beings. Isn't the expedition after the New Year?"

"It's been moved up, starting this afternoon," stated Fu Haoran.

"Oh!" Li Xiaofan exclaimed in surprise, "But my brother just arrived; Mentor, let me find my brother." He dropped the watering can and hurriedly ran out. Fu Haoran picked it up, patting the soil, chuckling, "This child."

Before long, Li Xiaofan returned with a touch of dejection, his brother nowhere in sight, his eyes slightly red. They rarely met, yet departed without a proper farewell.

Fu Haoran approached and earnestly advised, "Xiaofan, the academic expedition is meant to refine one's mind. What can be gleaned from paper is ultimately shallow; only by truly traversing heaven and earth can knowledge be fully comprehended and applied. I possess grand ambitions but no outlet. You have boundless potential, unencumbered, and can go farther."

...

...

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Gu Nianjun's smile faded, as she spoke, "Brother Li, please follow me. Let's explore the courtyard."

She walked ahead. Li Xian followed, taking several strides but unable to catch up. He noticed whether he walked fast or slow, accelerating or decelerating, Gu Nianjun remained half a step ahead.

Li Xian speculated, as courtyard classmates were numerous, walking side by side might easily cause misunderstandings. Gu Nianjun's caution was quite reasonable, so he ceased pursuing and slowed his pace.

He observed her graceful steps, neither hurried nor lax, yet somehow remaining faster than expected, perplexed at the reason, thinking, "Prefecture City is indeed full of hidden talents; this young woman simply walking ordinarily yet secretly exhibits highly advanced lightweight martial arts skills. Such a lightweight skill technique, even if I exerted full effort, I would likely fail to catch up."

"Xiaofan mentioned she has a significant background, and it seems not an empty boast. That little rascal, attempting to help me find a wife."

After a while of wandering, deeper into the courtyard, Li Xian said, "Xiaofan told me he greatly benefits from Miss Gu's care here. I earnestly thank Miss Gu on his behalf."

Gu Nianjun's demeanor remained graceful, her hair gently swaying with her steps, softly replying, "Xiaofan is naturally gifted, capable of attracting fortune, with a sincere heart. His eagerness to learn leads him to consult every now and then, and I cannot refuse to teach him given his manners."

"Seeing Xiaofan have such good teachers and friends as you, I am relieved," Li Xian said with a smile, his pace slowing as he gazed at the green willows and lakes in the courtyard.

Li Xian suddenly asked, "Miss Gu seems not to like me?"

"We just met for the first time, why speak of like or dislike?" Gu Nianjun responded faintly.

They arrived at a long corridor, where there were fewer pedestrians, tall trees on both sides, and blooming flower beds releasing a fragrant aroma. Gu Nianjun continued, "When Xiaofan asks me about knowledge, he always mentions you."

"But meeting you today is different from my expectations."

"Oh?" Li Xian inquired, "How is it different?"

"From Xiaofan's description, you are straightforward by nature, similar in temperament to Xiaofan, and have a sincere heart. Even if you lack Xiaofan's talent, you are still a very good person," Gu Nianjun turned back and said.

Li Xian laughed, "Then did I disappoint Miss Gu?"

"As I said, it's our first meeting; there's no question of disappointment," Gu Nianjun shook her head and continued, "Xiaofan is still young, unaware that people often change. Even among brothers, one can be virtuous and the other malicious. He's been cultivating in the courtyard for a year, while you've been practicing outside; the experiences and people you've encountered differ. Your change is expected."

Beneath the words lay criticism. She first said Li Xian was sincere and honest, then claimed he had changed, implying Li Xian is no longer sincere and honest, contrasting starkly with Li Xiaofan.

Li Xian naturally understood.

Gu Nianjun said, "Your name is Li Xian, then Wan Run must be your doing?"

"You know about this too?" Li Xian asked.

"The scholars in the courtyard are knowledgeable in many subjects: state governance theories, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, medicine, divination...all studied. Wan Run was severely injured, collapsed unconscious, porcelain shards embedded in his flesh, his injuries frightful. He was soon brought to the courtyard by the townspeople. Those skilled in medicine at the courtyard treated his affliction, showcasing medical prowess."

"And so, I found out," Gu Nianjun said.

Li Xian understood, "So that's how it is."

Gu Nianjun asked, "For a mere dispute, why harm someone like this? Aren't you afraid that one day someone will treat you with the same harshness?"

Li Xian, open-minded, realized Gu Nianjun disliked him and was biased, yet his tone remained poised without defending or explaining, "If you think my methods are ruthless, then why did Miss Gu purposely join me for a stroll, with what intention?"

Gu Nianjun said, "Ruthless methods, name Li Xian. Moreover, the capacity to severely injure Wan Run; you must be Qingning's Evil Captain?"

"Correct." Li Xian asked, "Miss Gu also believes the rumors? Are my actions judged by unfounded gossip?"

"Whether I believe them or not, what does it change?" Gu Nianjun shook her head with a smile, "I'm not interested in your affairs, whether you act ruthlessly or arrogantly. I only accompany you for Xiaofan."

"Xiaofan harbors great ambitions, endowed with talent and spirit. Though born humble, he endures exclusion in the courtyard. Both Fu Haoran and I have observed. Not intervening is to test his spirit, refine his virtue. He has fared well, young yet resolute, unwavering in heart and will."

"Such pure sincerity is vulnerable to corruption. Ordinary things will seldom affect him, but those closest can taint this rare innocent heart."

"For Xiaofan, I've already investigated you; gossip, true or false, we have no ties, yet undoubtedly, you are entangled in grievances."

"Your recent ruthless act indicates rumors are not entirely groundless. You and Xiaofan are brothers; thus, you are unsuitable to interact further with him."

The words were blunt, revealing intentions clearly.

Li Xian furrowed his brows, pondering, "This woman is proud, looks down on me, yet highly regards Xiaofan." Calmly, he said, "Miss Gu, that you can care for Xiaofan makes me happy. But isn't it belittling me too much?"

"I indeed have many entanglements but would never involve Xiaofan."

Gu Nianjun said, "How you act is of little concern to me. But the words are clear. If you're displeased and wish to vent anger, even physically attack me, it's fine."

"Farewell!" Li Xian didn't wish to speak further.

Gu Nianjun said, "One more thing you should know. Upon arriving at this Prefecture City, numerous underlying currents ensue. Fu Haoran intends to guide Xiaofan away from this, to leave the city, travel, and teach him lessons."

"Parting today, if fortune is poor, the journey long, this might be the last farewell for you brothers."

Li Xian halted, speaking coldly, "You do well by Xiaofan, taking him to study and travel; if he wishes, I don't oppose it. But why deceive him, adding obstacles to a proper farewell?"

Gu Nianjun was silent.

Li Xian felt irritated by Gu Nianjun's presumptions, seeing himself as insignificant. Though unspoken in words, there was clearly an aspect of caution, as if given a chance, he would leech onto Xiaofan and Fu Haoran.

Yet upon reflecting, this Prefecture City trip would likely be turbulent. Xiaofan leaving the city might indeed be favorable. Holding his thoughts, his emotions hidden, Li Xian said, "Miss Gu, you spoke much to me, truly implying you look down upon Li Xian."

"So what if I do?" Gu Nianjun said arrogantly, "Must I hold you in high esteem?"

"If you become a true hero, I will indeed look at you differently in the future, but today, you are mired deep in the swamp, unable to extricate yourself."

Li Xian smiled, calmly said, "No matter, though you disdain me, I must thank you on behalf of Xiaofan. Today's matter, let's leave it at that, farewell!"

He turned and left, with freedom and magnanimity.

Gu Nianjun was stunned, showing an unexpected expression.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.