AMLFS Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Yi Cai Academy

Chapter 44: Yi Cai Academy

Once the Lantern Festival passed, the officials who had been on leave had to attend court.

At the same time, Yi Cai Academy also officially started classes.

Starting classes officially meant that Song Huaixi lost the opportunity to sleep in. For someone who loved to sleep in, it was no different from a bolt from the blue.

At mao shi (5-7am), the sky was just beginning to turn pale. Today was Song Huaixi’s first day at the academy.

Zhao Fangye of the Ning district always woke up early, and turned his head to look at the sleeping Song Huaixi beside him. He was curled up in the bedding, his long, curved eyelashes resting on his eyelids, clearly in a sweet dream.

It was still early, and Song Huaixi was naturally fond of sleeping. Zhao Fangye reached out to tuck him in, but didn’t wake him.

Hearing movement in the bedroom, Zhang mama immediately walked in, wanting to help Song Huaixi get up. She knew Song Huaixi never liked to get up early. Today was his first day at the academy, and it wouldn’t do to be late.

Just as she was about to enter, Zhao Fangye walked out of the bedroom, discerned her intention, and said softly, “It’s still early, let him sleep a little longer.”

“Yes…”

Seeing Zhao Fangye speak, Zhang mama didn’t dare say anything. She could only retreat.

Zhao Fangye didn’t go out to practice his sword as usual, but sat on the carved wooden chair in the main hall and called Qing Shan and Qing Yang in.

His gaze fixed on the two kneeling on the ground, Zhao Fangye said, “You two are used to serving by the Wangfei’s side, and the Wangfei is also familiar with you. From today onwards, you two will stay by the Wangfei’s side and accompany him to the academy. Do you understand?”

Song Huaixi didn’t have a good impression of the academy.

Bringing two servants with him would allow them to take care of him, and since it was Song Huaixi’s first time at the academy, he would inevitably be unfamiliar with the new environment. Having familiar people accompany him would make him less nervous and scared.

“Yes.”

Qing Shan and Qing Yang were overjoyed and immediately knelt on the ground, kowtowing to express their gratitude, “We will definitely take good care of the Wangfei.”

The two brothers had never been to the academy before. To be the Wangfei’s study companions and enter Yi Cai Academy was simply a great fortune. Even listening to just a little bit of instruction was better than being illiterate and unable to distinguish right from wrong.

“Then this humble one will go down and prepare the things that the Wangfei needs for the academy.”

“Mm.”

After the two left, Zhao Fangye’s slender fingers tapped lightly on the table.

A black shadow immediately flipped down from the roof beam and knelt at Zhao Fangye’s feet, cupping his fist. “Master.”

His fingers tapping on the table, Zhao Fangye lowered his eyes to look at the dark guard who had been by his side for many years.

“You’ve followed this Wang for so many years. From now on, you will follow the Wangfei and protect his safety. If anything happens to the Wangfei, I will hold you accountable.”

“Yes, Master.” A trace of surprise flashed in the dark guard’s eyes.

He had been by the Wangye’s side for almost ten years, and now the Wangye was actually asking him to protect the Wangfei? But for a moment, he lowered his eyes. All he had to do was obey his master’s orders.

“Go.”

With everything arranged, Zhao Fangye sat in the chair, waiting for Song Huaixi to wake up.

Chun Hua came to ask if she should serve breakfast. Knowing that Song Huaixi was fond of sleeping, he probably wouldn’t have time for breakfast.

Zhao Fangye opened his mouth, “No need, prepare some of the Wangfei’s favorite snacks and milk.”

After speaking, he looked out the window and saw that the time was not early. He got up and walked into the room.

Song Huaixi was still sleeping, showing no signs of waking up. Zhao Fangye sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his peaceful sleeping face.

He reached out and pinched his cheek, leaning down and gently calling him, “Huaixi, wake up. It’s the first day at the academy today, do you still want to sleep?”

Woken up, he opened his eyes groggily. Song Huaixi looked at the handsome face so close to him. His mind was still unclear, and he reached out to wrap his arms around his neck, hanging on him.

“Zhao Fangye, so sleepy…”

As he spoke, he buried his head in his neck, humming and mumbling, and was about to fall asleep on his shoulder.

Seeing him like this, Zhao Fangye was a little helpless, so he patted his back and picked him up.

He kissed his eyelid, “Be good, get up quickly. You’ll be late.”

As he spoke, he put the clothes that had been prepared to the side on him.

Song Huaixi was so sleepy that he was swaying from side to side, like a puppet at someone’s mercy. He did whatever Zhao Fangye told him to do.

Zhao Fangye carefully dressed him and then took him to wash and tie his hair. Doing these trivial things, Zhao Fangye didn’t have a trace of impatience.

He even found it a bit enjoyable.

After washing his face with warm water, the cold wind blowing in from outside the door stimulated him. Only then did a few of Song Huaixi’s sleep bugs reluctantly run away.

Thinking that he would have to get up this early every day from now on, Song Huaixi began to waver again. He tugged at Zhao Fangye’s sleeve, stammering.

Song Huaixi’s eyes flickered, harboring some hope, he tentatively asked, “Can I… not go to the academy…”

“No.”

Zhao Fangye, who usually indulged him, refused very quickly this time.

He didn’t want Song Huaixi to remain ignorant like this. Although he had the ability to keep him by his side and protect him, what if one day he didn’t have that ability anymore? What would Song Huaixi do then?

Song Huaixi wasn’t a pet, he was a living person. He didn’t want to see him have more possibilities stifled because of congenital deficiencies.

He clearly liked reading stories, but could only look at picture books for children, he was clearly able to write, but no one had ever taught him how to write.

Zhao Fangye’s thoughts were much more meticulous. He wasn’t just planning for Song Huaixi’s future, but also because he loved Song Huaixi. Because he loved him, he hoped that he could be his wings, allowing him to have a wider sky.

Rather than being trapped in the depths of the inner courtyard.

Rejected without hesitation, Song Huaixi could only droop his little face and say sullenly, “Okay…”

After all, he had agreed to it from the beginning, and it wouldn’t be good to go back on his word now.

Zhao Fangye didn’t say anything more, and took him to the carriage to go to the academy. He handed the snacks and milk that had been prepared to the side to Song Huaixi.

“You didn’t have breakfast, these are all your favorites.”

Taking it, Song Huaixi’s eyes lit up. He had been in a rush in the morning and thought he would have to go to the academy hungry. He didn’t expect Zhao Fangye to conjure up delicious snacks like magic.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of Yi Cai Academy. Zhao Fangye led Song Huaixi out of the carriage. By then, many students were already walking towards the academy.

The luxurious carriage of the Ning Wang Mansion immediately attracted the attention of the crowd as soon as it appeared at the entrance of the academy, and they looked towards the two.

The academy gate in front of him was very impressive and elegant. Song Huaixi looked around curiously, thinking that it was ten thousand times better than the academy he used to attend.

Thinking that he could study inside here from now on, Song Huaixi’s resentment towards getting up early disappeared without a trace.

After looking around for a while, Song Huaixi held Zhao Fangye’s hand, his eyes filled with joy.

“Zhao Fangye, this place is so beautiful.”

Touching the top of his head, the corners of Zhao Fangye’s lips curved slightly, “It’s good that Huaixi likes it.”

Just as he was speaking, an elderly man wearing a cyan-grey robe, with a refined temperament and white hair, walked towards the two.

The elder bowed to Zhao Fangye of the Ning district, “Wangye.”

Zhao Fangye quickly stepped forward and reached out to help the elder up, his tone containing a rare respect, “Mr. Zhang, why did you come out personally?”

The person in front of him was Zhang Wenwen, the founder of Yi Cai Academy, and the most prestigious and knowledgeable elder in the academy. Many ministers and nobles’ children in the court had been taught by him.

The emperor had even specially allocated a piece of land in the capital for him to establish Yi Cai Academy in order to invite him to come out of seclusion.

Master Zhang’s expression was amiable, and his gaze fell on the two tightly clasped hands. He stroked his beard and looked at Song Huaixi, his eyes filled with inquiry, “This is the Ning Wangfei?”

“Indeed.”

Zhao Fangye looked at Song Huaixi gently and then said to Master Zhang, “My wife is pure in nature and doesn’t know the ways of the world. Please don’t be too strict with him. I only ask that my wife can distinguish right from wrong.”

Zhang Wenwen had always been known for his strictness towards students and meticulousness. He disliked lazy and cunning people the most. Zhao Fangye was worried that Song Huaixi wouldn’t be able to adapt. He took this opportunity to explain to him.

A look of surprise flashed in Zhang Wenwen’s eyes. His proud student had always been cold and indifferent. When he came to him and said that he wanted to arrange for someone to come to the academy, he didn’t expect it to be his male wife who was bestowed upon him by the emperor.

Then he smiled amiably, “I haven’t seen you for a few years, but you’ve changed a lot. Don’t worry, this teacher won’t make things difficult for him.”

Looking at Song Huaixi, Zhang Wenwen said meaningfully, “Being ignorant of the world is not necessarily a bad thing.”

Knowing his implied meaning, Zhao Fangye’s expression remained unchanged, and he bowed to him, “Then my wife will be entrusted to you, sir, to look after.”