Chapter 37: A New Path at the Academy

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Qu Wanqing’s carriage stopped before the academy gates. The vermilion doors were grand and imposing, and the four characters on the signboard above them proclaimed the name of Wenyuan Academy in bold, vigorous calligraphy.

The air carried a faint scent of ink, mingled with an indescribable mustiness that reminded her of the sealed lair of some thousand-year-old demon from an ancient television drama.

“Now this is what you call… old-world charm.” Qu Wanqing tugged at the corner of her mouth and stepped down from the carriage.

The academy’s scenery was undeniably beautiful, with its bridges and flowing streams, pavilions and towers, rockeries and strange-shaped stones. It had everything one could wish for.

And yet, for some reason, Qu Wanqing could not shake the feeling that something indescribably sinister lurked beneath the beauty—as though every tree and every stone concealed a secret no one was meant to know.

Was this what people called “atmosphere”?

Drawing a deep breath, Qu Wanqing suppressed the inexplicable unease in her heart and crossed the academy’s threshold.

That day’s lesson was the Classics. The instructor, Master Zhang, was a well-known traditionalist at the academy—rigid, conservative, and stubbornly old-fashioned.

Stroking his goatee, he swept the classroom with a piercing gaze before finally fixing his eyes on Qu Wanqing.

“Student Qu, since you are new here, allow this old man to test you.” Master Zhang cleared his throat and posed a deliberately difficult question. “The Spring and Autumn Annals says: ‘The Duke of Zheng overcame Duan at Yan.’ What is your opinion of the matter?”

The instant the question was asked, the classroom fell utterly silent.

Every student turned to look at Qu Wanqing, their expressions varied.

Some were openly gleeful at her misfortune, some sympathetic, while others were simply curious.

Qu Wanqing smiled faintly and answered without the slightest hint of panic. “Master, in my humble opinion, the Duke of Zheng’s defeat of Duan at Yan appears on the surface to be a case of brothers turning against one another, but in truth it was…”

She paused deliberately, letting the suspense build.

“…an ancient version of The Legend of Zhen Huan.”

A low chorus of startled exclamations swept through the classroom.

Master Zhang’s eyes widened, and the ruler in his hand nearly slipped to the floor.

“The Legend of Zhen Huan? What in the world is that?”

“Er… a story.” Qu Wanqing dismissed the matter with a casual wave before launching into a perfectly serious stream of nonsense, interpreting the tale of the Duke of Zheng and Duan at Yan through the conventions of modern palace intrigue dramas. The students listened, utterly bewildered.

Master Zhang tried several times to interrupt her, but each time she deftly turned aside his objections.

In the end, he could only shake his head helplessly. “Enough, enough. Your interpretation is, at least… novel.”

After class, Maid Liu hurried over to Qu Wanqing and whispered, “My lady, you were truly impressive. Even Master Zhang was completely taken in!”

Qu Wanqing smiled and was just about to reply when she suddenly felt a hostile gaze settle upon her.

She looked up and saw a richly dressed young man glaring coldly in her direction…

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Student Lin was named Lin Lang, the youngest son of the current prime minister. At the academy, he was accustomed to throwing his weight around and having everyone obey him.

Seeing how effortlessly Qu Wanqing had defused Master Zhang’s challenge—and how many students secretly admired her for it—the flames of jealousy roared within him.

The moment the bell rang, he summoned several of his usual followers, pointed toward Qu Wanqing, and said mockingly, “Take a good look at this woman. Who knows where she came from? She arrives and immediately steals the spotlight. Does she really think she’s the reincarnation of the Sage Confucius? Brothers, we can’t let her get too pleased with herself!”

At Lin Lang’s command, his followers immediately understood. They began spreading all kinds of rumors about Qu Wanqing: that she had entered the academy through backdoor connections, that she had bewitched the instructors with her beauty, and other equally vile accusations.

They even issued a warning that anyone who dared associate with Qu Wanqing would be making an enemy of their entire clique.

Yet Qu Wanqing was not defeated by the gossip.

She understood the principle that an enemy’s enemy could be a friend, and took the initiative to approach the students whom Lin Lang had ostracized, displaying her warmth and approachability.

She did not put on airs or act superior. Instead, she sincerely exchanged thoughts about their studies, shared amusing little stories, and even brought out pastries she had made herself to share with everyone.

“Come, come, have a taste of my peach-blossom pastries. They’re made from my own secret recipe!” she said with a radiant smile, every movement graceful and composed.

Some of the students who had initially been prejudiced against Qu Wanqing were moved by her sincerity and enthusiasm. They began to wonder whether Lin Lang’s rumors had misled them.

They discovered that Qu Wanqing was nothing like the arrogant, domineering woman described in the rumors. In fact, she was approachable, helpful, and an excellent classmate.

Lin Lang’s plan to isolate her thus began to crumble, quietly and unnoticed.

Toward evening, the sun sank toward the horizon, and the academy gradually fell silent.

Qu Wanqing walked alone along the path back to her quarters, but her heart was filled with thoughts of Jiang Yu.

She gazed at an ancient tree in the distance and seemed to see Jiang Yu standing beneath it, watching her with gentle eyes.

“Jiang Yu, don’t worry. I’ll make something of myself here. I won’t disappoint you…” she murmured, determination shining in her eyes.

The surrounding silence only deepened the longing and resolve in her heart.

Suddenly, a chill wind swept past, stirring the leaves into a rustling whisper.

Qu Wanqing stopped and frowned slightly.

An inexplicable unease seized her, as though something were watching her from the shadows…

“Who’s there?”

Qu Wanqing scanned her surroundings, but saw no one.

“Could it have been my imagination?” she muttered, though her vigilance only grew sharper.

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Wenyuan Academy truly was strange at every turn.

The following day, the academy organized an academic symposium.

By convention, such occasions were the domain of the male students, while female students were rarely given an opportunity to participate.

But Qu Wanqing refused to accept that.

She went straight to Scholar Wu and expressed her desire to join the discussion.

Scholar Wu was a venerable old scholar held in high regard throughout the academy. His knowledge was vast, but he was cautious by nature and seldom took a position lightly.

He looked Qu Wanqing up and down before saying meaningfully, “Student Qu, an academic symposium is no child’s game. Are you certain you are up to it?”

“Whether I am or not, we won’t know until I try.” Qu Wanqing smiled faintly, confidence shining in her eyes.

Seeing her unwavering expression, Scholar Wu found himself taking an unexpected interest in this unconventional young woman.

At the symposium, Qu Wanqing boldly presented her views and argued her case against a gathering of male students.

Her ideas were fresh and distinctive, her reasoning clear and orderly. Before long, she had captured everyone’s attention.

Several conservative instructors were deeply displeased. In their eyes, it was improper for a woman to appear so prominently in public.

Master Zhang gave a cold snort and said sarcastically, “Student Qu, a woman ought to remain at home, attend to her husband, and raise her children. Matters of scholarship should be left to men.”

“Attend to my husband and raise children? No, thank you. I’m here to build a career.” Qu Wanqing did not retreat an inch. “The Sage Confucius never said that women were forbidden to study! Are you claiming to be wiser than Confucius himself?”

Her retort left Master Zhang speechless, and the other conservatives no longer dared challenge her openly.

Seeing this, Scholar Wu discreetly came to Qu Wanqing’s aid and gave her more opportunities to speak.

Qu Wanqing seized the chance, elaborating on her views in a steady stream. She drew upon sources from far and wide, delivered one brilliant remark after another, and earned a round of applause.

Lin Lang sat in a corner, his face livid. He had intended to use the occasion to make Qu Wanqing humiliate herself, only to give her an even greater opportunity to shine.

“Damn that woman!” he muttered through clenched teeth.

After the symposium ended, Qu Wanqing returned to her study, only to discover that the books and manuscripts that had been neatly arranged were scattered across the floor. The entire room was in disarray.

A surge of fury rose within her.

“Who did this?!”