Chapter 365

Chapter 365: The Literary Maiden in Ink

“This must be the North Sea, right?”

“I’ve never seen the ocean before.”

“To tell the truth, looking at the vast sea always makes me feel so insignificant.”

“Humans are inherently small. Even if you cultivate for a lifetime and reach the uppermost realms, what does it matter? If we stretch time long enough and space wide enough, any person is but a grain of sand in this boundless sea. So, us cultivators, especially Confucian scholars like us, shouldn’t always think about living longer.

What’s the point of idly wasting your days no matter how long you live? But if you can leave something behind in this world, that’s what truly lasts forever.”

“Mr. Liu.”

Just as Miao Feng and Yu Wen Xi from the White Deer Academy were exchanging these reflections, Mr. Liu, the headmaster of the academy, approached them to speak with his two students.

Yu Wen Xi and Miao Feng both bowed respectfully.

“Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles – there’s wisdom in those words. This mission to the North Sea Dragon Palace will let you see the world. Remember to be careful and cautious,” Mr. Liu told them.

“Yes,” Yu Wen Xi and Miao Feng replied in unison.

Although they had once again been lectured by Mr. Liu, they were already used to it. As for whether they would actually listen to the lecture, well, that was generally unlikely.

“Hahaha, Mr. Liu, I don’t think Yu Wen and Miao hear much of what you say. They’re probably more interested in seeing the beauty of the Dragon Empress.”

Three other men emerged then. Their names were Fang Yu, Chen Kun, and Ling Bisheng. All three were among the most famous young scholars of the White Deer Academy, all having received the title of “Gentleman.”

“You criticize us, but aren’t you three just the same?” Yu Wen Xi gave them an exasperated look. “Who was it last night saying things like ‘if I could just see the Dragon Empress once, I’d die content’?”

Chen Kun turned slightly red and quickly said, “I was drunk last night! It doesn’t count, it doesn’t count!”

“Being drunk doesn’t make it not count. As the saying goes, ‘drunken words are heartfelt truths.’ What you say when drunk is often the most sincere,” Miao Feng added.

“Hahahaha, exactly! Drunken words are heartfelt truths. Besides, who doesn’t like a beautiful woman?” Fang Yu laughed, then turned to Ling Bisheng, “And you, little buddy, aren’t you also the type who gets starry-eyed whenever you hear the name of the Dragon Empress?”

Ling Bisheng chuckled, “A graceful lady, a gentleman’s desire. True, everyone appreciates beauty, but personally, Zhu Cici is the most beautiful.”

“Hahaha, everyone knows you like Cici, but she has plenty of admirers,” Chen Kun laughed. “If you want to compete, it might be tough.”

“And besides, you’re the son of Wei Kingdom’s Chancellor, while Cici is the only daughter of Qi Kingdom’s top marquis. Are you planning to take her back with you or follow her back?” Fang Yu asked.

“…” Ling Bisheng was momentarily speechless.

“Alright, alright, stop bullying Bisheng. But Bisheng, maybe you should consider liking someone else. Cici still remembers…”

“What are you guys doing? Why are you all so lively?”

Just as Yu Wen Xi was about to defend his friend Ming, stating that he, their brother Ming, was the one Zhu Cici liked, a light and pleasant female voice rang out. Everyone turned to see a girl dressed in a black long skirt emerge from the cabin of the flying boat. She wore a jade-green smoky robe, a scattered flower water mist green grass pleated skirt, draped in green water thin smoke gauze. Her shoulders were delicate, her waist slender, her skin smooth as congealed fat, her demeanor as elegant as orchids.

Her hair was neatly coiffed, her eyebrows lightly drawn, her eyes holding a hint of springtime charm. Her skin was fine and lustrous like warm jade, akin to the whitest snow on Tianshan Mountain, soft and radiant.

Below her pert nose was a cherry mouth naturally red, tender and full, adding allure with strands of hair gently brushing her cheeks.

Most captivating were her eyes. Black and white clearly defined, they sparkled with mischief and naughtiness yet carried an air of scholarly refinement.

The pale green long dress fell gracefully to her ankles, its sash tied snugly around her slim waist.

Though her figure didn’t match the voluptuousness of mature women, it was charming enough, even more refined and ladylike.

To everyone, she appeared flawlessly beautiful, ethereal, almost celestial, yet she was also well-read, gentle, and elegant.

“Cici, why have you come out?” Yu Wen Xi smiled and asked, naturally stopping his previous words.

“I’ve been inside the cabin all along. Occasionally, I need to come out for some fresh air; otherwise, I’d suffocate,” Zhu Cici said with a smile. “Besides, we should be arriving soon, right? Since I am the principal officer on this trip, I must come out. Otherwise, it would be improper etiquette. If the North Sea Dragon Palace thinks we’re being negligent, I’ll get another lecture from Master when we return.”

“We are indeed close,” Mr. Liu confirmed.

Although Mr. Liu was the oldest among them, by seniority, Zhu Cici was the youngest disciple of the White Deer Academy’s Dean, making Mr. Liu address her as Senior Sister. Not to mention, the academy specifically nominated Cici as the main official for this diplomatic mission.

This wasn’t just the Dean’s decision; it was the consensus of the entire academy leadership.

Everyone knew that the academy intentionally wanted to promote Zhu Cici, but no one felt any jealousy or resentment.

Zhu Cici’s talent was undeniable. If you feel uncomfortable or envious, then surpass her. Can you do it?

Didn’t you see when Zhu Cici read, a black dragon continuously hovered above her residence?

Didn’t you see when she wrote, the ink fragrance spread for miles?

Zhu Cici was chosen by Tiandao as the bearer of Confucian literary essence.

“Eh? Where’s Uncle Lu? Why haven’t we seen him?” Zhu Cici questioned.

“That guy Lu Xiaoliu…” Mr. Liu chuckled and pointed behind Zhu Cici.

Turning around, she saw the man in shabby blue robes lying comfortably in a chair, basking in the sun.

“Splash!”

At that moment, a huge noise erupted from the sea surface.

Columns of water shot up into the sky like dragons drinking water, and one jet of water headed straight toward the flying boat.

The impoverished-looking scholar named Lu Xiaoliu pulled down the Analects covering his face and yawned, “We’ve arrived so quickly?”