Fortune Across the World

Chapter 50: The Hundred Faces of Students at the Entrance Ceremony (Part 2)

As Yun Yi approached, Ding Qiyu finally noticed her. She curtsied gracefully and greeted softly, "Young Master Ding."

Momentarily surprised by her greeting, Ding Qiyu quickly returned the gesture with a smile, "Miss Yun." Recalling her isolated figure earlier and her predicament the previous day, he asked with concern, "How is your ankle?"

Hearing Ding Qiyu's concern warmed Yun Yi's heart. She nodded and replied, "It's fine after applying some medicine. I haven't properly thanked you yet..."

Ding Qiyu laughed, "As long as you're okay, it was a small matter. No need to thank me."

Before Yun Yi could say more, a Qingyi attendant announced loudly, "Ahem, the time for the entrance ceremony has arrived. Please proceed to the Three Questions Hall."

Ding Qiyu politely acknowledged Yun Yi before following the crowd into the hall. Beside him, Lu Weiming nudged his arm, frowning with a serious expression, "Who is she? I don't know her, yet you seem familiar with her!"

"I only met her yesterday," Ding Qiyu replied honestly.

"Really?" Lu Weiming looked at Ding Qiyu skeptically, trying to recall any prominent families with the surname Yun in Da Qian, but came up empty. He led Ding Qiyu to a random seat, ensuring Lu Weixi and her group sat nearby. He noticed Yun Yi had ended up right behind them, likely due to their earlier proximity. Internally, he mused that while Qiyu seemed popular with girls, he needed to help Weixi keep an eye on him. Lu Weiming felt his mission was both crucial and challenging.

Lu Weixi had observed the interaction between Yun Yi and Ding Qiyu, noticing his polite smile and concern. Although his demeanor was courteous, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. When had Qiyu and that girl met?

Ding Qiyu, however, paid little mind to the brief encounter. He focused on listening to the academy's head, Elder Zhong, akin to a "principal" from his past life, who spoke about the academy's history, educational philosophy, and regulations. It had been a while since he'd attended a lecture like this, and it brought back memories. While he might not excel at everything, learning and attending classes were his forte. Kneeling at the small desk meant for companions, he took notes diligently in his notebook, jotting down useful information.

After Elder Zhong's speech, another elder conducted the teacher-student ceremony, where students, called in groups, performed rituals honoring the sages. Once the ceremony concluded, the Qingyi attendants led the students on a tour of the academy's facilities. This part intrigued Ding Qiyu the most, as he was eager to see the academy's library.

The group exited the Three Questions Hall, and the leading Qingyi attendant explained, "We are currently on the southern side of Cang Mountain's main peak. First-year students live and study here. Second-year and third-year students are on the west and north sides, respectively, with each grade managed separately..."

"What about the east side?" Tan Yu interrupted, fanning himself with a gilded fan, exuding arrogance.

The Qingyi attendant remained patient, "The east side houses the offices and residences of the academy's administrators, teachers, and attendants. Generally..."

Ding Qiyu couldn't help but think how well the gilded fool paired with the haughty princess. Nudging Lu Weiming, she joked softly, "See, I was right to stop you from bringing a fan!"

Lu Weiming, watching Tan Yu's antics, retorted, "It depends on the person. He looks foolish with it, but I'd look dashing."

Ding Qiyu feigned disdain, "Fine, bring your fan tomorrow and compete with him." She moved closer to Lu Weixi, leaving Lu Weiming behind, "Weixi, I'm sticking with you now. I can't stay by your brother's side."

Unsure of their banter, Lu Weixi looked puzzled but was pleased to have Qiyu nearby.

"Tch, I think you just wanted an excuse to be near Weixi!" Lu Weiming complained, but he relented for the sake of pairing Qiyu and Weixi.

With Ding Qiyu now beside Lu Weixi, Qu Ruocheng ended up next to Lu Weiming. Noticing Ding Qiyu chatting with Lu Weixi, she took the opportunity to pry gossip from Lu Weiming, "Lu Weiming, what's the deal between Weixi and your friend?"

Caught off guard by her proximity, Lu Weiming straightened nervously and stammered, "Uh, Brother Yu admires Weixi and is pursuing her..." Whether it was memories of her childhood teasing or something else, Lu Weiming always felt uneasy around her. Yet, he couldn't deny her charm and the genuine nature of their interactions.

Qu Ruocheng pondered, "I think Weixi likes him too, but isn't his family background modest? Will Uncle Lu agree..."

"Brother Yu is destined for greatness," Lu Weiming affirmed confidently.

As they conversed, the Qingyi attendant led the group around the living quarters and dining facilities, stopping near the main gate, "As mentioned by Elder Zhong, each student may leave the mountain twice a month, for no more than three days each time. For urgent matters requiring additional trips, apply through Director Li, responsible for first-year students."

"Only twice a month? That's too few!" the haughty princess complained, echoed by her entourage.

The attendant continued, maintaining order, "The academy offers ample freedom within its grounds. With Cang Mountain's scenic beauty, springs, and ponds, there are many places for poetry, music, and leisure."

The princess scoffed, "Boring!"

Embarrassed by her bluntness, the attendant pressed on, "Next, we'll head to the summit's central plaza, the venue for academy-wide events." He quickened the pace, leading the group up the hill.

Fortunately, the steps to the summit weren't long, sparing the young nobles from rebellion after their earlier hike up Persistence Path. Ding Qiyu sketched a simple map in her notebook, marking key locations as introduced by the attendant.

Observing Qiyu's focus, Lu Weixi smiled gently, "You're so diligent, Qiyu."

Qiyu tapped his forehead with his pen, "Just passing the time, jotting down notes."

Lu Weixi, intrigued, remarked, "I remember you were a good student. You must have been the teacher's favorite."

Raising an eyebrow, Qiyu joked, "Spot on. Let me tell you a secret—I might not be skilled at much, but I'm quite clever~"

"Yes, Weixi knows. You've always been smart," she said, suppressing a laugh.

Qiyu's grin widened mischievously, "Since you like calling me 'Xixi,' why not call me 'Yu'—it's simple and sounds nice." Most importantly, it felt intimate...

Sensing the teasing tone, Lu Weixi lost her composure, "I think 'Qiyu' sounds better..." Yu? That was too intimate to say aloud... Her face warmed as she saw Qiyu's triumphant look, struggling to regain her calm. How did their chat lead to this teasing again?

Qiyu relented, "Qiyu works, too. It's nice." After all, there's plenty of time ahead—Weixi's shyness was utterly endearing...

As they spoke, the group reached the summit. The central plaza featured a large open space, used for major academy events. At the eastern end stood a large cauldron with incense, used for rituals. The surrounding buildings were introduced by the attendant: a post station for sending and receiving items, tea rooms and chess halls for cultural exchanges, shops selling daily necessities and goods from across the lands, and inns for gatherings and banquets. However, these closed early, and the academy prohibited excessive drinking and overnight absences. What students did in private was another matter.

The grandest building on the plaza was the famous library, "Yun Zhi Pavilion." It stood prominently to the north, an octagonal, seven-story structure, both ancient and majestic. The attendant gestured proudly, "Our Yun Zhi Pavilion houses the largest collection of books in Da Qian, open daily to all. The sea of knowledge awaits—visit here to find the classics and texts you seek." Most attendants were scholars from humble backgrounds who chose to stay and study at the academy, undergoing rigorous selection to become Qingyi attendants, balancing work with continued learning.