Fortune Across the World

Chapter 58: Dislike for History and Eavesdropping on the Qin

The next day, Ding Qiyu resumed her breakfast delivery routine, arriving at the National History hall with Lu Weiming as the first two students. Surprisingly, the hall was empty, not even a Qingyi attendant in sight.

The history class was held in Zhiyuan Hall. As students gradually filled the room and the class time approached, neither the teacher nor the attendants had arrived. The students chatted idly among themselves, while Ding Qiyu focused on calculating the structural parameters for her "new equipment" conceived the night before. Lu Weiming, not wanting to disturb her, watched with interest as she filled the paper with incomprehensible diagrams and symbols. Observing Ding Qiyu's concentration, Lu Weixi wondered if she might find some good qin scores in Yun Zhi Pavilion today.

The sound of footsteps drew nearer until a portly middle-aged man, accompanied by several Qingyi attendants, entered the hall. Taking his place at the front, he addressed the students, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Liu Jiping, your history teacher. From now on, I'll be teaching you National History." As he spoke, Liu Jiping forced a smile, his small eyes narrowing into slits, while his thick mustache twitched with the movement of his lips.

Ding Qiyu frowned unconsciously. This Liu Jiping didn't give a good impression, and his smile seemed quite unsavory. Arriving late to his first class and referring to students as "ladies and gentlemen"? He reminded her of a sleazy professor from her "previous life" at university, one who enjoyed calling female students "beauties" and making inappropriate jokes in class. Disdainful of such people, Ding Qiyu mentally scored this teacher negatively and returned to her work, unwilling to spare him another glance.

As it turned out, Liu Jiping was indeed similar to the aforementioned professor. Throughout the class, he lingered around the female students, somehow knowing many by name, and showed particular deference to those from influential families. Fortunately, upon noticing Lu Weixi's displeasure, he refrained from bothering her, choosing instead to engage others. Otherwise, Ding Qiyu might have found herself compelled to act disrespectfully towards the teacher.

With little of substance covered, the class fell into a state of banter, irritating Ding Qiyu and hindering her focus. She managed to work out only a few minor parameters by the end of the morning.

In the afternoon, Lu Weiming resolved to start martial arts classes. Through Ding Qiyu's subtle probing, it became clear that a remark from Miss Qu Ruocheng about her dislike for "weak" men had spurred his decision. Ding Qiyu learned from Weixi that Miss Qu had always been lively and mischievous, having learned some martial arts herself. She often teased the honest Lu Weiming during their childhood days in Yuanjing, the capital of Da Qian. It's said she made him cry numerous times. Rumor had it that Qu Ruocheng chose martial arts among the elective courses. Observing Lu Weiming's recent behavior, it seemed likely he harbored feelings for the spirited young lady, possibly for some time. Ding Qiyu had no intention of interfering with the pair and, still irked by the morning history class, decided to skip studying that afternoon and instead watch Weixi's qin class.

The structure and encouragement of Cang Huan Academy were evident in its setup and selection system, promoting a culture that supported eager learners. Behind each classroom, a small compartment separated by bamboo curtains was designated for auditors.

Not wanting to distract Weixi, Ding Qiyu didn't inform her of her plan to audit the qin class. She slipped into the back room via the rear door after the female instructor arrived, locating Weixi through the bamboo curtain and sitting casually on a mat. Glancing at the students, she noted that the qin class consisted solely of girls. Besides Lu Weixi and Qing'er, Ding Qiyu recognized a princess whose name she didn't know; the other faces were familiar from previous classes.

The instructor, a woman named Yang in her thirties, exuded a refined elegance. The noble young women in the qin class were already somewhat proficient, so the instructor focused on exploring new techniques and pieces rather than basic knowledge. As she discussed techniques like "pluck," "lock," "vibrate," and "support," Ding Qiyu, from her perch behind the curtain, found herself lost. She paused her mental wanderings, propping her chin on her hand to watch her beloved's graceful back.