Chapter 826: A Visit to Witness

Editor: Henyee Translations

At Yunfei School, Xu Guannan, Fang Mingyi, and Song Qingyuan were walking along the lakeside corridor, looking at the withered lotus leaves in the lake center, feeling a bit of the scholars’ melancholy.

To lighten the mood, Fang Mingyi mentioned, “I heard that Yaqing Bookstore is selling a novel written by Wu Yaqing. It’s very popular in the county town now, everyone’s talking about it.”

Song Qingyuan was intrigued, “I’ve heard about it too, but I didn’t know who wrote it. Are you sure it’s by Wu Yaqing?”

Fang Mingyi looked at Song Qingyuan, who suddenly seemed interested, “I passed by the bookstore this morning and went in to check. The owner confirmed it.”

Xu Guannan was surprised, “I didn’t expect a woman could write a novel.”

Realizing what he said, Fang Mingyi added, “Now that you mention it, it’s indeed my first time seeing a woman publish a novel for sale.”

Suddenly turning back, Xu Guannan asked the others, “Did you buy the novel?” “You’re not telling me you want to read a novel?” Fang Mingyi’s eyes widened in disbelief. Xu Guannan was someone who ‘fed’ on the books in the library every day, never straying from writings on statecraft or historical records. He had never been seen reading miscellaneous books.

Song Qingyuan chuckled lightly, “Yes, Brother Xu, are you planning to read the novel?”

Continuing forward, Xu Guannan calmly said, “Is it so strange to look at a novel?”

It’s not strange, but it’s strange for you because you never read casual books,” Fang Mingyi caught up, trying to read Xu Guannan’s expression but failed. Xu’ Guannan was too good at hiding his feelings.

Xu Guannan said helplessly, “Can I start reading now?”

The dean had told him not to be so tense all the time and to relax occasionally.

That’s when he thought of reading novels to ease his mind.

“Of course, of course. Let’s go buy one,” Fang Mingyi quickly suggested.

“Let’s go,” said SongQingyuan.

The trio headed to Yaqing Bookstore together.

The bookstore was busier than usual, with many people coming specifically to buy the novel after hearing the “advertisement.” “The Princess’s Elopement” sounded thrilling.

Ye Zixing, recognizing the influential figures from the school, hurriedly greeted them warmly, “Are you three gentlemen here to buy the novel?”

Fang Mingyi nodded, “Do you have any left? One for each of us, please.”

Ye Zixing showed a troubled expression, “I’m sorry, the novels are still being copied. You’ll have to wait a bit.”

Fang Mingyi didn’t expect the novel to be so popular that it was out of stock,

“No problem, we can wait.”

Ye Zixing guided them to sit down and ordered his staff to serve them a cup of hot red bean milk tea each, “Please enjoy, it’s on the house.”

Xu Guannan expressed his thanks, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome…”

After waiting for a short while, they finally got their hands on the novels.

Leaving the bookstore, FangMingyi couldn’t help but comment, “This is the first time I had to wait to buy a novel. It’s incredibly popular.”

Xu Guannan, more composed, didn’t say much and continued walking with the book in hand.

Song Qingyuan carefully held the book, knowing it was written by Yaqing, he was eager to read it thoroughly once back home.

Back in the bookstore, Ye Zixing, bustling among the customers, was jubilant, thinking about the bonus he would receive from the book’s sales success.

After leaving the bookstore, Chu Qingzhi went to a pharmacy to buy a good amount of medicinal herbs. After returning to the village, she also gathered many herbs from the medicinal garden and took them all to the herbal clinic.

Chu Qingning had specially arranged a room in the herbal clinic to serve as a “laboratory,” where all the usual medicinal tools, herbs, and equipment were moved.

Chu Qingning was called away to visit someone’s home for a medical consultation and was not in the clinic.

Chu Qingzhi went straight into the “laboratory” and began to prepare the medicine, specifically concocting an antidote for the hallucinogens affecting Tang Jinghong and his group.

With the assistance of her magical abilities, she spent half an hour preparing the medicine, then packed it up and left the “laboratory.”

Chu Qingshuang saw Chu Qingzhi coming out and quickly waved her over, “Fifth Sister, someone is looking for you.”

“Who’s looking for me?” Chu Qingzhi quickened her pace towards Chu Qingshuang.

Chu Qingshuang replied, “Someone from the school.”

This made Chu Qingzhi think of the school’s year-end banquet. Perhaps they really intended to invite her, “Let’s go and see.”

The person delivering the invitation was Yan Yixian, “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded at him, “What does Teacher Yan have for me?”

Yan Yixian presented the invitation with both hands, “The dean has asked me to deliver this invitation to Miss. Please grace the year-end banquet with your presence.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at the invitation, which was dated for the fifteenth of the twelfth month, to attend in the afternoon, “Alright, I will definitely be there.”

Yan Yixian bowed, “Then I won’t disturb Miss any further, farewell.”

Chu Qingzhi saw him out, “Teacher Yan, take care.”

Chu Qingshuang curiously approached, “Fifth Sister, what year-end banquet?

Does the school also host banquets?”

Chu Qingzhi explained, “It’s a banquet hosted by the school. Do you want to go?

If you’d like, we can go together?”

Chu Qingshuang’s eyes widened with excitement, “Can I? Women are not allowed to freely enter and exit the school. What if they stop me?”

Chu Qingzhi tapped the invitation in her palm, “With me there, the school won’t restrict you.”

“Then I’ll go with Fifth Sister.” Chu Qingshuang was already looking forward to it.

“Alright, let’s go and see.”

“Ok.”

Chu Xujin’s wedding day was approaching, and Li Qingyu had been busy decorating the bridal chamber, bustling around non-stop.

Many fortunate middle-aged women from the village came to help Li Qingyu. After days of hard work, the bridal chamber was finally ready.

“Qingyu, you’re really blessed. The daughters-in-law you’ve married are better than the next, and the son-in-law is top-notch too, truly enviable.”

You re the same, no need to envy me. Everyone’s the same.”

“We can’t compare to you. You’re genuinely fortunate.”

“Don’t be modest. Didn’t the young master from the county town take a liking to your daughter?”

“Oh, that’s just good luck, but your children are truly admirable.”

Everyone exchanged compliments, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.