Chapter 25: Such Thick Skin

Chen Longyue and Chen Qinghe are cousins, collectively known as the "Twin Beauties of Liangzhou," and are renowned beauties in the city of Liangzhou.

In the prime of her youth, she possessed a pair of apricot eyes as clear as autumn waters, the corners slightly upturned, radiating endless charm with every glance. Beneath a slender, graceful nose lay full, rosy lips, which only served to highlight her jade-like, fair skin—as delicate and flawless as a peeled egg. Her jet-black, waterfall-like hair was styled into a fashionable double-coil bun, adorned with several colorful pearlescent flower pins that made her appear all the more ethereal and refined.

Dressed in a snow-white, gossamer-thin silk dress that clung to her slender, shapely figure, she stood gracefully before Xu Mingyi’s desk.

*Lotus flowers cannot compare to a beauty’s makeup; as the breeze blows through the water pavilion, the scent of pearls and jade lingers.*

A beauty as picturesque as a painting—who could look upon her and not be moved?

Yet, Xu Mingyi remained indifferent, his head bowed as he drafted the textbooks required for the academy’s curriculum. Hearing her arrival, he asked without looking up, "Is there something you need, Miss?"

Chen Longyue was naturally beautiful, and with her meticulous grooming, she appeared even more enchanting; anyone else would have been unable to resist stealing a few glances. But this blockhead of a man seemed completely oblivious, not even bothering to cast a look her way.

Chen Longyue frowned in dissatisfaction, but remembering her mother’s teachings, she immediately suppressed her annoyance. With a sweet tone, she said, "I have long admired you, sir. I have written a few poems and have come specifically today to ask for your critique. I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance."

Having heard that the academy was set to open in three days, he wondered how preparations were faring on her end. Upon receiving this news, Xu Mingyi had immediately set to work with great urgency, drafting the academy’s codes, regulations, and necessary textbooks in accordance with the standards of the Bailu Academy. Although the Princess had not tasked him with these duties, he felt compelled to shoulder the burden for her sake.

Thinking of the rugged folk customs of Liangzhou, Xu Mingyi could not help but worry—was establishing a free academy for the benefit of the people truly such an easy task? He feared she would have her hands full in the days to come.

As Xu Mingyi scribbled away, he frowned at her words, yet he was forced to look up. "Feel free to leave it here, Miss, and I shall take a look," he said, setting down his brush with impatience.

Chen Longyue quickly handed him the small booklet she had prepared in advance. "My writing is clumsy; I hope you will not laugh at me, sir."

The booklet was made of high-quality plum-blossom stationary. The faint scent of plum blossoms reminded him of the note Ning Junruo had previously written to him. Perhaps because she had written it in a hurry, her handwriting had been somewhat messy, yet the hidden sharpness in her strokes gave off a sense of uninhibited freedom. In contrast, the meticulously practiced penmanship in Miss Chen’s booklet, on the same plum-blossom paper, only exposed her inner restlessness and her deliberate attempt to feign humility.

Glancing at her poems—filled with flowery rhetoric but devoid of true substance—Xu Mingyi’s brow furrowed even deeper.

"The writing is indeed clumsy; you must strive to improve, Miss." Xu Mingyi finished reading quickly and handed it back to her at once.

These poems were her proudest works; everyone who had seen them praised her for her literary talent and elegant phrasing. How did it become "clumsy" in his hands? Chen Longyue felt so aggrieved she was on the verge of tears. She hung her head, refusing to take the booklet back.

Xu Mingyi was taken aback. "Is there something else, Miss?"

Chen Longyue pouted, her face full of frustration. "I know my writing is poor, and I ask that you, Master Xu, kindly guide me. Which parts exactly need to be changed?"

Over the years, whether in Liangzhou or the capital, many women had brought him poetry under the guise of seeking academic guidance. How could Xu Mingyi not understand their little intentions? He had assumed she would retreat when faced with difficulty, but he had been so clear in his rejection—how could this Miss Chen act as if she didn't understand him and linger here?

Xu Mingyi became somewhat irritated. "The language appears flowery, but it is empty of meaning. Take this poem on 'Grieving for Spring,' for example. You try your best to describe the beauty of spring, but there is no sense of the sorrow of its passing; it fails to evoke any feeling of sadness."

Chen Longyue’s expression softened slightly, and her eyes burned with intensity as she looked at him. "Then how would you suggest I change it, sir?"

Xu Mingyi was stunned. Could such a stack of flowery phrases even be called poetry? How to change it? Shouldn't it be rewritten entirely? That burning gaze made him feel very uncomfortable. "I do not know how to change it," Xu Mingyi replied irritably. "I suggest you rewrite it entirely."

Chen Longyue’s bright eyes instantly dimmed. "So you think I am incapable of writing poetry. Please, sir, teach me how to write it."

His mind was set on finishing these materials before the academy opened; how could he possibly have the time to teach her poetry? Xu Mingyi was speechless. "I am currently busy and fear I have no time to teach you, Miss. Perhaps you should seek someone else."

Chen Longyue’s drooping cheeks were filled with grievance. "Others say I write well; only you say I cannot. That is why I must ask you to teach me."

*All this time wasted!* If he were to truly teach her poetry, he would be at it until nightfall. Xu Mingyi, at a loss for words, said coldly, "I have already said I have no time. Why must you insist on staying?"

*How could he be so rude?* To actually say she was "insisting on staying"! Chen Longyue felt such indignation that tears welled up in her eyes—a sight of "beauty in tears" that would typically stir pity in any man.

"I only wished to learn about poetry. Do you despise me so much, sir?" Her voice was clearly choked with sobs.

"We are but passing acquaintances; how could there be talk of despise?" Xu Mingyi looked at her with clear displeasure. "I am truly busy, and I have explicitly stated I have no time. Please do not disturb me, Miss."

*He actually said I was disturbing him!* Usually, others fawned over her and begged for her attention; when had she ever lowered her pride to beg someone else like this? Chen Longyue had never suffered such grievances. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, she snatched the booklet from the table, covered her mouth, and turned to leave.

Listening to the sound of her muffled sobbing, Xu Mingyi sighed and shook his head. "What a thick-skinned person!"

In the Yunmeng Pavilion, not only had new maids and matrons been added, but Chang Yuniang’s daily provisions had been raised to the standards of a Concubine Dowager. Although the other ladies felt jealousy and resentment, they dared not speak a word—who could blame anyone but themselves for not being as capable of bearing children?

The Prince of Liang’s estate returned to its usual calm. For the past two days, Concubine Xiao had acted strangely, no longer as arrogant as before. To everyone’s shock, she had even taken the initiative to send bird’s nest, ginseng soup, and other tonics to Chang Yuniang, telling her to nourish herself well.

Chang Yuniang assumed the Dowager must have said something to her to cause such a drastic change in her temperament, and she didn't think much of it, eating whatever Xiao Yunji sent her way. She thought to herself that the Dowager’s words were indeed effective, and she must find a way to truly win the Dowager’s heart.