The Warning

The Imperial Study.

Seeing the eunuch standing outside, she knew the Emperor was meeting with someone, so she asked:

"Who is meeting with Imperial Father?"

"Replying to the princess, it is Grand Preceptor Yi Sheng."

She emphasized, "The Grand Preceptor?"

Wan Ru tilted her head, thinking: *The one who will teach me? I wonder what kind of person he is to receive a private audience like this.*

The eunuch continued, "If Princess Wan wishes to pay her respects to Imperial Father, perhaps next time would be more appropriate."

"I wish to enter. Inform Imperial Father that I have come to report on some matters."

The eunuch bowed and withdrew: "Yes."

Standing outside the door, she suddenly thought of the study companions she had yet to meet: *Should I invite them to enjoy tea with me?*

The eunuch returned and said, "The Emperor requests your presence."

She entered and saw a figure in red official robes. She stared intently at his back. It seemed he felt her gaze, as his head turned slightly to look at her before turning back.

She snapped out of it, regained her composure, and approached her father:

"Paying respects to Imperial Father."

"Rise."

She looked at the man named Yi Sheng.

He was a young Grand Preceptor with fair skin, yet his distant, deep gaze exuded the profound wisdom of a sage.

The eunuch approached the Grand Preceptor to escort him out.

She walked over to her father and said:

"Let me massage your shoulders, Imperial Father."

The Emperor nodded: "Very well."

She walked to his side and, while massaging his shoulders, said, "It seems Grand Preceptor Yi Sheng is a favored minister of yours, Imperial Father. His aura is truly remarkable."

"That is why I chose him to be your preceptor. Yet I hear you have not attended a single lesson with him. A lazy nature can never achieve greatness."

"Is my birthday not in a few days? Would Imperial Father only be satisfied if I studied until my meals turned to stone?"

"Fine, fine, I shall speak no more of it. Since your birthday is approaching, I will drop the matter, alright?"

"Speaking of my birthday, it reminds me. Is it true that Imperial Father intends to crown a young lady as Empress?"

"How did you know? Was it Hao Qian again?"

"That is not important. What matters is that you did not tell me, so I could prepare a gift for her. You left me with no time to prepare."

She stopped massaging his shoulders and sat down, saying:

"If I knew her measurements, it would be much easier to purchase gifts."

"There is no need for elaborate gifts. Sincerity is what matters."

The Emperor looked outside and said, "It is getting late. Return to your quarters."

Knowing she was being politely dismissed, she left immediately.

Outside the Imperial Study, she stamped her foot in frustration:

"Dismissed the moment I let my guard down. Do you think hiding her identity from me settles it? No way."

She returned to her palace. From afar, she saw Xiang Tian waiting for her. They went inside to speak. Wan Ru asked:

"Have you heard anything about the coronation of the Empress recently?"

"No, Princess. I have kept a close watch."

"So the news has not leaked yet?"

"Does the princess wish for me to investigate this mysterious figure?"

"Indeed."

Suddenly remembering Yi Sheng, she added:

"And Grand Preceptor Yi Sheng as well."

Qing Yan entered, carrying tea and pastries. Xiang Tian stood up, bowed, and said:

"I shall investigate immediately. Please rest assured, Princess."

She nodded slightly. Qing Yan, seeing Xiang Tian about to leave, said:

"Stay and have some tea before you go."

"Pardon my rudeness. Perhaps next time."

Just after Xiang Tian left, Wan Ru went to a drawer, pulled out a letter, and said:

"Qing Yan, deliver this to my royal brother."

Qing Yan took the letter: "Yes."

The letter reached Hao Qian. He opened and read it:

"Eradicate the tiger-ghosts and..."

Hao Qian suddenly paused, then read on:

"Investigate the territory of the demon-ghosts?"

Under the golden candlelight, she was reading a book on talismans when Qing Yan said, "Princess, it seems you have forgotten something."

"What is it?"

She frowned for a moment, then her expression relaxed as she said:

"Ah, I have yet to meet my two study companions, correct? Fine, I shall attend lessons tomorrow."

In truth, she had not forgotten, nor had she intended to go to class tomorrow, but perhaps the encounter this afternoon had changed her mind.

The next morning, which was three days before Wan Ru's birthday.

She arrived at the Hanlin Academy. Standing outside, she could see everyone taking their seats.

She entered, and seeing that Yi Sheng had not yet arrived, she quickly slipped inside.

The two girls bowed upon seeing her enter:

"Greetings, Princess."

"No need for such formality."

Seeing there was still time to get acquainted, she said:

"So you two are my study companions."

A girl dressed in pale pink robes, with a serene and gentle demeanor, said:

"This subject is the eldest daughter of the Lan family, named Luo Dan Hong."

Dan Hong had a pretty, chubby face, looking very adorable. Wan Ru felt an instant liking for her upon their first meeting.

Another girl was dressed in azure robes, exuding a grace like the clouds in the sky. Her delicate face and cherry lips highlighted her entire being. She was exceedingly beautiful.

"This subject is the second daughter of the Zhang family, named Zhang Xing Mei."

Yi Sheng entered. Seeing them still chatting instead of taking their seats, he coughed a few times to signal them.

The other two quickly took their seats. She decided to sit at the front desk. Xing Mei sat at the desk beside her, while Dan Hong sat behind her.

The first lesson was literature, taught by Yi Sheng.

The first lesson was on the poem "Qiu Pu Ge".

Yi Sheng said, "Read the poem 'Qiu Pu Ge' once."

Everyone read it together, after which Yi Sheng explained its meaning and poetic essence. Just then, Dan Hong, sitting behind Wan Ru, boldly sneaked a bite of food.

She saw this but said nothing.

But Yi Sheng would not let this slide. He said:

"Luo Dan Hong, explain the meaning of 'yuan ge' in the line 'Yuan ge chang'."

Out of kindness, she whispered, "It means endless sorrow, endless sorrow."

Dan Hong seemed too terrified to move, failing to hear her prompt.

Just as she was about to prompt her again, Yi Sheng spoke in a stern voice:

"Princess Wan."

She startled as if caught red-handed. At that moment, Wan Ru accidentally met Yi Sheng's cold, sharp gaze. She quickly looked away.