Way of Choices: Book I - Youths We Were, Schoolmates

by Mao Ni

  And there was not even the smallest wisp of wind.

  The main hall of Weiyang Palace most likely had an array, so the autumn winds could not come in.

  Many banquet tables had been laid out within the palace. The teachers and students of Star Seizer Academy, Temple Seminary, Heavenly Dao Academy, Li Palace Academy, and the Thirteen Divisions of Radiant Green were still seated at the very best positions. The students that had passed the pre-examination of the Grand Examination were seated amongst the scattered banquet tables.

  Many people had already arrived and many people were coming in one after the other. Priests of the Bureau of Ecclesiastic Education and officials of the Imperial Court's Ministry of Rites were standing by the door, announcing names. Besides their voices, the great hall was extremely quiet. Occasionally, a person would rise to greet an old friend or acquaintance, but for the most part, it was very quiet.

  "The Orthodox Academy has arrived."

  With this announcement from the priest of the Bureau of Ecclesiastic Education, the great hall suddenly became even quieter. This silence was immediately broken by countless private conversations. Countless voices rose up in discussion and countless gazes turned to the door of the palace, falling upon that young man and woman.

  Of the Six Ivies, the Orthodox Academy was the least famous, almost forgotten by the people. In the past few Ivy Festivals, the Orthodox Academy had not even had a seat. However, after the first night of this year's Ivy Festival, this academy was recalled once more by many people and was difficult to forget.

  Everyone turned to gaze at Chen Changsheng and Luoluo, their eyes not filled with curiosity and sympathy but vigilance and investigation. The vast majority of these gazes fell upon Luoluo. Those gazes seemed particularly solemn, carrying many profound meanings, as well as fear.

  After that night, many people had investigated the Orthodox Academy. From the Bureau of Ecclesiastic Education, they were able to gain a rough understanding of Chen Changsheng's background, but no one had been able to investigate Luoluo's identity. They only knew that this girl had once appeared at the Heavenly Dao Academy and Star Seizer Academy. The Principal of the Heavenly Dao Academy, Mao Qiuyu, knew of this girl's background. Some people had also found out that the Guardians of the palace had once appeared together with this girl and that the Divine General of the Heavens Xue Xingchuan had once given his descendants a few warnings regarding this girl.

  How could they possibly compel those powerful personages to say something?

  Luoluo's background remained mysterious and unknown, but through these powerful figures, the crowd could at least confirm that her background was unusual. Otherwise, it would have been possible for her to cripple that little monster of the Tianhai clan and have the Orthodox Academy and herself remain safe and sound while the Education Overseer of the Heavenly Dao Academy disappeared without a trace.

  Of course, what made Luoluo the most eye-catching person in the capital in these past few months, besides her enigmatic background and faintly discernible connections with the Imperial Palace, was, very importantly, the strength she had displayed on that night. For a little girl to be so powerful at such a young age, perhaps only Xu Yourong could surpass her, but Xu Yourong had the blood of the true Phoenix, so where did this girl's talent come from?

  Compared to Luoluo, nobody paid any attention to Chen Changsheng because anyone could tell that this youth had still not succeeded at Purification and was nothing more than an ordinary person. Although the crowd did not comprehend why Luoluo would treat him with such respect, they would not pay him any special regard just because of her respect.

  A priest of the Bureau of Ecclesiastic Education came in from the side and walked to the front of the hall, announcing to the teachers and students of the Six Ivies and the students that had passed the Grand Examination's pre-examination that the southern diplomatic mission had arrived in the capital today. They would be staying in the Li Palace Academy. After receiving the blessings and baptism of the Pope, they would enter the palace, so they would be coming somewhat late.

  Upon hearing this news, everyone within the hall became somewhat displeased. Strangely enough, the mood actually became somewhat relaxed. It was plain to see that the young geniuses led by Gou Hanshi in the southern diplomatic mission placed an enormous pressure on the proud youths of the Great Zhou.

  Since they had to wait some more, they naturally couldn't just sit around. The announcement of names continued while the teachers and students of the Heavenly Dao Academy and the other academies began to get up and call out to students and teachers of the other academies that they were close to or acquainted with. They each gave their greetings and began discussing recent stories of interest in the capital or speculating on what sort of display Gou Hanshi would give in a little while. It was very lively.

  The Orthodox Academy's position was still in a corner, still cold and deserted, and still of no interest to anyone. However, the Orthodox Academy of the past had truly been forgotten by the entire world, but now, the world was deliberately overlooking the Orthodox Academy's existence. The difference between the two was extremely minute but incredibly important.

  Of course, this deliberate forgetfulness was primarily because, with the arrival of the southern diplomatic mission, many people did not want to get themselves caught in any sort of side problem—two factions of the Great Zhou Dynasty were seemingly borrowing the Orthodox Academy to compete against each other. At any other time, there would be many people sounding out Chen Changsheng and Luoluo. Now, there were none because tonight, something even more important would take place in Weiyang Palace, more important than the Orthodox Academy's new life, and even more important than the conflict between these two factions.

  Tonight's engagement was the human world's most important matter.

  Xu Yourong possessed the blood of the true Phoenix, an event that was difficult to encounter even if one waited a thousand years. Qiushan Jun possessed the blood of a dragon, also a universally-shocking event. Furthermore, Holy Maiden Peak and Mount Li were both extremely important locations amongst the southern sects, so Xu Yourong and Qiushan Jun could be considered brother and sister of the same sect. No matter which angle one viewed it from, this was a match made in heaven.

  The Great Zhou Dynasty similarly wished for this marriage to succeed, but it had nothing to do with the fact that everyone loved to see perfect objects become even more perfect, rather it was because Xu Yourong would become the Holy Maiden of the south in the future. This would be the first time in history that a woman from the capital would assume such a divine office. Qiushan Jun would become the protector of the southern sects in the future. The Orthodoxy's north and south, the hearts of the northerners and southerners, would all become more united because of this marriage, increasing the chances of obtaining victory in the war against the demons.

  The entire human world was willing to see Xu Yourong and Qiushan Jun married.

  Any person that opposed this marriage would set themselves against the entire world.

  Chapter 54 – A Spring Breeze Comes out of the Darkness

  The Orthodox Academy's seat was still in a corner with no one paying it any attention. It was lonely and deserted, just like it was on the first night of the Ivy Festival. All of Chen Changsheng's thoughts were on the imminent proposal of the southern diplomatic mission, in no mood to care about anything else, and Luoluo was even less likely to care about such trivial concerns. She noticed the look on Chen Changsheng's face and guessed at what he was thinking. Occasionally, she would pick up some fruit and feed it to him, but she paid not even a glance to the tea on the table. To normal people, the tea of the Imperial Palace was naturally of the finest quality, but in her eyes, it was extremely coarse and not worthy of drinking.

  A middle-aged palace maid appeared in the rear of the Orthodox Academy's seating area, her face bearing no emotion. She seemed particularly cold and proud, and from her appearance, she was most likely a close attendant of
some noble in the palace. However, when she approached Luoluo, the coldness on this palace maid's face completely transformed into respect and just the right amount of cordiality. Her voice was also controlled very well, only allowing Luoluo and Chen Changsheng to hear her words.

  The Princess of Ping had issued an invitation? Chen Changsheng was somewhat shocked, turning to Luoluo, his eyes asking just what was going on.

  Luoluo turned towards the depths of the great hall. Seeing the figures of Guardians Jin and Li in the shadows, she had a rough guess of what was going on. Somewhat embarrassed, she said to Chen Changsheng, "Teacher, it's been a long time since I've entered the palace, so I might have to go over and see."

  Chen Changsheng was gradually growing accustomed to the surprises Luoluo brought him, even somewhat numb, so he said, "Since it's an old friend, just go."

  Luoluo looked at those gazes in the great hall that would occasionally drift towards the Orthodox Academy's seating area and said, "Relax, Teacher. I will come back in a moment."

  Chen Changsheng knew that she was worried about something, but he didn't feel awkward. Smiling, he corrected, "It should be that you will definitely come back."

  After a while, another palace attendant came with an invitation. This time, the invitee was Chen Changsheng himself. He gazed out the side door at the figure waiting outside in the darkness, his figure an imposing mountain. After a moment of silence and upon confirming that nobody in the hall was paying attention to his movements, he stood up and walked towards the side door.

  The hall's side door was gradually shut, but the gentle liquid light of Night Pearls within the hall still shone through the window and fell upon Xu Shiji's body, clearly tracing the outline of his figure. Chen Changsheng, seeing his back, suddenly felt a little shaken, yet he didn't respond in any way.

  "You did not attend the second night of the Ivy Festival, so I originally thought you would not appear tonight either."

  Xu Shiji turned and coldly asked, "Why did you come?"

  Chen Changsheng himself did not know why he wanted to come to this final night of the Ivy Festival, or what he would do in a little while when the southern diplomatic mission formally proposed to Xu Yourong in Qiushan Jun's place, but he knew why Xu Shiji wanted this private meeting outside the hall before it took place.

  This reason made him somewhat angry. He looked into Xu Shiji's eyes and said, "Uncle Shi, I'm a student of the Orthodox Academy. I have the right to attend the Ivy Festival."

  This answer would naturally not satisfy Xu Shiji. What dissatisfied him even more was that Chen Changsheng had addressed him as 'Uncle Shi.' This way of addressing an elder was obviously intentional, and within lay this youth's meaning, a very profound meaning.

  He looked back at Chen Changsheng and replied, "It seems that you are not prepared to keep your promise."

  Chen Changsheng said, "I've never held the extravagant hope that every person will keep their promise, but I will keep mine."

  From the moment he entered the capital, the Divine General of the East's estate had suppressed him many times, all the way until, for reasons he still was not sure of, some powerful people appeared and allowed him to enter the Orthodox Academy, attempting to exchange it for some promises. In reality, however, he had never made any sort of promise.

  If one had to speak of promises, the engagement that had been decided so many years ago was a true promise.

  The Divine General of the East's estate had not acted according to this promise, so what right did they have to accuse him of not keeping a promise?

  With a calm expression, Xu Shiji said, "Just what does a child like you think you can change?"

  Chen Changsheng did not respond. Turning around, he prepared to return to the hall.

  Xu Shiji smiled. "Truly a naive child."

  Chen Changsheng stopped because he suddenly felt his body grow somewhat stiff.

  Xu Shiji's simple comment had caused his heart to suddenly tighten, and the blood traveling through his veins quickened to a terrifying level.

  A ruthless and blood-soaked Qi took control of his body.

  Chen Changsheng's face was suddenly flushed with an extremely unhealthy red as he felt incredible pain. Only at this moment did he truly confirm that for an expert on Xu Shiji's level, killing an ordinary person like him was truly a matter of absolute simplicity.

  He stood at the great hall's side door, gazing at the light within.

  Although it was night, it was still in broad daylight.

  No one dared to commit murder in front of a crowd within the Imperial Palace, especially on an important night like this—not even Xu Shiji, but precisely because this night was far too important, Xu Shiji would certainly be unwilling to just watch as he sat in the great hall, possibly standing at any moment to shatter this feast that the entire human world had great expectations for, to break this engagement.

  Xu Shiji could injure him, even knock him into a coma. These actions would certainly bring plenty of trouble, but they could erase all variables in advance.

  Chen Changsheng was keenly aware of what Xu Shiji was thinking. If it were him, he would probably also choose to risk it, but he did not regret that he chose to not remain in the hall and come out to meet Xu Shiji. Just like in the Xu Estate and outside the Temple Seminary, he looked into his heart and felt no shame. He felt no fear.

  His right hand gripped the button made of rhino horn that Luoluo had sewn into his sleeve.

  Let all this be exposed under the light of the Night Pearls.

  Just then, a voice came from the darkness outside the palace hall.

  This voice was incomparably gentle and warm, giving others a very intimate and refreshing sensation.

  Just like a spring breeze blowing against one's face.

  "Divine General Xu, what are you doing here?"

  A young man walked out of the darkness. He was dressed in yellow, his hair tied neatly into a bun. His face was handsome, his expression warm.

  Anyone who saw this scene would understand that a problem existed between Xu Shiji and Chen Changsheng, but this young man still calmly asked. He asked very naturally like he truly did just want to call out to Xu Shiji, to begin a little chat.

  A spring breeze came out of the darkness.

  The blood-soaked and ruthless Qi instantly vanished.

  Chen Changsheng escaped from danger and his complexion gradually began to improve.

  Xu Shiji gazed at the young man and greeted, "I have seen Your Highness Prince Chen Liu. This general is attending tonight's Ivy Festival. I met an old friend and was chatting with him."

  Chen Changsheng felt a chill as he thought, This is the legendary Prince Chen Liu.

  Prince Chen Liu gazed at him and seemed rather shocked, saying, "So it was you?"

  Xu Shiji slightly creased his brow, saying, "Your Highness recognizes him?"

  Prince Chen Liu smiled, saying, "The first student of the Orthodox Academy in so many years? It would be hard for me to not recognize him."

  Ever since the Divine Empress ascended to the throne, the Chen Imperial clan was completely exiled from the capital to the counties and provinces. Only Prince Chen Liu remained in the capital and was even raised within the palace.

  Prince Chen Liu was the sole member of the old Imperial clan in the capital. He signified many things.

  A few weeks ago, the Orthodox Academy once more emerged in the eyes of the world. In many people's views, that also signified many things.

  Coincidentally, the things these two signified were exactly the same.

  Chapter 55 – A Question of Character

  Seeing this young man with a handsome face and easygoing bearing, Chen Changsheng calmly bowed, but his mood was by no means as calm.

  Prince Chen Liu possessed the blood of the Imperial clan and naturally possessed outstanding talent. It was just that he had grown up in deep within the palace—his status was far too noble. He also would not participate in the Grand Examination, so there was no opp
ortunity for him to display his strength, but the Principal of the Heavenly Dao Academy and the Guardians of the palace all said that with his strength, it would have been very easy for him to enter the Proclamation of Azure Sky back then. At the moment, he was already twenty, but as long as he desired, there was also a place for him on the Proclamation of Golden Distinction.

  However, for him to be able to obtain the respect of a valued Divine General like Xu Shiji had nothing to do with his Imperial blood or his strength, only that the Divine Empress treated him differently than the rest, having him remain in the capital. This fact had attracted innumerable speculations. Could it be that the Divine Empress had chosen him to inherit the imperial throne of the Great Zhou Dynasty?