Chapter 125: As Far as the Moon’s Light Reaches

Although Ye Chutang had never met Song Jingning and had never heard his voice, his cheerful and bright tone made her immediately guess who it was.

She had thought about meeting the earthly incarnation of the God of Literature, Song Jingning, but since she had just rejected the marriage proposal, it didn’t seem appropriate to meet him now.

“Director Song…”

Just as she spoke, Song Jingning was stopped by the young servant outside the main hall.

“Young Master, the Director is currently entertaining important guests.”

Song Jingning immediately took a step back.

“Tell my older brother that I will wait for him in his study.”

After saying this, he left.

Song Zhiyan had intended to invite Song Jingning in, but noticing that Ye Chutang didn’t seem to want to meet him, he stayed silent.

Once Song Jingning left, he said, “Miss Ye, I understand your feelings. While love cannot be forced, I believe that if you meet Jingning, you will become great friends.”

Ye Chutang smiled and said, “I feel the same way. There’s always a chance to meet him, but not today.”

She then stood up. “Director Song and Young Master Jingning haven’t seen each other in a long time. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

Song Zhiyan hadn’t seen Song Jingning in years, and he truly missed him.

“I’ll have someone guide Miss Ye to find Young Master Ye.”

“Alright, when I leave later, I won’t disturb Director Song’s time with him.”

Song Zhiyan had no objections. “Sure, by the way, when do you plan to start the calligraphy lessons?”

“On the first and tenth of every month, it’s easier to remember.”

“Then it’s settled.”

After finishing his words, he signaled for the young servant to come in.

“Take Miss Ye to find her younger brother.”

“Yes, Director.”

Ye Chutang followed the young servant out.

Hua Ting Academy was the largest academy in the capital. Its buildings covered an area comparable to that of a palace, with beautiful scenery and a strong scholarly atmosphere.

There were many students, ranging from young children to elderly individuals.

The young servant didn’t know where Ye Anjun was, so they walked and asked around, and even kindly explained the academy’s history to Ye Chutang.

The more Ye Chutang listened, the more she felt that the Song family’s ancestors weren’t just travelers from another world but also educators.

Though the subjects they taught were ancient, the method of instruction was modern, combining academic and physical education.

Tailored instruction, development of specialties, a balance of work and rest, and the comprehensive development of morality, intellect, fitness, beauty, and labor!

Soon, Ye Chutang found Jun’er at the archery range.

The young servant said, “It is said that the founder of this academy believed that a strong body is the foundation for learning, which is why they established a martial arts arena to help students strengthen their physique. If they can excel in both literature and martial arts, that would be the best.”

Although only a few people have achieved the balance of both literature and martial arts since the academy was established, the martial arts arena is still a place for students to relax, which is quite beneficial.

Ye Chutang nodded in agreement. “Without a strong body, it’s hard to endure the three-day imperial examination.”

“Indeed, Miss Ye, please take your time. I will take my leave now.”

When Jun’er saw Ye Chutang, he immediately ran over.

“Elder Sister, can you shoot arrows?”

Seeing Jun’er was interested, Ye Chutang patted his head and asked Ziguo, “Can I give it a try?”

“Of course, Miss Ye, feel free to try.”

Some students from the martial arts arena, who recognized Ye Chutang, immediately pulled their companions over to watch.

When Ye Chutang took a bow and arrow from the rack on the corridor, the crowd had already gathered.

She stood on the corridor, nocked an arrow, drew the bow, and aimed at the farthest target.

The bowstring was pulled to its limit, and she released it.

“Whoosh!” The arrow shot out, hitting the bullseye.

“Wow… Miss Ye is amazing! The arrow actually pierced through the target.”

“I knew Miss Ye was talented in academics, but I didn’t know she was so skilled in martial arts.”

“Miss Ye is the second person I’ve seen who can shoot through the target since I joined the academy.”

“The first person was Prince Haoyue, right?”

Ye Chutang knew that Prince Haoyue was Song Jingning.

Having studied abroad for years, his reach was as vast as the full moon, and he truly deserved this title.

She looked at the students discussing among themselves. “Martial arts not only strengthens the body but also helps protect and save others.”

She finished and playfully tapped Jun’er’s nose.

“Jun’er, remember, accidents can happen at any time. It’s only by surviving that you can have a future.”

And to survive, you need the ability to protect yourself.

Jun’er nodded earnestly. “Elder Sister, I will train in both martial arts and academics.”

After that, he took Ye Chutang’s hand and said to Ziguo, “Please take us to the next place.”

Ziguo gestured for them to follow. “Please this way.”

Ye Chutang thought that Hua Ting Academy was vast, and Jun’er’s health was too weak to walk too long.

She said to Ziguo, “Just show us the places Jun’er will visit after enrolling.”

Ziguo nodded. “Okay, we’ll start with the children’s education hall.”

After visiting the school, they also went to the dining hall and then to the resting quarters.

As they were leaving the academy, they passed through the garden pavilion, with pavilions, towers, and winding corridors.

Suddenly, Ye Chutang heard a familiar voice, and she paused her steps slightly.

“Big Brother, I still need to study abroad. Marrying would just be a burden to the girl, it’s not proper.”

It was Song Jingning’s voice.

“Jingning, you’re not young anymore. If you delay any longer, it will be difficult to marry the girl you desire.”

Song Zhiyan was persuading him.

“If it’s meant to be, the girl I desire will appear.”

“You’re still so carefree. I’ve sent word home, and our parents are waiting for you.”

At the end of the corridor, Song Jingning waved his hand back at Song Zhiyan.

“Alright, Big Brother. I’ll head home first.”

The flower branches at the end of the corridor conveniently blocked Song Jingning’s face.

Ye Chutang only saw his figure in a moon-white brocade robe, tall and graceful like a jade tree in the wind.

After Song Jingning left, she and Jun’er continued along the corridor to exit the academy.

Upon exiting, the young servant at the gate said, “Miss Ye, the Director has arranged a carriage for you.”

“Please thank Director Song on my behalf.”

Ye Chutang said, and she and Jun’er got into the carriage.

Just as the curtain of the carriage was drawn, Song Jingning returned.

He subconsciously glanced over.

Ye Chutang, sensing something, looked back.

As the curtain dropped, it blocked their line of sight.

The coachman turned to look at the inside of the carriage and asked, “Miss Ye, shall I take you to the Minister’s residence?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure. Please make yourselves comfortable.”

The coachman said as he drove off.

Song Jingning watched the carriage leave, feeling a bit uneasy, as though he had missed something.

He took a bundle from the carriage and asked the gatekeeper, “Why is there a woman at the academy?”

“The girl just now is Miss Ye, a well-known lady in the capital.”

Song Jingning already knew about Ye Chutang.

Initially, the Song family had wanted him to marry her.

Curious about what made her so enchanting that his whole family wanted to matchmake this marriage, he did some inquiries.

He learned that the phrases “remarkable talent” and “benevolent to all” were tailored specifically for her.

He admired such a woman and wanted to meet her, but definitely not in the form of a matchmaker!

That would be too much of an injustice to her.

Song Jingning thought there would always be a chance to meet Ye Chutang, so he composed himself.

He handed the bundle to the gatekeeper.

He had traveled for years, collecting many gifts for his family, almost forgetting to send them.

“Take this to my older brother and remind him to come home earlier today.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

By the time Song Jingning left, Ye Chutang’s carriage had already reached the street corner.

She felt a little uneasy in her chest and muttered quietly.

“Is it really that quick to feel the pregnancy symptoms?”

Jun’er, not hearing clearly what Ye Chutang said, looked at her cautiously.

“Elder Sister, I have something important to tell you.”