"Junior Brother Xiao, good afternoon."
The next afternoon, Shang Jiuli came to Xiao Mo's courtyard.
Xiao Mo, who was reading in the yard, looked up, and Bai Ruxue also stopped her needlework to look toward the courtyard entrance.
The moment she saw Shang Jiuli, Bai Ruxue felt a sense of alertness rise in her heart.
Although Bai Ruxue knew there was nothing between Xiao Mo and Shang Jiuli, she still felt this woman was very dangerous.
A woman's intuition told Bai Ruxue that this person wanted to harbor ill intentions toward her Xiao Mo.
"Why has Senior Sister come?"
Xiao Mo put down his book, stood up, walked forward and bowed to Shang Jiuli, then looked toward Bai Ruxue who was sitting behind.
Bai Ruxue's cheeks were slightly red as she tightly clenched her small hands but in the end, Bai Ruxue still took a deep breath, walked forward and curtsied to Shang Jiuli, saying somewhat reluctantly, "About last night's matter, Ruxue had some misunderstandings. I apologize to Senior Sister and hope Senior Sister will forgive me."
"It's fine, I can understand," Shang Jiuli said with a smile. "After all, if it were me, I would have misunderstood too. But it seems you two have already cleared things up, so that's good.""Does Senior Sister have some matter?" Xiao Mo asked.
"The day after tomorrow, I'll be going with your Senior Brother Luo to the Confucian Academy to participate in the academy dean's assessment. I came to ask if Junior Brother would like to come with us?" Shang Jiuli asked.
"I'm going too?" Xiao Mo didn't quite understand what Senior Sister meant. Senior Sister and Senior Brother were participating in the assessment, what did it have to do with him?
"Yes."
Shang Jiuli nodded.
"Because Junior Brother, you'll soon be participating in the Gentleman Assessment too. Although the academy's list hasn't come down yet, Junior Brother will definitely be on it, so we might as well go together, all three of us. This is also Teacher's intention.
However, Junior Brother probably won't be able to bring Miss Bai along. Whenever academy disciples participate in assessments, whether servants or family members, they cannot follow, even secretly following is not allowed.
Because from the moment one leaves the academy, the assessment has actually already begun.
This is the academy's rule."
"I know this." Having been at White Deer Academy for so many years, Xiao Mo naturally understood White Deer Academy's rules.
"Then Junior Brother, think it over carefully. If you want to go with us, just tell me tomorrow morning. We'll depart early the day after tomorrow. Junior Brother can also stay at the academy for a few more days, waiting for the academy's letter to arrive. Since there's nothing else, I'll head back first."
"Thank you for the trouble, Senior Sister. Take care, Senior Sister." Xiao Mo cupped his hands in farewell.
After Shang Jiuli left, Xiao Mo turned around to look at Bai Ruxue.
"Go."
"Alright then, I'll go."
"Mm-hmm, be careful on the road. When you come back, I'll give you a surprise."
"What surprise?"
"Xiao Mo, you're so silly," Bai Ruxue pursed her lips. "If I tell you now, would it still be called a surprise?"
"How about giving me a little hint?" Xiao Mo asked with a smile.
"No way!" Bai Ruxue walked up close and straightened Xiao Mo's collar. "If you want to know early, then come back early, understand?"
"I understand."
"Good. I'll go pack your luggage."
Bai Ruxue turned and ran into the house.
Early the morning of the day after tomorrow, Shang Jiuli and Luo Yang came to pick up Xiao Mo to go to the Confucian Academy.
Bai Ruxue saw Xiao Mo off as he gradually disappeared into the distance.
After Xiao Mo left, Bai Ruxue rolled up her sleeves and began cleaning the courtyard.
After finishing the cleaning, Bai Ruxue went to White Deer Peak at White Deer Academy.
White Deer Peak was where the White Deer Academy's dean resided.
"What a rare guest."
The White Deer Academy dean, who was brewing tea in his courtyard, saw Bai Ruxue approach and stood up, bowing to her.
"This old man greets the Demon Empress of the North Sea."
"This young woman has been at your esteemed academy for so many years but is only now visiting Master Shang. Please don't blame me, Master Shang." Bai Ruxue curtsied.
Bai Ruxue had long known that her identity couldn't be hidden from this dean, but he hadn't come to trouble her either.
"Miss Bai is too polite." Shang Qi stroked his white beard. "I wonder what matter brings Miss Bai to see this old man?"
Bai Ruxue didn't beat around the bush with this old scholar and spoke directly, "I want to do some things on a mountain peak north of White Deer Academy. It might cause quite a commotion, so I'm coming to give Master Shang advance notice.
Additionally, please have Master Shang issue a notice that all disciples of the academy should not approach that mountain peak for the next three months."
"Very well, this old man understands. Please rest assured, Miss Bai." Shang Qi didn't ask what Bai Ruxue intended to do.
Since she came to give him advance notice, it meant it wasn't anything bad.
Not to mention it would be right under his nose.
Moreover, with the great war between humans and demons imminent, providing the Demon Empress of the North Sea with this convenience could be considered a small favor.
"Then I'll trouble the dean. I'll take my leave now." Bai Ruxue nodded.
"Take care, Miss Bai." Shang Qi cupped his hands in farewell.
But Bai Ruxue had only taken a few steps when she stopped, "There's one more thing. Dean, just listen casually."
"Please speak, Miss Bai."
"Miss Shang is no longer young. How can a young lady not marry? I happen to know quite a few outstanding young men. If Miss Shang is willing, I could arrange some matchmaking," Bai Ruxue said with a smile.
Shang Qi was stunned for a moment, not expecting the Demon Empress of the North Sea to bring this up.
"Thank you for your concern, Miss Bai, but my granddaughter is stubborn. However, when she returns, I'll talk to her about it. This old man would also like to have a great-grandson." Shang Qi accepted her goodwill.
Bai Ruxue nodded and said no more, turning to leave.
Watching Bai Ruxue's departing figure, Shang Qi stroked his chin, full of confusion in his heart:
"Why would this Demon Empress of the North Sea suddenly concern herself with my granddaughter's marriage?"