The Imperial College's

Eps. 16: A Decision

The news of the Royal Academy's victory in the match against Tian Academy reached the ears of Emperor Huang Yun Yi. The whole palace became excited about the glorious victory. The servants, guards, warriors, maids, chefs even the palace gardeners no one missed it. The victory seemed to be ‘revenge’ Dong Hua Empire's revenge on Tian Academy after two consecutive losing years.

For this reason, Emperor Huang Yun Yi sent his personal eunuch to the Royal Academy to send gifts and congratulations. Unmitigated, the Emperor sent four horse-drawn pedicures containing high quality paper, silk cloth, stationery and several other gifts related to the Royal Academy. The palace motorcade divides the city, attracting the attention of the people amid their dense activity.

“Wah, the Royal Academy is great! Not only the name that soared, our empire also became very good image!” shouted one of the young men.

“Of course. The students of the Royal Academy were the chosen ones. They are the future successor and pillar of Dong Hua!” the other timpal.

“I heard, the daughter of the Emperor also participated in the match this time.”

“You mean Princess Xiyue?”

“True. In fact, it was he who won the match in the final round and became the biggest point contributor for the Royal Academy.”

“I think she is just a stupid princess who everyday can only troublemaker and make Her Majesty angry.”

“Hey, watch your words! What if Eunuch Li heard it?”

“Already, already. Don't argue anymore.”

So many comments came from the mouths of those who witnessed the convoy. Some praised, some commented on the origin. Because, they had not fully believed that the only daughter of Emperor Huang Yun Yi participated and won the match. They only knew the news that Princess Xiyue was a brash and stubborn princess, daily messing around and making others angry and annoyed.

When the motorcade from the palace arrived at the gate of the Royal Academy, Yuwen Yue immediately welcomed Eunuch Li's arrival and brought him in. The gifts are then taken through the back door to be checked and stored in a storage warehouse.

“Vice Advisor, Your Majesty is very happy to hear the news of the Royal Academy's victory this time,” said Eunuch Li.

“That's thanks to very great students.”

“Is it true Princess Xiyue played a big role this time?”

Somehow the eunuch suddenly asked about Huang Yunxi.

“Yes. If it wasn't for him, today's match wouldn't have been.”

Eunuch Li nodded his head. It turns out that the news is true. It seemed, Princess Xiyue aka Huang Yunxi could already be of use now. Thankfully, if his abilities increased, then Emperor Huang Yun Yi would not have to worry about anything anymore.

Eunuch Li then informed him that the Emperor would hold a banquet to celebrate the victory of the Royal Academy in the palace. He also said that all participants must come to receive gifts and thanks. The timing of the action is two days from now.

After Eunuch Li left, Yuwen Yue rushed towards the treatment room. Fang Jianming had just regained consciousness and still looked dazed. The man did not even remember what his name was and where he was. The effects of the White Flower poison had not disappeared completely.

“Jianming, how do you feel?”

“You who? Why are you so similar to Vice Counselor?”

Huang Yunxi and Fang Jiuming who were watching from a distance shook their heads. That stupid boy did he really become a fool and his brain shifted? It was obvious that the one in front of him was Vice Counselor aka Master Yue or Yuwen Yue, but still asked as well. The distance between delusion and reality seemed to be very thin in the boy's eyes.

“Hey, stupid boy! Look carefully who is in front of you!” huang Yunxi.

Fang Jianming looked at Yuwen Yue's face intently, just like a curator researching a painting. Fang Jianming's forehead frowned, his eyes squinting tracing every inch of Yuwen Yue's face. If this was in a normal situation, the boy would have already been punished for copying the serratus scripture times for being considered disrespectful to the teacher.

“Jiuming, did your brother really go stupid?”

“Entahlah. What if we hit his head once? Who knows his brain could be back to normal.”

The Royal Academy had already won, but the boy was still hallucinating. I don't know what Fang Jianming will imagine in the next time. This time, Huang Yunxi was not too worried as the effects of the poison would diminish over time.

“Yunxi, I want to talk to you,” Yuwen Yue said later.

Huang Yunxi and Yuwen Yue then went to the reading room. Since Huang Yunxi's mood was being kind, she wouldn't ask much about what her annoying teacher wanted to talk about. After all, he and Yuwen Yue were only teachers and disciples, superiors and subordinates.

“Huang Yunxi, why are you hiding your abilities?”

“What capabilities?”

“Before, you could only fuss here and there and be punished often. You're not smart and you're always left behind. But, you're capable of writing calligraphy, identifying poison, clearing up chaos and even playing chess. Why are you hiding it?”

“I'm not hiding anything. You guys who have been blind all this time, look at me from only one side.”

Huang Yunxi was not surprised if Yuwen Yue asked such a thing. He himself lately had indeed surprised many people, even more so in this Royal Academy. In fact, Huang Yunxi only showed a little bit of her ability. Huang Yunxi only wanted to live a quiet life while completing a hidden mission. Too flashy also seems less good.

“Why not from first?”

“….”

“You better do your job as my father's eyes and ears. I'll run my own role.”

It would be best if the man disappeared from his sight forever. But, impossible. Huang Yunxi still had to cooperate with Yuwen Yue to investigate the intoxication Fang Jianming had experienced and where the poison came from. He still had to get involved in some upcoming situations with Yuwen Yue. Avoiding it is the same as delaying work.

He just doesn't like someone intruding on his personal life. Huang Yunxi was most dislikeful of the person who forced her to do this without seeing the situation first. It was obvious that he had only just shown his abilities now, because before this, the Huang Yunxi they knew was Huang Yunxi the foolish princess, not Huang Yunxi from another world who was all-around able.

Yuwen Yue knew, the girl in front of him was giving him an affirmation that both were only teachers and disciples, someone watching and someone being watched. There is nothing more or less than that. Only, Yuwen Yue recently realized that Huang Yunxi was a unique girl.

“Fang Jianming Case will definitely be well investigated. The Yundai Pavilion will definitely give an explanation to the residence of Duke Fu and Emperor.”

“Of course you should! Fang Jianming is my best friend. He's a student of the Royal Academy and still a prince. If the Yundai Pavilion could not cope with his case, how would the people believe in the kingdom?”

“Your Majesty will hold a banquet to celebrate the victory. You should probably go back to the palace first.”

“For what? I am a student of the Royal Academy. Of course it must depart from the Royal Academy.”

A stubborn woman. Being persuaded in any way will still not work. Rather than wasting a lot of time, it was better to let Huang Yunxi act according to her own wishes. Emperor Huang Yun Yi's banquet was very important. Aside from being a form of happiness, there would definitely be palace officials present. The more people present, Yuwen Yue would find it easier to find clues.

...***...

Two days later, the students of the Royal Academy along with the Vice Advisors and the Head of the Academy, as well as some master teachers had already arrived at Guangli Palace, the special palace to hold a banquet every year. The seating is arranged in such a way. Those with great merit were placed at the front desk and those with less merit were placed behind.

Eunuch Li said, for the sake of this banquet, Emperor Huang Yun Yi sent another eunuch out of Fengling city to invite the very famous dancers and opera players. The cost required is also not small. In addition, Emperor Huang Yun Yi also prepared an enormous reward for the students who had participated in the match and the teacher who guided them.

To Dong Hua Imperial Palace, money was no big deal. The treasure storage warehouse was always full of gold and silver coffers, coupled with extremely expensive and rare valuables. The source of his income came from state taxes and confiscations from criminals and rebels, some from tributes and gifts. But, the biggest source of income is of course derived from abundant natural resources.

Huang Yunxi is so rich. Her mother spoiled her, her sister always sided with her and all her monthly rations were only given to her one because she was the only daughter of the Emperor. He became richer with millions of gold coins from the system.

Everyone immediately stood up as Eunuch Li shouted that the Emperor entered the room. Emperor Huang Yun Yi walked firmly from beside the hall, then sat down on his seat of greatness. The middle-aged man looked graceful and elegant in palace fashion in the form of a golden dragon robe made of pure silk, plus a beautiful crown on his head.

My father turned out to be very handsome and radiant, inner Huang Yunxi.

This was the first time he had seen his father in an official situation. Not only was he dashing and shining, his father was also very handsome and dignified. Her mother could fall in love with her until she gave birth to two children. In addition, his younger brother, Huang Yunji was also very handsome despite his teenage years. Apparently, his good looks were inherited as well.

The music starts playing, the dancers start to act. Because they have entered the palace, the clothes worn are also tailored to the dress of the palace dancers. The dancers are like flowers in bloom, so beautiful and fresh. Their movements are also very smooth, body supple and supple. Apparently, the Emperor's efforts this time were not in vain.

After the dance, it's the opera show. The players begin to tell the story in their distinctive look and mannerisms. Huang Yunxi as a newcomer in this world was so happy because this was the first time he had seen the opera performances of the ancient people in person. Usually, he only heard from stories and spectacles in the media that the story and appearance has been modified. Original opera performances of ancient times are more interesting and the effect is more profound.

“Opera this age turned out to be better,” he said on the sidelines eating.

“Did you see the opera show for the first time?” asked Yuwen Yue.

“Ah, of course not. I mean, this show is more interesting.”

“Oh so.”

After the opera performance was over, the performers walked out of the hall along with the performers. The banquet was followed by a main meal from the royal kitchen, cooked by a renowned cook. The taste of the food is so delicious and unique. The taste that was branded by Huang Yunxi's tongue was so foreign but gave a very unique sensation.

Perhaps, this was the most delicious ancient food he had ever eaten.

After the banquet, Eunuch Li told that the next activity was the gift giving to the students and mentors of the Royal Academy who contributed to the match a few days ago. Several other eunuchs entered from the front door with several large boxes. Eunuch Li unfurled a large paper containing the name and list of gifts to be received.

One by one the students and mentors of the Royal Academy got their share. When it was Huang Yunxi's turn, everyone immediately focused their attention. The girl advanced forward, then lowered her head before Emperor Huang Yun Yi. Everyone could see the Emperor sighing for a moment while staring at Princess Xiyue.

“Huang Yunxi, The Princess Xiyue was instrumental in the welcoming arrangement of the envoys of Tian Academy and the spatial arrangement of the Royal Academy. He was also instrumental in the match and brought the Royal Academy's good name soar with his achievements. By the grace of the heavens, the Emperor gave you five hundred thousand taels of gold and was awarded the title of First Female Chess Master of Dong Hua Kingdom.”

“Money again? Come on, am I not rich enough?” Huang Yunxi complained softly as Eunuch Li finished reciting the gift decree.

What was the first female chess master? He's just playing around. For Huang Yunxi, chess was like jumping rope, very easy and he did not have to expend much energy. His father gave him a lot of money and a strange title, it felt very laughable. He helped prepare and arrange the welcome as well because he was annoyed and could not bear the arrogant behavior of the envoys of Tian Academy, not for the purpose of helping the Royal Academy let alone seeking attention. But, Huang Yunxi was also unlikely to resist. Returning what has been given is not a good thing for a reliable player like him.

Yuwen Yue was also given a huge reward. Of course, he was the great Vice Advisor of the Royal Academy. Other than him, the other mentors only got small gifts of money and goods. Yuwen Yue received more gifts than the others, almost matching even Huang Yunxi.

“His head must have gotten bigger after this,” Huang Yunxi said after Yuwen Yue received the award. He was certain that after today, Yuwen Yue would get more powerful and would look for trouble again with him.

...***...