Chapter 126 - 111: A Surprise for You

"Good afternoon, Junior Brother Xiao."

The next afternoon, Shang Jiuli arrived at Xiao Mo’s courtyard.

Xiao Mo, who was reading in the courtyard, looked up. Bai Ruxue also stopped her needlework and glanced outside.

The moment she saw Shang Jiuli, Bai Ruxue grew wary.

Although Bai Ruxue knew there was nothing going on between Xiao Mo and Shang Jiuli, she still felt that this woman was quite dangerous.

A woman’s intuition told Bai Ruxue that this person had ill intentions toward her Xiao Mo.

"What brings you here, Senior Sister?"

Xiao Mo put down his book, stood up, and walked over to bow to Shang Jiuli. He then glanced at Bai Ruxue, who was sitting behind him.

Bai Ruxue’s cheeks flushed slightly as she clenched her small hands.

But in the end, Bai Ruxue took a deep breath, walked forward, and curtsied to Shang Jiuli. With some reluctance, she said, "About last night... Ruxue misunderstood. I apologize to you, Senior Sister. I hope you can forgive me."

"It’s alright. It’s understandable," Shang Jiuli said with a smile. "After all, if it were me, I would have misunderstood too. But it looks like you two have cleared things up, so that’s good."

"Is there something you need, Senior Sister?" Xiao Mo asked.

"The day after tomorrow, Senior Brother Luo and I will be heading to the Confucian Academy to participate in the Academy Headmaster’s assessment. I came to ask if you wanted to come with us, Junior Brother," Shang Jiuli asked.

"Me too?" Xiao Mo didn’t quite understand what his Senior Sister meant. ’What does her and Senior Brother Luo’s assessment have to do with me?’

"Yes."

Shang Jiuli nodded.

"Because you’ll soon be taking the Gentleman assessment as well, Junior Brother. Although the Academy’s list hasn’t been released yet, you’re sure to be on it. So, we might as well all travel together. This was our teacher’s idea, too.

However, I’m afraid you won’t be able to bring Miss Bai. Whenever disciples from the academy participate in an assessment, no one can accompany them, be they a Scholar’s Attendant or family. Not even following in secret is allowed.

Because the moment you leave the academy, the assessment has already begun.

These are the rules of the Academy."

"I know." Having been at Bailu Academy for so many years, Xiao Mo was naturally aware of its rules.

"Well, think it over, Junior Brother. If you decide to come with us, just let me know tomorrow morning. We set off at dawn the day after tomorrow. You could also wait at the academy for a few more days until the official letter from the Academy arrives. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back now."

"Thank you for the trouble, Senior Sister. Take care." Xiao Mo cupped his hands and saw her off.

After Shang Jiuli left, Xiao Mo turned to look at Bai Ruxue.

"Go."

Just as Xiao Mo was about to speak, Bai Ruxue spoke with a smile, her understanding demeanor like that of a virtuous wife.

"Even if you don’t go now, Xiao Mo, you’ll have to leave in a few days anyway. In that case, you might as well go with Senior Brother Luo and Senior Sister Shang. You can look out for each other on the road, and I’ll be more at ease."

Xiao Mo smiled. "You’re not worried about me and Senior Sister Shang anymore?"

"Of course I’m not worried... I have complete faith in you," Bai Ruxue said, pouting and turning her head away.

Xiao Mo reached out and stroked her hair. "The Gentleman assessment usually takes three to four months. During that time, Ruxue, you could return to the North Sea first. Otherwise, you’ll be bored here at Bailu Academy."

"Who says I’ll be bored?" Bai Ruxue huffed, placing her hands on her slender waist with a look that said, ’I’m going to do some things while you’re away.’ "Don’t you worry about me, Xiao Mo. Just go to the Academy and focus on your assessment. I’ll be waiting for you to come back."

"Alright then, I’ll go."

"Mhm, be careful on the road. I’ll have a surprise for you when you get back."

"What kind of surprise?"

"You’re so silly, Xiao Mo." Bai Ruxue pouted her lips. "If I told you, would it still be a surprise?"

"How about a little hint?" Xiao Mo asked with a grin.

"No way!" Bai Ruxue stepped forward and straightened the corner of Xiao Mo’s robe. "If you want to know sooner, then you’ll have to come back sooner. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Good. I’ll go pack your things."

Bai Ruxue turned and ran into the house.

Early in the morning two days later, Shang Jiuli and Luo Yang came to pick up Xiao Mo for their journey to the Confucian Academy.

Bai Ruxue watched as Xiao Mo gradually disappeared into the distance.

After Xiao Mo left, Bai Ruxue rolled up her sleeves and began tidying the courtyard.

Once she finished, Bai Ruxue headed to White Deer Peak of Bailu Academy.

White Deer Peak was the residence of Bailu Academy’s Director.

"What a rare guest."

The Director of Bailu Academy, who was brewing tea in the courtyard, stood up upon seeing Bai Ruxue and gave her a formal bow.

"This old man greets the Lord of the North Sea."

"I have been at your esteemed academy for so many years, yet this is my first time visiting Mr. Shang. Please do not take offense, Mr. Shang," Bai Ruxue said with a curtsy.

Bai Ruxue had long known that she couldn’t hide her identity from the Academy Director, but he had never come looking for trouble with her.

"You are too kind, Miss Bai." Shang Qi stroked his white beard. "I wonder, is there a reason Miss Bai has come to find this old man today?"

Bai Ruxue didn’t beat around the bush with the old scholar. She said directly, "I wish to do something on a mountain peak to the north of Bailu Academy. It might cause a rather large commotion, so I’ve come to give you a heads-up, Mr. Shang.

Furthermore, I would also like to ask Mr. Shang to issue a notice that all academy disciples should stay away from 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 planned to do.

Since she had come to give him a heads-up, it meant it couldn’t be anything bad.

Not to mention, it would be happening right under his nose.

Besides, with the war between the Human Race and the Demon Race imminent, doing a favor for the Lord of the North Sea could be considered a small investment in goodwill.

"Then I will have to trouble you, Academy Director. I shall take my leave now," Bai Ruxue said with a nod.

"Take care, Miss Bai." Shang Qi saw her off with cupped hands.

But after taking only a few steps, Bai Ruxue stopped. "There is one more thing, though you need not take it too seriously, Academy Director."

"Please, speak, Miss Bai."

"Miss Shang is not so young anymore. How can a girl not get married? I happen to know quite a few outstanding young men. If Miss Shang is willing, I could play matchmaker," Bai Ruxue said with a smile.

Shang Qi was stunned for a moment. He never expected the Lord of the North Sea to say something like this to him.

"I appreciate your concern, Miss Bai. But my granddaughter is quite stubborn. Still, I will talk to her about it when she returns. This old man would also like to have a great-grandchild," Shang Qi said, accepting her kind offer.

Bai Ruxue nodded, said no more, and turned to leave.

Watching Bai Ruxue’s retreating figure, Shang Qi stroked his chin, his mind full of doubt:

’Why would the Lord of the North Sea suddenly take an interest in my granddaughter’s marriage?’

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