Seeking Truth with a Sword

"Young Master, put on your belt!"

"Phew, I almost forgot."

In the early morning, inside their new residence in Golden City Square, Li Ang and Chai Cuiqiao were busily getting ready, washing up and tidying themselves in a flurry.

Li Ang donned his brand-new robes and black boots, put on his turban, and fastened his elaborate leather waist belt—a type popular in Yu Country, adorned with sachets, jade pendants, small knives, flint stones, and other personal items. After double-checking to ensure that nothing was left behind, he picked up the medicine chest containing the Fine Gold Headband and left the house with Chai Cuiqiao.

Today was the opening day of the Academic Palace. The carriages of Yang Yu, Ji Linglang, and others were already waiting outside the courtyard gate.

Chai Cuiqiao nodded emphatically, led the Red Horse out of the stables, and handed the reins to Li Ang. After being carefully tended to during this period, the Red Horse had gotten slightly rounder, and its coat was bright and shiny.

Li Ang led the horse to the courtyard entrance, where Chai Cuiqiao once again straightened his collar, whispering, "Young Master, be careful."

"I'm just going to the Academic Palace to study; what could be unsafe about that? Take good care of the house; I'll be back in the evening."

Smiling, Li Ang ruffled Chai Cuiqiao's hair, stepped out of the courtyard, mounted his horse, and set out towards Golden Light Gate in Chang'an City, riding alongside the carriages of Yang Yu and Ji Linglang.

Along the way, they saw many young men and women on horseback, luxurious carriages, and carts loaded with personal belongings. The Academic Palace had rather large dormitories. Students from outside Chang'an with no place to stay in the city could apply for on-campus housing, needing only to pay a token fee of two strings of coins each year.

Of course, some students who already lived in Chang'an also applied to stay in the Academic Palace dormitories. Some didn't want the daily hassle of traveling in and out of the city, while others wanted to expand their social connections—classmates from the same dormitory would certainly be closer than other students.

The Academic Palace didn't refuse such requests; after all, empty dorms were still empty. However, there was an additional charge: five hundred strings of coins per year.

At first glance, that sounded acceptable, but on closer examination, it amounted to one string and three hundred and seventy coins a day.

The cheapest, low-grade inns in Chang'an City cost twenty coins per night, mid-tier inns fifty coins a day, and upscale inns a hundred coins per day. Even renting an entire estate with a garden cost only one string a day. The Academic Palace's charge of one string and three hundred and seventy coins per day for lodging was, frankly, quite exorbitant.

Indeed, I've been handling so much money lately that I've started to disregard its value.

Li Ang shook his head to himself.

Compared to Yizhou, the cost of living in Chang'an had simply skyrocketed. Spending two hundred coins a day in Yizhou was already considered extravagant. Yet, upon coming to Chang'an, he had spent five thousand strings of coins to buy You Douzhi's freedom, six thousand for special materials, and invested supplies worth another two thousand in Mo Si...

In just a few short months in Chang'an, had he already spent so much money?

Thinking of the ever-hungry Mo Si, Li Ang's face involuntarily darkened.

Recently, due to renewed local conflicts in Fusang, which was rich in silver mines, the silver price in Chang'an City had risen to one string and two hundred coins per tael, and it seemed likely to continue rising. If the price kept climbing, he wouldn't be able to afford silver ingots, let alone gold ingots.

Li Ang thought to himself. Had I known, I wouldn't have been so high-principled and declined more rewards from the Emperor and Empress that day in Liangyi Hall. Even the matter of becoming a Prince Consort might not have been beyond negotiation...

Lost in these thoughts, the Red Horse and the two carriages beside it had already passed through Golden Light Gate. Amidst the restrained and envious gazes of the City Gate Guards and Chang'an citizens, they headed towards Xia Mountain, southwest of Chang'an.

Revisiting these old places evoked a touch of sentimentality as the procession passed the vast grasslands used for the initial tests. They followed the winding road and arrived at the gentle slope on the western side of Xia Mountain, where they stopped before the Academic Palace archway.

"New students of the third year of Zaiqian, come this way!"

A resonant shout arose from beneath the archway. At the Academic Palace's western gate, over a dozen tables had been set up. Academic Palace Instructors and current students sat behind them, responsible for registering new students' housing arrangements.

The shout came from a portly, round-faced youth wearing a jade belt. Grinning, he waved towards the procession. The jade belt around his waist featured a jade token similar to that of Cheng Juxiu, the Academic Palace Patrol.

"Your Highness?!"

"Prince Yue?"

Some of the new students who lived in Chang'an were astonished to see the round-faced youth.

Yang Yu stepped out of his carriage, whispering to Li Ang, "That's the Emperor's Fourth Prince, Prince Yue. He's also an Academic Palace Disciple, five terms our senior. He's due to graduate next year; I'm surprised he's here to receive the new students."

Prince Yue wasn't at the Liangyi Hall banquet that day. His name is Li Hui, right? I heard he's much loved by the Emperor and Empress.

Li Ang watched the procession stop, then dismounted and handed the reins to an Academic Palace servant who came forward, instructing them to take the Red Horse to the stables.

"Your Highness."

Pei Jing and other children of officials stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Prince Yue, Li Hui. He interrupted them with a laugh, saying, "In the Academic Palace, we shouldn't use titles like 'Your Highness'; we are all schoolmates. You can just call me Sirlang."

This form of address, "Rank + Lang/Niang," was common in Yu Country for people of all stations. After a brief hesitation, the sons and daughters of nobility and officials hesitantly began to call him Sirlang.

"Sirlang, why are you..."

"Here to receive the new students, you ask? I was idle anyway. Besides, my sister is also enrolling this year."

"Your sister? Which Princess would that be?"

Seeing the surprise and astonishment on everyone's faces, Li Hui smiled and waved to the crowd.

"Fourth Brother."

The young woman who stepped down from the luxurious carriage removed the light yellow gauze veil from her face and walked forward with a smile.

"Princess Guanghua..."

Pei Jing and the others looked shocked.

Standing next to Li Ang, Yang Yu's mouth also fell open. He quickly explained to Li Ang that Princess Guanghua's name was Li Leqing. She was the most beloved legitimate daughter of His Majesty and Empress Xue, treasured like a jewel in their palms. However, street rumors claimed Princess Guanghua had always been in poor health. It was unexpected that she would come to the Academic Palace this year.

"No wonder Prince Yue personally came out to greet everyone. So Princess Guanghua is here too..."

Yang Yu clicked his tongue, then suddenly noticed Li Ang's raised eyebrows. "What is it, Risheng?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

Li Ang didn't explain that he and Chai Cuiqiao knew Li Leqing. He stood at the back of the crowd, waiting for registration.

There were more than five hundred new students applying for boarding. After registering, they would be led by senior students to the dormitories to settle their belongings and then tour the Academic Palace.

The two hundred-plus non-boarders, after registration, would be split into five groups. These groups would be led by Prince Yue, Li Hui; three other senior students; and the unassuming Ninth Prince, Guang King Li Shan, who emerged from behind Li Hui. They would then tour the various parts of the Academic Palace.

"The Academic Palace covers a vast area. We are now in the plaza of the west main gate.

"To the left, separated by half a mountain, are the grasslands, the Martial Arts Arena, and the horse grounds. These were the same places where you all had your preliminary tests.

"Straight ahead is a large cluster of buildings known as the Supervision Building. It's where subjects like national history, Mathematics, and Yu Law are taught. New students will also have their courses in talismans, magic, swords, and mind here.

"Behind and to the left of the Supervision Building is the canteen, and further back are the dormitories. The canteen employs renowned chefs from various regions, changing cuisines and dishes daily. You should all learn from my example and be careful not to gain weight.

"And behind the trees to our right, to the south, are the farms and greenhouses. These are the teaching grounds for Agricultural Science and Herbal Medicine.

"Make sure to note the signs hanging outside the greenhouses and farms. Some plants are dangerous for ordinary people and Cultivators alike, while others are exceptionally precious, some even unique in the world. If you accidentally trample them, be warned: the Doctors and Instructors might come after you in a fury.

"To the right of the farms and greenhouses is Chuiyun Lake. Across the bridge, you'll find the Book Collection Pavilion and Dongjun Tower, where Aliens are sealed.

"You all should know about Dongjun Tower..."

Li Hui led the group forward with a smile, walking along the Academic Palace road. Indeed, as some street rumors suggested, Prince Yue, Li Hui, possessed a unique personal charm. Even as a mere guide, his casual conversations could make one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

The senior students of the Academic Palace had returned three or four days prior. Walking along the paths, one could occasionally see Academic Palace Disciples strolling and chatting on the lawns or in the woods.

"Sword, come!"

A young Academic Palace Disciple was walking on a forest path with his companions. Seeing no one around, he stealthily pulled a peach wood sword from his waist and gave a light shout. He then stepped onto the sword, and he and the sword hovered about five feet above the ground. He shot forward for a distance until the Flying Sword lost power, and then he descended shakily.

The Academic Palace Disciple turned, proudly tilting his chin at his companions.

Li Hui, who was leading the new students on a tour, heard the commotion. He snorted, flicked a finger towards the woods, and the peach wood sword instantly lost control and flew towards him.

The Academic Palace Disciples, who had just been enjoying a bit of Sword Flight, chased out from the woods. Seeing Li Hui's stern expression, it was too late to flee, so they could only lower their heads and walk over.

"Flying swords in a no-fly zone. Confiscated. Go write a letter of apology and self-criticism to your Doctor."

Li Hui clipped the wooden sword to his own waist, waved away the sighing Academic Palace Disciples, and turned to the new students with a smile. "They were second-year students as of last year.

"The course of study at the Academic Palace lasts four to seven academic years, and most Disciples remain for the full seven years before graduating.

"In the first year, besides courses such as Yu Law and national history, students must gain a basic understanding of the five systems: Talisman, Magic, Sword, Mind, and Body. In the second year, they choose a Dao Path that suits them.

"Since sword control originates from Mind Control, its progress is slower compared to that of talismans, magic, or mind techniques in the same period. To learn Sword Flight, one typically needs to reach the Body Concealing Realm or Rain Listening Realm—usually during the second or third academic year.

"Some Disciples, as soon as they learn it, can't resist trying to fly through the sky and burrow underground using Sword Flight.

"In such cases, strict disciplinary action is necessary; otherwise, it's far too easy for them to break arms, legs, or even necks..."

As Prince Yue, Li Hui, was speaking casually, Li Leqing moved to Li Ang's side and coughed lightly. "Um... I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't tell you and Cui Qiao my identity earlier."

"Princess."

Li Ang greeted her with a polite and neutral bow. He didn't particularly mind; revealing one's identity was a personal choice. "I don't mind. Would you like me to tell Cui Qiao?"

"No, there's no need. I didn't mention it before because I was admitted through special enrollment..."

Li Leqing pursed her lips. "Um, will Cui Qiao be home tonight? When classes are over, I'll go to Golden City Square myself to apologize to her..."

Prince Yue, Li Hui, who was speaking animatedly at the front of the crowd, noticed his sister quietly conversing with Li Ang. His eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly. Meanwhile, Yang Yu and the others were completely bewildered to see Li Ang standing shoulder to shoulder with Li Leqing.