Chapter 171 - 171: His Highness, Prince Wei
It was now noon, Qiao Xiaomai took a look at the gloomy weather and wanted to let Qiao Changshun with the donkey cart go home first.
Qiao Dami was alone at home, he wouldn’t know how to cook.
Qiao Changshun shook his head, while he couldn’t cook, Qiao Dami knew how to light a fire, boil some hot water, steam the steamed buns, and eat a few snacks. That was considered a meal.
Compared to Qiao Dami who was staying at home, he was even more reluctant to let Qiao Xiaomai walk home alone.
Neither the father nor the daughter managed to persuade each other, but luckily, the distinguished guest over there was very efficient. A quarter of an hour later, Yuan Ding came running back, saying that the distinguished guest wanted to see Qiao Xiaomai.
Qiao Xiaomai quickly followed Yuan Ding to the Bailu Academy.
Bailu Academy was the number one academy in Daqi, surpassing the Imperial College in all aspects. There are thousands of students from all over Daqi, from the children of high-ranking officials to those of farmers.
Bailu Academy is divided into three areas: teaching, accommodation, and office. Today is the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, and the academy is on holiday. Those who live nearby have gone home, and those who live far away either went back to their houses in the town or stayed at the academy.
However, very few scholars stayed at the academy, so the vast academy was quite deserted at this time. Yuan Ding led Qiao Xiaomai from the main gate all the way to the entrance of the residential area without seeing a single scholar.
“Brother Yuan, what’s the identity of that distinguished guest? How should I address him?” Qiao Xiaomai asked in a low voice.
“The distinguished guest is His Highness, the Prince of Wei. There was a snow disaster in a city in the northwest in January, and the Prince of Wei was ordered by the emperor to handle it. Now that the disaster is over, he has specifically come to visit President Gu.” Yuan Ding replied softly.
“Prince of Wei?” Qiao Xiaomai’s pupils slightly widened. Indeed, this guest was distinguished.
“Yes, the Prince of Wei is the fourth son of the current emperor, the full brother of the crown prince, and is very favored. When you see him later, you must show respect.” Yuan Ding reminded her.
“What’s his temperament like?” Qiao Xiaomai quickly became worried after her initial surprise.
“Miss, rest assured, Prince Wei is a nice guy. As long as you don’t make any mistakes, he won’t deliberately make things difficult for you.”
Qiao Xiaomai nodded, yet she still felt a bit nervous.
Meeting this powerful figure in this dilapidated place, she was somewhat nervous.
The accommodation area was divided into two parts: one was the student dormitory, and the other was where the scholars lived. Each had their own small courtyard, planted with various plants and flowers. The environment was quiet and serene.
Yuan Ding led Qiao Xiaomai to stop in front of a courtyard. He lifted his hand and gently knocked on the door. “Miss Qiao is here.”
“Come in.” A somewhat lazy yet magnetic male voice sounded. Hearing this, Yuan Ding quickly signaled Qiao Xiaomai to go in.
Qiao Xiaomai took a deep breath, pushed open the bamboo door of the courtyard, and walked in.
Shopkeeper He was standing at the door. When he saw her enter, he led her to the grapevine on the right side of the courtyard.
Under the bare grapevine, there was a table with two people sitting beside it. One was the white-bearded President Gu, and the other was Prince Wei.
Qiao Xiaomai followed Yuan Ding’s instructions and bowed to the two seated. “My humble greetings to Your Highness Prince Wei, and to the dear President.”
President Gu was also the mayor of Bailu Town. Ever since the establishment of Bailu Academy, the rule over this area was entirely under him, so Qiao Xiaomai referred to him as dear President.
Yang Ye was lazily leaning on the comfortable grandmaster chair, with his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed. His pink thin lips opened and he uttered a few words. “Lift your head..”