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Located in the capital city of Jiankang City, the Zhao Family Courtyard is situated in a secluded corner in the south of the city, covering hundreds of acres.
The towering blue brick walls resemble ancient castles, standing tall and majestic, exuding an extraordinary aura. Two stone lions stand guard at the entrance, their eyes deep and profound, as if protecting the glory of the family for generations.
The mansion is paved with exquisite cobblestones, and walking on them feels like stepping on history and tradition. In the courtyard, there is a colorful koi pond, surrounded by dense greenery and towering ancient trees, making it feel like entering a fairyland.
Chao Qinglan The news of her awakening spread through the mansion like wildfire. The servants and attendants seemed to be spiritually uplifted, and the previously suppressed atmosphere due to the young lady's illness suddenly disappeared. Everyone's smiles bloomed, as if the spring sunshine had pierced through the cold winter snow, bringing vitality.
"It must be because of Qinglan's recent fasting," Zhao Zhangyuan and his wife worriedly discussed in the study. Outside the study, a lantern swayed in the breeze.
" Beyue, what do you think of Qinglan's recent behavior? Is there anything unusual about it?" Madame Zhao asked her servant.
Beyue lowered her eyelids, not daring to look into Madame Zhao's eyes. "In response to Madame's inquiry, Miss's behavior has indeed been somewhat different these days. She seems to be much quieter than before, and sometimes she even sits alone by the window lost in thought."
"Not only that, I even feel that Miss has developed a stronger interest in matters related to military and war, which were previously of casual interest to her!" Beyue anxiously fidgeted with the green ribbon.
At this moment, the soul of Zhang Yi has become Chao Qinglan, sitting on the carefully designed embroidered bed, feeling restless. The amber bed curtains are painted with cranes and chrysanthemums, but she is not in the mood to appreciate them.
His heart is in a dilemma: on one hand, he eagerly wants to study at the academy, but on the other hand, he is afraid of his true identity being discovered.
Since he woke up and exhibited unusual behavior, his family has invited a Taoist priest to perform a ritual in order to seek clarity.
On the rosewood table were paper talismans and props, as the Taoist priest chanted and performed a series of rituals.
"The ritual is complete, and it should have no major impact on Qianjin's health," the Taoist Xiao Zhan ly said to Chao Qinglan's parents, Zhao Zhangyuan and his wife. "However, be sure not to let her emotions fluctuate excessively, to prevent any harm to her body."
The Taoist then suggested that if they could follow their daughter's wishes, the illness might improve.
After hearing the Taoist's suggestion, Zhao Zhangyuan and his wife furrowed their brows and exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing: "Should we follow our daughter's wishes and let her go to school?"
"Miss, this is a talisman left by the Taoist. Please keep it close to you at night," a maid named Yuying walked in. She held a small package wrapped in red cloth and placed it gently on Chao Qinglan's bedside table.
Chao Qinglan took the talisman and held it tightly to her chest. Zhang Yi knew that this was her family's concern for their daughter, even though the method was a bit peculiar.
He silently thought to himself that he couldn't afford to lose control of his emotions like he did when he first traveled to this era. Otherwise, not only would he be considered crazy, but he might also be locked up.
As the night fell, Zhao Zhangyuan and his wife once again entered the study and opened the secret letter left by the Taoist.
"Look at what it says here," Madame Wang pointed to the paper and continued, "It mentions that Lan'er was born with a red light shining, and that a Bodhisattva revealed in a dream that he would be a noble son. A child born with such auspicious signs is likely to become the empress of an emperor. If what the Taoist said is true, then our family needs to be prepared!" She couldn't help but say to her husband Zhao Zhangyuan.
Zhao Zhangyuan sighed, "Being the emperor's consort may be good, but have you ever thought about the thorns and dangers along the way?"
Madame Wang fell silent, finally realizing the simplicity of her one-sided words.
The next morning, a group of people slowly made their way to Chao Qinglan's boudoir. The most eye-catching couple among them was Zhao Zhangyuan and Wang Cuiyun of the Zhao family.
Zhao Zhangyuan has a burly figure, a serious face, and a steady gait. He is dressed in a purple silk robe embroidered with noble totems. With each step, he exudes an air of unparalleled regal bearing, as if walking in a royal court, displaying extraordinary grace.
In contrast to her husband's ruggedness, Wang Cuiyun is exceptionally elegant, with a gentle air of nobility. Her attire is like white clouds in the morning mist, flowing and mysterious. Draped in light gauze and adorned with jewelry, she exudes an extraordinary and refined elegance.
A group of people entered Chao Qinglan's bedroom. The interior was elegantly decorated, with a landscape painting hanging on the wall and a pot of blooming peonies placed by the window, filling the room with a scholarly atmosphere.
Chao Qinglan was sitting at the head of the bed, deep in thought as she looked at the books on the desk. Sensing the change in atmosphere, she looked up.
" Lan'er, we have something to tell you," Zhao Zhangyuan walked up to his daughter, his eyes revealing a hint of uncontainable joy and anticipation.
Wang Cuiyun, on the other hand, walked up to her daughter's side and gently held her hand. " Lan'er, your mother knows that you've been feeling a bit unhappy lately. We can talk again about your desire to go to the academy."
Zhao Zhangyuan fell silent for a moment, looked at his daughter, and then sighed heavily, " Qinglan, do you really want to go to the academy?" Zhang Yuan spoke firmly, his gaze intense.
Chao Qinglan took a deep breath and stood tall, " dad, I have always wanted to go. You know how much I love learning. I've pored over The Art of War and Zuo Zhuan. I want to learn more from Master Li Meng and receive an education like the boys." Her tone was resolute, her eyes not only shining with determination but also with an unyielding spirit, as if that was the world she longed for.
Wang Cuiyun smiled and said, "Well, dad and I have discussed it. We've decided not to stop you anymore. But we have a condition: someone must stay by your side to serve you, and you must dress as a man and change your name to Zhao Qinglan just in case."
Upon hearing this, Chao Qinglan felt as if he had momentarily escaped the force of gravity, his heart filled with joy like a surging river, as if he had seen endless possibilities for the future.
"Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom. I will definitely be careful. I just have one thing unclear, why do I have to dress as a man, Lan'er?"
"Due to traditional beliefs, academies have always been for men. Although young women from prestigious families can also study together, entering after the age of ten may invite criticism. Moreover, our Zhao family holds a prominent status, and there may be those with ill intentions towards you. If you can enter the academy as a man, it will put our minds at ease."
Wang Cuiyun explained with great sincerity.
Chao Qinglan listened, pondered for a moment, and deeply understood the family rules and her parents' concerns. She nodded slowly and said, "After hearing your explanation, I also understand."
"Since that's the case, I will follow your arrangements, dad, mother. Can I bring someone to serve by my side?"
"Of course, Lan'er, you can choose whoever you like," Wang Cuiyun smiled.
Chao Qinglan thought for a moment and said, "I want Beyue to follow me. She is intelligent, and we get along well."
Zhao Zhangyuan nodded in agreement, " Beyue is a good choice. Not only is she intelligent, but she is also well-mannered and knowledgeable."
At that moment, a clear and crisp footstep sounded, and Beyue walked in wearing a simple blue outfit. She carried a tea tray with several cups of hot tea and some snacks on it.
"Miss, did you call for me?" Beyue placed the tea tray down and asked respectfully.
Chao Qinglan looked at her parents and received their tacit approval, then said to Beyue: " Beyue, would you like to go to the academy with me? I will be cross-dressing as a man, and I will need your help to take care of everything."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zi immediately knelt down and respectfully accepted, "Miss, it is an honor for Beyue, and I will definitely serve you wholeheartedly by your side."
"Since that's the case, let's go inform Master first and have him prepare for you. And you should also prepare your attire, as there may be many eyes on you on the way to the academy," Zhao Zhangyuan reminded with a serious expression.
Chao Qinglan smiled slightly, instantly understanding her father's meaning. "Thank you, dad, and mother. Please rest assured, I know what to do. I will definitely make good use of the opportunity to study at the academy." At this moment, Zhang Yi also felt a wave of warmth in his heart and silently murmured, "It's fortunate that Chao Qinglan's parents are tolerant and open-minded."
Zhao Zhangyuan and his wife Wang Cuiyun exchanged a comforting glance.
"That's good, Lan'er, be careful when you go to the academy, don't let others notice that you are a woman. You know, ordinary people still have prejudices against women studying," Zhang Yuan reminded Xiao Zhan ly.
"Don't worry, dad, I will be careful," Chao Qinglan nodded with a smile. Although her appearance still carried a childish air, her eyes revealed a sense of maturity that seemed to surpass her actual age. In her heart, she silently pondered, "Isn't it just about dressing and behaving like a boy? What's so difficult for him Zhang Yi? It's just a matter of being adept and natural in the performance."
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