Chapter 16: Are You Two Getting Married In A Formal Ceremony?

After leaving Yuhua Pavilion, Lu Shujin headed straight to the courtyard, found Aunt Miao, and got the key. Following Yang Peier’s instructions, she found the wooden box containing her savings behind the cabinet. Opening it, she counted and found a total of twenty taels.

This was all of Yang Peier’s savings.

In these troubled times, human life was cheap. Twenty taels of silver were more than enough to buy a low-class servant, but whether this amount could bribe the constables was uncertain.

Without wasting time, Lu Shujin wrapped the box in a piece of gray linen cloth, left the courtyard, and returned to her dormitory at the academy.

She then took out her own savings. After carefully counting, the combined total between the two of them was just over twenty-eight taels. She repeatedly calculated how to allocate this money, forming a plan in her mind but feeling only forty percent confident in its success.

If Xiao Jin was willing to get involved, things would be much easier. But Lu Shujin didn’t have the means to make Xiao Jin help her. If she brought this matter up again, his bad temper would likely flare up, and he might even lash out.

After weighing her options, Lu Shujin could only proceed according to Yang Peier’s suggestion.

She had a bad habit—once she was worried about something, she found it hard to sleep. That night was no exception; she tossed and turned in bed until the middle of the night before finally dozing off.

Naturally, her face looked tired the next morning. The moment Xiao Jin entered, he noticed Lu Shujin’s listless appearance.

Earlier, Xiao Jin had an awkward incident. He usually didn’t attend morning classes, but ever since being assigned to Jiazi Hall, where attendance was strictly enforced, he had reluctantly decided to attend for a few days. But today, still sleepy and groggy, he absentmindedly went to Dingzi Hall, his old classroom.

As soon as he entered, his old lackeys were thrilled, crowding around him and asking if he was returning to Dingzi Hall. Only then did Xiao Jin realize his mistake.

Too proud to admit he was in the wrong place, he simply claimed he was just checking in and left, leaving his former classmates puzzled.

Already in a bad mood, and thinking about Lu Shujin’s annoying attitude last night at Yuhua Pavilion, Xiao Jin immediately sneered the moment he sat down. “What’s with that dumb look on your face so early in the morning? Such a mood killer.”

Lu Shujin had no idea what set him off this time. Without responding, she simply took out the essay she had written for him. “Here is the article I wrote on your behalf, Young Master Xiao.”

Xiao Jin took this as an attempt at apology, and his expression softened slightly. He gave the essay a quick glance, feeling quite satisfied, though he remarked, “Barely acceptable.”

Lu Shujin felt it was indeed just barely acceptable. Writing this didn’t take much effort—if anything, it was more taxing on her hand and eyes, given the time she spent carefully copying Xiao Jin’s handwriting.

After submitting the essay, Master Tang Xueli unexpectedly entered the classroom.

Lu Shujin was puzzled. Today was supposed to be Master Pei Guan’s lecture on literature. Why was Tang Xueli here instead?

Just then, Tang Xueli announced in a loud voice, “Master Pei is unwell, and our class schedules have been swapped. Everyone, head to Haoxue Pavilion now.”

Tang Xueli was a strict teacher who taught with rigid discipline. His classes were unpopular among the students, and the moment they heard that the gentle and humorous Master Pei wouldn’t be coming, disappointment filled the room. But no one dared to express their complaints in front of Tang Xueli, so they quietly made their way to Haoxue Pavilion.

Xiao Jin muttered to himself in a low voice, shaking his head, “Terrible… Why does it have to be that old man’s class?”

Tang Xueli taught ceremonial etiquette, and his classes were held in Haoxue Pavilion.

Haoxue Pavilion had no desks or chairs—only rows of reed mats. The windows on both sides almost covered the entire walls, hung with thin, delicate curtains. When they arrived, both windows were open, and a summer breeze drifted through, gently lifting the curtains. The distant chirping of morning birds came and went.

Students took off their shoes, placing them neatly on the wooden shelves by the door, and then went to their usual seats, sitting on the reed mats. Tang Xueli sat at the front center, his eagle-like gaze sweeping over them, making everyone fall silent as they settled in.

Previously, Tang Xueli had taught them the proper posture for seated etiquette. Today, he closely observed their seating positions, and a look of satisfaction gradually appeared on his face—until his gaze landed on Xiao Jin.

Everyone else was sitting properly, with their backs straight, eyes facing forward, knees together, and their feet neatly tucked under them. Only Xiao Jin sat cross-legged, leaning back on his hands with a relaxed and casual look.

Tang Xueli’s face instantly darkened. In a stern voice, he commanded, “Xiao Jin, if you can’t sit properly, stand and listen instead.”

Xiao Jin muttered an internal curse but had no choice. He adjusted his posture, switching to the formal seated position, which finally kept Tang Xueli from further scolding him.

The lesson for today was about the etiquette of bowing.

Tang Xueli’s teaching style was serious and rigid, making even the most fascinating stories of ancient sages seem dull when told by him. Yet, no one dared to let their attention waver—all eyes remained fixed on him.

But Lu Shujin had not slept well the night before, and Tang Xueli’s monotonous voice and the dry content quickly rekindled her drowsiness. Despite her efforts to stay awake, her eyelids felt as heavy as lead. Her consciousness grew hazy, and despite struggling for a long time, she finally couldn’t hold on and nodded off, sitting upright but dozing.

Xiao Jin also found the lecture utterly boring. As he glanced around in boredom, he suddenly noticed Lu Shujin with her head slightly drooped and her eyes closed. Her body swayed slightly but quickly steadied itself.

Although the movement was subtle, Xiao Jin caught it. He watched for a moment, thinking, Is this bookworm actually dozing off?

Normally, Lu Shujin’s large eyes would be wide open in class, staring intently at the teacher for long periods, showing no sign of fatigue. Yet here she was, dozing during Tang Xueli’s rigid lesson.

Curious, Xiao Jin leaned forward slightly, tilting his head to get a better look at her face. He saw her peaceful expression, her long, dark eyelashes resting against her cheeks, and her slightly parted lips, giving her an unexpectedly naive appearance.

Just then, Tang Xueli’s sharp voice echoed through the hall.

“Xiao Jin! Lu Shujin! What are you two doing?!”

The hall, previously silent as the students listened to the lecture, was suddenly disrupted by Tang Xueli’s booming voice, startling Lu Shujin awake. She looked up in shock, seeing Tang Xueli glaring at her with a dark expression, while the other students cast puzzled glances her way.

Since entering the academy, Lu Shujin had always been praised by her teachers for her diligence and talent. This was the first time she had ever been glared at so fiercely by a teacher. And she really was in the wrong—falling asleep in class.

Her large black eyes widened with fear, and she immediately lowered her head in shame. “I apologize, sir. I was wrong.”

Xiao Jin, however, was unfazed, completely indifferent to Tang Xueli’s anger. Still leaning over, he continued to observe Lu Shujin’s flustered expression, finding it amusing.

“Xiao Jin!” Tang Xueli’s anger only grew. “If you have no interest in my lecture, you are welcome to never come to Haoxue Pavilion again!”

Xiao Jin feigned innocence. “Sir, you misunderstand. I was genuinely listening.”

“And your idea of listening is staring at Lu Shujin? Or is my lesson written on his face?” Tang Xueli mercilessly exposed him.

Hearing this, Lu Shujin’s cheeks instantly flushed red, the blush spreading to her ears and neck—its contrast against her fair skin made it particularly noticeable. Her anxiety was evident.

Xiao Jin, however, showed no embarrassment. He even flashed a grin, his white teeth showing. “I just took a quick look.”

“Behaving like a fool in class! Utterly disgraceful!” Tang Xueli slammed his ruler against the desk, the sharp crack echoing through the room. “Both of you, come forward and demonstrate the bowing etiquette I just taught!”

Lu Shujin’s heart skipped a beat—panic set in.

She had been dozing off! How could she possibly know what Tang Xueli had just taught?

But Tang Xueli was not like other teachers. A simple apology wouldn’t get you off the hook. In his class, his rules were absolute.

She regretted her carelessness, thinking she should have pinched her thigh if it meant staying awake.

As she hesitated, Xiao Jin stood up without a care, and Lu Shujin, not wanting to get into more trouble, quickly followed behind him.

The two of them were a stark contrast—Xiao Jin strode confidently, his tall figure making the timid, drooping Lu Shujin behind him appear even smaller and more helpless.

At the open space in front of the classroom, Lu Shujin glanced around nervously. Everyone’s eyes were on them, making her even more self-conscious. Not knowing what to do with her hands and feet, she sneaked a glance at Xiao Jin, hoping to copy his actions.

Xiao Jin immediately noticed her intentions but pretended not to. With a composed expression, he clasped his hands in front, bent at the waist, and made a mockingly exaggerated bow towards Lu Shujin. The delicate jade crown on his head shimmered under the morning light, momentarily dazzling her.

Panicked, she hurriedly mimicked his movements. But just as she bent down, she heard a faint laugh from Xiao Jin.

Then, Tang Xueli’s ruler slammed onto the desk with a crisp sound, his furious voice following, “Ridiculous! Are you two here to perform a wedding ceremony?!”

Realizing she had been tricked, Lu Shujin’s heart surged with anger. She quickly straightened, looking up in embarrassment. Across from her, Xiao Jin stood with a broad grin, his amusement clear—he was clearly pleased with his mischief.

Tang Xueli’s stern voice followed. “The formal bow is the most basic of all etiquette. If you both cannot even perform this correctly, it shows your minds are not on your studies! Come forward, each of you will receive three strikes with the ruler and reflect on your behavior!”

Resigned, Lu Shujin was about to step forward and accept the punishment when Xiao Jin’s voice suddenly spoke up, “Sir, Lu Shujin is from a humble background. No one has ever taught him these formalities. I saw him lowering his head just now—likely trying to figure out how to perform the bow. A hardworking student shouldn’t be punished for that, right?”

Tang Xueli’s sharp eyes glanced at him. “So, are you taking responsibility for his mistake?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Xiao Jin replied quickly. “Just stating the facts.”

“Come here.” Tang Xueli motioned to him.

Xiao Jin approached with a nonchalant expression, extending his right hand. The ruler struck down five times with a crisp, clear sound.

Tang Xueli then turned to Lu Shujin. “He can’t take all the blame for you.”

In a daze, Lu Shujin stepped forward and extended her left hand. The ruler came down on her palm, a sharp sting immediately spreading through her skin.

Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she quickly withdrew her hand, curling her fingers and using her other thumb to gently rub the sore spot.

Tang Xueli had held back his strength—the pain soon faded, leaving only a numb sensation in her palm.

But the brief pain still brought a mist of tears to her eyes. She timidly looked at Xiao Jin, who stood there as if nothing had happened. Her cheeks, ears, and the tip of her neck felt as though they were burning, as if soaked in hot water.

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