The moment Liu Feng said those words, it was like stirring up a hornet’s nest. The gathered scholars immediately began murmuring and whispering among themselves, and the way they looked at the delicate young man began to shift into something far less respectful.
After all, while this dynasty was relatively lenient toward women, White Crane Academy had made its stance clear—it admitted male students only. There was no way a girl would be found among its ranks.
But the youth in question really was far too beautiful—prettier than most girls. It was easy to believe they might be a woman in disguise, and such thoughts naturally began to run wild in the minds of the crowd.
The well-known tale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the girl who disguised herself as a man to study, was just as popular in this world. Every young scholar who came to study at the academy nursed some small hope of one day meeting a beautiful, clever “Yingtai,” disguised as a boy, sitting beside them as a classmate and companion.
When this pretty “young master” had stepped out of the academy just now, several people had already started to suspect as much. But none had dared say it aloud—until now.
Liu Feng not only exposed the suspicion openly, but even laced his words with an unmistakably flirtatious tone. Everyone collectively gasped. Some secretly admired his boldness, others simply wanted to watch the drama unfold.
And so, Mu Qing’s gaze swept across the scene, and what she saw were a sea of necks craned forward, all wearing the eager expression of people hoping to see a good show—
Everyone wanted to know whether this “young master” would march up and punch the gutsy fool in the face, or burst into tears and run off, confirming she was, in fact, a girl.
In full view of the crowd, the youth’s face turned pale with fury, hands trembling at their sides, those beautiful eyes glaring at Liu Feng like they could rip him to shreds right then and there.
But despite the intense stare, not a single word came out of their mouth.
Mu Qing guessed they must come from an elite upbringing—so even when angered, they didn’t know how to curse properly. That only made them seem more like a girl.
Liu Feng grew even more smug. Half-lying on the ground like some shameless rogue, he slowly raked his gaze up and down the young man, his eyes increasingly wanton.
Just as it looked like he was about to say something even more vulgar, Mu Qing couldn’t take it anymore.
She strode forward a few steps, positioning herself between the youth and Liu Feng, and said with a smile:
“My, what a fine way for Young Master Liu to speak. Anyone familiar with you might take it as a joke, but anyone unfamiliar might mistake you for some shameless scoundrel who spends his days harassing young ladies.”
“The academy is a sanctuary where students come to study and improve themselves. It would be best for you to restrain yourself a little. If you’re tossed out as a rogue, it might be too late for regrets.”
Her voice was calm and even, her smile unwavering, and she hadn’t even spoken particularly loudly. Yet Liu Feng looked as though he’d been struck by lightning—he nearly lost the strength to get up from the ground.
Only now did he realize… that the youth was wearing White Crane Academy’s official uniform—blue robes with a jade sash, and a white crane embroidered in silver thread at the hem. This was the standardized attire issued to all officially enrolled students of the academy.
Everyone who had dreamed of studying at White Crane Academy knew this.
Liu Feng, of course, knew it too.
But he’d forgotten.
Blinded by his own ego, he’d just picked a fight with a current student of the academy.
Even a Dragon-AoTian had to bow his head under another’s roof.
Realizing that he may have just kicked a hornet’s nest, Liu Feng scrambled to his feet and immediately changed his tune:
“M-Master Mu… ahem, this gentleman speaks rightly. My good sir, I was merely joking just now. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
The speed of his about-face stunned the crowd.
Still, the students gathered here weren’t fools. All were aspiring applicants to White Crane Academy, and after watching what happened, many quickly deduced the young man’s identity.
Each year during admissions season, some enterprising individuals would compile “entrance guides” and sell them around the academy. Those guides noted that if the number of applicants grew too large, the mountain master (academy head) would appoint current top-performing students to assist with the “submission of letters” and other application processes.
In modern terms: upperclassmen serving as teaching assistants.
Mu Qing had bought one of those guides on the way here—so the moment she saw the youth’s uniform, she’d already guessed the truth.
Her younger brother, kind-hearted as always, had also shared the guide with his beloved “Mister Liu.” Clearly, “Mister Liu” hadn’t paid it much attention, which was how he’d ended up in this farce.
But beyond the “upperclassman” identity, Mu Qing had an even bigger suspicion: that this “young master” was actually the daughter of Master Qin—the head of White Crane Academy—and the very woman who, in the original novel, became Liu Feng’s second wife.
Because this encounter fit the Dragon-AoTian protagonist’s romance formula perfectly: enemies at first sight, friction turning into affection, the unruly girl falling for the persistent suitor…
Mu Qing never understood why readers loved this kind of plot so much. But after witnessing this real-life reenactment of a “fateful meeting,” she was left more nauseated than impressed.
Fortunately, the Qin family’s daughter seemed like she still had her wits about her and a good personality too. Mu Qing could only hope she wouldn’t be swept into the narrative and throw herself into this disaster willingly.
As those thoughts passed through her mind, the youth suddenly stepped up to Mu Qing.
Ignoring Liu Feng, who was bowing and scraping to the side, the youth turned and respectfully cupped his hands to Mu Qing:
“Thank you for speaking out on my behalf just now. I am Qin Qin of White Crane Academy. May I ask for your name, good sir?”
What?
She really was Miss Qin?!
Mu Qing responded politely with her own name, but couldn’t help asking instinctively, “How is the name ‘Qin’ written?”
The young master smiled faintly. “Qin, as in the qin grass.”
Mu Qing blinked. “‘Yoyo the deer cry, they eat the wild qin grass’—that qin?”
Qin Qin beamed. “Indeed. Brother Mu is most impressive. That is exactly the character. May I ask what the ‘Qing’ in your name refers to?”
Mu Qing was still reeling from being sucker-punched by the plot. But when Qin Qin asked, she replied on reflex, “River waters are clear and rippling…” and then cited the source.
And in that moment, she saw Qin Qin’s eyes light up.
“Brother Mu has such literary grace, and your conduct is most admirable. Your presence here today is truly an honor for White Crane Academy. Please allow me to accompany you inside to submit your letter.”
Huh?
Wait, what?
Mu Qing froze. Something didn’t feel right. She was here as a family member accompanying a prospective student—she wasn’t planning to apply herself!
And she didn’t even qualify! The academy required at least a xiucai (provincial scholar) degree to apply—this wasn’t something one could joke about.
Seeing how earnestly Qin Qin was extending the invitation, Mu Qing quickly waved her hands and pulled her little brother forward. “You’re mistaken, Brother Qin. I hold no degree, so I’m not qualified to apply. I came to submit a letter on behalf of my younger brother.”
She introduced her genius little brother with all due ceremony, hoping it might snap Miss Qin back to her senses. But unfortunately, it had no effect.
Qin Qin simply smiled and said, “No matter. Exceptionally talented individuals may apply even without the required degree… That just so happens to be this year’s new rule.”
