The Emperor's Arrival at Qingluan
The emperor, unwilling to squander time, left no respite for his ministers.
As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, a procession of weary attendants and guards, unable to conceal their exhaustion, caught sight of the grand silhouette of the towering Mount Tian.
Unbeknownst to them, the emperor's intentions were not shared; their hearts were filled with a sense of pilgrimage as they gazed upon the majestic peak.
…
At the foot of Mount Tian, Vice Dean Xia, the professor known as "Madman Qin" with flowing black hair, and a middle-aged lecturer resembling a prosperous merchant, whom Lin Xi had never encountered, awaited the emperor's arrival.
The imperial convoy grew increasingly distinct in their view.
The northern expedition of the Yunqin Emperor had finally brought him to the sacred grounds of Yunqin, the Qingluan Academy.
All subjects of Yunqin were acutely aware that this year, the prosperous and sagacious emperor had ventured forth, having only visited the Central Plains imperial city thrice in his life.
The first occasion was during his infancy, accompanying the late emperor to the Qingluan Academy to confer with Director Zhang, establishing numerous policies for governance. The second was during the late emperor's illness, when the newly crowned emperor undertook a southern tour to inspect the Qianxia border troops and to confer titles upon five generals.
Of these three visits, two had been to the Qingluan Academy... Even though one was made in infancy, it underscored the profound regard both the late emperor and the current sovereign held for the institution.
Yet, only three individuals were present to welcome the emperor to Qingluan Academy.
Remarkably, none of the officials accompanying them expressed any sense of impropriety or indignation upon recognizing Vice Dean Xia's identity.
In the hearts of all Yunqin citizens, the emperor was seen as the embodiment of divine will, a sacred and inviolable sovereign, while the Qingluan Academy itself represented a mysterious and powerful entity, distinct from the mundane world.
The emperor and the princess emerged from the imposing imperial carriage, exuding an air of authority.
Without any command, the entire retinue of guards and officials fell silent and knelt in unison, proclaiming their long live.
The Yunqin Emperor waved his hand in a gesture of calm, signaling everyone to rise, and naturally approached Vice Dean Xia and his companions.
Vice Dean Xia and the others merely offered a composed bow in greeting.
Since the incident at Falling Star Lake, the late emperor had decreed that lecturers and above at the academy need not kneel before the emperor, and could approach within a hundred paces when entering the court. Furthermore, students of the Qingluan Academy were not required to kneel before officials below the provincial governor.
Among all the academies in Yunqin, the Qingluan Academy stood as a singular exception.
"Vice Dean Xia,"
After exchanging pleasantries with a serene demeanor, the Yunqin Emperor turned, gesturing to a few attendants behind him, and instructed, "The others need not follow; they may set up camp and rest here."
Upon hearing the emperor's words, the officials, who had not slept for two days and were already sweating profusely at the sight of the mountain path ahead, sighed in relief and hurriedly knelt to express their gratitude for the emperor's grace. Given that they were in the land of Qingluan Academy, and that both the princess and the emperor were formidable practitioners, these attendants had no cause for concern regarding the emperor's safety.
The Yunqin Emperor resumed his journey, ascending the mountain path alongside Vice Dean Xia and the others.
Decades prior, when he was but an infant, the late emperor had also ascended this very mountain step by step, ultimately establishing an unprecedentedly powerful empire.
He aspired to leave a significant mark upon history, mirroring the strength of the late emperor and accomplishing equally great deeds.
After a lengthy silence during their ascent, the Yunqin Emperor, alongside Vice Dean Xia, reached a peak still far from the Qingluan Academy's cluster of summits. Gazing at the small courtyard with green bricks and black tiles perched precariously at the edge of the steep cliff, the emperor's expression remained placid, yet he harbored a hint of self-mockery within.
Even the most enlightened and powerful emperor could not recall the events of his infancy; this courtyard, which he had once inhabited, left him with no recollection whatsoever.
This modest dwelling, capable of accommodating over ten people, had been meticulously prepared, stocked with provisions for his stay. While the emperor's attendants began their customary arrangements, he strolled towards the eastern cliffside, hands clasped behind his back.
Noticing that only Vice Dean Xia followed him, the rest of the emperor's retinue felt a chill run through them, understanding that the sovereign wished to confer privately with the prominent figure representing the academy. Thus, they discreetly refrained from following.
On this solitary peak, Princess Changsun Mu Yue appeared as an ordinary woman; with the emperor present, all disputes around her became irrelevant. She simply chose a quiet room by the cliff's edge to meditate and cultivate her practice.
However, upon entering the tranquil chamber, she spotted a slightly yellowed piece of calligraphy adorning the wall, inscribed with the lines: "Respect the elders as one would their own, and cherish the young as one would their own," signed by Changsun Gongru.
…
Before the cliff lay layers of billowing white clouds, resembling floating icebergs drifting slowly between the ravines. The sun hung overhead, seemingly closer than ever, casting golden rays that enveloped the surroundings in warmth.
"Vice Dean Xia, compared to those of the mundane world, we stand upon this mountain, able to see much farther," the emperor observed quietly, watching the flowing clouds and the grand mountains in the distance. He turned to Vice Dean Xia and continued, "Thus, you will naturally understand certain matters… I do not wish to contend with anyone from the academy."
Before Vice Dean Xia could respond, the emperor let out a self-deprecating chuckle and added, "I am aware that Director Zhang has always upheld the principle that the state belongs to the state, the sovereign to the sovereign, and the academy to the academy. Even the late emperor was merely viewed as a manager of this empire in Director Zhang's eyes. To this extent, I can comprehend that both Director Zhang and Vice Dean Xia are individuals detached from worldly affairs, akin to the ascetic monks of Tang Cang, possessing a perspective on this world that differs from that of the common folk. I can accept this viewpoint. However, you must also understand… it is precisely because of the existence of the academy and such ideologies that many in the court grow increasingly lacking in reverence."
Vice Dean Xia regarded the emperor with a calm gaze and replied, "Your Majesty, since you are aware of this, you should also understand that since Director Zhang's time, our academy has cherished its autonomy above all else."
The Yunqin Emperor coldly responded, "It is precisely because the academy holds its autonomy in such high regard that I find my endeavors increasingly arduous. The students of the academy belong to Yunqin, and the majority of its resources are also provided by Yunqin… The lives of these students must naturally be devoted to Yunqin, so why must you interfere so much? I understand that Director Zhang and Vice Dean Xia merely wish to remain uninvolved in worldly matters… Yet, it is laughable that due to the academy's strength, you are regarded with caution by all within the realm, and you must also remain wary of others. Even if you are reluctant to relinquish this vigilance, at the very least, you must implement changes and adopt a stance that makes those who would dare to assassinate the princess for my meddling in governance understand whose dominion this Yunqin truly is! Vice Dean Xia, you know what manner of person I am; if Yunqin could operate according to my wishes, how could mere Tang Cang and Da Mang dare to act so brazenly!"
After a brief pause, the Yunqin Emperor fixed his gaze upon Vice Dean Xia and continued, "If you and your colleagues were truly as detached from the world as the masters of Tang Cang's Ruo Temple, would you not fear lacking a peaceful refuge?"
Vice Dean Xia observed the emperor's shifting expressions, noting his growing agitation, and could not help but sigh inwardly, shaking his head as he cautioned, "Your Majesty, do not forget that the vast majority of proposals, including nurturing students for Yunqin, originated from the late emperor's requests to Director Zhang. The reason the realm remained subdued and the state stable at that time was due to the fear of the academy and figures like Director Zhang, who wielded immense power… Now, if Your Majesty wishes to instill fear in the realm, it must arise from a truly formidable empire, transforming fear of an individual into fear of a nation's strength. This process will undoubtedly be lengthy; thus, Your Majesty cannot afford to be impatient and must place sufficient trust in us, devoid of ulterior motives."
After a brief pause, Vice Dean Xia continued, "Over the past decades, Your Majesty has established the Thunder Academy and the Immortal Academy, creating a tripartite balance with the Qingluan Academy. This intention is evident. However, I wonder if Your Majesty has considered that if all these resources were concentrated solely on the Qingluan Academy, perhaps the current situation would be significantly improved, and there might be even more formidable entities among the border troops that could instill fear in our adversaries. Thus, what one envisions and what one executes may not always align."
The emperor's expression darkened, and he retorted coldly, "Are you accusing me of acting out of selfishness, Vice Dean Xia?"
"Your Majesty has your own aspirations, and the academy possesses its own convictions. I implore you to reflect carefully," Vice Dean Xia replied earnestly, completely disregarding the emperor's simmering anger. "You are also aware of my frail health; I may not endure for another five or six years."
Though Vice Dean Xia's words were calm and polite, his status and cultivation caused the Yunqin Emperor to feel a sudden chill, dispersing much of the anger that had filled him.
"Ultimately, it all comes down to fate," the Yunqin Emperor mused after a long silence, speaking softly, "Since you have confidence… when shall the contest between the Qingluan Academy and the Thunder Academy commence?"
Vice Dean Xia smiled slightly and replied, "Once Your Majesty establishes the rules for the contest, it can commence at any time."
"Since I have yet to convince you, Vice Dean Xia, that this contest stems from differing pedagogical approaches, let us adopt the most commonly used method in elite border troop competitions: 'Capture the Flag and Defend the Flag.'" The emperor had regained his composure and glanced at Vice Dean Xia. "However, for the sake of fairness and authenticity, aside from genuine combat, the 'flags' in this instance will be five condemned prisoners. As you and the Qingluan Academy are unwilling to conduct your lessons using prisoners and captives, your five will naturally take on the role of defenders. You are more familiar with the terrain of Mount Tian, which affords you a home-field advantage. At that time, you may designate the area, and I shall disperse these five condemned prisoners throughout the vast expanse of Mount Tian. We shall see whether the students of the Thunder Academy can slay more or if your Qingluan Academy's students can rescue more."
Vice Dean Xia's brow furrowed slightly, while the emperor's lips curled into a hint of derision as he added, "These five condemned prisoners may be killed according to the law, but if your Qingluan Academy's students manage to save one, I shall consider it a significant contribution to the academy's teachings and grant him a full pardon."
"I might even make a considerable concession: if the students of the Qingluan Academy truly prevail in this contest, the Thunder Academy shall suspend such pedagogical reforms in the future."
The wrinkles on Vice Dean Xia's face deepened; the emperor's views on human emotions and nature ultimately differed from theirs, and he knew he could not alter the emperor's perspective with mere words. Thus, he simply nodded and replied succinctly, "Very well."