It was far too lively. The Imperial Academy's east side gate was packed with people waiting in line to enter. Plenty of ordinarily dressed commoners lingered nearby, their eyes darting vaguely from side to side. When they spotted Pan Yue's Imperial Academy uniform, they swiftly looked away. They paid no attention to Pan Yun, whose hand Pan Yue was holding, and instead fixed their gaze tightly on Miao Zhen following behind them.
With so many people around, Miao Zhen was shoved aside by someone, leaving one person between her and Pan Yun.
A young man with patches sewn onto his elbows immediately squeezed up beside her and whispered, "Miss, want a ticket?"
Miao Zhen's steps paused slightly. She turned to glance at him and asked, "How much?"
The young man held up two fingers and whispered, "Two taels!"
Miao Zhen shook her head. "No."
The young man said softly, "Miss, don't think it's expensive. The people over there at the gate are selling them for five taels apiece. Mine is cheap."
Pan Yun turned back and called to Miao Zhen, "Hurry up, let's get in line first."
The young man immediately knew they had tickets. He turned and left, though he could not help muttering, "You have tickets, and you still asked me..."
Then he caught sight of a haughty, richly dressed young master. His eyes lit up, and he immediately rushed over. Even when a guard stopped him, he did not care, merely lowering his voice to ask, "Young master, want a ticket?"
Pan Yun had waited only a moment before Pan Yu arrived with Miao He and Tao Yanbai. The six of them entered through the east side gate together.
No one knew how many people secretly recognized Pan Yun. Thus, as soon as they entered, Pan Yue