The next morning, before everyone headed out, Xiao Yun gathered them in the main hall.
As they took their seats one after another, they still carried the lingering drowsiness of waking early. Some held teacups, while others wore outer robes with their belts still untied.
Xiao Yun sat in the seat of honor, looked around the room, and spoke directly. "When I visited the three education committee members of Heaven Dou Academy for the New Year, they expressed their hope that Ye Lingling could come to the estate to study under me. I forgot to mention this before. I'm bringing it up today because I want to hear everyone's opinions."
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Liu Erlong spoke first. "If she comes, where will she live? Who will look after her?" Her questions concerned the details; she did not sound opposed.
The others did not immediately state their positions either, but their expressions already revealed their respective inclinations.
Xiao Yun noticed that some nodded faintly, some lowered their heads to look at the cups in their hands, and some turned to look outside the window, as though they wanted more time to think.
Xue Qianren, however, was one of the few to speak up. "They want you to take on a disciple. Have they offered any compensation?"
Her opinion immediately won the approval of certain people.
Xiao Yun promptly explained the conditions relayed by the three education committee members.
Then Xiao Yun added, "Just choose according to your hearts. Don't consider anything else, whether it's the favor owed to the three education committee members or the immortal herbs they can provide."
After some more time passed, no one spoke first.
Xiao Yun saw that someone wanted to speak, then stopped, as though waiting for someone else's opinion to