A thunderclap exploded across the sky.
Chen Luo had only taken a few steps after following the eunuch leading the way when he felt a fine drizzle begin to fall. The little eunuch had clearly been prepared. He took a bamboo umbrella from his waist and opened it over Chen Luo's head.
"This summer has been unbearably hot, and the Directorate of Celestial Observations said there would be plenty of rain in autumn. We servants have all prepared umbrellas, so you won't get wet, Earl." The little eunuch flashed Chen Luo a sweet smile, currying favor with him.
Chen Luo shivered and replied perfunctorily, "Thank you... How much longer?"
The little eunuch continued, "We're almost there. Once we pass the Zhenghua Gate ahead, we'll be at the square of Eternal Bright Palace."
Chen Luo unconsciously quickened his pace...
Nanyuan Xi reached North Wind Tower before the autumn rain began. The waiter at North Wind Tower promptly brought him a bowl of hot soup and said with a smile, "Mr. Nan, you're here early today. Did you know some good news was coming?"
"Good news? What good news?"
A smile spread across the waiter's face. "Yesterday, after Mr. Wang of Willow Academy heard your morning story, he was full of praise for your Brief Biography of Zhong Kui. This morning, he brought all the academy's students here, saying they wanted to see your brilliance for themselves."
"Willow Academy is full of scholarly seedlings. Normally, during morning lessons, they listen to their own teachers read the Official Gazette. After Mr. Nan's battle today, you'll surely make a name for yourself in the literary world, and your future prospects will be limitless..."
Nanyuan Xi froze. Willow Academy—the Eight Great Academies of the Great Xuan Dynasty. This was the academy he had once