Literary Longing

Chapter 7 (Page 1/2)

There were guards at the Communication Institute, so Yu Sui couldn't go there often.

She had only been once, but in the days and nights that followed, as long as she closed her eyes, she could recall every detail of the Imperial Academy's Communication Array.

When Yu Sui was alone in her room, she would start by drawing the Constellation Array on the ground. Although she had only seen it once, it was as if she had built it herself. She was incredibly familiar with every step and naturally drew it out.

Each time she finished drawing, she would burn it and then redraw it in her mind.

An immense amount of numbers spun in her head daily, yet Yu Sui felt incredibly energetic and enthusiastically calculated the combinations of the three powers.

The Imperial Academy's Communication Array was a super-large one, covering a wide area. It occupied one-third of the southern part of the Imperial Capital.

Some Communication Arrays had range limitations. They could only send sound transmissions within their coverage area. Beyond that range, without authorization, messages could not be sent to people within it.

Yu Sui spent over two months dismantling this super-large Communication Array.

During these two months, she visited Gu Gan's home almost every day. She claimed to be studying, but in reality, she was there to pore over information on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, and the Twenty-Eight Mansions. She also took the opportunity to study his Listening Wind Ruler.

Perhaps because she had gotten too close to Gu Gan during this time, Princess Shangyang gradually developed some opinions about her.

The day Yu Sui entered the Imperial Academy, Princess Shangyang sternly asked her, "Do you like Gu Gan?"

Yu Sui was stunned.

Princess Shangyang pointed at her and said, "You like Gu Gan, that's why you won't agree to help me watch him!"

Princess Shangyang was furious. Without giving Yu Sui a chance to explain, she had the instructor reassign her, unwilling to sit with her anymore.

The instructor found himself in a difficult position.

One was the Empress's favorite youngest daughter, and the other was the heir to King Nangong. He couldn't afford to offend either of them.

Yu Sui asked Princess Shangyang, "Do you really want me to leave?"

Princess Shangyang's eyes widened. "You leave!"

Yu Sui replied, "Alright."

She stood up, books in hand, and walked to the back, sitting down beside Zhongli Que.

Zhongli Que, who had been engrossed in writing, looked up and stared at her in surprise.

Yu Sui spoke to the person sitting next to Zhongli Que, "Do you want to switch with me?"

Coincidentally, this girl was part of Princess Shangyang's sisterhood. She glanced at Princess Shangyang, packed her things, and got up to leave.

Yu Sui then asked Zhongli Que, "Can I sit here?"

Zhongli Que scratched her cheek with her hand. "Of course, you can."

Yu Sui thanked her and sat down beside her, then rested her head on the desk to sleep.

Princess Shangyang: "..."

She actually went to sit with Zhongli Que!

This made her so angry!

Seeing that the children had resolved the issue themselves, the instructor secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He coughed as if nothing had happened and began the lesson.

Zhongli Que held her pen, her peripheral vision stealing glances at Yu Sui, who was sleeping with her head on the desk beside her. Sunlight spilled over half of Yu Sui's body, making her skin appear crystal clear and delicate, as beautiful as a porcelain doll.

*

Yu Sui had a new deskmate. Unlike her previous one, this one didn't talk to her every day. Several days passed without a single conversation between them; they each did their own thing.

They never mentioned the incident with the colliding hair accessories, nor did they bring up why Young Master Lin had stopped Yu Sui that day.

Yu Sui didn't know if it was because of Princess Shangyang, but she openly disliked Zhongli Que, so not many children played with Zhongli Que.

Zhongli Que was the daughter of the General Who Guards the Nation, and a legitimate one at that. Her status and position were no less than Yu Sui's or Princess Shangyang's.

Lady Su had previously told Yu Sui not to get too close to the children of the Zhongli family. Yu Sui had assumed it was because of Nangong Ming.

Nangong Ming's Shura Eye could see through all military formations. However, the Zhongli family mastered the world's most potent formation techniques for trapping and killing. Nangong Ming was their only bane.

These two were also the Qingyang Emperor's left and right hands, mutually restraining each other.

Princess Shangyang was angry for a few days. The more she thought about it, the more indignant she felt. She no longer cared whether Yu Sui liked Gu Gan; her mind was filled with "She actually went to Zhongli Que."

I can choose not to be friends with you, but you went and made friends with someone I dislike.

This was unacceptable to Princess Shangyang.

Princess Shangyang gritted her teeth and decided to "win back" Yu Sui. For the past few days, she had been loitering around Yu Sui whenever she had the chance, hinting through her words that "I forgive you."

Yu Sui pretended not to understand, looking back at Princess Shangyang blankly each time, her eyes clearly conveying "What are you saying? I don't understand." This infuriated Princess Shangyang, who cursed her for being a fool.

In reality, Zhongli Que wasn't truly friendless. After all, her family was large and prosperous. She had quite a few cousins within the same clan, most of whom were at the Imperial Academy. They would eat together and travel to and from the Imperial Academy for studies.

Princess Shangyang thought Yu Sui was an idiot and directly told her, "I forgive you. Come back on your own initiative."

Zhongli Que didn't look over but pricked up her ears to listen.

Yu Sui looked at the poised Princess Shangyang and shook her head. "I don't want to go back."

Princess Shangyang's pupils dilated. "What did you say?!"

"I'm quite comfortable sitting here," Yu Sui said honestly, her face a picture of innocence.

Princess Shangyang pointed at Zhongli Que furiously. "Do you like playing with her?"

Yu Sui nodded. "Yes!"

Princess Shangyang felt utterly humiliated and furious. She almost got into a fight with Yu Sui, but the young ladies beside her held her back. If these two started fighting, it would be a disaster.

Everyone believed Yu Sui would be the one getting beaten. Their concern was whether Princess Shangyang would be scolded by the Empress after beating Yu Sui.

Princess Shangyang finally issued a stern warning: "Nangong Sui! You can sit there, but you'll never be allowed back!"

Yu Sui nodded. "Mhm!"

Princess Shangyang: "..."

She had lost all patience.

With a turn, she flipped Yu Sui's table.

The scene erupted into chaos. The children cried out in surprise. Zhongli Que gasped and, along with Princess Shangyang's sisters, rushed forward to break up the fight.

When the instructor entered, he encountered this situation and nearly fainted from shock.

When Princess Shangyang lunged, Yu Sui was genuinely bewildered.

She never dreamed she would get into a fight with a seven or eight-year-old child.

The two were pulled apart, and the instructor sternly rebuked their behavior.

Princess Shangyang was still fuming, held back by her friends. She could only glare fiercely at Yu Sui.

Yu Sui pushed back her disheveled hair and couldn't help but chuckle.

Instructor: "..."

Zhongli Que looked over in surprise. Princess Shangyang said angrily, "You're still laughing!"

Yu Sui couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.

On that day, Princess Shangyang declared that she was breaking off her friendship with Nangong Sui.

*

The news that Yu Sui had been beaten by Princess Shangyang spread throughout the Imperial Academy that very day.

It wasn't that the Young Princess of the King's Mansion and Princess Shangyang fought; it was that she was beaten by Princess Shangyang.

After all, Princess Shangyang was unharmed. Yu Sui hadn't fought back. Her hair was disheveled from being grabbed, and there were several red marks on her neck.

When she left the Imperial Academy that evening, her three elder brothers looked at Yu Sui with complex expressions.

Yu Sui looked back, not understanding.

Her eldest brother, Han Bing, looked at her, wanting to speak but stopping. He finally sighed and said, "Let's go."

Yu Sui followed him out.

The other two brothers walked arm in arm.

Her second brother, Su Feng, seemed unable to hold back. He tilted his head and said to Yu Sui, "Why didn't you fight back?"

Her third brother, Sheng Fei, glanced at Yu Sui walking beside him and snorted, "What are your hands for?"

Yu Sui looked up. "But she's a princess."

Her brothers withdrew their gazes, disappointed in her lack of spirit.

When Yu Sui returned to the King's Mansion, the red marks had almost disappeared. The mute woman helped her re-comb her messy hair.

When she went to Lady Su's side to recite her lessons, there was no longer any sign that she had been in a fight.

Yu Sui knelt by the door, reading a bit and reciting a few lines. After some time, she recited them to Lady Su. Once confirmed there were no issues, she stood up and happened to encounter Nangong Ming.

Nangong Ming casually patted her head and smiled. "I heard Princess Shangyang hit you today?"

Before Yu Sui could answer, Nangong Ming sighed. "Do you plan on letting her hit you forever?"

"I have no such plans," Yu Sui replied.

Hearing her answer, Nangong Ming seemed somewhat satisfied. He reminded Yu Sui to work hard in her upcoming Archery and Horseback Riding and Sword and Saber classes. Yu Sui nodded in agreement. As she left, she noticed Lady Su's gaze upon her.

Yu Sui was well aware of Lady Su's attitude towards her.

She knew Lady Su had wavered before, wanting to kill her to reclaim the complete Primordial Soil.

She also knew Lady Su was reluctant to cooperate with Nangong Ming again, and even more unwilling to have the safety of her beloved eldest daughter, Qingkui, in Nangong Ming's hands.

Over the years, her relationship with Lady Su had grown increasingly distant.

When Nangong Ming threatened Lady Su with Qingkui to continue their cooperation, it became difficult for Lady Su to view Yu Sui, who was treated as a pawn, as her beloved daughter.

Because in Lady Su's eyes, Yu Sui had been raised by Nangong Ming.

At this moment, Lady Su's gaze towards Yu Sui carried the judgment of someone in a high position, deeming her a weakling.

Yu Sui's mediocrity seemed to have made Lady Su completely give up on this child.

*

Yu Sui rolled on the bed after returning to her room, recalling Lady Su's gaze as she left. Her fingers unconsciously traced her eye corner.

This was bad.

A seven-year-old child's gaze could truly cause sadness.

If she had acted smarter, Lady Su would have become increasingly wary of Yu Sui, as it would signify Nangong Ming possessed a clever pawn.

No one would believe Yu Sui had her own thoughts, nor that her intelligence was innate. They would only think she was a thorn grown under the King's Mansion's cultivation.

Lady Su didn't trust Nangong Ming, so she wouldn't trust Yu Sui either.

Yu Sui was certain that if the opportunity arose, or if Nangong Ming pushed her into a corner, Lady Su would not hesitate to kill her first to reclaim the complete Primordial Soil.

Not to mention she harbored the Strange Fire and bore the mark of the World Destroyer.

Yu Sui knew too little about the cultivation knowledge of this world. In this vast ocean, she didn't even have a ladle. Who knew what she might do or say that would expose her identity as a World Destroyer, leading to her being burned at the stake.

She had to make everyone overlook her, growing in a corner no one cared about, until she ensured she was strong enough.

Seven years old.

Before the age of seven, children would tell their parents they couldn't sleep each night, tormented by an unknown flame within them.

She was only seven when facing Princess Shangyang.

Yu Sui rubbed her eyes, sat up, and continued tinkering with the Imperial Academy's super-large Communication Array.

Although she could recall the array's appearance in her mind based on her memory from that day, there were only two ways to obtain real-time information:

One was to crack it from the Communication Array itself.

The second was to obtain the Listening Wind Ruler and then connect it to the Imperial Academy's Communication Array.

How could she frequently visit the Communication Institute without arousing suspicion?

The next day, Yu Sui left early during the last class. When she entered the Communication Institute, a patrol stopped her, asking what she was doing there.

Yu Sui said, "I'm waiting for my Third Brother, but it's so hot outside. Can I come in and wait here?"

Upon learning she was the Young Princess from the King's Mansion, the people at the Communication Institute didn't stop her. Moreover, Yu Sui's reason was not unreasonable. The little girl was cute and well-behaved. Considering all factors, Yu Sui successfully entered the Communication Institute.

No one would think a seven-year-old child could decipher the rune information within the Communication Array.

So, Yu Sui sat at the edge of the Constellation Array, even chatting with the patrols and listening to them talk about cultivation:

"These in the star array are called Number Mountains."

"The largest Number Mountain is called Tianyuan. The one to the left of Tianyuan is called Aurora, and the one to the right is called Longevity."

"Tianyuan represents positioning, Aurora is responsible for transmission and conversion, and Longevity performs encryption. Other Number Mountains record different information and converge towards them."

The patrol made a gesture, drew a circle, and his fingertip finally landed on the Number Mountain, Tianyuan.

Yu Sui's face was filled with "amazing," making the patrols, who were trying to amuse a child, feel a sense of accomplishment.

"The Listening Wind Ruler isn't something you can use just by having it. There are several conditions for its use. First, literacy; second, memorizing the Character Filling Technique to send messages; third, remembering the star positions to transmit sound to others."

The methods and requirements for transmitting text and sound were different.

The patrol asked, "County Princess, how far have you learned?"

Yu Sui blinked and held up one finger, saying, "Literacy."

The two patrols chuckled upon hearing this.

The following time was spent with the two teaching her the Character Filling Technique.

Yu Sui left precisely on time to meet Sheng Fei after his studies. She had to play the part completely to avoid suspicion.

She stood far from the crowd and called out to Sheng Fei as he walked out, "Third Brother!"

Sheng Fei paused upon hearing the voice, then looked at Yu Sui under the tree. He glanced around. Was the sun setting in the east today?

"Why are you here?" Sheng Fei ignored his friends and walked directly towards Yu Sui.

Yu Sui said, "Father said I should focus more on my upcoming Archery and Horseback Riding and Sword and Saber classes. I don't know how, so I wanted you to teach me in advance."

Sheng Fei thought the sun would rise from the west tomorrow.

"You have to kneel to recite your lessons, so will you learn Archery and Horseback Riding while kneeling?" the sharp-tongued Third Young Master said unceremoniously.

Yu Sui thought there was no other way. She couldn't sleep well at night, so she had to catch up on sleep during the day.

"I don't want to learn while kneeling," Yu Sui said with an honest face. "So I want to ask Third Brother to teach me."

The reason she sought out Sheng Fei was that his academy was closest to the Communication Institute.

Sheng Fei said with a straight face, "Go find Gu Gan. Aren't you two on good terms?"

Yu Sui said, "Brother Gu isn't as skilled as Third Brother in this area. You're the most skilled person I know."

Perhaps the words "most skilled" convinced Sheng Fei. Although he complained verbally, he still led Yu Sui to the Archery and Horseback Riding grounds after returning to the mansion.

*

To outsiders, Yu Sui was a King County Princess with mediocre aptitude, no talent, and even a bit dull-witted. Sheng Fei lived under the same roof as her and traveled to and from the Imperial Academy together. The contrast in their perceptions was quite significant.

Sheng Fei didn't think Yu Sui was completely useless or stupid. She was fine, just a bit slow to react and lacking in temper, essentially timid.

Sheng Fei was three years older than her. Most of the time, he was taught by his mother, Lady Sheng. Because of his high talent, Nangong Ming also often paid attention to this child.

Although Lady Sheng's cultivation realm wasn't high, she had her own businesses and wasn't short of money. With the background of the King's Mansion, she was a prominent figure in the business world.

Therefore, she could give Sheng Fei plenty of confidence and raised her son to be fearless.

Sheng Fei, who lived by the motto "When in doubt, I'm the best," considered Yu Sui, who only took beatings and scoldings without fighting back or talking back, a spineless coward.

Even though Lady Su had no family background, she was still a Thirteenth Realm expert. You are the heir to the King's Mansion, the future princess. Princess Shangyang might not be as powerful as you in the future. What's the point of being so timid? Be more assertive!

Sheng Fei had a lot of complaints about Yu Sui, but looking at her bewildered face, he couldn't say anything. He took her to start by choosing bowstrings.

Yu Sui was quite serious and didn't slack off.

Sheng Fei felt her stamina was too weak and her strength in drawing the bowstring was unstable. She needed to train her physical fitness first. After training, she also had to familiarize herself with the bowstring daily and cultivate a bond with it.

The sibling teaching session at the archery and horseback riding field was soon noticed by their elder brothers.

Upon learning that Yu Sui wanted to learn horseback riding, her already skilled elder brothers expressed their willingness to help.

Second Brother Su Feng was very enthusiastic and eager to show off. He shot several arrows, hitting the bullseye every time. He looked back at Yu Sui proudly, "Learned it yet?"

Yu Sui clapped her hands and then shook her head.

Second Young Master Su Feng was also raised by his mother, Madam Hui. Madam Hui had some ambition when she was young, wanting her son to compete for the position of heir to the King's Mansion.

Who knew that when her son tested his talent, he was most compatible with the Military School.

Nangong King, who came from the School of Names, had a subtly antagonistic relationship with the Military School. Naturally, he couldn't pass the throne to his son who came from the Military School.

Madam Hui then gave up and focused on cultivating her son Su Feng's practice in the Military School.

Second Young Master Su Feng was the least likely to become the heir, so he had no competitive relationship with his siblings. He had a cheerful personality and was the one among the children who admired his father the most.

As for the eldest son's mother, Lady Han, she was the only one among the four wives who truly loved Nangong Ming and still loved him.

Whatever Nangong Ming expected Han Bing to be, Lady Han would raise him to be.

The three sons quite liked their father, Nangong Ming. Before Gu Gan appeared, Nangong Ming did not show any obvious favoritism towards any of his children.

Even Yu Sui, who was chosen as the heir, did not receive preferential treatment.

Yet, a child who was not from the Nangong family received it.

This was also the reason why the three brothers had no hostility or prejudice towards Yu Sui, because Gu Gan was the object of their animosity.

In other words, if the heir Yu Sui had received Nangong Ming's prejudice, they wouldn't have been so jealous and dissatisfied.

After all, they were all considered family.

What was that brat Gu Gan to them?

Yu Sui had been close to Gu Gan before. The three elder brothers were somewhat disappointed that she wasn't making progress. Now that she had given up on Gu Gan and came to her own people, the three of them felt a sense of victory, as if they had finally won.

At this moment, Han Bing, the eldest and most steady, was correcting Yu Sui's posture for drawing the bow.

Su Feng and Sheng Fei began to discuss whether to "train physical fitness first" or "gain experience directly."

Sheng Fei said, "Her strength is insufficient. Drawing the bow is difficult. What experience can she gain?"

Su Feng said, "There are light bows. Let's pick one suitable for her to practice with, and then gradually increase the difficulty."

Sheng Fei: "You know nothing!"

Su Feng: "You know nothing!"

Han Bing turned around and looked at them, "You shouldn't speak such vulgar words."

The two brothers ignored him. Neither convinced the other, but they got more worked up and started fighting. Han Bing tried to dissuade them in vain, then stepped forward to join in and forcibly separated them.

Yu Sui watched from the side for a moment, then turned her head and tried to draw the bow herself. Whoosh—the long arrow fell halfway.

She picked up another arrow, her peripheral vision sweeping over the three of them still wrestling.

Boys at this age were the most carefree. Their thoughts were easy to guess. Without experiencing storms and setbacks, they were simple and could be seen through at a glance.

They had the innocence, jealousy, and ignorance of their age, and their emotions came and went quickly.

These daily memories would also be the most profound and unforgettable for them in the future.

*

Yu Sui had been increasingly busy lately.

At night, she would dismantle the giant communication array of the Imperial Academy. During the day, she would sleep at the Imperial Academy, skip classes at fixed times to go to the Communication Institute, observe the Number Mountains in the communication array, and gather information from patrolling guards.

At sunset, she would return to the mansion with her elder brothers to practice archery and horseback riding.

In terms of archery and horseback riding, Yu Sui showed her seriousness, but she never practiced overtime. She would leave on time and wouldn't stay a moment longer.

Often, Sheng Fei would still be explaining techniques, and halfway through, Yu Sui would take off running, saying as she ran, "Time's up, brother. I'll listen again tomorrow."

Sheng Fei: "..."

Recently, Lady Su and Nangong Ming were not in the mansion, so Yu Sui didn't have to go back to recite texts. This freed up some time for her to catch up on sleep before dark. After being woken up by the agitation of the strange fire, she would continue to study the communication array.

This continued until Lady Su and Nangong Ming returned to the mansion.

Gu Gan also returned at the same time.

Gu Gan wouldn't come to the King's Mansion without a reason. Today, on a whim, he wanted to see Yu Sui. He happened to pass by the Archery and Horseback Riding grounds and saw Yu Sui standing on the field, being instructed in archery by her three elder brothers.

Anyone with eyes could see that the relationship between these people had improved significantly compared to before.

Gu Gan watched for a while, found it boring, and turned to leave the King's Mansion.

The next day, he went to the Imperial Academy and met Yu Sui, who greeted him with a smile.

Gu Gan asked Yu Sui, "What have you been practicing lately?"

Yu Sui said, "Practicing Archery and Horseback Riding. We'll be learning it next month, so I'm practicing in advance."

Gu Gan gave an "oh" and asked again, "Practicing at the Imperial Academy?"

"No," Yu Sui shook her head. "After going home, Third Brother teaches me."

Gu Gan snorted, "Why didn't you ask me to teach you?"