Secrets and Shadows

Cailun who had been standing in the back, couldn't help but laugh quietly.

Higher-ups? The one 'above' is sitting right in front of them.

Ouyang Qingcheng spoke calmly, "There's no need to worry. This matter will be handled by me. The current emperor is not unreasonable, and I can guarantee that. As for the reasons, there's no need for further investigation."

The three elders looked pleased and nodded in agreement.

Ouyang Qingcheng continued, "As for the teacher who resigned, please inform him that any requests should be made directly with the owner of Fairywood Restaurant. Long Aotian is willing to make compensation."

Upon hearing this, the three elders secretly speculated that this man had considerable influence—not only was he connected to the royal family, but he also had ties to the largest chain restaurant in the country, Fairywood Restaurant.

Ouyang Qingcheng hinted, "As for my Xiaojiu?"

The Grand Elder hurriedly said, "Please rest assured, Mr. Long. The academy will issue a public notice to clarify that Xie Changqi's departure is not directly related to Yuanjiu…" The elder felt a little bit awkward.

Ouyang Qingcheng nodded in satisfaction. "That's good."

In the end, Ouyang Qingcheng personally made a large donation to the academy before taking Yuanjiu and leaving.

The next day, the three elders received a secret imperial edict, which essentially stated: Yuanjiu's innovative ideas were commendable.

If scholars could understand them, it would be progress in history and a blessing for the empire.

Additionally, the court donated a new library to the academy and replenishing it with a large number of books.

At this point, the three elders began to strangely feel relieved that Yuanjiu had made Xie Changqi leave.

Although the public notice had been issued, the students who knew a little about the situation didn't believe it, and rumors spread quickly.

Yuanjiu, after the assessment competition, had once again become the center of attention.

Some praised her for driving away the stubborn old man, others called her a little demon who, despite being a student of the College of Swordsmanship, insisted on causing trouble in the College of Magic.

Some even said she had no respect for teachers and was so unruly at such a young age, daring to confront a teacher head-on.

There were both praises and criticisms.

Ouyang Yuanyi and the others expressed their deep sympathy.

As for the person involved, she remained unfazed and only thinking about her upcoming day off.

...

Ouyang Qingcheng gazed silently at Yuanjiu, his expression conflicted.

Yuanjiu looked at him with some fear. "Father, what are you trying to say?" Her father, always composed and in control, seemed troubled—a look she had never seen before.

Ouyang Qingcheng turned his gaze to the dark window, his voice calm but heavy. "Father wants to tell you... I, too, am a transmigrant."

What?

Yuanjiu opened her mouth in shock, but no sound came out.

She suddenly woke up, realizing it was all a dream. Outside, the night was deep and the world silent in darkness.

Phew, that dream was downright bizarre.

Dreams are born from daily thoughts, she reasoned. It must have been because she missed her father too much during the day. Yuanjiu absentmindedly rubbed the bond ring on her finger, and immediately, Ouyang Qingcheng's voice came through: "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Yuanjiu froze for a moment before realizing she had accidentally summoned him.

"Hehe, Father, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

"As long as you're fine. Go to bed early, darling. You have class tomorrow."

"Mm, goodnight, Father."

Before she could hear him say goodnight, Ouyang Qingcheng ended the connection. Yuanjiu paused briefly but didn't dwell on it. She soon drifted back into sleep.

Meanwhile, the Flying Dragon Palace was far from tranquil. Deep in the night, when most would be sound asleep, the palace was unusually lit. Ouyang Qingcheng, dressed in pure white nightwear, stood by the dragon bed, his expression dark as he stared at the shadow reclining casually on a sofa—Yuanjiu's sofa, to be exact.

In the dim light, the shadow's face was obscured, but his lips curled slightly, somewhere between mockery and sincerity.

"Why did you cut the connection so quickly? I hadn't even had a chance to exchange a few words with my yet-to-be-officially-met son," the man said.

It was none other than Cheng, who had been missing for days.

Ouyang Qingcheng's gaze remained icy. "I've already sent my treasure away. If you have no intention of doing anything, then get out of my palace."

Cheng chuckled lowly. "Oh my, do... something...?" He deliberately drew out the words, his tone dripping with teasing insinuation. "Are you that impatient?"

Hearing his own voice say something so shameless made Ouyang Qingcheng laugh in anger. He raised a hand, gathering a ball of golden energy.

The shadow quickly exclaimed, "That's the treasure's favorite sofa!"

Ouyang Qingcheng's expression shifted slightly, and he dispelled the energy ball in his hand.

"If you dare to continue challenging my authority, I wouldn't mind gifting my treasure a brand-new sofa."

"I know you're upset that I made you send Yuanjiu away, but it's only for a while, not forever. Besides, it's just two years—shouldn't be that hard for someone like you, right?" Cheng coughed lightly, sitting upright. "Honestly, you're acting like I deliberately forced you to send her away."

Ouyang Qingcheng was about to speak, but Cheng cut him off, deliberately blocking his words.

"Let's find a sealed room first."

He spoke with an air of seriousness, as if it were an urgent matter. If Ouyang Qingcheng had been an ordinary person, he would have been left speechless. But this was none other than the Emperor of Fengran. Unperturbed, Ouyang Qingcheng merely cast him a calm, authoritative glance, folded his hands behind his back, and headed toward the secret room Yuanjiu used for training. Even his tall, straight silhouette radiated imperial majesty, making it impossible for anyone to defy him.

The secret room's concealed door was hidden by a barrier, appearing as nothing more than a regular wall.