So It Was You

Time always flew by so fast.

As the weather grew colder, the students of Guangwen Hall began preparing for the end-of-month examination.

Boys prepared to enter officialdom. Girls showcased their talents to increase their marriage prospects or catch the eye of a suitable match.

This was a must for noble families. Even spoiled girls like Feng Anning started working hard. Ye Amy and Ye Cindy didn't need to be told twice.

Especially Ye Amy, who spent her days playing the zither and reciting poetry in the East Courtyard, hoping to shine once again.

Ye Amy and Ye Cindy were both fifteen. By the rules, it was time to start looking for matches. In Mingqi, girls married at sixteen, but engagements could start at fifteen.

The delay was due to their high standards. Ordinary matches weren't good enough, and aiming too high might seem presumptuous.

Both households had set their sights on Prince Ding.

Among the nine sons of the late king, only the ninth son, Prince Ding, remained unmarried.

At just over twenty, he was of marrying age. Yet, for various reasons, the position of empress remained vacant.

Like a juicy prize, Prince Ding would personally oversee the examinations. Many girls were determined to impress him, hoping he'd fall for them at first sight.

But Ye Lily had no such thoughts.

Even in this life, she remained clueless about romance.

She couldn't write poetry or dance. Standing on stage discussing politics wasn't an option either. Besides, she wanted nothing to do with Prince Ding.

In her past life, Prince Ding used her family, harmed her children, and slaughtered her clan. That debt would be repaid. How could she marry someone she considered an enemy?

Feng Anning asked her, "Why aren't you studying? The end of the month is near. If you fail again, people will laugh at you."

After nearly drowning, Ye Lily seemed quieter. Feng Anning thought she had matured, but now it seemed she was as foolish as ever.

Ye Lily replied, "I don't understand anyway. Why waste time?"

Hearing this, Yi Peilan burst out laughing and sneered, "Useless mud can't be shaped."

Ye Amy and Ye Cindy pretended not to hear. They didn't help Lily.

Since Lily stopped trying to please them, they felt annoyed and hoped she'd embarrass herself.

Ignoring Yi Peilan's words, Ye Lily stood up and said, "I'm going for a walk in the garden."

After she left, Yi Peilan smirked, "She ran away because she had nothing to say. What a coward."

"Are you done talking?" Feng Anning frowned, "Are your studies so perfect?"

Feng Anning commanded respect among her peers and was spoiled at home. Yi Peilan didn't want to offend her and fell silent.

Meanwhile, Ye Lily strolled through the garden.

Guangwen Hall was an elegant place.

The garden had lush bamboo groves, ponds, and rockeries. Walking in, one could smell the fragrant flowers, making the heart feel light.

She just wanted some peace. Most of her classmates were young and fiery.

But in her past life, she had already been a mother. As empress, she mostly stayed in her palace, receiving greetings from concubines. Used to solitude, she found dealing with mockery exhausting.

It didn't matter to her.

Walking along, she saw a snow-white, chubby ball ahead.

A little dumpling in an ivory robe stood under the bamboo.

The robe should have looked beautiful, but his round figure made it look deformed. His little tuft of hair made him look funny and adorable.

"Su Minglang," she softly called.

The dumpling turned around quickly. Seeing Ye Lily, his eyes lit up with joy. He seemed about to run to her but hesitated and stood still, looking at her silently.

This child looked like a four or five-year-old. Ye Lily sighed. Did he mistake her for his mother?

Su Minglang looked at Ye Lily, lips pressed together. He seemed about to say something but didn't. Then his eyes watered, and he whispered, "Sorry..."

Sorry? Ye Lily was startled. She saw the dumpling's mouth quiver, looking like he was about to cry.

The next second, a lazy voice rang out.

"So it was you."