"First bow, to Heaven and Earth."

"Second bow, to the parents."

"Third bow, to each other."

Dressed in a green Official Robe and an Official’s Hat, Li Huai’gu smiled as he and the red-veiled Yun Xiang respectfully completed the three ceremonial bows.

Then, they were escorted by a group of ceremonial matrons and maids to the "bridal chamber."

There, more rituals awaited them, such as lifting the veil, sharing the nuptial cup, and the hair-tying ceremony—ceremonies not for the eyes of the guests.

Chen Yi and Xiaodie stood just outside the main hall, watching them depart with a touch of emotion.

After all, he had played a part in helping Li Huai’gu and Yun Xiang get married.

’Lovers have finally become family. I hope they grow old together.’

But if they didn’t last a lifetime, he wasn’t taking the blame for it.

Chen Yi glanced around and saw the three "parents" in the hall chatting and laughing. His respect for Li Huai’gu’s character grew.

It might have seemed like Yang Ye was alone against Father Li and Mrs. Li, but at that moment, no one dared to look down on the old man, nor did anyone dare to gossip about Yun Xiang’s family background.

’Li Huai’gu must have gone to great lengths for Yang Ye to accept Yun Xiang as his goddaughter.’

While Chen Yi was lost in thought, Xiaodie, beside him, was already a weeping mess, tears streaming down her face.

Thankfully, she never wore makeup and always had a plain face, so she was spared the embarrassment of her cosmetics running and smearing.

"Young Master, the Third Place Scholar and Miss Yun Xiang... they’ve finally made it... This is wonderful."

Xiaodie said this, half-crying and half-smiling. The memory of their farewell that day surfaced in her mind, making today’s wedding banquet seem all the more precious.

Chen Yi looked at her with amusement and took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "It’s a joyous day. This is no time for crying."

Xiaodie quickly stopped, wrinkling her nose and sniffling. "Young Master, I-I’m just happy..."

Chen Yi understood how she felt, so after that gentle reminder, he let her be.

However, some people nearby couldn’t stand the sight. Someone muttered that a maid was being such a spoilsport and was truly clueless.

Someone else pointed out that he was the "live-in son-in-law of the Xiao Family," prompting a few people who still remembered the previous incident to chime in, "The one who ’tried to forcibly take Miss Yun Xiang.’"

Instantly, murmurs and pointing fingers filled the hall.

Chen Yi naturally heard all this. Seeing that it was a few scholars in long robes, his smile faded slightly.

But after a moment’s thought, he decided not to bother with explanations. He signaled to Xiaodie, ready to leave the main hall and find a quieter spot.

Just then, a stern voice rang out in the hall. "Xin Nian, Gui Yun, do you two have any idea what you are saying?"

The voice was familiar. Chen Yi looked over and couldn’t help but smile.

He saw Mr. Yue Ming of Guiyun Academy walking in from a side hall. He must have heard the students’ gossip, as his expression was very serious.

The two students he had called out instantly paled. They scrambled to their feet and bowed. "Our apologies, sir. We... we..."

Before they could finish, Mr. Yue Ming cut them off with a wave of his hand. "This old man has no desire to hear your excuses. Go apologize to Qingzhou!"

"But..."

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

The two students quickly shook their heads. Pale as ghosts, they came to Chen Yi’s side, bowed deeply, and said, "Our apologies, Brother Qingzhou. We misspoke just now. We hope you can forgive us."

Chen Yi looked at them, then turned to Mr. Yue Ming with a smile. "Your kind intentions are giving this student a headache, sir."

If he had just left with Xiaodie, it would have merely been idle gossip.

But now, with Mr. Yue Ming stepping in on his behalf, he had become the center of everyone’s attention.

Hearing this, Mr. Yue Ming replied with a solemn expression, "As students of Guiyun Academy, it’s acceptable to be lacking in academic talent, but not in character."

"Speaking ill of others behind their backs is the first mistake. Lacking the ability to distinguish right from wrong is the second. If you continue to make these mistakes, the fault will not be yours alone—I, as an instructor of the Academy, will also be at fault!"

These words frightened the two students even more than before.

If not for the inappropriate setting, they probably would have dropped to their knees to beg Mr. Yue Ming for forgiveness.

Even so, they stood before Chen Yi, bowing repeatedly and pleading for his forgiveness.

Otherwise, they would likely find it hard to hold their heads up among the scholars of Shu State ever again.

Seeing Mr. Yue Ming take such a hard line, Chen Yi’s headache only worsened.

’Forgiving them feels a bit disingenuous.’

’But not forgiving them would make me seem petty.’

After a moment’s thought, Chen Yi patted the shoulder of a bewildered Xiaodie, who didn’t quite grasp what was happening.

"Your Young Master has a dilemma now. These two were insolent earlier. Tell me, should I forgive them?"

Xiaodie froze for a second, glanced around, and then said with a serious tone after some thought:

"Young Master, you once said, ’There is no greater good than to know your mistakes and correct them.’ But wrongdoing must be punished. How about... we have them copy the academy’s precepts one thousand times?"

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then looked at the two students. "You heard her. I’ll forgive you after you’ve finished copying the precepts of Guiyun Academy."

’Leave it to Xiaodie. The punishment is neither too harsh nor too light—it’s just right.’

Who would have thought that upon hearing this, the two students would hesitate, their faces turning deathly pale? They exchanged glances before gritting their teeth and nodding.

"Thank you for your forgiveness, Brother Qingzhou! We are willing!"

After speaking, they turned back to Mr. Yue Ming. "Please forgive us, Instructor!"

Mr. Yue Ming grunted in acknowledgment, a strange look on his face. "Today is Fang Gui’s happy occasion, so let it be. Return to the academy tomorrow to copy the precepts... one thousand times."

The little farce was finally settled.

But the other guests were all giving them extremely strange looks, glancing between Chen Yi and the maid beside him, Xiaodie, as if at a loss for words.

Chen Yi noticed this and wondered, ’Was the punishment too severe?’

It was only after he followed Mr. Yue Ming to a side hall that he finally understood.

"Guiyun Academy has a history of over a hundred years. After numerous revisions and additions by several generations of instructors, the precepts now number over two hundred."

Chen Yi couldn’t help but ask curiously, "How many words is that?"

Mr. Yue Ming smiled and shook his head. "Not many, not many. Just one thousand eight hundred words."

Chen Yi was struck speechless for a moment, then broke into a laugh. He glanced at Xiaodie, who was counting on her fingers, and thought, ’Well done.’

A thousand copies of the precepts meant over a million words.

Anyone who has practiced calligraphy with a brush knows how difficult that is.

He reckoned those two wouldn’t be out socializing anytime soon—not for a year or two, at least.

After a few more lighthearted words, Mr. Yue Ming’s expression turned serious. "Qingzhou, even without that incident just now, this old man planned to speak with you about something today."

Chen Yi nodded. "Please, go ahead, sir."

’It’s probably about the calligraphy copybook.’

Before, this might have been a headache for him, but after the recent interlude, he felt he owed Mr. Yue Ming a favor.

’A punishment of copying the precepts a thousand times... The scholars who learn of this will probably never dare to speak ill of me again.’

Then he heard Mr. Yue Ming say, "This old man would like to invite you, Qingzhou, to serve as an Instructor at the academy, specifically to teach the students calligraphy."

Chen Yi was stunned for a moment. "Sir, this student would not dare accept such an offer."

’A few copybooks weren’t enough; this old gentleman actually wants to tie me down at Guiyun Academy to teach writing.’

’Say what you will, scholars really do have sharp minds.’

’He’s playing his cards well.’

Mr. Yue Ming waved his hand. "Don’t be so quick to refuse. This old man has already sent a letter to your teacher. Why not wait for his reply before making a decision?"

Chen Yi gave a wry smile. "Sir, you didn’t have to contact my teacher, did you?"

In this era, a teacher was like a father. If Mr. Ju Yi, far away in Jinling, agreed, he, as the student, would be in a truly difficult position.

Mr. Yue Ming smiled and said, "Over the past few days, this old man has made some inquiries and learned that you are the Shopkeeper at the Xiao Family Medicine Hall."

"Even if I didn’t extend this invitation, I imagine Ju Yi would write to persuade you if he learned of your situation."

"Although teaching calligraphy at my academy is not a prestigious position, it is still better than being a Medicine Hall’s Shopkeeper."

"In the future, should your scholarship improve, you could strive for a fine career—far better than wasting half your life as a merchant."

"..."

Seeing his sincerity, Chen Yi simply gave a noncommittal answer for the time being, deciding to deal with it later.

’As the Shopkeeper at the Medicine Hall, I can study the Medical Dao, I call the shots, and I get ten days off a month.’

’Where would I find that kind of freedom at the academy?’

Seeing his reluctance, Mr. Yue Ming didn’t press further. His eyes swept over the gift box in Xiaodie’s hands and lit up. "Is your wedding gift for Fang Gui a calligraphy copybook?"

Before Chen Yi could respond, he held out his hand. "Let this old man have a look."

Half-exasperated and half-amused, Chen Yi had Xiaodie hand him the box. At least it changed the subject from the "Academy Instructor" position.

Mr. Yue Ming took it, carefully opened the box, and gently unrolled the scroll. Instantly, a warm, gentle glow emerged.

Each character radiated elegance: "I urge you not to treasure your robe of golden thread; I urge you instead to treasure your youthful days. When there are flowers to be picked, you must pick them straight away; do not wait until the branches are bare and break them in vain..."