...

After securing a position in the palace, Xu Zhen found herself on New Year's Eve in Chang'an. The city was alive with the sound of firecrackers echoing off its red walls and grey tiles from morning, making it impossible for anyone to sleep in.

Feeling tired, Xu Zhen got up, washed her face, and sat at her desk to think about strategies and alliances. As she started writing, her mind wandered back to the little beggar.

The little beggar was so clingy. Even when she was just going out for some work, she insisted on sticking close to her. But it was reassuring in a way; it lessened the chances of losing her again.

If she managed to get lost this time, she would definitely scold her.

Feeling a sweet warmth in her heart, Xu Zhen continued writing on the rice paper. Suddenly, she thought about the Imperial Academy.

Now that they were in the Imperial Academy, with her teaching experience and the little beggar's expertise in martial arts, it seemed feasible to start a small academy if they decided to retire. The little beggar's skills were honed through real battles, and there was a rich heritage from the Xun family—a style of its own.

As Xu Zhen pondered, something felt off.

If many of the little beggar's skills were learned from the Xun family, wouldn't joining the Imperial Academy risk exposing her identity?

What if someone discovered it?

This little beggar certainly knew how to make people worry.

Xu Zhen, feeling a surge of alertness, tossed her pen aside and sat on a low stool, contemplating life.

Xun Qianchun returned with pepper and cypress wine, glanced at Xu Zhen, and then went to the kitchen to fetch cups, pouring two glasses and offering one to Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen refused, "During the selection, did you use Xun family martial arts?"

Xun Qianchun nodded honestly, "Yes."

Xu Zhen was startled, "What do you mean yes?! Aren't you afraid of being exposed?!"

Xun Qianchun said, "I'm not afraid."

Xu Zhen, frustrated, tapped her head with the pen, "You silly thing! If you're discovered, my plans will be messed up!"

Xun Qianchun asked, "What plans?"

Xu Zhen said, "I'm not telling you."

Xun Qianchun walked over, embracing Xu Zhen and playfully kissing her ear. Xu Zhen pushed her away, feeling weak, "You, you won't get any info out of me..."

Xun Qianchun chuckled softly, "Teacher, I'm not trying to find out. I just want to be close to you."

Xu Zhen pushed her head away, teasing, "I haven't fully recovered from my last injury."

Xun Qianchun whispered, "Let me see."

Xu Zhen blushed, unsure whether to allow it or not. Eventually, she was helplessly dragged into the bed, spending New Year's Eve amidst the lively sound of firecrackers outside.

This was probably the most chaotic New Year's Eve Xu Zhen had ever experienced. She didn't eat and ended up covered in red marks from being nibbled, utterly exhausted.

The next morning, Xu Zhen wrapped herself in clothes and crawled over to her desk. She saw the wine in the cup was still unfinished and lifted it to take a sip.

Xun Qianchun also awoke.

She propped herself up on the bed, watching Xu Zhen.

Outside, the sound of vendors selling food began, "Pancakes for sale—"