What Bad Intentions can the Yandere Crown Prince have?-Chapter 370 - 366: Teacher and Student Once

White walls and black tiles, with a few stalks of green bamboo.

Standing in front of the house was a young girl in a green skirt.

Due to the angle, her face wasn’t visible, but her figure was graceful, reminiscent of a slender willow dancing in the wind.

This was a back view that Tang Xiaobai had seen here before.

But last time, it was just a hurried glance, and he didn’t recognize it or give it much thought.

This time, however, he recognized it.

"Student Gu Yulan requests an audience with the teacher," the girl said gently at the door.

Tang Xiaobai frowned and strode over.

Before she could reach the door, it opened.

The one who opened the door was Mr. Zhang’s scholar’s attendant, Qing Zhu.

Qing Zhu first saw Gu Yulan and was about to speak when he noticed Tang Xiaobai, seemed momentarily flustered, blinked, and bowed towards Tang Xiaobai: "Second Miss Tang!"

His voice was slightly louder than usual, as if reminding someone.

Gu Yulan swiftly turned around to look at her, a flash of panic crossed her face, leaving only vigilance.

Who knows why, such a fine young lady harbors such malice towards the world.

Tang Xiaobai mused to herself, stepping forward she said, "I’ve heard the teacher has returned from Xingzhou and have come to visit."

Last year, after Mr. Zhang returned to his hometown in Qizhou, he went with his grandfather to the earthquake-stricken Xingzhou, and just returned to the Capital City three days ago, still staying in the academy’s quarters.

Tang Xiaobai came to visit, not only to learn about the current situation in Xingzhou but also to ask about the situation of Tang Ziqian, who also went to the disaster area.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Gu Yulan here.

After Qing Zhu went inside to report, Tang Xiaobai smiled at Gu Yulan: "What a coincidence, Cousin Yulan also came to visit the teacher?" She clicked her tongue and added, "Cousin Yulan has been diligent in her studies since she was little. She’s about to become Consort Jin and still takes the time to consult the teacher. It’s truly admirable!"

On March 16, the second daughter of the third branch of the Gu Family, Gu Yulan, was conferred as Consort Jin.

It was quite sudden.

Not only was Duke Yan Mansion unaware, but even several other branches of the Gu Family were also puzzled.

Previously, Gu Yulan was often seen circling around the Heir of Prince Su. No one knew when she got involved with Li Shu.

Gu Yulan twitched her lips.

The position of Consort Jin was already a social climb for her, but in front of the prospective Crown Princess Consort, she couldn’t hold her head up.

"Are you also here to consult the teacher, Cousin Tang?" she asked softly, "Considering Cousin Tang’s wedding is imminent and she still makes time to see the teacher amidst her busy schedule, it shows her great respect for the teacher, something I, Yulan, dare not aspire to."

Tang Xiaobai raised her eyebrows and laughed, "The Ministry of Rites is organizing my wedding, I don’t have much to deal with myself—"

Gu Yulan’s expression stiffened.

Tang Xiaobai’s smile grew even brighter.

Jealous, aren’t you?

Good, be jealous!

Just then, Zhang Yin walked out and greeted, "The Crown Prince cares about the teacher but is unable to leave for a while, so he asked me to send his regards."

Zhang Yin returned the courtesy: "I wouldn’t dare," then looked at Gu Yulan, "May I know what brings Miss Gu here?"

His gaze was clear, like the bright sky.

Gu Yulan restrained her smile, coldly said, "I heard the teacher returned from Xingzhou and came to visit specially."

She recited Tang Xiaobai’s words, not bothering to hide her perfunctory attitude.

Zhang Yin smiled slightly: "The disaster situation in Xingzhou has somewhat alleviated. Miss Gu’s concern is appreciated."

Gu Yulan didn’t say anything else, gave a hurried bow, and took her leave.

Tang Xiaobai watched her departing figure, murmuring, "Cousin Gu is diligent and studious, the teacher must appreciate her talent, right?"

Last time she visited Mr. Zhang, he should have just had a private meeting with Gu Yulan.

Zhang Yin did not evade the question, nodding: "It’s a pity..." his tone carried regret.

Although he initially taught at the Gu Family’s school due to the Crown Prince, how could he be indifferent upon seeing a promising student?

When he first met them, they were all but children to him.

Even if some were ambitious, as a teacher, all he thought of was teaching without discrimination, striving to guide his students on the right path.

It’s a pity...

"Having been a teacher and student," he chuckled wryly, shaking his head, "by now, our fate is considered over."

He looked up, meeting Tang Xiaobai’s gaze, smiled gently: "Rest assured, Crown Princess Consort."

Tang Xiaobai smiled sheepishly.

She was indeed a bit anxious.

Even if Gu Yulan wasn’t Consort Jin, this person seemed to have a certain wicked charm.

Now, among those the little ancestor is arranging into the Imperial College, Zhang Yin is the most renowned; getting involved with Gu Yulan is nothing good.

Fortunately, Mr. Zhang was a perceptive person, so there was nothing to worry about. Letting this matter go, she stated her purpose: "I wonder about the current situation in Xingzhou..."

...

The earthquake in Xingzhou... Tang Xiaobai couldn’t estimate its magnitude, but the casualties rivaled those of other major earthquakes she knew.

And to have Mr. Zhang come out of retirement, indeed, they didn’t find the wrong person.

Upon receiving the imperial edict, Mr. Zhang sold his possessions and led all the young men of his clan north to provide disaster relief.

Along the way, they gave food and grain to disaster victims, helping all the way until arriving in Xingzhou with nothing left but the clothes on their backs.

Once in office, he calmed the people, stabilized grain prices, and had his descendants participate in post-disaster reconstruction personally.

His compassionate heart and ability to bring peace and relief to the people were evident.

"... Before Zhang left for the Capital City this time, my grandfather particularly instructed that he doesn’t want to leave until the people of Xingzhou are well-fed and clothed," Zhang Yin said, his eyes slightly red by the end.

Tang Xiaobai lowered her head to wipe her tears, and said, "The Crown Prince indeed wishes to summon Mr. Zhang back to the Capital City, fearing the old gentleman might be too exhausted."

"Though my grandfather is old, he’s not someone we young ones can persuade,"

Tang Xiaobai nodded: "I’ll relay this to the Crown Prince," then looked up to see Zhang Yin also much thinner, and sighed, "The teacher has also worked hard."

Zhang Yin smiled and shook his head: "It doesn’t count as hard work," suddenly recalling something, he smiled broader and added, "Come to think of it, General Tang indeed labored hard, leading disaster relief, reconstruction, and thief suppression, personally leading several risky missions—"

"Risky?" Tang Xiaobai gasped, "Was he injured?"

"Injured several times, but nothing severe," seeing Tang Xiaobai’s worry didn’t lessen, Zhang Yin smiled, "Calculating, General Tang should also be returning to the Capital City in these few days, you’ll see for yourself then, Second Miss."

...

Tang Ziqian was indeed returning to the Capital City.

First, the situation in Xingzhou stabilized, secondly, Tang Xiaobai’s wedding is in April, and also, Gu Ning’s due date is between April and May.

So Tang Ziqian was bound to return to the Capital City by the end of March at the latest.

The final arrival date in the Capital City was March 25.

On this day, both Tang Xiaobai and her sister went to meet him.

Originally, they were supposed to wait at the city gate, but the Eldest Miss’s horse was restless, its hooves clattered as it moved more than a mile away from the gate.

Tao Fen, who had come to meet him outside the city, couldn’t help but laugh, "It’s still early, why not go a bit further?"

Tang Jiaojiao glared at him, then —

actually continued walking forward.

Tang Xiaobai laughed as she followed, her peripheral vision catching sight of Tao Fen swaying leisurely on his horse, seemingly very relaxed, so she teased, "Brother Tao seems in quite a good mood today?"

"Oh? Is that so? Hahaha..." Tao Fen laughed heartily, looking quite genuinely pleased.

Is there something to be happy about?

Tang Xiaobai thought for a moment, and indeed remembered something: "Has Brother Tao set the date with Miss Zhong yet?"

They had agreed to marry after the imperial exams, with Cheng Zi soon to be wed, yet there was no news at all regarding Tao Fen?

Hearing her ask, Tao Fen rubbed his nose and said, "Uh... the wedding... is canceled—"