#you may ask whats zts up to? he's still stuck in minli

[shuuenka]

Of first meetings / Lian Bai Wei

AO3 LINK: https://archiveofourown.org/works/61707382/chapters/162186238

“Figured I’d find you there,” he heard Lian Bai Ai’s voice right after the comfortable silence inside the library got interrupted with the sound of steps on the creaky wooden floors. ‘’You know Academy has places to sit outside too. You need to get some sun, Wu Chun Tian.”

Wu Chun Tian looked up from the book he was engrossed in and blinked when the light late autumn sun hit his eyes. 

‘’But it’s windy,” he replied and motioned at the papers in front of him, indicating that it would be uncomfortable to keep catching paper so it doesn’t fly away from his hands. 

The 9th prince gave a short sigh and ventured deeper into the empty library floor. The little alcove with a desk was located on the second floor of the building. Wu Chun Tian liked this space the most, as the windows here allowed most sunlight during the day, which meant he could study for longer without straining his eyes under candle light. It also had a small balcony, which oversaw the lower part of the library - all people coming in and out were easily spotted from there.

‘’Your highness, what are you doing here?” he asked as he stretched. He heard his bones creaking after sitting in the same position for a long while. He stifled a yawn, and watched as the prince walked along the shelves.

‘’Oh, I was visiting my old teacher and I thought I might check up what my dear protegee was up to,” Lian Bai Ai replied as he leafed through a volume he picked up. ‘’Old musty volumes, nothing changed.”

‘’Did you study here?” Wu Chun Tian asked. He made sure to put a bookmark in the volume he was reading, and focused his attention on the prince. As far as he remembered, Lian Bai Ai never mentioned studying at the Academy. Sure, he praised the teachers here and many smart people coming out of the doors of the Academy and into the court, but didn’t mention his own school days.

‘’Unfortunately no,” he shrugged. “I had teachers come to the palace to mentor me and my siblings, and so it happens one of them later became director here. Anniversary of his appointment is coming soon, and I had a bit of time, so here I am.”

“Director Su was your teacher?”

“Springly old man, isn’t he? I’ve been scolded many times for my chicken-scratch like calligraphy.”

‘’It seems he managed to fix that chicken-scratch in the end,” he teased. 

‘’There’s no greater stress than writing a letter to your calligraphy teacher!” the 9th prince laughed, and put back the book on the shelf. “Nevertheless, after some struggles I do find the art of calligraphy quite relaxing in the end.” He looked down at him and smiled widely, “come along, let’s take a walk. No buts.”

Wu Chun Tian could only comply. 

They walked along the open corridors of the Academy. It was part of the whole Imperial College complex founded by the previous emperor for the benefit of the Great Huang. Courtyards with study halls and libraries were still bustling with some activity in the afternoon.

Many youths from all-over the empire had a dream to study here, and not without reason. The Academy collected great scholars to pass on their knowledge from many places in the world, earning a great reputation. Studying there almost guaranteed a success on the Imperial Examination and smooth sailing towards the career in the imperial court. 

It was so much different from the Academy in Port Fuzhou where Wu Chun Tian grew up. The academy there was much smaller and consequently, the teachers gathered there could not be compared to teachers from the Song capital, much less to the scholars from Chang’an. 

Since he was a child, he wished to attend a big academy and enter officialdom. Back then, he thought he might have a chance at getting into the academy in Song Capital if he studied hard, but due to his streak of wild luck and meeting Lian Bai Ai, here he was. In Chang’An. Being in this school felt marvelous and intoxicating. After almost a year and a half in Minli military camp, he finally felt that this was a place he was truly comfortable in. He could speak and debate with other scholars, sit in the library for hours and study on his own. He was really not built to be a soldier.

In his childhood he studied all classics, and many other books, thanks to the fact that his parents were very much educated people. However, no matter what, he still felt lacking. He needed to learn more. His father sure was right when he said that people learn all their lifetime, and he already learned some hard lessons. Since he was here, he would just absorb all the school was able to give him, be greedy and ask for more. He also realized that since he was under Lian Bai Ai’s wing, he needed to know more and enter the officialdom to truly be of help and to repay this immense favour he was given. 

‘’You missed the first academy examination, but the next one is around the corner,” Lian Bai Ai mused, as they walked across red painted wooden corridors. ‘’How do you think you will do?”

“I’ll get first rank,” he replied immediately. Lian Bai Ai gave out an amusing scoff.

‘’Oho! if you do so, you’ll be called a genius.”

“This doesn’t make sense, your highness. I’m not a genius,” he denied. ‘’It’s not like I learned to read yesterday.”

‘’Entering academy barely three months ago, and within a half a year gaining a first rank? It sounds quite a genius-like achievement to me,” the 9th prince continued, arms behind his back. 

He was in a good mood, Wu Chun Tian could see. He was always energetic, or at least played so, even if he was tired. But today his steps had a natural spring to them, and had a smile on his lips. The visit here to see his old teacher must’ve gone well. And as usual, Wu Chun Tian thought with an inward sigh, he was amused with him.

Nevermind. He gave the older man a smirk, and said, ‘’I can’t break my 1st rank streak, your highness, no matter the school.”

The prince laughed.

‘’Wonderful! I’ll be looking forward to the exam results then,” his eyes crinkled. ‘’It’s even better to see you in good spirits. I was worried since we got back from Minli, but it seems like the Academy is a really good place for you.”

He blinked, looking over at the prince. 

‘’Why were you worried? Because it’s the capital? I know how to behave and I don’t intend to pick up fights like in Minli camp. Endless hours in kitchens taught me a lot.”

“Oh you know, Chang’An is in itself a can of worms - that’s for sure. And for the record, I don’t trust you won’t pick up fights, just do so within reason,” Lian Bai Ai said and then looked at him. “You’ve been in a terrible mood since, ah, Yangxi Pass. Not without reason, I know, but it was not a good look.”

‘’Ah,” he looked away. Just remembering the Yangxi Pass battle and aftermath made his face sour a bit. Then he took a breath to clear his head off, then looked at the prince. He already made his resolutions firm and this was a thing of the past. ‘’No matter. I like studying here. I will get the ranks and then succeed at the imperial examination.”

‘’That’s quite a goal. Our Huang Empire could use such an ambitious youth,” a new voice interrupted from behind.

Wu Chun Tian looked back, his brews raised at the sudden appearance of a man he didn’t know. It seemed he caught the end of their conversation and was walking towards them with confident but graceful steps. His green robes fluttered on the wind as he moved, and soon enough, the tall man stood before them, a folded fan resting in his hands. His gaze swept bfrom Wu Chun Tian to Lian Bai Ai and small smile played on his lips, but how sincere it was, it was up to anyone’s imagination. 

‘’Brother,” Lian Bai Ai spoke first, turning to fully face him. He performed a courtesy bow, and straightened his back. ‘’I didn’t know you were there.”

Ah, Wu Chun Tian realized. So this must be Lian Bai Wei, the 4th Prince of the Empire. He followed the suit and gave a bow. Now that he looked between the two, he could find some similarities in their features. All he knew about Lian Bai Wei was from the words of others, as he didn’t have a chance to meet him yet. Gentle and smart eldest nephew to the Emperor, who’s favour was the greatest honor one could hope for. Or, a man you should not associate yourself with, but one you should not offend - as per Liu Yan Bang’s huffed out advice. 

‘’It seems we had the same idea to visit Director Su,’’ Lian Bai Wei spoke and opened the folded fan. With elegant moves he began to fanning himself. ‘’Imperial Uncle also wished to come, but the court matters kept him. A pity. Nonetheless, congratulations are in order. Director Su has led this academy for 15 years, may he lead them 15 years more.”

While Lian Bai Ai confirmed his words, the 4th prince's gaze fell back on Wu Chun Tian. He stood quietly, a little behind Lian Bai Ai as per the custom. He met his gaze head on, belatedly realized that maybe it could be impolite, but then Lian Bai Wei looked at his younger brother, not paying him any mind.

‘’I hear you recommend somebody for our honored academy. Is it fair to assume it’s this bold young man?” he asked. His voice was laced with curiosity.  

‘’Indeed,” Lian Bai Ai confirmed and smiled. He motioned towards Wu Chun Tian and made a formal introduction. The 4th prince smiled kindly in reply as he received another bow from Wu Chun Tian. 

‘’How do you like the Academy so far? Is it everything you dreamed of?” Lian Bai Wei addressed him, for the first time since interrupting their walk.

‘’Very much so, it's a great place to study,” Wu Chun Tian agreed. 

‘’You’re from far away, aren’t you?” Lian Bai Wei asked. ‘’Quite a trip, I do command your tenacity.”

Wu Chun Tian only nodded and explained that he’s from the Song Kingdom across the sea. 

As per usual, folks in the capital quickly noted he wasn’t from this region due to his accent. At first it was a bit annoying, taking into the account that Chang’An was full of people from various places of the world - not just the Great Huang itself. But he figured it was something nobles and natives of Chang’An simply did to note their difference from the outsiders. 

‘’My dear brother sure has a knack of finding talents in most obscure places, I must admit,” Lian Bai Wei laughed and hid his face behind a fan. Golden accents reflected the afternoon sun. His scrutinizing gaze washed over Wu Chun Tian.

‘’Smart people can be found in many surprising places,’’ Lian Bai Ai quipped. 

‘’Indeed,” 4th prince agreed. ‘’Unpolished jade may one day give off the brightest shine, as they say. Well then, I will not interrupt your walk any further.”

“Not at all,’’ Lian Bai Ai waved his hand, in an exaggerated manner. ‘’Don’t let our idle chat keep you from meeting Director Su.”

They bid the 4th Prince farewell and watched as he strode across the courtyards.

What a snake, Wu Chun Tian thought.