The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Cen Jiexiao walked wearily to the table, one hand supporting her forehead while the other gently massaged her temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain. Life in the ancient world was truly more tiring than her eight years of toiling in the modern city. Back in the modern era, she was at least a resolute and efficient workplace elite, processing various reports and plans every day, dealing with various clients and superiors. While it was hard work, at least she didn't have to deal with the intrigues and schemes of the people.

But ever since she traveled to the Great Zhou Dynasty and became the daughter of the dean of Zhaoyin Academy, troubles have plagued her one after another, leaving her overwhelmed and unable to cope. It was as if she had fallen into a huge quagmire, unable to climb out no matter how hard she struggled. "Think about me, after all, I've been navigating the modern city for almost a decade. I've seen all sorts of ups and downs, experienced all sorts of bittersweet experiences. But how come in these ancient times, I'm sometimes just a fish on the chopping board, at the mercy of others?" Cen Jiexiao muttered to herself, her tone tinged with self-mockery and a hint of resignation.

She couldn't understand why she, an independent modern woman, had become so passive in ancient times? Could it really be that "times have changed, Auntie"? Cen Jiexiao smiled bitterly and shook her head, shaking off the messy thoughts in her mind. She stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the bright moonlight outside, her mind a thousand thoughts.

Recent events flashed before her eyes, making her feel increasingly like she had been caught in the vortex of a vast conspiracy, yet she knew nothing about the mastermind behind it. She was left running around like a headless fly. It all started when she was in Linkang Prefecture, where she stumbled upon members of a hidden assassin group. They were highly skilled in martial arts, ruthless, and deadly. If she hadn't reacted quickly, she would have been killed.

Later, her relationship with Princess Jue Ling finally improved, but she was framed and imprisoned in a water dungeon along with Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi, narrowly avoiding death. After finally escaping, she thought she could finally breathe a sigh of relief, but unexpectedly, on her way to safety, she encountered her uncle, Li Chongguang, who had recently departed for Chongzhou. However, Cen Jiexiao never imagined that this usually taciturn uncle would actually kill her!

If Xia Chenghao hadn't arrived just in time, she'd probably be a skeleton by now. "Uncle... why are you doing this? Is it because I stole the position of academy dean? That shouldn't be the case. Uncle's current position and power are far greater than that of an ordinary academy dean." Cen Jiexiao muttered to herself, the image of Li Chongguang's sinister and vicious face surfacing in her mind, and she was filled with confusion and bewilderment.

She couldn't figure out when she had offended Li Chongguang, causing him to murder her. Clearly, in the original owner's memories, Li Chongguang had always been devoted to her, his niece. Even after her father's death, he had repeatedly offered to take her to live in his mansion, but she had refused, citing the need to protect the academy her father had left behind. Could it be that it was her refusal that had fueled Li Chongguang's hatred and ultimately led him to murder her?

"No, we can't just sit there and wait for death!" Cen Jiexiao clenched her fists, a glint of determination flashing in her eyes. Now that the previous acting was almost over, it was time to take the initiative!

First, there's Princess Jue Ling. The attack on her made Cen Jiexiao realize that simply maintaining a superficial peace and friendship wasn't enough. Those hiding in the shadows, attempting to sow discord between her and Jue Ling, wouldn't let it go easily.

She must take the initiative and nip these conspiracies in the bud to truly ensure her own safety. And establishing a stronger relationship of trust with Princess Jue Ling is the top priority.

Cen Jiexiao believed that only through deeper interactions could she win Princess Jue Ling's true friendship and trust.

And this trust will become one of her strongest shields, helping her resist all kinds of attacks from the dark.

At the same time, Cen Jiexiao was also keenly aware that the closer she got to Princess Jue Ling, the more likely she would lure out those hiding in the dark.

After all, those people who tried their best to destroy the relationship between her and Jue Ling would definitely not sit idly by and watch their relationship become closer and closer.

Thinking of this, Sister Cen had already made up her mind. She called Yu Lan, Xiao Zhi, and Lu Qingyun from the Qiming Group.

Cen Jiexiao planned to listen to their opinions and suggestions on this matter.

"Yu Lan, Xiao Zhi, Qing Yun, I called you here to discuss recent events." Sister Cen Xiao said straight to the point, "I suspect the attack on me wasn't just an accident. There might be a bigger conspiracy behind it."

The three people's expressions varied upon hearing this. Yu Lan's brows were furrowed, her eyes gleaming with worry; Xiao Zhi's face was filled with surprise, clearly shocked by Cen Jiexiao's words; Lu Qingyun appeared relatively calm, though his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were lost in thought.

Cen Jiexiao told the three of them in detail about her thoughts and plans regarding Princess Jue Ling, as well as her speculation about the mastermind behind the scenes.

"What do you think?" Cen Jiexiao glanced at the three of them and asked in a deep voice.

Yu Lan was the first to speak: "Dean, in my opinion, our top priority right now is to find out who is behind this! Only by catching the mastermind can we completely solve the problem! Therefore, we cannot let go of Princess Jue Ling."

Xiaozhi said with a worried look on his face, "Dean, should we find a safe place to hide first? Since those people dared to attack us, they must have a backup plan! Especially your protection is crucial."

Lu Qingyun pondered for a moment and said, "Teacher, I think the most urgent task is to conduct a thorough investigation of those who have come into contact with Princess Jue Ling. At the same time, the academy should regularly report their identities to rule out enemy spies or assassins approaching you! As for Dean Li and others in the dark, I suggest that we invite Princess Jue Ling to the academy with some legitimate reasons. If they want to take action, they will be hesitant."

Cen Jiexiao nodded, agreeing with Lu Qingyun. "Qingyun is right. My uncle's murderous intent is indeed strange. He's a high-ranking official, and he's my uncle. Even if I stole his position as dean, he wouldn't have killed me, right? There must be something else going on here that we don't know about!" Cen Jiexiao analyzed, her brow furrowed.

"Dean, could it be..." Yu Lan hesitated to speak, as if she wanted to say something but didn't dare to say it out loud.

"Yu Lan, just say whatever you want to say. There are no outsiders here." Cen Jiexiao said.

"Yes, Dean." Yu Lan took a deep breath and said, "Miss, I suspect this matter may be related to... the Queen Mother?"

"Empress Dowager?" Cen Jiexiao was stunned for a moment, then realized that if they wanted to get rid of me, the Empress Dowager would definitely be the first one.

"What Yu Lan said makes sense. After all, my uncle's sister is Li Shang Gong, the confidant of the Queen Mother." Cen Jiexiao said with a sigh.

Yu Lan nodded and said, "Dean, Li Chongguang has always been on the Empress Dowager's side, but since the Emperor gradually came to power, he has become low-key. He even said everywhere that he didn't want to participate in the court struggles and just wanted to lead the academy and educate students well. But after losing to you in the competition, he disappeared for a while. After that, he was suddenly appointed by the court as a powerful official of the important military town of Sanzhou. It's hard to imagine that he lost to you, but he might have retreated to advance."

Cen Jiexiao pondered for a moment and felt that Yu Lan's analysis made sense. As the empress dowager's confidant, it was natural for Li Chongguang to eliminate those who were detrimental to the empress dowager's power.