A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Just then, they finally saw the astonishing scene before them!

The petite and lovely Nian Nian was glaring angrily at Pei Huai Ren opposite her, her eyebrows raised in anger.

Pei Huai-ren, who was usually so elegant, was now half-bent over, one hand covering his groin, his face contorted with pain.

Everyone present was stunned by the sudden scene. They stared at each other, speechless, completely at a loss for how to deal with the situation.

An eerie silence fell over the entire scene, as if time itself had frozen.

After a long while, one of the slightly bolder eunuchs in the crowd finally snapped out of his daze.

He swallowed hard, then took a small, hesitant step forward, his trembling legs like willow branches swaying in the wind.

Then, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, before cautiously asking Pei Huai-ren in a voice softer than a mosquito's buzz:

"Your Highness...you're alright, aren't you alright?"

Upon hearing the young eunuch's question, Pei Huai-ren slowly raised his head and waved his hand at him.

At the same time, he forced a bitter smile and said in a forced, relaxed manner:

"It's alright, I was just playing a little joke on Niannian, there's no need to make a fuss."

However, despite his nonchalant tone, the large beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed the excruciating pain he was enduring.

pain! It hurts so much!

On the other hand, Nian Nian clearly scoffed at Pei Huai Ren's explanation.

She curled her lip in disdain, not bothering to look at this hypocrite any longer;

He turned around and strode forward, leaving everyone with only a stubborn and resolute back view.

Suddenly, a cry of alarm came from behind: "Oh no! The Crown Prince has fainted!"

"Quickly...quickly summon the imperial physician!!!"

Niannian secretly turned her head and glanced over; she saw eunuchs and palace maids surrounding Pei Huai Ren, supporting him with their hands and feet.

She snorted coldly, "Hmph! Serves you right!"

"Dang Dang Dang~"

The school bell rang from ahead, gradually reaching her ears.

Oh no! I'm late... Master Zhang is starting class!

Immediately, Niannian strode off toward the study.

Niannian's heart raced instantly. She knew how strict Zhang Taifu was and what being late meant.

She lifted the hem of her silk skirt and quickened her pace, like a light swallow darting through the winding palace corridors.

"Princess Niannian, wait a moment!" A palace maid hurriedly caught up, carrying Niannian's book bag in her hands, clearly having picked it up for her in the chaos.

"Thank you!"

Niannian took the schoolbag and continued running without looking back. She had only one thought in her mind: she couldn't be late!

Her footsteps echoed rapidly on the stone pavement, mingling with the distant chimes of bells to create a tense prelude.

The flowers in the garden seemed to be cheering her on, swaying gracefully as she ran.

Finally, after a short run, panting, Niannian arrived at the solemn and dignified door of the Imperial Study.

She rested her hands on her knees, panting heavily, her chest heaving violently like a bellows.

After a while, Niannian straightened up and tried to regulate her disordered breathing.

She raised her hand and gently smoothed her hair, which was slightly messy from running. She then carefully tidied her pale yellow dress, smoothing out all the wrinkles.

After ensuring that her demeanor was dignified and proper, she carefully extended her right hand and slowly pushed open the heavy wooden door.

With a soft creak, the scene inside the room came into view.

Inside the spacious and bright room, rows of neat tables and chairs were arranged, and eight or nine students were sitting upright in their respective places.

They listened attentively to the lecture given by Zhang Taifu, a scholar in a dark blue robe.

At this moment, Grand Tutor Zhang stood tall and straight in front of the podium with his hands behind his back. His piercing eyes were like two torches, sharply scanning every student below.

When his gaze inadvertently fell on Niannian, who had just entered the room, she felt her heart suddenly clench, as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and instantly stopped beating.

A wave of tension and fear washed over her, causing her to involuntarily lower her head, unable to meet Zhang Taifu's gaze.

"Niannian, you're late." Grand Tutor Zhang's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority and calmness, clearly echoing in the quiet study.

Upon hearing this, Niannian felt even more uneasy.

She bit her lip, mustered her courage, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Grand Tutor Zhang.

Then, with her head bowed, she extended her fair hand and said in a barely audible voice, "This student knows her mistake and begs for punishment from the Grand Tutor."

Oh no, it looks like I can't escape the slapstick this time!

Grand Tutor Zhang narrowed his eyes slightly and looked the obedient little girl who had admitted her mistake up and down.

Although he appeared serious on the surface, a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness flickered deep in his eyes.

To be honest, Niannian is actually very clever and intelligent, and she does her homework very well.

However, he has a somewhat careless personality and is often careless in his work. This is not the first time he has been late like today.

For this reason, Grand Tutor Zhang always showed her more tolerance and care.

Otherwise, given his consistently rigorous teaching style, if it were any other student making such repeated mistakes, they would probably have been severely punished long ago.

After a moment of silence, Grand Tutor Zhang said slowly:

"Since you've admitted your mistake, we'll let it go this time. Please take your seats quickly. This is a one-time exception; if it happens again, we won't let you off so easily!"

!!!

No more hitting the palm?

Upon hearing this, Niannian finally felt relieved.

She glanced gratefully at Grand Tutor Zhang and replied softly, "Thank you, Grand Tutor."

She then turned and quickly walked to her seat, sitting down as if granted a pardon. She opened her bag, took out her books, and began to listen attentively to the lesson.

Outside, Pei Huai-ren was carried away by eunuchs. The hustle and bustle of the palace seemed to be isolated from this place. Inside the study, only the sound of Grand Tutor Zhang lecturing and the sound of students writing could be heard.

"Hey!"

Just then, Pei Chang'an, who sat behind Niannian, poked her back with the end of his pen and muttered, "Niannian, why are you late again?"

"Shut up...we're in class!" Niannian said impatiently.

She was getting annoyed to death by Pei Chang'an. Ever since her brother Yun Jing told her that she was the one who fed him when he was in the Cold Palace, which saved Pei Chang'an from starving to death.

He kept bothering me every day...

Suddenly, Grand Tutor Zhang's sharp gaze fell upon him...