C17 Beautiful Man

"Ruxuan, thank you for stepping aside for your sister. I, Xueyao, am grateful," said Feng Xueyao, gripping Xie Ruxuan's arm tightly.

The onlookers, hearing this, began to calm down, realizing it was just a matter of stepping aside. Feng Tiange's actions seemed a bit aggressive in comparison.

Feng Tiange didn't bother to explain, instead giving Feng Xueyao a cold look. "Do I have to get past my sister before I'm qualified to apply to the Imperial Academy?"

"What are you saying, sister? I'm just a candidate; I don't have that kind of authority. However, applying to the Imperial Academy requires a recommendation letter. I already used the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion's quota yesterday, so you might have come here for nothing today."

If Xie Ruxuan's earlier actions were just for show, then Feng Xueyao's words put Feng Tiange in a tough spot. If you could apply without a recommendation letter, what would be the point of the Academy's rules?

Seeing the people around, especially the students from humble backgrounds, looking displeased, Feng Tiange didn't rush to argue. "How did you know you used the spot that should have been mine?"

Feng Xueyao's face turned slightly pale. "That was Grandmother's decision."

"Grandmother may be confused, but must you follow suit? The quota granted by the court shouldn't be casually transferred or sold. Even if the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion's spot is unused, it shouldn't fall to you. Just because Father allows Uncle and your family to stay at the mansion doesn't mean you belong to it."

"Of course, since Grandma gave you the spot, I won't pursue it. Today, I'm here to register with the spot from my Royal Grandma." Tiange approached Xueyao and Ruxuan with a calm yet commanding presence. "Any questions?"

Just then, someone in the crowd shouted, "The instructor is here!"

Everyone turned to see an official carriage stop outside the Imperial Academy. A guard stepped forward to lift the curtain, and a figure in white gracefully emerged.

Is it him? Tiange frowned as the crowd erupted in excitement.

"Prince Rong! It's really Prince Rong! The rumors are true; he's teaching at the Imperial Academy. I must get in!"

"The most handsome man in the world! If I could just speak to Prince Rong once in my life, it would be worth it!"

"Yes, yes! I wonder if Prince Rong is with the Martial Academy or the Wenn Mansion. Wherever he teaches, that's where I'm enrolling!"

Tiange noticed that the girls swooning over him were mostly from noble families, while the few girls from humble backgrounds stood calmly at a distance, earning her admiration.

The culture here is open, and the Imperial Academy accepts both men and women. However, today, there were more female students registering, with only a few male students present.

"Xueyao greets Prince Rong." Xueyao stepped forward gracefully, her voice as melodious as a songbird, her cheeks blushing slightly.

"You’re here!" Rong Qi ignored Feng Xueyao and walked straight to Feng Tiange, his face strikingly handsome, exuding an undeniable charm.

Feng Tiange instinctively turned around, confirming that Rong Qi was indeed speaking to her when she saw no one else behind her. Yet, she had no desire to respond—not in the slightest! Especially when she noticed the envious stares from the surrounding female students, she suspected Rong Qi was doing it on purpose.

In both her past and present lives, she had never had a good impression of this man. Aside from his looks, he was utterly useless.

"Prince Rong, I am here on behalf of the Empress Dowager to accompany Miss Tiange for her registration. We would appreciate your care," Nanny Sunn interjected, seeing Feng Tiange's reluctance to speak. Neither the Empress Dowager nor she needed to curry favor with Rong Qi, but for Feng Tiange's sake, Nanny Sunn was willing to bend a little.

"Nanny, I don’t need his help," Feng Tiange said, clearly displeased with Rong Qi. Every time she saw his perpetually carefree face, she felt an urge to kick him. As a prince of the weakest nation, Chu, Rong Qi showed no interest in doing anything meaningful for his country, instead living a life of indulgence without a hint of ambition.

"Nanny, you overstate it. But seeing Miss Tiange’s intelligence and bravery, she likely doesn’t need my help," Rong Qi replied with a smile. As the hall doors opened, he walked inside. "If you want to register, get in line and wait your turn!"

Feng Xueyao and Xie Ruxuan stood closest to the hall's entrance, naturally taking the lead. Feng Tiange positioned herself behind them, uninterested in vying for any recognition or status.

The others lined up in order until everyone was in place, and only then did the guards reopen the hall doors.

Inside, Rong Qi, dressed in flowing white, sat gracefully at the desk. As he looked toward the entrance, his gaze met Feng Xueyao's.

Seeing Rong Qi's smile, warm as a spring breeze, Feng Xueyao's cheeks flushed. She took Xie Ruxuan's hand and prepared to enter.