"Heh heh, you flatter me, Tutor. I’m just a little clever." Ye Qianning felt a bit bashful from the praise.

"It’s more than just a little cleverness. The fact that Tutor Song was willing to call you ’Little Senior Sister’ proves you did something that truly won him over." Tutor Zhang had been thinking about it all night.

Tutor Song was such an arrogant man, yet he had suddenly gone into seclusion.

Yesterday, after seeing Tutor Song’s attitude toward the little girl and hearing what Qian Fanji had said, he had started to understand.

Ye Qianning knew she had caused another stir. News of yesterday’s events had probably reached the palace by now, and her answers on the exam paper must have spread, too.

"The Crown Prince’s monthly exam results were excellent. You probably don’t know yet, but he has been specially promoted to the intermediate students’ class. He’s in the same classroom as you now." Tutor Zhang had only learned this news after classes ended yesterday evening.

The Crown Prince was no ordinary person, and after yesterday morning’s turmoil, starting a feud would not be good.

Ye Qianning had already gotten the news yesterday.

"Is that so." Her expression was impassive.

"You two had a bit of a run-in yesterday. If you don’t resolve it, I’m afraid things will be awkward seeing each other in the same class every day."

"And what are you suggesting, Tutor?"

"Bury the hatchet."

"It makes no difference to me, but I’m worried the Crown Prince will hold a grudge and look for trouble." Ye Qianning smiled and added, "Anyway, if he tries to pick a fight, I won’t just let him have his way. I don’t start trouble, but I’m not afraid of it, either."

"You don’t have to worry about that. Tutor Song has already had a word with him. Now it all depends on you." Yesterday, Tutor Song and Tutor Zhang had spoken at length, worried that an incident like the bet might happen again.

"Whatever. As long as he doesn’t bother me." ’Besides, it’s Sang Zhi I care about, not the Crown Prince.’

Tutor Zhang stared at her chubby, childish little face. She looked so sweet, but her words were almost comical. "Quite the wild one, aren’t you, little girl."

"Of course. Before I started school, my dad told me that if anyone bullies me, I should just beat them up, regardless of whether they’re a prince or the Crown Prince." Every word she spoke was audacious, yet her delivery was calm and unhurried.

...

Tutor Zhang finally understood the root of Ye Qianning’s audacity. Come to think of it, her father, Xiang Minghou, had also been a famous standout at the academy in his day—and a constant troublemaker.

That afternoon, Ye Qianning arrived at the classroom early.

The students who usually avoided speaking with Ye Qianning were surprisingly friendly today. They greeted her on sight and even gathered around her in small groups, bombarding her with questions.

"Why weren’t you in class this morning? I wonder if the tutor will make you copy the Disciple’s Rules as punishment when he arrives."

"If he makes you copy lines, I’ll do it for you."

"Yeah, that’s right! We’ll copy them for you."

"I don’t think the tutor will punish her. After all, Ye Qianning placed seventh on the monthly exam."

"I think so too."

"Right."

Ye Qianning waved her hand, motioning for everyone to scatter. Then, just as she always did, she put her head down on the desk to sleep.

’It was better when everyone avoided me. It’s not that I’m hard to get along with; I’m just lazy. Too lazy to talk.’

The crowd around her, seeing this, were more or less used to her behavior. The little one was going to sleep, so they all tactfully dispersed and returned to their own seats.

"Hmph."

Sang Qi walked in and saw the scene at the back of the room. He let out a soft snort and sat down in the front row.

Sang Zhi and Qian Zhuye walked in next. When they saw who was in her seat, both of their faces lit up with joy.

"Sang Zhi, you’re a Prince. You should keep your distance from a little girl like that."

The condescending words reached Sang Zhi’s ears as he walked past Sang Qi.

"My affairs are no concern of the Crown Prince’s." Sang Zhi stopped in his tracks but didn’t turn around.

Sang Qi shot to his feet. "You..."

He only managed to get one word out before it caught in his throat. The small figure who had been slumped over her desk just moments before had sat up straight, her sharp, cold gaze sweeping in his direction.