Above the Galaxy
Chapter 361 - 231, Habitual Leg Hugging!_3

Chapter 361: Chapter 231, Habitual Leg Hugging!_3

"Tang Fei and the Princess are said to be quite close, aren’t they?"

"Keep it down... It involves the Royal Family, speak carefully..."

-------

Sheng Jing was drinking tea and enjoying the snowfall in the courtyard. The snow had fallen all night, cloaking the whole world in silvery white.

The courtyard had a deep layer of snow, but Sheng Jing did not order it to be cleared away. Instead, he appreciated the snow-covered pines and cold plum blossoms while nibbling on tea snacks, enjoying a unique ambiance.

Sheng Jing invited Tang Fei and Little Fatty to sit and said, "It’s so noisy outside, it’s giving me a headache."

"Why didn’t you let them in?" Tang Fei asked with a smile.

"Why would I let them in?" Sheng Jing said with a stern expression. "Who should come in and who should not? Everyone comes bearing gifts and an agenda. One wants a promotion, another to show loyalty, trying every way to leave their gifts behind, and you can’t even find them until they whisper to the servants as they leave..."

"It’s rare to have a few days off in a year. It’s better to rest well. Whatever it is, we can discuss it in the office when we go back to work."

"Uncle, your integrity is admirable," Tang Fei said with a smile.

Little Fatty nodded repeatedly, "Yes, very admirable."

"What integrity? I’m just doing my duty."

"It’s precious to be able to do so in this environment."

Little Fatty nodded again, "It’s really not easy."

He didn’t know what to say, but he understood to agree with his brother.

Holding his teacup, Sheng Jing looked at Tang Fei and said, "Xin Huai isn’t at home; she hasn’t returned from the palace... Have you not been in touch?"

"If she’s at home, that’s good; if not, it doesn’t matter. We mainly came to pay our respects to our elders," Tang Fei said sincerely. "My brother and I are from the Old Land; here on New Star, we have no kin, no old friends. We’re like two rootless weeds..."

"Uncle and auntie treat us like their own nephews and even invited us over for dinner before the New Year. We are truly grateful. We decided last night that as soon as day broke, we would come to pay our respects..."

"What good children," Mei Yuyin exclaimed. "Come over to eat when you have time; consider this place your own home."

"Thank you, Auntie," Tang Fei said happily. "That would be wonderful; we could come over to improve our lives."

"Let auntie know what you want to eat in advance, and I’ll have it prepared for you," Mei Yuyin said with a chuckle. "It doesn’t matter whether Xin Huai is at home or not, come and eat whenever you like."

"Alright. Thank you, Auntie."

After chatting with Sheng Jing and his wife for a while, Tang Fei and Little Fatty declined their offer to stay for lunch and then dashed off to the Imperial First Military Academy.

Shang Xiulin and his wife were delighted to see Little Fatty. The old lady took Little Fatty’s hand and said, "Thinking you would come over, I specially had someone save a big pig’s head. It’s stewing in the pot right now, and I’ll make pork head meat for your lunch."

"Thank you, Teacher’s wife," Little Fatty said gratefully.

"Silly child, why be so polite with me?" the old lady chided. "You chat first; I’ll go to the kitchen to prepare some side dishes."

After the old lady left, Shang Xiulin turned to Tang Fei and asked, "Are you getting used to White Crane Academy?"

"Not bad," Tang Fei replied. "My master is very dedicated to teaching me, and my classmates are also very friendly."

Originally, Tang Fei had wanted to become a disciple under Shang Xiulin, but the latter had not accepted him.

Now, a touch of pettiness surfaced, and he couldn’t help mentioning his ’master’ in front of Shang Xiulin.

Shang Xiulin, however, was unperturbed and nodded, "Xuanyuan Mingjing has extremely high standards for choosing disciples. Having his guidance ensures that your cultivation will advance rapidly."

"The master shows the way, but cultivation is up to the individual," Tang Fei added. "The master wants me to comprehend my own path, and I still don’t even know what that path is."

"The right opportunity has not come yet. When it does, you’ll find your path," Shang Xiulin reassured him. "Those great figures standing at the pinnacle of Star Sky, which of them hasn’t gone through a period of painful struggle?"

He then looked at Little Fatty and said, "You could also think about this question. What is your path?"

"My path is the hammer," Little Fatty replied. "When in doubt, I just hammer it out."

Shang Xiulin laughed heartily, proud, "Not bad, that’s also a path."

A flash of inspiration crossed Tang Fei’s mind, but it disappeared just as quickly.

It seemed that the fish was not yet caught.

Lunch was had at Dean Shang’s house; the old lady herself cooked, preparing a large spread of dishes.

Tang Fei knew that Shang Xiulin had a son and a daughter. His son, Shang Henshui, was a high-ranking officer in the Flame-Bathed Legion, and his daughter, Shang Wenzhu, was the mayor of a city. Due to their busy official duties, it was difficult for them to return home for the Spring Festival.

After lunch, Tang Fei made a call to Teacher Ran Ran. When he studied at the First Military Academy, Ran Ran had helped him immensely. His swift advancement from superior Yuqi to the Tongyou Realm owed much to Teacher Ran Ran.

Unfortunately, Teacher Ran Ran had gone home for the holidays to be with her parents, so they agreed to have a meal together before the term started.

In the afternoon, Tang Fei took Little Fatty to the White Crane Academy. He and Little Fatty were like brothers, and his own master was Little Fatty’s master too.

If Xuanyuan Mingjing would be willing to instruct Little Fatty even in just a few things, the visit would be truly worthwhile.

------

Monitoring Bureau. Director’s Office.

Zhong Jiayuan knocked on the sturdy wooden door and, upon hearing "Come in" from inside, pushed it open and said, "Director, the autopsy results are out."

Yan Wenli’s eyebrows rose slightly as he set down his teacup and looked at Zhong Jiayuan with a benevolent smile, asking, "And what are the results?"