大宋少年志2

The Yuelu Academy

hires warm-hearted servants.

They're currently handling some chores,

so if you have any requests,

you can ask them for assistance.

How thoughtful!

This one seems kind-hearted.

The academy always looks out for the students.

Yu, are you also a student?

Yes.

All dorm caretakers here are students.

So, you're of the same generation as my son.

Yes. We're classmates.

Then...

how should we address each other?

Uncle Wei.

And me?

Auntie.

You're too polite.

Just call me Uncle.

My surname isn't Wei.

But Wei...

This clearly is a masterpiece!

This many?

Oh, right. Not blood-related.

Yu, I have a question.

Please, Uncle.

Within this academy,

aside from the usual rules,

are there any particular taboos?

So, there are indeed.

There are some rumors.

But

scholars don't typically discuss such things.

I'm not a scholar.

Tell me.

Not a big deal.

Rumor has it that

one shouldn't leave their dorm

at night.

Especially if someone knocks,

never open the door blindly.

What if I

go out?

Going out after darkness

might bring misfortune

or even harm.

Why such rumors?

Sounds creepy!

I'm not certain,

but the academy is built next to a mountain.

Our students are not known for physical strength,

so they might attract wild animals.

Better to stay inside after darkness.

Sure.

Here are the dorms.

All have been cleaned.

All clear.

Who... who's this?

A bookboy.

It's normal.

Is... is that normal?

Well...

I'll take Wei to the lecture hall tomorrow.

If nothing else, I'll make my excuses.

The lecture hall?

For classes.

We have to attend classes?

Isn't that why you're here?

He'll be there.

Thank you.

I...

No worries. See you tomorrow.

Do I really have to go?

Obviously.

I thought I was just pretending to be a student.

How will you pretend if you don't attend classes?

No way.

I can't.

Can I pretend to be a bookboy?

It's too late.

Calm down.

Don't get too angry.

I'm not angry.

It's just... we can't slip.

Maybe feign illness?

Yes!

I can fake being sick.

Always indulging him.

He's just not cut out for studying.

That's right.

Quiet.

Don't irritate her.

What?

You three really look like a family.

It's just me here now.

Here.

Kuan, today

I saw a chicken

in the backyard.

It looked

just like Sir Sigui's.

But then it disappeared.

I saw Star Sigui.

Where?

Right here.

So he's really in the academy.

Where did he go?

He vanished. I waited here

to see if he'd show up again.

He didn't?

No.

What did he say?

He urged us

to leave the academy.

Why?

I don't know,

but it's odd.

Should we

meet up with Jian

and discuss?

Good idea.

Scared?

This place feels eerie.

Once the sun sets,

students all stay inside

and Madam warned us not to go out at night.

I'm here with you.

Let's roll.

Afraid?

It's too dark.

I get scared easily.

Everyone has fears and sorrows.

It'll be fine.

Are you ever afraid, Kuan?

Of course.

If you don't mind, what scares you?

In the grand scheme,

the hardships of life

and the suffering of people.

And on a personal level?

The fear of losing those I care about,

especially you.

You don't have to worry about that.

I won't leave you.

Cold enough.

Lord Wei.

Wait,

what are you doing?

Leave me be. I want to get sick.

Why?

Otherwise,

I'll have to attend classes tomorrow.

I'd rather die.

Go inside.

I'll try again.

Lord Wei,

perhaps it's not the book's fault

for your weariness of study.

They say if a man doesn't heed warnings,

his towering ambitions might crumble.

You should whet your mind.

Wet my mind?

There you go.

Easy with the arm.

Does it hurt?

You're back.

Feeling better?

What happened to Jian?

She's mad at Lord Wei.

About faking sickness?

To him, one class

feels like a life sentence.

There's indeed

no need for cold water.

He can just pretend to be ill.

Watch your words.

He's afraid

of being exposed.

Sometimes

he can be quite stubborn.

Yeah. It's like talking to a wall.

Xue Ying,

you two are close.

Can you talk to him?

I won't.

Why?

I initially wanted to,

but apparently,

even the bookboys have to attend classes.

I support him on this.

See?

Look at them!

Say something!

You heard her.

I saw Star Sigui

in the Imperial Book Tower.

Get wet from inside?

I should wear less then.

Who's there?