He knew that his role as the deputy dean was essentially that of Xuanyuan Mingjing’s secretary assistant. Xuanyuan Mingjing was wholly devoted to Martial Arts and disliked being disturbed by mundane matters, so he had assigned him to do the practical work.
"Thank you for your hard work, Dean Si," Zhong Tianque expressed his gratitude to Si Yinchuan.
"Your Highness, what are you saying? Isn’t this what we should do?" Si Yinchuan humbly waved his hand.
Xuanyuan Mingjing looked at Tang Fei and Shen Xinglan and said, "It’s rare for the Eldest Prince to visit White Crane Academy, you two should also join him and learn some lessons on how to conduct oneself from the Eldest Prince..."
"How could we deserve that? We are all students of the academy head, and we should learn and seek guidance from him," Zhong Tianque bowed slightly, speaking very respectfully.
"Go on," Xuanyuan Mingjing waved his hand and said, "Being in the sun has tired me out, I need to take a nap..."
Having said that, he closed his eyes for a rest.
Tang Fei looked on with envy, being able to declare a nap in front of the Eldest Prince and not standing up even once through it all...
What a comfortable and satisfying life that must be!
In this world, one either needed power, wealth, or absolute strength.
He had heard that the academy head also came from humble beginnings, but due to his astonishing talent in cultivation, he stepped into the Grandmaster Realm at a young age and eventually achieved enlightenment at Dragon Field, establishing his reputation as a Great Grandmaster...
That granted him the capital to both disdain the nobility and look down on royalty.
What should have been a scene as refreshing as a gentle breeze, Tang Fei watched with his blood pumping, excited beyond measure.
To become stronger, one must become strong enough.
When he became as strong as his master, under the starry sky, who would dare to humiliate him?
Zhong Tianque, the Eldest Prince of the Phoenix Empire, the man most likely to be the future ruler of a nation, was also standing in front of Xuanyuan Mingjing, respectful as a pupil, wasn’t he?
"We shall not disturb the headmaster’s rest. We take our leave," Zhong Tianque bowed and then led everyone out of the courtyard.
After the wooden gate of the courtyard was slowly closed from the outside, Xuanyuan Mingjing, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them.
He looked up at the sky and spoke softly, "I hope you understand."
The inspection work was tedious and dull. White Crane Academy was not hosting the Way of Heaven Exchange for the first time; they just needed to revise the previous procedures and add a few innovative ideas.
However, the documents were too many, the affairs too scattered, and visiting various venues also took up a lot of time.
Of course, Zhong Tianque didn’t mind this, as he had many professionals working under him.
Zhong Tianque was busy chatting with Shen Xinglan about trivial childhood stories.
Si Yinchuan also chimed in from time to time, adding the perfect embellishments to their conversation.
Tang Fei was like an invisible man, following behind the Eldest Prince, but the prince never initiated a conversation with him, and his glances seldom fell upon him.
Since he had chosen Shen Xinglan, there was no need to pay any attention to Tang Fei.
In his eyes, a hundred Tang Feis put together would not measure up to one Shen Xinglan.
Si Yinchuan looked at his watch, approached Zhong Tianque, and said, "Your Highness, it’s time for lunch. I have arranged a simple meal for you at the Pavilion of Spring and Autumn, would you please join us for a bite?"
Zhong Tianque waved his hand and said, "Why go to the Pavilion of Spring and Autumn? I’ve eaten there several times with the Emperor. I’ve always heard that the commissary at the White Crane Academy is the most delicious; let’s eat there instead? I can also interact with the proud talents of White Crane Academy..."
"Since Your Highness wishes to share joy with the people, let’s go to the academy’s commissary," Si Yinchuan said with a smile.
It was now lunchtime, and many students were lining up for food.
Tang Fei even saw Chen Tianqi holding his meal tray, winking at him.
The guards wanted to get food for Zhong Tianque, but he refused, saying, "I’ll do it myself. When I was studying at the Imperial First Military Academy, I also used to serve myself... It’s been many years since I’ve experienced that kind of life, and I really miss it."
Tang Fei sneered inwardly—only these bigshots liked to reminisce about the hard times...
Those who lived in constant hardship just wanted to lie down and live a happy life where food came to their mouth and clothes to their hand without effort.
Zhong Tianque took a tray from the automated robot and went to the back of the line to wait his turn.
Si Yinchuan looked at Tang Fei, Shen Xinglan, and the others, and laughing, said, "Let’s serve ourselves too."
With that, he took a tray and followed behind Zhong Tianque.
Many students recognized Zhong Tianque and greeted him.
"Prince Your Highness is also eating at the commissary..."
"Prince Your Highness is truly approachable..."
"Eldest Prince Your Highness is queuing up... Our commissary’s braised pork is unparalleled, Your Highness must try it..."
Zhong Tianque also smiled and chatted warmly with everyone, handling the situation with grace and enthusiasm.
Zhong Tianque found an empty table to sit at, and after Tang Fei and the others got their food, they followed.
Zhong Tianque took a big piece of braised pork and stuffed it into his mouth, saying, "The students recommended it, saying that one must try the commissary’s braised pork when visiting White Crane Academy, let me try it..."
After eating a piece, he praised it repeatedly, saying it truly lived up to its reputation.
"Then, Your Highness should eat more. Our commissary’s chef has quite a few signature dishes, Your Highness should try them all," Si Yinchuan said cheerfully.
"I certainly won’t be shy—I must indulge myself."
After just a few bites, Zhong Tianque suddenly felt discomfort in his stomach, a strong churning in his gut.