Tales of the Imperial College

Shen Zhihe disguises herself as a boy and takes her twin brother's place at the Imperial College, asking only to focus on her studies. Who could have guessed she would become the object of a fierce rivalry among the capital's powerful young nobles, forced to navigate a pack of wolves day and night?

A little scene:

The most remote dormitory in the southwest corner of the Imperial College leaks whenever it rains and lets in the wind. None of the noble-born students want to live there.

Shen Zhihe has always been content living alone in this shabby room, with no need to worry about anyone discovering her secret.

But one day, a torrential downpour floods the dormitory until it collapses, leaving it uninhabitable. She has no choice but to move.

And moving means she has to choose someone to share a room with.

The second son of the Protector General, beaming with joy, grabs her arm. "Brother Shen and I are the closest, so of course you'll live with me."

The eldest son of the Minister of Revenue shoots him a glance. "You spend all day training in martial arts. Your dorm must reek. I have fine incense and brocade fox furs in my room. You'd be far more comfortable living with me."

The heir to the Prince of the Commandery pulls Shen Zhihe aside, his voice dark. "If you don't choose me, be careful your secret doesn't become public."

Shen Zhihe can't afford to offend any of them, but doesn't want to choose any of them either. She can only hide in the library, keeping Five Imperial Prince Xiao Jue company as he stays up all night repairing books.

Everyone says that the Fifth Prince is erudite and upright, with the bearing of a scholar-official. Shen Zhihe, too, admires and relies on him deeply.

Late into the night, her eyes grow sore and she nearly slumps over, knocking over a candle stand.

Xiao Jue puts on a stern face and lightly taps her palm with his ruler. "How can there be a fire in the library? You deserve to be punished!"

Then, seeing her eyes reddened from exhaustion, he shakes his head. "If you're tired, go rest. I'll take care of the rest."

The library's attic windows are old and poorly maintained. The chilly early-winter wind keeps pouring in, making the lamplight flicker.

Xiao Jue looks away from the pages and gazes at Shen Zhihe's peaceful sleeping face. He spreads his wide sleeves to shield her from the wind all night.

A stiff, honest, and adorable top student, surrounded by men who all have their eyes fixed on her.

Blurb screenshotted on 2025.11.28.

Theme: Soar to the heavens in one leap.