Chapter 57: The Rankings Are Out
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
“No one provoked me; it’s just those people outside spreading baseless gossip,” Zi Yuan huffed in frustration.
“Oh? What happened?” asked Yu Zhi Yi, reclining on a chaise lounge. Sipping milk tea brewed from Red Luan’s recipe and savoring roasted meat prepared by the small kitchen, she let the flavors dance on her tongue, her eyes narrowing in blissful enjoyment.
Seeing her mistress in such a good mood, Zi Yuan hesitated to ruin it. Yet, she knew that when her mistress “left seclusion,” she’d inevitably hear the rumors. Thus, with a deep sigh, she shared the tale.
A few days prior, You Bing Yue had revamped the South Wind Bookstore entirely.
Once a refined haven for scholars, the South Wind Bookstore was frequented by nobles, esteemed officials, and wealthy young masters and misses, exuding an air of exclusivity and elegance. Thanks to its high-profile clientele, the bookstore was modestly profitable, bringing in a few hundred taels of silver monthly from purchases and incidental expenses.
However, despite its profitability, its fame was confined to high society, drawing a stable yet limited audience—people attracted solely by Chancellor Du’s reputation. Even a fool could see through this.
But after You Bing Yue’s bold makeover, the bookstore had become a household name.
“She introduced some kind of ‘free access’ policy and began offering complimentary tea and snacks to anyone who entered the store,” Zi Yuan recounted, her tone laced with indignation. “She also started a ‘prize reading’ event—anyone who could answer her questions correctly would receive a reward of ten taels of silver.”
“As a result, the entire city’s populace flocked to the bookstore. Business is booming, with lines stretching from dawn until the curfew.”
“And now, everyone is singing her praises, calling her a ‘Bodhisattva of Wisdom’ descended to earth, spreading knowledge among the masses.”
Books and education had always been luxuries for the wealthy. For the common folk, learning was an unattainable dream. Tuition fees alone could cost a few taels of silver monthly, and once enrolled, the ongoing expenses were insurmountable for impoverished families.
Merely attending classes wasn’t enough; advancing further required access to countless books. And where could those books be found? In the private libraries of noble families, the imperial archives, or—more commonly—bookstores. But bookstores charged money.
Even a basic set of the Four Books and Five Classics cost seven or eight taels of silver per volume. A complete set ranged from dozens to hundreds of taels. And these were just the basics—additional reference materials were essential for proper learning.
Such costs were insurmountable for poor farmers and painful even for middle-class merchants. Many talented individuals were thwarted at the “book” stage of their aspirations.
Now, a rare bookstore was opening its doors to the common folk, providing not only access to books but also the luxurious experience of tea and snacks reserved for nobles. On top of that, it was offering prizes worth two to three years’ savings for an average family. How could the people resist?
“And…” Zi Yuan’s voice dimmed as her expression darkened.
“Someone with a loose tongue even connected her name with Du Zi Heng. Scholars are now praising them as the perfect match, while all your past achievements have been forgotten.”
Having finished her milk tea, Yu Zhi Yi reached for a piece of lean roast meat. The savory flavor offset the cloying sweetness, and she reclined further into the chaise lounge, basking in the warm sunlight. The gentle heat enveloped her like a soft embrace. Life felt utterly delightful.
“Miss! I know you don’t care, but please, don’t not care right now!” Zi Yuan fretted. “Master Du is about to take the imperial exams. With his abilities, he’s bound to rank among the top three—he might even become the Top Scholar. When that happens, he’ll gain the leverage to marry, and with You Bing Yue’s scheming, the Chancellor and Madam Du might genuinely agree to their union.”
Though Yu Zhi Yi was indifferent to Du Zi Heng as a person, Zi Yuan couldn’t ignore her mistress’s reputation. Besides, You Bing Yue bore such malice toward her lady that the idea of her entering the Du household as a concubine—or worse, as a wife—was intolerable.
That woman was nothing but trouble, a thorn waiting to cause chaos. Letting her into the family would spell disaster.
Pouring the rest of her milk tea into another cup, Yu Zhi Yi handed it to Zi Yuan, cutting off her tirade. With a serene smile, she said, “This is Red Luan’s recipe. Have a taste; it’s delicious.”
Sweet-toothed as she was, Zi Yuan couldn’t resist the fragrant aroma. Her grievances dissolved as she sipped the tea, swallowing her remaining words along with the drink.
Finally enjoying some peace and quiet, Yu Zhi Yi closed her eyes for a nap. “Let her bask in her fame,” she thought lazily. “What does it have to do with me?”
Fame was fleeting. Soon enough, You Bing Yue’s reputation would sour. Why waste energy being upset now? If, in the future, her downfall brought Yu Zhi Yi too much joy and disrupted her cultivation or diminished her merit, it would be a loss too great to bear.
Reputation didn’t matter; maintaining her merit was paramount.
While Yu Zhi Yi enjoyed her reprieve and You Bing Yue focused on expanding the South Wind Bookstore, Du Zi Heng completed his imperial examination.
The timing was fortuitous, coinciding with the Emperor’s birthday.
Since the new Emperor’s ascension, the Top Scholar, Second Rank Scholar, and Third Rank Scholar had the honor of attending his birthday banquet, mingling with the capital’s elite. For some, it was an opportunity to climb the social ladder and secure their place among the powerful.
The imperial birthday banquet, also known as the Banquet of the Jade Forest, had become a tradition of the Sheng Capital aristocracy. Everyone wanted to see whether this year’s top scholars might capture the attention of the nobility—or perhaps even a princess’s heart.
Three years ago, at such a banquet, the beloved Princess Rong Zhen had chosen the Top Scholar as her husband. Their grand wedding had left the city’s young ladies envious for years. Despite her childlessness since marriage, the princess’s husband had shown unwavering devotion, seeking renowned physicians and presenting her with rare treasures to lift her spirits.
Now, three years later, several other princesses had reached marriageable age. With women’s statuses rising steadily over the past century in the Great Sheng Empire, princess consorts were no longer restricted from wielding power. Capable men could hold significant positions, just like the famed husband of the Senior Princess Jia Luo.
Under the eager gaze of the entire empire, the rankings of the imperial examination were finally unveiled.