Chapter 57: The Announcement
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“Nobody’s offended me; it’s just that people outside are spreading rumors,” Zi Yuan huffed, her cheeks flushed with irritation.
“Oh? What’s happened?” Yu Zhi Yi asked calmly, lifting her gaze.
Reclining on a luxurious chaise lounge, Yu Zhi Yi sipped milk tea brewed from Hong Luan’s special recipe. She nibbled on roasted meat prepared by the kitchen staff, the delicious flavors dancing on her tongue. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment, a serene smile playing on her lips.
Seeing her mistress in such a good mood, Zi Yuan hesitated to spoil it. But knowing that Yu Zhi Yi would eventually hear about it when she “emerged from seclusion,” she sighed and decided to speak up.
“A few days ago, You Bing Yue completely renovated the South Wind Bookstore,” Zi Yuan began, her voice tinged with frustration.
“She did?” Yu Zhi Yi arched an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Yes. The bookstore used to be an elegant haven for reading, frequented only by high officials, nobles, and renowned young masters and ladies. It was exclusive, exuding arrogance and nobility at every corner. They made good profits—several hundred taels of silver each month—but their clientele was always the same elite group, drawn by Chancellor Du’s reputation.”
“I see,” Yu Zhi Yi murmured, taking another sip of her tea.
“But after You Bing Yue’s changes, the bookstore has become famous throughout the entire city!” Zi Yuan exclaimed.
“What exactly did she do?” Yu Zhi Yi asked, a subtle smile tugging at her lips.
“She introduced free admission and offers complimentary tea and snacks to anyone who enters,” Zi Yuan explained. “She also started a ‘Reading Reward’ program: anyone who can answer her questions correctly receives ten taels of silver!”
“Ten taels?” Yu Zhi Yi’s eyes widened slightly.
“Yes! Because of that, people from all over the city are flocking to South Wind Bookstore. It’s packed every day; lines stretch from dawn until curfew. Everyone is praising her, calling her the embodiment of wisdom, spreading knowledge to all.”
Yu Zhi Yi leaned back, her expression unreadable.
Zi Yuan continued, her frustration evident. “You know how hard it’s been for common people to access books and knowledge. Books have always been in the hands of the wealthy. Tuition fees alone are too high, and even if someone gets into a school, they can’t afford the books needed to advance. A basic set of texts costs dozens or even hundreds of taels of silver. Many talented people are held back simply because they can’t afford books.”
She sighed heavily. “But now, with the bookstore open to everyone, offering free reading and even the chance to earn ten taels—a sum that would take ordinary families years to save—who wouldn’t be tempted?”
“Indeed,” Yu Zhi Yi said softly, her gaze distant.
“Moreover…” Zi Yuan’s expression darkened. “Someone revealed her relationship with Young Master Zi Heng. Now, scholars everywhere are saying they’re the perfect match. No one talks about your accomplishments anymore.”
Finishing her milk tea, Yu Zhi Yi felt a bit overwhelmed by the sweetness. She reached for a piece of lean roasted meat, letting the savory flavor balance out the cloying taste.
“Miss! I know you don’t care, but please, you can’t be so indifferent!” Zi Yuan pleaded, her eyes filled with worry.
Yu Zhi Yi looked at her calmly. “And why should I be concerned?”
“Because Young Master Zi Heng is about to take the imperial exams. With his abilities, he might place in the top three—maybe even become the top scholar! If that happens, and with You Bing Yue’s schemes, the Chancellor and Madam might agree to them being together.”
Zi Yuan bit her lip, her voice lowering. “I know you don’t care about him, but your reputation… And that You Bing Yue is so malicious towards you. If she enters our household, who knows what trouble she’ll cause!”
Seeing that Zi Yuan was about to become even more agitated, Yu Zhi Yi poured the remaining milk tea into another cup and handed it to her. “Here, try this. It’s Hong Luan’s new recipe. It’s quite good.”
Zi Yuan, known for her sweet tooth, couldn’t resist. The enticing aroma distracted her, and she accepted the cup gratefully, her worries momentarily forgotten.
With peace restored, Yu Zhi Yi closed her eyes and basked in the warm sunlight, a gentle breeze brushing against her face. The soft rays felt soothing, not too hot, just perfect. Life was, indeed, pleasant.
“Let them do as they please,” she thought to herself. “Their fame doesn’t affect me.”
She believed that getting upset over You Bing Yue’s rising reputation was pointless. Soon enough, things would change, and she didn’t want to disturb her own peace over such trivial matters.
While Yu Zhi Yi was content to relax, You Bing Yue was busy expanding South Wind Bookstore. At the same time, Du Zi Heng had just completed the imperial examinations.
The timing was significant—the exams concluded just before the emperor’s birthday.
Since the new emperor’s ascension, the top three scholars from each imperial exam were invited to attend his birthday banquet, famously known as the Jade Forest Banquet. It was an opportunity for them to mingle with high officials and nobility, potentially catching the eye of someone influential.
“Every three years, the Jade Forest Banquet is the highlight of the capital’s social scene,” people would say. “Perhaps one of the new scholars will be favored by a princess!”
Three years ago, at the banquet, the beloved Princess Rong Zhen had fallen for the top scholar of that year’s exam. They married soon after, their wedding the envy of every young woman in the city. Despite not having children yet, the couple remained devoted, the prince consort doing everything he could to bring joy to the princess.
Now, several princesses were of marriageable age, and the entire empire was abuzz with anticipation.
In the Dasheng Empire, after generations of progress, women held significant status, and prince consorts were no longer restricted in power. Capable men could hold important positions, just like the legendary prince consort of Princess Jia Luo, the nation’s protector a hundred years ago.
Under the watchful eyes of all, the results of the imperial examinations were finally announced.