Chapter 2174: Meng Yunzheng's Proposal

Chapter 2174: Meng Yunzheng's Proposal

Shu Yu wanted to recruit a shopkeeper, but she couldn't openly advertise it as she did in Changjin Prefecture.

She was now a prominent figure, and many people were curious about her and her shop. If she openly advertised for a shopkeeper, there might be a rush of applicants, and she needed to be cautious.

How should she go about finding one?

As she pondered this, the second round of the imperial examination ended, and Meng Yunzheng could return for a night of rest.

This time was different from the first round. The examinees were visibly fatigued, with many showing signs of exhaustion. Meng Yunzheng was relatively better off, but according to Xia Yan, who had been guarding the imperial examination venue, about seven or eight people had been carried out due to various reasons.

It was said that two candidates had suffered from the cold and accidentally overturned a stove while trying to keep warm, resulting in burns and the complete destruction of their exam papers.

Luckily, the patrolling soldiers arrived in time to prevent further damage. Otherwise, if bedding or other flammable items had caught fire, it could have led to a disaster.

Shu Yu thought that this examination was as perilous as a life-or-death ordeal. It was certainly not easy.

She decided that she needed to talk to Ah Rui and the others about the importance of physical fitness.

Compared to the other candidates who were in a sorry state, Meng Yunzheng was in much better condition. This time, he hadn't encountered rain, and he was well-prepared. Taking the medicine Zhao Xi had given him earlier, he didn't look as haggard as he did during the previous round.

Meng Yunzheng felt good about himself and asked about the situation at home during the meal.

Upon hearing that Shu Yu was busy looking for a shopkeeper, he fell into a brief silence before suggesting, "You can ask Xiang Weinan to recommend someone."

"Xiang Weinan?"

Meng Yunzheng explained, "You're right. Finding a shopkeeper openly in the capital is not suitable. Let him help us find a suitable candidate and provide support for your shop. He is currently a Deputy Minister of Revenue and a favored figure in front of the emperor. With him safeguarding the shop, no one would dare to cause trouble. Moreover, when sunflower seeds and sunflower oil were first introduced, it was Xiang Weinan, then the county magistrate of Jiangyuan County, who helped bring them to the palace. There is a connection there as well."

It made sense. Shu Yu realized that this was indeed a good idea. They needed someone to support the shop in the capital, as she and Meng Yunzheng wouldn't be staying here for long. This way, they could prevent any troublemakers from targeting the shop.

Xiang Weinan... he was indeed a suitable candidate.

As for the other people she knew, Minister Yao was stubborn and focused on his official duties. Although he was a Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works, he had only returned to the capital a little over three years ago, and his network was limited.

Minister Jing, as the Prime Minister of the Supreme Court, held a high position, but their relationship was not deep enough for Shu Yu to ask for such a favor.

Then there was Prime Minister Qi, whose status was impressive. They wanted to keep him as a valuable resource for future use.

Xiang Weinan, on the other hand, was a close friend of Meng Yunzheng, and Shu Yu was also acquainted with him. They had open and equal communication, and they had some shared secrets. This was an opportunity for Xiang Weinan to prove himself.

Shu Yu's eyes lit up. They were all interconnected families. Helping each other was essential for maintaining good relations.

"Alright, I'll go find him tomorrow." With the weight of her major concern lifted, Shu Yu had regained her appetite and even refilled Meng Yunzheng's bowl, fearing he would be hungry during the exam.

Meng Yunzheng... "I've actually eaten my fill."

Well, a bit more food wouldn't hurt.

The next day, the third round of the imperial examination began. This was the last of the nine-day, six-night, three-round examinations. Once they passed this round, they would be free.

Shu Yu, as always, patiently reminded them of the details, especially emphasizing the importance of staying warm.