Chapter 2234: Awe-Struck Crowds
In the Jing residence,
Madam Jing looked at her husband with suspicion. "Did you already know about this?"
Minister Jing remained calm and said, "I knew, but I thought the Emperor would do everything to persuade him to change his mind. I didn't expect that he would remain steadfast in his decision."
In the Zhou residence,
Cen Yi found it incredible at first, but then she sighed and spoke softly to herself, "Actually, upon care...
Chapter 2233: Is Meng Yunzheng Out of His Mind?
"Two years ago, Ah Yun began inviting learned scholars from all over to teach at the academy. For example, Master Huai'an, a renowned scholar, was carefully recruited by Ah Yun."
"The first group of students and mentors for elementary education has already been selected. All the preparations for the initial phase are complete, and we're waiting for Ah Yun to pass the imperial examination and formally start teaching."
"Sir, t...
Chapter 2232: This Painting Depicts the Academy
Shu Yu nodded and explained, "They are aware of our decision, and my parents and grandmother won't interfere. Both my father and mother and my grandmother don't have ambitions for wealth and power. For them, as long as our family is safe and healthy, it's enough. I'm already the County Princess, and in our region, I can provide them with ample protection."
Yao Tianqin had intended to ask more questions, but Shu Yu's words made him ...
Chapter 2231: Qi Lie Comes Knocking
Although the Emperor wanted to tease Meng Yunzheng about the name of his academy, he restrained himself to maintain his dignity.
He scanned the officials below, each with their own thoughts. "Meng Xuezhi's decision to open a school and teach has been approved by me. If you have no other matters to report, you may leave the court."
Many officials had numerous questions, but the Emperor didn't give them a chance to speak after his stateme...
Chapter 2230: Zhenglu Academy
Later, after Master Huai'an's father passed away, he returned to his hometown to observe a three-year mourning period. However, after the mourning period, he didn't return to the court but traveled all over the country.
Throughout his life, he authored numerous works and had many students. Some of his students pursued the path of the imperial examinations, while others delved into various professions. In any case, his status among scholars was extre...
Chapter 2229: The Emperor's Conditions
Now that they knew the Emperor had known Meng Yunzheng for quite some time, that meant...
That's right, Meng Yunzheng and Xiang Weinan were good friends.
Since the end of the year before last, when the Third Prince and Second Prince conspired in rebellion and Xiang Weinan played a pivotal role, everyone knew that Xiang Weinan, despite being the son-in-law of the Xiao family, was not aligned with the Third Prince's faction.
Xia...
Chapter 2228: He Turns Out to Be the Emperor's Man
Some officials who couldn't stand Meng Yunzheng stepped forward from the queue and said sternly, "Your Majesty, Young Master Meng has just become the top scholar, and he's already talking about going home to teach. It's clear that he's treating the imperial examination as a child's play. Such behavior is a blatant disregard for the court and the imperial examination system and should be severely punished."
Compared to the drasti...
Chapter 2227: He Wants to Return Home and Open a Academy
On the second day, it was the day when the new scholars were appointed to their official positions.
The scholars, once again standing in the Emperial Hall, displayed a vastly different demeanor from their anxious expressions earlier. They now exuded confidence and eagerness to make their mark.
The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, observing the scholars with great satisfaction. This was the first imperial examinatio...
Chapter 2226: So Much Money
On the first day of her shop's opening, when it was time to close in the evening, Shu Yu looked at the account book with a satisfied smile.
The customers on the second floor had come primarily for Master Shanju's paintings, while those on the first floor were entirely drawn in by Yun, the shopkeeper's promotions.
However, the second-floor customers had a higher individual spend, while the first-floor customers were more numerous.
When Sh...
Chapter 2225: Young Master Meng, Truly Deserving of the Top Scholar Title
Shu Yu returned to her shop, and shortly after, Madam Jing also arrived. Madam Jing came late and missed meeting Madam Qi and the others.
However, her visit was brief. She brought a congratulatory gift, had half a cup of tea, and then left.
Madam Jing's husband held the position of Minister of Justice and was likely overwhelmed with work, especially after the recent "prison raid" incident during the...
Chapter 2224: Many Orders
After Madam Qi arrived, the scholars who were originally admiring the paintings politely made way for her.
The two noble ladies, Madam Qi and Madam Jiang, asked as they looked at the paintings, "What kind of flowers are these?"
"These are sunflowers, and the sunflower seeds and sunflower oil sold downstairs come from these flowers."
"Oh?" The people were surprised. "So, there really is such a place?"
"Of course, Master Shanju saw th...
Chapter 2223: Does the County Princess Like His Looks?
What did they just hear? Paintings by Master Shanju?
Master Shanju the Mountain Dweller scholar's artworks, after a four-year absence, were right here, and there were two of them?
One of the young ladies couldn't contain her excitement and grabbed Shu Yu's hand, eagerly asking, "Is there really Master Shanju's artwork on the second floor? Can we go up to see it?"
Shu Yu had always assumed that Meng Yunzheng's ...
Chapter 2222: Many Scholars Have Arrived
Upon seeing the people in the backyard, the shop assistant immediately halted in his tracks, looking at Shu Yu with a hesitant expression.
The Duchess noticed and immediately said, "There might be an urgent matter in the front; you should go and attend to it."
"Yes, there's no need for you to serve here."
Shu Yu apologized, "I'll be right back," before quickly making her way to the assistant. She asked in a hushed tone, "Wha...
Chapter 2221: Interesting Rumors
Shu Yu served tea to the two elderly ladies and responded, "Your words are quite exaggerated."
Madam Qi disagreed, saying, "Exaggerated? Not at all. I'm speaking the truth. When you saved our master years ago, you were only thirteen or fourteen years old. At such a young age, you displayed remarkable courage and intelligence. Our master even had our children learn from you. It's a pity that you're not in the capital. But now, things are different...
Chapter 2220: They Are Acquaintances
Everyone was curious to see which young lady from the Qi family had come. However, when the carriage stopped, the curtains were drawn, revealing not a young lady but an elegant and dignified elderly lady.
The onlookers widened their eyes in surprise. "Is that... Madam Qi?"
Madam Qi had rarely left her home lately, except for royal banquets or invitations from close acquaintances. It was quite unexpected for her to be here.
Was s...
Chapter 2219: The Carriage from the Qis
Shu Yu noticed that these young ladies seemed to be the ones who had witnessed her confrontation with Wu Ling on the second floor of the shop that day.
She couldn't help but quirk a corner of her mouth. Were these young ladies here to support her? Oh no, they were purely driven by curiosity.
Unlike Wu Ling and her group, these young ladies walked over rather than staying inside their carriages. They greeted Shu Yu, "Princess Wen'an,...
Chapter 2218: The Top Scholar is Truly Useful
Just two days after the triumphant parade on horseback, the new top scholar had become the talk of the town.
When shopkeeper Yun made his announcement, the curious bystanders who had been loitering outside the shop were taken aback. Their eyes widened in unison.
"This is the shop opened by the new top scholar?"
"The one who passed six imperial exams?"
"What are they selling inside? Are these the things the top sc...
Chapter 2217: This Is the Shop of the New Top Scholar
Shu Yu listened attentively and pondered, "With his qualities, even if he left the household and was freed from servitude, he shouldn't have trouble finding a new place."
Aunt Hong nodded, "Indeed, he wouldn't have trouble finding a new place. When he came out, Chen's family was delighted to know he had some savings and wanted to reconnect with him. But he's a stubborn one. Since they sold him, he doesn't consider himself par...
Chapter 2216: Let Me Introduce Someone to You
When Da Niu heard that the visitor knew about the South City Courtyard, the shop on Futai Street, and addressed herself as Aunt Hong, he immediately realized who she was. He welcomed her with a bright smile, "You must be Song Le's aunt, right? Please come in."
Aunt Hong didn't expect him to know about her and felt a bit nervous, "Yes, I'm Xiao Song Le."
Da Niu led her inside and reassured her, "It's not convenient to stay at t...
Chapter 2215: Delay in Granting Official Positions
In other words, very few people knew about the change in the Second Prince's place of confinement, most likely only a few of the Emperor's closest confidants.
However, even though the Second Prince wasn't rescued, the commotion caused by the prison raid was significant. Both sides suffered casualties, and it nearly endangered the lives of ordinary citizens.
As a result, when the Qionglin Banquet was only half over, th...
Chapter 2214: I'll Get It Myself
Shu Yu responded with a hesitant "Hmm?" when Meng Yunzheng mentioned wanting tangible rewards.
"Tangible rewards? I've prepared something for you, but it's still at the South City Courtyard. Shall we secretly go back later to get it?"
"What if I want it right now?"
Shu Yu hesitated, "That won't work. I can't conjure it here."
"No problem, I'll get it myself."
"You want to go back..." Shu Yu didn't finish her sentence b...
Chapter 2213: Meng Yunzheng: I Want Tangible Rewards
The shopkeeper hurriedly said, "If, in the future, County Princess receives more paintings from the Mountain Dwelling Scholar, could you still bring them to our shop for framing?"
Shu Yu, "..." Weren't you just saying that the Mountain Dwelling Scholar's paintings were precious? Now, you're acting like they're as common as cabbage?
"If there's another opportunity, and I happen to be in the capital, I will definitely bri...
Chapter 2212: A Gift from the Mountain Dwelling Scholar?
This was the unified statement of Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng. Shu Yu felt that it was best to maintain the mystery surrounding the Mountain Dwelling Scholar.
So, they publicly claimed that these two paintings were created by the Mountain Dwelling Scholar when he passed through Dong'an Prefecture. He was inspired by the sunflower field nearby and stayed in the area for quite some time. As the sunflowers were about to wither, ...
Chapter 2211: Changing Faces Faster Than Turning Pages
In the end, the group decided not to go out for a meal. There were too many people outside, and they were concerned about the safety of the children, especially pregnant Xiao Shi. Shu Yu was afraid she might get bumped into.
So, Zhao Xi and the others went to a nearby restaurant and ordered a table of food, which they ate in the shop. However, all the restaurants in town were exceptionally busy, and by the time Shu Yu and th...
Chapter 2210: Only Caught Shu Yu's Handkerchief
Although Tanhua Jinlin may not be as good-looking as Meng Yunzheng, he was, after all, bestowed the title of Tanhua, and he could still take pride in his appearance.
Unlike Meng Yunzheng, he didn't avoid the things thrown at him, and he accepted everything without hesitation.
The result of this was that he was almost covered in various things. It wasn't just flowers and handkerchiefs that were thrown at him; there were a...
Chapter 2209: Riding in a Procession on Horseback
Holding her son, who was playing with Little Huohuo and Song Le, Kang Shi nodded and said, "All the positions along the streets where the procession will pass by were reserved months ago. There are no available spots."
"This spot is perfect. When the top scorer passes by here, Ah Yu, you can throw flowers down," she continued.
Although Shu Yu trusted Meng Yunzheng a lot, she still remained humble, "We don't even know h...
Chapter 2208: Meng Yunzheng, The Top Scorer!
Everyone was stunned, but before they could react, the Emperor spoke directly, "From Shuntian Prefecture, Jin Lin, granted the title of Imperial Scholar, First Rank Tanhua."
Jin Lin, who stood at the forefront, was somewhat surprised. As someone from the capital's noble family, he had heard many things about Meng Yunzheng, and his thoughts were similar to many others.
He also believed that with only three people left in the...
Chapter 2207: Announcing the Rankings
In the Imperial Hall, all the newly appointed scholars had changed into official attire and were nervously waiting outside the hall for their names to be called.
After the civil and military officials in the hall paid their respects, an official from the Honglu Temple came out and led all the scholars into the hall. They knelt down one by one to await the announcement.
The palace examination had divided the scholars into three ranks.<...
Chapter 2206: The Second Painting
Aunt Feng was ecstatic and determined to overcome any small difficulties at home. Shu Yu listened to her arrangements and didn't say much more.
Aunt Feng had been quite reliable during the past few months of work here. Especially when some people came by recently looking to approach Meng Yunzheng, not being able to meet him in person, they turned their attention to Aunt Feng. However, she had remained tight-lipped and didn't reveal any informati...
Chapter 2205: The Use of the Second Floor
The second floor was like a small, tasteful tea bar. Shu Yu could provide a place for these people to appreciate artwork, read books, and discuss, and they surely wouldn't leave without making a purchase.
In the capital city, scholars might not have much else, but they had money to spend on tea and snacks.
As Shu Yu spoke, she grew more excited. The second floor was there anyway, and this small business could do well.
M...