Chapter 19

Feng Jueyu looked at Li Yide with a puzzled expression, while Li Tong'er chuckled and said, "Isn't Young Master Feng from Tian Nan City?"

"I... yes, what's the matter?"

Li Yide chuckled and said, "I guess Young Master doesn't go out much, or perhaps..."

He didn't finish his sentence but gave Feng Jueyu a deep look, feeling very puzzled about the background of this handsome and talented young man.

"The Tian Nan Kingdom holds the imperial examination every three years. The preliminary examination was held in August last year, and the provincial examination will be held at the end of March this year. It's coming soon. Scholars and top candidates from various prefectures, states, and counties have entered the city in recent days. Starting from today, in fifteen days, the provincial examination will take place. In three days, to welcome the scholars and top candidates from all over the country, the governor of Tian Nan, by imperial decree, will hold a spring literary gathering on Xi Lin Lake before the provincial examination."

Li Tong'er added, "At that time, literary talents from all over the country will gather on the lake, reciting poems and composing couplets. Although it won't affect the results of the provincial examination, many high-ranking officials will be present. Those who lack confidence in winning the top position can use this opportunity to show their talents. They might be noticed by a powerful official and be invited to join their household as a staff member, which would greatly benefit their future. Such a grand event is held every three years in the Tian Nan Kingdom. In the days leading up to it, various activities are held in the city's taverns and brothels, making it very lively."

Li Yide nodded, "Today is the first day, and the activities in the city center will continue until midnight."

Feng Jueyu suddenly understood. The imperial examination system here was exactly the same as the one in ancient times in his previous life, a method for the state to select talents. It was strange that even the timing was similar. The preliminary examination was held in August of the previous year, the provincial examination in March of the current year, and the palace examination, personally set by the emperor, would be held at the end of April.

Could it be that some part of space-time had twisted, causing a certain point to overlap? Otherwise, how could the imperial examination system be the same? No wonder Stephen Hawking said that cosmology was the most difficult to study. It was truly surprising.

"Oh," Feng Jueyu said lightly. The imperial examination had nothing to do with him, but he thought for a moment and suddenly smiled, "That's great. It seems heaven is very kind to us. With this spring literary gathering, it will be much easier for us to accomplish our goals."

Seeing Feng Jueyu's smug look, the grandfather and granddaughter were completely baffled. Feng Jueyu didn't explain, and they didn't dare to ask, so the matter was left unresolved.

As Feng Jueyu left, he said specifically:

"Stay awake tonight and act according to the plan."

Then he returned to the Shangguan residence...

Li Yide and Li Tong'er exchanged a smile and went back to their rooms to prepare.

...

That night, the Tian Nan Kingdom was brightly lit, just as Li Yide had described. In the center of Tian Nan City, every street and alley was decorated with lanterns. Red paper lanterns hung in front of every house, illuminating the most prosperous area of the city like daylight.

This was an event to welcome the provincial examination, a major national affair, protected and supervised by the government. No one could avoid participating.

In the evening, two lights in Yunmeng Tower echoed each other. It was not yet midnight when the light in Feng Jueyu's room went out. The great assassin Feng Jueyu, wearing a very stylish brocade robe, came out of his room, holding a folding fan he had forcibly taken from Shangguan Ruofan. He walked out the door with a smug look on his face.

The spring literary gathering was like a tailor-made opportunity for the great assassin to go out without being questioned. In his memory, Feng Jueyu never missed this event. It was the perfect time to flirt, drink, and brag.

It was also the best cover for the great assassin to join the operation that night.

Outside Yunmeng Tower, Feng Jueyu stopped and knocked on the opposite door. The maid Xing'er came out, "Young Master."

She looked Feng Jueyu up and down, her lips pouting in disdain. "Young Master, are you going out?" She knew that the spring literary gathering was something this oaf couldn't miss. He had no talent, yet he always went to join the crowd. How shameless.

"Yes," Feng Jueyu smiled, looking anything but serious. "Is Ruomeng here?"

"Miss is working," Xing'er replied coldly, blocking the door with her hands, clearly not letting him in.

"Well..." Feng Jueyu, who had been turned away, didn't seem to mind. He knew that in the past, Feng Jueyu would have been persistent, so he didn't leave. He knew Shangguan Ruomeng would appear and refuse him.

As expected, hearing the knock, Shangguan Ruomeng, wearing a light blue robe, came down the stairs.

Shangguan Ruomeng, without her luxurious attire, was like a captivating moonlight, stunningly beautiful. She walked down the stairs gracefully and dignifiedly, though her attire was simple, she was properly covered. The subtle lace hints added a touch of allure.

The moon was hazy, the birds were hazy, the mist was hazy.

In Feng Jueyu's eyes, everything was hazy and intriguing.

Damn, she's so beautiful, looking like that, isn't she just asking for trouble?

"Ruomeng," Feng Jueyu bowed.

Shangguan Ruomeng approached, still with her usual distant yet friendly smile, making people want to stay but not get too close. She was truly enchanting.

"Big Brother Feng, is there something you need?" Shangguan Ruomeng asked, adjusting her shawl, looking so delicate that one might want to hold her in their arms.

Feng Jueyu chuckled and said, "Yes, the spring literary gathering is about to start. From today, there will be a grand literary and beauty gathering in the city center. Such a beautiful night, would you like to go and see it?"

Shangguan Ruomeng smiled, "Big Brother Feng, if you have such a refined interest, I should accompany you, but the Huairen Hall has been very busy lately, and I can't spare the time to go out."

"Oh," Feng Jueyu pretended to be disappointed and sighed, "Alright, I won't disturb you then."

Feng Jueyu wasn't really inviting Shangguan Ruomeng; he just needed an excuse to go out. On the surface, he looked disappointed, but in his heart, he was overjoyed. It was better that she didn't come.

Feng Jueyu bowed and turned to leave, but Shangguan Ruomeng called him back.

"Big Brother Feng."

"Ah?" Feng Jueyu's heart skipped a beat, thinking, "Not changing her mind, I hope not."

"Big Brother Feng," Shangguan Ruomeng walked out of the small building and said, "Although I'm busy today, there will be a grand gathering on Xi Lin Lake in three days. In previous years, I was too busy to attend, but this year I have made time. Would you be interested in accompanying me on a boat ride on the lake in three days?"

"Huh?" Feng Jueyu was taken aback, thinking, "That's strange, in the past, she avoided me like the plague. Why is she inviting me now? This is odd."

After a moment, he decided not to refuse, as it might raise suspicion. He laughed, "Sure, I would be honored. I'll definitely come."

"Big Brother Feng, have a safe trip. Remember to come back early and don't catch a cold," Shangguan Ruomeng bowed and returned to the small building.

Feng Jueyu left the Shangguan residence, puzzled.

In Yunmeng Tower, Xing'er asked, puzzled, "Miss, the Xi Lin poetry gathering in three days is a major event for the merchants. Are you really going to take Young Master with you?"

Shangguan Ruomeng, sitting at the desk, didn't look up, frowning and writing in the ledger, "Since I've decided to accept him, I can't let him do nothing. He should start learning something."

Xing'er was shocked, "Miss, are you really going to marry him?"

Shangguan Ruomeng put down her pen and smiled, "Why not? By marrying him, I can help Grandfather manage the business and stay in the residence forever. Why not?"

"But he... Miss, Xing'er is foolish, but do you plan to bring him into the Huairen Hall?"

Shangguan Ruomeng said, "Exactly. Since he's going to be my husband, he can't do nothing. I plan to start him from the bottom. Maybe one day he'll turn over a new leaf and manage a branch, which would ease my burden."

"Just him?" Xing'er sneered, "Miss, Xing'er doesn't think so. With his... talent... and... character... sigh, I don't dare to hope."

Shangguan Ruomeng smiled, "Who knows? I just hope he doesn't embarrass me too much."

"Sigh..."

...

Leaving the Shangguan residence, Feng Jueyu, as usual, took his four followers for a walk around the city. This time, the four followers were more alert, knowing they wouldn't be able to face anyone if they lost him again.

But as they followed, perhaps due to the poor night vision or the crowded city, Feng Jueyu's figure disappeared in the sea of people once again.

The four followers were stunned. Damn, they lost him again, the third time. What was going on?

The leader of the followers angrily scratched his head, while the other three were too scared to breathe.

No, no, something must be wrong. It's impossible to lose him three times. It's impossible...

The second, third, and fourth followers looked at their leader. Finally, the second follower said, "Brother, something's fishy. We were punished the last two times, and this time it will be even worse. Why don't we go back and confess to the boss? I don't want to do this job anymore."

The leader of the followers frowned so hard it could have caught a fly, then said, "Alright, let's go back. Something's definitely wrong. Think about how we lost him on the way."

...

In the south of the city, Feng Jueyu, having lost his followers, leisurely walked to Jishi Fang. Confirming no one was following him, he suddenly sped up and entered the back courtyard of Jishi Fang.

In the back courtyard, Li Yide, Li Tong'er, and Xiao Yuanshan were all waiting. Seeing Feng Jueyu, they all stood up.

Without wasting time, Feng Jueyu asked, "Did you catch Wang Dazhuang?"

Xiao Yuanshan chuckled and walked to a pile of firewood, pulling out a large burlap sack. With great effort, he dragged the heavy sack into the courtyard.

Judging by the weight, it was likely Wang Dazhuang.

"Did you give him the drug?" Feng Jueyu asked.

Li Yide, stroking his beard proudly, said, "Half a tael of knockout powder and one tael of soul-scattering powder, both made by me. He'll wake up in half an hour."

Seeing Li Yide's smug look, Feng Jueyu felt a bit sorry. What a good doctor, turned into a cunning and deceitful person in just half a day. It was rare that the old man was still showing off his skills.

"Xiao Yuanshan, are the people outside ready to cause a commotion?"

Xiao Yuanshan said, "Don't worry, everything is arranged. We're using our own people, who are trustworthy. Once the commotion starts, it will definitely attract the constables from the southern city."

"Alright, let's get to work." Feng Jueyu waved his hand, and the three of them left the back courtyard and headed for the front gate.

To the readers:

PS: Four updates today, adjusting the plot, so it's a bit slow.

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