How can I know? Ancestral divination? Turtle shell oracle?

  Hua Yu fell silent for a moment, then decided to put on an unfathomable expression and imitate Jiang Xuanjins tone, saying in a cold voice: "How do I know? Is it important?"

  Liu Yunlie was slightly annoyed, his temper was known to all the civil and military officials in the court, and few people dared to confront him head-on, even Zi Yangjun gave way to him three points. This person in front of him was good, not only did he block his way, but also spoke so bluntly, if he really tolerated it today, where would he put his face?

  Clutching his fist, Liu Yunlie said: "If the lady insists on blocking me, then Ill have to ask for your forgiveness at the point of collision."

  Saying so, he used his hand as a bow and immediately pulled open the stance on horseback.

  Hua Yus eyes lit up at this posture, Liu Yunlie was a martial general, taking the path of boldness and ferocity. When she practiced martial arts before, her master often made her go find Liu Yunlie to spar with, because Hua Yu practiced soft techniques, most skilled in using clever force to overcome brute strength. However, back then due to their status, no matter how much Hua Yu provoked him, Liu Yunlie just wouldnt fight her. Who would have thought that now was a good opportunity.

  "Pfft pfft" He spat on his hand twice, Huai Yu bowed to him: "Please!"

  Are you really going to fight? The nearby Fengyun was shocked and hurriedly came up to stop them: "Milady, Lord Liu, absolutely not!"

  "Stop arguing!" With a low rebuke, Huaiyu turned her head to glance at the main building behind her, her eyes filled with determination and deep emotion.

  Cheng Xiao and Yu Feng fell silent, both feeling a little emotional. Their master, Zi Yang Jun, was clearly superior to everyone else, but how did he become someone who needed to be protected and pampered in the eyes of his wife?

  Liu Yunlies main purpose was of course not to fight with the woman, his eyes were fixed on the main building behind him, thinking that he would take advantage of the exchange and rush up as soon as possible.

  However, Li Huaiyu didnt give him this opportunity at all, and went straight up with a fierce snake coming out of the cave, forcing him to retreat two steps.

  "What...?" What kind of road is this? Its too wild!

  Hua Yu smiled with a sly mouth, wiping his nose tip with his thumb, avoiding his powerful moves and seizing the opportunity to launch a sneak attack on him.

  This kind of rivers-and-lakes-style fighting made Liu Yunlie extremely angry. After exchanging blows for ten rounds, he couldnt escape from her encirclement and became impatient, no longer caring about his identity, and struck out ruthlessly without mercy.

  Holding the jade and fighting, retreating gradually became unbearable. Bai Zhens body was too weak, she could withstand so many moves, completely relying on remembering previous moves and adding some cunning tricks, and the moves she made could only scare people, and if they really fought, there might not be much harm.

  Yan glared at Liu Yunlie as he approached the main building. Huai Yu gritted her teeth, determined to attack his lower body even if it meant taking a punch from him.

  "Be careful, madam!" he hissed under his breath.

  Huai Yus leg swept horizontally to Liu Yunlies knee, and Liu Yunlies fist was about to land on her shoulder. The two moves were evenly matched, but if they landed, Huai Yu would definitely be at a disadvantage.

  Liu Yunlie thought for a moment, even if its not good to spread the word that he had a physical altercation with a woman, today he must teach this person a lesson, otherwise, letting her be so arrogant would ultimately harm Xuan Jin.

  However, this punch did not fall.

  In the blink of an eye, the door behind the main building suddenly opened, and someone flew out, punching him with a huge force that made his hand numb. At the same time, his lower body was also struck, his knee buckled, and Liu Yunlie stumbled half a step, his body tilting precariously.

  Hua Yu was a bit unresponsive, she had already prepared herself for the punch, but unexpectedly, there was a loud noise by her ear and she was pulled away.

  "Get back." Jiang Xuanjins voice was hoarse, but his tone was terrifying.

  Hua Yu raised her head and saw him walking towards Liu Yunlie, who immediately started fighting without saying a word.

  "Xuan Jin!" Liu Yunlies eyes widened as he held up his hands in defense, "Its me!"

  Jiang Xuanjins face was gloomy, he looked up at him, his offense didnt decrease at all, and he broke two moves, a fierce punch hit his chest. Before he could react, he turned around and kicked his right shoulder with one leg.

  He struck with extreme severity, without leaving any room for sentiment or courtesy.

  Liu Yunlie was shocked and suddenly realized that this person was really angry, so he hurriedly did his best to defend himself.

  "Master, calm down!" Cheng Xiao and Yu Feng both came forward, one blocking each of them, urgently advising.

  Jiang Xuanjins eyes narrowed, his anger not dissipating, and he pushed open the void to continue fighting. However, another hand suddenly appeared beside him, soft and gentle, slipping into his palm and holding him back.

  Pausing slightly, Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow and tilted his head: "You also want to advise me?"

  With a smile that made her eyebrows disappear into her eyes, she didnt care about anything else and grabbed him, exclaiming with sparkling eyes: "How can you be so amazing! Even fighting is so cool! Just now when I saw your flying sleeve, I really thought it was a god descending to the mortal world!"

  Come down

  The soft and gentle tone filled with love echoed throughout the ink house, washing away the tense atmosphere that had been building up.

  Liu Yunlies facial muscles twitched, he really wanted to say that this lady was indeed bold, daring to provoke Jiang Xuanjin when she was angry? And saying such nonsense...

  However, the person who was originally in a bad mood was pulled by her hand and suddenly calmed down.

  "Where are you hurt?" Jiang Xuanjin asked her with a sideways glance and an impatient tone.

  Hua Yu smiled and compared her strong arms with his: "Im very fierce, I didnt get hurt!"

  He reached out and pinched her arm, then looked her up and down twice. He relaxed his eyebrows, and his expression also softened.

  She gently touched his face with a sympathetic heart: "I still woke you up, are you tired? Go back to sleep for a while?"

  "It doesnt matter." Lowering his head to let her touch him, Jiang Xuanjin said, "I wont be able to sleep well tonight, being able to rest for so long is already a relief."

  "Thanks to whom?" Hua Yu raised an eyebrow and smiled ambiguously, trying to trick him into calling out "wife" again.

  However, Jiang Xuanjin was not deceived and hummed softly as he pushed her in the direction of the main building: "You go rest for a while."

  Liu Yunlie stood beside him, staring blankly until Jiang Xuanye sent the person back to the main building and returned in front of him, he was still a bit dazed: "You..."

  Standing before him with his hands behind his back, Jiang Xuanjins eyes were cold and clear: "Lord Liu, you forcibly entered my Ink Dwelling, injured my wife; what is it that you want to do?"

  Liu Yunlie wanted to say, "I didnt hurt your wife!" But looking at the expression of the person in front of him, he resignedly bowed his head and said: "It was this humble officials mistake, a momentary lapse due to urgency. Tomorrow I will definitely prepare a thick gift to apologize to your wife. However, today I came because there is indeed something I need to ask you about."

  Jiang Xuanjin stepped aside and still led him to the side hall.

  The couple took turns coming, but he still couldnt set foot in the main building. Liu Yunlies mood was complicated, and he sat in the side hall, saying in a low voice: "Does the emperor know about the recent rumors in the court?"

  Jiang Xuanjin finished his strong tea: "Please speak, sir."

  "Your Majesty has not only condoned the actions of Li Feng, but also saved Xuan Xian. Liu Yunlie was slightly annoyed, "Such behavior is no different from openly telling the entire court that Prince Zi Yang is biased towards the Long Princesss faction! The Long Princess passed away nearly two months ago, and her remaining influence in the court has not been completely eliminated, many people are worried about this, but Your Majesty is good, you dont even help, instead you go against us?"

  Hearing this, Jiang Xuanjin was somewhat puzzled: "Li Fengxings bribery case is fake?"

  Liu Yunlie paused: "No."

  "Was Xu Xian really bribed with twenty thousand taels?"

  "Nor is it."

  "Since neither of you are, what did you come to tell me today?" Jiang Xuanjin was displeased. "Lord Liu, when did you also start not distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong, and only look at party stands?"

  Liu Yunlie was taken aback, and then furrowed his brow: "But... I always feel that your recent actions are too unusual. If its not intentional on your part, then someone else must be intentionally leading you to this point."

  Was he introduced by someone else? Jiang Xuanjin smiled lightly: "When I do things, who can introduce me? If what Im doing is the right thing, then why worry about being introduced by others?"

  These words were straightforward and unassailable, leaving Liu Yunlie completely at a loss for counterarguments.

  Hua Yu lay on the bed in the main house with her eyes closed, deep in thought.

  After being in contact with Jiang Xuanjin for so long, she decided to believe that this person was not intentionally framing her. As for the imperial edict and the poisoned wine, it must have been someone behind the scenes who deliberately let him take the blame.

  So, who is the person behind this? Who can manipulate Dan Yangs Long Princess and Zi Yang Jun together with applause, without them noticing, what kind of mind is An? What role did Liu Yunlie play in this?

  Thinking of many things, his face was a bit tight, and his expression was very serious.

  However, as soon as she heard the sound of the door opening, she instantly turned into a truly sleeping posture.

  "Tired?" Someone sat down beside her bed and asked softly.

  Li Huaiyu yawned and opened her eyes, smiling as she reached out to pull him: "Not tired!"

  Jiang Xuanjin lowered his eyes to look at her, the expression in his dark pupils unclear, and he didnt know what he was thinking. Huai Yu blinked, feeling a bit tight in her chest, and quickly pulled him down to lie down, hugging him around the waist: "Do you have something you want to ask me?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "Then you ask, and I will honestly answer!"

  "Who taught you your martial arts?" he asked in a low voice.

  Hua Yu smiled and rubbed against his chest: "You think thats martial arts? I only know a few moves, no internal strength at all, my body is as weak as a bamboo stick."

  As she spoke, she put her own wrist into his hand and let him feel it with great generosity.

  If one is a martial artist, their bones and meridians will be stronger than ordinary people, and their pulse will also be clear and powerful. But this Bai Zhenji, let alone being strong, is so weak that he can get seriously ill at any time, and his palms are soft, without even a single callus.

  Jiang Xuanjin thought he had been overthinking, this girl was just clever and her body really didnt seem to be good at martial arts.

  "How dare you intercept Liu Yunlie?" He pursed his lips, "Arent you afraid of getting hurt?"

  Holding jade stretched out her hand and touched his eyebrows, then smiled: "Im worried about you, thinking that you should sleep a bit more. Even if the King of Heaven came, Id have to stop him!"

  "I dont need you to protect me."

  "Whether you need it or not is one thing, whether I want to protect you is another." She stared into his eyes, very seriously, "Youve never liked anyone before, so you dont know this feeling. Even if a firefly falls in love with the moon, it will want to give all its light to it."

  It doesnt matter how strong you are with someone you like, this is the intention of a heart that cant stop beating.

  Jiang Xuanjin was stunned, his hand touching her soft hair, and he couldnt help but gently twirl it: "You, why do you talk so much every day?"

  "Holding jade and frowning: Do you think I want to? Its all because you dont talk much! If I didnt speak up for you, how hard would it be for you to hold it in?!"

  "Nonsense."

  "Whos kidding? You must be dying to tell me you like me too?" She said with a straight face, "But since you cant say it out loud, Ill just have to say a few more words to you."

  "Jiang Jing, I like you!" Her eyebrows and eyes curved downward, and her smile turned into a crescent moon.

  Jiang Xuanjin closed his eyes, reached out and pressed her head against his chest, muffling her voice as he said, "Shut up."

  She rubbed against his chest, and Hua Yu giggled and hugged him tightly. Feeling the rare warmth from this person, her heart was filled with an uncontainable joy that overflowed from within.

  Its hard to get Jiang Xuanjin to take action, but once he does, everything becomes much easier.

  "By the way, is your second brother going to take the imperial examination?" she asked casually.

  Jiang Xuanjin murmured a low "hmm".

  "Ill make some pastries tomorrow and send them to their house too." Huaiyu said, "Today Erniang came over and brought two plates of delicious melon seed pastry."

  Second sister? Jiang Xuanjin paused for a moment, as if he had to think for a while before remembering this person, and said in a low voice: "If you want to send it, then send it."

  "I heard that Second Sister is from the Xu family." She whispered, "Looks like a good girl, but why doesnt she seem to be well-received?"

  Jiang Xuanjin said: "Its not that he doesnt receive guests, its just that he doesnt receive Second Brother. That person has always been fond of beautiful women."

  Obviously, Xu Chunian didnt have a good appearance.

  Hua Yu furrowed her brow: "Then why did he bring someone back home? The Xu family is a big household, cant their daughter marry into a good family?"

  If someone else had said these things to Jiang Xuanjin, he would have been annoyed to death and wouldnt have bothered responding. But when he heard the person close to him chattering on and on, he found it very interesting and couldnt help but answer: "Second Brother was also forced into marrying Second Sister-in-law back then."

  Unhappily raising her head, Huai Yu narrowed her eyes: "Whats with the also?"

  He stroked her hair, soothing her discontent, and continued: "Second Brother had a concubine since he was sixteen, but when he turned twenty, he still refused to establish a formal wife, saying that he was afraid the formal wife would bully his house full of beauties. No matter how beautifully the matchmaker praised the young lady from the other family as being as lovely as an immortal fairy, he wouldnt agree."

  Jiang Shen first saw Xu Chuyan with disdain, staring at her face for a long time. However, after spending a day together, Jiang Shen returned to Jiang Xuanjin with great enthusiasm and said: "Ive found someone who can be my legitimate wife!"

  Jiang Xuanjin was still young at that time, and looked at him in confusion. Then he heard his second brother say shamelessly: "Its just the kind of person who doesnt look good but has a good temper, wont be jealous or frame others. Anyway, she cant match me in any way, and being able to enter my door is already something to be grateful for. How could she bully my beautiful woman?"

  "So hes marrying a second wife and bringing her back as a decoration?"

  Jiang Xuanjin nodded: "Second Aunt rarely leaves the house."

  How pitiful! Hua Yu sucked her tongue and rolled her eyes, saying: "Then Ill go take a look at her tomorrow!"

  Daughters are soft-hearted, and as soon as they hear that someone is having a hard time, they easily give rise to sympathy. Jiang Xuanjin didnt think much of it, his chin lightly touched her forehead, very sleepy, he lowered his eyes, slowly falling into a dream.

  In his dream, he was climbing up a steep cliff with great difficulty, but as he climbed, someone suddenly stretched out a hand to him.

  "Grab me!" The man laughed and shouted, his palm warm and soft as he handed it over.

  He was stunned, subconsciously grasping upwards, and was easily pulled up by her. However, just as they were about to reach the top, she turned around, her voice suddenly icy: "Do you really think Im trying to save you?"

  His hand was suddenly released, his pupils contracted, and he couldnt stop himself from plummeting rapidly into the abyss.

  He suddenly opened his eyes and woke up, Jiang Xuanyin frowned.

  The feeling of weightlessness seemed to still be there, he covered his chest with his hand, which was aching dullly, and his face looked very bad.

  "Master?" He poured some water and placed it beside him, then drew open the bed curtains. "Having a nightmare?"

  Raising his eyes to look around the room, Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow: "Is it dawn?"

  "Yes." The driver nodded, "You slept very well this time."

  Slept for a whole ten hours, its simply unbelievable.

  "What about her?"

  "Madam has gone to the Shao Hua Institute and instructed me that when you wake up, I must let you drink some clear congee." Cheng Xu replied stiffly, stealing a glance at his masters expression with the corner of his eye.

  Its really... As soon as she opened her eyes and didnt see her husband, she got angry, and the look in her eyes was heavy.

  Its hard to bear the grievances, madam, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Wouldnt it be better to stay a little longer and wait for the master to wake up before leaving?

  Huai Yu was already seated in the main hall of Shao Hua Yuan, and when Xu Chuyan saw her, his face which had been scrunched up instantly relaxed, and he said with great delight: "Younger sister has a heart after all."

  "I heard that Second Brother is going to take part in the imperial examination, so Ill just give him this small token of good wishes." Huai Yu looked around and asked her, "Wheres Second Brother?"

  At the mention of this, Xu Chuyans eyes dimmed again, and he lowered his head, saying: "He has been in a bad mood recently, always listening to music in the side room."

  Being driven by Jiang Xuanjin like a goaded duck, she went to select officials with a terrible mood. Huaiyu smiled secretly and asked her: "In your opinion, second sister, can second brother be selected this time?"

  Xu Chuannan nodded repeatedly: "If he really takes the exam, of course he can! His articles are written very well, Ive read a lot, although some are impulsive works, but when hes calm, his writing is really elegant!"

  This person also boasted about her husband without hesitation, and Huaiyu couldnt help but tease her: "But when it comes to selecting officials, its not just a matter of literary talent."

  "Hes not just good at writing!" Xu Chuyi hastily said, "Many of his articles are also quite insightful!"

  "Is it?" Huai Yu sighed regretfully, "I still dont know what he wrote."

  As soon as this was said, Xu Chuyi stood up and came to pull her: "Sister, come with me!"

  Hua Yu cleverly followed her out of the main hall and into a nearby study.

  Xu Chuyi was excitedly searching for articles on the bookshelf. She stood by the desk and inadvertently caught sight of a seal casually placed there, with Jiang Shens name and courtesy name engraved on it.

  This thing is very important, and it must be printed on the answer sheet at the time of selection to verify identity. But Jiang Shen actually threw it away so casually, obviously he didnt take the selection seriously at all.

  She slightly hooked her lips and with a flick of her sleeve, she put the thing into her bosom.

  Xu Chuyi found a few bound books and happily handed them over to her: "Look, these were all written by him."

  The tone is full of pride.

  She took the jade over and flipped through it casually, nodding in praise: "Indeed, its not bad. Did Second Aunt only discover these after marrying in?"

  Xu Chuyi shook her head, slightly blushing as she said: "I read his articles when I was 16 and have always admired him. Later being able to marry him is my good fortune."

  "Could it be like this?" Hua Yu blinked her eyes, recalling what Jiang Xuanjin had said about Jiang Er Gongzis thoughts, and couldnt help but sigh: "He was able to marry you, its his good fortune."

  Xu Chuyan felt embarrassed by these words and shook his head repeatedly: "Sister-in-law is overpraising, I...Im not that good, he...hes especially good!"

  Not eloquent, speaking hesitantly, but the light in his eyes is very bright, like the first ray of sunlight at dawn, making peoples hearts warm up with him.

  Li Huaiyu smiled, thinking that it turned out that whether or not you like someone, your eyes will tell the truth.

  So in the afternoon when Jiang Xuanjin returned home, as soon as he entered the door, he saw her staring at him with eager eyes.

  "Whats going on?" He didnt understand.

  "Huai Yu said: Take a good look at me! Do you see whats in my eyes?"

  Jiang Xuanjin stared at her expressionlessly, then suddenly took out a handkerchief and handed it over to wipe the corners of her eyes, shaking his head in disgust: "Filthy."

  "...!" Qì fèn de pāi diào tā shǒu lǐ de pà zi, huái yù dào, "wǒ ràng nǐ kàn wǒ de yǎn jīng, bú shì zhè gè!"

  Translation:

  "...!" With a slap of her hand, Huaiyu knocked the handkerchief out of his hand and said, "I let you see my eyes, not this!"

  Whats wrong with her eyes? Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled, but as he looked at her seriously, he slowly discovered that there were circles and circles of emotions in her eyes, rippling like the gentle stream water in March with peach blossoms.

  He pressed his lips together and said, "Are you bored?"

  Cant you see? Hua Yus face fell, and she bowed her head in self-reflection. She indeed still wasnt skilled enough and should practice more in front of the mirror to learn from Xu Chuyans gaze, which would surely make his heart skip a beat at first glance!

  "Ive been waiting for you here for a long time," she said with a pout, "Every day except eating and sleeping is just waiting for you, cant I be idle?"

  With a wronged and resentful look on his face.

  Jiang Xuanjin thought for a moment and asked her: "Do you want to go out for a walk?"

  Her eyes lit up and she jumped up excitedly: "Great! Great! Ive heard that Kyoto has been crowded lately, its lively!"

  People from all over the place have arrived in the capital to participate in the imperial examination, can it be not crowded? Jiang Xuanjin disliked noise, he liked to stay in his mansion after court and wouldnt go anywhere, but seeing her looking like she was about to suffocate, he pursed his lips and turned around to head out.

  Li Huaiyu was very enthusiastic and asked him as soon as he got on the car: "Can we go to Wenyuan to take a look?"

  His temples throbbed and Jiang Xuanjin said, "Cant you choose a place with fewer people?"

  The Wen Yuan is where most people are, half of those rushing for exams are buying stationery there.

  "Ah, but I like crowds." She looked at him with a hint of disappointment, "Then... how about going to the outskirts to see flowers?"

  Glaring at her sideways with a bad temper, Jiang Xuanjin said: "Forget it, just go to the Wen Institute. If you want to buy something, go down and squeeze in yourself, I wont get off the carriage."

  As Zi Yang Jun, did you really get off the car? Being recognized by someone with sharp eyes, you cant escape being surrounded by the crowd! Huai Yu nodded in understanding, then turned her face and smiled, happily holding his hand and playing with his fingers.

  "Pull it in outside." He frowned, "Always dragging and pulling, whats the point?"

  Hua Yu listened and turned her head to ask him: "Before I married you, were you also fooling around outside?"

  "How dare you say that?"

  "Exactly, I can pull and drag you even if were not married, whats the point of getting married if I still cant?" Huai Yu said with a straight face, "Isnt getting married just to make pulling and dragging reasonable?"

  "...He really didnt think marriage was for this."

  "If youre really shy, then Ill hide it from now on when I want to hold hands with you, like this!" She said as she sat down beside him, Huai Yu reached out and grasped his hand, then pulled his wide sleeve over to cover it, raising an eyebrow to ask, "Hows that?"

  The sleeves with silver cloud patterns looked very elegant and dignified, but the hands under those sleeves were hooked together mischievously, scratching each others palms for a while before intertwining their fingers section by section.

  Jiang Xuanjins body stiffened and he said: "Let go."

  "No one will see it, whats the point?" Huai Yu didnt respond, holding him tightly. But after holding on for a while, he felt that his palm was slightly moist.

  "Huh?" she asked him curiously, "Are you hot?"

  The person in front of him sat upright against the car wall, his eyes gazing straight ahead, his tone cold: "Not hot."

  Just feeling the warmth and softness of her palm reminded him of the terrible dream he had last night.

  "Are you really not going to let go?" He asked in a low voice, so soft it was as if he were asking himself.

  Huai Yu, however, had heard him and a big smile spread across his face as he replied loudly and firmly: "No!"

  The dark and deep pupils sparkled with excitement at these two words.

  The carriage arrived quickly, and Cui Yu prepared to get off, only to find that the person inside was unwilling to let go of her hand.

  Then she turned back and whispered: "Ill go buy something and come back, okay?"

  The face that had just softened suddenly tensed up again. Jiang Xuanjin looked down at her hand and didnt say a word.

  "Then come with me?"

  He still didnt make a sound, his slender hand gently hooked her, neither pulling nor releasing.

  Hua Yu couldnt help it, one hand pinched his wrist, the other slowly broke free, then stuffed his hand into her sleeve: "Wait for me to come back!"

  After finishing speaking, he quickly got off the bus and took Ling Xiu into the crowd.

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow, looking at the swaying carriage curtain, somewhat annoyed: "Taking advantage of emptiness."

  The person outside replied: "Master?"

  "Lets go, we cant wait for her."

  "What...?" He was taken aback, what kind of mood had his master gotten into again?

  He lifted the car curtain and asked cautiously: "Really not waiting?"

  "She doesnt keep her word, why should I wait?" Jiang Xuanjin said with a stern face, "Lets go at once!"

  It is.

  Li Huaiyu walked crookedly into the Wen Institute, completely unaware that the little princess behind her had thrown another tantrum, only pinching the seal in her sleeve pocket and letting Lingxiu wait for her at the door before rushing in.

  "What can I get for you?" The clean-cut waiter asked without even looking up when he saw the customer arrive.

  "Why is it you whos here?"

  Bai Qis head hung low for a moment, then suddenly raised his eyes and took in a breath of cool air: "Your Highness..."

  "Is there no stock in the store?" Li Huaiyu interrupted him as soon as he opened his mouth.

  "Ah...... Yes, the kind of Xuan paper you want is in the warehouse. Let me go get it." After glancing around, Bai Xi sidled up to him, "Please follow me."

  Hua Yu nodded and followed her with her skirt in hand. The people around them were bustling about, no one noticing this side.

  "Your Highness, Mr. Lu has been trying to get in touch with you these past few days. The selection of officials is just around the corner."

  "I knew." Hua Yu nodded, "So Im here now? Just didnt expect youre also here."

  Bai Qi said: "Its convenient here."

  Its easy to understand that with so many scholars and students coming and going, news spreads quickly here. As a member of the scholarly family, its most suitable for Bai Xue to make connections with others in this place.

  Hua Yu stared at him for a while before suddenly stretching out her hand and beckoning him over.

  "...Your Highness?" Bai Qis heart felt a chill as he looked at her, every time she wanted him to do something difficult, she would call him over like this, and the deeper the smile on her face, the harder the task.

  Now she has smiled into a flower, but Bai Xue has a very bad premonition.

  After burning three incense sticks, Li Huaiyu carried a stack of Xuan paper out of the Wen Yuan gate, holding Lingxius hand as they walked together. The thing in her sleeve bag had already been given to someone, now she needed to go find Jiang Xuanyi.

  However, when I walked back, I saw that the carriage was gone from where it had been just now, and there was only a lone figure standing there.

  "Where is your master?" Huaiyu asked curiously.

  Cheng Xiao helplessly said: "The master said he didnt want to wait for you, so he left first."

  "Huh?" Yu Mei raised an eyebrow, "Where did you go?"

  "The master doesnt allow me to speak." Chongxu muttered this sentence while nodding towards the teahouse next door.

  Li Huaiyu was taken aback, gave him an appreciative glance, handed over the rice paper to him, lifted her skirt and walked into that teahouse. The first floor was crowded, she didnt even look around, went straight up and found a secluded private room.

  Jiang Xuanjin pinched his teacup and heard the movement at the door, turned his head to glance at her with a cold and indifferent gaze.

  Hua Yu smiled and sat down beside him, pinched his hand and poured a few mouthfuls from the teacup in his hand, then mysteriously said: "Guess what I just heard?"

  He didnt coax him or ask him why he left, but instead said this as soon as he came up. Jiang Xuanjin didnt want to react at all and remained silent with a straight face.

  "This person said to himself, I heard that this years academic officer is again Mr. Liang! I didnt know who this Mr. Liang was, but the fellow who sold me the rice paper got excited when he mentioned him, and the students around us seem to have some reservations about him."

  "Liáng Sī Xián?" Jiang Xuān Jǐn was taken aback and subconsciously said out the name.

  "Are you familiar with him?"

  Nonsense! Hes at least a scholar-official with a salary of a thousand stones, how could I not know him? However, bringing up this person, Jiang Xuanjin was somewhat curious: "Why would you have any complaints about him?"

  "Im not quite sure, I just overheard it when buying things, it seemed to say something about injustice and misleading people." Huai Yu Man shrugged indifferently, "Maybe it was just a casual complaint."

  For many years, the selection of officials has always had people who failed to pass with a heart full of resentment. Its normal for them to come up with two sentences to frame the academic officials. Jiang Xuanjin didnt think much and simply turned his head to put the teacup in front of her: "My tea."

  She drank it all up, without even spitting out a single tea leaf.

  Hua Yu smiled and said: "Drinking strong tea is not good for you, Ill get you a lighter one?"

  Jiang Xuanjin was just about to say that this pot of tea is too strong and needs to be re-steeped to make it lighter. As a result, the person next to him suddenly leaned in close, with the silk fabric of his clothes wrapping around him, his whole body leaning in, pursing his lips and brushing against his mouth corner.

  "How is it? Is it much lighter like this?" She licked her lips and smiled stiffly.

  The person in front of her was slightly leaned back by her, and a flash of light passed through his dark pupils, but he said unhappily: "No."

  Is that all? Provoked by this provocation, Huai Yu drummed her mouth and immediately turned his head over and deeply kissed him.

  The faint tea fragrance instantly filled the space between their lips.

  Cheng Xiao and Ling Xiu followed closely behind, just as they were about to enter the room, they saw two people embracing and kissing inside. Zi Yang Jun was leaning against a long bench, his eyes half-closed as he gazed at the person in front of him, with a hint of the first rays of dawn hidden in his pupils, dazzlingly bright.

  The two people at the door were both stunned.

  Li Huaiyu, with her eyes closed, couldnt see any of this. She was in a playful mood and kissed him enough to make up for it. When she felt that he wasnt angry anymore, she let go of him and smiled as she stretched out her hand: "Lets head home!"

  Her eyes flickered, and Jiang Xuanjin put his hand back in hers.

  "Alright, lets go home," he said.

  Before she knew it, the day of the imperial examination had arrived. Huai Yu followed Jiang Xuanjin to see off Jiang Shen and saw him standing at the door, yawning, looking very sleepy.

  "Are you going to sleep on the scene?" Jiang Xuanjin asked with a expressionless face.

  Jiang Shen raised an eyebrow and looked at him: "This is a good idea."

  "How can this be?" Huai Yu shook her head and handed him a protective amulet-like object, "This is for Second Brother, to ensure your writing flows smoothly today!"

  Jiang Shen raised an eyebrow, took it over, glanced at the expression of his own third brother beside him, and immediately smiled: "Sister-in-law is so thoughtful, this thing second brother will definitely wear it well."

  As he spoke, he sniffed it lightly a couple of times and exclaimed: "This Buddhist incense is really refreshing, I must smell more of it!"

  Hua Yu didnt notice anything else and just watched Jiang Shens action, nodding in satisfaction: "As long as second brother likes it."

  Jiang Xuanjin didnt make a sound, and after Jiang Shen left, he turned his head to ask: "When did you get the token for him?"

  "Huai Yu said: Just yesterday, you went to court, and I went to the temple."

  Its really thoughtful. Jiang Xuanjin coldly withdrew his gaze, turned around and walked away. Huaiyu caught up with him, laughing as she held his hand, and also handed him one: "This is yours, its thicker than Second Brothers, its a safe symbol."

  "Who cares?" he said disdainfully.

  However, two days later, Zi Yang Jun stood in the imperial study, the waist token was gone, replaced by a thick peace charm.

  Li Huailian was listening to the academic officials report on this selection of officials, nodding his head as he listened. Unintentionally, he glanced down to the right and saw Jiang Xuanjin lightly twirling the peace charm in her hand, her entire person shrouded in a soft glow, completely devoid of her usual sternness.

  His heart skipped a beat as he shouted: "Your Highness?"

  Zi Yang Jun regained his senses and suddenly loosened his grip.

  Liang Sihuan, who was standing below, smiled and said, "Sir, arent you too excited?"

  "Huh?" Jiang Xuanjin slightly puzzled, "Why are you happy?"

  Liang Sihuan was taken aback, then cupped his hands and said: "The second young master of your esteemed household has been selected as the top scholar in todays imperial examination, isnt that something to be excited about?"

  Jiang Xuanjin paused for a moment. He hadnt heard it just now, but he knew it now, and his face actually revealed a hint of a smile: "This is naturally something to be happy about."

  Liang Sihuan let out a sigh of relief, and Li Huailin also followed up with a sentence: "Young Master Jiang should have entered officialdom long ago, this time it can be said that he has returned to his rightful place."

  Jiang Xuanjin nodded his head in gratitude, collected his thoughts and returned home to share the good news with his family. The whole household was instantly filled with joy, cheering and jumping for joy as they welcomed Jiang Shen out.

  Jiang Shen was not happy at all, he frowned and looked at Jiang Xuanjin and asked: "Are you sure you didnt hear it wrong?"

  "Thats right," said Jiang Xuanjin, "Lord Liang himself said it in front of Your Majesty."

  Li Huaiyu smiled and blended into the crowd, only to see Jiang Shens face sink slowly, then he opened his mouth and said: "Impossible."

  "What?" The crowd was puzzled.

  Taking a deep breath, Jiang Shen clenched his fists and said: "I didnt write a single word, nor did I leave any seal impression. How could it be me who got the top prize?"

  As soon as this was said, the main hall immediately fell silent.

  Jiang Yan said in a low voice: "Second Uncle, this is not something to be taken lightly."

  "Whats the point of saying this nonsense?" Jiang Shen was slightly annoyed. "But I really didnt write a single word, as soon as I went on stage, I felt sleepy and slept all the way to the end!"

  The old man heard this and slammed his cane on the ground: "Nonsense!"

  "Dad, its really not my fault." Jiang Shen said helplessly, "I dont know what happened either. I was really tired and thought Id just rest for a bit before getting up to answer the questions, but who knew that once I fell asleep, I wouldnt be able to wake up? In the end, it was only after someone else finished the exam and pushed me awake."

  Jiang Xuanjin slightly furrowed his brow: "Lord Liang is being unreasonable in front of Your Majesty."

  "But hes just talking nonsense." Jiang Shendao said, "We cant admit this, if we really admit it, Ill be accused of cheating, you have to go to the palace for me and explain clearly."

  How can this be said clearly? Jiang Xuanjin pondered for a moment and raised his eyes to say, "Ill go check first."

  He saw him take steps and walk out, Huaiyu followed closely behind.

  "Youre leaving again?" She walked behind him and said in a low, miserable tone, "Can you take me with you?"

  Jiang Xuanjin turned back, frowning at her: "Whats gotten into you?"

  "Ill change into this outfit and follow you, thats all!" She said, quickly taking off her outer robe.

  "You..." Jiang Xuanjin was about to scold her, but then he saw that under her outer robe, she was wearing a delicate dress. She took out a few hairpins and wrapped them in her outer robe, instantly transforming into a little maid.

  Jiang Xuanjin furrowed his brow: "Youve had this planned all along?"

  "Yes!" Hua Yu acknowledged frankly, then pulled on his hand and said, "Waiting for you every day in the courtyard is really too painful, let me follow you, Ill even serve tea and pour water for you!"

  Seeing him object, she immediately frowned and wrinkled her nose, pulling his hand and shaking it: "Take me with you, I absolutely wont interfere with your business!"

  It seems like if he says a single "no", she will burst into tears immediately.

  Jiang Xuanjin shook his head and didnt want to delay any further, so he took the clothes from her hand and handed them over to Cheng Xu, then pulled her up and walked out.

  Holding onto Jades reins, he smiled and said as they walked: "I knew you couldnt bear to part with me! Dont worry, I... your humble servant will serve you well!"

  "Still learning like a model?" Jiang Xuanjin hummed lightly, taking her to the car and asking in a cold voice: "As a servant girl, what should you be called?"

  "Jade, I suppose!"

  Jiang Xuanjin was puzzled: "Why is it this character? It has nothing to do with your name."

  The corners of his mouth twitched, and Li Huaiyu looked at him with a complex expression: "These three words Bai Zhu Ji, which one do you think is suitable to take out?"

  "Then its still Yuer."

  Two people went to the Imperial Academy together, Jiang Xuanjin thought it was just a matter of checking the answers to the civil service exam questions, but unexpectedly, the people in the Imperial Academy all looked embarrassed.

  "After... selection, the papers were destroyed after being read."

  Jiang Xuanjin frowned upon hearing this: "The third-place answer sheets should be presented to Your Majesty after the trial."

  Knowing they couldnt fool him, the officials could only invite him to the hall for tea first, and then quickly send someone to inform Academician Jiang. As soon as Liang Sihuan arrived, he smiled and chatted with Jiang Xuanjin, and then immediately had someone bring over Jiang Shens papers.

  "Is this what you wanted to see? The second young masters writing is indeed impressive and worthy of praise!"

  Jiang Xuanjin took over the long scroll and glanced at it, then flipped to the end to look at the seal, asking: "May I borrow all three scrolls of the top three scholars for a look?"

  "This is against the law." Liang Suxian said solemnly, "Even if Your Majesty has a high position and great power, this thing is usually only seen by civil officials and scholars, and then let Your Majesty take a look. If Your Majesty wants to know something, I can answer."

  "Perhaps adults cant answer." Jiang Xuanjin folded up the scroll, "Really cant bear to look, then Ill take my leave first."

  "Your Majesty!" Liang Suxian hastily stood up, slightly flustered. "Has this humble official done something wrong? Jiang Er Gongzi... he took the top spot, does Your Majesty think its inappropriate?"

  "If its really his own answer, then theres nothing wrong with it."

  But the handwriting on this volume is obviously not Jiang Shens, and yet it still bears his seal. What kind of heart does the examiner, An, have?

  Liang Sihuan panicked and wanted to take back the scroll in his hand, but Jiang Xuanjin had no intention of returning it, got up and walked out the door.

  No one can stop it.

  Liang Sihuan was anxious and hastily sent someone to follow them. Jiang Xuanjin walked quickly, didnt take a carriage when he went out, hooked his hand and pulled the clever little maid behind him into a small alley.

  Listening to the footsteps behind her, Huai Yu furrowed her brow: "Theres no road ahead."

  "Who told you?" Jiang Xuanjin walked without hesitation.

  Helpless with laughter, Hua Yu stretched out her hand and pointed forward: "You see for yourself, this wall is so high!"

  He let out a low hum, Jiang Xuanjin took big strides to the wall, one hand pinched her waist, and with a single leap, his other hand grasped the top of the wall, the veins on the back of his hand bulging, and with a boost of strength, he flipped over together with her.

  She stared blankly at the jade, still hadnt reacted, and was put down firmly on the ground by him.

  "You... have so much strength?" She was shocked.

  Jiang Xuanjin gave her a white eye and pulled her to continue walking: "Whats so strange?"

  "Not at all, with your strength." Huai Yu swallowed her saliva, very curious, "How could I have suppressed you before?"

  Jiang Xuancheng: "......"

  He coughed lightly and handed her the scroll in his hand: "Dont worry about anything else, just take this first."

  "Oh." She responded dully and took it over, scanning it casually with her eyes. Suddenly, she went "Huh?" again: "This handwriting looks so familiar!"

  Jiang Xuanyins footsteps paused: "Familiar?"

  "Yes, look at this character de, the way its written is very special. I once saw it in a literary institute and even praised it, but how come the one on top is written like that?"

  "Take a trip to Wen Institute."

  Zhāng Wén Yuàn and Wén Yuàn were not far apart, so the two of them shook off their pursuers and walked over directly. As soon as they entered the door, Huái Yù grabbed his arm and pointed to a calligraphy piece hanging on the wall: "Hey, look at this, doesnt it resemble?"

  A brand new calligraphy, on top of which is written "the target of public criticism", and the last characters writing style is indeed similar to that in the volume, or it can be said that the pen strokes are exactly the same.

  Jiang Xuanjin lowered his head to look at the signature, and when he saw the name clearly, his heart skipped a beat.

  "Whats wrong?" Li Huaiyu came over with a innocent face and took a look, "Bai Xue? Hey, same surname as me!"

  "This person." Jiang Xuanjins expression was complex, "You dont remember?"

  Hua Yu shook her head: "I havent heard of it before, why should I remember?"

  They had met at most twice, once in the main building and once at the wedding banquet, but they had never spoken a word to each other and didnt even know each others names.

  He reached out and took down the calligraphy, saying: "This person is hard to find, Im afraid well have to make a trip to the Lu manor."

  "Going to Lus residence?" Huai Yu smiled and clapped her hands, "I know the way!"

  Jiang Xuanjin gave her a cold glance.

  Li Huaiyu paused for a moment and immediately became serious, saying solemnly: "After all, the White Mansion is also on that side."

  After saying a couple of words to the shopkeeper, Jiang Xuanjin bought the calligraphy and painting, rolled them up, and ignored her as he walked out. Huaiyu hurriedly followed him, smiling apologetically all the way.

  Arriving at Lus residence, Lu Jingxuan personally came out to greet him, looking at Jiang Xuanjin with great surprise: "A rare guest indeed."

  "Where is Bai Xue?" Jiang Xuanjin didnt even bother to enter the door, and asked as soon as he opened his mouth.

  Lu Jinghang fanned himself and smiled: "Why did you suddenly ask about him? Hes a person who likes to move around, I dont know where he is right now..."

  "Theres something urgent to find him." Jiang Xuanjin interrupted his nonsense and raised his eyes, saying "Its a big deal".

  Lu Jinghang really wanted to say, whats your urgent matter got to do with me? However, he glanced sideways and saw the little girl behind Jiang Xuanjin.

  "Whats this?" The fan closed with a snap, he frowned, "Youve just gotten married for how long? And you already have a concubine by your side?"

  "What business do you have with me?"

  Lu Jinghangs face sank: "Does Zhu Ji know?"

  Jiang Xuanjin paused for a moment, turned his head to glance at the person hiding behind him, and suddenly smiled: "Do you know? What if you dont?"

  Lu Jinghang stepped down the stairs, his phoenix eyes staring straight at him, his tone unpleasant: "If she knows and still lets you off, Ill bother her. If she doesnt know, its because youre deceiving her, then Ill bother you."

  As they spoke, the man stood in front of him, with an overbearing air.

  Jiang Xuanjin stared at him for a while and said, "Just a maid, yet its so serious?"

  "Who doesnt know that Ziyang Jun never had any maids by his side before? Now he suddenly brings one, what kind of maid could she be?"

  He nodded suddenly and Jiang Xuanjin took a step back, turning his head to ask the person behind him: "What kind of maid are you?"

  Li Huaiyu held the notion of "gods fighting, mortals retreat" and planned to pretend to be dead all along. Unexpectedly, the person in front suddenly gave way, and with a flash of light, she saw Lu Jinghangs soft silver silk robe.

  She raised her head with a dry smile and met his astonished gaze, thought for a moment, then tentatively replied: "Tong... Tong Fang Ya?"