Chapter 573

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu Courtyard.

Lady Wang had just finished giving Jia Baoyu a string of idle instructions and was about to leave when she caught a strange odor in the room.

She said: "Sister Xi Ren, the medicinal smell in here is too strong—have the little maids open the windows often to air it out, or Jia Baoyu will be sick from it."

Jia Baoyu's face flushed red; he quietly kicked a pot of du ruo beside his desk under the table, its soil now blackened from the excessive medicinal decoction he'd poured into it.

As Lady Wang reached the door, she suddenly remembered something and asked: "I've been here a long while—I've seen all the other maids, so why haven't I seen Sister Sheyu?"

Sister Xi Ren was startled; she hadn't noticed Sister Sheyu's absence. Jia Baoyu, beside her, looked uneasy and said: "I just sent Sister Sheyu out on an errand—she'll be back soon."

Hearing this, Sister Xi Ren felt suspicious: Jia Baoyu usually summoned maids within the courtyard and rarely sent them out on tasks.

Even when he did send someone outside, it was always the lowly third-class maids—not someone like Sister Sheyu, a senior maid.

Lady Wang recalled how Xiao Hong, once in Jia Baoyu's quarters, had been cunning—always wandering off, eventually entangling herself with someone from the Eastern Mansion.

She'd dismissed Xiao Hong for her unruly ways, only for that Eastern Mansion brat to elevate her into a chief maid of Rongxi Hall, shaming Lady Wang utterly.

That incident left a shadow in Lady Wang's heart, making her deeply suspicious of every maid near Jia Baoyu—she now saw threats everywhere.

Hearing Jia Baoyu's words ring hollow, Lady Wang frowned slightly; she knew her son always shielded his maids, so she chose not to press him now.

She said: "Sister Xi Ren, keep a close eye on everyone in this courtyard—don't let anything untoward happen. The household isn't what it used to be; don't give anyone grounds to gossip. It would shame me and your master."

Sister Xi Ren promptly agreed. Lady Wang then ordered Jia Baoyu to rest in his room and left with Sister Xi Ren.

When they reached the courtyard gate, Lady Wang's tone turned stern: "Lately, has Jia Baoyu been well-behaved in his room? Has anything else happened?"

Sister Xi Ren's heart skipped a beat as she replied: "Nothing unusual, except that Young Master has been worried about Lin's girl's health—I've gone out a few times to inquire."

"But lately, Lin's girl has been recuperating in the Eastern Mansion and hasn't come over to the Western Mansion much."

Lady Wang's face darkened with anger: "The Lin family thinks a few books and a bit of official rank entitle them to speak such haughty, mocking words about my Jia Baoyu."

"Jia Baoyu is too simple-hearted—he still thinks of that girl. It's pointless. If he asks you to inquire again, just give him a vague answer. Don't let him get entangled again."

Hearing this, Sister Xi Ren relaxed inwardly; she'd raised the topic precisely to elicit this very response—but it was a pity the Lady no longer mentioned Xue Baochai…

She said: "Madam, rest assured—I'll follow your wishes. Young Master is a man of deep feeling, but he's still young.

Now that he's fifteen, in another year or two, once he's married, his mind will settle, and these idle thoughts will fade."

Lady Wang nodded with a smile: "You have insight. That's sensible. By Jia Baoyu's station, he should marry a daughter of noble or official lineage."

"But your master's words hold merit too: don't fixate on noble birth—find Jia Baoyu a well-mannered, modest girl, and let them live a quiet, stable life—that's the long-term plan."

"Besides, the Jia family is already a dukedom. For families like ours, marriage alliances aren't about matching ranks."

"Unlike petty households, who scramble to marry into high houses just to lift their own status…"

Sister Xi Ren seemed to filter out Lady Wang's boasts, but the phrases "not fixating on rank" and "well-mannered, modest" struck her deeply.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Sister Sheyu hurried through Rongxi Hall's main gate and saw two low-class maids sweeping the courtyard; every door, window, and railing gleamed clean and bright, the space airy and fresh.

Along the walls, lush bamboo stood in dense rows; among flowerbeds and rockeries grew numerous bili, tengluo, du ruo, and fenglian plants.

Sister Sheyu noticed these plants had been meticulously pruned—lush and verdant in mid-spring, their greenery pleasing to the eye.

She saw Xiao Hong seated on the veranda outside the main hall, dressed neatly, her face pale and radiant, her expression lively, a jade-inlaid silver hairpin in her black tresses, embroidering a silk handkerchief.

Sister Sheyu smiled: "You've truly become carefree, hiding in this courtyard, oblivious to the outside world—have you already forgotten me?"

Xiao Hong looked up and smiled: "What brings you here today, Sister Sister Sheyu?"

Sister Sheyu replied: "Young Master sent me out on an errand—I passed by and thought I'd drop in."

Xiao Hong asked curiously: "Why are there so many little maids in Young Master's quarters? Why send you out on errands now?"

Sister Sheyu said: "What else? Young Master's been ill these past days, confined to his room—he wants to know if Lin's girl has visited the Western Mansion.

He daresn't make it obvious, and he thinks the little maids aren't reliable, so he sent me."

You know the situation—normally I can't come here often. Today I got the chance, so I came to see how you are."

"Besides, you're now Cong Sanye's maid, constantly coming and going from the Eastern Mansion—you must know what's happening with Lin's girl."

"If I asked others, it'd be too noisy and gain nothing. Better to ask you quietly and conveniently."

Xiao Hong smiled: "This morning I went to the Eastern Mansion to deliver fruit for Cong Sanye, then stopped by to see Lin's girl—her complexion and spirit are excellent. You're clever—you know why."

Sister Sheyu smiled: "Isn't it obvious? Lin's girl is too perceptive—her illness is just an excuse. I suspected it long ago."

"What happened in Rongqing Hall couldn't be kept secret—Madam and Grandma must have been arranging a match between Jia Baoyu and her. She heard, and now this whole charade began."

Xiao Hong laughed: "Since you're perceptive, you know Lin's girl is a woman of vast learning, raised under her father's scholarly influence."

"Young Master is idle and indulgent—he and Lin's girl are fundamentally different. They'll never suit."

"Lin's girl needs a young man who's already accomplished, brilliant in both literature and martial arts—only then would they be truly matched. Isn't that right?"

Sister Sheyu noticed Xiao Hong's eyes gleaming with a faint pride as she spoke.

A sudden thought struck her: the Eastern Mansion's young master had always been kind to the household's young ladies, and Lin's girl still lived there—she blurted: "You're not suggesting Cong Sanye, are you?"

Xiao Hong laughed: "I didn't say a thing—it was you who said it. Some things seem trivial until you think deeply—then they change."

"No one else has mentioned it, so we won't either. You're clever—Young Master still clings to this hope, but it's doomed to fail."

"You've served him for years—you want the best for him. If you keep dwelling on this, and it erupts again like last time, he'll only lose face. Why suffer for nothing?"

Sister Sheyu smiled: "You're absolutely right, Xiao Hong. I'll tell Young Master something simple when I return. Time will dull his feelings…"

…

Sister Sheyu glanced around the courtyard and smiled: "You're diligent and capable—you've kept Rongxi Hall immaculate."

"Cong Sanye chose you well—he found the right person. I heard he reads in the Eastern Mansion and rarely stays here—you live alone, and it's quite peaceful."

Xiao Hong's face fell: "You make it sound easy. If Cong Sanye never comes, what's the point of keeping it perfect? I'm practically a decoration."

Sister Sheyu teased: "You're hoping he comes every day, to see how capable and graceful you are, so he'll feel pleased."

Xiao Hong replied without shame: "That's exactly what I think. Cong Sanye is handsome—I feel delighted just seeing him."

Sister Sheyu pinched Xiao Hong's cheek and scolded playfully: "You've gotten bold—such shameless words just tumble out now."

Laughter, light and clear, echoed through the courtyard…

In Jia Baoyu's courtyard, Sister Sheyu rarely spoke with Bihen or Qiufen; Sister Xi Ren sometimes shared heartfelt words with her.

But none matched the ease and charm of her talks with Xiao Hong. After chatting a while longer, she left Rongxi Hall.

…

As she stepped out of the hall, heading toward Jia Baoyu's courtyard, she didn't notice a shadow flicker around the corner.

Only after Sister Sheyu passed did the figure emerge—it was Sister Xi Ren. When Lady Wang had asked about Sister Sheyu, Jia Baoyu's nervous reply had betrayed him; Sister Xi Ren, who served him daily, had noticed his unease.

She'd also received Lady Wang's order to watch Jia Baoyu's maids and prevent any trouble.

After Lady Wang left, Sister Xi Ren grew suspicious but dared not ask Jia Baoyu—so she wandered out alone to investigate.

She'd just happened to see Sister Sheyu leaving Rongxi Hall—she knew Sister Sheyu had once been close to Xiao Hong.

But Sister Sheyu was sharp—didn't she know Madam now despised Xiao Hong? Why risk visiting Rongxi Hall?

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

Jia Cong had just bathed and combed his hair, feeling refreshed, and now took out the essays he'd written these past two days to review and ponder.

Qingwen had already placed a plate of green-skinned tangerines on his desk—Wu'er had said Xiao Hong had delivered them that morning.

Zhen Ying Lady Lian peeled the tangerines, neatly arranging the segments on small dishes. Jia Cong took one—sweet, with a faint tartness, delightfully crisp.

Absently, he pulled a small blue-covered booklet from a pile of books on his desk and studied the list of officials' names.

According to Liu Jing'an's explanation of the spring examination procedures, the court typically announced the chief examiners and their staff a few days before the exam.

Since the day before yesterday, Jia Cong had ordered Jiang Liu to check the Imperial Examination Courtyard's gate daily for official notices.

He suspected the officials named in this blue booklet would largely match those the court would eventually announce.

These past days, Jiang Liu reported that in taverns and entertainment quarters, every candidate's conversation revolved around the rumored exam questions.

Supposedly, many of the circulated questions originated from officials listed in the blue booklet.

Jia Cong had heard many such rumors over the years—from Qingshan Academy and Liu Jing'an's lessons—nothing unusual.

But this year's spring examination had an odd twist: this blue booklet, like an invisible target, gave everything a reference point…

Jia Cong often pondered it, sensing hidden doubts—but all were baseless speculations, with no tangible evidence…

Perhaps most candidates didn't realize these murky doubts might conceal grave risks—they simply treated the blue booklet as a curious anecdote of this year's exam.

Ying Lady Lian sat beside him, peeling the fruit and arranging the segments neatly on a small dish; Jia Cong took one and tasted it—the sweetness carried a faint tartness, truly refreshing.

East of Shendu City, Hancheng Street, Lin Zhao's Villa.

On the desk, several weights held down scrolls of paper, covered in ink-blotted characters—Lin Zhao was writing furiously.

Since the day before yesterday, Jia Cong had instructed Jiang Liu to go daily to the examination hall's entrance to check for imperial proclamations posted publicly.

He speculated that, based on the list of officials in this blue-covered ledger, the court's final announcement of the spring examination appointees would largely overlap with names in the ledger.

These days he had sent Jiang Liu to inquire at the examination hall's entrance; Jiang Liu reported back that in every tavern and entertainment quarter, whenever candidates gathered to drink, their conversation never strayed from speculation on the spring examination's predicted questions.

It was said that many of the predicted questions circulating among students had been authored by officials listed in the blue-covered ledger.

Over the years, whether studying at Qingshan Academy or listening to Liu Jing'an's lessons, Jia Cong had heard many rumors about spring examination predictions—this was nothing unusual.

But this year's spring examination had strangely introduced this blue-covered ledger, as if an invisible target had been erected, giving many things a point of reference…

Jia Cong often pondered this matter deeply, always sensing faint doubts hidden within, yet all of it was baseless speculation, with not a shred of concrete evidence to grasp…

Perhaps most candidates had not realized whether this muddled uncertainty concealed unpredictable dangers—they merely treated the blue-covered ledger as an odd anecdote of this year's spring examination.

…

In the eastern part of Love Shenjing, Hancheng Street, Lin Zhao's villa.

On the desk in the study, sheets of rice paper were weighed down by several paperweights, covered in ink-blotted characters as Lin Zhao was writing furiously.

He was currently transcribing the proposed questions from that day's banquet at Chunhua Pavilion, brought by Wu Liang.

Although he had not copied them down that day, he had topped the Hangzhou Prefecture examination as the top scholar, a man of extraordinary literary talent, long immersed in the classics; though not possessing a photographic memory, his recall was exceptional.

Since returning these past two days, while reviewing the classics, he often recalled the blue-covered booklet circulating in the markets and Wu Liang's proposed questions, stirring within him an unusual emotion.

Today, on a sudden impulse, he carefully recalled the events from two days prior and wrote out each question from memory; though he could not match them word for word.

Yet the essence of each proposed question was reproduced with perfect accuracy.

Several questions, whose themes were either vast and profound or boldly original, left such a deep impression that he recalled them nearly verbatim.

At this moment he was writing one of those proposed questions: It is said that learning as a matter of statecraft has remained unchanged since the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors until today; yet times differ between antiquity and the present, rulers govern differently, and the world rises and falls—each era must be governed according to its own circumstances, with no fixed doctrine…

…

The Great Zhou Imperial Palace, Qianyang Palace.

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao was reading a gray-and-white-covered memorial, a secret report just submitted by the Zhongche Office.

It recorded how, before this year's spring examination, candidates arriving in the capital had eagerly discussed guesses about the chief examiners' proposed questions, compiling them into a booklet and spreading it widely.

Candidates from all regions eagerly sought out officials and scholars, and in the markets circulated countless bizarre and varied proposed questions for the spring examination.

The secret report concluded by noting that the Tui Shi Yuan had secretly investigated the matter but found nothing…

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao said: "Zhou Zhou Junxing noticed this matter, yet when he came to court recently, I never heard him mention it?"

Guo Lin, standing before the imperial desk, replied: "The Zhongche Office, upon hearing rumors, pursued the origins of this matter; the Tui Shi Yuan indeed deployed personnel to investigate.

They even raided a printing shop and attempted to apprehend a retired official outside the city, but found nothing."

In my humble opinion, although Zhou Yuan Shi noticed this matter, he has found no concrete evidence. The spring examination is a grand ceremony for selecting talent, concerning all candidates across the realm and scholarly opinion.

Without concrete evidence, Zhou Yuan Shi is cautious and dares not speak of it before His Majesty, lest the matter grow too large and provoke criticism from court officials."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao smiled faintly and said: "Zhou Zhou Junxing now cares about reputation and criticism? That is strange.

Although it has always been common for candidates to guess examiners' questions and circulate proposed questions during the spring examination.

This matter has yet to take clear shape, but the spring examination is a vital state affair for selecting talent—precautions must be taken.

Have the Zhongche Office's Jingcheng branch gather relevant evidence and monitor candidates' conduct, to prepare for any future contingency!"

Guo Lin quickly replied: "The head of the Jingcheng branch is currently stationed at the Jiaofang Si; I will arrange this immediately."

He added: "Your Majesty, Yuan Jing secretly reported to me that someone has petitioned Xia Li Shouzhong of the Neiguan Yunwu Jian to recommend several maidens for the imperial selection, and lately has been making connections throughout the palace.

Yesterday, Xia Li Shouzhong hosted a banquet for Yuan Jing, seeking his assistance, and offered five hundred taels of silver, which Yuan Jing refused."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao gave a cold laugh: "Every three years, during the imperial selection, such dark intrigues are nothing new.

I know very well what is happening; but since these matters remain small and involve many noble and high-ranking officials, I choose not to pursue them too deeply, to preserve some face on all sides."

Guo Lin paused, then said: "But among the three women Xia Li Shouzhong recommended this time, one is Jia Jia Yuanchun, a lady-in-waiting in Fengzao Palace."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had not cared about this matter—he had reigned for many years and was long accustomed to the darkness of the inner palace; clear water holds no fish, and there was no need for drastic action—he merely observed from afar.

But upon hearing the name Jia Jia Yuanchun, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's expression first froze slightly, then a sharp glint flashed in his eyes… (End of Chapter)