Chapter 440

The laborers quickly arrived and carried the five Provincial Graduate gentlemen back to the inn; many Provincial Graduate followed them up, oh no, they were genuinely concerned.

After all, each Provincial Graduate had friends and fellow townspeople; such a major incident could very well affect tomorrow's exam, so they naturally had to show some concern.

In a rush of movement, the crowd before Pan Yun instantly thinned out, half the space now empty.

Xue Shao remained where he stood. Xi Jin gripped his master's hand, indignant, "Young Master, you're injured too—they should compensate you as well."

Only then did Xue Shao notice the abrasions on his palm, several bloody streaks.

He casually brushed his palms together. "No big deal. Wash your hands when we get back, apply some ointment, and it'll be fine."

Pan Yun climbed up carrying the banner, glanced over, and said, "I have medicine."

Xue Shao paused, his expression conflicted. "I don't have ten taels."

Pan Yun: "If you buy it, it's only one hundred cash."

Hearing this, Xue Shao exhaled in relief and looked at Xi Jin.

Xi Jin glanced at the medicine bottle Pan Yun pulled out—the same thing Wang Cong had sold to others for five taels—and finally smiled, pulling out one hundred cash to give her.

One paid, one delivered.

Pan Yun tucked the money away but didn't leave; she still stood before Xue Shao, shaking the banner in her hand. "Young Master Xue, I see your Yin Tang is dark, your fortune poor—would you like me to divine for you?"

Xi Jin was instantly tempted, his hand already reaching for his money pouch, eyes pleadingly fixed on Xue Shao.

Xue Shao merely blinked, then shook his head. "No need. I follow the flow of Heaven's timing."

Pan Yun gave him one long, deep look, then turned and walked away.

Xi Jin sighed in regret. "Young Master, weren't you saying she's a master? Why not get a reading? Even though you're brilliant, this is the Spring Examination—every Provincial Graduate is brilliant, and you're so young. A divination could ease your worries and tell you whether you'll pass."

Xue Shao tapped him on the forehead. "One reason Heaven's secrets can't be revealed is that they're changeable. If they can change, why bother foreseeing them? Let's go—back to the inn."

As soon as Xue Shao left, the person hiding on the second floor of the opposite teahouse immediately turned and pushed his elder brother. "Big brother, Young Master Xue's gone—hurry, go now!"

The seated man set down his teacup, frowning. "Little sister, the matter had just begun to fade, and she showed no interest in finding you—why stir up trouble yourself?"

The girl's face turned serious. "She doesn't seek me out because she's kind. I've received her grace—I cannot be ungrateful."

"But what can you possibly do for her?"

The girl's gaze fell to the street below, her eyes slightly reddened. "Our benefactor is so powerful, yet came to Jingcheng and must survive on nine cash per divination—clearly life here is hard."

She sniffled. "My help is limited—only money."

Zhuo Cheng: …Money? That thing has many uses.

He exhaled, then was shoved again by the girl, finally folding his fan and rising, swaying as he descended.

As soon as he left, the girl rushed to the window, half her body hidden behind it, watching Pan Yun and Seeing Miao Zhen as they carried their banners, seeking people to divine for.

Pan Yun's senses were sharp—she'd long sensed someone watching her, but the crowd was too thick.

Not only was the square packed, but the nearby teahouses, inns, and bookshops were all filled with people.

Her gaze swept repeatedly over the surroundings, yet she couldn't locate the watcher.

Because many were watching her—but none of those she saw carried that particular gaze.

As she turned again, she came face-to-face with a man whose left cheek bore the characters "Rich," right cheek "Con," and forehead glowed with a golden ingot.

Pan Yun's eyes instantly lit up.

Even the lazy Miao Zhen beside her perked up, stepping swiftly to stand beside Pan Yun.

The two spoke in unison: "Young Master, good fortune approaches, noble energy arrives—would you like a divination?" Zhuo Cheng: "…Oh? Does that mean I have a chance in this Spring Examination?"

Pan Yun and Miao Zhen both froze, frowning at him.

Miao Zhen turned uncertainly to Pan Yun. "Little Master, isn't his good fortune about marriage? I thought his official destiny already showed he'd entered the bureaucracy?"

Pan Yun studied his face, sighed, and shook her head slightly. "Miao Zhen, you must understand: many clever people believe we lack real ability—so we must prove ourselves."

Zhuo Cheng: …He only wanted to give them money. Whether they said he'd pass or fail, he'd have an excuse to give them cash.

But now…

Zhuo Cheng grew curious. "So, esteemed masters, you believe my noble fortune lies in marriage?"

"Yes!"

Both nodded. Pan Yun had the talent—reading physiognomy and aura was effortless for her, so when encountering kind, unpretentious people, she usually let Miao Zhen take the chance.

This young master looked genuinely kind—perfect for a practice run, no, not practice—perfect for receiving the care of two future great diviners.

!. Read

Yes, exactly like this.

Nine cash for a reading from two future great diviners—how rare!

Pan Yun gave Miao Zhen a slight nod.

Miao Zhen stepped forward, rapidly analyzing the young master's face, concluding: his Red Phoenix Star was stirring—he would soon marry, and his wife's family would be wealthy, lifting him to high office through her connections. In short, this was a noble marriage.

Zhuo Cheng: …Fortunately, he was the girl's brother, with a purpose—otherwise, if he'd met two little Daoist priests on the street telling him he'd rise through his wife's wealth…

Even if he didn't get angry, he wouldn't be happy—maybe give nine cash, no more.

Now, he could only force a smile. "Then, could you two divine the name and clan of my future wife?"

Miao Zhen fell silent.

Pan Yun fell silent.

Sigh. How to explain to this young master that they could only read aura and trends—not teleport into the future to see his true destiny?

So, his question—they truly couldn't answer—yet Pan Yun quickly recovered, about to begin her bluff, when Wang Cong returned with two junior disciples, having just settled his payment.

He'd overheard snippets from afar, now rushed forward, shoving Pan Yun and Miao Zhen aside. "A virtuous man with such a noble face—clearly blessed with noble energy! Look closer—this is the Red Phoenix Star stirring, and the bond is deep-rooted, forged from past-life karma!"

Miao Zhen opened her mouth, then closed it, glancing at Pan Yun.

Pan Yun nodded with perfect sincerity. "Yes, yes—clearly a harmonious, deeply loving marriage. Not just one past life—perhaps several lifetimes of connection. Let me examine closely."

Wang Cong immediately stepped back, bowing respectfully. "Little Master, your cultivation is profound—please examine carefully."

Pan Yun carefully studied Zhuo Cheng's physiognomy, nodding repeatedly. "Noble, truly noble — this is indeed a fate written across three lifetimes…"

The two martial nephews' relentless sales pitch left even the well-prepared Zhuo Cheng completely dumbfounded.

In the end, he spent a hefty sum to buy all manner of beneficial talismans from Pan Yun.

For instance, a Peace Talisman to safeguard his wife's well-being — to express his love, priced at fifty taels!

Another example, a Hearts Interlinked Talisman to keep husband and wife in harmony — simply snip a strand of each other's hair at the wedding, place it beneath the pillow, and the couple will remain in harmony forever, their affection deepening with each passing day.

This Hearts Interlinked Talisman must also come as a pair, priced at ninety-nine taels — the price itself signifying "as long as heaven and earth."

(End of chapter)