The Favorite of the Sick and Weak Lady - Chapter 78

In the year 223 of Baisheng, in the country of Jiuxia, a new emperor ascended to the throne. He sought to recruit talented individuals from all over, and scholars from every corner of the land gathered in the capital.

At the Mingpin Restaurant.

“Have you heard? Four women came for the talent selection this time,” said a young man dressed as a scholar. At his table were two other men: one a middle-aged man in his forties, and the other a young man about his age. Dressed in long robes, they also appeared to be scholars who had come for the imperial examinations.

“What? These women don’t stay home and raise their families, and they want to become officials?” the middle-aged man interjected, his voice filled with contempt for women. “Our Emperor, how could he let women participate in the selection with us?”

“You said it. A woman as an official is something unheard of since ancient times,” the other young man chimed in.

“If you ask me, they’re just here to see the world. After this is over, they’ll still have to go back home to marry and have children.”

“Who says women have to go back to marry and have children?”

As soon as the man finished speaking, a clear female voice rang out, remarkably distinct in the noisy restaurant.

Xiao Yu put down her teacup and looked in the direction of the voice. A gorgeously dressed young woman held a folding fan in her hand. Another woman, with a more placid expression, walked beside her. The two together created a striking contrast.

The men who had been gossiping fell silent the moment the women entered.

The newcomer was none other than Shi Zining, one of the four women participating in the talent selection and the beloved daughter of the Shi family in the capital. The Shi family was a prominent aristocratic clan, and Shi Zining was the family’s eldest daughter. They wouldn’t dare to gossip in front of her even if they had ten times the courage.

Shi Zining didn’t enter a private room; she found a seat in the main hall and sat down, looking at the men with a half-smile.

The three men lowered their heads and, not long after, scurried away after paying their bill.

Xiao Yu leaned in and lowered her voice, her eyes on the two women. “Who are these two women? Why does it feel like everyone is afraid of her?”

“They look very formidable,” Chen Yu whispered in agreement, her eyes also on the table, lost in thought. “Listening to her, she seems to be one of this year’s candidates.”

“Hmm?” Xiao Yu suddenly chuckled. “I didn’t think you were so smart.”

Chen Yu’s face flushed. “What are you talking about?” She looped her arm through Song Luoning’s and complained, “Sister-in-law, look, she’s bullying me again.”

Hearing her, and seeing her own wife being hugged, Xiao Yu immediately retorted, “I’m just telling the truth, my dear. Don’t listen to her nonsense.”

“I am not. You were the one who spoke first.” Chen Yu stuck her tongue out at her, completely unafraid.

Xiao Yu’s face darkened, and she pulled Song Luoning closer. “Guard Liang, can’t you manage her properly?”

At the mention of Liang Chengqiu’s name, Chen Yu’s face turned red again. She secretly glanced at him and then lowered her head, becoming quiet.

Song Luoning looked at Chen Yu, her gaze obscure, then paused on Liang Chengqiu before looking away and sighing softly. “She is the eldest daughter of the Shi family. I had the good fortune of seeing her at a palace banquet once.”

“Oh.” So it was the Shi family.

Xiao Yu nodded thoughtfully, re-examining the woman. Since her ascension to the throne, she hadn’t truly interacted with the great aristocratic clans, but she knew that most of the court officials came from these families. It wouldn’t be easy to move against them.

No wonder those three men didn’t dare to say a word and left in a hurry.

This woman was different from the image she had of the children of aristocratic families. She had a rare kind of freedom that was not often found in well-bred young ladies. How interesting. It seemed the great clans weren’t what she had imagined.

“My dear, do you know her name?” Xiao Yu asked.

Song Luoning lowered her eyes, slowly raised her hand, and took a sip of tea. “Are you interested in her, husband?”

“Hmm?” Xiao Yu was startled. She stared at Song Luoning, and the next second, she understood, leaning closer. She let out a small laugh. “My dear, are you jealous?”

At her words, Song Luoning’s face flushed slightly. She gave her a reproachful look, not bothering to respond, and continued to eat her food.

Xiao Yu didn’t mind. She pulled her stool closer, their breaths mingling. “Why aren’t you talking now? I just think it’s rare for an aristocratic family to produce a woman like her. Don’t think too much. Oh, and who is that woman sitting next to her? She doesn’t look like a maid.”

Song Luoning glared at her, her eyes signaling her to behave.

Who knew this scoundrel would ignore the world and continue to coax her wife?

Seeing no reaction, Xiao Yu reached out to take her hand, when suddenly the waiter’s voice rang out, “Your dishes are here, esteemed guests.” Song Luoning’s body stiffened, and her teacup nearly tipped over.

“My dear, let me see,” Xiao Yu said anxiously, grabbing her hand and examining it carefully.

“Let go, I’m fine.” Song Luoning’s face was red with embarrassment.

This rascal!

“…” Seeing that she was truly getting angry, Xiao Yu backed off a little, her face sinking as she stared at the waiter. Even after the dishes were served and he left, her expression remained grim.

Song Luoning glanced at her and secretly pinched her lower back, glaring. Only then did Xiao Yu’s expression soften a little.

“Actually, this servant knows that woman,” Cui Zhu’s voice suddenly chimed in.

She simply couldn’t bear to watch anymore. There were so many people around, why couldn’t these two be more mindful of their surroundings?

She was so worried.

“Hmm?” Xiao Yu cleared her throat, turned her head to glance at her, then sat up straight, slightly eyeing Song Luoning. Seeing that she was still ignoring her, she rubbed her nose.

Alright, the eldest lady was angry!

“My dear, are you really not going to talk to me? I’m so wronged. You have to believe me, my dear~”

Whether she was wronged or not, Cui Zhu didn’t know, but the sudden dose of public affection was truly unfair to her. She had to eat this kind of food in the palace; now that she was finally out, she was still being fed. What did she do to deserve this?

Can’t you two have a little pity for a poor maid like me?

Cui Zhu looked at her two masters with a despondent expression, then at the other two people who were eating with their heads down, as if they wanted to hide under the table.

Suddenly, she didn’t feel so miserable. Compared to her, those two must be even more awkward.

And, as if hearing her thoughts, Chen Yu cleared her throat. “Cousin, I’m not scolding you, but can’t you go back and close the door before you start coaxing? There are so many people here…” She trailed off, her own face turning red.

Song Luoning’s face was beet red. She turned away, secretly annoyed. How could this scoundrel be so inconsiderate? She gritted her teeth, deciding to ignore her, and turned to the maid. “Tell me, who is that person?”

Xiao Yu was deliberately ignored by her wife, but she wasn’t angry. She rubbed her nose and quieted down.

Then, she heard Cui Zhu say, “That woman is Mr. Suian. She’s quite popular among women in the capital. Her writing is no less impressive than a man’s, and her paintings are especially good…” The little maid chattered on, making it clear she was a fan of Mr. Suian.

After her account, Xiao Yu had a general idea. Her eyes lit up, especially when she heard the name Mr. Suian.

She had always thought Mr. Suian was a man. She was surprised to find out it was a woman. How interesting.

“My dear, do you remember that round fan?” Xiao Yu asked.

“Hmm.”

At the mention of it, Song Luoning’s lips curved into a slow smile. This fool was already an emperor, so she would not lack money, but she still treasured that fan like a precious object.

Seeing her smile, Xiao Yu knew she remembered. She pulled her stool closer, changing her posture, and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Do you think this Mr. Suian is really that famous?”

Wait a minute!

Xiao Yu’s expression changed. She looked at Song Luoning with an obscure gaze. Hadn’t the eldest lady asked her just now?

She distinctly remembered Song Luoning saying she had met Mr. Suian. Why did she now act like she didn’t recognize her?

Heh~

Xiao Yu realized. So Song Luoning had been talking nonsense back then. She didn’t recognize any Mr. Suian. And she had treasured the fan like a precious object, waiting for its value to increase.

Song Luoning was a liar!

Xiao Yu was silent for a moment. “My dear, how much do you think my fan is worth?”

“Hmm?” Song Luoning was startled. “Didn’t Cui Zhu say? This Mr. Suian is quite famous.”

“I just don’t know if this Mr. Suian is the same one you were talking about,” Xiao Yu said with a hint of sarcasm.

Song Luoning immediately realized her lie had been exposed. Her ears tinged with red. She turned her head, changing the subject. “No matter what, Mr. Suian is indeed very famous. Don’t you want to get to know her, husband?”

Xiao Yu smiled.

“What do you mean, husband? Did I say something wrong?” Song Luoning was surprised.

“I think not. Let’s wait and see. I’m afraid the vinegar jar at home will spill.”

At her words, Song Luoning’s face instantly turned red.

“Sister-in-law, what are you two talking about?” Chen Yu looked on, confused. Why was her sister-in-law’s face so red? Was it that hot today?

“Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t ask. Just eat,” Xiao Yu glared at her.

Chen Yu: “…”

Song Luoning remained silent, slowly curling her fingers, then loosening them. She said calmly, “You’re joking, husband. I’m full. You two eat slowly.”

“Hmm?” Xiao Yu looked at the nearly untouched food on the table, regretting that she had teased her too much. She quickly grabbed her hand. “You’ve just recovered. Why are you eating so little? We’re going to the examination hall later. How can you go on an empty stomach? Come, my dear…” She made to serve her.

Although unwilling, Song Luoning obediently ate the food she served.

Seeing that the two of them were ignoring her, Chen Yu could only continue to eat.

After lunch, the four of them got into their carriage and headed for the examination hall. The entrance was already crowded with candidates from all over.

It was a lively scene.

Xiao Yu jumped off the carriage and turned back to help Song Luoning alight. Chen Yu also got down with the help of Liang Chengqiu.

“I didn’t expect so many people to come,” Chen Yu exclaimed.

Song Luoning replied, “Many scholars have studied for ten years for this day. It’s natural that there would be a lot of people. This time, His Majesty decreed that even commoners, as long as they have knowledge, can participate, not just scholars with official titles. It’s normal for so many people to come.”

“I see. Let’s go over there and have a look,” Chen Yu said.

Following her gaze, they saw the notice board, which was surrounded by a large crowd.

Xiao Yu scanned the crowd, feeling a little worried. “My dear, stick close to me later. Don’t get separated.”

Song Luoning nodded, a smile in her eyes.

“That’s strange. Why isn’t there a single woman?” Chen Yu was surprised. “Didn’t they say four women were participating? Including the two we met at the restaurant, there should be two more.”

She had come out today because she was bored in the palace and also wanted to see the four women who had the courage to come to the capital to take the exams under such pressure. She knew she could never do it herself.

She couldn’t help but feel curious about those women.

“Today is just for familiarizing themselves with the examination booths. Maybe they haven’t come, or they’ve already left,” Xiao Yu habitually rubbed her nose. She scanned the area. It was true that only men were present. Then she said, “My dear, let’s go inside and have a look.”

Song Luoning nodded. As she walked by her side, a few men dressed as scholars suddenly blocked their way.

Xiao Yu frowned. “Do you need something?”

One of the scholars laughed loudly. “More women have come. Do you want to become officials too?”

“I advise you not to overestimate yourselves. You women’s value lies in going home and raising your families, haha…”

“Exactly. If you ask me, our Emperor is truly wrong to let women participate in exams. This goes against our ancestors’ teachings.”

“Quiet down, you can’t just talk about His Majesty like that.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Can’t we say when the Emperor is wrong? Women should just stay home and do their duty.”

Listening to the men’s bickering, Xiao Yu’s face darkened. She pulled Song Luoning behind her, shielding her from their sight.

But the men wouldn’t give up. They even tried to push her, but Liang Chengqiu blocked them with his sword.

The people around them quickly noticed and gathered.

“Why are there more women?”

“But that one woman is so beautiful…”

At this moment, a scholar stepped forward and bowed to Song Luoning. “May I ask your name, young lady? My name is Zhang Da. I’m from Qingzhou and currently unmarried. I’m more than worthy of a lady like you.” The man’s eyes on Song Luoning were wanton and greedy.

The crowd began to jeer.

Seeing that Song Luoning didn’t speak, and emboldened by the crowd’s support, he was not afraid that the woman would actually use a sword on him. He brazenly reached out to grab Song Luoning’s wrist.

“…” What a scoundrel. How dare he bully her wife in front of her? This was unbearable. Without thinking, Xiao Yu kicked the man to the ground.

Before the crowd could react, she kicked him again.

This Zhang Da was weak. He let out a shriek and actually fainted.

Everyone present gasped.

No one expected this outcome. A moment ago, two other women had come and left after being harassed. This time, they met a tough opponent. The men who had blocked their way also dared not to come forward and took two steps back to observe.

Who was this person? She was too strong. If that kick had landed on them… they couldn’t imagine how much it would hurt.

Xiao Yu was still angry and was about to give him two more kicks when Song Luoning held her from behind. “Husband, so many eyes are watching. Don’t be reckless.”

“I’m being reckless?” Xiao Yu let out a deep breath, scanning the men in front of her, her gaze sharp. “Tell me, what do you want?”

One of them stammered, “Since ancient times… no women… have entered the court. This is… against ancestral teachings…”

“Oh?” Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow, looking around. “Do you all believe this?”

She knew it. She wondered why there wasn’t a single woman here. It turned out they were all scared away by these dogs. They were useless at studying, but they were good at these low-life tricks.

They called themselves scholars. They were a disgrace to all scholars in the world. People like this, even if they were talented, would be a disaster for the court. She would never recruit them.

“Why isn’t anyone speaking? Are you all thinking the same thing?” Xiao Yu repeated, waiting for a moment. Seeing that no one spoke, she said with a half-smile, “Is this the courage of you scholars?”

“Since ancient times, women have not been officials…”

“Since ancient times?” Xiao Yu glanced at the scholar who had spoken. She didn’t press him. Then she raised her voice, “Is what has been ‘since ancient times’ right? Since ancient times, should only men be allowed to study?”

The scholar who had just spoken frowned. “This…” He couldn’t answer. Since ancient times, only men had studied. Could the ancients have been wrong?

Seeing him silent, Xiao Yu continued, “If you don’t even know how to respect women, what’s the point of studying?”

Another scholar, seeing that he couldn’t answer, also stepped forward. “Since ancient times, women have been supposed to stay home and raise families. Coming out and showing their faces is a sign of being unchaste.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Xiao Yu’s mouth twitched. The scholar thought she was going to hit him and covered his head in fear.

“…”

Is that all?

Xiao Yu closed her eyes for a moment, then raised her voice. “Baisheng values filial piety. I ask you, aren’t your mothers women? While you look down on your wives, have you considered that your mothers are also other people’s wives? They are also suffering the same unfair treatment.”

“This…”

Xiao Yu scanned the crowd. She patted the hand on her arm in a comforting gesture and continued, “If this is your filial piety, ask yourselves, are you still worthy of being a son?”

Disrespecting one’s parents was a great crime. No scholar present dared to refute her. Even if some were unconvinced, they wouldn’t dare to cause trouble over this matter.

At this moment, a group of people emerged from the crowd. The one at the head was the chief examiner, Zhao Cheng, and the man beside him, with a sturdy build and an extraordinary appearance, was Song Yanyu.

Song Yanyu said, “What’s going on here? Why are you making a commotion? Don’t you all want to take the exam?”

Having long served in the Imperial Guard, he naturally had the authority of a military general. As soon as he spoke, silence fell.

Song Yanyu looked at the unconscious Zhang Da on the ground and frowned. “What happened here?”

Zhang Da’s companion, seeing that an official had finally come out, felt emboldened. He pointed at Xiao Yu. “It’s her. She beat him like this. Please, sir, uphold justice for us.”

Song Yanyu stepped forward, checked his breathing, and stood up. “Is what he said true?”

The crowd affirmed.

Song Yanyu nodded. “If that’s the case, guards, take all these people away. I will personally handle the investigation.”

As soon as he spoke, several soldiers with long spears rushed out of the examination hall, surrounding the people.

“Arrest him, him, and him… arrest them all. I will personally interrogate them,” Song Yanyu commanded.

At his command, the men were immediately restrained without a chance to defend themselves and were dragged into the interrogation room within the examination hall.

After the troublemakers were all taken away, Song Yanyu looked at Xiao Yu and paused. “This young master, please come with us as well.”

Xiao Yu didn’t say anything. As she passed Zhao Cheng, she glanced at him. This person was one of this year’s chief examiners and a former student of Prime Minister Song. He was quite capable.

Xiao Yu didn’t actually go into the interrogation room. She asked Song Yanyu for the files of those men and returned to the palace. Before long, ministers came to see her. She knew without a doubt that they were there because of the candidates’ matter. Xiao Yu was too lazy to deal with them and claimed to be ill.

Although she avoided them for a day, the next day at court, the ministers still wouldn’t let her go and brought up the old matter again.

Xiao Yu listened quietly. Most of the ministers still used this incident to oppose women entering the court. She pretended not to hear them and let them cause a fuss. When the time was up, she left the main hall.

Today was the first day of the exams. The content was poetry and essays. This mainly tested the candidate’s talent in poetry. Through their poems, one could also gauge their character and open-mindedness.

After court, Xiao Yu rushed to the examination hall with Song Luoning. The first day’s exam papers had already been collected, sealed by the officials, transcribed, and sent to the examiners.

As a modern-day transmigrator, she wasn’t well-versed in ancient poetry and classical Chinese. Xiao Yu casually flipped through a few papers.

“My dear, have you found any good ones?”

Song Luoning smiled. “The number of candidates this time is three or four times more than usual. It will take some effort to select good poems and essays from them. Your Majesty, don’t be so impatient.”

Xiao Yu knew that in ancient times, the grading was all done by hand. It was not something that could be rushed. But fortunately, there were many examiners, and the content wasn’t too complicated. The results were out by the end of the day.

Ten neat papers were presented.

Xiao Yu unfolded a paper and handed it to Song Luoning. “My dear, what do you think? I don’t know much about this.”

Everyone’s knowledge was different, so she didn’t feel embarrassed.

It was normal for a modern person not to understand these things. Xiao Yu looked at Song Luoning with anticipation.

Song Luoning held the paper in her hands. After a moment, she said, “This essay is mediocre. As for talent, it’s a bit lacking. At most, it can be considered average or above average.”

Xiao Yu nodded.

Song Luoning focused and selected three papers. “These three are good. This one, in particular, has a unique perspective and a free-spirited style. It’s a rare good essay. This one, although also good, uses overly ornate language, making it appear superficial. And this last one…” Song Luoning paused.

Xiao Yu’s eyes were fixed on the last paper. She asked, “How is this one?”

Song Luoning sighed softly. “This one, in terms of the essay itself, has no particularly outstanding points. The language used is also simple. What’s rare is that it’s brave enough to write what it does.”

To be able to write about the lives of the common people so realistically, this person must have observed it in detail or experienced it firsthand. Otherwise, they couldn’t have written with such emotion.

“Oh?” Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow. “For my dear to evaluate it so highly, I want to take a look.” She took the paper from Song Luoning’s hand. There were red comments from the examiner next to it. The top right corner of the paper was marked with a ten. It seemed to be the last one among these.

Xiao Yu gestured to Fushun. When he came closer, she said, “Go and have this paper retrieved and sent to the palace.”

Fushun accepted the order and left.

Although it was already evening, the sky was half-dyed by the sunset, and the summer heat showed no signs of abating. After a long day of work, Xiao Yu sighed softly. She took Song Luoning’s hand and said with emotion, “It’s so good to have you by my side. I want to be like this forever.”

Song Luoning’s face instantly turned red. “What nonsense are you talking about? It’s getting late. We should go back to the palace.”

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