The position of Minister, one of the "Three Excellencies" of Great Yu.
Although it was more of an honorary sinecure, a decorative piece of aristocratic politics generally held by venerable elders from prestigious clans—and if they didn't concurrently hold other positions of real power, it meant they'd essentially retired to the second line—nevertheless, this status carried an extremely high rank. Even imperial princes had to show respect and curry favor.
Moreover, behind Minister Sun stood the Sun Clan of Yangzhou—one of the most prestigious families in the realm.
Every scholar from south of the Yangtze River considered it an honor to attach themselves to the Sun family.
His former students and subordinates were spread throughout the land, including many of the current court's powerful officials.
Even if Minister Sun's daughter were ugly, those wanting to ingratiate themselves through marriage would be countless, with the line stretching all the way to the State of Qi.
Much less so, since this woman was "The Most Beautiful Woman in Jiangnan."
All the scholars at the Scholar's Inn practically poked their heads out, filled with fantasies.
"I heard that all the Sub-yuan from this provincial examination will be invited to attend Minister Sun's birthday."
"Then, from among them, he'll select a scholar of excellent appearance and family background to betroth his daughter to."
"You mean ten people will have this opportunity?"
"Just what kind of beauty could deserve the title of Jiangnan's foremost beauty?"
Everyone's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
The supreme moments of enjoyment for ancient scholars—
Success in the imperial examinations, and the wedding night.
Though passing as Sub-yuan meant you wouldn't lack for marrying some noble young lady.
But this was the daughter of one of the Three Excellencies!
Sub-yuan themselves had opportunities as reserve officials, and if they could further form a political marriage alliance with the Sun Clan of Yangzhou, they could probably advance directly to become court-appointed officials.
Court-appointed officials meant: formal positions directly appointed by the central government.
So county magistrates definitely qualified.
"Jingxiu-xiong is a young master from the capital, why don't you know about this Miss Sun?" Wang Shuishan asked curiously.
"Mm... I think I've heard of her."
Actually, he hadn't.
If you asked about those pretty singing girls in Sheng'an's wine houses, Song Shi'an could even call out their pet names.
As for wealthy young ladies from prominent families, Song Shi'an probably never had such thoughts or curiosity about them.
It must be said, the Song Shi'an of the original plane lived far too transparently.
No wonder he loved hanging out with idiots.
Because he was an idiot too.
"She's, she's coming out."
Just as the two were chatting, Wang Shuishan saw a hand lift the curtain.
All the scholars immediately froze on the spot.
That hand—white, slender, skin like congealed cream, with clear bone structure, like cold spring water rinsing jade. Just visually, it gave one the tactile sensation that this little hand was soft and cool.
Simultaneously, Song Shi'an and Wang Shuishan's heads sank down together, tilting sideways in perfect coordination to change their viewing angle.
Gradually, the wrist emerged.
The gauze sleeve, thin as cicada wings, slowly slid down with the lifting motion, revealing skin inch by inch...
Everyone held their breath with eyes wide open.
Suddenly, the hand lifting the curtain paused.
Then, the curtain slowly fell back down.
For a moment, there were sighs everywhere.
"Awu, let's go."
Inside the carriage, a light and gentle voice spoke.
"Didn't we come to find Young Master?" Inside the carriage, a girl of about fourteen called Awu asked in confusion.
"Let's go home first. Elder brother will return later."
"Understood." Awu nodded, then lifted the window curtain and shouted to the driver, "Return to the estate."
At the same time, she saw the scholars sighing and showing regret one after another, and couldn't help covering her mouth to laugh. "Those scholars look so funny."
"Don't be rude."
After the young lady spoke, her gaze unconsciously glanced toward the carriage's side window.
By chance, she saw two people standing by a third-floor window of the inn.
One of them was different from all the others—though he also hadn't seen anything, his face was expressionless, completely unperturbed.
………
"She didn't even get out of the carriage."
Wang Shuishan felt quite disappointed.
"She was just teasing you."
Song Shi'an, who hadn't seen the beauty, appeared quite casual and completely unmoved.
Even though he'd just critically glanced a few times along with everyone else, his emotions weren't at all affected by this foremost beauty.
Getting anxious just because you can't see someone's face when they reveal themselves—that's way too pathetic.
Suppressing your sexuality like this, sooner or later you'll become a plaything for pretty women.
Those of us who play CrossFire are this tough.
"I'll see her eventually."
But Wang Shuishan's enthusiasm remained undiminished, instead growing even more eager: "When the time comes, for Minister Sun's birthday, as long as one passes as Sub-yuan, they'll be invited as an honored guest. If that happens, what prestige that would be."
"Can you decline the invitation?"
"That's Minister Sun, one of the Three Excellencies—who would refuse to go?" Wang Shuishan thought Song Shi'an was joking.
"True, true."
After Song Shi'an casually agreed, he walked away from the window.
At that moment, there was a knock on the inn room door.
An inn servant stood at the entrance holding breakfast.
Seeing this, Wang Shuishan pulled out several coins from his sleeve, placed them on the tray, and said, "Bring me another serving."
The servant poked his head inside and noticed there was indeed another person.
Seeing him hesitate, Wang Shuishan took out another coin and personally placed it in his hand. "Go on."
"Yes, young master, I'll get another serving right away."
The servant smiled, then turned and left.
After the door closed, he opened his palm, looked at that tip, and revealed a disdainful expression. "Dressed all proper and such, never seen anyone so stingy."
After a while, the servant brought up breakfast for two.
"Shi'an-xiong, please."
Wang Shuishan proactively invited him to share breakfast.
"Alright."
Song Shi'an nodded slightly, responding politely.
"Jingxiu-xiong."
Wang Shuishan thought of something, then smiled and invited: "Until the results are posted, I'll continue staying at this inn. Why don't you spend these few days with me here, Jingxiu-xiong—we can drink wine, play chess, chat casually?"
Faced with such courtesy, Song Shi'an looked at him and said without hesitation: "Sure."
"..."
His agreement came so quickly it left Wang Shuishan a bit dumbfounded.
Why was I even being polite then?
What if he'd actually refused—would I have slept under a bridge these next couple days?
Meal ticket teacher, for the... these next few days, please take care of me.
………
The Imperial Palace, Hening Palace.
Before a bronze desk, a man of about twenty years wearing dark cloud-brocade everyday robes, a bronze crown, with handsome and refined features and eyes like autumn stars, held a writing brush and focused intently on composing an essay on draft paper.
From start to finish, he didn't move until he put down the final stroke, his expression finally relaxing.
Setting down the brush, he held the draft paper up before him with both hands. After looking it over, quite delighted, he stood up and quickly walked out of Hening Palace.
At that moment, a young lady dressed in luxurious clothing, petite in stature, with an apricot face and peach cheeks, and a rather adorable appearance, walked in.
The two met face to face.
"Come, let me see."
The man directly handed the draft paper into the girl's hands.
"What is this thing?"
Princess Changqing, having this paper suddenly thrust into her hands—densely covered with characters—furrowed her brow.
"This provincial examination's test questions—I wrote an essay response. Take a look for me," the man said expectantly.
"..." Princess Changqing pursed her lips and said mockingly, "Father Emperor doesn't even use you, what's the point of writing this?"
"Forget it if you won't look."
The man directly snatched the draft paper back, then walked out of the palace hall with undiminished excitement, quickly descending the steps.
"Wei Wusheng! Where are you going?"
At his back, Princess Changqing shouted in dissatisfaction.
Wei Wusheng didn't even turn his head, casually waving his hand: "I'm going to find the masters at the Imperial Academy to look at it."