Chapter 8, the Capital (Middle)

Who has arrived? Could it be someone from the Shen family...

The young attendant in front of the Yitai Building saw her from a distance and approached with a warm smile, saying: "Miss, you must be here in the capital to take the imperial examination for female scholars, right?" Upon seeing Meng Tinghui nod, he raised his hand and said, "Please come inside, Miss."

Everyone at the table nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Madam Shen, née Shi, was one who followed the Emperor on his military campaigns and made significant contributions. Master Shen has enjoyed a close relationship with the Emperor for several decades; who in the court can compare to their bond? The Shen family's daughter grew up playing in the palace alongside her brother, and her connection with the Crown Prince is quite profound. Moreover, she has the Lady of Yingguo as her godmother, which certainly qualifies as noble kinship. Furthermore, the Shen family's daughter is already twenty years old and has yet to be betrothed; what do you think is the reason for this? Naturally, she is waiting for the position of Crown Princess..."

Although she knew that the capital was far more complex than the provincial government, she had not anticipated that even this small Yitai Building would be fraught with undercurrents.

Indeed, it is true. Over the years, there has never been a female top scholar from Chao'an North Road. Even if she is the top scholar of Chao'an North Road, what does it matter? Her literary accomplishments might not even compare to those of an ordinary candidate from the various prefectures of the capital region!

Is it to warn her that the Ministry of Rites should not act arbitrarily in violation of regulations?

Is there any need to say this? It can only be the eldest daughter of the Shen family

Meng Tinghui froze, forcing a smile, "I just arrived in Beijing this morning - after a long and tiring journey, allow me to rest for a moment before chatting with the young ladies."

In recent years, the world has been prosperous, and the Emperor has shown compassion for the people, refraining from military actions and increasing taxes. Recently, I have heard that the northern border intends to engage in free trade with Beijian. I truly hope that these peaceful days will continue indefinitely

Meng Tinghui was taken aback; he took the letter and opened it.

It is indeed her fault to leave without saying goodbye, but throughout her life, the one thing she has never been good at is bidding farewell

Although the room is small, it is tidy

Who among those coming to Beijing for the Ministry examination is not truly talented and knowledgeable? Just wait and see if she can be selected as a tribute scholar when the results of the Ministry examination are announced

The woman, dressed in a deep pink ru skirt, had her arms adorned with a light shawl that gracefully wrapped around three jade rings. Her gold-threaded purple silk coat barely reached her knees, and her hair was loosely styled in a popular cloud bun worn by court ladies of the time. She was just stepping through the threshold.

... ...

There can only be one Shen family, naturally it is the daughter of the esteemed Shen Tai Fu family

When Meng Tinghui went down, the voices of the crowd were noisy, with men, women, the elderly, and children all present. She chose a corner seat, ordered a bowl of porridge and a plate of vegetarian dishes, and slowly ate alone, quietly listening to what the people around her were saying

A smile lingered at the corners of her lips as her gaze swept to the signature.

A few people whispered to each other for a moment, and then Fang smiled at her, saying: "The female scholars from various places have been here for quite some time; your name has already been circulated all over Yitai Building by someone."

A few plainly dressed women entered the lobby at an unknown time, one of whom was squeezed beside her. Upon seeing the name that the shopkeeper was writing down, she displayed an expression of extreme surprise.

A thin sheet of stationery, filled with words in a flamboyant manner, is filled with numerous sentences condemning her sudden departure, with the final sentence simply stating, take good care of yourself

Before the examination had even begun, she had already become the target of public criticism. Merely the rumor that the Crown Prince had personally appointed her as the top scholar thrust her into the spotlight.

Meng Tinghui furrowed his brows, unable to comprehend the meaning

From now on, we are worlds apart; those destined to meet will surely do so.

Before she could finish her sentence, the woman exclaimed, "You are truly Meng Tinghui!"

As they spoke, several young women resembling scholars returned from outside, sitting down with expressions of deep frustration and a gloomy demeanor

It was said: "This morning, I went to the Taichang Temple in the western part of the city and saw that quite a few people had come from the nearby prefectures and counties just to partake in the Buddha bathing water!"

Ah, have you all heard that after the Crown Prince is officially enshrined with a primary consort, the Emperor will abdicate and relinquish power

It has always been said that the capital is prosperous, but unless one sees it with their own eyes, how can one imagine such scenes

Or perhaps it is to see if she can bear this heavy burden while taking the examination at the Ministry of Rites, to determine whether she truly possesses the talent of a pillar of society

www.hetushu.com seems to be ... ...

Meng Tinghui pondered for a moment and slightly nodded his head, "Miss..."

She asked the waiter a couple of questions and then took her bundle upstairs

A figure just flashed through her mind when her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by someone

It is to convey to her that, while I admire her talent, I do not appreciate her previous cunning methods

The women sitting nearby, who were eating, noticed and gathered around to ask, "So, did Lord Gu accept the invitation?"

Meng Tinghui turned around upon hearing the words and looked towards the entrance of Yitai Building

Meng Tinghui then understood and smiled as he walked to the front desk, saying to the manager: "Chao'an North Road, Chongzhou Prefecture, Meng Tinghui"

A woman cast a cold glance at the crowd and said, "What are you collecting? Who is Lord Gu? He is someone who disregards the favors of anyone except the Prince Ping!" She paused, then sneered, "This time, the Ministry of Rites is testing His Majesty with Lord Gu as the acting supervisor of the tribute selection. I suggest you all save your efforts; instead, spend more time reading books and don't harbor any illusions about being able to submit your applications in advance!"

In the early morning, many people who went to the Zen temple to pay their respects have already returned to the city, gathering downstairs to share amusing stories from the city today; several female scholars residing in Yitai Building, waiting for their examinations, also come down in small groups to have their meals, their laughter echoing continuously

Which Shen family

This Prince

Are you Meng Tinghui? The one appointed by the Crown Prince as the scholar of Chao'an North Road and the - map - book?

What is the use of saying goodbye

Meng Tinghui dismounted from the carriage and, raising his eyes, saw the grand and magnificent Yitai Building, three stories high, standing on the street. He paused for a moment in place before adjusting his bundle and walking forward.

A few people are still whispering below

The floral canopy sways precariously above, the gilded hook glimmers faintly, and the window is half-open, allowing a faint whiff of the sweet aroma of boiled wine being sold on the street outside.

The shopkeeper glanced at her, turned around to the back counter, took a letter, and handed it to her: "It just arrived yesterday. I was still wondering, how could someone like this not have checked into Yitai Building yet?"

The young attendant took her bundle and led her to the counter, shaking his head with a smile and saying: "The young lady has come from outside the city and is unaware of the customs in the capital. Today is the Buddha's birthday, and many people in the city have gone to the Zen temple early to bathe in the Buddha's water, which is why there are fewer guests in the restaurant"

First, I took an ox cart from Chongzhou to Wutianfu, then traveled by waterway from Wutianfu to Shouzhou, and finally shared a horse-drawn carriage with others directly to the capital.

Suddenly, someone at the table next to us, which had just been discussing the matter of the Crown Prince's consort, whispered: "Look, just as we were talking about it, here it comes!"

During the lunch hour, the first and second floors of Yitai Building became noticeably lively

Where do the rumors come from

She closed her eyes, her fingers gently gliding over the redwood of the bed.

She pretended not to hear as she went upstairs, and when she pushed the door open, her fingertips were unexpectedly trembling

It is said that the bathing water for the Buddha from the Tai Chang Temple must also be brought into the palace. Since it is for the Emperor, everyone naturally wishes to partake in this dragon energy.

Meng Tinghui walked in and noticed that the lobby on the first floor of the restaurant was quite tranquil, which made him smile. "Could it be that the female candidates for the Ministry of Rites examination are all staying at Yitai Building, and thus Yitai Building has ceased operations before the examination concludes?"

Meng Tinghui listened quietly, slowly setting down his chopsticks, taking out a handkerchief to gently wipe his mouth, and preparing to get up and go upstairs

A group of women sighed in disappointment and returned to their seats

It is merely a stroke of good fortune, so what is there to be proud of

She casually tossed the bundle aside and then heavily threw herself onto the bed

Did you not see the carriage that just stopped outside Yitai Building? It is a royal four-wheeled carriage! The young woman who got off the carriage is none other than her!

Indeed, thoughts are difficult to fathom

The day of entering the capital coincided with the 8th day of the 4th month, which is the Buddha's birthday. Each of the nine major Zen temples in the capital held a bathing ceremony for the Buddha, offering fragrant water made with medicinal herbs and sugar to the guests visiting the temples. The streets of the city were crowded with people, adorned with pomegranate flowers and delicate willows, the atmosphere was serene and harmonious, with a gentle breeze blowing and colorful flags fluttering, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity.

In fact, it is obvious without looking that the only person who could write such a letter to her, apart from Yan Fuzhi, is no one else.

Regardless of whether it is a rumor, just this Crown Princess alone, can you all tell me which noble family in the capital has a daughter of such fortune