Wushuang was startled and raised her small hand to try to cover up her crime.
Chu Yao smiled and picked up the jade pendant that had fallen onto her skirt, asking, "Shuangshuang likes this? Then I'll give it to you."
Having said that, he re-tied the silk ribbon and hung it around Wushuang's neck.
Look how quick-witted Chu Yao is. This is why, despite being roughly the same age, Lin Ruqing could only remain a scholar for a little over ten years, while Chu Yao became the commander of the Lingguang Guard.
Regarding the issue of Lin Ruqing's calligraphy and paintings' sales, Wushuang, who grew up in seclusion and had limited experience, could think of it, and Chu Ye, as a prince, naturally could as well.
He sighed, "In that case, his business must be in trouble, right?"
Yang Tianen closed his folding fan and said seriously, "My brother and I have the same concerns. We have always hoped to help him, but he has made it clear that he does not accept donations from acquaintances, so we have found it difficult to lend a hand. Today, we happened to see him setting up his stall again, and it was such a coincidence that we met the three princes. So we would like to ask the three princes to help us buy a few of his paintings and calligraphy. As for the money to buy the paintings and calligraphy, we brothers will naturally pay for it."
Yang Tianhao interjected, "The three princes are from the capital and are unfamiliar faces, so he won't be suspicious. Moreover, the princes have extraordinary bearing and it's clear at a glance that they come from wealthy families. If we were to purchase his calligraphy and paintings with a large sum of money, Lin Ruqing would feel appreciated, which would be an encouragement to him."
Chu Ye readily agreed, saying, "We can each buy a few paintings. We'll not only represent you, Brother Yang, but we'll also contribute our own money to support a truly talented scholar. The entire Qi Kingdom will benefit in the future. This is what members of the royal family should do."
As expected of Wuxia's cousin from her maternal grandfather's family, he is just as kind-hearted as she is.
Chu Ye had long forgotten that he had initially moved to this private room because his younger brother told him that Wuxia was dining there with two men of similar age. In a moment of panic, he rushed over to spy on the enemy. He now regarded the Yang brothers as Wushuang, someone he had to please while also trying to please Wuxia.
Yang Tianen opened his folding fan again, using the fan surface to cover the slightly upturned corners of his lips.
That's exactly what he was waiting for.
The third prince and Wuxia had sat side-by-side for a meal; it would be unreasonable not to swindle some real money from him. As for where that money ultimately went, it would naturally be best to give it to those in need.
Wushuang listened attentively to their conversation and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. She then exclaimed, "Shuangshuang wants to buy a painting too! Chu Yao, go buy a painting!"
Since someone has to fund Lin Ruqing, rather than letting a stranger pay him to do things that harm her, she might as well keep him under her control. After all, he's not going to amount to anything, so as long as she keeps an eye on him and prevents him from having any more opportunities to hurt her, that's fine.
"Shuangshuang, you're not allowed to ask the Prince for anything." Wuxia saw Wushuang clutching Chu Yao's clothes, looking like she wanted to drag him downstairs immediately, and mistakenly thought her sister wanted Chu Yao to buy her a painting. She scolded her sternly, "It's impolite to waste other people's money, you know?"
Wu Shuang said aggrievedly, "I just want Chu Yao to take me down. I have my own money."
As she spoke, she reached for her waist, only to find it empty. She then remembered that the small purse filled with gold coins had been given away to help others back in Yangzhou.
She could only pout and say reluctantly, "Sister, I forgot to bring money."
Wuxia took out her purse and handed it to Chu Yao through Chu Ye: "Please take care of Wushuang, Your Highness. Here is some loose silver. If Wushuang wants to buy anything, just take it from here."
Chu Yao didn't want to accept the gifts; it was only natural for him to buy things for his future princess. The more Wushuang asked him for things, the more informal she seemed, the happier he became.
But it wouldn't look good to keep pushing and refusing it in front of everyone, so he had no choice but to take it and hang it around Wushuang's neck, next to the jade pendant he had just given her.
The three Chu brothers, along with Xiao Wushuang, rushed downstairs, only to find that Lin Xiucai's calligraphy and painting stall had vanished.
It was just past noon, and Lou Wai Lou was bustling with business. People were coming and going at the entrance, almost without stopping. It should have been the best time to do business, but this scholar had somehow gone off to slack off somewhere.
The four of them shook their heads in unison, expressing their helplessness, and turned back.
As soon as they entered the gate, they saw Lin Ruqing sitting with another boy. The two were whispering to each other, seemingly discussing something confidential.
The table where the two were sitting was located at the innermost part of the hall. When they came down from upstairs, they were behind everyone, so no one noticed them.
Wushuang, intrigued, pointed and whispered, "That's Lin Ruqing. I saw him earlier."
Didn't you say you were poor and aloof, refusing to accept help from others? How come you were willing to let someone treat you to a feast at Lou Wai Lou?
Chu Xu pursed his lips, let out a roar, and started running around the hall.
Boys his age are usually mischievous, so the other guests, including Lin Ruqing, didn't take it seriously and continued eating and drinking as usual, as if nothing had happened.
Only when the waiter passes by carrying trays and dishes will they be especially careful to avoid him, lest he bump into them. Spilling soup and dishes or breaking bowls and plates is a minor matter, but if they were to injure such a young master in fine clothes and jade crown, they could not afford to pay for it.
Chu Yao carried Wu Shuang and Chu Ye up to the second floor, where they waited at the top of the stairs.
Before the time it takes to drink a cup of tea was up, Chu Xu came running up.
He looked at him with disdain and sneered, "What kind of self-reliant scholar is he! What a load of rubbish! They're talking about cheating in the imperial examinations, and it sounds so familiar. It's obvious this isn't the first time they've done something like this."
Table of Contents 46 | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 5
Chapter 46:
In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Chu Xu came running up. (Download the complete txt file at )
He looked at him with disdain and scoffed, "What self-reliant scholar? What high-minded nonsense! They're talking about cheating in the imperial examinations. It sounds so familiar; it's obvious this isn't the first time they've done something like this."
This statement differed greatly from the situation described by the Yang brothers, leaving all three of them somewhat puzzled. Chu Xu and Chu Yao exchanged a glance, and seeing that he remained silent, Chu Xu said to his younger brother, "When we get back to the private room, let's not make a fuss for now, lest we alert them. We'll send someone to investigate later."
Chu Xu nodded in agreement, but still felt ashamed and said, "How hypocritical! At such a young age, you're not learning anything good, just using all sorts of tricks to seek fame and fortune!"
As a prince, even with all the favor he received, he couldn't be a naive and innocent fool. Chu Xu had long understood the unpredictability of human nature. However, having received much instruction from Emperor Deqing since childhood, he knew that the imperial examination was the way to select talented individuals, and whether the officials chosen were capable and honest was related to the future of the Qi Kingdom. Now, hearing firsthand that some of them intended to cheat and deceive others, he couldn't help but feel indignant.
Wushuang leaned on Chu Yao's shoulder, craning her neck to look downstairs.
Lin Ruqing and the young man continued their secret talks.
From her perspective, she could see the young man with relaxed eyebrows and eyes, his face full of interest, talking non-stop, seemingly playing the role of a persuader. Lin Ruqing had her back to her, so she couldn't see his expression.
Could it be that Lin Ruqing obtained his scholar's degree through cheating? Is that why he didn't advance any further for more than ten years in his previous life?
As a woman, Wushuang was not required to participate in the imperial examinations. However, the noble ladies of the noble families in the capital were taught from a young age to be well-versed in national affairs, so that they could become virtuous wives or even matriarchs after marriage. Therefore, she understood that the imperial examinations were strictly enforced, and cheating, whether by having someone take the exam for her or by writing an essay beforehand, was extremely risky. Without a large sum of money, one could not expect to get help.
Lin Ruqing's family was poor and he could not possibly have enough money to pay the fee. Could it be that someone hired him to be a gunman?
Instead of relying on hearsay and guessing, it's better to investigate for yourself.