The Third Scholar of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 1

Chapter One: The Third-Rank Scholar

Late at night, the moon shines as brightly as water.

The city of Bianliang remained brightly lit. Tomorrow was the day of the imperial examination for the autumn imperial examinations, and it seemed that no one in the city could sleep; the entire city was tense and busy.

In an inn across the street from the imperial city, a woman was lazily leaning against the bed watching another woman chatter on and on.

Yinzi couldn't help but nag. Tomorrow was the palace examination; if the emperor discovered her young lady's true identity, she would be beheaded immediately. "But... young lady, are you really going tomorrow?"

Li Yuxuan, who was addressed as "Miss," replied with his eyes closed, "Please, Yinzi, just prepare my clothes for tomorrow. Your girl has been a man for so many years, when has anyone ever noticed? Besides, I have to go tomorrow whether I want to or not!" After saying that, he lay down on the bed, "I'm going to sleep. Wake me up early tomorrow. Also, don't nag me anymore."

Li Yuxuan barely slept that night. Tomorrow was her final battle, the one that would determine her life or death; it was impossible for her not to be nervous. She mentally rehearsed many possible scenarios for tomorrow and how to deal with them.

Yinzi woke up very early, carefully cleaned her clothes, and then went downstairs to buy some snacks. When she came in, Li Yuxuan was also up and waiting for her to do his hair.

After tying up her hair, wrapping her chest with white cotton cloth, and putting on a dark blue men's robe, Li Yuxuan twirled in front of the bronze mirror and realized that apart from being a little short, she was quite a handsome man. However… she looked down at her chest, which was wrapped up so uncomfortablely, and thought, "Poor old friend of mine, it seems to have rarely seen the light of day in all my years."

Before her eyes flashed the image of the room filled with blood and the corpses lying haphazardly on the floor when she woke up five years ago, and Yinzi wailing beside her. She silently prayed, "Heavens, since you sent me here, you must protect me and avenge the Li family, who were massacred."

Five years ago, at the age of twenty-five, she was unexpectedly transported into the body of a fifteen-year-old girl whose entire family had been massacred. In the past five years, she sold all her family's possessions and, disguised as a man, went into hiding in Guo Family Village, fifty miles outside Bianliang City. Her real name was Li Youying; Li Yuxuan was the name of her brother who died tragically in that massacre. She knew that revenge was a pipe dream for her; she could only study diligently, following the most melodramatic plots of novels, to pass the imperial examinations and achieve official rank. The day she rose to the highest position in the court would be the day she could finally avenge her family.

She knew this wasn't a dream for her; her previous major was Chinese Language and Literature, specializing in Classical Chinese. Over the past five years, she had consistently ranked at the top, passing the imperial examinations, provincial examinations, and finally, the palace examination.

The palace examination went unexpectedly smoothly, and no one doubted her. All eyes were drawn to the second-place scholar, Su Shi, whose brilliance drove the entire court into a frenzy. To be precise, it was the combined charm of the top scholar Xu Qingzhi, the second-place scholar Su Shi, and the third-place scholar herself that drove the entire city of Bianliang into a frenzy.

From the imperial examination to the Qionglin Banquet, and now... staring at the dark outhouse, Li Yuxuan silently questioned the heavens.

For the first time, she truly felt that being handsome was a sin. Her face was given to her by her parents, and had nothing to do with her. But how could these infatuated girls and their parents not know this? A lady from a respectable family? A high-ranking official? Bah! They've all made me hide in this stinking outhouse to torture me.

But Su Shi was truly dashing and debonair, a man of exceptional beauty and charm. Standing over six feet tall, with an incomparably handsome face, naturally expressive eyes, a high-bridged nose, and a resolute mouth, he exuded an aloofness like a pine tree in a canyon, yet also a delicate purity like a secluded orchid in a deep valley. When she first saw him, she couldn't help but glance at him a few more times, her heart skipping a beat. Su Shi, a shining star in the long river of human history—her idol!

But they had the foresight to get married before taking the exam.

Li Yuxuan idly tugged at a few strands of hair by his ear, wondering why he hadn't thought of this before. He should have told Yinzi to be his wife instead of his page. If he had let that tigress out now, she could have easily killed a few infatuated girls on the street; she wouldn't be in this state now.

One wrong step can lead to eternal regret!

The top scholar, Xu Qingzhi, is quite good too—refined, intelligent, elegant, and of impeccable character. Why are these matchmakers so fixated on him, the third-place winner? Ever since returning from the imperial examination and the Qionglin Banquet yesterday, she hasn't dared to go back to her old inn. From afar, she sees the matchmakers lined up in layers, waiting for him to come back and tear her to pieces, stew her, steam her, boil her, and then eat every last bone.

But in Lin'an City, it's too difficult to find someone who doesn't know her now, and finding a place where no one knows her is even more of a pipe dream. The cats and dogs in the city are probably tired of hearing their three names these past few days; they're probably rebelling. Look, that black dog outside is barking again.

Footsteps sounded from ahead, followed by the voice of the gatekeeper, Yinzi: "You can't go in, our young master is inside."

A gentle, deep voice came from behind: "Young man, I don't need to use the restroom. I'll just go in and wait for the people behind me to leave. I'll come out right away." You could tell from the voice that it belonged to a scholar.

Is this yet another one hiding from debt collectors? This whole city of job-hunting groups is really suffering. Li Yuxuan quietly approached the door and looked out the window. Who else could that pale, frail scholar be but the top scholar Xu Qingzhi? He was currently wearing a pained expression, extremely anxious.

Haha. Li Yuxuan laughed and walked in through the door: "Brother Xu, please come in! It's just that this humble abode is too smelly, and I'm afraid it would be an insult to the reputation of a top scholar."

Upon seeing that the person inside was Li Yuxuan, Xu Qingzhi immediately smiled and stepped in: "Brother Li, with such a distinguished air, you're not even afraid of the stench, so what am I?"

"I've gotten used to the stench!" they said, then burst into laughter. The two top scholars, one a first-place winner and the other a third-place winner, had become fellow patrons of the latrine.

Faint sounds of footsteps and voices drifted in from outside. The two exchanged a glance and simultaneously stopped laughing. Only when it was completely silent outside did Li Yuxuan cautiously ask Yinzi outside, "Have they all left?"

"They've all left for now, young master."

Sighing, Li Yuxuan rubbed his nose in frustration. He really needed to come up with a solution; the toilet wasn't a place to stay for long. Putting everything else aside, if he really stayed there for a whole day, wouldn't he turn into a maggot and crawl out? Suddenly, he remembered something: "Brother Xu, aren't you unmarried? Why are you hiding here for refuge?"

"Brother Li, I was just about to ask you that. Aren't you also unmarried? Why are you hiding here for refuge?"

"Hehe." Li Yuxuan chuckled dryly, "I'm engaged, just haven't gone through the wedding ceremony yet. What about you?"

"Me? I have no suitor yet, only a daughter of a noble family, whom I dare not aspire to. I would rather find a girl from a humble family, half clumsy and half wise, to study and practice calligraphy together, and to roam freely among the mountains and rivers." Xu Qingzhi replied casually, looking outside.

"Brother Xu, being adept at human relationships is the essence of literature. Have you never thought of finding a high-ranking official or a wealthy family to help you rise through the ranks?" Li Yuxuan was surprised that Xu Qingzhi, who came from a poor background, had this idea, and couldn't help but look at him with new respect.

"Haha, Brother Li, you jest. I, Xu, never intended to ruin my scholarly pride by currying favor with the powerful. Let's figure out how to get out of here first." Xu Qingzhi frowned as he looked at the dark floor of the toilet. "I really admire Brother Li for being able to stay here."

"Me? This stinking body is a perfect match for this stinking toilet!" Li Yuxuan realized that his question was abrupt, and said as he walked out, "Let's go, Brother Xu, let's find a nicer place to stay."

Chapter Two: Seeking Refuge in a Brothel

The two left the restroom and stealthily made their way to the outer city moat, like thieves. Finding a secluded spot by the river, Xu Qingzhi gazed at the bustling crowds on the main road and sighed heavily: "Past sordidness is nothing to boast of, today's unbridled thoughts are boundless. Riding a swift horse in the spring breeze, one day I'll explore the flowers of Chang'an. Mr. Dongye's words are indeed insightful!"

Li Yuxuan gazed at Xu Qingzhi's handsome yet slightly pale face sitting opposite her. A faint sadness lingered on his face, which should have been beaming with joy. She turned her gaze away, ignoring the sadness, and picked up a small stone, throwing it into the river. "Brother Xu," she said, "that's just you, the top scholar, grumbling. Who doesn't envy you for visiting Bianliang flowers in a single day? Heh, if you don't go yourself, you can't blame anyone else..."

Hearing her words, Xu Qingzhi laughed as well: "Aren't you the third-ranked scholar? No wonder half of the young ladies in Bianliang City came here because of you. Tell me, aren't you wasting this beautiful scenery and this wonderful time?"

Li Yuxuan leaned against the large tree next to him, resting his head on his hand, and looked at Xu Qingzhi with a smile: "I didn't expect you to be so wicked these past few days, Brother Xu. You've been so refined and quiet these past few days, I never thought you'd have such an evil thought..."

"Me? Cough cough..." Xu Qingzhi looked at the mischievous and teasing smile on Li Yuxuan's face, and at her slightly upturned phoenix eyes that were full of smiles. His handsome face involuntarily turned red to the roots of his ears: "I'm just learning this from you, Brother Li."

"Me? I'm a gentleman, I never speak such flowery words... Hahahaha!" Li Yuxuan laughed heartily at Xu Qingzhi's embarrassed state: "Brother Xu, please don't slander me!"

Time passed quickly amidst their laughter and conversation. Looking at the already dim sky and Xu Qingzhi, thinly dressed in the autumn chill, Li Yuxuan rubbed his stomach. "I can't take it anymore. There's a rebellion here! I don't know if the roast chicken Yinzi bought at noon was from a mother or father, it still stings my cheek. Let's find a way back to the city first; I need a proper meal." He then called to his page, "Yinzi, go see if there are any more members of the 'Capturing the Young Masters' gang."

After listening to what Li Yuxuan said, Xu Qingzhi stood there for a moment, then shook his head at him: "Brother Li, you really are both vulgar and refined!"

“That’s right! That’s what you call a true gentleman, a true gentleman.” Li Yuxuan knew that Xu Qingzhi was referring to her earlier words as being too vulgar, so he walked over and patted him on the shoulder: “Come on, Scholar Xu, let me treat you to a good drink.”

Once inside the city, no matter how bold Li Yuxuan was, she wouldn't dare to openly stroll into any hotel for a drink. No, this was a matter of life and death, a matter of her entire reputation. If those unscrupulous matchmakers saw her—no, if anyone saw her—her head, which had been with her for twenty years, would soon be gone.

Xu Qingzhi, of course, hadn't considered her thoughts; he was simply worried that they would be recognized. The two stood under a dark roof, gazing at the dimly lit city of Bianliang without uttering a word.

Li Yuxuan's gaze fell on the large red lanterns on the street ahead. She knew that street was the famous red-light district in Bianliang City. Before taking the exam, he had strolled around there and deliberately listened to others talk about the romantic escapades there. She knew that no man could escape socializing in such places, and knowing some things in advance would be better than nothing.

She knew where the safest place to stay was for the night. She smiled slightly at Xu Qingzhi beside her, "Brother Xu, I promised you I'd find you a place with incense to stay in. Let's go find some incense now." Xu Qingzhi followed Li Yuxuan's gaze to the bright red light, took a step back, and looked at Li Yuxuan with a hint of doubt in his eyes, "Brother Li, do you also like those places of pleasure?"

“Let’s go!” Li Yuxuan knew the self-righteousness of scholars like Xu Qingzhi. Success for a poor scholar was hard-won, so naturally, they valued their reputation more than life itself. “It’s just a temporary measure; it won’t make you exchange your fleeting fame for leisurely pursuits. Why don’t you stay here for the night? I don’t mind.” Although she said this, Li Yuxuan still looked at Xu Qingzhi. She really wasn’t confident letting her go in alone. Although Xu Qingzhi was somewhat pedantic, he was at least a companion; even just having him around as a decoration would bolster her courage.

She suddenly realized that even her smile when looking at Xu Qingzhi lacked confidence. Whether Xu Qingzhi noticed this or not, after a moment's hesitation, he suddenly flashed a smile, his white teeth gleaming alluringly in the night: "Let's go, let's go together."

Li Yuxuan had heard that the courtyard at the very end of this street, called "Pinxiangju," was the best brothel in Bianliang City. The girls there were all skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and many of them were artists who didn't sell their bodies. Of course, you needed enough money to get in.

Li Yuxuan and Xu Qingzhi stood at the entrance of Pinxiangju. Two large red lanterns hung at the entrance, and a male servant stood to greet guests. Aside from the melodious music emanating from inside, there was not a sound of noise or commotion. A couplet hung on either side of the gate: The first line read: "This place boasts beautiful mountains and waters, a gentle breeze and a bright moon, and even more so, beautiful women and wonderful events, adding to its timeless tales." The second line read: "The world is full of foolish men and women, foolish hearts and foolish dreams, and even more so, foolish affections and foolish intentions, how many generations of fools have been foolish?" The horizontal inscription read: "Enjoy the fragrance at your leisure."

Xu Qingzhi chuckled as he read the couplet: "What a beautiful woman and a beautiful event, adding to the tales of a thousand years! This brothel has become infinitely more elegant because of this couplet."

Upon seeing the two of them approach, a young maid with double hairpins emerged from the inner courtyard: "Please come in, gentlemen!"

Seeing another figure approaching from behind, Li Yuxuan dragged Xu Qingzhi into the courtyard: "Please lead the way, sister." The courtyard was quite large, complete with pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and flowing water.

The young maid led the two of them through the courtyard and into a brightly lit room. The room was large, and the furnishings were luxurious and extravagant, but the colors were well-balanced, avoiding any gaudiness or ostentation. It perfectly showcased the room's wealth, extravagance, and refined elegance.

As soon as Li Yuxuan's gaze swept across the room, a middle-aged woman with endless charm immediately came over with a coquettish smile: "Please come in, gentlemen! Xiao Xiang'er, quickly bring out the finest scented tea!"

The two of them knew without guessing that this was the hostess. Li Yuxuan was still a little nervous and pursed his lips, saying, "You're too kind, Mom."

The madam, a woman of many experiences, immediately recognized the two as newcomers. Smiling, she walked over and took Li Yuxuan and Xu Qingzhi's arms, helping them sit down at the table in the middle of the room: "Gentlemen, what kind of girl are you looking for?"

"Oh, we just came to listen to some music because we were bored. Ma'am, find us a nice, quiet room, prepare a feast, and find a lady who can play the piano and sing," Li Yuxuan quickly composed herself and said with a smile to the mother. She then took out two ingots of pure silver and placed them on the table. She knew that in this place, only silver mattered.

The mother smiled and accepted the silver. "You two are very fortunate. Today, we have one of our top courtesans from Pinxiangju who is available." She then clapped her hands lightly, and a little maid walked in from the back of the house, bowing deeply to Li Yuxuan and his companion. "Please follow me, gentlemen."

As they were moving to leave, they heard a burst of unrestrained laughter coming from outside the house. With the laughter, Li Yuxuan saw the mother's face change color again and again, finally turning into a flower.

She felt something was off and turned around to look behind her.

Chapter Three: A Clever Tactic Backfires

Just then, a pair of wide, round eyes stared at him. The owner of those eyes, upon seeing them, immediately exclaimed, "The top scholar! The third-ranked scholar!"

This man was none other than Prince Xin, Emperor Renzong's only nephew. He was the son of Zhao Zhi, Emperor Renzong's younger brother. Zhao Zhi died young, and his son succeeded to the throne.

Upon seeing him and hearing his outburst, Li Yuxuan immediately closed her eyes, utterly despondent. How could she, who had been well-versed in Sun Tzu's *The Art of War* since childhood, have forgotten the ancient adage, "The safest place is the most dangerous place"?

Upon seeing that it was Prince Xin, Xu Qingzhi dared not be negligent and immediately went over to greet him: "This humble official, Xu Qingzhi, greets Your Highness!"

"Hehe!" Prince Xin waved away his men on both sides: "Go and guard outside!" He stepped forward to help Xu Qingzhi up: "Scholar, don't be so polite. This isn't the imperial court. Don't spoil everyone's fun." After saying that, he looked at Li Yuxuan, who was still standing there, and laughed: "What's wrong, Scholar? Don't you want to see me?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuxuan immediately snapped out of his reverie and forced a smile. "This humble official greets Your Highness. I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival and apologize for not welcoming you properly."

"Hahaha..." Prince Xin laughed and walked to the table to sit down: "You little rascal, you're so glib, you even dare to tease me, you've got some nerve! So, have you thought about what I told you last night?"

Li Yuxuan originally thought that in this place of extravagance, Prince Xin wouldn't think of this matter so quickly. He figured he could get through tonight and think of a solution after the court hearing the investiture ceremony tomorrow.

Unexpectedly, Prince Xin immediately got to the point, even ignoring the matter of calling for a girl. He knew he couldn't get away with it tonight, so he straightened his back and stepped forward to answer, "Your Highness has shown me great favor, and I would gladly give my life for you. However, I already have a fiancée at home, and I beg Your Highness not to put me in a position of being unfaithful, dishonest, or untrustworthy. I cannot comply with this request."

The room fell silent.

Li Yuxuan, head bowed, could feel Prince Xin's intense gaze fixed upon her, his sharp eyes seeming to peel back her layers to see right through her. She knew that at the Qionglin Banquet the previous night, Prince Xin had shown great interest in her. It was a well-known secret that the current Prince Xin was a homosexual.

However, it was Prince Xin who really saved her last night; otherwise, she might be in a prison cell today instead of in the outhouse. Anyone with eyes could see that last night the Emperor intended to marry Princess Fu'an, the youngest daughter of the Princess of Wei, to her. Just when she was at her wit's end, Prince Xin, who had been observing her closely, walked to the Emperor's side and took charge of the matter, thus preventing the Emperor from bestowing the marriage at the banquet.

Beside Prince Xin, the seasoned matriarch, seeing this, guessed most of what was going on. She didn't want anything to happen in her Fragrant Pavilion that could damage its reputation. Seeing Prince Xin remain silent, she swaggered over to Li Yuxuan and exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Oh my, these two must be the top scholar and the third-ranked scholar! I've heard the girls in the neighborhood gossiping that they're both as handsome as flowers, completely captivating all the girls here. Xiang'er, go to the embroidery tower and call all the girls out. Tell them that Prince Xin, the top scholar, and the third-ranked scholar have all come to our Fragrant Pavilion today. Everyone come out and join the fun!"

Upon hearing her mother's words, Li Yuxuan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that she had escaped this ordeal. Prince Xin wouldn't risk a falling out with the madam in this very place. She looked up and met Prince Xin's enigmatic gaze.

She shivered at the look in his eyes, and the flattering words she wanted to say stuck in her throat and she swallowed them back down. Fortunately, Xu Qingzhi noticed her embarrassment, gestured to Prince Xin to invite him, and followed his mother to the private room upstairs.

Li Yuxuan breathed a sigh of relief and followed them. Soon a group of girls came out, and they pushed and shoved each other to sit down in the private room. Some of the girls offered toasts, while others played the zither. They all seemed to be old acquaintances of Prince Xin, and they quickly diverted Prince Xin's attention from him.

Xu Qingzhi was also surrounded by two women. He was holding a glass of wine, unsure whether to drink it or not. His already pale face turned bright red.

Li Yuxuan gested past the woman beside him and sat down in front of Xu Qingzhi: "Brother Xu, you're being too disrespectful to the ladies. Come, come, ladies, I'll drink with you, so as not to embarrass the top scholar." With that, he reached out and grasped the small hand that the woman offering the toast had placed on Xu Qingzhi's shoulder, exclaiming exaggeratedly, "Wow, sister, your hands are so smooth and delicate, like jade! Touching them is intoxicating!"

"Hahaha..." Prince Xin laughed loudly: "Scholar, the girls at Pinxiangju can only be touched. If you have any other intentions, I can grant your wish."

Li Yuxuan successfully attracted the girl next to Xu Qingzhi to his side, and laughed twice insincerely: "I admire all the ladies here very much, how could I dare to have any other thoughts? It's just that the ladies are too charming and unique, and I couldn't help myself, haha, I just couldn't help myself."

"Really? Why do I find you even more charming and unique than the girls here?" Prince Xin brushed aside the girl beside him, walked over, put his arm around Li Yuxuan's shoulder, and leaned down to smell her neck: "You seem to smell quite nice."

Li Yuxuan knew that encountering a prince who loved chrysanthemums was truly an unlucky stroke of bad luck. Since there was no way to avoid it, she could only face it calmly. She smiled and pulled away Prince Xin's hand: "Your Highness, although I come from a humble background, I know that a scholar can be killed but not humiliated. What do you say?"

“I’m telling you, I’ve seen countless people with my eyes, and I’ve grown up surrounded by women, so I’m particularly good at recognizing men and women. Do you believe me?” Prince Xin simply sat down next to a girl.

"I believe you!" Li Yuxuan's heart skipped a beat. She froze, stunned by the Prince Xin's words. Didn't he prefer men? Why did his words sound like he'd seen through her identity? No, no, perhaps he was just hinting at something, like his preference for men…

"Your Highness is a man of great talent and strategy, wise and courageous; of course, I believe you. In my eyes, Your Highness is like the sun in the sky, to be looked up to only. My admiration for Your Highness is like the endless flow of the Yangtze River, like the unstoppable overflow of the Yellow River." *Sigh*, Li Yuxuan raised an eyebrow. She even used such a terrible line. Wei Xiaobao's famous saying about being an official: "Flattery will get you everywhere." Hopefully, that's true here too.

Sure enough, Prince Xin burst into laughter, and everyone in the room laughed, even Xu Qingzhi couldn't help but chuckle. Several girls surrounded Li Yuxuan with giggles: "Scholar, you have such a silver tongue! Come, have a few drinks with us, we love your lovely mouth."

Li Yuxuan, behind Prince Xin's back, gave Xu Qingzhi a thumbs-up. Xu Qingzhi shook his head and smiled noncommittally.

Although the girls here sometimes told dirty jokes, they were still quite proper when drinking, and no one tried to grope them. Xu Qingzhi didn't drink, and chatted with the girls about the poems of Liu Jingzhuang (Liu Yong).