Chapter 18

“Were you dreaming again?”

“Did you see the Chief Compiler being drugged by some county princess in your dream?!”

Shen Lingyue never expected that her casual remark would actually come true.

She pondered deeply, then suddenly understood.

“Yanyan,” Shen Lingyue grasped her shoulder with solemn expression, “from now on, we have to sleep together every night!”

Yan Yi: …

This is it—her dream is over, and Little Moon has started daydreaming.

Unable to figure it out, she could only say, “Maybe Heaven fears we'll be too lonely, so whenever I dream, it brings us some juicy gossip.”

Shen Lingyue immediately put her palms together, praying upward.

“Gossip, come, come, come from all directions…”

Yan Yi watched her earnest face, barely containing a smile.

Who could blame her best friend for being restless? Without novels, comics, games, movies, or TV shows, she had to find amusement from those around her.

Clearing her throat, Yan Yi began, “Since every dream you have points to something specific, should we help Chief Compiler Qi avoid these schemes?”

Shen Lingyue thought it over but didn’t immediately agree like last time when helping Zheng Chunjun.

“What if Chief Compiler Qi is willing himself?”

She proposed a bold hypothesis: “Given his family background, the fastest path to prominence at court would be to marry a noble lady—no matter which county princess you saw in your dream, at least she’s a prince’s daughter, that’s prestigious enough, right?”

This wasn’t her being cynical; throughout history, many powerful men rose to prominence through their fathers-in-law, and no one called them gold diggers.

Shen Lingyue shrugged, “Let’s respect other people’s fate; we shouldn’t ruin his good fortune.”

Yan Yi considered seriously, “But if Chief Compiler Qi intends to seek a county princess’s favor, why resort to drugging? Why not arrange a direct engagement?”

Shen Lingyue blinked, “That’s true.”

Yan Yi shook her head in disapproval, “Forcing someone by drugging is wrong, no matter the victim’s gender, equality is a must.”

Shen Lingyue was convinced by her friend's sense of justice. “How about this: tomorrow I’ll probe Chief Compiler Qi’s intentions? If he’s truly upright and swears never to marry…”

She snapped her fingers, “Then we’ll guard his purity!”

*

The Hanlin Academy’s offices were located near Jade River Bridge on East Chang’an Street, just a wall away from the Imperial Palace.

Scholars entering the palace to lecture the emperor and princes could use a passageway for direct access, convenient for summons.

Shen Lingyue carried a food box and approached the guard at the gate politely.

“My surname is Shen. I’m Zhao Yun’s cousin, the one Zhao Xiu wrote about. Could you call him out for a moment?”

The guard noted Shen Lingyue’s decent attire—clearly an official’s relative—and nodded.

“Register your name first; I’ll get someone.”

Soon, Zhao Yun appeared, confused.

“Cousin, you’re looking for me?”

He was nearing thirty, and they only met during festivals; he couldn’t understand why she suddenly sought him out.

“Big cousin, I have a favor to ask.”

Shen Lingyue handed over the food box and pulled Zhao Yun aside.

Lowering her voice, she said, “Could you help me call out Qi Xiuyuan, the newly admitted Hanlin Academy compiler? I have some questions for him.”

Zhao Yun’s eyes widened.

After hesitating, he ventured, “Cousin, I recall you were betrothed to the Marquis of Changning’s family, marrying next month, right?”

Coming to secretly meet a new Hanlin compiler at this time seemed improper.

“Yes, but what does that have to do with talking to Qi Xiuyuan?”

Shen Lingyue urged, “Please, just this once. It’s really important.”

Zhao Yun’s head hurt, but he couldn’t resist his little cousin’s persistence.

No wonder his parents said the aunt’s family was unhappy about the arranged marriage, and that the second son of the Pei family was irresponsible...

Well, as family, he couldn’t cruelly ruin her happiness.

In moments, Zhao Yun imagined many ways to remedy the situation if it blew up.

He nodded solemnly, “I agree.”

He told Shen Lingyue to wait in a small alley behind the academy.

Bored, she toyed with the willow branches hanging from the wall, plucking and flicking them.

After about a tea’s time, a figure clad in a blue robe appeared at the corner.

Qi Xiuyuan wore the azure gown of a seventh-rank civil official, with a xiezhi emblem embroidered on his chest, wide sleeves, a leather belt at the waist. As he stepped into the alley bathed in sunlight, he seemed adorned with a shimmering golden aura, almost immortal in bearing.

Clothes do make the man, indeed. Shen Lingyue had a bit of a uniform fetish.

Shen Songyi was truly ungrateful; such a handsome civil official wasted?

Foolish!

Wouldn’t it be better to eat two extra bowls of rice every day just by looking at this face?

…Oh, Qi Xiuyuan’s household probably didn’t have enough rice for that.

Shen Lingyue sobered instantly, cough, beauty aside, it can’t feed you.

“Miss Shen,”

The azure figure halted before her.

Qi Xiuyuan stood about a meter away, slightly nodding.

“Brother Zhao said you have business with me?”

He was still puzzled on the way here: he and Miss Shen hardly interacted, except that day at the Shen household when she fell flat in front of him…

Was that why she came?

“Rest assured, Miss Shen, that day I was just visiting, discussing classics with two junior brothers. I saw nothing else, nothing happened.”

Qi Xiuyuan kindly hinted he wouldn’t spread her embarrassment.

“Ah? Oh… I’m not here about that.”

Shen Lingyue waved her hand, hesitating.

She struggled to find words to indirectly inquire without revealing the “secret” from Yan Yi’s dream.

“Suppose—just suppose—there’s a noble and influential young lady who admires you, willing to break social taboos and use any means to be with you… and marrying her would fast-track your rise in officialdom. Would you accept?”

As soon as she spoke, Qi Xiuyuan took several steps back.

Shen Lingyue: ?

He lowered his eyes, avoiding her gaze, and said solemnly, “Thank you for your favor, Miss Shen, but you have a betrothal. The emperor’s decree forbids you from rashness that would implicate your family.”

Not to mention implicating him.

Shen Lingyue: ???

“Pah!” She stamped her foot angrily. “When did I say I like you?!”

Qi Xiuyuan: …Perhaps you should recall what you just said.

Shen Lingyue calmed down, wanting to slap her own mouth.

Her words were ambiguous…

But she couldn’t just say someone was trying to drug him.

Being a good person these days is too hard!

She snorted and gave up: “Then tell me, would you rather marry for love, or marry a noble lady who can boost your career?”

Without hesitation, Qi Xiuyuan said, “Of course, the former.”

“Good, that’s all I needed to hear.”

Shen Lingyue turned away, reluctantly adding as she passed, “A friendly reminder: boys should protect themselves when out, don’t eat or drink carelessly. Remember?”

“…Okay.”

Even after Shen Lingyue left by carriage, Qi Xiuyuan still didn’t understand why she came.

No use overthinking, he shook his head and returned to the academy.

Unbeknownst to them, their seemingly secret meeting was observed by someone in a two-story building across the alley.

A young man lowered his spyglass, a playful smile crossing his handsome face.

“Pei Er’s unwed wife secretly meeting a new Hanlin scholar? Haha, I must tell him at once.”

*

Back home, Shen Lingyue summoned her second brother He Rong.

He arrived promptly from the outer courtyard.

“Miss, what do you need?”

Shen Lingyue sent the two maids out and closed the door before quietly asking, “Is there a market in the capital—like a ghost market—that sells things for wrongdoing?”

He Rong’s eyes flickered.

“There is, but it’s a filthy place full of riffraff, not suitable for someone of your status.”

He thought Shen Lingyue was bored and just wanted to stroll the ghost market; he couldn’t bear such responsibility.

Shen Lingyue shook her head.

“I’m not going. I want you to help me buy some… well, that kind of medicine.”

“What kind?”

“That one,”

She hinted for a long time.

When He Rong still didn’t get it, she urged, “The… drug!”

He almost popped his eyes out and knelt down with a thud.

“Miss, that’s forbidden!”

She was about to marry; if a scandal broke out now, not even their entire families could make up for it.

Shen Lingyue held her forehead.

“It’s not for me. I’m buying it for… self-defense, yes, self-defense!”

She pleaded so earnestly, nearly swearing to Heaven, that He Rong reluctantly agreed.

“I’ve never bought such harmful things before, I’ll have to inquire carefully.”

“Then hurry. It must be bought by the day after tomorrow at the latest.”

She added, “Buy plenty, start with two pounds.”

Two pounds?!

He Rong barely managed to stand and nearly knelt again.

Is she buying drugs or flour?

Before he could refuse, Shen Lingyue shoved a silver ingot into his hand, sincere.

“He Rong, you and Shuangxu are my trusted right and left arms. As long as you serve me well, when I have a bite of meat, you’ll have a side dish!”

He Rong looked moved.

“All right, I’ll get it done for you!”

After sending He Rong off, Shen Lingyue felt quite pleased.

At such a young age, she had the potential to be a boss; her plan was big and bold!

*

Time flew quickly. The young men and women of the capital eagerly awaited the annual Tong’an Princess Matchmaking Banquet.

The banquet was held at the villa on Mount Qiyun outside the city. Before dawn, Shen Lingyue was stuffed into a carriage by two maids, wearing a head full of jewels, leaning against the window to sleep.

Shen Songyi did not ride with her, but in a separate carriage.

Shen Lingyue was glad, as the two-hour carriage ride was long; she didn’t want to be cramped with someone she disliked, staring at each other painfully.

Luckily, the wheels were improved with rubber, making the journey less bumpy.

She even dreamed of thanking the late Emperor Xiao, a fellow countryman, who truly blessed later generations!

Once out of the city, the sun rose, and Shen Lingyue, having barely slept enough, lifted the curtain to look out, gasping.

“So many people?”

Ahead and behind the Shen household’s carriage stretched an endless stream of vehicles, like ants moving a colony bit by bit.

Most passengers were ladies from various families; young gentlemen occasionally galloped by, looking dashing.

Shen Lingyue leaned on the window enviously.

“I want to ride horses too.”

In her past life, horseback riding was a luxury sport; as a university student without financial independence, she couldn’t afford lessons.

She had planned a graduation trip with Yan Yi to the grasslands, where horseback riding and photo sessions were hourly charged. Maybe she could afford it?

Alas, all that was dashed…

But maybe, now, there was still a chance?

Shen Lingyue thought: Yan Yi’s ungrateful and cheap father is a military officer; the Zhou family should have horses, right?

If not, perhaps she could persuade her dear mother to buy a horse as dowry?

Please, riding a horse would be so cool!

She watched the young gentlemen in splendid attire, riding spirited horses, galloping freely.

She fidgeted restlessly, as if nails were in her seat.

The carriage crawled forward slowly, making her impatient; she finally threw the curtain open fully to freshen the air.

Qingchan took out a water bag from under the seat, pouring her a cup of mint water.

“Miss, soothe your throat.”

Shen Lingyue drank two cups before calming the heat within.

Suddenly she remembered, “Did I tell you to bring extra water before leaving?”

“We did, three large bags,” Qingchan opened the seat compartment to show her, puzzled, “The Tong’an Princess banquet villa must have plenty of tea.”

Shen Lingyue smiled knowingly.

“That’s called being prepared.”

When Shen’s carriage finally entered the mountain and stopped at the villa gate, it was already 10 a.m.

Shen Lingyue jumped on the spot.

Four hours! She could get home faster by bus during holidays.

No wonder ancient people hated traveling far…

Stretching, she heard a small voice behind her: “How rude.”

Turning, Shen Songyi approached gracefully, supported by a maid, her jeweled hairpins shimmering in sunlight like flowing pearls.

Apparently, Lady Liu had brought out all her treasured jewelry for this matchmaking.

Shen Lingyue snorted, not stopping but swinging her arms widely, then abruptly waved at Shen Songyi.

“Ah!”

Shen Songyi startled, dodging sideways and stepping on the maid’s foot, the two tangled awkwardly.

She angrily pointed her fan at her.

“Second sister—”

“Don’t dawdle at the door, or the carriage behind will hit you.”

Shen Lingyue rolled her eyes, tiptoed to look behind.

When the Zhou family carriage appeared, Yan Yi poked her head out.

Shen Lingyue excitedly waved hard.

As soon as it stopped, Yan Yi pushed open the door, and Shen Lingyue ran over to pull her out.

Before they could speak, a young girl emerged, eyeing them suspiciously.

Yan Yi cleared her throat and said, “This is my younger sister, Zhou Yanling.”

“Which Ling?” Shen Lingyue asked curiously, “The Ling of spirit or the Ling of exquisite?”

“Neither.”

The girl jumped down nimbly, chin raised.

“The Ling of Yanling Sabre.”

Shen Lingyue clapped her hands.

“Nice name.”

Clearly the daughter of a military officer.

She sized up Shen Lingyue.

“So you’re Miss Shen, soon to be my elder sister-in-law? I warn you, don’t bully my sister, or I’ll make you pay.”

“How could that be?”

Shen Lingyue held up their tightly clasped hands, smiling brighter.

“We’ve both changed our ways, reached peace, and will be the best sisters in the capital!”

Ah, she hadn’t expected Zhou’s family to have someone who truly cared for her dear Yan Yan.

This sister was now hers by choice!

Yet Zhou Yanling gave her a ghost-seeing look:

…These two are infamous rivals in the capital; how could they suddenly make peace?

Where there’s abnormality, there’s mischief!

Yanling narrowed her eyes and punched toward Shen Lingyue.

“I’m no pushover; I’ll be watching you…”

“Enough, enough, you go inside first. I want to talk with Miss Shen.”

Yan Yi quickly interrupted the glare exchange.

“All right, big sister, I’ll wait for you in the garden.”

Yanling glanced back thrice uneasily and left.

As soon as she left, Shen Lingyue pretended to be jealous.

“I wondered why you didn’t come to find me lately—turns out you have another sister.”

“She’s different from her mother, always clingy with me since childhood, but the family controls most things.”

Yan Yi explained, assuring, “In my heart, you’re number one.”

“Forever?”

“Forever.”

Only then did Shen Lingyue relax, pulling Yan Yi inside.

There were plenty of guests today—perfect for their “icebreaking” moment.

She would openly hold Yan Yi’s hand!

*

Once most guests arrived, the hostess, Princess Tong’an, made her grand entrance.

As the eldest daughter of the current Emperor Qingxi, she was highly favored.

She appeared under thirty, in the prime of feminine charm, wearing a splendid robe of gold and red, her phoenix eyes both fierce and commanding.

A first-rank princess’s honor guard followed in procession, attendants like clouds behind her, radiating imperial grandeur.

This dignified royal princess surprisingly possessed a warm, melodious voice.

As she spoke, her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, full of the grace of one in high position.

“Tsk, many familiar faces from last year. A whole year, and your marriage matters still unresolved?”

Princess Tong’an shook her head, seeming disappointed.

Shen Lingyue bowed her head, suppressing a smile at the princess’s sharp tongue.

“The emperor cares deeply about your lifelong happiness, so every year he appoints me to be the matchmaker.”

Princess Tong’an gracefully took her seat, measured.

“All right, no formalities here. Feel free to mingle; those interested can talk—only let affection guide you, but keep decorum.”

Her voice deepened, adding authority.

“Every year a few disgraceful pairs… Though gentle ladies and virtuous gentlemen are well matched, don’t forget your status, or don’t blame me for turning my back.”

Afterward, she smiled again and waved her hand as if nothing had happened.

“Go enjoy yourselves.”

Her words were like a gym teacher’s “Dismiss, free time.”

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi strolled the garden to familiarize themselves and to find the three-hall guesthouse from her dream.

Wandering, she unexpectedly met a familiar face.

“Sister Zheng.”

Shen Lingyue hurried forward.

“How have you been lately?”