Chapter 134: Three Competitors

Zhu Hao listened to Wei Xiaobao’s words, a wave of poignant emotion washing over him. He thought to himself, "I have been complaining and feeling resentful because I was dissatisfied with the tasks the system assigned me, yet Xiaobao has already done so much preparatory work behind the scenes. If I fail to win this time and complete the system's mission, I would truly be letting Xiaobao down!"

With these thoughts in mind, Zhu Hao no longer resisted the "jerk" task the system had given him. Reflecting on what Wei Xiaobao had just said, he asked, "Oh? Then tell me, Xiaobao, who are the three strongest contenders for this courtesan, and what is the situation with each of them? I am listening."

Seeing his master inquire with such seriousness, Wei Xiaobao immediately reported his findings: "Reporting to Your Highness, the first of the three is Cheng Baiwan, the wealthiest man in Zhejiang. Although his literary talent is mediocre, he is extremely wealthy. While the courtesan may not necessarily choose him, I fear the Qunfang Pavilion might pull some strings behind the scenes; after all, marrying the courtesan to Cheng Baiwan would be the most profitable outcome for them."

Listening to this, Zhu Hao mused, "I really do have a 'destined' connection with this Cheng Baiwan! To run into him even in this matter—it’s like a storybook coincidence."

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Hao shook his head slightly. "This man is not to be feared. He has just lost his son, so he surely has little heart for marriage right now. Even if he did, given this courtesan's profound talent, I doubt she would fancy a merchant reeking of nothing but copper coins."

Wei Xiaobao nodded in agreement. "My thoughts exactly, Your Highness. Cheng Baiwan is likely just a foil. The second person, however, is a bit tricky. He is the Zhejiang Education Commissioner, Hong Chengchou. He is young, holds a high position, and possesses genuine literary talent. However, according to my investigation, he lacks substantial liquid assets. Even if he wins the competition, he likely wouldn't have the money to redeem the courtesan. He is not a major threat."

Zhu Hao thought, "Hong Chengchou? Damn it, that lecherous wretch! If he manages to win, he would probably sell his property or resort to corruption just to pay the ransom. That scoundrel is the very definition of someone who puts women above everything else! If it weren't for that, Huang Taiji wouldn't have been able to make him defect with just a woman. He is a sex-obsessed fool who would go insane for a woman—he is indeed a tricky opponent."

Zhu Hao merely nodded without refuting Wei Xiaobao, keeping his evaluation to himself. He asked, "I see. And who is the last one?"

Wei Xiaobao replied, "The final person is, in my opinion, the greatest threat to Your Highness. He is the chief examiner for this year’s Zhejiang provincial examination, Qian Qianyi. Although he is past his prime, he remains perpetually obsessed with pleasure houses and is well-versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. While his official rank is not remarkably high, he holds significant prestige among the literati. Furthermore, he comes from a wealthy background. If it weren't for Your Highness, I am certain the winner would be none other than this Qian Qianyi."

Zhu Hao thought, "That old dog Qian Qianyi! How old is he, to be trying to marry a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl? He has no shame! Does he not know I came here specifically to investigate him? He has the nerve to be indulging in such frivolity—he’s truly courting death! Still, this old fellow is indeed the greatest obstacle to completing the courtesan mission."

Though he cursed him internally, Zhu Hao knew Qian Qianyi could not be underestimated. Realizing he needed to prepare, he asked, "Xiaobao, do you know the process for the courtesan’s selection? I need to prepare in advance."

Wei Xiaobao lowered his head, filled with shame. Just as Zhu Hao was about to ask what was wrong, Wei Xiaobao timidly said, "Your Highness, please forgive my incompetence. I do not know the process. I have inquired extensively, but heard only that this time, the process is different from the past—the courtesan has determined the rules herself. Only she knows the details; no one else is aware."

Zhu Hao was taken aback for a moment. He thought, "This courtesan is truly a woman of character and individuality, daring to break convention. She is a remarkable woman."

He realized that Wei Xiaobao’s failure to uncover the process wasn't his fault; the selection was like an imperial examination where no one knew the questions beforehand—unless, of course, there was cheating.

"Xiaobao, this is not your fault," Zhu Hao said. "Since no one knows how she will choose, it makes for a fair competition. By the way, I forgot to ask—what day has been set for the selection?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, it is three days from now!"

Zhu Hao nodded. "I understand. You will accompany me then. We shall use this opportunity to gather information on the Zhejiang officials; I need to see if there is anyone among them worth using."

Wei Xiaobao agreed. Because his legs were injured, Zhu Hao had him rest in his own room.

That night, troubled by the courtesan matter and the lack of progress in his Zhejiang mission, Zhu Hao tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Around the third watch, he rose, dressed in simple civilian clothes, and stepped out of his room, careful not to wake Wei Xiaobao, who was snoring in the side chamber. A palace attendant on night watch moved to kneel and pay respects, but Zhu Hao gestured for silence, whispering, "I cannot sleep and wish to go for a walk. Do not disturb anyone."

The attendant looked worried, clearly concerned for his master’s safety. Zhu Hao patted his shoulder. "It is late, and everyone is resting. I am only stepping out for some fresh air. It will be fine."

The attendant dared not defy him, though he remained uneasy.

As Zhu Hao left the official residence, the guards attempted to follow, but he strictly forbade them, insisting on walking alone. They had no choice but to comply.

Walking through the streets of Hangzhou, Zhu Hao found the city vastly different from the one he knew before his transmigration. The city was silent, dark, and devoid of life. He navigated by the moonlight. The silence was so profound it felt eerie.

Suddenly, two sharp "clack-clack" sounds rang out, startling him. A low voice shouted, "The air is dry, beware of fire!"

Zhu Hao laughed at himself. "A night watchman! I am truly making a mountain out of a molehill."

His walk was meant to clear his mind of the exam, the courtesan, and the system tasks that weighed so heavily on him. He sought a moment of peace. Just as he felt his spirit lifting, a cry of distress shattered the quiet.

"Help! Let me go! Let me go! Help me..." It was the voice of a young girl.