radicalducati Chapter 25 Too Frank
Chapter 25 Too Frank
Inside Wangchun Tower
Wen Zongji fell silent for a moment after being startled by Lu Nian'an's words, then abruptly changed the subject, saying, "Brother Lu, you came in second in the provincial examination, only behind Young Master Wu. I believe you will also achieve a good result in the metropolitan examination."
Lu Nian'an sighed: "What good is a good ranking? The court is a complex web of relationships and factions. Even if you become the top scholar, without support from the court, your future is bleak. Throughout history, how many top scholars have been relegated to obscurity?"
As the saying goes, "Having connections in court makes it easier to get an official position; having a powerful backer provides shade."
Wen Zongji fell silent again.
No!
Is it appropriate to say these things to him when they have just met?
Wen Zongji suddenly regretted getting to know Lu Nian'an.
This person must have something wrong with their brain.
Wen Zongji abandoned his idea of seeking knowledge from Lu: "Brother Lu must have more friends coming, so I won't disturb you any longer—"
"I have no friends!"
Wen Zongji was interrupted: "...Brother Lu is joking. Brother Lu is learned and talented, gentle and polite. There must be many people who want to befriend Brother Lu."
It's a pity he speaks too bluntly; no one knows what he'll say next.
Lu Nian'an looked at Wen Zongji and said, "Brother Wen, a gentleman should treat others with sincerity. You and I are well-versed in the classics, but if we ourselves cannot even live up to the teachings, how can we expect others to do so, and how can we expect the people under our jurisdiction to do so after becoming officials?"
Upon hearing this, Wen Zongji cupped his hands and said, "Brother Lu's pure heart is something I am ashamed of."
At this moment, a man as thin as a bamboo pole walked over, glanced at Wen Zongji, and said, "Brother, although Lu Nian'an is learned, he is most skilled at disguise. Be careful when you associate with him."
This person clearly knows Lu Nian'an.
Lu Nian'an's face turned cold upon seeing the newcomer: "Although I am straightforward, I am at least not two-faced and would not betray my friends. Liu Chengyun, among those who came to the capital with you to take the provincial examination, the three who usually performed better than you all developed a fever the night before the examination and ultimately failed. You don't think others can't see through the trickery, do you?"
Liu Chengyun remained expressionless, helplessly shrugging at Wen Zongji: "Look! I was just trying to kindly remind you, and he's already tarnished my reputation."
"Lu Nian'an, they weren't the only ones with fever back then. I was sick too, and I barely managed to get through the provincial examination on the 9th. You can't blame me just because I passed the provincial examination while others didn't."
"Besides, among all the people from Pingluo County who came to participate in the provincial examination, you are the only one who is completely innocent. In terms of grudges, you are more serious than me."
Lu Nian'an remained indifferent: "I investigated the doctor who treated you that day and learned that his son owed the gambling den a thousand taels of silver. Coincidentally, his son paid off the gambling debt after the imperial examination."
Liu Chengyun's eyes flickered slightly, but he remained calm: "So what? What does this prove? Lu Nian'an, if you can get evidence to prove that I rigged it, please produce it quickly, otherwise I will definitely pursue the matter of you defaming my reputation. Just because you ranked higher than me in the provincial examination, I cannot be slandered by you."
After saying this, the man bowed to Wen Zongji and then turned and left.
Lu Nian'an's expression softened: "Brother Wen, did you come to see me for something?"
Wen Zongji originally didn't want to have any more contact with Lu Nian'an, but after looking around, he found that the others were not much better than Lu Nian'an.
They were complete strangers, but Lu Nian'an was, after all, a top student who ranked second in the provincial examination.
Having thought this through, Wen Zongji no longer hesitated and asked about his recent doubts regarding his studies...
……
Yunxiu Workshop
After parting ways with Wen Zongji, Pei Rujing went straight to Yunxiu Workshop.
Pei Rujing was a regular customer of Yunxiu Workshop. As soon as the shop assistant saw her, he greeted her with a smile: "Your Highness, your timing is perfect! We've received a batch of new dresses. Please come to the third floor—"
Pei Rujing followed the waiter up to the third floor with practiced ease.
The third floor was specially prepared by Yunxiufang for the families of high-ranking officials and nobles.
There aren't many separate rooms here, just a row of fitting rooms.
The rest of the space is filled with clothes racks!
Moreover, at a glance, you can see that each piece of clothing is unique, guaranteeing that you won't find another one exactly the same.
This is the privilege that Yunxiufang offers to its distinguished guests!
The clothes they bought from Yunxiufang will never be bought by another person.
This is also why Yunxiufang is so highly regarded by many noble ladies.
unique!
No woman can resist such temptation and vanity.
Upon reaching the third floor, Pei Rujing glanced at the new clothes and asked, "Do you have any men's robes?"
The waiter was taken aback and quickly replied, "Unfortunately, we don't have any men's clothing today."
Although he already knew that Princess Anhe had gotten married, it wasn't until he heard this that the waiter realized she was indeed married.
Pei Rujing was not surprised: "Call your manager over, I want to order custom-made clothes."
"Please wait a moment, Your Highness."
The man quickly left.
As Pei Rujing watched him leave, she suddenly remembered something: "Granny, do you know Wen Zongji's clothing size?"
Granny Feng was speechless. It was too late to ask about the size when they were about to order clothes.
"Princess, rest assured, this old servant understands."
Pei Rujing didn't take Wen Zongji seriously, but Granny Feng couldn't possibly ignore Wen Zongji, the master of the house, and had already learned about some of his basic information.
Pei Rujing was relieved: "That's good."
A short while later, the shopkeeper arrived.
This is a beautiful woman who still retains her charm, comparable to Xi Shi. She is able to run a shop in the capital and make it so successful. She is not lacking in ability or background.
Sai Xishi walked over gracefully and said, "It's been a long time. Your elegance remains unchanged, Your Highness."
I thought Pei Rujing would look haggard because she was married off to a concubine's son in a noble family and was unhappy, but now I see that she doesn't seem to have changed much.
Pei Rujing said, "Manager Sai, I want to have a robe made for my husband. I want the best embroiderers from your Yunxiu Workshop to do it. Don't just do a perfunctory job."
Sai Xishi covered her mouth and giggled, "Oh, Princess, don't worry! Even if I have to give up my business in the palace, I will still fulfill your request."
Pei Rujing was very satisfied upon hearing this: "Use the best materials! Send it to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence after it's finished."
Afterwards, Sai Xishi took out some men's robe styles and showed them to Pei Rujing.
However, Pei Rujing was not familiar with men's clothing. Remembering that Wen Shuyu had said that Wen Zongji liked bamboo, she said, "This set embroidered with bamboo leaves."
Sai Xishi then asked Pei Rujing to choose the fabric.
Pei Rujing waved her hand: "Didn't I already say? Use the most expensive and best."
Having made the promise to Wen Zongji, Pei Rujing naturally wouldn't be stingy.
"Oh~ After the county princess got married, has she become a virtuous wife and loving mother?" A sarcastic voice rang out behind Pei Rujing.
Almost at the same time, Pei Rujing's face darkened and became extremely ugly.