“Chang Yang, can my daughter shake your hand?”

“Chang Yang, do you have any pens left that you used before? Please sell me one.”

“We’re in the same exam room. Can you help me review some classical poetry knowledge points?”

……

Today is the first day of the entrance exam for high school.

The exam starts at 9 AM. Dong Changyang left at 8 AM. It takes twenty minutes to walk there, and taking the bus would be slower. However, as soon as she opened the door, she saw her neighbors with their children, who were also taking the exam, waiting outside her door.

Some of them were still eating egg and sausage sandwiches, indicating that they had been waiting for a while.

This kind of scene wasn’t the first time.

To be precise, starting three days ago, these parents began burning incense and praying to the gods, even cutting down on their mahjong games. After praying to all the deities they could think of, they came to ask for copies of Dong Changyang’s notes and begged her to sell them the pens and erasers she had used before.

Dong Changyang had already gone from being flustered on the first day to becoming very calm and composed.

Many of the students, dragged here by their parents, were so embarrassed that they could hardly speak.

How humiliating.

To these peers, what their parents were doing was undoubtedly very embarrassing, making them feel inferior.

Teenage pride is actually quite simple.

“Yes.”

Dong Changyang took out an old eraser she had used before and cut a piece for each of them, as a form of psychological comfort.

“Thank you, Changyang. The teacher said that my Xiaoming is the kind who can pass if he’s lucky but can fail if he’s not. It ultimately comes down to his weak foundation. If he can borrow some of your luck, there won’t be any problems. No matter what happens, Auntie appreciates your help. If you ever need anything, just come to me.”

The parents were naturally very grateful to Dong Changyang. Now, they wouldn’t care if there were rumors about her being unlucky or even if she were considered an ill omen. As long as her good grades could help their children score even a single point higher to get into a prestigious high school, they would smile at her as sweetly as honey.

At the school where the exam was held, parents were not allowed to enter.

One girl, feeling especially embarrassed, quietly apologized, “Sorry, Changyang. My mom has been acting a bit crazy lately. Please don’t mind her. I’ve told her that this wouldn’t help. I know how I’ll do in the exam, but she just won’t give up.”

When she was dragged to Dong Changyang’s door to ask for an eraser, she wanted to run away immediately. However, seeing others in the same predicament, she held back her anger.

Really, what would Changyang think of her now?

“It’s okay,” Dong Changyang said softly. “Auntie is doing it for you. She knows it might not help, but at this point, it’s better to believe in it than not.”

To be honest, she didn’t feel offended. Instead, she felt a bit envious.

Before, when she saw her peers going on trips or shopping with their parents, she didn’t feel much envy. She could play and shop by herself, and if she missed her mom, she could just call her.

But now, the situation was different.

Her mother didn’t even know she was taking this important exam today and hadn’t called to check in on her.

As she left home this morning, the greeting she heard came from Chen Huanzhi.

Today was both her high school entrance exam and the day Chen Huanzhi officially introduced mahjong at Jinjiang Pavilion.

In Chen Huanzhi’s words, “This day is a challenge for both of us.”

He had purposely chosen this day.

It was a small act of kindness from Chen Huanzhi.

When you are facing such an important exam in your time, I am also facing a test in my own way.

We will strive together and face our challenges together.

This way, even if we can’t see each other, thinking of one another will surely be encouraging.

As Dong Changyang often said, “You are not fighting alone.”

In some other time and place, someone else is also working hard, just like you.

“Changyang, I need to go to Exam Room 512. Good luck! You will definitely get first place.”

“You will definitely pass, too.”

“Let’s hope we both get into No. 1 High School. Then we can be classmates again.”

The girl waved and jogged toward her exam room, while Dong Changyang slowly turned to head to her own.

No. 1 High School.

She wasn’t going to attend No. 1 High School.

Even though she felt a bit reluctant, Dong Changyang knew which school would be best for her. Although No. 1 High School had excellent educational resources comparable to the provincial capital, it offered nearly no support for the arts.

During the hardest times of her life, the only thing that kept Dong Changyang company was her paintbrush, and her only entertainment was painting. For her, giving up her art was impossible.

Dong Changyang looked up at the sky, patted her face to relax a bit.

At this moment, Brother Chen should have started as well.

Let’s work hard together. We can’t let Brother Chen laugh at us!

In the Dayan Dynasty, the noblewomen of the capital received strange news.

Li Wuwei would not only make an appearance at Jinjiang Pavilion, but he would also personally inscribe a plaque for it!

When the news first broke, the people in the capital didn’t believe it.

The younger generation might not know Li Wuwei’s reputation, but for these noblewomen of the same age, Li Wuwei was undoubtedly their ideal lover, their moonlight and the mark of vermilion on their hearts.

Back in the day, when Li Wuwei rode horses through the streets, who knows how many young men and women he captivated? Not only was he charming and eloquent, he knew how to make people happy, making him even more popular. Once, a simple remark from a woman sparked jealousy among others, leading to rifts and rivalries among sisters.

Despite the fact that the women of the capital are currently chasing Chen Huanzhi, the methods they use are the same ones they used in their youth.

Everyone has their youth.

If Li Wuwei had stayed in the capital, making occasional appearances, his presence wouldn’t have been as highly regarded now. The noblewomen wouldn’t have held him in such high esteem after seeing him so frequently.

But that’s not the case.

Although Li Wuwei had concubines, he didn’t have an official wife. For the women in the capital, this was equivalent to being single.

By staying secluded in the outskirts and rarely appearing in public, occasional strange rumors about him only deepened his image as the ideal lover.

Rather than saying these noblewomen still liked Li Wuwei, it’s more accurate to say they cherished the memories of their own youth that Li Wuwei once represented.

He was more of a sentiment, a symbol.

Many people would pay a large sum to have Li Wuwei make a public appearance or write something. The last time Li Wuwei wrote was specifically to celebrate the Emperor’s sixtieth birthday, and the Emperor loved his writing. It’s surprising that Li Wuwei is not only appearing now but will also be at Jinjiang Pavilion. How could one not be surprised?

Yet, Jinjiang Pavilion has not disputed the news, and the rumors have only grown stronger. There are even reports that Li Wuwei’s two concubines have been seen at Jinjiang Pavilion.

This makes it seem very real.

Next, Li Wuwei sent letters to his old friends, urging them to accompany their wives to Jinjiang Pavilion to meet him, making it even harder for people to refuse.

Yes.

Although Jinjiang Pavilion primarily caters to women, it is acceptable for women to bring their brothers or husbands along.

Chen Huanzhi initially thought he had a good understanding of Li Wuwei’s popularity. However, when he returned home, he discovered that many aunts who had connections with his mother pretended to casually inquire about Li Wuwei’s news. He realized he had underestimated Li Wuwei.

Li Wuwei is indeed a renowned scholar.

And he has quite a few loyal fans.

Most are women, but surprisingly, there are also quite a few men?

Especially those who had some wild experiences in their youth, they held Li Wuwei in high esteem, and suddenly, there weren’t many elders with airs left.

In Dong Changyang’s words, “Those who play cards all love the god of gambling.”

With mixed feelings, those who received the letters still found time to accompany their wives.

When their husbands took the initiative to accompany them, the noblewomen who were initially hesitant naturally decided to go, not only going but also boasting about it. Consequently, those who initially didn’t want to go also became interested.

This is called “following the crowd mentality.”

People in the capital are least afraid of comparison.

So, on the day Li Wuwei arrived at Jinjiang Pavilion, it was indeed bustling.

It could be said that all kinds of carriages in the capital were parked along the main street in front of Jinjiang Pavilion, to the extent that Jinjiang Pavilion had to pull people from other shops to serve these guests.

If parents come, how can their daughters stay at home?

There were also many families coming together.The bustle at Jinjiang Pavilion that day was even more intense than when it reopened.

“Young master, no, honored guest, look at this…” Innkeeper Wang decisively changed his address, both pleased and worried to see so many customers.

He was pleased that so many customers had come, making Jinjiang Pavilion unique in the capital from now on, even the princes couldn’t easily interfere with them.

The worry was that with so many people coming this time, pleasing everyone would be difficult. If the hospitality wasn’t up to par today, the reputation could plummet, which isn’t the proper way to do business.

“Let’s proceed as planned. Separate the men and women,” instructed Chen Huanzhi. “Lead the men first to Mr. Li’s attic for the poetry gathering. Show them the antiques and calligraphy for their appreciation. Mr. Li will also inscribe on the spot. As for the ladies, follow Miss Mei Lan’s instructions and start teaching them to play mahjong.”

“Yes.”

The servants of Jinjiang Pavilion were all well-trained and appeared calm and composed, having been prepared for such occasions. Their identical attire and grooming added to their spirited appearance.

“I’ll go check on the master,” said an elderly noblewoman, whose attire and demeanor indicated her high rank. Given her age and experience, no one would gossip about her visiting her husband.

Of course, part of her decision stemmed from weariness with the flattery of the young women around her.

“This madam, it seems you’re not particularly interested in the tea, books, and poetry exhibitions here at Jinjiang Pavilion.” Mei Lan dressed very elegantly, with only a simple touch of makeup, looking very comfortable.

“Well, I’ve seen plenty of these things before. It’s not that your offerings here aren’t good,” the noblewoman could tell at a glance the background of the woman who approached her, yet she was willing to give Jinjiang Pavilion some face.

The best Items were naturally reserved for these aristocrats, while the leftovers would trickle outside.

Although the items at Jinjiang Pavilion were good, and rare for middle-ranking officials’ homes, they were nothing more than common trinkets in her eyes.

“Madam, please wait,” Mei Lan smiled warmly, “You have broad knowledge and refined taste, naturally above these things. At Jinjiang Pavilion, we have designed a special game for women, which enhances sisterhood and provides endless joy. Would madam be interested in giving it a try?”

“Oh? I’ve played many games of strategy before. Young lady, at your age, it’s best not to speak too boldly,” the elderly noblewoman spoke without the need for further politeness. At her age and status, she didn’t feel obligated to treat a woman of humble origins with special courtesy. She spoke her mind freely, and her word was law in all household matters.

While such days were comfortable, they lacked a certain excitement. During her days as a daughter-in-law, she battled with her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and junior wives, dealing with endless family matters. Despite the constant mental strain, at least there were things to occupy her time.

Now that she had more leisure, she realized silver threads had unknowingly appeared in her hair. When one relaxed, the signs of aging came faster.

Such peaceful times were secure but lacked much joy.

During the Great Yan Dynasty, although women were granted more tolerance compared to previous dynasties, they still couldn’t pursue careers outside like men, nor could they wander freely without consequences. How many avenues for enjoyment were truly available to them?

From music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, to wine and tea, she had played them all for decades and was somewhat weary. Horseback riding and sports were now beyond her physical capabilities.

Across each generation, women had almost invariably lived like this. Her mother, her grandmother—they all seemed to have lived similarly, beyond troubling daughter-in-laws, there wasn’t much else to occupy their time.

What surprises could this Jinjiang Pavilion possibly bring her?

“Madam, please accompany the young lady. This game is called ‘Mahjong,’ easy to learn yet full of unpredictable mysteries. It is sure to delight you!”