Ouyang Jue had guessed correctly, Shopkeeper Wang had no intention of selling the book. He had spent years searching for it and would not easily hand it over to someone else.

Over the past few days, people who had heard the news had come in droves, begging for the book. Shopkeeper Wang deeply regretted his slip of the tongue in mentioning it and could only tell everyone that the book had already been reserved. However, there were still those who refused to give up, and the young master from the assistant minister of personnel’s household was among the most persistent.

“Young Master Ouyang, I have indeed sold the book to someone else. Please stop coming. No matter how many times you ask, the answer will remain the same— it’s gone!” Shopkeeper Wang insisted, looking as resolute as a pig unafraid of boiling water.

“You’re lying again. Shopkeeper Wang, I sincerely want that book. Just name your price, and we can negotiate!” Ouyang Jue pressed on, unwilling to give up.

Shopkeeper Wang was about to deny everything outright when he suddenly heard an extremely gentle voice.

“Shopkeeper Wang, there are dozens of bookshops in the capital, but yours is quite unique.” Ouyang Nuan said slowly.

Shopkeeper Wang’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, Young Miss?”

Ouyang Nuan pointed to a wooden shelf stacked with layers of books and smiled. “Other bookshops use sweetflag, cinnamon, camphor oil, or musk to repel insects from books, but Tianyi Pavilion has a rather unconventional approach. If I’m not mistaken……” She gently picked up a book, carefully flipping through its pages with admiration. “This Dunhuang scroll is transcribed on dyed hard yellow paper. Compared to standard preservation methods, it can extend the book’s lifespan by at least ten more years. However, the process of making this dyed paper is extremely intricate and expensive. Most merchants prioritize profit, so who would go to such great lengths to protect books? From this, it is clear that Shopkeeper Wang is truly a lover of books.”

Shopkeeper Wang raised an eyebrow, staring in astonishment at the seemingly delicate noblewoman before him. He had been running this bookshop for thirty years, and customers usually picked their books and left. No one had ever noticed his meticulous storage methods— yet this young lady had discerned it in a single glance! His surprise soon gave way to a sense of pride, and he said with satisfaction, “Young Miss, to tell you the truth, I am the only bookshop owner in the entire capital who dares to use this method for preserving books! When I first transcribed a book using this technique, I was absolutely delighted. Look at this one!”

Ignoring Ouyang Jue entirely, Shopkeeper Wang strode to the bookshelf, pulled out a copy of the Lanting Collection, and said, “Young Miss, do you know what method was used for this book?”

Ouyang Nuan took the book, examined it carefully, and smiled. “This is made using indigo-dyed paper. I rarely leave home, but when I was a child, I saw such books in my maternal grandfather’s study and heard him speak about them.”

“I see. Forgive my ignorance, but may I ask who your grandfather is?”

“Our maternal grandfather is the late Marquis Zhenguo. You don’t even know that?” This time, it was Ouyang Jue’s turn to widen his bright eyes in surprise.

Shopkeeper Wang froze, his face showing a sudden realization as he murmured, “So you are the granddaughter of the old marquis…… Even though I am ignorant, I still know that the late marquis was a renowned calligrapher of his time. No wonder…… no wonder……”

The old marquis had passed away when Ouyang Nuan was still very young. In her memory, he was a lean, upright man, so principled that he sometimes seemed rigid. A trace of nostalgia flickered across her eyes, but it quickly vanished. She reached for another book and asked, “Shopkeeper Wang, what method was used for this one?”

“Ah! That is chili paper! It is made by soaking paper in chili extract to kill bookworms. It is even more effective than blue paper.” Shopkeeper Wang explained enthusiastically.

His excitement grew and he eagerly led Ouyang Nuan on a tour of the entire bookshop, carefully explaining each book and its unique preservation method. He recounted how he had painstakingly acquired his collection, speaking non-stop for a full hour. Ouyang Nuan listened with a gentle smile, showing no impatience— only genuine interest.

Unlike most noblewomen, who were often arrogant and overbearing, Ouyang Nuan was approachable and insightful. Shopkeeper Wang, feeling as if he had found a kindred spirit, continued speaking until dusk. Ouyang Jue had finished two cups of tea by the time Shopkeeper Wang, beaming with joy, placed a book into Ouyang Nuan’s hands with both hands and said happily, “Young Miss, you truly understand books. I would like to gift this one to you. I hope you visit often.”

Ouyang Nuan smiled and accepted it, saying, “Since you are so generous, I will gladly accept. I happen to have a copy of the Xingshengfu Compilation, which you mentioned you are searching for in vain. I will have someone deliver it to you tomorrow.”

Shopkeeper Wang was overjoyed, grinning from ear to ear as he personally escorted Ouyang Nuan to the door before returning inside.

Ouyang Jue, meanwhile, stood dumbfounded, staring at the Guangling Collection Preface in his sister’s hands. “He…… he…… I talked so much and tried so hard, yet he wouldn’t budge. And then he just gives it to you for free? Why?!”

Someone like Shopkeeper Wang couldn’t be coerced by power or bribed with money. If one wanted his book, they had to find another way.

Ouyang Nuan simply smiled and shook her head. “It’s getting late. Let’s go home.”

Just as Hongyu was about to help Ouyang Nuan into the carriage, a loud voice suddenly called out, “Young Miss, please wait!”

A young man with a refined and scholarly appearance strode quickly toward them.

Ouyang Jue immediately stepped in front of his sister, his voice cold, “What do you want?”

The young man stopped at a respectful distance, lowered his head, and saluted. “Young Miss, the book in your hands is something my master has been searching for. Could you part with it? Name your price, no matter how much silver……”

“This book was purchased by my sister first. If your master has the ability, he can find another copy. Sister, ignore him! Let’s go!” Ouyang Jue frowned, clearly displeased by the other party’s abruptness. Normally, a book wouldn’t matter much, but this was something his sister had long desired. Why should she give it up for nothing?

“Jue’er, mind your manners.” Ouyang Nuan said softly.

She glanced at a carriage parked not far from Tianyi Pavilion. The horses pulling it were exceptionally fine, and even the seemingly unremarkable lanterns on the carriage head were made of red-gold and glazed glass— an unmistakable mark of wealth. However, what truly caught her attention was the golden emblem on the carriage’s side.

Though the light was fading, Ouyang Nuan could clearly make out the design— a circular frame enclosing an intricate pattern, with twelve curved serrated rays rotating clockwise in the center, while four soaring birds on the outer layer flew counterclockwise. The unique emblem was unforgettable.

With a single glance, she withdrew her gaze and handed the book to Ouyang Jue. “Give this to the gentleman.”

“Sister! Why are you giving it to him?” Ouyang Jue protested.

Ouyang Nuan frowned slightly. “Jue’er, listen to me.”

Whenever she spoke in that tone, there was no room for negotiation.

Pouting in frustration, Ouyang Jue grudgingly tossed the book to the young man. “Take it!”

Back in the carriage, he still sulked in silence. Even Hongyu was puzzled. “Young Miss, after all the trouble we went through to get the book, why……”

Ouyang Nuan glanced out the window and said lightly, “That carriage bore the Golden Sun Bird emblem— the insignia of the Dali Imperial Family. Do you think it’s worth offending the imperial family over a book?”

As soon as she said that, Hongyu’s face went pale and she broke into a cold sweat. Ouyang Jue, momentarily forgetting his anger, stuck his head out of the carriage, staring at the vehicle still parked before Tianyi Pavilion. The setting sun casts a dazzling glow over it, adding an air of mystery.

His sister wouldn’t be mistaken. If she says it’s the Golden Sun Bird emblem, then it must be. He was truly careless. Just now, he was so rude to that person……

Ouyang Jue murmured, “Sister, if it weren’t for your reminder, I would have nearly caused a great disaster……”