Ji Yanming had been busy studying and taking exams for years. Most of his friends were classmates from different schools, and he had little contact with young girls.

Yet, when Tao Sheng stood up and left, he felt she was upset.

Ji Yanming was confused. They had been chatting happily, and Tao Sheng had shown interest in the King of Chu. So why did she seem unhappy afterward?

On his way back to his room, Ji Yanming kept thinking about the moment when Tao Sheng turned and left, looking back at him.

The emperor’s clear instructions, the hints in Li Dashi’s words, and the enthusiastic look of the King of Chu… So many things had happened that day that needed thinking through, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Tao Sheng.

He had always prided himself on being smart, but now he felt a bit lost.

He remembered hearing Yin Tong say that if a girl is angry, the key is not to find out why but to think about how to comfort her.

Ji Yanming stopped wondering why she was upset and started thinking seriously about “how to make her happy again.”

_

The next morning, Tao Sheng felt tired after a rough night. Just after breakfast, guests arrived at Su’s house.

Qing Xing smiled and opened the curtain, saying to Tao Sheng in her room, “Miss, the Marquis’s wife is here to see you.”

Luo Xin wore a short shirt with a Ruyi cloud pattern ^[1]refers to a traditional Chinese decorative motif. and a white-tea-colored skirt. She moved briskly and looked happy.

Luo Xin had come this time for Ji Yanming’s appointment.

“I heard from my brother that the new Jinshi ^[2]top scholars in the imperial examination. will be appointed this month. What plans do your aunt and cousin have?”

Su Jia had no influence in these matters. Tao Sheng had only been in Beijing for less than two years and had no connections. Ji Yanming had to rely on himself.

Tao Sheng shook her head slightly.

Luo Xin said, “Your uncle was also from the Imperial Academy and knows several current scholars. If you have any ideas or difficulties, just let me know.”

Tao Sheng understood why Luo Xin was there. She was worried that Ji Yanming lacked connections and might not get a good position after the palace examination, so she wanted to help.

But now that Ji Yanming was the top scholar, many people were watching him, making him very noticeable.

Now the emperor had actively connected Ji Yanming to the King of Chu. From what Tao Sheng remembered, the King of Chu died early in the story, so it was uncertain what would happen to Ji Yanming next.

Now that Ji Yanming is connected to the King of Chu, his employment will naturally be overseen by the King. The King of Chu is in a difficult position, so involving the Luo family isn’t necessary.

Tao Sheng politely declined Luo Xin’s offer for help.

Luo Xin understood that Tao Sheng had her own reasons. Although the Su family had no connections in the court, Ji Yanming had studied abroad for years and had the support of his father’s old friends in Beijing, making him not completely helpless.

Since the Su family had no intention of getting involved, Luo Xin wouldn’t push it.

“Your second uncle only taught Ji Yanming for a few days, but he really likes him. Now that Ji Yanming is the top scholar in the imperial examination, it’s an honor to say he is his disciple. Your second aunt also mentioned that several girls from the second and third branches are still unmarried. Especially the fifth daughter from the third branch you’ve met; she is very gentle and chaste, and they are considering her as a potential match for him.”

Tao Sheng laughed and replied, “There have been quite a few marriage proposals for my cousin recently, and they all seem to be excellent girls. But my aunt hasn’t decided what type of daughter-in-law she wants yet and is still observing.”

“Many people are proposing marriage to Ji Yanming?” Luo Xin asked with a smile. “What about you?”

“Of course, I’ve had some proposals too,” Tao Sheng said seriously. “But I don’t have any idea yet. Plus, there are two children in the family, so marriages must follow seniority. I’ll have my turn after my cousin decides on his match.”

However, since Ji Yanming was likely to remain single, she didn’t feel rushed and could take her time to find someone suitable.

Luo Xin understood that her daughter was upright and trustworthy, but she still felt the need to say, “If you come across any young man you think is good, bring him to me for screening. My judgment may not be the best, but having lived half my life, I can recognize right from wrong. It’s best to avoid cold-hearted men with ulterior motives.”

Tao Sheng noticed Luo Xin’s disappointment with Shen Yu regarding this marriage.

Tao Sheng replied affirmatively, and then Luo Xin continued discussing Shen Huan’s marriage, which had been settled. He was to marry the daughter of a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works. The girl was beautiful, smart, and a legitimate daughter. Shen Huan liked her very much, but Aunt Han was unhappy, feeling the girl’s family background was a bit low.

However, Aunt Han’s opinion clearly held no weight with Shen Yu.

Tao Sheng was surprised by this: “Second Master’s marriage has been decided? How did it happen so quickly?”

Typically, families with students would wait to raise their status before finding suitable matches after the imperial examination.

Even nowadays, many young men and women wait for a good job before seeking partners, leading to the saying, “The first sword after getting ashore is to kill the person you love^[3]The phrase means that after getting a good job, some people may focus on work so much that they hurt or end their relationships..”

“I thought so too,” Luo Xin said. “But the old lady mentioned that the prince of Changxing^[4]refers to Wu Zhen. is also eager to marry, and Ruojin’s situation can’t be delayed, so it’s better to settle Huan’er first.”

In the capital, it isn’t unusual for a sister to get engaged before her brother, but it can sound bad to some people.

The old lady has always wanted Ruojin to have a perfect life and won’t allow any flaws. So, even though she knows this isn’t the best time for Shen Huan to get engaged, sacrificing a bastard’s son for Ruojin seems minor to them.

Tao Sheng sighed inwardly; the heroine’s family always gets priority, and others must give way in these matters.

Later, when the true male protagonist appeared and expressed his desire to marry Ruojin, the family would quickly let the original protagonist take her place and break off Ruojin’s previous engagement.

Tao Sheng reflected calmly on the situation and understood that to maximize family interests, it was indeed best for Shen Yu to accept this marriage for Ruojin.

Although Tao Sheng felt she wouldn’t let herself be easily manipulated by Madam Shen and others, given Madam Shen’s and Shen Yu’s unique personalities, they wouldn’t care whether she was willing or not or if she had a previous engagement. As long as they could achieve their goals and pave the way for Ruojin, they wouldn’t care. They might even announce her and Ruojin’s twin status without her consent.

As a feudal patriarch, Shen Yu saw his children as his own private property. If his children refused to cooperate on such major matters and didn’t consider the family’s overall interests, they would be seen as disobedient and unfilial, which is a serious offense.

Today, Shen Yu views Tao Sheng as one of his “fugitive private assets” who can be blamed at crucial moments without any effort.

Facing the ever-caring Luo Xin, Tao Sheng made one last effort: “Has Madam sent someone to investigate the Wu family’s young master who is to marry Miss Shen? Is he really as good as people say?”

If they could uncover any issues Wu Zhen had, it would solve most problems.

“Your grandmother and father have already sent people to inquire,” Luo Xin said. “They’ve always been very concerned about Ruojin’s situation, so you can rest easy.”

Tao Sheng sighed. Now that the marriage involves the Shen family and the Changxing Marquisate, Shen Yu wouldn’t dare to investigate thoroughly. Superficial inquiries wouldn’t yield much information.

Moreover, the Wu family has gained favor with the prince, and Shen Yu is unlikely to pass on a son-in-law like Wu Zhen.

Thinking of this made Tao Sheng feel helpless.

She knew that under the influence of the heroine, there would be a fierce battle between her and the Marquis’ Mansion eventually.

If she could use this situation to sever ties with Shen Yu and ensure they would have nothing to do with each other again, that wouldn’t be a bad outcome.