Yan Wuxin glanced at the note and read aloud: “Don’t speak, be careful someone might hear you.”
She looked around. “There’s no one here. Hear what?”
Lu Jinlan, anxious about accidentally triggering the system, quickly covered her mouth. She pulled Yan Wuxin over to the writing desk to communicate via pen and paper.
She wrote: “Never mind. Just don’t speak. Whatever you want to say, write it down.”
She then showed Yan Wuxin another pre-written note: “I’m asking you to do something for me. Keep it secret. Don’t tell anyone. Most importantly, don’t tell me.”
Yan Wuxin read it and furrowed her brows so tightly it almost formed a knot, silently raising a questioning look.
Lu Jinlan added: “If there’s an emergency or something that must be communicated, write it down and hand it to me between midnight and sunrise.”
During this period, customer service would not be monitoring, so Lu Jinlan figured she could exploit a potential system loophole.
She stuffed thirty thousand taels of silver and the final note into Yan Wuxin’s hands, gently pushing her toward the door.
Yan Wuxin opened it and read: “Go immediately to Fengchun Pavilion to redeem Yumian. Use the remaining money to settle him in a new life.”
Lu Jinlan watched Yan Wuxin nod in agreement and climb into the carriage. Her heart finally settled.
She told herself she had no romantic feelings for Lou Yumian, only a measure of pity. But she couldn’t bear to see him trapped in the life of a brothel, forced to smile through sorrow.
Besides, he liked her. By now, Lu Jinlan had unlocked two achievements with Lou Yumian: “Captured the man’s body” and “Captured the man’s heart,” granting her 6,666 and 9,999 HP, respectively.
She felt that was reason enough to take care of him.
After all, they had shared a bed once—a night together carries a debt of a hundred days. A small sum of money could change a person’s fate. The cost-effectiveness was unbeatable. So even if it risked system penalties, she went through with it.
Thinking this, she couldn’t help but reflect: I’m really not a despicable man… this woman is way too kind.
With the matter done, she chose not to dwell on it further. She only hoped everything went smoothly for Yan Wuxin, and that Lou Yumian would never again be forced to lean on a tower, sleepless through the night.
________________________________________
The next day was the academy registration day. Xiang Ruzhen, who always woke early, had already begun her morning exercises at dawn. She didn’t call Lu Jinlan until breakfast.
Still groggy, Lu Jinlan asked, “Where’s Wuxin?”
“Ye You said her mother returned last night. Wuxin was called back to the manor and couldn’t come. She’ll meet us directly at the academy.”
Called away in the middle of the night? Lu Jinlan wondered if the task had been completed. Her evaluation of Yan Wuxin was mixed—sometimes reliable, sometimes not.
Of course, the young mistress was only sixteen; Lu Jinlan couldn’t expect her to be fully mature. She herself wasn’t exactly a model of composure.
Xiang Ruzhen said: “Hurry up and eat. Suizhi and the others are leaving soon. Wuxin’s not here, so we’ll send them off in her place and explain the situation to avoid rudeness.”
Lu Jinlan gulped down half a bowl of porridge. “Okay.”
The eight unsuccessful candidates would return home, while the eleven accepted students would head to the Imperial Academy.
Everyone packed their belongings and gathered at the door to say their goodbyes.
Lu Jinlan hugged Zuo Suizhi. “I really hope we’ll meet again.”
“We will. I have a feeling we will. And when you’re in high positions, don’t pretend you don’t know me.”
After a few jokes, Ye You came to notify them: the carriages were ready.
Just as everyone was about to depart, several carriages came thundering up.
Xiang Ruzhen’s sharp eyes spotted them. “It’s the carriages from Ji’an Hall. Shopkeeper Ping has come to bid everyone farewell.”
Ever since Lu Jinlan and her classmates had arrived at the estate, Ping Xiyu had come almost daily, bringing vegetables, fruits, mountain delicacies, and wild game. The students had all grown familiar with Shopkeeper Ping and knew the Lu family staff were extraordinarily attentive.
This time, Ping Xiyu arrived with several more carts of supplies.
“Rushed over as quickly as possible. On behalf of my master, I thank you all for taking care of our young mistress and have prepared a small gift. Please accept it,” she said.
She instructed Lu Jinlan to distribute the gifts to everyone. For the students leaving the capital, there were packets of common medicinal herbs, supplements, local delicacies, and some snacks—things they could use on the road.
Zuo Suizhi laughed. “Oh, there are even medicines. We’re young and wouldn’t think of such thorough preparations. Thanks to Shopkeeper Ping.”
Ping Xiyu smiled. “They’re not heavy, easy to carry. The larger items are for your studies: newly made bedding, stationery sets, bolts of fabric, and some daily necessities—all personally chosen by me. You’ll definitely find them useful.”
Everyone expressed their thanks and loaded the goods onto the carriages, waving goodbye.
Life has many paths north and south; you head toward Xiang, I toward Qin.
Lu Jinlan waved with a touch of sentimentality, when Ping Xiyu quietly pulled her aside and pressed a stack of silver notes into her hand.
Lu Jinlan blinked. “This much?”
“Taken from the treasury. I’ll report it to my master in Yunzhou in a few days. You’re entering the academy and won’t be able to handle things outside, so take care of yourself. Avoid conflicts when possible. Use money to solve what money can solve. The Lu family isn’t short on funds, but as our young mistress, you must not suffer any mishaps.”
Lu Jinlan accepted the silver with a laugh—she had been running low on funds anyway.
Ping Xiyu continued: “The Imperial Academy has many rules, and many students have connections. Don’t act rashly. Be patient. If something tricky arises, tell me during your days off—I’ll help relieve your worries. With me around, you needn’t worry about anything.”
Lu Jinlan performed an exaggerated bow. “Got it. My parents weren’t even this worried. I’m going to school, not to an execution. Nothing’s going to happen! You should go now—I’m leaving.”
She and Xiang Ruzhen climbed into the carriage, while Ping Xiyu still couldn’t resist a few last reminders.
“Young mistress, don’t act impulsively.”
“Miss Xiang, please guide our young mistress well.”
The two responded in chorus. Once in the carriage, Xiang Ruzhen noticed an extra bundle among her belongings.
“What’s this?”
“Oh, remember the clothes you changed into at Ji’an Hall? Qing’er washed and repaired them. Shopkeeper Ping knows we’re close, so had new outfits made for me, and also a few matching your size for you.”
Xiang Ruzhen lowered her gaze. “You’ve gone to so much trouble.”
“Ah, just a little something on the side.”
Xiang Ruzhen smiled quietly.
When they arrived at the academy, they realized all the extra clothes were pointless—the rules didn’t allow them to wear anything but the designated uniform.
The notice board displayed several densely packed sheets of “New Student Guidelines.” The first rule: every new student must purchase two sets of the Qingjin, the school uniform, which must be worn at all times except on days off.
New arrivals crowded near the notice board, some complaining, some calculating costs.
“Tuition for one semester, eight taels; two sets of Qingjin, three taels; books, one tael; meals, two taels per month; dormitory, two taels per month, totaling…”
“Sixteen taels,” Lu Jinlan answered immediately, turning to Xiang Ruzhen: “If you didn’t bring enough, I’ve got it.”
Xiang Ruzhen counted her coins and breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “Exactly sixteen. Luckily I sold the game I caught—just enough.”
As they spoke, they heard Yan Wuxin’s anxious call from the line: “Jinlan, Ruzhen, come over here!”
There were three spots left in Room 6 of the dorm. The three of them paying together would get one room. The dormitory held eight students; they were delighted to room together, even without knowing the others.
Carrying their luggage, they cheerfully headed to 106. Lu Jinlan hesitated and asked Yan Wuxin, “You went home last night—did you take care of everything before coming?”
Yan Wuxin chuckled. “All done. Don’t worry.”
Lu Jinlan’s heart finally settled. Lou Yumian had likely started a new life this morning, and it was time for her to begin her university life.
________________________________________
Their cheerful mood didn’t last long—they were blocked at the dormitory entrance.
A round archway had a table stretched across it, with a crowd pressed on either side.
Yan Wuxin complained, “What’s going on? No one’s moving. My arms are getting sore.”
Xiang Ruzhen grabbed the heavy bag from her hands. “I’ll carry it.”
Lu Jinlan spotted a familiar out-of-town classmate at the front. “Sun Lewen, what’s going on up there?”
Sun Lewen hesitated, then squeezed through to whisper: “Some seniors from last year, from the Student Council, are charging each new student two taels for dormitory management fees. A few classmates are arguing with them.”
Lu Jinlan frowned. “I’ll go see.”
“Excuse me, please move aside.” She tapped the person ahead on the shoulder. When he turned, seeing her, he suddenly shouted: “Make way! Lu Jinlan is here!”
The crowd parted like waves, creating a path.
Lu Jinlan felt awkward—she hadn’t planned to lead anything, just to understand the situation—but now she had to take charge.
Xiang Ruzhen and Yan Wuxin followed. Xiang Ruzhen whispered, “Speak calmly, don’t act rashly. Let’s reason with them.”
Lu Jinlan nodded and asked the seniors, “May I ask why we are not being allowed in?”
The second-year seniors all wore uniforms and badges. The Student Council president, Jin Yihuai, a pudgy-faced boy, sized her up and sneered: “So you’re Lu Jinlan? Known for meddling. New students paying dorm fees to the Student Council is tradition—every year.”
Lu Jinlan: “Every year? With the academy’s approval?”
Jin Yihuai: “Of course.”
Lu Jinlan, surprised: “Then why isn’t this in the New Student Guidelines? Why isn’t it collected with the other fees?”
Jin Yihuai was momentarily speechless. Vice-president Han Li quickly added: “Dorm management is handled by the Student Council. Collecting fees is normal. New students, don’t be upset. You’re all attending the Imperial Academy—you can afford two taels. Why make a fuss?”
Some students began to waver.
Chu Yishu said, “I said just pay and get in. If anyone’s short two taels, I’ll cover it. Stop blocking the way—it’s annoying.”
Lu Jinlan and Xiang Ruzhen exchanged sharp looks. “Do you understand?” they said in unison.
Lu Jinlan: “I don’t care about the two taels, I just want to argue principle.”
Xiang Ruzhen: “I know some of you are thinking of money. I’m short two taels, but this isn’t about money. What should be paid, I will pay. What shouldn’t, not a single coin. We are called the elite of Hua, and you will be officials one day. If we can’t discern right from wrong, how can the people expect us to uphold justice?”
Chu Yishu lowered her head.
Lu Jinlan pressed on: “Exactly! Dorm fees? It’s just an excuse. What are you managing? What do we need managed?”
Jin Yihuai: “We monitor daily, controlling entry and exit, preventing theft or harm, keeping everyone safe.”
Lu Jinlan laughed: “Unnecessary! We all have martial skills. What thief would dare intrude? We don’t need your protection. This fee is waived. Everyone, move the table and check in yourselves!”
Chaos erupted. As the crowd surged forward, Jin Yihuai jumped onto the table and grabbed Lu Jinlan by the collar.
She sneered: “You dare touch me?”
Xiang Ruzhen grabbed his arm. Together with Lu Jinlan, they threw him off the table.
Outside, faculty members were rushing over.
A thud was heard—Jin Yihuai landed heavily on one of them.
The crowd held its breath. “Oh no!”
________________________________________
Author’s note:
Yan Wuxin: Who understands? I can’t get a word in…