After successfully escaping the marriage, Lu Jinlan traveled with a blissful mood, sightseeing and enjoying the scenery along the way. Ten days later, she finally arrived.
All three of them were sixteen or seventeen—an age full of stamina and boundless energy. Though the Shengjing was over a thousand li away, it felt as if they had arrived after a single night’s sleep. Upon entering the capital for the first time, everything felt new and exciting. Lu Jinlan simply drew out two banknotes and gave Qing’er and Ximo some pocket money, rewarding them for their attentive care along the journey.
When she set out, Lu Jinlan had brought her entire private stash in a chest—and had also “borrowed” thirty thousand taels in banknotes from Lu Jinchao. With such ample travel funds, she chose the largest inn in the capital and booked three premium rooms in one go.
Even someone as bold as Ximo felt a bit uneasy in this unfamiliar place.
After they settled in, Ximo said, “I once heard Housekeeper Zou mention that your maternal aunt is also in the capital, running several silk shops. Since you’re a junior and have arrived in the capital, you ought to pay her a visit. You both share the surname Lu—if anything happens in the future, you can look after one another. It’s a pity we slipped out secretly and don’t have her address. I was thinking of asking around for a silk shop owned by someone surnamed Lu and try our luck.”
Lu Jinlan nodded slightly. Qing’er, who was making the bed, let out a soft laugh. “It’s not that troublesome. Didn’t Great-Aunt send a cart of silk to our residence during the New Year? The shop’s name was written on the crates—something ‘Yun,’ wasn’t it? The first character was too complicated. I couldn’t read it.”
Lu Jinlan brightened. “Write it down. Let’s guess.”
Qing’er scrawled a crooked, ghost-like character. Ximo studied it for quite a while, only able to make out the jade radical on the left. The right side looked like a painting—mountains with several long waterfalls cascading beneath.
Ximo sighed. “I really can’t recognize it. I’ll just ask around for a silk shop owned by someone surnamed Lu with ‘Yun’ in the name.”
Lu Jinlan leaned in and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “Ask about Ruiyun Silk Shop. That should be right. Also, our family has a few properties in the capital as well. During Mother’s birthday celebration this time, I met all the capital’s shop managers. The two of you take my seal and stop by the shops to inform them I’ve arrived. If anyone from home comes looking for me, they can pass the message along.”
Qing’er hurriedly asked, “If we both go out, what will you do alone?”
“Me?” With a flick, Lu Jinlan snapped open her folding fan. “Sit leisurely, drink tea, and admire the capital’s scenery.”
Qing’er and Ximo exchanged meaningful looks. Admire the scenery? More like admire the men, isn’t it?
After they left, Lu Jinlan carried her sword to a teahouse by the street. While sipping tea, she watched the men passing back and forth, completing her system’s daily tasks.
She felt as though she’d been marinated in the “male-lead spirit” for too long—she was becoming increasingly unhinged. The more she watched, the more she found herself appraising them. The capital truly lived up to its name: far more prosperous than Yunzhou, full of outstanding talents. Even the men here seemed especially upright and well-formed.
“Ahem.”
A light cough interrupted her thoughts. Lu Jinlan looked up to see a young woman of fifteen or sixteen standing before her, smiling.
The girl cupped her fists in greeting. “Esteemed sister, at a glance, I can tell we’re kindred spirits. May I sit and chat for a while?”
Seeing that she was dressed in fine clothing and didn’t look like someone trying to freeload—and with two maidservants standing behind her—it was clear she was from a prominent family. Lu Jinlan nodded. “Please.”
“My surname is Lu. I’ve just arrived in the Shengjing and am unfamiliar with local customs. You said we’re kindred spirits—what do you mean?”
“So you are Young Lady Lu. My surname is Yan; I’m a local. I noticed just now that you were staring at the passing men. To be honest, I’m also quite fond of male beauty. Wouldn’t that make us kindred spirits?”
Lu Jinlan nearly choked on her tea and laughed. “Young Lady Yan misunderstands. I simply enjoy looking. I believe our… interests differ somewhat.”
Yan Young Lady waved it off. “That’s not quite right. Looking is the first step. Once there’s a first step, there will be a second and third. It’s only a matter of time. Women being lustful is perfectly natural—nothing to be ashamed of. The capital’s pleasure houses are full of men who sell themselves for money and women who throw fortunes away for beauty. Everyone gets what they want. It’s perfect. No need to be shy, Young Lady Lu. Tell me—what kind of man do you like? Let’s exchange notes.”
Rubbing her temples, Lu Jinlan replied calmly, “I prefer handsome faces. As for build—tall, with a well-proportioned figure. I don’t like them too skinny, nor overly muscular. Lean muscle is best.”
“Excellent taste!” Yan Young Lady immediately gave her a thumbs-up. “A true heroine indeed—great minds think alike. Too skinny is like dried cured meat—no juices at all, tough to chew. Too muscular is like poorly braised pork belly—the grease hasn’t been rendered out, far too oily. Not fat, not thin—just right. Much more comfortable to handle.”
“…” Lu Jinlan didn’t know how to respond. The more she listened, the stranger it sounded. This Young Lady Yan carried such heavy ‘dad energy.’ If the male-lead system were given to her, she would surely wield it like a fish in water.
Yan Young Lady continued enthusiastically with her theory of judging men. “Actually, it’s not just about appearance and build. A good man’s temperament also has its ranks.”
Oh no. After critiquing looks, now personality too?
Lu Jinlan muttered under her breath, “Evaluating men from every possible angle… aren’t we overdoing it with this female gaze?”
“Ow!”
Lu Jinlan was struck by the system with a long-overdue punch.
Customer Service Granny warned: “For engaging in inexplicable self-reflection and violating the spirit of male-lead fiction, minus five points.”
Yan Young Lady jumped in fright. “Young Lady Lu, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Your words were so brilliant I couldn’t help slapping the table in admiration.” Lu Jinlan seized the moment to pound the table. “Actually, speaking of personality, I have my own views as well.”
“Please enlighten me.”
Rubbing her shoulder helplessly, Lu Jinlan said, “Personally, I don’t like men who are overly docile and delicate.”
Yan Young Lady’s eyes lit up. “Insightful! I feel the same. Too docile means no character; too delicate means no fun.”
“Of course, I don’t like them too stubborn either. That’s exhausting.”
“Exactly! Who wants a mule?”
Lu Jinlan nodded. “Ideally, calm with a touch of gentleness; gentle yet resilient. Thunder in the chest but a calm lake on the surface. Well-read, unshaken by favor or disgrace—and if he’s a bit witty, even better.”
Yan Young Lady was stunned. “As you describe it, that would indeed be top-tier. But those traits sound more like a woman. Are there really men like that? How many men even study? Most just want to marry a wealthy woman and live in silk and luxury, bear daughters and raise children. In the end, they just rely on us women to get by.”
In that instant, countless words surged to Lu Jinlan’s lips. Don’t men avoid schooling because they’re told education is useless for them—that they’ll marry sooner or later anyway? From childhood they’re taught to marry well, and boys’ schools focus on thrift and serving a wife. What’s the point of studying?
And besides, does society even offer men equal job opportunities? Many positions simply don’t hire men; promotions favor women. In such a system, most men can only cling like parasitic vines. What choice do they have?
She thought all this—but didn’t dare utter a single word. If she did, the system would beat her life bar to zero on the spot.
She pressed her lips tightly together and took another sip of tea.
Yan Young Lady asked again, “By the way, what do you think of gold-digging men?”
Lu Jinlan smiled. “To be honest, I don’t think loving money is a problem. Worshiping wealth isn’t robbery. If sisters don’t like that type of man, then don’t pursue him. No one’s forcing you to pay. It’s a matter of mutual benefit. If you enjoy what he offers yet complain at the same time, that’s a bit unfair—unless you were hoping to get something for free?”
Yan Young Lady nodded thoughtfully. “That does make some sense. But aren’t you afraid of encountering such a man yourself?”
Lu Jinlan shook her head with a smile. “I possess considerable wealth. If he’s after money, he won’t be disappointed. And I believe I have some talent as well. Even if he’s initially drawn by wealth, staying by my side, he’ll discover other merits. What about you? Are you afraid someone only wants your money—or is money the only thing worth wanting from you?”
Yan Young Lady averted her gaze guiltily. “I… naturally have some talent as well. Besides, what does romance have to do with scholarship? Charm matters more. I don’t force men. But I’ve yet to meet a man who doesn’t like me.”
Lu Jinlan only smiled without replying.
Suddenly, Yan Young Lady stared toward the street. “Young Lady Lu, sit tight. I’ve spotted a top-tier specimen. Let me go secure him.”
She hurried across the road and blocked the path of a young man in white.
From where Lu Jinlan sat, she could only see his tall, upright figure. Their conversation drifted faintly over. The young man’s voice was low and clear—pleasant to the ear.
“Forgive my abruptness. I noticed such a handsome gentleman traveling alone; it may be inconvenient. May I ask where you’re headed? My carriage is nearby—I could escort you.”
“Then… I’ll trouble you, Young Lady.”
“No trouble at all!” Yan Young Lady beamed, hastily signaling her two maids to fetch the carriage.
The young man added, “I’ve been walking a long while and feel rather thirsty. Could you perhaps fetch me a cup of tea?”
“Of course!” Like someone chased by a dog, Yan Young Lady dashed into the teahouse to get tea.
Lu Jinlan sighed softly. This young gentleman is a bit too…
A flash of white flickered in the corner of her eye—the young man swiftly turned into an alley.
Lu Jinlan immediately tossed down some tea money and, as if possessed, followed.
Her footsteps were light, maintaining a careful distance. He didn’t notice. When he entered a bookstore, Lu Jinlan glanced at the signboard and followed into Yaju Book House.
“Shopkeeper, do you have the Detailed Explanations of Military Strategy from the Tianhe Yuan era?”
The white-haired proprietor scrutinized him carefully. “You’ve got an eye. That book’s long out of print. I’m the only one in the capital with a copy. It’s for borrowing only, not for sale. Deposit: twenty taels.”
Twenty taels was exorbitant, but the young man seemed unbothered. “I have twenty taels.”
The shopkeeper waved a hand. “I’m not finished. Even to borrow, you need academic registration. Otherwise, if it’s not returned, who do I chase?”
“Academic registration?” The young man sounded troubled.
“Yes. Are you borrowing it for your older sister or younger sister? Bring their student credentials.”
“I’m borrowing it myself.” His voice grew quieter.
“Yourself? Young Master, you are indeed handsome—but can you even understand military texts? Registration from a boys’ school doesn’t count.”
Hidden behind a bookshelf, Lu Jinlan watched the young man’s difficult expression and sighed inwardly. No wonder Yan Young Lady was so bold just now. Such beauty is truly unmatched.
Even now, with displeasure on his face, he stirred one’s heart like fine wine—intoxicating without reason.
He hadn’t given up. Earnestly, he negotiated, “I’ll leave a hundred taels as deposit and return it within half a month.”
The old woman waved him off, displeased. “No discussion. That’s a book for women. Don’t cause trouble.”
Lu Jinlan stepped forward gracefully. “I would also like to borrow that book. I don’t have my academic registration with me—but I do have a Royal Academy selection qualification notice. Would that suffice?”
________________________________________
Author’s Note:
Important reminder: This novel does not advocate activism for equal rights, but it will engage in deep discussion. All conversations about equal rights are meant for real-world reflection, though the genders in the story are reversed. Remember: a female-dominant society has never truly existed, but a male-dominant one has endured for a long time. To acknowledge privilege as “correct” is to accept inequality. Lu Jinlan supports equality between women and men; she does not discriminate, but neither will she campaign for reform—because there are even grander issues concerning all humanity that must be addressed.
Additionally, the text will often default to “she/her” as the primary pronoun. If a group includes even one woman, “they (feminine)” will be used. Only all-male groups will be referred to with masculine pronouns. This note is to avoid confusion.