Morning light fell upon the broken wooden beams of the dilapidated temple, where birds chirped and insects stirred awake.
Lin Qingyuan opened his eyes, recalling a pair of delicate hands in his dream holding a folding fan, lifting his collar as if asking, "Are you worthy?"
Worthy?
Lin Qingyuan jumped down from the beam, splashing cold water on his face to clear his mind.
She was too far beyond his reach—even dreaming of her felt extravagant, far from a matter he should entertain.
The temple door creaked open.
A child dressed even more shabbily than Lin Qingyuan stood before him, head tilted upward: "Time to pay up! A hundred coppers, quick!"
Lin Qingyuan glanced at him, tossing a towel over a bamboo pole: "We agreed on monthly payments. Have you worked a full month? Seventy coppers."
"Today's month-end! And it's not that I didn't show up—I just couldn't find you!"
"Since when does a book attendant not know how to read? Seventy-five coppers, not a penny more."
Little Mosquito glared at this stingy fool. So poor he lived in a broken temple, yet he wanted a literate book attendant? He should be grateful someone was even humoring him. Who in the western part of the city could read? "Seventy-five coppers, not a coin less! You're really paying?"
"Who do you think you're looking down on?" Lin Qingyuan fished out an even shabbier coin pouch from his heavily patched sleeve. "Wait here."
The little beggar couldn't believe it—this idiot was actually handing over coppers, seventy-five neatly counted.
"What are you standing around for? Go pack your things."
"Right away, master! Just you wait and see!"
Lin Qingyuan turned to face the temple gate, remembering the luxurious carriage parked on Changting Street. Truly delusional. His task here was done; it was time to leave.
As sunlight bathed the roof tiles, another thought crossed his mind—before departing, perhaps he could attend the Autumn Frost Banquet just once.
Would she be there?
…
Cao Zhao was reluctant to bring Lin Qingyuan along. "What kind of place is that? The Grand Princess's private estate!"
"Do you have an invitation or not?"
Why didn't he understand? "Yes, but I'm just there to make up numbers. Brother Lin, you know what kind of people attend the Autumn Frost Banquet, right?"
"Enough chatter. Save me a spot as your attendant."
Cao Zhao nearly wept. "Brother Lin, you're not going to see the Princess, are you?"
"I'm going to observe your future rivals. Can't stay a county magistrate forever."
Cao Zhao immediately perked up. "Who should we focus on? Who looks vulnerable?" His friend never failed to impress.
"We'll see."
"Think we should recruit someone? I heard the Autumn Frost Banquet is hosted by the Grand Princess under the Empress Dowager's orders to find a match for Anguo County Princess. All the prominent noble families of Shangjing City will be there—surely a few suitable dandies would mix with us."
Lin Qingyuan shot him a look.
Cao Zhao nodded emphatically. "The eldest son of the General's Manor, the heir of the Marquis—all seasoned pleasure-seekers."
"Is that so?" At her age, marriage talks were indeed appropriate.
"Absolutely! I've drunk with them. Honestly, the Autumn Frost Banquet's grandeur rivals the imperial consort selection."
Lin Qingyuan frowned. "Watch your words. Careless talk brings trouble."
Cao Zhao immediately fell silent.
…
Inside Anguo Duke Mansion.
Wei Rui lifted the jade bead curtain to see a pair of slender hands slowly emerge from the water. With a flick of fingertips, spring water and flower petals cascaded back into the basin, droplets tracing down jade-white skin. She stood momentarily mesmerized.
Song Chuyu glanced at her.
Wei Rui snapped back to attention, chiding herself for her lack of composure. "Princess, I've gathered all the information."
Song Chuyu accepted a towel. "Everyone may leave."
"Yes."
Wei Rui stepped forward, took the Princess's hand, and wiped it devoutly: "Princess, the man who appeared at Wenfang Study that day is named Lin Qingyuan, an out-of-towner."
Song Chuyu was momentarily stunned, then smiled. It really was him.
…
"Is the servant's attire this unappealing?"
Cao Zhao was speechless: "It's already quite decent. Look at what you used to wear?"
"It'll do."
"You say it'll do? Your previous garment was patched all over."
…
Maple leaves blazed like fire, carpeting the suburban paths of the capital.
Ginkgo trees shimmered gold, like a brilliant tapestry of promising futures.
Before dawn had broken, the estate outside the Eldest Princess's residence was already bustling with carriages and horses.
Stewards and maidservants shuttled back and forth in an endless stream.
Seated in the carriage, Cao Zhao couldn't resist adjusting his attire. Now half a man of officialdom, he cared about appearances: "Stay close to me once we're inside. Don't get lost."
Lin Qingyuan lowered the carriage curtain. Truly worthy of the Eastern Hills suburbs—estates stood row upon row, with noble mansions connected one after another. The reputation for extreme luxury was well-deserved.
The carriage came to a halt.
Cao Zhao took a deep breath, feeling somewhat nervous. This was his first time attending such a gathering—how could he not be? Usually, he only mingled with spoiled heirs: "Does my hair look disheveled?"
Lin Qingyuan simply helped him alight.
"Dignity, maintain your dignity."
The grounds outside the estate were vast, the main gates swung wide open, allowing eight carriages to pass through simultaneously. Six stone lions stood imposingly, majestic and solemn. The crowd coming and going wore jade pendants and silken robes, exuding wealth and nobility.
No signs of decay or ruin were to be seen.
"Brother Cao Zhao?"
"Brother Shen." Cao Zhao straightened his chest. In the past, Shen Houshan wouldn't have given him the time of day, yet now they addressed each other as brothers.
"Shall we go together?"
"After you, Brother Shen."
"I heard Brother Cao has already secured a position?"
"A minor post. What about you, Brother Shen?"
"My father wants me to spend a few years in the Hanlin Academy before deciding. Have you heard of the new Number One Scholar? He's been assigned to the Hanlin Academy as well."
Lin Qingyuan wasn't surprised—the Hanlin Academy was a prestigious placement, though currently, the Empress Dowager held the reins of power.
"Has he arrived yet?" Cao Zhao hadn't seen the Number One Scholar: "I heard his background isn't particularly distinguished?"
Shen Houshan lowered his voice: "When the messengers came with the joyous news, the Number One Scholar was still working odd jobs at a tavern."
"Then his origins are truly humble." Cao Zhao finished speaking, then remembered the man beside him—whose background was even more modest yet had stirred up the imperial examinations—and promptly fell silent.