Before Murong Yun reported to Qingshan Academy, she got lost and ended up wandering around the foothills for several hours.
Unfamiliar with the area, she traveled through several villages dressed in men’s clothing. She had actually enjoyed those few days. In the early mornings, she could smell the steaming fragrance of freshly made mantou from roadside stalls and watch farmers diligently tending to their vegetable plots and fields. At noon, she saw laborers drenched in sweat, carrying heavy loads back and forth along dusty roads. By dusk, the laughter of children rang out like silver bells as they played in the arms of village women. Their skin was tanned from spending their days running between the fields and home, delivering water and meals.
The countless facets of ordinary life were vivid and colorful.
After spending years trapped in the office environment of her previous life, Murong Yun felt an almost forgotten joy at finally being somewhere without ceilings hemming her in.
Among all those scenes, however, one in particular moved her deeply.
It was a scholar selling pastries.
His clothes were wrinkled and worn, yet the scholarly air about him was impossible to conceal. His speech and mannerisms stood apart from the surrounding farmers and townsfolk, making him noticeable at a glance.
“Pastries for sale, pastries for sale.”
Only a small row of pastries sat before him. His voice was not especially loud, and amid the bustling crowd, had it not been for his refined demeanor, no one would have paid him any attention.
The apricot blossom cakes looked delicious, perfectly suited to Murong Yun’s tastes. The summer sun blazed overhead, and if she delayed much longer, the pastries might melt in the heat. Just as she considered approaching, several children spotted the tempting sweets and clamored for them. Yet upon seeing the scholar’s appearance, their parents hurriedly pulled them away, their expressions wary.
Murong Yun stepped forward, only to see an elderly woman arrive at the scholar’s side. Deep wrinkles covered her face, her eyes narrowed into slits, and a cloth wrapped around her head.
“My son, how did you end up here?” the scholar asked in surprise.
“My child, go back to the academy. I’ll sell these,” the elderly woman said, trying to push him away while muttering, “You absolutely cannot sneak down the mountain to sell pastries again. If your teachers find out, do you still want to take the examinations?”
The scholar frowned impatiently.
“Mother, stop worrying about me and go home to rest. Your head can’t be exposed to the wind. If you get sick again, the physician’s fees will cost even more silver.”
The old woman sighed.
“You foolish boy. Must you always speak so harshly? Stay here and watch me sell them. Once they’re gone, I’ll leave.”
The scholar fell silent. Guilt flickered through his brows as he stood behind her, quietly watching over her.
Though the elderly woman’s movements were somewhat clumsy, her calls to attract customers were warm and inviting.
“Pastries! Fresh pastries! Apricot blossom cakes made today!”
Whenever someone paused nearby, she seized the opportunity, encouraging them to smell the pastries.
“Freshly made, dear customer. The weather’s hot, so they don’t look their best, but they’re wonderfully fragrant.”
Her smile was gentle, and she never pressured anyone to buy. Instead, speaking with her simply put people at ease.
One customer purchased two pastries immediately, one for himself and one for his child, paying three copper coins.
“Well? How is it?” the elderly woman asked.
“They’re delicious! Delicious!” the child cried happily, sweat covering his forehead as he stuffed the pastry into his mouth.
Children’s words carried an honesty adults trusted instinctively, and children’s smiles had a way of bringing happiness to those around them.
The hesitant passersby soon followed suit, purchasing two pastries at a time. Before long, everything had sold out.
The scholar withdrew a clean white cloth from his sleeve and gently wiped the sweat from his mother’s forehead.
“Let’s go. Your head shouldn’t be exposed to the cold any longer.”
The elderly woman quickly packed up the stall.
“You mustn’t do something this dangerous for my sake again.”
Even as she spoke, she continued stuffing the earned copper coins into her son’s hands.
“You keep them,” the scholar said sternly. “My studies don’t cost money.”
“Fine, then. I’ll make you something delicious when you come home,” she replied, knowing there was no changing his mind.
The scholar nodded without arguing further. Instead, he cast nervous glances around him, partially hiding his face behind his sleeve, afraid someone might recognize him.
Their retreating figures remained etched in Murong Yun’s memory.
Mother and son wore threadbare clothes, and the elderly woman had repeatedly warned him never to come down the mountain to sell pastries again because it was dangerous.
Murong Yun could not understand it.
Could scholars not sell food these days?
What about calligraphy or paintings?
The question lingered in her heart until she arrived at Qingshan Academy and recognized Yu Ziyang standing behind Zheng Yuan.
Yu Ziyang was the scholar who had sold apricot blossom cakes that day.
For some inexplicable reason, he disliked her. Murong Yun wanted to dislike him in return, yet because of the gentle old woman she had met, she could never bring herself to truly resent him.
Taking advantage of their wager, she had tried to pull Yu Ziyang away from Zheng Yuan and distance him from petty schemers.
Unfortunately, Yu Ziyang had not appreciated her efforts.
Meanwhile, strange occurrences repeatedly took place at Confucius Hall. The offerings placed there would vanish overnight, pecked apart by birds, with pastry crumbs scattered all over the ground.
One sleepless night, Murong Yun happened to pass by Confucius Hall and discovered Yu Ziyang collapsed after being poisoned by the pastries.
As she dragged him back to her room, the events she had witnessed beneath the mountain resurfaced in her mind.
The pastries he had sold had originally been stolen from Confucius Hall.
The money he earned had gone toward supporting his ailing mother.
Yu Ziyang lay unconscious on her bed while Murong Yun sighed.
“I suppose it’s about time I washed the bedding anyway.”
During the academy’s break period, Song Qi led them away from Wanping County and into neighboring Daxing County.
Wanping County relied primarily on farming, whereas nearby Daxing County made its living through fishing and shrimping.
“Father! Mother! I’m home!”
The person who answered the door was a middle aged woman named Madam Lin. Having just woken from her afternoon nap, she poked her head out and rubbed her eyes.
“Qi’er?”
“Mother! It’s me!” Song Qi shouted excitedly through the wooden window.
Madam Lin hurried to her feet, her face blooming with delight.
“Your father’s gone out fishing! He hasn’t come back these past few days.”
She quickly poured tea for all three of them.
There were no servants in the household. Madam Lin handled everything herself.
She looked remarkably young, so much so that no one would guess she had a son of Song Qi’s age. Her complexion was fair and rosy. If not for her plain clothing, one might mistake her for a delicate young lady from a wealthy household. Yet she worked efficiently and skillfully. The house itself was modest, and she was the only woman managing it from top to bottom.
“These are Murong and Shangguan,” Song Qi introduced eagerly before he had even sat down. “You’re in for a treat. Every time Father returns from the sea, he brings back delicious food.”
“This is… Murong?” Madam Lin asked. “Song Qi mentions you two often in his letters.”
“Mother! When have I ever mentioned them all the time? Maybe once or twice!”
Madam Lin chuckled.
“Of course, of course. Just once or twice. Or perhaps three, four, five, six, seven, or eight times.”
Murong Yun could not help laughing, while Shangguan Xuan beside her curled his lips into a faint smile.
“Old woman, open the door!”
A booming voice sounded from outside, causing Song Qi to leap from his chair.
Song Qi’s father possessed an imposing build. Two baskets overflowing with fish and seafood hung from his hands, and water still dripped from his straw raincoat.
The salty scent of the sea clung to him.
Embarrassed by his appearance, Song Nanyue merely nodded in greeting before hurrying off to change clothes.
The Song residence was small, situated in a relatively secluded area. Beyond several streets lay a dock lined with stalls selling shell accessories and various trinkets. Most of the local cuisine revolved around seafood.
Though it lacked the prosperity found beneath Qingshan Academy, it remained lively in its own way.
“What flavors do you prefer?” Song Nanyue asked while emerging with two kitchen knives in hand. “Braised, spicy Sichuan style, stir fried, steamed? Do you prefer fish or shrimp? Does anyone have seafood allergies?”
“Father, they’ll eat anything. We all like the same flavors. Sichuan style is perfect!” Song Qi rubbed his hands together eagerly. “I’ll help in the kitchen.”
Watching the father and son bustling about noisily, Murong Yun noted that although their physiques differed greatly, their personalities were astonishingly alike.
Madam Lin smiled warmly.
“Would you like me to show you around the courtyard? They’ll have dinner ready soon.”
The courtyard was not large, but its walls were built unusually high. Sharp shards of glass lined the tops, evidence of a strong awareness of home security.
In the farthest corner grew a rose bush. Its stem was slender, yet the blossoms bloomed brilliantly.
September and October marked the height of the rose season. Clusters of pink flowers hung overhead, beautiful and refreshing to behold.
An autumn breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying petals with it.
Murong Yun extended her hand and caught one in her palm.
It was feather light, tickling her skin, while a faint fragrance drifted through the air.
Behind her, Shangguan Xuan gently brushed the back of her hair.
“…?”
Turning around, Murong Yun found him smiling faintly.
“You had flower petals in your hair.”
With his hands clasped behind his back, Shangguan Xuan wandered a few steps through the courtyard.
“This courtyard is wonderful.”
“What makes it wonderful?” Murong Yun asked.
When she had first transmigrated into this world, the courtyard outside her room had been vast and meticulously maintained.
As the legitimate daughter of her household and her mother’s only child, she had been cherished dearly.
Flowers, ornamental decorations, and every imaginable luxury had surrounded her.
Compared to that, the Song family’s courtyard seemed rather ordinary.
“My family is poor,” Shangguan Xuan replied with a quiet laugh.
“…”
Was he always this direct?
Madam Lin had wandered farther away toward the kitchen.
After a brief silence, Shangguan Xuan added, “You helped Yu Ziyang, yet he may not appreciate it.”
Murong Yun stiffened. “How did you know I helped him?”
Fanning himself leisurely, Shangguan Xuan replied, “That day, Yu Ziyang’s lips had turned purple, showing signs of poisoning. You, on the other hand, had coughed up blood, yet the physician said your condition was merely exhaustion and depleted vitality. You sneak down the mountain often enough, but even if you craved pastries, you wouldn’t steal them from Confucius Hall. Yu Ziyang, however, has to borrow many of his books. His family lacks money. Selling pastries earns whatever little income he can manage.”
Murong Yun straightened her expression.
“I’m not some saint. Yu Ziyang has his uses.”
“I see,” Shangguan Xuan replied, his tone carrying a teasing note.
“Everyone, dinner’s ready!”
The aroma drifting from the kitchen chimney immediately stirred their appetites.
Several large hairy crabs occupied the center of the dining table, their claws overflowing with tender white meat.
Golden roe oozed around the edges of their shells.
“High quality ingredients require only the simplest cooking methods!”
Murong Yun eagerly took her seat.
At that moment, the system chimed in.
[Ding! If the host consumes three hairy crabs during this meal, you will receive the Divine Medical Canon.]
“…”
Murong Yun: Stop fooling around.
[Limited time mission, limited reward, this opportunity comes only once. Hesitate and you’ll miss it.]
Murong Yun had barely finished four crab legs when the majority of the crab in her bowl remained untouched.
She slowly extended her hand toward the center of the table.
“Did your hands get dirty? I’ll bring a basin so you can wash them.”
“N no, that’s not it. I just… want another crab.”
Murong Yun forced an awkward smile, her gaze darting everywhere except toward the others.
Song Qi’s eyes widened.
Ordinarily, Murong Yun was never overly obsessed with food. She ate sparingly and knew moderation, often giving most of the good dishes to others.
“Can you even finish that?”
“I can. I really can,” Murong Yun answered weakly.
Song Qi’s parents exchanged glances.
Judging by Murong Yun’s and Shangguan Xuan’s clothing, they assumed their families were not particularly wealthy.
Perhaps this was simply Murong Yun’s first time eating hairy crabs.
Shangguan Xuan maintained his usual elegance, methodically dismantling the crab legs.
In contrast, Murong Yun’s table manners had deteriorated considerably.
After finishing one crab, she discreetly pressed a hand against her stomach beneath the table.
This is bad.
She was already half full. Yet the final crab was about to land in Song Qi’s bowl.
Trembling slightly, she reached out once more.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Madam Lin asked with concern.
“N no. I just want another crab…”
Madam Lin looked at the mountain of crab shells before Murong Yun, at a complete loss for words.
Song Qi froze momentarily before placing the crab in front of Murong Yun with the serving chopsticks.
“You can have it. All of it.”
There was not the slightest hint of reluctance in his voice.
Meanwhile, Song Nanyue and Madam Lin lowered their heads in silence and resumed eating.
By the time Murong Yun finished the second crab, she was clearly struggling.
However, she had seen mention of the Divine Medical Canon in the original novel.
The book contained treatments for numerous difficult and incurable illnesses, and no original copies were believed to remain in existence.
At one point in the story, Shangguan Xuan contracted a disease from the Western Regions while traveling to assume office. Believing himself beyond saving, he encountered a wandering healer whose miraculous treatment eliminated his symptoms within three days. Within half a month, he had fully recovered.
The novel had specifically mentioned the title Divine Medical Canon.
Surely it was no ordinary text.
Moreover, this was a limited mission reward.
Still, the memory of coughing blood left lingering fear in Murong Yun’s heart.
For a moment, she had genuinely felt Death’s hand reaching toward her.
Then another thought occurred to her.
If she used the Divine Medical Canon solely for herself, she would not technically be altering anyone else’s fate.
With her head bowed over her bowl, Murong Yun painstakingly forced down the remaining half of the final crab.
For the first time in her life, she ate hairy crabs until she felt sick.
As expected, from the very first day she transmigrated into this imperial examination novel, she had known one thing with absolute certainty.
She had been born to enjoy life.
The academy break lasted three days, and Song Qi insisted they remain until the very end.
Meanwhile, Murong Yun had already begun planning her escape in the dead of night while everyone slept.
She had embarrassed herself enough already.
After dragging things out for what felt like an eternity, Murong Yun finally finished eating.
Carbohydrate coma incoming…
“Murong, Shangguan, your room is over here.”
Song Qi personally prepared their bedding.
“Our house doesn’t have any spare rooms. You’ll have to make do.”
Murong Yun’s entire body stiffened.
So soon? Sharing a room with a man?
And not just any man, but Shangguan Xuan from the novel’s future antagonist faction.
Unfortunately, her mind had grown too sluggish to process the implications.
Before long, she had fallen asleep. She slept until dusk.
Murong Yun had naturally sensitive hearing. The night Shangguan Xuan had sneaked into her room, she had noticed him because of the faint sounds he made.
“Song Qi, how long have you known these two friends of yours?”
“I’ve known Shangguan for a year. Murong joined later. We’ve known each other for a little over a month.”
A pause followed. “Why do you ask, Mother?”
Madam Lin sighed softly.
“It’s not that I oppose you making friends, but you’re too trusting. I’m worried you’ve fallen in with the wrong crowd.”
“Mother, just say what you mean. Don’t speak in riddles.”
“We’ve met all kinds of people over the years. That Shangguan boy seems fine, but Murong…”
Murong Yun’s ears awakened instantly.
Her mind awakened as well. Only her body remained asleep.
Her eyelids stubbornly refused to open.
“On his first day visiting our home, his behavior at the dinner table was rather strange.”
“At the time, he and Shangguan were talking in the courtyard. He even seemed dissatisfied with how small our house was.”
Murong Yun internally screamed.
I’m innocent!
“Murong isn’t like that,” Song Qi protested. “Nearly everything I eat and drink at the academy is paid for by him. Murong has never looked down on us.”
“People who treat you well for no reason are precisely the ones you should be cautious of.”
Madam Lin lowered her voice.
“He showed no regard whatsoever for your father and me being present. You need to be more careful.”