Night fell!
Murong Yun sat by the window, feeling the breeze drifting in from outside.
The wind carried the distinctive scent of the fishing village, tinged with the salty smell of the sea and a faint fishy odor, yet she found that she did not dislike it.
The Song family had no guest rooms. Murong Yun and Shangguan Xuan slept in Song Qi’s room, while Song Qi shared a room with his father.
Sharing a room with a man felt strange to Murong Yun. Yu Ziyang did not count, because Yu Ziyang was not handsome. More than that, Shangguan Xuan had been unusually talkative that evening.
“Murong, come get some rest,” Shangguan Xuan called as he stepped over the threshold carrying another quilt into the room.
“I was worried I might steal your blanket in my sleep, so I asked for two.”
Murong Yun remembered Madam Lin’s words from that afternoon and sighed softly. “In Uncle and Auntie’s eyes, I’ve practically become the bad influence leading Song Qi astray. I should clear up the misunderstanding tomorrow.”
“Time reveals a person’s true character. They’ll understand eventually,” Shangguan Xuan said as he spread out the bedding. After lying down, he deliberately turned over so he wasn’t facing Murong Yun, one hand unconsciously pressing against his chest.
What’s going on with my heart? Why is it still beating so wildly? Calm down. Murong is a man.
“That sounds exactly like something a villain would say in self-defense,” Murong Yun replied with a self-deprecating smile, resting her chin on her hand.
She intended to stay awake a little longer. If she slept with her hair down, anyone with functioning eyes would realize she was a woman disguised as a man. Yet sleeping with her hair crown still in place had tugged painfully at her scalp all afternoon.
She found herself trapped in an impossible situation.
“You sleep first,” Murong Yun said as she lifted her head to gaze at the moon.
Tonight’s moon was crescent-shaped, its tips partially veiled behind wisps of dark cloud.
Remembering how joyful Song Qi’s family reunion had been that day, Murong Yun found herself sharing in their happiness. No wonder Song Qi was always talking about wanting to return home. She had once been puzzled by how someone could miss home so much, constantly praising the delicious food there. But after witnessing it firsthand, she found herself wanting to visit again.
In her previous life, she had never truly had a home.
Her parents had never loved her, and she had not returned home for two consecutive Lunar New Years.
The reason she had rushed to find work immediately after graduating from university was because she no longer wanted to ask her parents for money.
Countless times throughout her childhood, whenever she held out her hand to request money, she had felt her dignity being trampled beneath their feet.
Because they provided for her financially, they believed they had every right to judge every aspect of her life. Long ago, they had already decided what kind of person she was.
They had labeled her as a bad person.
Her thoughts drifted farther and farther away. Drowsiness overtook her, and after stretching lazily, she absentmindedly lay down beside Shangguan Xuan.
She had originally thought sleeping in the same bed as Shangguan Xuan would feel awkward. Yet before any embarrassment could arise, her exhausted mind simply shut down, and she fell asleep.
In her dreams, fragments from the original novel, Transmigrating into an Imperial Exam Novel: Cannon Fodder Starts Playing Along, resurfaced in her memory.
The male protagonist, Duan Yucheng, was someone she had yet to encounter.
The novel described him as having been born into poverty among commoners, enduring hardship and setbacks from an early age.
He studied with unwavering determination, applying himself with relentless diligence.
Expressions such as “hanging one’s hair from the rafters” and “borrowing light through a hole in the wall” fit him perfectly.
He was exceptionally talented, excelling equally in both the civil and military examinations, yet he lacked the blessing of good fortune.
During the palace examination, Shangguan Xuan had snatched first place from him, preventing him from becoming the top scholar. Even the official position he ultimately secured fell short of what he deserved.
In official circles, he possessed no influential connections. In the beginning, he encountered obstacles everywhere. Only after gradually gaining power did he systematically repay every slight inflicted upon him.
It was a classic case of the protagonist suffering in the early stages before making everyone else suffer later.
Shangguan Xuan was the only character Duan Yucheng never took revenge against.
Many female readers adored Shangguan Xuan’s character and could not bear to see him suffer. They showered the author with donations while dropping increasingly obvious hints.
In the end, the author altered Shangguan Xuan’s fate, granting him the position of Minister of Rites. Aside from retaining his original background of poverty, once he entered officialdom, the author spared him from every hardship.
Murong Yun completely understood the author’s reasoning.
This particular author had merely committed the mistake all authors eventually make.
When the character living in your imagination is just that handsome, anyone would favor him a little.
Before the imperial examinations, Murong Yun vaguely remembered Shangguan Xuan experiencing a period of depression and frustration.
She struggled to recall the details, but the memory remained frustratingly out of reach.
Too much time had passed since she had read the novel, and many details had gradually faded.
Lost in these thoughts, she drifted deeper into sleep.
Beside her, Shangguan Xuan remained awake.
His eyes were closed as he listened carefully to the soft sounds of the person beside him moving quietly from the windowsill to the bed, pulling up the blanket, extinguishing the candle. Soon afterward came the steady rhythm of even breathing.
Murong Yun had fallen asleep.
Shangguan Xuan turned over carefully. The arm tucked beneath his head had gone numb, but he dared not move too much for fear of disturbing the newly sleeping Murong Yun.
Murong Yun had not removed her hair crown and lay sleeping on her side with her back facing him.
Her neck was pale, and a fluffy cluster of shorter hair rested at the back of her head. It was not long enough to stay in place, and occasionally in the mornings it stuck up wildly in every direction.
“Could it be that you prefer men?”
Murong Yun’s teasing voice still echoed in his ears, inexplicably stirring a restless heat within him.
Her voice was neither particularly magnetic nor especially gentle, yet for reasons he could not explain, his heart always behaved strangely whenever he saw her.
It beat far too fast.
He sighed softly. Years of martial arts training allowed him to slip silently from the bed.
Bathed in moonlight, he approached Murong Yun and studied her features.
Long eyelashes. A high, elegant nose bridge.
Strong eyebrows that gave her an impression of stubborn determination.
His gaze unconsciously shifted lower, settling upon Adam’s apple at her throat.
He had seen clearly. There truly was an Adam’s apple.
Only then did Shangguan Xuan realize he had sighed again.
The folded fan in his hand hovered near Murong Yun’s neck.
His adoptive father had spoken very little to him over the years, but one sentence had remained engraved in his memory:
“Xuan, remember this. Anyone who disrupts your peace of mind or stands in your path must be eliminated, no matter what.”
Murong Yun had outperformed him in policy essays.
At the same time, she had disrupted his peace of mind.
The folding fan he carried could kill.
A cold glint flashed through Shangguan Xuan’s eyes as the edge of the fan lightly grazed Murong Yun’s skin, drawing a thin line of blood. Had his hand moved just a fraction further, Murong Yun would have slipped peacefully from this world in her sleep.
But when the decisive moment arrived, he stopped.
He could not push himself to go any further.
Even after weighing the advantages and disadvantages and recognizing that Murong Yun posed a greater obstacle than benefit to him, he still could not strike the fatal blow.
The sleeping figure on the bed felt the irritation on her neck, scratched absentmindedly at the spot, then rolled over and continued sleeping.
As Murong Yun shifted, Shangguan Xuan instinctively reached out to support her face, preventing her head from slipping off the pillow.
The ease with which he performed the action left even him feeling unfamiliar with himself.
Even in sleep, Murong Yun had the power to influence his thoughts and emotions.
Shangguan Xuan returned to bed, but the turmoil within him only intensified.
The following morning, Madam Lin casually asked Murong Yun many questions.
Where was her home? Who lived there with her?
What books had she read growing up?
How had she performed in examinations?
It felt less like polite conversation and more like Madam Lin was conducting an evaluation before allowing Song Qi to continue this friendship.
Murong Yun remained cautious when discussing her background. In the original story, the Murong family would eventually suffer a devastating upheaval. She did not wish for her affairs to bring danger upon her family.
“My family deals in textile trade,” she explained. “It’s a small business in the Jiangnan region.”
“We’ve made a little money recently, so I’ve been helping to spend it.”
“I’m worried that if my father becomes too wealthy, he’ll change for the worse. That’s why I help my mother spend the household funds.”
This genuinely reflected her thoughts.
She had little trust in fathers from this era. Men in ancient times commonly took multiple wives and concubines. She sympathized only with her mother.
Rather than allowing her father to save money and take concubines, she preferred to spend it herself. At least then the silver remained within the family, and she could feel at ease.
Madam Lin’s expression darkened further.
After only a few exchanges, she concluded that the Murong household’s finances were chaotic, suggesting lax household discipline as well.
Murong Yun no longer dared elaborate. Instead, she quietly helped prepare vegetables and wash shrimp.
During the process, she learned that Song Qi had two older sisters, both already married.
Whenever Madam Lin spoke of them, her face lit up with affection.
“My daughters lead simple lives, but they’re happy,” she said with a smile. “They married far away, so they rarely come home.”
In ancient times, married daughters were considered part of another family. Even if Madam Lin longed for their visits, their husbands’ families might not permit it.
What surprised Murong Yun most was that Madam Lin barely lifted a finger.
Song Nanyue handled nearly everything.
The broad-shouldered man worked silently while listening to their conversation. He rarely interrupted, occasionally asking in a cheerful voice:
“My dear, would you like some water?”
Madam Lin smiled. “No need. I can pour it myself.”
Still unconvinced, Song Nanyue personally fetched the water and placed it within easy reach.
His efficiency immediately triggered Murong Yun’s sense of crisis.
She hastily increased her pace, hoping that through household chores she could improve Song Qi’s parents’ impression of her.
Unfortunately, Song Qi completely misunderstood her intentions and kept stealing her work.
“You’re our guest! Sit down and crack some sunflower seeds. You love sunflower seeds!”
Song Qi might behave carelessly at the academy, but back home, he performed household tasks with practiced ease.
“Exactly. Go crack some seeds. I’ll bring them to you,” Madam Lin added with a smile. “Let the two men handle things like washing vegetables. They’re very good at it.”
Murong Yun wanted to kick Song Qi.
Murong Yun: At a time like this, when your mother already dislikes me so much, couldn’t you give me one chance to make a good impression?
Even pretending would help!
At least let me earn a few favorability points!
Clutching her money pouch, Murong Yun informed Song Qi before heading out to the marketplace.
She bought Madam Lin a set of clothing made from fine Jiangnan brocade and selected a treasured tin of Tieguanyin tea for Song Nanyue.
On the way back, she stared helplessly at her now-empty money pouch.
The only valuable possession she had left was the green jade pendant hanging from her waist.
The marketplace remained lively, but compared to yesterday, the villagers seemed noticeably more hurried.
Everyone walked quickly, anxiously scanning their surroundings. People rushed into shops, purchased what they needed, and hurried back home.
“Have you heard?” a fish vendor whispered to a neighboring shrimp seller. “Our business might not survive much longer. A group of people has arrived to compete with us.”
“We shouldn’t speak carelessly about these matters.”
The other man’s gaze drifted toward Murong Yun.
Murong Yun quickened her pace and returned to the Song residence.
Rumors often spread among ordinary people, occasionally causing panic. She did not dwell on it.
This time, having learned from yesterday’s experience, Song Qi’s father prepared generous portions of every dish.
Three large platters crowded the modest dining table.
“When we first arrived, Shangguan and I didn’t have time to bring gifts for Uncle and Auntie. I visited the market today and found these. They seemed perfect for both of you.”
Madam Lin held up the new clothing.
“Whose idea was this? Shangguan’s?”
Her hopeful gaze turned toward Shangguan Xuan.
Murong Yun: ?
See? This was the consequence of stealing everyone else’s hairy crabs.
“Auntie, Murong chose these personally. Yesterday’s incident wasn’t intentional,” Shangguan Xuan explained with a gentle smile, the small mole on his neck visible beneath the light.
Yet Murong Yun found the smile unsettling.
It reminded her of the distant expression he had worn when they first met at Qingshan Academy, as though a veil separated his true thoughts from the outside world.
Although she had grown more familiar with him recently, that unfamiliar distance suddenly resurfaced.
“This color doesn’t suit me,” Madam Lin said coolly.
“Auntie, it suits you perfectly!”
Murong Yun hurriedly responded.
“Look at how beautifully the roses in your courtyard bloom. They’re vibrant and full of life! Green will make you look ten years younger!”
Madam Lin lowered her gaze, examining the embroidery and trim.
“Really?”
“Try it on and you’ll know,” Song Nanyue encouraged, gently ushering his wife inside. “Children have good taste.”
After changing into the new outfit, Madam Lin’s attitude toward Murong Yun became noticeably warmer.
Murong Yun understood completely.
Song Qi was their child born later in life. He possessed lofty ambitions and aspired to become an official. If she had been in their place, she too would have carefully examined the people surrounding her child.
Their methods might differ, but their desire to protect him came from the same place.
“Auntie spends most of her time at home and usually wears practical clothing that won’t easily stain. I simply thought a change in style might brighten your mood.”
Murong Yun used chopsticks to place food into both elders’ bowls as a gesture of respect.
Song Nanyue was delighted.
He brought out a jar of aged wine he had carefully preserved for years and insisted that the three younger guests sample it.
Madam Lin hesitated. “Isn’t this wine too strong?”
“If they can’t handle this much alcohol, people will laugh at them in the future! Wine is meant to be shared! Come, children, drink!”
Song Nanyue produced three large bowls so they could drink heartily.
After finishing one bowl, the effects of the alcohol loosened his tongue.
Because he spent so much time fishing at sea, he carried countless worries that he rarely had the opportunity to share with his family before setting off on the next voyage.
Yet despite working tirelessly, the money earned from selling fish and shrimp remained pitifully small.
“The docks haven’t been peaceful lately. Strange people keep lurking around the fishing boats.”
Song Nanyue frowned deeply.
“People say that no one in the neighboring village fishes anymore.”
Madam Lin’s chopsticks trembled, causing a piece of meat to fall back onto the plate before she picked it up again.
“The rumors have been troubling for years, but thankfully nothing bad has happened to you.”
Though not the village chief, Song Nanyue was renowned throughout the fishing village for his expertise.
Yet the profits diminished with each passing year.
The Song family continued to live an ordinary, modest life.
The more Murong Yun thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
Crabs and shrimp! Such irresistible delicacies.
There were very few coastal regions throughout Daying, and fishing villages located this close to the capital should have generated considerable wealth.
Aristocratic families adored such delicacies.
She simply could not believe the profits were genuinely this low.
Unfortunately, they lacked the time to investigate.
Once the academy leave ended, they would have to return to Qingshan Academy.
In the dead of night, Murong Yun jolted awake.
The scent of alcohol still clung to her body, but she was certain she had heard something unusual.
Outside the window, flames blazed toward the heavens.
She hurriedly climbed out of bed. Only to see Shangguan Xuan retreating back into the room.
“Shh,” he whispered. “Three or four people have entered the courtyard.”
Murong Yun noticed the small dagger now in his hand.
Madam Lin’s family occupied the room nearest the entrance.
The Song family had already awakened, but apart from seeing the firelight, they heard no approaching footsteps.
They rushed toward the kitchen to fetch water and extinguish the flames.
“Fire! Fire!”
Madam Lin’s cries disrupted the silence.
The clash of blades rang out. Murong Yun’s heart tightened instantly.
Shangguan Xuan pressed his index finger against his lips, signaling for silence.
But beneath the moonlight, a dark figure had already appeared behind Madam Lin.
Sensing something wrong with the shadow, Madam Lin turned around with a scream.
“Help!”
The dagger flew from Shangguan Xuan’s hand.
It embedded itself directly into the attacker’s head.
There was no scream. A single strike ended the man’s life.
Madam Lin collapsed onto the ground, trembling violently as she pointed shakily toward the house.
“S save them!”
There were still three more intruders.
The fire continued spreading. Before long, it would engulf the house itself.
The assassins had no idea that someone present possessed martial skills.
Under the circumstances, there was only one viable strategy.
Draw their attention elsewhere.
“Song Qi! Uncle! Run!”
Murong Yun shouted as she sprinted forward.
Sure enough, the remaining shadows shifted direction, converging toward them.
Song Qi scrambled to his feet and hurriedly hoisted his father onto his back before fleeing.
The sword in the assassin’s hand gleamed coldly beneath the moonlight.
Deprived of his dagger, Shangguan Xuan confronted the leader using only his folding fan.
Yet the man was a formidable fighter, proving difficult to subdue.
Two shadowy figures blocked Murong Yun’s path.
She instinctively took a step backward.
It was her first time killing someone with silver needles.
Her palms grew slick with sweat.