Chapter 2174 Meng Yunzheng's Proposal

Shu Yu wanted to hire a manager, but he couldn't do it as openly as he did at Changjin Mansion.

She's quite a figure now, and many people are curious about her and her shop. They might not find the shopkeeper, but instead find a bunch of spies.

How do I find it?

Fa Zi hadn't expected that Meng Yunzheng would be able to come back and rest for a night after the second round of the spring imperial examination.

This time was different from the first; the energy levels of the participants were noticeably lower in the second round. Meng Yunzheng was alright, but according to Xia Yan, who had been waiting outside the examination hall, seven or eight people had to be carried out.

It is said that two others were so cold that while burning charcoal for warmth, they accidentally overturned the stove, burning themselves and their exam papers to ashes.

Fortunately, the patrolling soldiers arrived in time; otherwise, if the bedding and other items had been set on fire, the surrounding area would have been in danger, and it might have even resulted in deaths.

Shu Yu thought, "This exam is really like a life-or-death test; it's so difficult."

She'll have to talk to Arui and the others about how important it is to exercise.

Compared to the disheveled appearance of the other candidates, Meng Yunzheng was in much better shape. Xun Sheng, who hadn't encountered rain this time and was well-prepared, and who had taken the medicine given to him by Zhao Xi, didn't look as haggard as last time.

Meng Yunzheng felt good about himself and, as usual, asked about his family during the meal.

Upon hearing that Shu Yu was busy looking for a shopkeeper, he paused for a moment and then said, "You can go to Xiang Weinan and ask him to introduce one."

"Xiang Weinan?"

Meng Yunzheng said, "You're right. It's indeed not suitable to openly look for shop owners in the capital. Let him help us find a shop owner, and at the same time, he can also act as a backer for Lu's shop. He is now the Vice Minister of Revenue and a favorite of the Emperor. With him protecting the shop, no one will dare to offend him. Besides, when the melon seeds and sunflower oil first came out, as the magistrate of Jiangyuan County, it was he who facilitated their delivery to the palace. So, he has a connection with Lu's shop."

After all, he and Shu Yu wouldn't be staying in the capital for long, so they needed someone here to back up the shop and prevent some fools from causing trouble.

Xiang Weinan... is just right.

As for the other people Shu Yu knew, Lord Yao was a stubborn man. Although he was the Vice Minister of Works, he devoted himself to official business. In addition, he had only been back in the capital for a little over three years, so his network of connections was limited and he was not suitable.

Although Minister Jing of the Court of Judicial Review held a high position, his relationship with Shu Yu was ultimately not that close.

Another one is Grand Tutor Qi. The Grand Tutor's status is extraordinary, so we should save our favors for future crucial moments.

As for Xiang Weinan, he was like a brother to Meng Yunzheng and was also familiar with Shu Yu. They communicated on an equal footing and had many secrets between them. Meng Yunzheng felt that bothering him with this matter was an opportunity for him to show his abilities.

Shu Yu's eyes lit up. That's right. Their two families are practically family. They should help each other out so they can stay in touch, right?

"Okay, then I'll go see him tomorrow." With this important matter on her mind, Shu Yu's appetite improved considerably. After finishing her own meal, she even gave Meng Yunzheng a bowl of rice, as if afraid he would go hungry in the examination room.

Meng Yunzheng, “…” He was actually already full.

Well, I can still eat a little more.

The third session of the imperial examination began the next day. This was the last of the three sessions over nine days and six nights of the spring imperial examination; once everyone got through this session, they would be free.

Just like before, Shu Yu patiently went over the details again, paying particular attention to keeping warm.

(End of this chapter)