Chapter 121 A woman’s reputation can be ruined in an instant because of romantic affairs!

None of the candidates present had ever seen such a humiliating scene. Yuan Song's face turned ashen, and he looked like he was ready to eat someone. He no longer had the carefree demeanor he had just now.

Everyone thought that Yuan Song was unhappy because he was involved in the rumors, and they all stepped forward to persuade him:

"Brother Yuan, calm down. Brother Yuan, calm down."

"It's been rumored for a long time that you had a falling out with Elder Yuan over a woman of humble origins. That's why we learned that you had moved out of the Yuan Mansion."

"Brother Yuan, don't worry. Although rumors are everywhere, everyone says that you are a man of character. We scholars should have good literary talent. If we add some romantic stories, wouldn't our reputation spread far and wide?"

"That's right! Our Emperor loves to go incognito among the common people because of the Imperial Concubine's preference. Perhaps Brother Yuan has already left his name with the Emperor. When Brother Yuan becomes the top scholar, it wouldn't be a bad idea for him to be chosen as the top scholar in the imperial palace!"

I see!

Uncle is really good at calculating!

Combining the information he had previously learned from Xi Xiyue and these unbearable rumors, Yuan Song finally figured out his uncle's intentions.

In order to protect himself, my uncle abandoned Xu Chongnian, who had followed him for many years, and seemed to be submitting to the emperor.

However, he was deeply afraid that the emperor's lingering anger would implicate him, who was about to be executed. So he pretended that the uncle and nephew had a quarrel, so that even if the emperor still had suspicions, he would distance himself from him and avoid being implicated.

My uncle's foresight is truly unmatched. However, he should never, ever have used Ying'er as a catalyst for these rumors. Those scholars were right about one thing: romantic affairs can certainly make a man successful, but they can ruin a woman's reputation!

What daughter from a respectable family would be willing to be talked about like this in the whole capital?

Even if the uncle did not mention Ying'er's name, if his parents really proposed to the Su family as he wished, anyone who was interested would compare the woman in the rumor with Ying'er's background and would know that the woman who caused the discord between the uncle and nephew of the Yuan family was none other than Ying'er.

My uncle is worthy of being the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. He kills two birds with one stone. What a great plan!

Yuan Song was so angry that he was shaking all over. He stood up and walked straight towards the gate, leaving a group of candidates who wanted to flatter him looking at each other in confusion.

......

Since Du Heng has decided to write an article on the frequent plagues in the north and border management, Su Ying will naturally not stand idly by.

"Although I've read many books, I've rarely read anything on medicine. Why don't I consult the Geography and research the topography, climate, and customs of the North? Perhaps I can find a connection between the frequent plagues and their occurrence?"

Du Heng nodded in agreement. "People's daily routines and surroundings do affect epidemics. I remember reading about a type of leprosy in a medical book as a child. It was common in areas where cattle and sheep were herded. It was a common ailment among herders outside the Great Wall, but it was unheard of inland."

He paused, then continued, "You start with the geographical records, and I'll consult the medical classics. I've heard that the epidemic that broke out in the north in recent years is called 'Red Spotted Plague'. I'll go look through the medical books to see if there's any record of it."

Su Ying nodded, her eyes slightly curved and a smile appeared on her face.

When she was in her grandfather's academy, although Yuan Song often accompanied her, he loved traveling and taking her with him, either running around Yandang Mountain or going to the New Year Lantern Festival.

However, as a girl, even if she occasionally accompanied him, she couldn't stay away from him all the time. Her favorite place was still her grandfather's library, where she could see the world's treasures and smell the fragrance of books.

The library allowed her to pass many hours, but it also often felt lonely. She would often sit in a corner, lost in a book. Once the scroll was closed, a silent loneliness would overwhelm her. At the time, she thought it was because she had been immersed in books for too long, and the loneliness that comes with finishing a book.

It was not until Du Heng said that he wanted to browse books with her in the library that she suddenly realized that she had always longed to have someone to accompany her, to read quietly and do what she loved.

"Medical books are placed on the east side, starting from the third floor."

Seeing Du Heng wandering between the east and west sides, she smiled and pointed the way.

Du Heng turned around, a warm look in his eyes and brows. He said, "This library is now yours."

Su Ying came closer, winked and said mischievously, "Since you know this, once you enter my territory, you must obey me."

Du Heng then bowed with both hands and leaned forward, saying, "What are your instructions, young lady? I will obey you!"

Su Ying pointed upwards and said, "Take down all the geography books on the shelf for me. I want to look through them one by one."

"As you command!"

Du Heng stretched out his arm and took down the three volumes of the "Geography of the Great Zhou Dynasty" together. The three volumes were a bit thick, and when Su Ying reached out to take them, he shook his head, not wanting her to be burdened, and placed the books directly on the desk.

He pulled out a chair for Su Ying, and after she sat down, he walked back to the bookshelf and took out the medical book he wanted to read.

Since that spring rain, the sun has gradually become much warmer. The door of the study is no longer tightly closed in winter to prevent the cold from entering the house. Now it is half-open, and a cool breeze occasionally enters the room, which is very comfortable.

Du Heng and Su Ying sat side by side in front of the desk. Since there was only one chair at the desk, Du Heng took another small stool and moved it in front of the desk.

Although the stool was low, when he sat on it, his shoulder was just next to Ying'er's ear. Over time, Su Ying leaned on his shoulder unconsciously.

However, Su Ying, who was watching intently, did not notice her own actions. She was just so engrossed in watching that she unconsciously found a comfortable posture.

Du Heng saw it all, but he would not say anything to disturb her.

At this moment, a cool breeze entered the hall, blowing away the gloom of his official career. Outside the window, there was a breath of spring, and beside him was a picturesque scenery. Du Heng felt that the most beautiful scenery in the world was just like this.

The corners of his lips curled slightly, and he returned his gaze to the pages of the book. The room was silent, with only the occasional sound of pages turning.

......

As mentioned before, the Rong family had gradually handed over external affairs to Du Heng. When the doorman saw that Master Yuan, who had come several times before, came to visit again, he invited him to the side hall outside the hanging flower gate.

Qingquan, who was guarding outside the gate of the library, heard the report from the doorman and sent the person away before he gently pushed the door open and walked in.

After crossing the courtyard and climbing the stone steps, Qingquan saw Du Heng and Su Ying sitting side by side through the half-open door. Although he was not well-read, he felt that if a young man or a young lady wore red, people would think they were newlyweds holding red silk.

However, he couldn't let Master Yuan wait for too long, so Qingquan coughed lightly.