Chapter 65 Who Did I Offend?

On the day of the full moon banquet, Yu Mingshu and He Zheng went to the banquet together. The eldest son of the Chen family was in charge of welcoming guests. When he saw the two of them coming side by side, he was stunned for a while.

If he hadn't already known their identities, he would have thought that He Erlang had secretly gotten married and was attending a banquet with his wife.

The Chen family was a scholarly family that valued the separation of men and women. Even though Yu Mingshu was a proper official of the imperial court, he was still invited to sit on the women's side.

The servants courteously invited her to sit down and served her tea and pastries.

Yu Mingshu sat silently to one side, observing the guests around him.

Perhaps it was because the Chen family had strong likes and dislikes, or perhaps it was because the Chen family was used as a bargaining chip by the emperor to check the powerful families and could not have too much contact with them. In any case, no members or disciples of the Xie or Zhang families were seen in the entire banquet hall.

"Ming Shu!"

Upon hearing Chen Qingyue's voice, Yu Mingshu looked up and waved to her.

"Qingyue".

Since she was transferred to the Crown Prince's side, it has been almost two months since she last met Chen Qingyue, and she misses her quite a bit.

The working atmosphere in Zhaohua Hall is very different from that in the Sijing Bureau.

Although they both dealt with female officials, Yang Leyi always had an aura that kept strangers at bay, unlike Chen Qingyue who was much easier to get along with.

After hearing about her recent situation, Chen Qingyue lowered her voice and said, "The Yang family is low-key and not as flamboyant as the Xie and Zhang families, but they are still a prestigious family. They have produced two great scholars in the past hundred years and taught three emperors... Secretary Yang comes from such a noble background, so she should have some pride."

Yu Mingshu expressed his understanding.

He changed the subject, saying, "Let's not talk about me. How are you doing at the Bureau of Justice?"

Chen Qingyue sighed, leaned gently against her side, and said with a hint of joking, "Since you left, there hasn't been a day without rumors about you in the Bureau of Justice. I often wonder if someone is reluctant to let me go, which is why her name keeps appearing in my ears every day?"

Yu Mingshu raised an eyebrow. "What are they all saying about me?"

"It's not that we're talking about you, it's just that the matter we're discussing is related to you."

Chen Qingyue recalled the rumors she had heard and whispered, "Just these past few days, Xie Shichang gathered several of his protégés to oppose your proposed new imperial examination regulations at the morning court session, and they made quite a show of it. Guess what? Xie Huaijin, the registrar, stood up, overruled the objections, and supported the new imperial examination system..."

"Everyone says you have some old grudges with Xie Lushi, but I never expected that he would rather break ties with the Xie family and go against his brother than not support your cause."

Yu Mingshu shook his head and said, "I don't have that much ability. Xie Huaijin and the Xie family have been at odds for a long time, and it's only a matter of time before the brothers turn against each other."

He Zheng probably heard these words too. On the way back after the Chen family's full moon celebration, his handsome face would occasionally show a hesitant expression.

Back home, after closing the door, Yu Mingshu poured him a cup of honey grapefruit tea.

He Zheng, not feeling thirsty, moved the cup to the side. "The new imperial examination is clearly aimed at eradicating the roots of powerful families. Why would Xie Huaijin fight for you?"

"I've already said it's not for me; I don't have that much influence," Yu Mingshu said helplessly.

"Since Xie Huaijin entered officialdom, he has been highly valued by His Majesty. In recent months, he has always had a place in the warm pavilion for discussions after court assemblies. Can you guess why?"

Why?

"His Majesty's favoritism towards those from humble backgrounds will inevitably provoke the dissatisfaction of the aristocratic families. Xie Huaijin's identity is quite delicate; he has the blood of the Xie family in his veins, but he harbors hatred towards them. His Majesty likes this kind of 'traitor' from the aristocratic families and a loyal minister of the court."

Yu Mingshu sighed, "If Xie Huaijin wants to retain the Emperor's favor and advance further in the court, he must safeguard all of His Majesty's decrees."

"Therefore, he supports the new imperial examination system because His Majesty approves of it. If His Majesty were to oppose it this time, he would surely turn against me, disregarding our past friendship."

He Zheng's expression didn't relax; instead, his brow furrowed even more. He slowly raised his cup, took a sip of tea, and asked in surprise, "Sweet?"

Yu Mingshu chuckled, resting her elbow on the table and propping her chin up as she looked at him. "Guess what it's made of?"

He Zheng took another sip, carefully discerning the flavor in the tea. "Pomelo?"

Yu Mingshu gave him an approving look. "Not bad, this is honey pomelo tea made with the pomelos you sent."

He Zheng was somewhat surprised, "It can be left out for this long?"

Yu Mingshu said, "If we boil it with honey and store it in a jar, it should be enough to last through the winter."

"You always have more ideas."

He Zheng gently rubbed the cup with both hands, gradually losing the sense of temperature between his palms and the hot tea.

After the guests left, Chen Qu returned to his study. A servant bent down and carefully lifted the incense burner, adding two spoonfuls of incense powder inside.

The butler returned with the gift list and said respectfully, "The gifts received today have all been put into storage. They are mostly elegant items such as the Four Treasures of the Study and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Would Your Majesty like to take a look?"

Chen Qu didn't even look up. "No need."

The steward nodded in agreement, took a half step back as if to leave the study, when he suddenly remembered something. "By the way, the Crown Prince's Attendant Yu gifted a box of ancient books, all of them unique copies. I dare to ask Your Majesty whether these ancient books should be added to the study?"

Chen Qu paused, raising an eyebrow at the butler, a smile suddenly appearing on his lips.

“Yu Hongyuan is a book lover. If he knew that his daughter had given away his treasured rare book to someone else in this way, he would probably be so angry that he would come back to life.”

The butler chuckled softly as well.

After a while, Chen Qu put down his brush, looked around, and said, "There's no room in the study, so let's put it in the storeroom for now."

…

As spring began, new buds sprouted from the withered trees in the courtyard.

The date for this year's imperial examination has been set for February 25th.

The East Market's Shan Cai Fang has started betting on the top scorer again, but this year's candidates are scarce. After asking around at the inns, no one could name a single one.

Since no one knew anything about the candidates, they naturally dared not place bets, which made the business of Shancaifang somewhat quiet.

There's a saying that choice is more important than effort, and that's perfect for Yu Dan.

He lingered on the path of the Jinshi examination for several years without making a splash, but after switching to the Mingfa examination, he successfully entered the provincial examination in just one year.

Three days before the exam, Wu Qiuniang was going to take Jiang Ruan out of the city to Cheng'an Temple in Lishan to pray for blessings. Yu Mingshu rushed back to Yongningfang early in the morning and followed the family carriage before the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law set off.

Wu Qiuniang was stunned for a moment when she saw the people who suddenly squeezed onto the carriage. "Mingshu? What brings you here? Don't you have to go to the East Palace for duty today?"

Jiang Ruan was also startled. Reluctantly, she moved closer to her mother-in-law, making room for Yu Mingshu who had joined in.

Yu Mingshu said, "His Highness the Crown Prince has claimed illness, and last night he sent someone to tell me that I do not need to come to the palace."

Wu Qiuniang said, "You work hard and finally get a day off. Why don't you stay home and rest properly?"

Yu Mingshu smiled and said, "Sanlang is going to take the exam, and as his older sister, I have to do my part to help."

Jiang Ruan remained silent, turning his gaze to the window.

The carriage traveled all the way to the main gate of Cheng'an Temple. Yu Mingshu got off the carriage first and wanted to turn back to help his mother, but Jiang Ru'an beat him to it.

Jiang Ruan held Wu Qiuniang's arm tightly and said softly, "Mother-in-law, watch your step."

Yu Mingshu paused halfway through extending her hand, and after her mother took a few steps forward, she took her other arm.

With the two people supporting her, Wu Qiuniang said with a bit of a laugh, "If others see me, they'll think I'm terminally ill and can't even walk."

Jiang Ruan said with a smile, "Others will only sigh at how filial your mother-in-law and children are, and envy your good fortune."

Yu Mingshu had a vague feeling that the sweet-talking young girl who came to pay her respects on the second day of their marriage had returned.

Today, Cheng'an Temple is bustling with worshippers, most of whom are relatives of students taking the imperial examinations, and their wishes are nothing more than to pass the examinations with flying colors.

Under the tree in the southeast corner of the temple, one can obtain a talisman for academic success. Each talisman is divided into two parts, with the examinee's name written on it. A master will perform a ritual and recite a scripture. One part is hung high on the treetop, while the other part is put into a lucky bag for worshippers to take back and give to the examinee.

Wu Qiuniang had come to ask for an academic talisman when Yu Mingshu was taking his exams last year. This time, she was a repeat customer. She found the place very easily, paid the money, and waited in line for the master to perform the ritual.

Yu Mingshu marveled at the process and asked in a low voice, "Mother, there are many temples in Chang'an City. Xijing Temple is no less famous than Cheng'an Temple. Why did you insist on coming to Cheng'an Temple outside the city?"

"You only know one side of the story."

Wu Qiuniang said seriously, "Xijing Temple is most effective for praying for marriage and children, while Cheng'an Temple is most effective for praying for studies and career success. Don't you believe me? Last year I prayed for three talismans, and wrote down your name, He Erlang's name, and Xie Sanlang's name respectively. What were the results?"

As a result, the three of them ranked in the top three of the imperial examination.

Yu Mingshu was speechless.

On second thought, it's all about peace of mind anyway, so let my mother go wherever she wants to ask for help.

When Wu Qiuniang reached the master's table, the monk in his robes lifted his eyelids and glanced at Yu Mingshu not far away, momentarily stunned.

It is truly a strange thing that misfortune is about to strike, yet there are also signs of turning bad luck into good.

He stroked his beard, shook his head silently, took the academic talisman handed to him by the woman, and began reciting the scripture he knew by heart.

…

The Yu family arrived early, offered incense, and obtained talismans; the sun had just risen above the golden roof of the palace in the distance.

Yu Mingshu and Jiang Ruan accompanied their mother as they walked out. At this time, the number of worshippers outside the temple gradually increased. The three of them walked against the flow of people out of the main gate of Cheng'an Temple, attracting many curious glances.

The paths down the mountain are different from those up the mountain; one is on the left, and the other on the right. At this time, the uphill path is blocked halfway up the mountain by various vehicles and horses, while the downhill path is unobstructed.

On the way back, none of the three wanted to talk much.

Jiang Ru'an leaned against the carriage wall, dozing off. Wu Qiuniang, clutching the academic talisman she had just obtained, secretly imagined the glory of Yu Dan passing the imperial examination with flying colors.

Yu Mingshu lifted the carriage curtain, and the scent of grass and earth wafted towards him. Behind him, the sound of temple bells mingled with the clear sound of horses' hooves, further emphasizing the tranquility of Lishan.

The gentle morning sunlight pierced through the sparse shade of the trees, spilling onto the not-so-lush wild grass, making the morning dew shimmer with a metallic sheen.

The moment the curtains were drawn, Yu Mingshu suddenly stopped. His fingers still gripped a corner of the curtain, and his brow furrowed deeply.

How could there be a metallic sheen in the grass?

On one side of the mountain road, the man in plain clothes followed the carriage with eyes as sharp as a hawk's. After a moment, he pressed his palm down towards his companions around him.

The bowstring hidden among the grass and trees was as full as a full moon.

"Make your move," the man commanded in a deep voice.

In a flash, a dangerous intuition broke through his defenses, and Yu Mingshu's heart pounded violently.

Just then, the sound of wind breaking came from the forest. Yu Mingshu suddenly pressed down on the shoulders of Wu Qiuniang and Jiang Ruan beside him, making them bend over.

"careful!"

"ah!"

"Elder sister, what are you doing...?"

The other two people in the car had no idea what was happening. Jiang Ru'an was about to start cursing, but before he could finish speaking, an arrow shot in through the window, passed through the other side window, and embedded itself hard in the trunk of a tree opposite.

Jiang Ruan suddenly froze, forgetting to close her half-open red lips and white teeth.

Without a second thought, Yu Mingshu shouted to the terrified girl outside, "Guyu, come in!"

She had barely finished speaking when the second arrow shot into the carriage.

The horse, startled, started running on its own without anyone driving. The ambushing man missed his first arrow, but this time he changed the angle and shot at the front of the carriage.

Splintering wood flew everywhere, and half of the arrow pierced through the wooden plank, leaving half of its tail feathers trembling precariously in the panicked gazes of the crowd.

Gu Yu realized what was happening and screamed as she scrambled into the car. Her hands and feet were shaking uncontrollably, and she scrambled under the seat, not daring to lift her upper body even slightly, fearing that the next arrow would hit her head.

A chilling aura filled the air. Jiang Ru'an huddled against Wu Qiuniang, her eyes filled with fear, and stammered, "Elder sister, you...you...have you offended someone?"

Wu Qiuniang was so shocked that she couldn't speak, her face as white as paper, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Yu Mingshu's wrist.

Who did she offend? Who could she possibly offend?

In an instant, Yu Mingshu's heart sank.

The new imperial examination system offended more people.

The first round of reforms required the establishment of public academies in each state capital, and legislation stipulated all examination regulations, explicitly prohibiting the practice of sharing examination papers, and restricting examiners, invigilators, and graders from holding concurrent positions, etc.

These measures did not infringe upon the rights of the scions of aristocratic families, but instead elevated the poor and common people to a position of equality with them, effectively bridging the vast gap between them.

The powerful families were unwilling to comply.

In the second round of reforms she mentioned to the Crown Prince, the new imperial examinations would shift from emphasizing literary talent to emphasizing practicality, and all previously irregular examinations in engineering, agriculture, and medicine would be incorporated into the regular subjects of the imperial examinations.

This would inevitably offend countless scholars who regard Confucian classics as truth.

It's no surprise that someone wanted her dead.

Arrows continued to fly towards the carriage, as if the assassins were trying to pinpoint the location of the Yu family members.

Yu Mingshu took a deep breath and lunged at the brown horse outside the car door.

"Mother! Hold on tight!"

Her leap was so swift that it left only a blur, catching the three people in the car off guard.

Before she could react, Wu Qiuniang's pupils constricted sharply, and she cried out in alarm, "Mingshu! It's dangerous outside! What are you doing?!"

"They're after me. If I stay in the car, all four of us will die!"

Leaving those words behind, Yu Mingshu resolutely raised his whip, urging his brown horse to charge forward at top speed.

She arrived just in time; the masked men in plain clothes who had been lying in ambush by the roadside had just abandoned their bows and arrows and were charging at the carriage with knives. Yu Mingshu spurred her horse to accelerate and broke through the encirclement before being intercepted.

The sudden jolt caused all three people in the car to fall onto the floor. Gu Yu used her hands to protect Jiang Ru'an's head, but she lost her balance and her shoulder hit the seat hard, causing her to gasp in pain.

Driven by a mother's instinct, Wu Qiuniang's worry and anxiety for her daughter outweighed her own fear of danger. She immediately tried to rush out and pull her daughter back, but was held down by Jiang Ruan and Gu Yu.

"Mother-in-law, calm down. The wooden planks of this carriage are sturdy enough to hold out for a while. You absolutely mustn't go out and become a sitting duck!"

Wu Qiuniang was pinned to the floor by the two men and couldn't move. Her eyes were filled with tears as she repeatedly murmured, "Mingshu, my son."

The carriage sped along, and more than a dozen arrows grazed its sides, but none hit the driver.

Even the two most accurate arrows only managed to break off a corner of the roof, scattering a few wood chips.

An angry shout came from behind—

"Stop her! Don't let her get away!"

Suddenly, four men in plain clothes appeared at the end of the road. The two on the sides held long-handled swords, while the two in the middle drew their bows and aimed at the woman on horseback between the eyebrows.

The wind whistled past her ears, and Yu Mingshu felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest, but she did not slow down. Instead, she squeezed the horse's belly and sped up again.

The two dots formed by the arrow magnified before her eyes. She shouted and ducked to the left, just as a loud thud of a sharp weapon piercing wood erupted behind her. She barely dodged the attack.

"Damn it! I can't even hit it!"

Behind me, I heard the masked man shouting and cursing.

The roadblockers couldn't understand why the person they wanted to kill, a weak woman, should have died the moment they fired the first arrow, so she escaped their pursuit.

How could a frail woman possess such astonishing courage to flee in a chariot amidst a hail of arrows!

In the final moments before being overturned by the carriage, the roadblockers reluctantly dodged to either side.

With the south gate of Chang'an City just ahead, the danger was completely behind them. Yu Mingshu took a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart and pulled on the reins to slow the carriage down.

Only then could one hear the woman's intermittent sobs from inside the car.

"We're about to enter the city," Yu Mingshu said to the people inside the car.

Jiang Ru'an sat up, still shaken, her right hand gripping the windowsill, her voice trembling, "Are we safe now?"

Wu Qiuniang hurriedly lifted the curtain, her hoarse voice filled with lingering fear, "Mingshu, are you injured?"

"I'm fine, I'm alright now."

The carriage came to a stop just outside the city gate. Yu Mingshu murmured a response, then belatedly realized that his limbs were weak, and he staggered as he dismounted. He tried to show his identification to the guards, but nearly fell over.

The city guards, who had been distracted, were startled by the battle-damaged carriage in front of them. Their eyes immediately filled with vigilance, and they carefully checked the identities of the Yu family members before allowing them to pass.

After passing through the city gate, Yu Mingshu returned to the carriage wearily and asked Gu Yu to drive. Wu Qiuniang's palms were covered in cold sweat as she tightly gripped her daughter's wrist.

Gu Yu, still looking shaken, scrambled outside, picked up the reins, and after a moment asked blankly, "Madam, Miss, where are we going?"

Yu Mingshu took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and said in a deep voice, "Let's report to the authorities first."