Chapter 16 016 I understand you.
Xie Lanzhao was wary of the Pei family, but she knew it was related to Zhao Jialing's mission. Moreover, Zhao Jialing had seen through her thoughts and even comforted her, so she was even less likely to hinder the search for Xue Yuanshuang.
Although they had heard from the Emperor's whispers about Xue Yuanshuang's whereabouts, the relevant officials did not directly send people to the Pei family in Shengye Ward. Instead, they publicized Yu Shen's actions to incite public sentiment and then took the opportunity to bring up the matter of searching for Xue Yuanshuang's wife.
Shengye Lane, the former residence of the Pei family.
Xue Yuanshuang had only been staying there for a day. Although she had met Pei Changqing once, they were not familiar with each other and had nothing to talk about.
The person who took her to the Pei residence was Pei Wuwei. It was only then that Xue Yuanshuang realized that the yellow-clad swordsman who had accompanied her to the capital was actually from the Pei family of Hedong.
The Pei family is a prominent clan, and the daughters of noble families are usually elegant and refined, but Pei Wuwei is different. She is like a swordswoman from an ancient legend, fond of wine, swordsmanship, and the Dao. With just a zither and a sword, she can travel the world. Along the way, whenever she encounters beautiful mountains and rivers or a perfect time of blooming flowers and a bright moon, Pei Wuwei will play the zither. After the piece ends, she will take up her sword and dance, graceful as a lone crane.
Xue Yuanshuang met Pei Wuwei when she escaped from Fenyin. She had participated in the imperial examinations several times but failed at the county level, which made her doubt her knowledge and talent, and she felt quite lonely. At this time, the Ma family was preparing to arrange a marriage for her, saying that she was now twenty-five years old and could not delay any longer, and that the man they were looking for was an old widower with an adult son.
Xue Yuanshuang lost control of her emotions and spoke harshly to him. But she soon regretted it. She had lived with the Ma family since childhood, and although she was dependent on them, she was not mistreated. Her food, clothing, and daily necessities were the same as those of the Ma family's children, and even her tutor was hired by the Ma family. She realized that her anger had hurt the feelings and face of her relatives, and she prepared to apologize.
But it was then that she learned the truth she had never known before.
That was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue!
The loyal servant who brought her to seek refuge with the Ma family also carried a large amount of money and land deeds. The Ma family pretended to invite teachers for her, but they quickly regretted it. Later, Ma Yuanliang said she had something to offer, and only then did the Ma family continue to support her studies. Her writings were meant to serve as stepping stones for Ma Yuanliang's advancement.
She had never understood how her cousin, who was of ordinary talent, could be noticed by famous officials and pass the imperial examination in one fell swoop. It turned out that the examination papers used were all her practice works!
The Ma family's kindness in raising her was not enough for Xue Yuanshuang to swallow her anger, and besides, she was not clinging to the Ma family to leech off them.
Xue Yuanshuang forced herself to calm down. Her loyal servant had passed away a few years ago, and those who followed her were all from the Ma family. She had to act cautiously. While feigning friendship with the Ma family, Xue Yuanshuang accumulated wealth and looked for an opportunity to leave Fenying.
She couldn't take the official road; the Ma family had deep connections with the county government, and if the constables came to arrest her, she would have no chance of escape. Besides, she couldn't obtain the necessary documents from the county government to officially travel.
Taking the secluded path is extremely risky. If something happens, there will be no way to call for help.
Xue Yuanshuang decided to take a gamble on her future. She memorized the topographical map of Fenying and took a dagger, dry food, and money with her.
She couldn't give up her studies; she had to go to another place to take the exam!
Xue Yuanshuang, who had crossed rivers and climbed mountains to escape Fenyin, looked like a wild man. Having run out of provisions, even after picking wild fruits to fill her stomach, she was still extremely weak.
It was at this moment that she encountered Pei Wuwei, who was sitting on a rock playing the zither.
Pei Wuwei saved her.
It was also Pei Wuwei who helped her gain a foothold in Heyang, Tongzhou.
Pei Wuwei was an old acquaintance of the county magistrate in charge of the county examination in Tongzhou. Recommended by the magistrate, he achieved first place in the Tongzhou prefectural examination. Candidates for the imperial examinations were to arrive in Chang'an before October, and Tongzhou was not far from Chang'an. At Pei Wuwei's suggestion, Xue Yuanshuang went to the capital early to pay homage to the high-ranking officials. If she could gain their favor, even if Ma Yuanliang saw through her false name and knew she was coming to Chang'an, he would be powerless to stop her from rising to prominence.
Then we can settle the score with Ma Yuanliang!
"Xie Zhongshu, Princess Jinxian, the Gao family, the residence of the Minister of Revenue..." After learning some details, Xue Yuanshuang had already made her choice. The imperial examinations had been reformed, dividing the examinations into two separate lists, one for the emperor and one for women, and adding a female category. However, the high-ranking officials and literary leaders still didn't value the female category much, using it primarily to create a reputation for some men. For women, submitting numerous papers would be of little benefit; careful selection was essential.
The residence of Xie Lanzhao, the Grand Secretary, was naturally the top choice. Not only did she hold a high position, but she was also a strong advocate for the Xuanqi policy. However, she had a grudge against Prime Minister Pei, and since Pei Wuwei had helped her, Xue Yuanshuang couldn't afford to embarrass the Pei family over this matter. Xue Yuanshuang quickly eliminated Xie Lanzhao. She actually admired Xie Lanzhao; while background was important, how could one gain a foothold without talent?
Thinking to herself, Xue Yuanshuang sighed softly again.
"Why is Sister sighing? Is something wrong with the Pei family?" Pei Wuwei peeked over the shoulder.
“No,” Xue Yuanshuang said. Pei Wuwei had helped her so much along the way. She asked Pei Wuwei what she wanted, but he shook his head, never expecting anything in return, only saying that a chivalrous person should act this way.
Pei Wuwei didn't pry. She raised an eyebrow and smiled casually, saying, "I've heard some good news. Would you like to hear it, sister?"
Xue Yuanshuang stared intently at Pei Wuwei: "Hmm?"
“Ma Yuanliang was imprisoned for stealing literary fame and engaging in fraud,” Pei Wuwei said.
In her opinion, this shameless thief should be killed by hand, but if she really did that, she was afraid no one would be able to get her out of jail.
Xue Yuanshuang's gaze suddenly sharpened.
Before she could even do anything, Ma Yuanliang's plan failed?!
"This matter is being discussed all over the capital. Some people have also mentioned your poems and essays, sister. Do you want to revert to your original name?" Pei Wuwei asked again. Before Xue Yuanshuang could answer, she shook her head and said, "No, no." When she took the imperial examination in Tongzhou, her name and place of origin changed. She was no longer Xue Yuanshuang, but Xue Xianyao.
Pei Wuwei mentioned Ma Yuanliang to Xue Yuanshuang, and guests arrived at the Pei residence.
Pei Changqing was off duty. He knew that Ma Yuanliang had stolen Xue Yuanshuang's writings, and that His Majesty had ordered a search for Xue Yuanshuang. However, he was unaware that his sister's guest, Xue Xianyao, was none other than Xue Yuanshuang herself! Upon learning the truth, he was shocked and immediately sent someone to fetch Xue Yuanshuang—
His Majesty must see Xue Yuanshuang; there can be no delay.
When Pei Wuwei mentioned the pseudonym, Xue Yuanshuang's expression darkened slightly, and she shook her head, rejecting Pei Wuwei's suggestion.
She originally planned to deal with this matter in the future.
At this moment, a servant from the Pei family brought news, and Xue Yuanshuang and Pei Wuwei's expressions changed. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with surprise.
How did you find it so quickly?!
The fact that Xue Yuanshuang was the same as Xue Xianyao meant that the court was aware of her fraudulent registration.
"I'm sorry," Xue Yuanshuang said to Pei Wuwei, her face showing remorse.
Pei Wuwei pondered for a moment and said, "Sister, don't panic. Impersonation is rampant and has become a common practice. We'll find out when we go out and take a look."
Xue Yuanshuang forced herself to calm down, but she never expected that he would directly invite her to the palace to meet the emperor.
Her eye twitched violently.
Pei Wuwei, however, smiled.
This is a trivial matter, not something a sage would bother with.
But the imperial decree meant that an opportunity had arrived!
In the palace.
Zhao Jialing was very satisfied with the efficiency of his ministers.
Xue Yuanshuang was immediately summoned to the palace.
She's about to finish her task, so taking a short break to see people isn't out of the question.
Zhao Jialing also invited Xie Lanzao to the palace.
Upon seeing Xie Lanzhao's face, which was as cold as frost in winter, Zhao Jialing said, "I am just like you. I don't have a good relationship with the Pei family either, but the justice that should be given must still be given."
Xie Lanzhao: "...I really didn't mind."
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