If one wants to attend classes at the Imperial Academy, one must pass an entrance exam drafted by a group of instructors. In order to learn all the traditional Chinese characters, Tianyun has had to study late into the night these past few days.
A large rosewood floor lamp beside the bed emitted a warm yellow glow. Lingqi tiptoed in, not daring to disturb the diligent girl. She shortened the candle wick, and the light instantly became brighter.
Fortunately, Tianyun has a good memory and passed the test after studying hard for several days without any major problems.
Two days after the exam, I was to go to the Imperial College to study.
That day, Madam Shangguan sent a bodyguard to her and slipped her a bulging purse.
The room was stuffed full of silver coins and banknotes, roughly weighing several hundred taels. She said decisively, "Go and buy some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Don't try to save money for your mother. Just spend it as much as you like!"
Upon hearing this, Tianyun's almond-shaped eyes filled with smiles: "Thank you, Mother."
She had long been craving this ancient market and was taking this opportunity to explore it.
The master and servant walked hand in hand into the street. The Xuanwu City Gate was flanked by a forest of halberds, overlooking a vast and orderly market.
The sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air, and the white steam rising from the steamed bun shop emitted a sweet aroma.
The vendor greeted her warmly, "Young lady, freshly baked hot buns, would you like to try one?"
Although she didn't feel hungry, she couldn't resist such a simple and genuine smile.
His expression softened, and he gestured to Lingqi, "Then let's have two."
——
Inside the Ink Treasure Studio.
Tianyun propped her chin up and examined the front of the counter for a long time. These square ink strips all looked different to her, and she couldn't tell which were good or bad.
The shopkeeper, always quick to read people's expressions, didn't rush them. He noticed that Tianyun was dressed in fine clothes but looked puzzled, as if to say, "I don't know much, but I have a lot of money."
It would be inhuman not to slaughter this huge fish!
He quickly took out a small box inlaid with pearls and feathers from the bottom compartment.
As soon as the small box was opened, a faint, ethereal fragrance of ink wafted out.
"This Huizhou ink is the treasure of our shop. It's a rare item that you can't find more than a few of in the entire Daliang. Today, it's a rock-bottom price, only this amount."
The shopkeeper smiled and held up two fingers.
The small box was exquisitely crafted. She leaned forward slightly and picked it up, examining it closely. A glimpse of her fair, jade-like wrist was revealed as she asked, "Twenty taels?"
The shopkeeper's eyes gleamed with shrewdness as he shook his head at Tianyun: "Two hundred taels."
So expensive! But thankfully I can afford it.
She took out her bulging purse, counted out the money, and was about to pay. Just then, a voice came from the doorway.
"Wait a minute."
The sound was like a piece of jade falling into a mountain stream, exceptionally clear and melodious, instantly attracting Tianyun's attention like a magnet.
She turned her head to look outside.
The person was backlit, so his face was not visible, but his tall and imposing figure was vaguely discernible, like a pine tree standing tall and straight in the wind.
Tianyun slowly lowered his gaze, his long black robe completely covering his two long legs.
He walked slowly, as if he had some difficulty walking.
The shopkeeper's face was all smiles, and he thought to himself with delight, "I've made another big buck!"
Just as he was about to take the silver from Tianyun, the man pushed it back to Tianyun.
The cold fingers seemed to freeze for a moment when they touched Tianyun's warm skin, but the person quickly withdrew their hand.
The shopkeeper, finding no one there, froze with a smile and looked at the uninvited guest with hostility.
The man stood beside Tianyun, and light shone through, clearly illuminating the boy's handsome face.
The boy had a pale complexion with sharp, cold features. His lips were also pale, and when he looked at people with his eyes closed, he had a strange allure that made people want to lick his pale lips.
As Tianyun watched, her heart skipped a beat. She felt ashamed that she could have such wicked thoughts, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
The shopkeeper's face hardened, and he said unfriendly, "What does this young master mean by obstructing a vendor's business?"
The young man glanced at the shopkeeper, then picked up the ink that Tianyun wanted to buy from the counter with his strong, muscular hands: "This ink is indeed Huizhou ink, but it is not the finest pure soot ink, so it is not worth two hundred taels of silver, at most no more than fifty taels."
After saying that, his eyes flickered for a moment, and he glanced at Tianyun quickly before looking away: "Miss, you are dressed very expensively, so you must come from a wealthy family. But even if you are rich, there is no need to waste money like this."
Tianyun put the silver back into her purse, her cherry lips curving into a slight smile as she nodded in agreement, "What you say is true, young master. No one would willingly give extra silver to a wicked and cunning person for no reason."
Lingqi, who had been holding back for a long time, spoke up angrily: "What a heartless and unscrupulous merchant! He said fifty taels was two hundred taels. Doesn't he fear that he'll bite off more than he can chew? Does he think he can rip off just anyone? This is outrageous!"
Upon hearing Lingqi's words, the shopkeeper instantly lost his composure, his face flushed red as he angrily shouted, "Where did this brat come from! If you don't know the value of a product, don't spout nonsense. This is top-quality ink; how can it not be worth two hundred taels?"
"This ink scent is strange. The ink is dark and lustrous but odorless, and the paper and brush don't stick together." The young man put the ink back on the counter, his phoenix eyes sweeping over the shopkeeper who was already furious. His voice was calm and even, but it was more convincing than shouting angrily.
Tianyun said gently, "This young master has already presented the evidence to you. What else do you have to say?"
The shopkeeper's face darkened completely. He knew the deal was off and he was furious with the troublemaker. He beckoned to a few cleaning staff and glared at the boy who had ruined his business. "You guys teach him a lesson! He's lame and still likes to meddle in other people's business. Young man, you don't know your place. Today I'll teach you a lesson."
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