Chapter 83
Shen Jun was also decisive and efficient in his work, especially when working for the Crown Prince.
Since Shen Rang was uncooperative, Shen Jun simply took matters into his own hands, which also served to show how much he valued him.
In the past few days, Duan Huaichuan had met many people, but this was the first time he had met the Marquis.
He was impeccably courteous, and despite his humble origins, he remained neither servile nor arrogant in the presence of a marquis. Shen Jun, observing this, felt even more strongly that the Crown Prince had chosen the right person.
"I heard that the Chengfeng Inn has been quite lively lately. Duan Jieyuan must be exhausted."
"The people of Luoyang are very hospitable, and I don't feel tired at all."
Upon hearing his words, Shen Jun couldn't help but burst into laughter.
The local customs are warm and welcoming... This top scholar doesn't seem to be just a bookworm; he's quite eloquent.
That would be even better.
“Enthusiasm is good, but everything in excess is bad and will only cause trouble,” Shen Jun said. “Your residence is quiet. If you, Scholar Duan, find this inn too quiet, why not stay at my residence?”
“I’m afraid it’s not appropriate,” Duan Huaichuan cupped his hands in greeting. “I shouldn’t refuse the Marquis’s favor, but I’m new to the capital and have no intention of seeking refuge with anyone.”
He knew, of course, that by establishing connections with these powerful families in the capital, his future career would be very smooth, and it was even possible that he could rise to prominence from there.
But that also means becoming a puppet in someone else's hands, doing things according to their instructions.
This was not his original intention in participating in the scientific expedition.
“You flatter me, Scholar Duan. I was just trying to help you out because I saw you were being harassed,” Shen Jun said. “Besides, you have to take the imperial examination next year. How can you concentrate on your studies while staying at an inn?”
Shen Jun's words hit the nail on the head.
This is also what Duan Huaichuan is worried about.
He had been in Luoyang for several days, and the constant stream of guests had exhausted him. He hadn't been able to settle down and read properly for several days.
This had a devastating impact on him.
Seeing Duan Huaichuan's wavering expression, Shen Jun continued, "As I just said, I only wanted to share some of the burden for Duan Jieyuan, so there's no need for you to worry. People only have a fleeting infatuation; at worst, after a few months when the heat dies down, Duan Jieyuan can just move out again. Absolutely no one in the Marquis's mansion will dare to stop Duan Jieyuan."
Having said all that, Duan Huaichuan was truly tempted.
But he can't just take advantage of the situation for nothing.
He struggled with his conscience for a long time before finally taking out one of the hundred-tael silver notes that Yunxi had given him earlier: "This is my room and board at the Marquis's residence. If it's not enough, the Marquis can let me know."
One hundred taels of silver would be enough for him to live on for most of his life in the countryside. If it wasn't enough, it meant that this mansion was not a place for him to live, and he should pack his things and find another place as soon as possible.
Shen Jun nodded without hesitation.
As Shen Jun took the silver note, he was secretly alarmed.
The background of this top scholar is not complicated. He is from Xikou Village. He lost both his parents at a young age and was adopted by the Chen couple who ran a private school. His background is clean and there is no doubt about it. But how could someone with such a background carry so much silver with him?
Could it be that someone has already won him over beforehand?
Shen Jun stood up with a calm expression: "Then why don't you pack your things and come back with me, Scholar Duan?"
"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency."
He's been staying here for several days, and he's already unpacked his luggage, so he needs to repack it all.
No rush.
Duan Huaichuan was an organized person and quick-witted, so he repacked his luggage in no time.
Although Yunxi gave him a thousand taels of silver to keep him safe, prices in the capital were so high that he couldn't bear to buy anything new, and he was still wearing the same old clothes that had been washed until they were almost white.
Following Shen Jun back to the Marquis's residence, Duan Huaichuan was alarmed to find that Shen Jun had arranged for him a separate courtyard, complete with servants. "My lord, this is probably not appropriate."
Shen Jun waved his hand: "Duan Jieyuan, you don't know, there are many empty courtyards in the mansion, this one is already the smallest. As for these servants... we'll keep them, it's fine for them to serve you, Duan Jieyuan."
These servants were all carefully selected, and two of them were particularly beautiful. If they could catch Duan Huaichuan's eye, how could Duan Huaichuan possibly escape in the future?
After hearing Shen Jun's boastful and arrogant speech, Duan Huaichuan had nothing to say.
This house is already the smallest in other people's households, so what else can he say?
“However, please take these servants back, Lord Marquis,” Duan Huaichuan cupped his hands in greeting. “I am not used to being served by others. Besides, the silver given to you, Lord Marquis, is for food and lodging expenses, and I would like to spend it sparingly.”
That's why they say Duan Huaichuan knows how to talk.
After hearing this, if Shen Jun still wanted to keep the person, it would be forcing Duan Huaichuan to spend more money.
He used money to settle the debt of gratitude, which made it impossible for Shen Jun to force the person to stay.
Sure enough, Shen Jun's expression stiffened for a moment: "...Fine, then I won't ask Duan Jieyuan to spend any more money."
After saying this, Shen Jun waved his hand, and the servants exchanged glances and had no choice but to leave.
Since Duan Huaichuan had just arrived, he naturally needed to tidy up the place properly. Shen Jun was also very considerate: "This front yard is quite scenic. If Duan Jieyuan gets tired of studying, he can go out for a stroll. I won't disturb him for now."
"Thank you, Lord Marquis."
Duan Huaichuan saw the person out of the courtyard gate before he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As he packed his luggage, he began to worry about something else.
He's no longer at Chengfeng Inn. What if Yunxi goes looking for him again?
After much deliberation, Duan Huaichuan went out to Chengfeng Inn again and told the innkeeper that if he saw a girl wearing a veiled hat again, he should tell her that he was now living in the Changping Marquis's mansion.
In this way, there is nothing to worry about.
Yunxi knew he lived in the Marquis's residence and had no need to go to Chengfeng Inn.
She heard about it that evening when she was taking a walk with Shen Rang in the backyard.
Upon hearing this news, Yunxi found it hard to believe.
Duan Huaichuan actually came to the Marquis's residence...
Did he come in my past life too?
It's not impossible.
In her past life, she was imprisoned in that small back room and knew nothing about what was happening in the outside world, which is understandable.
So, she and Duan Huaichuan used to live in the same mansion?
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