Chapter 331 You've come here to ask me for the test questions?
Princess Yuxue, the most beloved granddaughter of Prince Ji, practically grew up with her. This was the first time they had met since the Shen family's misfortune.
"Lanxi~" Zhou Yunxue, dressed as a married woman, looked timidly at Shen Lanxi.
"Yunxue, what brings you here?" Shen Lanxi raised the corners of her mouth and greeted her with a smile, just like six years ago.
Zhou Yunxue looked at the bright and spirited woman and almost didn't recognize her.
“Lanxi, you’ve changed quite a bit,” Zhou Yunxue said awkwardly.
Shen Lanxi said as if recalling something, "Speaking of which, it's been more than six years since we last met, hasn't it? Don't say I've changed a lot, you've changed quite a bit too."
Zhou Yunxue gave an awkward smile, unsure of what to say next.
“When the Shen family was convicted, my family members pleaded for leniency one after another, but it was no use. The verdict was handed down too hastily at that time,” Zhou Yunxue explained in a low voice.
Shen Lanxi: "Let's go inside and talk."
As she walked, she said, "I heard that you married and left the capital."
Zhou Yunxue's eyes stung and tears welled up uncontrollably, and she let out a muffled "hmm" in her throat.
"I married and moved to Xishan."
Shen Lanxi raised an eyebrow, puzzled, and asked, "Why are you marrying someone so far away?" Wasn't she previously engaged to the Zhao family of Marquis Yong'an?
Whether Zhou Yunxue didn't hear or was unwilling to answer, she made her way to the reception room.
Hot tea and snacks were served one after another, and Shen Lanxi invited Zhou Yunxue to sit down.
"Yunxue, I'm so glad to see you today."
Zhou Yunxue's eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled through them and said, "Lanxi, I'm so happy to see you too."
Shen Lanxi politely took a sip of tea, then got straight to the point: "We haven't seen each other for more than six years, and I believe we will both be very happy to meet again."
Zhou Yunxue felt a sense of oppression, and her fingers slowly clenched her clothes.
"I am a military officer, and I am used to doing things decisively. Tell me, what brings you here today?"
Even though Zhou Yunxue wanted to reminisce, she couldn't say a word; she had indeed come with a purpose today.
"Lanxi, I heard that His Majesty has appointed you as the chief examiner for the imperial examinations?"
Shen Lanxi's eyes gradually softened, and she said businesslike, "Yes."
Zhou Yunxue seemed somewhat reluctant to speak, and after much hesitation, she could not resist the purpose of her visit.
“My husband is the magistrate of Xishan County, and his two younger cousins are about to take the imperial examinations.” Zhou Yunxue found it difficult to say the rest.
Shen Lanxi asked in a cold tone, "So, you've come here to ask me for the test questions?"
Zhou Yunxue quickly shook her head: "No, I...I..." She said "I" twice, but she still couldn't bring herself to say that she asked Shen Lanxi to help her cheat.
"Lanxi, I only beg you to show mercy for the sake of our past sisterly relationship."
Shen Lanxi sneered inwardly, utterly disappointed in this former sister.
"I welcome you to come and reminisce with me. But if it's about the imperial examinations, then don't bring it up."
Zhou Yunxue was taken aback.
"I remember you love the palace's signature dish, 'Hibiscus Chicken Slices,' and it just so happens that the imperial chef His Majesty sent to me hasn't been recalled yet. Why don't you have dinner before you leave?"
Zhou Yunxue had quickly calmed down, and when she looked at Shen Lanxi again, she no longer felt the same affection she had for him when they were young.
"Lanxi, do you still remember that I like to eat chicken slices with egg white?"
Shen Lanxi: "I not only remember that you like to eat chicken slices with egg white, but I also remember that you like to eat sour pear syrup. It just so happens that the old woman in my household kitchen knows how to make it. Make some extra for you to take back and eat!"
Zhou Yunxue listened in a daze. She didn't stay to finish her meal and left under the pretext of having something to do.
Che Mingyuan watched Zhou Yunxue leave before heading to the reception room.
"Indeed, quite a few people have come to visit my residence these past two days." He was still holding visiting cards and letters in his hands.
"Several officials from the Ministry of Rites wish to discuss the imperial examinations with Your Excellency, and many students have also submitted their essays, hoping to receive Your Excellency's guidance."
Shen Lanxi laughed.
"What, am I no longer the warrior and butcher that scholars see me as?"
Che Mingyuan's smile deepened, and the corners of his mouth kept turning up.
"Perhaps they want to learn how to wield a knife from the adults?"
Shen Lanxi smiled even more broadly.
Throughout history, the imperial examinations were jointly organized by the Ministry of Rites. To put it bluntly, the Ministry of Rites provided the framework for the imperial examinations, and then filled them with renowned civil officials.
Everyone thought Mei Nanhua was the popular choice, but unexpectedly, Shen Lanxi appeared out of nowhere.
Many people had already paved the way and were just waiting for the imperial examination. Now that Shen Lanxi has taken office, those people have no choice but to start thinking about how to make Shen Lanxi's path work.
A small group of people came to pay homage to Shen Lanxi.
"Tell the gatekeeper that no students will be seen. If they are here to discuss matters related to the imperial examinations, have them find a suitable time to gather all the officials in charge of the examinations together for a unified discussion."
Che Mingyuan was happy to be the messenger.
Shen Lanxi: "I will rest for two days. When someone comes to deliver the visiting card, you will be in charge of handling it."
Che Mingyuan went to find the doorman.
Shen Lanxi tapped the table twice, and the bodyguards appeared.
"Find out where Zhou Yunxue lives and why she married so far away."
"yes."
The Prince Ji's mansion is so famous that even the most private matters within the inner quarters can be investigated if one wants to.
"After the Shen family was exiled, Prince Ji first fell seriously ill and died, and Princess Ji passed away a year later. Then, Zhou Yunxue was tricked and pushed into the water while attending a banquet, a fact known throughout the capital. She subsequently broke off her engagement with the Zhao family and married the man who saved her from the drowning."
"This man was originally on good terms with the eldest princess's husband, they were just drinking buddies. But after he married Zhou Yunxue, he was transferred to a post as magistrate in Xishan."
After hearing this, Shen Lanxi sneered: "I don't believe it if you say that Zhou Yunxue's drowning has nothing to do with the eldest princess."
"Go and investigate Fang Wenting again."
"yes!"
During her convalescence, Princess Zhou Yunshang angered Emperor Renxiao and was reprimanded by him. She was also confined to her residence and forbidden from stepping into the palace again.
Shen Lanxi carefully recalled Zhou Yunshang's appearance, only remembering her gloomy and jealous face every time she saw her.
I thought that after we made things clear that day, Zhou Yunxue wouldn't come again, but to my surprise, she came to visit again just one day later.
She also brought her two children with her this time.
"Lanxi, these are my son and daughter. My husband is busy with the imperial examinations, and I was afraid they would make a fuss, so I brought them out to meet you!" Zhou Yunxue also brought some local specialties from Xishan this time.
"Although Xishan can't compare to the prosperity of the capital, the jade produced there is still quite beautiful." Zhou Yunxue took out two bracelets, two hairpins, and a jade carriage carved from mutton fat jade from the jewelry box.
Shen Lanxi hurriedly closed the jewelry box.
"This is too valuable, I can't accept it!"
Upon seeing this, Zhou Yunxue grabbed the jewelry box and stepped aside.
"Lanxi, I don't have much to give you. You gave me a lot of nice things before, and I didn't have time to give you anything back. I came back in a hurry this time and didn't bring much. When I go back to Xishan, I'll have someone bring you something more exquisite."
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