Chapter 49 I Want a Divorce
Yun Zheng struggled hard with her arms and took a few steps back, her eyes full of vigilance.
The Third Prince then realized his impulsiveness and bowed his hands in apology. "I am sorry for my impoliteness. I hope Master Jinyun will not blame me. How about you make a request first?"
His pretentious demeanor was truly annoying. Yun Zheng smiled and nodded, "Okay."
"I want a divorce!"
The Third Prince's smile froze. "This... I'm afraid that's not possible, but I can make you the wife of the Prince of Pingxi."
Divorce is a heinous act and will offend a number of nobles and lose the favor of the emperor, so it is not worth it.
Yun Zheng had expected this; royal descendants were naturally good at weighing the pros and cons. "I just want a divorce."
The third prince frowned. This merchant's daughter was ignorant and short-sighted.
"The Pingxi Marquisate is a century-old noble family, rich and glorious. If you divorce, you will become an abandoned woman. The public opinion and gossip in the world will drive you to death. Listen to my advice."
It seemed like everything he said was for Yun Zheng's own good, but the truth was, only he knew it best.
Yun Zheng waved her hands, her expression indifferent, "I understand, you can't do it."
The third prince choked and looked at her coldly.
Yun Zheng ignored him, bowed to Li Wuyang, and quietly left.
The Third Prince was furious and complained loudly, "Uncle Nine, what do you think of her attitude? She's ungrateful and doesn't know how to appreciate kindness. You have to help me punish her."
When beating a dog, one must look at the owner first. If he takes action, the Ninth Prince will definitely be angry.
Li Wuyang sat by the window, his eyes fixed on the podium, his brows stern, "You are not the only smart person in this world. You are just taking advantage of your status."
In his opinion, the Third Prince was not as cunning as Yun Zheng.
The third prince's face turned green.
Yun Zheng walked to the front of the platform. Several old gentlemen were still gathered in front of the calligraphy, staring at it intently.
"Yun Zheng greets all the gentlemen."
The attention of several people was drawn back. Dean Gu of Qingyun Academy nodded and said, "Master Jinyun, are you selling this?"
Yun Zheng shook her head without hesitation, "Not for sale."
Just when everyone was disappointed, Yun Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Just a gift."
Dean Gu looked at her deeply, "What do you want?"
In front of these cunning people, Yun Zheng didn't beat around the bush and spoke calmly.
"I have loved reading since I was a child. I admire all of you great scholars and have read your works. I hope to have the opportunity to bring my cousin home to listen to your teachings up close."
This was said cryptically, but everyone present was extremely intelligent and understood it.
Everyone looked at each other in surprise. She was a woman!
The Imperial Master suddenly spoke up, "To attract the people of the world, to gather their goods, to trade, and then to return, so that everyone gets what they deserve, where does this righteousness come from?"
Yun Zheng didn't even blink, and blurted out, "It's from the Book of Changes, Xici: Market, people, goods, everyone gets what they deserve, that's trading. The trading process is giving up, gaining and then giving up, giving up and then gaining, over and over again, never stopping." Note (1)
The Imperial Tutor's expression eased slightly. "Where does this righteousness of remaining neutral and not relying on the strong come from?"
Although Yun Zheng was a girl, her father raised her as a boy and hired several teachers to teach her not only the Four Books and Five Classics, but also the Six Arts of etiquette, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.
She had been obsessed with history books since she was young, and had read through all the history books of all dynasties. Therefore, her knowledge was not inferior to that of any man.
"From the Doctrine of the Mean, a person of high moral character is docile and unyielding; this is true strength. He remains neutral and impartial..." Note (2)
There was a hint of warmth in the eyes of the literati. She was well-educated and was not talking nonsense to please them.
Dean Gu hesitated for a moment and said, "I can give you one admission quota, but we won't accept women."
Yun Zheng pursed her lips, looking embarrassed.
Cheng Daru suddenly said, "I can give you two admission places to Bailu Academy."
He is the dean of Bailu Academy. The two academies are equally famous, but Qingyun Academy is more official. Princes have also studied there, and children of officials are scrambling to get in.
The Bailu Academy is even more popular, a palace of knowledge that countless children from poor families yearn for.
These two colleges are very strict in admitting students, with only a few places available each year. Of course, there are exceptions to everything.
Dean Gu was unhappy, "Brother Cheng, this is too much." How could he drive up the price?
Yun Zheng smiled and raised three fingers, "Three places within ten years."
Cheng Daru knew that this girl was smart, but he didn't expect her to be so clever. "Okay, only men are allowed."
Without saying anything, Yun Zheng handed the calligraphy to Cheng Daru with both hands, "Your calligraphy."
Cheng Daru was so happy that he laughed out loud, and his laughter echoed throughout the whole venue.
"Brother Gu, thank you for letting me."
After the auction, each guest received a gift, which was four kinds of snacks: peach blossom cake, mung bean and walnut cake, honey kernel cake, and pea yellow cake. The four colors were placed together, and they were exquisite like works of art.
Everyone came with excitement and left with satisfaction, only the third prince left in disgrace.
Before leaving, he turned around and looked at Yun Zheng deeply, his eyes terribly gloomy.
In the box, Yun Zheng watched the Third Prince leave, with a slightly cold smile on the corner of her mouth.
Damn it, they will meet again!
Li Wuyang sat in a wheelchair, playing with his jade ring nonchalantly, "The Third Prince is narrow-minded, be careful."
Yun Zheng turned her head, her face full of curiosity, "He's your nephew, why don't you protect him?"
Li Wuyang was stunned. "I have more than a dozen nephews. Any more would be worthless."
Yun Zheng couldn't help laughing. Okay, the imperial family is the most ruthless.
Li Wuyang picked up a piece of peach blossom pastry and tasted it. It was sweet but not greasy. "You never planned to study from the beginning?"
Since they were alone in the room, Yun Zheng opened up and said, "Why should I study at my age? I'm more interested in business."
During the negotiation, she would first make a particularly excessive request, and then as the discussion went on, everyone would compromise and make a concession. That was actually the result she wanted.
She first mentioned that she wanted to study, but they definitely wouldn't accept her. So, taking a step back, they gave her a place, and that was her goal.
Li Wuyang saw through her hidden thoughts at a glance, "You want to build up your own power!"
It was an affirmative tone, not a question.
Yun Zheng also picked up the snacks and started eating. "Before, because the Yun family had no male heirs, we had too many concerns and therefore acted a little conservatively."
There are too many restrictions for women to do business. Men can get business done by going to a brothel and having a few drinks together, but if a woman does business... people will not treat her as a decent woman at all.
This is the harsh environment, and she has always been more hidden behind the scenes.
"Now, I understand that I must have my own people in the court."
Li Wuyang raised his eyebrows and asked meaningfully, "Aren't you afraid of backlash?"
If Yun Zheng dares to do it, she will make all the necessary preparations.
"Anyone sent to the academy under the name of the Yun family will be marked with the Yun family's mark from the beginning. They are natural allies. If they betray one day, it will be difficult for them to be tolerated in the world."
"Besides, I believe that only common interests can last long."
I have to say, she thinks long-term.
Footsteps were heard outside, getting closer and closer, and the two of them fell silent at the same time.
"Your Highness, Lord, great news! Great news!" The Minister of Revenue's voice sounded excitedly.
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