The Hanlin Academy was located near Yubei Bridge on Chang'an Avenue, just a street away from the Imperial Palace, making it one of the most peaceful spots in the capital.
Yet, on this particular morning, dozens of guards had surrounded the academy without any warning.
Gu Li, the newly appointed Grand Scholar of the Hanlin Academy, was startled by the news. He was merely a bookworm! However, duty called, and he had to step out to manage the situation. As soon as he exited, he saw his great nephew standing solemnly at the entrance, clad in purple official robes, radiating an aura that warned everyone to stay away.
Gu Li blinked, momentarily stunned.
He then remembered that Gu Yanchen was no longer the neglected child from his elder brother's household.
Now, he held a vice-ministerial rank of Zheng San Pin and was the Prince Rui, in charge of the Dali Temple. Gu Li hurriedly clasped his hands in greeting, "Your subordinate pays respects to His Highness Prince Rui. May Your Highness live for ten thousand, ten thousand, and ten thousand years."
Gu Yanchen's gaze softened slightly. "Uncle, there's no need for such formality. I am merely here to apprehend a criminal. Where is Zhao Yonghe?"
Zhao Yonghe, the legitimate son of the Right Prime Minister Zhao Zong, had been a top scholar in the imperial examinations three years prior and was personally selected as the third-place winner by Emperor Changwu. After being assigned to the Hanlin Academy, he had been promoted several times in three years, rising from an initial seventh-rank compiler to a fifth-rank reader and scholar. He regularly lectured Emperor Changwu on classics, earning the Emperor's favor and frequent audiences, making him the envy and jealousy of many in the Hanlin Academy.
Such a person was now being personally sought by the Minister of the Dali Temple.
What offense had he committed?
The members of the Hanlin Academy exchanged bewildered glances. Zhao Yonghe's fingers trembled slightly, but he quickly regained composure. He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and asked, "May I know what offense I have committed to warrant the presence of the Dali Temple?"
Gu Yanchen scoffed, unimpeded. "They say the Hanlin Academy is a gathering of the most learned scholars in the land. Yet, you, Scholar Zhao, have used such filthy and despicable means to ruin a woman's reputation. In my opinion, all those books have been read to the dogs."
A commotion erupted among the crowd.
Zhao Yonghe's mouth opened and closed, but he could not utter a single word of defense.
Gu Yanchen offered him no chance to speak. "Take him away."
Two guards stepped forward with their swords, and Zhao Yonghe was quickly escorted out.
The apprehension of a civil official had led to dozens of guards with drawn swords. Prince Rui was clearly not just there to arrest someone; he wanted to make a spectacle of it. The members of the Hanlin Academy began to whisper amongst themselves. Those eager to curry favor with the Right Prime Minister quickly took leave, rushing off to deliver the news.
Lu Nianfu woke up, remembering her transaction with Madam Jin. She immediately summoned Qingmiao and instructed her to retrieve fifty thousand taels of silver.
Qingmiao did not inquire about the purpose of the money, but Qingya, seeing her preparing to leave with the funds, became uneasy. "Miss, the ruffian who harmed you yesterday has not yet been found. If you go out like this, what if you run into trouble again?"
"One can't always guard against a thief, and a thief can't always be on guard. Can we stop going out because of what happened yesterday?"
"At least hide for two days."
"No, I have things to do. Besides, don't I have you and Damao with me?"
"Did the Master give Damao to you?"
"Yes, he said his martial arts were superior to Song Ming's."
Qingya pouted. "But Song Ming is clever."
Damao might be skilled in martial arts, but he was easily fooled.
Lu Nianfu pinched Qingya's cheek. "As long as you, with your intelligence, can guide Damao, it will be fine."
"That's true." Speaking of which, Qingya became quite proud, lifting her chin as if she were a strutting peacock. Lu Nianfu chuckled and led her and Damao out.
As they reached the main gate, they saw Wang Shoucheng waiting. Upon seeing them emerge, he quickly stepped forward to bow.
Lu Nianfu smiled and glanced at Qingya. "Come to see Qingya again?"
Wang Shoucheng looked a bit embarrassed. "No, I heard that Miss had encountered danger yesterday, and I was greatly alarmed. I came to check on your condition! Seeing that you are safe and sound, I am relieved."
Qingya waved her hand. "If you're relieved, then hurry back. Don't disturb Miss's business."
"Qingya, a word in private."
"No time. I must accompany Miss today. Miss, let's go quickly." With that, she helped Lu Nianfu into the carriage. Lu Nianfu saw the regret on Wang Shoucheng's face and advised, "Why don't you go play with Shoucheng? Damao will be with me."
"No, I won't be at ease if I'm not by your side."
Lu Nianfu: …
Alright, this girl was likely to be jumpy for a few days.
And so, under Wang Shoucheng's gaze, Damao flicked the reins and led the mistress and maid away.
Lu Nianfu was heading to the Lingyan Pavilion to conduct business. They had agreed yesterday that she would purchase the Lingyan Pavilion and all the girls within for fifty thousand taels of silver today. She had been mentally prepared, so even when she saw the rows of older women standing, no hint of disappointment crossed her face. This, in turn, relieved Madam Jin.
The decline of Lingyan Pavilion was not without reason.
There were a total of thirty-six girls, with only about ten under the age of twenty. Their appearances were quite mediocre, and even with makeup, they were not particularly attractive.
Madam Jin adjusted her hair. "There's nothing to be done. The treatment at Lingyan Pavilion is too poor. Any girl with even a little bit of beauty has been poached by other employers."