So sudden?
Was she truly about to compete for the throne… or, more accurately, to become the dog—no, the Emperor?
The most competition Yun Shu had experienced in her life was once vying for the role of math class representative. Was this not too drastic a leap?
"Shu Shu, a chance like transmigration does not come to just anyone. And for two people like us to even meet within the same space—that is a miracle upon a miracle."
Seeing that Yun Shu's resolve seemed to be wavering, Yun Ni quickly added another heavy blow.
"To leave behind a name in history, to usher in sweeping change for Tian Sheng, to be immortalized in the annals of time and revered by all generations to come…
Shu Shu, do you not wish for that?"
Do I not?
Of course she did!
Who hadn't dreamed big as a child?
Though she acted laid-back now, Yun Shu had once gone through a hot-blooded, delusional phase.
She'd once stood on the school field, imagining the skies turning black and stormwinds howling as a demon army descended upon the earth. While her fellow students scattered in panic, she alone stood still, eyes calm, a sword in her hand, singlehandedly protecting humanity.
She had also imagined a future world where part of humanity had mutated. Among them, a few powerful mutants plotted to dominate the world. They were on the verge of succeeding—until they discovered that Yun Shu was secretly a top-tier powerhouse pretending to be ordinary.
That afternoon, under a sunny sky, Yun Shu, who had been lazily basking like a cat, suddenly opened her eyes, leapt through the window, and fought them midair. One versus ten. Total victory. Peace was restored.
…
Scenes like these, she had imagined countless versions of them in her head.
Though she had not transmigrated into a cultivation world to become a creation god, nor to the future to become a supreme esper…
If she could ascend the throne in ancient times and usher in a prosperity never seen before—
That did not seem any worse, did it?
At the core, it was still about saving the people.
Meeting Yun Ni's eyes, filled with hope and expectation, Yun Shu parted her lips. At last, she said the word Yun Ni had been waiting to hear:
"I do."
"Then let's do it!"
Yun Ni cheered and quickly scooted closer.
"Let us think through the next step. Should we start by drawing up a plan?"
"My plan is to first get through the Spring Examinations."
Yun Shu picked up her laptop and turned the screen toward Yun Ni.
"I know the Crown Prince will certainly attempt something during the exams, but I am unsure how he will go about it. So I pulled up all the historical cheating scandals I could find related to the examinations.
These few cases here seem to have potential for manipulation. I plan to keep a close eye on those areas. Also, I need to come up with ways to turn the trap back on the Crown Prince."
Yun Ni: "…"
Was this not the same "clear-eyed and naive university graduate" she had just described?
She was adapting remarkably well!
-
As chief examiner of the Spring Examinations, Yun Shu suddenly had far more responsibilities on her shoulders.
Naturally, she could no longer laze about in the study under the pretense of being Merchants' Association president.
After looking up everything she could online from within her villa, Yun Shu sent word to excuse herself from seeing Grand Preceptor Ye that morning. She had originally planned to go alone and visit places outside the palace where scholars liked to gather, to see if she could overhear any useful information.
But when she reached the palace gates the next morning, she found that not only was Grand Preceptor Ye waiting there already, but Yun Chuhuan was with him.
"What are you both doing here?"
"Grand Preceptor Ye said that since Fifth Sister is not very familiar with the Spring Examinations, and is suddenly overseeing them as chief examiner, he worried you might be overwhelmed. He wanted to come along in case you needed his help," Yun Chuhuan said cheerfully.
"As for me, I don't care much about exams, but I want to visit the Ministry of Works to see Xiao Yuanzi.
With him around, maybe he can finally help me make that mud that won't collapse when stepped on."
"…"
Well, even though he stood to gain nothing, he was surprisingly enthusiastic this time.
Clearly, he was still nursing a grudge over Father Emperor's earlier kick.
Yun Shu couldn't help laughing.
"Then I shall trouble Grand Preceptor Ye."
"No need to speak of trouble. If nothing else, This Official must be worthy of the title Your Highness granted me."
Ye Qing'an smiled with calm composure.
"Besides, This Official does not come without selfish motives."
"Oh?"
Now that they were traveling together, riding in a carriage would be improper.
Yun Shu loosened the reins and vaulted onto her horse. Tilting her head with interest, she asked:
"What selfish motive does Grand Preceptor Ye harbor?"
"It is for the sake of the poor scholars."
Taking the reins of a second horse handed over by a nearby groom, Ye Qing'an mounted with practiced ease.
"If Your Highness does not object, might you accompany This Official to one particular place?"
"Of course."
Raising a brow, Yun Shu nodded.
Once the three of them rode to West Avenue, Yun Chuhuan parted ways with several guards to head toward the Ministry of Works.
Yun Shu followed Ye Qing'an toward the southern district, the roads growing narrower and rougher the farther they went.
"This is unfamiliar ground for Your Highness, I presume?"
Seeing Yun Shu glance around at their surroundings, Ye Qing'an chuckled.
"This area is home to the poor folk of the capital. That is why the houses and roads here are in such disrepair."
"That much is plain."
Yun Shu nodded.
The main avenue from the palace was paved with blue stone slabs, wide and spotless. Even a loose tile would be repaired promptly.
Other areas, such as the noble district where the Third Prince's manor stood, or the bustling commercial streets near Tian Waitian Restaurant, though not as pristine, were still clean and orderly.
But here—potholes littered the road, and there was more refuse and stench than even outside the city walls.
Yun Shu slowed her breathing, silently regretting that she had not asked where Ye Qing'an was bringing her beforehand.
"Does Grand Preceptor Ye have acquaintances here?"
"None."
Understanding her meaning, Ye Qing'an replied gently:
"But there is an inn here where many poor scholars who came to the capital for the examinations have taken lodging."
"Here? Are you certain?"
Yun Shu was surprised.
"An inn in this location? Its business must suffer terribly."
"Indeed."
Ye Qing'an gave a slight nod, his tone lowering.
"But in truth, the place is known by another name. It is called the Charity Courtyard."
Yun Shu: "…???"