Suzhen was someone who adapted to circumstances. On the road, she really began seriously pondering this matter of taking the imperial examinations.

She also discussed with Leng Xue, saying that when it came to imperial examinations, one couldn’t help but mention the concept of “disciples.” These two characters were quite scholarly—disciples, disciples—you need a door to be born, and seeking patronage under one of the current dynasty’s great officials was a science. How to make a big shot notice you among numerous disciples was an even greater science.

Speaking of influential figures, one of them was the current Prime Minister Quan Feitong.

People often say that names are closely connected to one’s fate, and Suzhen felt this was true. This Right Prime Minister’s surname was already Quan (Authority), given name Feitong (Extraordinary), courtesy name Xiangyu, and another courtesy name Ouba. Even his family’s horse was particularly impressive, called Oubama. Later, perhaps finding it conflicting, he changed it to the similar-sounding Aobama, which sounded equally powerful.

According to Feng Meiren’s instructions, she and Leng Xue were to go to the capital to find an uncle called Fu Jingshu. It was said this gentleman was his close friend, holding the official position of Hanlin Attendant Scholar.

Jingshu—sounds like “always losing.”

With such a poorly chosen name, his position was equally depressing. Attendant Scholar was a fifth-rank official position—fine for common folk, but forget about examination irregularities. If a mere fifth-rank official could engage in irregularities, what would the first, second, third, and fourth ranks be doing? There were no benefits to speak of. Suzhen thought to herself, how could she bear this?

What depressed her even more was that the boy Leng Xue avoided the main roads and specifically chose forest paths, causing them to encounter quite a few forest heroes demanding tree-planting fees along the way.

When Leng Xue “sent away” the third group of heroes, she finally couldn’t help but explode, saying they should take the main road.

Leng Xue was unwilling, saying this was experiencing life.

Suzhen said, “Wandering markets, encountering bullies, rescuing orphan girls, visiting brothels—those are called experiencing life. I think you’re eighty percent just wanting to test your martial skills.”

Leng Xue said, “That’s from novels, and clichéd ones at that,” and just went aside to eat dry rations, ignoring her.

Suzhen walked over and rolled up her sleeves. Leng Xue’s face reddened, then he lightly scolded, “Womanly virtue.”

When she tearfully pointed to the bumps on her arms from snake, insect, and ant bites, finally Leng Xue frowned almost imperceptibly and compromised.

Arriving at the market, Suzhen headed straight for the restaurant. Leng Xue grabbed her collar: “Didn’t you say wandering markets, encountering bullies, rescuing orphan girls, visiting brothels?”

She replied disdainfully: “I already did all that in Huai County. Did you forget?”

Leng Xue’s face immediately turned green.

The two found the town’s best restaurant, which was extremely crowded and lively. While Suzhen was happily enjoying her wine from large bowls and meat in large chunks, she heard Leng Xue beside her suddenly say, “Those five men who just entered—the one in blue in the middle must be seriously injured.”

“Leng Xue, your nose is really good, even better than a dog’s.”

She praised Leng Xue, but he wasn’t pleased, saying fiercely that this was judgment from a peerless master, did she understand or not?

Suzhen thought to herself that she had no intention of understanding, and just turned to size up those five men.

For no other reason than among all the traveling merchants coming and going, these few were the best-looking, especially the middle two. The blue-clothed young man had eyebrows like mountain ink and jade, eyes gathering starlight’s essence. The other man wore white robes, his brow carrying depths like hidden valleys. When these few sat together, it was as if they separated everyone else around them. The other three were probably servants and attendants—one elderly man with ordinary features but gentle, warm eyes, and two other young men, both with sharp, keen gazes.

Leng Xue said, “Please pay attention to your image.”

Suzhen waved her finger, saying it didn’t matter—look, the young ladies were all watching too.

Leng Xue said, “Don’t forget you’re currently a man. Women watching men adds fragrance to red sleeves, but men watching men—that’s seeking death with cut sleeves.”

Suzhen was angry at this crow’s mouth—the white-clothed young man and one of his attendants indeed glanced at her twice. Though she saw no killing intent, those gazes were enough to make one’s heart race and flesh tremble.

Leng Xue gave a cold laugh. Under the table, Suzhen reached out and pulled him, changing to look only at her chicken, duck, and goose. This way they remained peaceful until those men settled their bill.