Chen Yu lived a life of day study with occasional boarding.

On ordinary days, he mostly stayed at the Lin residence, leaving early and returning late. If his teacher had any activities or instructions, he would stay at his teacher’s place for a few days.

That Master Xu was an interesting person who loved traveling. Today he might be boating on a lake, tomorrow he might chat with old farmers by the fields, and the day after he might be climbing mountains and gazing into the distance.

His daily activities were rich and varied.

Lin Ruhai would from time to time set an examination question for his son to ensure he hadn’t gone too wild, then wouldn’t interfere further.

Each person had their own style of teaching disciples. When originally selecting a teacher for his son, he had already known Master Xu’s character.

If he had minded, he wouldn’t have had his son send him a visiting card in the first place.

The specialization was too strong. Yun Shuyao had long since lost track of what her son was learning. She wouldn’t be anxious about this—as long as she ensured his logistics, that was enough.

She now had to pay attention to news from unofficial channels every day.

For example, where the imperial carriage had reached now.

What had been done.

What people had been summoned.

Of course, what was said was definitely unknown. The above information might not be accurate either, but the various news derived from it was still quite interesting.

Moreover, this time His Majesty had brought the Crown Prince and the Thirteenth Prince. There were even people presenting beauties to the two princes. This type of news spread the fastest.

For instance, Yun Shuyao heard that as Kangxi’s imperial carriage traveled southward and reached Jinling, he stayed at the Zhen family residence. The Zhen family presented countless rare treasures, and then a Zhen family woman became the Crown Prince’s concubine. The story was told with such vivid detail that she almost believed it.

Yun Shuyao asked Lin Ruhai, “Is it true? The Crown Prince accepted a Zhen family woman?” Her eyes were full of the flavor of gossip.

As for saying he didn’t know?

No, gossip was human nature, not to mention this wasn’t pure gossip.

Lin Ruhai was silent for a while. “He did accept her.”

Yun Shuyao said, “I thought it was pure rumor. Is it related to that cousin of Zhen Yingjia they wanted to match with you before?” She became even more interested.

Lin Ruhai was helpless. “Didn’t you already know?”

Yes, this Crown Prince’s concubine was the person the Zhen family had previously wanted to arrange as Lin Ruhai’s second wife. Lin Ruhai had refused here, and she immediately became the Crown Prince’s person.

This speed, this efficiency—nothing more to say.

Hearing Lin Ruhai confirm it was that person, Yun Shuyao couldn’t suppress the smile on her face. This was really quite amusing.

Lin Ruhai glanced at her sideways. Yun Shuyao restrained her smile and spoke righteously, “The Zhen family really went too far!”

Lin Ruhai said, “How is this going too far? Since I refused and she’s of marriageable age, naturally they should find her another good match.” Lin Ruhai wouldn’t be angry about this. What displeased him were other aspects.

The Zhen family was too arrogant.

While Kangxi was staying in Jinling, someone sent up an invitation.

When Lin Ruhai first came to Yangzhou, because the Xue family’s sphere of influence was in this area, he had even borrowed their influence.

This was the Xue family.

The Xue family head, his wife, and their pair of children were all in Yangzhou now and wanted to choose a day to visit.

Lin Ruhai received this invitation and asked Chen Yu, “Isn’t your teacher taking you to attend the poetry gathering?”

Chen Yu replied, “Yes.”

Lin Ruhai nodded. “In that case, let it be after the poetry gathering.”

This poetry gathering was held twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. It was the most prestigious poetry gathering in Yangzhou and the surrounding areas. If one could perform excellently at this gathering, one could quickly become famous.

Father Xue received the return invitation. Looking at the date, he knew why this particular day was chosen. He couldn’t help but pay attention to the performance at this poetry gathering.

A poetry gathering naturally tested poetry, but the six arts of a gentleman—other skills would also be randomly examined.

Master Lin’s only son shone brilliantly at this poetry gathering and won first place.

He was only sixteen this year.

Father Xue looked at his own only son, already twelve years old but who hadn’t finished reading even one book, and felt envious.

Chen Yu was crowned with the title of “young talented scholar.” Yun Shuyao asked him, “Are you happy? Are you proud?”

Chen Yu honestly nodded, then shook his head. “At first, being praised did make me very happy. Then I checked the previous years’ first place winners and the number of people who were called young talented scholars, as well as their current situations. I’ve calmed down now.”

Although this first place was earned by his own ability and the praise was abundant, many people before had received this treatment too.

Many also had real talent and learning, but those who achieved great success were still a minority. Being praised a bit wasn’t anything special.

Moreover, the speed at which he became famous this time also had to do with Father currently holding great power in Yangzhou. Who knew how many people wanted to curry favor with Father? Let alone him having some scholarly ability—even if he had none and was just a pig, if they wanted him to become famous, they could help spread his reputation.

He couldn’t take it too seriously.

And those salt merchants still wanted salt permits. For salt permits, they would use any means necessary. “There’s also singing in the flower houses…” Halfway through speaking, Chen Yu shut his mouth. He had let something slip.

Shuyao glanced at him sideways. “You hired a girl? You yourself also study medicine. Some words I don’t need to repeatedly instruct you—you know them too. Moreover, flower houses—you know this is a place that can steal people’s souls and wills?”

Chen Yu nodded obediently. “Concubine, I know. I just went to sit for a bit. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t even drink the wine.”

That wine had some things added to it to “enhance the mood.” He smelled it.

Some people wanted it, but he didn’t want to drink even a sip.

Yun Shuyao said, “As long as you know in your heart. If you do something you shouldn’t, don’t blame me for disciplining you.”

Going to socialize and sit for a bit was one thing. If he dared hire a girl, heh.

She couldn’t control others, but she could still manage her own son.

Chen Yu sat up straight, feeling his skin tighten a bit. “Concubine, I promise.”

Then he immediately changed the subject. “Concubine, I ate a braised river delicacy dish on the boat. The taste was extremely delicious. It’s just that the fish needed aren’t easy to catch. I ordered two portions. They’ll be delivered tonight. Concubine, you should try it…”

Perhaps because Concubine always placed great importance on culinary pleasures, when Chen Yu and Luo Yu had the conditions, they wouldn’t shortchange their own mouths. When eating something delicious outside that they didn’t have at home, they would bring it back—one portion for the family to eat, another for the cook to study. If she could figure it out, great. If not, that was fine too.

The next day was the day of the banquet. When Father Xue saw Lin Ruhai and Chen Yu beside him, the envy in his eyes was about to overflow. “Congratulations, Master Lin. Like father, like son. Young Master Lin’s reputation for talent will soon radiate throughout the entire Jiangnan region, and even throughout all of the Great Qing.”

Look at other people’s children, then look at his own—truly a headache.

The smile on Lin Ruhai’s face intensified by two degrees because of this praise. “Minister Xue is too kind. This is just his luck. This is Brother Pan, I remember he’s only twelve? Such a fine figure of a man.”

Xue Pan was taller than his peers and somewhat plump, looking robust. One could tell at a glance he was well-nourished and raised.

It was just that his temperament indeed seemed somewhat unstable. Those eyes darted around, and his face carried some domineering air.

The two men entered the stage of mutual commercial flattery.

Chen Yu smiled as he listened. When he first saw him, he was somewhat surprised. When there was a break, he asked, “Uncle Xue, why do you look so much thinner?”

Father Xue smiled. “I fell ill not long ago. I’ve only recently recovered.”

Lin Ruhai said, “So that’s how it is. Minister Xue should still be more careful.”

While they exchanged pleasantries there, Yun Shuyao, Madam Xue, and Xue Baochai talked in the inner quarters.

Xue Baochai was ten years old this year. One could see she was the makings of a beauty. Moreover, her personality was relatively lively, like many young girls doted on by their parents.

This was their first meeting, and their statuses were different, so they talked about flowers and plants, about jewelry, then about children, mutually praising each other a bit. After eating and drinking something, time passed. The main event was on the men’s side. Father Xue bringing his wife and children together to visit expressed an attitude.

After that, Yun Shuyao stopped going out. She had people buy some supplies in advance and pile them in the storehouse. Since Lin Ruhai managed salt administration, the other officials managing civil affairs and security had already screened Yangzhou city back and forth several times, ensuring the salt merchants who had caused trouble before wouldn’t rise again. The city’s appearance and such had also been inspected several times. Moreover, some families had been reminded of certain “content,” so that if by chance His Majesty was in good spirits and summoned them, they would know how to respond.

This was superficial work.

They had no way of knowing when His Majesty would come here. Even if they waited anxiously, could they urge him to come this way?

If there was something that interested him, staying longer was normal too.

However, Kangxi was ultimately not an emperor who indulged in pleasure. He came.

Lin Ruhai was originally among the first group of people to welcome him, then was kept behind.

Lin Ruhai had long since prepared, writing thick memorials in advance and preparing his mental draft, just waiting for His Majesty to summon him.

He didn’t return that day. Yun Shuyao had people send over a change of clothes. The next afternoon, someone came to convey that both Yun Shuyao and Chen Yu should change clothes and come for an audience.

The clothes had long been prepared. After changing and heading over, Yun Shuyao was somewhat excited on the road. Nevertheless, this was a head of state! Meeting face-to-face at close range and speaking at close range was still quite exciting. At the same time, she secretly reminded herself in her heart to be cautious in words and deeds, because this was an era where the other party could have your head cut off if you disagreed. Being careful was necessary.

She and Chen Yu were led to a pavilion. Outside the pavilion stood some guards. Inside, sitting in the main seat wearing yellow clothing was Kangxi.

Kangxi at this time was over fifty years old. He was very well-maintained and looked considerably younger than his actual age. Lin Ruhai was sitting below him playing chess with him. Seeing them arrive, Kangxi put down a white chess piece and paused.

Yun Shuyao paid her respects. Kangxi asked, “You are Yun Shi?”

He looked her over. She was a beauty, and moreover a beauty whose belly held poetry and books, emanating refined air. “How did you come up with the salt-drying method?”

Yun Shuyao had long thought of a reason. When speaking with the Old Madam and Lin Ruhai, she had said the same thing.

In summary, after Lin Ruhai’s appointment came down, because of his position, she wanted to help. Plus she often cooked and had seen cooks preparing dishes many times. Once by chance she had brewed salt water but didn’t drink it, leaving it there. After being exposed to the sun for a day, the water dried up, but white coarse salt crystals remained at the bottom of the bowl. This inspired her.

“And how did you think of the strong liquor purification method?” Over this long period, Kangxi had already confirmed that strong liquor indeed had miraculous effects on treating external injuries on the battlefield and could save the lives of many wounded soldiers.

Yun Shuyao replied, “I was inspired by extracting flower water.”

Kangxi looked at her neither humble nor arrogant manner and smiled at Lin Ruhai. “Your subject is blessed.”

Then he asked Yun Shuyao, “You have established great merit. Do you have a wish?”