Chapter 1958: The Number One Scholar

tioned the three.He glanced at Li Yufu, a hint of worry in his eyes. "Yufu, with your innate talent, you've inherited the true teachings of your master ancestor. You should be able to go even further...“A teahouse”

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Yulang thought that his senior sister was going to open a medical clinic. "A teahouse would be fine too. In the capital, there are all sorts of people. If one displays their medical skills too prominently, it's easy for those with ill intentions to take notice and disturb one's peace."

Gradually approaching the capital city.

The imposing Xiongcheng is awe-inspiring, its massive walls casting a shadow over the pedestrians, like a ferocious beast, devouring everyone who enters the capital, yet it is never satiated.

The senior and junior disciples took off their Taoist robes and changed into ordinary clothes, blending in with the crowd.

Their steeds attracted quite a bit of attention, after all, they were under the Emperor's feet. There weren't any fools bold enough to cause trouble.

After successfully entering the city, the two strolled through its streets, taking in the atmosphere and culture beneath the emperor's feet, before heading straight to the Tao family.

The capital city is difficult to live in, yet the Tao family stands out as a wealthy and influential clan, their residence grand and opulent.

>

The Tao family resided in Anye Fang, one of the several prominent upper-class neighborhoods in the capital city. Some of the estates of princes and nobles were also located here, demonstrating the extraordinary achievements the Tao family had made in commerce.

The two found the Tao family and introduced themselves.

The doorman had already received instructions and immediately informed the steward, saying enthusiastically: “It's Young Master Yulan and Miss Xiaowu The eldest son is not at home, but he gave instructions earlier to let the two of you stay in the eldest son's courtyard.”

The Tao family's home was very large, with a garden inside. It provided ever-changing views as you walked, effectively isolating the bustle of the capital city and creating a peaceful haven within the midst of the noise.

The housekeeper led them along, admiring the scenery as they went.

“The young master also specially instructed that, in the Tao family’s library, you two are free to enter and exit at will, and browse any books. On a normal day, no one from the Tao residence would disturb you,” the butler said.

Yu Lang thought to himself, "Tao Teng really knows me."

The housekeeper continued, “If the two of you need anything else, just ask. The young master has ordered that the Tao family will do everything in their power to satisfy your every request!”

Yulang glanced at Xiaowu, "We're looking for a teahouse, old mister. Do you have any recommendations"

"A teahouse"

The steward was slightly taken aback, pondering for a moment, "Most of the Tao family's properties are located in several districts like Guangwei, Anshan, and Yan Kang. They could all be converted into teahouses. I wonder what kind of teahouses the two of you prefer"

Through the young master's attitude towards these two, the butler could guess that they were extraordinary people.

These two people opened a teahouse, they definitely weren't doing it for the money.

"It's a modest establishment, not too big or small, with a decent number of patrons but not overly crowded. It doesn't aim for elegance, welcoming people from all walks of life. However, it shouldn't be too rowdy either. We'll have two storytellers perform to keep things lively and peaceful."

This was Xiaowu's own request, Yulang relayed it.

"I understand. I shall select a few suitable industries and then present them to you both for your choice!"

The steward acted swiftly and escorted them to Taoteng Courtyard, settling them in before promptly withdrawing. The next morning, he set out by carriage to inspect the place.

The butler selected four properties, and as soon as Xiao Wu saw the first one, he fell in love with it.

In the capital city, it is a rare sight to see lakes and mountains.

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There are several well-known inner lakes within the city. One of them is called Jade Waist Lake. As its name suggests, it resembles a beautiful woman's jade waist, making people linger and forget to leave.

The Tao family's estate was a two-story wooden building on the banks of Jade Waist Lake. Most of its foundation extended out onto the lake, and there was also a small courtyard next to it, making the view excellent.

> In normal days, there are many visitors to Yuwa Lake and it is never short of tourists.

The key is the location of Jade Waist Lake. The upper reaches are in Xuanrenfang, an aristocratic district where officials and dignitaries resided. The lower reaches are in Chang'anfang, a commoners' district. The wooden building is located in the middle to lower reaches of Jade Waist Lake, so it wouldn't deter commoners from visiting.

Yulang was also extremely satisfied. "This place is not far from Guozijian. It's a pity that I can't often come to help my senior sister. In the future, when I enter the court as an official, I might even have to disguise myself to come." Elder Brother Shi's secret manuals did have some disguise techniques, which were quite sophisticated. "

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“This place was originally a chess hall. With a little modification, it's ready to go. I'll have someone start work on it right away. It should be finished in three days.”

The steward knows the inside story. On the surface, this is a chess pavilion, but in reality, it holds a hidden world. It is a place used by the Tao family to discreetly entertain distinguished guests.

However, since it was the young master's order, several old masters of the Tao family acquiesced. No matter what happened before, it had to be changed.

"Hold on!"

Yu Lang called for the steward and took out a few gold ingots, "Will these be enough to buy this estate"

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“This, old man is acting according to the young master’s orders, and should be given to you two…”

The steward looked embarrassed.

"This is the property of the Tao family," Jade Light said.

The housekeeper immediately understood that the other party was acquainted with the young master, but was unwilling to owe favors from the Tao family.

To be able to casually pull out a handful of gold coins, one couldn't possibly be an ordinary person.

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Sometimes, human relationships aren't that easy to handle.

That evening.

The teahouse was deserted, all the maids moved out, and on the third day it was refurbished and a new sign hung.

"Calling it a teahouse is better, but too elegant. Qingyang Tea House, how strange! Haha... Sister, do you think Master will be angry"

Yu Lang looked at the sign, almost laughing out loud. He turned his head to find that his senior sister had already walked behind the counter and entered her role.

After that, she would become a female shopkeeper.

The storyteller, the waiter, the errand boy, even tea, charcoal, and snacks, were all taken care of by the Tao family. They didn't have to worry about any of it.

"Huh When did this place become a teahouse"

"Remember when it used to be a chess parlor, mysterious and forbidding, not letting ordinary people in."

"Let's go! Let's take a look..."

The teahouse with its new sign quickly attracted a group of customers. Seeing that the prices were reasonable, the storyteller was very enthusiastic, and there was also a rare female manager, they found a place to sit down.

Gradually, it was almost full of customers.

At first, Xiao Wu was a little clumsy handling things, but soon he became very adept.

The storyteller's tale wasn't particularly gripping. The patrons sipped their tea, chatting amongst themselves, occasionally listening attentively to a segment with a hint of interest, finding contentment in the relaxed atmosphere.

Yulan helped out for a while and then sat down behind the counter. The sounds of the diners' conversations filled his ears.

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Having listened with interest for a while, Yu Lang said, "Senior Sister, I know why you opened a teahouse. How did you come up with this idea"

Little Five whispered, "Many years ago, on a houseboat on the river, Master was treating patients. The consultation fees were their stories. I was listening to the stories beside him. Back then, there were many that I couldn't understand."

"Interesting, but ultimately someone else's story..."

Yulan hesitated, "Sister, don't you want to have your own story"

“One’s own story”

>

Little Five gazed dreamily at the tea drinkers in the shop.

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"You could try leaving a part of your story in the mortal realm. For example, starting as the meticulous owner of a teahouse," Yu Lang said.

The state of the world, the state of the world.

All events throughout history can be understood through human nature.

After that sudden frame-up and betrayal, my senior sister did not distance herself from the world, but she subtly closed off her own emotions.

Yulang himself was still naive and couldn't directly guide his senior sister from the perspective of 'love'. He could only suggest that his senior sister start with small things, and changes would happen naturally.

This trip to the capital is an opportunity.

Xiao Wu said: “When I was going down the mountain, my master told me that I could try to seal my cultivation and be a real ordinary person.”

Jade Lang excitedly said: “Master also said that Master’s eyes are like torches, he must have deep meaning. Senior sister, are you going to do this”

Xiao Wu remained silent for a moment before humming softly, "There are many cultivators in the capital city. You need to be careful behind you."

“The capital city is prosperous, and naturally there are cultivators who covet wealth and honor. With the City God and various ghosts and spirits in charge, they can't stir up much trouble. I make a living in the mortal world and won't clash with them. Senior Sister, rest assured! Besides, before entering the city, I already left a mark. Brother Shi will see it and come to find us,” Yu Lang said confidently.

Xiao Wu nodded, reached out his right hand, and tapped his index finger between his eyebrows.

Vaguely, Yu Lang seemed to see a vast expanse of darkness, within which a magnificent crown flashed and disappeared. The change was too swift, making him wonder if he had been mistaken.

After rubbing her eyes, Shijie was back to normal, fiddling with her abacus.

Yu Lang always felt that although his senior sister's appearance remained unchanged, there were subtle yet inexplicable changes within her. She merely retained the form she had disguised herself as, with not a trace of cultivation left in her body.

>

Just then, a rather unusual guest walked in through the door.

Yu Lang's expression darkened slightly, and he hurriedly stood up.

Xiao Wu was still hunched over, diligently calculating. She wasn't being arrogant, but right now, she and the others in the teahouse were all blind to this person.

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But, Great God of Journeying

Yu Lang bowed respectfully. He could tell that the person opposite him was a ghost, but he couldn't see through their cultivation level. He could only judge based on their attire.

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"Exactly!"

The Day Trip God glanced at Xiao Wu, confirming he was just an ordinary person, and paid him no more attention. "On the day you entered the city, there should have been a shadowy emissary to visit your door and inform you of the city's taboos. They saw you enter the Tao residence, so they did not dare trespass."

"My lord, I assure you that I would never do anything to break the rules. This time, Tao Teng, my fellow practitioner, invited me to enter the capital. Tao Teng is currently out, observing the people's sentiments. When he returns, we will go together and pay our respects to the City God of the Capital."

Yu Lang replied calmly and confidently.

The day tour god let out a hum, "Since that is the case, I will not restrict you too much. Just wait for the City God to make a decision. However, if you break any rules along the way, I will still banish you from the city."

“I shall refrain!”

Yu Lang called over the waiter and instructed, "Send up the best tea and pastries to the second floor private room..."

No need!

The god of the day turned and left.

Time flies, and it's already three months later.

Tao Teng said in his letter that he would be back for the spring palace examination results to make friends with the new Jinshi, but he was a step too late.

Upon returning to the capital, Tao Teng didn't even go back to his family home. He went straight to the teahouse to meet Yu Lang.

"Are you really decided to take the imperial examination"

Tao Teng was somewhat disbelieving. He hadn't expected Yu Lang to descend to the mortal realm so thoroughly.

“Good, in three years, I hope to be on the list,” Yulan smiled, but his smile was filled with strong confidence.

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“With your brother's talent, let alone a Jinshi (civil service degree), even the top scorer wouldn't be out of reach! Excellent!” Tao Teng walked back and forth excitedly. “Brother has achieved an official position, I might as well secure a spot in the Imperial Guard. You with your scholarship, me with my military skill, we will both serve the Crown Prince together!”

"I haven't met the Crown Prince yet," Yulan shook his head.

"Alright, it's time for you to meet them and see if I was wrong. But before that, we need to go to the City God Temple, time is of the essence, let's go now!"

Tao Teng was still impulsive, he pulled Yu Lang and walked away.

As soon as the two arrived at the City God Temple, a Yin spirit immediately blocked their path. After informing him, they were led through the boundary between yin and yang to meet the City God.

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In the great hall, the city god stood high above, gazing down upon the two.

Its overwhelming majesty inspires an unconscious urge to submit.

Tao Teng did not dare to be frivolous, and Yu Lang also felt the pressure, but he did not lose his composure.

The master didn't have such a heavy sense of authority, but he always felt that this ghost god master of Yan Kingdom was lacking compared to his own master.

Tao Teng bowed respectfully and politely explained his purpose, earnestly requesting that the City God of the Capital allow Yu Lang to take office.

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Tao Teng's heart was pounding. If the City God disagreed, everything would be in vain.

At last, the City God opened his mouth.

"Okay!"

The deep voice echoed in the hall, rolling like thunder.

'Whoosh!'

>

A white beam of light flew towards Yulan, “Take this jade pendant, do not rashly move your spiritual power, otherwise the jade pendant will be recalled and you will be expelled from the mortal realm! Anyone who uses magic to harm others will be punished according to law! Do you understand”

"This junior understands!"

Yulang solemnly received the jade pendant.

Now he, just like his senior sister, has become a mortal.

"Go away!"

The city god, with a wave of his sleeve, sent the two men out of the main hall with a gentle force. They followed the yin emissary back to the yang realm.

Back in the bustling marketplace, Tao Teng noticed that Yulan stood still, staring intently at the City God Temple.

"What are you thinking about" Tao Teng bumped Yu Lang on the shoulder.

This time, it went too smoothly.

Yulan was playing with the jade pendant in his hand, identical to the one Tao Teng had. It could conceal the aura of a cultivator and served as a kind of surveillance.

“Are you still alright It’s getting late, you should head back home.” Tao Teng was puzzled.

Yu Lang kept frowning, walking a distance away and whispering: "The City God only saw me once and didn't test my character or scholarship. He just casually let a cultivator enter the mortal world."

"You really think it's as easy as pie," Tao Teng rolled his eyes, "If it weren't for Master's reputation, do you think any cultivator would be able to enter the government"

“For some reason, I always feel a little off, maybe I’m overthinking it.”

Yu Lang glanced back, shook his head slightly, and then remembered something, "When shall we go to visit our master"

“Master is in seclusion and doesn’t want to be disturbed. We can talk another time.”

The cold comes and the heat goes.

Unknowingly, the brothers and sisters spent three years in the capital.

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On this day, Qinyang Tea House was closed to customers.

Because the guild master was away, and along with countless people in the capital city, they gathered in front of Xuande Gate of the imperial palace, waiting for the results of the palace examination.

“The champion is out! The champion is out!”

"I am Qin Yulang from Nan Shuzhou!"

"He is the Huiyuan! The top three scholars!"

'Bang bang bang!'

Salutes thundered through the sky, and music filled the air.

After a brief moment of silence, a tremendous roar erupted. Armored guards led the way, followed by the new top scholar, adorned in red and gold, riding a fine steed, slowly coming into view.

As the saying goes, when one is favored by fortune, their horse gallops with joy.

Crossing Maoyue Street is a customary practice after each imperial examination.

Behind the number one scholar, other scholars rode horses or walked, each beaming with joy. Only the top scholar seemed calm and collected. He should have been the protagonist, but he appeared lost in thought, as if out of this world.

>

Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure from the crowd, and finally a brilliant smile appeared on his face.

Okay!

The crowd immediately responded with the most fervent passion.

(The End)

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