Translator – Xiao He Lian
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Chapter 148: Third Life Extra 2
When Shen Shu awoke, the Yunyang Marquis Manor was already in chaos.
The Marchioness held Shen Shu’s hand gently and said softly, “Shu Shu, are you feeling better?”
Shen Shu’s face was pale and weak. She slowly opened her eyes, memories surging like waves. In a hoarse voice, she asked, “Mother, how did I get back to the manor?”
The Marchioness’s eyes turned red. “Her Majesty the Empress sent people to bring you back.”
She never imagined that the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yunyang Marquis could be fished out of a lake under the Empress’s very eyes—by a scholar from a poor background, and in full view of everyone.
Their eyes met, and Shen Shu asked hoarsely, “What happened afterward?”
“The Empress punished those eight palace maids with forty lashes each, showing no leniency at all,” the Marchioness replied. “As for that man named Zhou Shu’an, your father is already investigating him. So far, all we know is that he’s a poor scholar.”
Shen Shu frowned and said anxiously, “Mother, something is definitely off. I wasn’t even that close to the corridor bridge where the other young men were. How could he have rescued me so quickly, and so coincidentally?”
After speaking, she started coughing again.
The Marchioness patted her back. “Shu Shu, don’t worry about that now. Her Majesty has already suppressed the matter. What’s important is for you to recover fully. Autumn water is cold—don’t let this leave a lingering illness.”
At that moment, Shen Yao and Shen Zhen walked in.
“How could Xu Yining just leave Elder Sister there like that! She’s still in the middle of a marriage arrangement, and now this happens…” Shen Yao exclaimed, then added in alarm, “What if that poor scholar uses this as an excuse to propose marriage?!”
The still-childish Third Miss Shen tugged Shen Yao’s hand and whispered, “Second Sister, Sister is still sick…” —the unspoken meaning being: Please stop talking.
Realizing her mistake, Shen Yao immediately fell silent.
Shen Shu took a deep breath and said calmly, “We’ll know in the next couple of days what that man’s true intentions are. If he’s genuinely kind, I’ll thank him. If he dares to scheme against me, even if it ruins my reputation, I won’t marry him.”
The Marchioness said tenderly, “Silly child, don’t talk like that.”
In Anhua Palace.
Empress Xu asked coldly, “Who exactly is this Zhou Shu’an?”
Her aide bowed. “He’s merely a friend of Lu Shiyi. He has no powerful backing.”
“Well, that’s awfully convenient,” the Empress sneered. “Since he’s close to Lu Shiyi, what does Lu Shiyi say about him?”
The aide replied, “He says Zhou Shu’an is honest and interesting, but not particularly talented. He’s not skilled in poetry or prose—likely to fail the civil service exam this year.”
Another aide chimed in, “Excelling in the imperial exam isn’t easy. Chang’an has thousands of scholars with real talent. How could a poor boy from Jiaxing outshine them?”
The Empress sipped her tea and, after a moment of thought, asked, “Lu Shiyi of the Fanyang Lu clan isn’t easily befriended. Zhou Shu’an has no background, no talent, yet can get Lu Shiyi to speak for him? Is this someone we truly don’t need to watch?”
The aide paused and said, “Perhaps he’s just good at flattery.”
The Empress asked, “Has his entire background been checked—who he met, where he’s been?”
The aide handed her a file. The Empress examined it carefully and asked, “And his household registration?”
“Here it is,” the aide replied, handing her another document.
The Empress read as she spoke slowly, “And what does the Ministry of Revenue say?”
“Your Majesty need not worry. This file was personally verified by Assistant Minister Xie Zhiyun. It’s completely authentic.”
The Empress nodded and read for a long while.
Another aide asked, “Li Di is waiting outside. Shall we call him in?”
“No,” said the Empress after a pause. “Settle him properly. Just tell him not to worry—his opportunity will come.”
The two aides exchanged glances and asked in unison, “Your Majesty means…”
“Some chances only come once. If he missed it, then it’s gone. Trying again would make fools of others.” The Empress smiled. “Send secret agents to the theaters and literary gatherings. Spread the tale far and wide—that a noble lady was rescued by a poor scholar. What a classic love story!”
The aide hesitated. “But didn’t Your Majesty suppress this matter? If we publicize it, what about the Yunyang Marquis…”
The Empress smiled again. “The officials of Chang’an have done many unpopular things—everyone wants to bury them. But what’s harder to silence than public gossip? Do as I say.”
“In any case, Shen Shu must not marry the Minister of War’s son.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Empress moved quickly. Within three days, the tale of the noble daughter and the poor scholar spread through every street and alley in Chang’an.
Even the theater crowds grew larger.
Shen Shu’s eyes were red with rage.
Shen Wenqi slammed the table. “Outrageous! That brat must be behind this!”
He barked at the servant, “Go! Whether he’s at Hongwen Hall or Chongwen Hall, find him and bring him here! I want to see what trick he’s pulling now!”
Just as he finished speaking, a messenger arrived at the door.
“My lord, someone’s here…”
Shen Wenqi frowned. “Who?”
“He says his name is Zhou Shu’an,” the servant answered. “Shall we let him in?”
Shen Wenqi’s eyes turned cold. “Bring him to the study.”
He came to us himself? Excellent.
Shen Shu stepped forward. “Father, I want to hear what he has to say.”
Shen Wenqi glanced at her pale lips, hesitated, then said, “Fine. I’ll put up a screen. You hide behind it and don’t come out.”
“Yes, Father.”
Zhou Shu’an followed the servant into the Yunyang Marquis Manor. It was eerily quiet, the only sound was the rustle of leaves.
The study door creaked open.
Shen Wenqi turned, coldly eyeing Zhou Shu’an.
Good appearance—but clearly no decency, he thought.
Zhou Shu’an bowed respectfully and said clearly, “Junior Zhou Shu’an greets the Marquis.”
Shen Wenqi didn’t even offer him a seat. “You’ve come uninvited. Are you dissatisfied with our thank-you gift?”
“I came to apologize.”
“Apologize?” Shen Wenqi scoffed. “You saved my daughter. I should be thanking you. What’s to apologize for?”
Zhou Shu’an answered, “I saved the young lady in a moment of urgency. I never expected it would damage her reputation.”
Moment of urgency.
Shen Wenqi latched onto that phrase, already annoyed.
He cut to the point. “There are countless scholars in Chang’an hoping to rise through the exams. But before seeking fame, one must keep his own character spotless!”
“You’re absolutely right, Marquis. I will remember your words,” Zhou replied steadily.
His composed tone slightly softened Shen Wenqi’s furrowed brow.
If nothing else, the young man’s calm demeanor earned a bit of respect.
What Shen Wenqi could never foresee was that this “poor scholar” would become the top scorer, later appointed Censor by Imperial decree, and eventually rise to Minister of the Dali Temple
Nor would he ever guess that it would be Zhou Shu’an who led the raid on the Yunyang Marquis Manor—and who secretly lessened the severity of his prison punishment.
After a while, Shen Wenqi asked, “Are you married?”
Zhou Shu’an replied directly, “My family has a rule—no marriage before earning official rank.”
Shen Wenqi shook his head. He had already investigated Zhou’s academic abilities—barely mediocre. Gaining office? Wishful thinking.
He sighed. “Do you know how many scholars compete in the exams? Your friend, Lu Shiyi of Fanyang, has noble heritage and top teachers, yet he doesn’t dare to dream of official rank. What gives you the right?”
Zhou Shu’an suddenly said, “I’ve actually admired you for a long time, Marquis.”
Shen Wenqi chuckled at the flattery. Now I see why he got in with Lu Shiyi.
He had a tendency to lecture young men and was about to start when Zhou Shu’an pulled two blueprints from his robe.
“I came to Chang’an not only for the exams, but also to submit these to the Ministry of Works. But I couldn’t find a way in. Meeting you today, I have no regrets.”
Shen Wenqi took the papers and looked.
One glance—and his eyes lit up.
A waterwheel, farming tools…
After a long pause, Shen Wenqi asked incredulously, “You drew these?”
“I did,” said Zhou Shu’an.
Well—mostly. The waterwheel was his, but the tools were something Shen Wenqi had sketched himself in prison during his last life.
“I’d like you to draw them again, right now. Do you mind?”
“I understand.”
Zhou Shu’an took up the brush and began drawing with ease. Shen Wenqi’s breath grew faster as he watched the smooth strokes.
Though straightforward in temperament, Shen Wenqi had been a government official for years. He understood immediately—
This young man had been hiding his true ability.
To confirm his guess, he began testing Zhou Shu’an with poetry, Confucian classics, law, and mathematics…
After a stick of incense’s time had passed, Shen Wenqi asked, “Why did you only come to Chang’an this year?”
“My parents died young,” Zhou said. “I was raised by my maternal grandfather, who was old and frail. He passed away four years ago. I stayed behind to care for him and observe mourning.”
His words stirred sympathy—even in Shen Wenqi.
And behind the screen, Shen Shu’s eyes softened.
“Sit,” Shen Wenqi finally said.
“I have one more thing to tell you,” Zhou Shu’an continued.
“Speak.”
“I wasn’t the only one who saved your daughter that day.”
“Oh? Who else?”
“Li Di. He’s another exam candidate this year. I saw him sneaking around, whispering to maids. I overheard the names Yunyang Marquis and Minister of War, and followed him. He hid behind trees at the lake—never moving.”
“At first, I thought he was waiting for someone…”
Zhou Shu’an let the implication hang.
He followed Li Di because he admired the Marquis, then acted when he saw someone suspicious. Perfectly logical.
He knew mentioning the Minister of War and Marquis would connect the dots for Shen Wenqi.
But Shen Wenqi—ever the wildcard—ignored the key clues and suddenly asked, “So those rumors had nothing to do with you, and you’re not here to propose marriage?”
Zhou Shu’an replied, “The young lady’s status is far beyond mine. I dare not hope for such a match.”
Shen Wenqi was stunned.
“But because I tarnished her name, I bear the guilt. I thought, once I earn my title, I’ll come to propose properly. That said… if she’s unwilling, she can reject me outright.”
The moment he finished, Shen Yao, who had crept up behind the screen, poked a hole in it.
Shen Shu glared at her in shock.
Shen Yao giggled and whispered, “Sister, don’t you want to see what he looks like?”
