"This..."
After reading the letter, Song Shihuan felt her heart tremble. Three full pages of scathing words, even citing classics to emphasize the reprimand in several places.
Such a sharp style... it could only belong to Lord Ye Shijie.
"Father, please don’t take it to heart. This is entirely because Lord Ye doesn’t know your true identity, and given Guo Feng’s history of idleness, Lord Ye was simply concerned."
Song Shihuan’s words did little to mend Song Yu’s already shattered heart.
"I hadn’t sent the completed study materials to Ji'an Prefecture yet—I simply hadn’t had the time!"
As soon as Song Yu finished speaking, Liuxi quickly added,
"That’s right, Your Highness. Just two days ago, you ordered the materials to be prepared for delivery to Ji'an Prefecture."
"Father, you’ve been terribly wronged."
Though Lord Ye was also misinformed, given her father’s tendency to hold grudges...
Sure enough.
After the meal, Song Yu stormed off to the palace in a huff.
Purple Palace Hall.
"Aren’t you supposed to be preparing for the imperial exams? What are you doing here?" Emperor Yuanyou grumbled. Having Song Shihuan sent to the palace was already enough.
"I’m here to accuse Ye Shijie—of being cold-blooded and heartless!"
Perhaps because Song Yu’s indignation was so palpable, the vermilion brush in Emperor Yuanyou’s hand slipped from his grip.
"What did Ye Shijie do? Commit murder or arson?" The emperor muttered to himself. Given Ye Shijie’s character, that didn’t seem likely.
"He insulted me."
Those three simple words made Emperor Yuanyou burst into laughter.
But seeing Song Yu’s reddened eyes, the emperor quickly covered his mouth to stifle his amusement.
"How exactly did he insult you?"
Leaning forward, Emperor Yuanyou eyed the letter in Song Yu’s hand with curiosity but resisted the urge to snatch it.
Song Shihuan, noticing this, promptly handed the letter to the emperor. "Grandfather, this is all just a misunderstanding."
As he read, Emperor Yuanyou’s lips twitched—Ye Shijie’s phrasing was as cutting as ever.
Finishing the letter, the emperor almost wished there were more.
"How would you like me to avenge you?" Emperor Yuanyou asked, now the picture of a doting father.
"Ye Shijie must not be appointed as the chief examiner for the provincial exams."
Song Yu had only one demand—to escape Ye Shijie’s clutches.
"According to regulations, local education officials are appointed as chief examiners for provincial exams. So, tell me, in what capacity are you making this request?" Emperor Yuanyou spoke slowly. "As the Crown Prince of Great Qi? As the Prince of Qin? Or as a candidate for the imperial exams?"
A few moments later, Song Yu left the Purple Palace Hall with his tail between his legs.
If he truly wanted to earn the title of top scholar, he couldn’t rely on his authority.
So, he had no choice but to remain an ordinary examinee.
"Send those study materials to Ji'an Prefecture as soon as possible. Once Ye Shijie sees how diligently you’ve worked, his guilt will drive him to compensate you tenfold."
Emperor Yuanyou’s voice carried after him, but Song Yu merely sniffed.
He didn’t care about compensation!
That same day, Emperor Yuanyou pulled out the memorial requesting his approval for the provincial examiners.
Then, with a stroke of his vermilion brush, he circled Ye Shijie’s name next to Ji'an Prefecture.
......
Meanwhile, after investigating every major salt transport route in Great Qi, Shen Qingping sought out Shen Xiao.
"What brings you here, young Lord Shen?"
Shen Xiao remained as expressionless as ever, his imposing aura deterring most from approaching.
"Chief Shen, given our shared lineage, I was hoping you could do me a favor."
Shen Qingping’s playful grin didn’t immediately sway Shen Xiao. "What kind of favor?"
"His Majesty ordered me to investigate the Shen Family. I’ve uncovered their possible involvement in salt smuggling. But as you know, those who dare to traffic illegal salt are desperate men—I’m no match for them alone."
Shen Qingping smirked, handing Shen Xiao a slip of paper. "So, I’d like your help in tracking down a moderately notorious salt smuggler in the Jianghuai region. Focus on these docks—other details are written here."
"Just one smuggler?"
Shen Qingping nodded eagerly.
"You’ll have him in three days."
"My thanks, Chief Shen."
Once Shen Xiao left, Shen Qingping’s smile faded.
Throughout history, imperial courts had dealt harshly with salt smuggling. Yet the Shen Family dared to participate, relying on their generational wealth to profit openly.
Now that he had caught their scent...
They would regret crossing him.
......
Three days later, Shen Xiao returned with a man whose left eye was covered by a cloth strip and a scar running down his right cheek—a true desperado.
"Who the hell are you? Why’d you drag me here?"
The man, known as Scar, was bound tightly, his eyes burning with defiance.
"Smuggling salt is a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s clan."
Shen Qingping sat calmly before him.
"I’ve got no family left—just this worthless life. Take it if you want."
"I’m not here for your life."
Leaning forward, Shen Qingping met Scar’s gaze. "Bring in the gift I prepared."
At his command, a servant entered carrying a chest. When opened, the gleam of gold ingots inside made Scar’s eyes widen.
"The profits from smuggling are too tempting—everyone wants a cut. So do I."
Watching Scar swallow hard, Shen Qingping continued, "But I lack expertise. So, I propose a partnership: I’ll handle the inspections, you handle the transport. What do you say?"
"Y-yeah... sounds good."
"Your lordship’s generosity is my fortune."
"Just one condition." Shen Qingping snapped the chest shut, his expression hardening. "I want the same route the Shen Family uses."
Instantly, Scar’s eyes flashed with alarm.
"My lord, I don’t know what you’re talking about."
"Don’t play dumb. The Shen Family has smuggled for decades without a hitch—I trust their route. If you’re unwilling, this gold will find another owner."
Shen Qingping’s gaze turned icy. "Take the silver away. As for him—hand him over to the authorities."
"W-wait!"
Scar struggled to speak. "The Shen Family’s route is off-limits to others. And the docks change often—it’s hard to track."
"That’s your problem. My family’s influence rivals the Shen Family’s. I can protect you."
Seeing Shen Qingping’s confidence, Scar gritted his teeth. "Fine. I’ll take the job."
"Good." Shen Qingping nodded. "The gold is yours."
"And... the goods?"
"You’ll get them when the time comes."
Gazing out the window, Shen Qingping’s eyes glinted.
Now that he had entered the game as a player...
How much would he win?
