52: Intrigue and scheming in the imperial examinations

Inside the East Courtyard's main courtyard, a gilded beast-head bronze incense burner puffed out blue smoke. The scent of ambergris, like gauze or mist, lingered and swirled among the carved wooden window lattices, making the entire room feel like a dream.

Li Danying leaned against a red sandalwood soft couch with a chi-dragon pattern, her posture lazy and elegant.

She held a white jade teacup in her hand; inside, the Biluochun tea rippled with emerald colors. The rising steam blurred her features, adding a touch of mysterious charm to her appearance.

She quietly gazed out the window at the swaying bamboo shadows dancing in the light breeze.

Suddenly, she flicked the rim of the cup with her finger. The crisp sound echoed through the quiet East Courtyard's main courtyard like a footstep in an empty valley, breaking the surrounding silence.

"Go call Commander Zhu."

Her voice was neither fast nor slow, her tone steady, yet it naturally carried the unquestionable authority of a superior.

"Yes! Madam."

The maid, Spring Peach, curtsied and moved with graceful lotus steps, turning to leave the room.

At the East Courtyard's Imperial Household Department, Zhu Changpo was teasing a small bird in a cage.

His fingers moved gently, and the bird in the cage hopped joyfully. Its crisp and pleasant chirping added a touch of life to the somewhat dull space.

Hearing the purpose of Spring Peach's visit, his movements suddenly stopped, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

In his memory, Li Danying never took the initiative to seek him out; usually, it was he who went to report on matters.

This sudden summons caused a wave of doubt to rise in his heart.

He pondered for a moment, an inquisitive look flashing in his eyes as he asked tentatively:

"Spring Peach, does Madam have some business?"

Spring Peach gave a charming giggle, her eyes curving like beautiful crescent moons.

"Since returning from the palace, Madam has been cultivating her character. I expect she's thinking of returning to the palace again."

Zhu Changpo nodded slowly, looking thoughtful.

"It seems Madam still prefers life in the palace. Let's go; we shouldn't keep Madam waiting."

With that, he straightened his clothes and walked toward Li Danying's courtyard.

Before long, Zhu Changpo arrived at Li Danying's courtyard.

As soon as he entered, he noticed that today's Li Danying was very different from before.

Her skin was moist and lustrous, like flower petals moistened by morning dew; her eyes were shimmering as if they held ten thousand galaxies; her brow was lively and relaxed, exuding a gentle and elegant temperament; her lips wore a beaming smile like a ray of warm sun. The whole person seemed soaked in spring water, becoming increasingly radiant and incomparably beautiful.

"Madam, I heard you were looking for me?"

Zhu Changpo asked as he bowed respectfully, his tone carrying a hint of caution.

Li Danying smiled faintly, her gaze sweeping over him as if she could see through his heart.

"Commander Zhu, you have worked hard lately."

Zhu Changpo knew this was just a pleasantry. A smile broke across his face as he cupped his hands and said:

"Your subordinate is only doing his duty. As long as I can serve the manor, no amount of hard work is too much."

Li Danying smiled warmly, her tone soft like a spring breeze.

"Commander Zhu, please sit. Spring Peach, serve tea."

"Thank you, Madam."

Zhu Changpo took a seat at the side of the living room, secretly speculating about the true intention behind Li Danying's summons.

"This Madam plans to return to the palace to recuperate in a while, so I specifically asked Commander Zhu to come and help me understand the manor's affairs."

Li Danying withdrew her smile, her expression turning indifferent and her tone becoming serious.

Zhu Changpo thought to himself: As expected, Madam is going back to the palace again.

He then recounted the recent events in the manor one by one, providing a clear and comprehensive report.

When mentioning the mines operated outside the manor, he emphasized the situations in the West Courtyard and North Courtyard, specifically pointing out the improprieties in Situ Jun's management of the two courtyards, his words full of disparagement.

After the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Zhu Changpo finished his report and looked up, asking:

"Does Madam have anything to add?"

Li Danying's beautiful eyes blinked as she took a small sip of tea. As the fragrance spread in her mouth, she said slowly:

"Commander Zhu is already working hard enough managing the manor's security. Should someone else be found to take charge of the Mine Tunnel excavations outside? Doesn't Younger Sister Liu from the West Courtyard always handle the manor's expenses? She also manages the shops. Why not hand the Mine Tunnel matters over to Younger Sister Liu to manage?"

Zhu Changpo was startled. The profits from the Mine Tunnel excavations were enormous, and he had been secretly seeking private gain from them; he was unwilling to give them up easily.

He hurriedly said:

"Madam might not be aware, but the security of the Mine Tunnel excavations involves the dispatch and stationing of Manor Soldiers. Moreover, a lucrative prize like the Mine Tunnel is something many forces and families want a piece of. It would be somewhat inappropriate to hand it over to Madam Liu."

His tone was urgent, and a layer of fine sweat even appeared on his forehead.

Li Danying thought for a moment and said:

"What you say makes sense. Then you should focus more of your energy on the Mine Tunnel."

Zhu Changpo was overjoyed and quickly stood up to cup his hands.

"Thank you for your understanding, Madam. Your subordinate will not fail your expectations."

Li Danying smiled and waved her hand.

"Commander Zhu, there's no need for such formality. By the way, I just heard you mention Steward Situ from the West Courtyard. Since he serves as the steward for two courtyards, he must have some extraordinary abilities. How about this: let him manage the East Courtyard as well from now on and promote him to the manor's Chief Steward."

Hearing this, Zhu Changpo immediately became anxious.

This was disastrous. Not only had he failed to suppress Situ Jun, but he had actually caused him to be promoted.

He hurriedly stood up to dissuade her:

"Madam, absolutely not! This person is still inexperienced. Making him the manor's Chief Steward would likely fail to command respect and would also discourage the ordinary stewards. These ordinary stewards have worked diligently and uncomplainingly for the manor for many years. This move..."

Zhu Changpo stared intently at Li Danying, his eyes full of anxiety, hoping she would change her decision.

Li Danying listened and felt there was some truth to it, but given her close relationship with Situ Jun, she still hoped he could come to the East Courtyard often.

"But Commander Zhu is already so busy managing the stationing and excavation of so many Mine Tunnels, and having to worry about the East Courtyard as well is truly exhausting. How about this: while I am in the manor, let Situ Jun act as the Main Courtyard Steward. I also want to see how much ability this person has."

Zhu Changpo wanted to argue further, but seeing Li Danying's mind was set, he thought that since it was only an acting steward position, he could find a way to transfer Situ Jun away once she returned to the Royal Palace.

Thus, he said helplessly:

"Your subordinate obeys! I will send someone to notify Steward Situ immediately."

"Very well, you may leave. Remember to have Situ Jun come to the East Courtyard early to familiarize himself."

Li Danying waved her hand after speaking and took a small sip from her teacup, an undetectable glint of cunning flashing in her eyes.

Zhu Changpo sighed inwardly and left with a bow.

At this time, Situ Jun was strolling through the North Courtyard. When he heard he was to become the acting steward of the East Courtyard, he was first stunned, then understood. A faint smile curled at the corners of his mouth; this must be the method Li Danying came up with to facilitate their secret trysts.

After finishing his walk, he returned to the West Courtyard's Stewards Office.

Feeling a bit tired, he had Cherry massage his legs to relax. He lay on a reclining chair, completely relaxed, and opened the System Mall to browse.

He was pleasantly surprised to find that for every additional Dual Cultivation Dao Companion he had, the items in the mall increased. This unexpected discovery filled his heart with excitement.

"System, open personal panel."

Situ Jun said casually. In the past, he didn't care much about his System stats, feeling that since every reward was clear, there was no need to check specifically.

But now, he was full of curiosity and wanted a more comprehensive understanding of his strength.

"[System opening...]"

"[Host: Situ Jun]"

"[Age: 21]"

"[Identity: Beicheng Manor Steward]"

"[Cultivation Technique: Dragon-Phoenix Grand Derivation True Scripture, Yin-Yang Body Tempering Art, Breath Concealment Technique, Wood Element Heavenly Thunder Art, Light Body Technique, Roaming Dragon Movement Technique, Stone-Crushing Fist Technique, Mountain-Shaking Leg Technique.]"

"[Cultivation: Half-step Golden Core Realm]"

"[Physique: Medium Grade Chaos Spirit Body, Top Grade Wood Spiritual Vein.]"

"[Talent Profession: First-Grade Alchemist, First-Grade Talisman Master.]"

"[heavenly luck value: 7860 points. Note: Spending heavenly luck value does not affect the Host's luck.]"

"[Items: Lifebound Weapon ice seal, Lifebound Spirit Ring, soul-bewitching pill x1, fertility pill x9, Qi-replenishing pill x20, Essence-returning pill x30, Foundation Cultivation Pill x50, Essence-increasing pill x4, Heart-clearing pill x3, Foundation Establishment pill x6, Profound Essence pill x5, gold condensing pill x10, Black Iron block x1, clothes x4... Note: The Host can take them out to avoid occupying the System inventory for long.]"

"[Dao Companions: Liu Xuaner, Su Yunniang, Xu Lian, Nangong Xue, Cherry, Lin Suwan, Li Danying]"

"[Servants: Wang Decai, Cao Guang, Li Iron Bull, Iron Tiger Wang, Zhao Qian, Zhou Dafa, Zhang Fugui, Cherry (Note: Already recorded in the hundred flowers diagram, favorability 100, will be automatically removed from servant status.) Note: Host's cultivation is at the Foundation Establishment Stage, the maximum number of servants is 9. As the Host's Cultivation increases, the number of servants will also increase.]"

Situ Jun stared at the personal panel, unable to look away for a long time, as if in a dream.

In less than two years since coming to this world, he had not only become a cultivator but also had many Dao Companions, and his strength was no longer what it once was. These startling changes filled his heart with deep emotion.

After a good while, he finally snapped out of it and let out a long breath.

"What's wrong, Young Master? I haven't massaged your shoulders yet."

Cherry asked in confusion, her eyes full of concern.

Situ Jun smiled tenderly and pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair with a look of doting affection.

"No need for the massage. I'll just nap for a bit. You go and practice."

Cherry gave an affirmative response and left the room.

Situ Jun closed his eyes and organized the items in his System inventory, taking out some unimportant things and putting them into his Storage Pouch or ring.

Through this check, he discovered that the personal panel had added sections for Dao Companions and servants, and that there was a limit on the number of servants. Originally, he had thought about using heavenly luck value to exchange for "servitude pills" to subdue a large number of loyal subordinates, but now it seemed he had been overthinking.

Thinking carefully, he understood that this was only logical. If there were no limits, he could indeed easily control the world, which clearly did not fit the workings of the real world and violated the laws of the Heavenly Dao.

At this thought, although he felt some regret, he also became more determined to improve his own strength to prepare for more challenges and opportunities in the future.