The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Shu Yu wanted to hire a shopkeeper, but she couldn’t just openly recruit like in Changjin Prefecture.

Now she was somewhat of a prominent figure, with many people curious about her and her shop. It would be troublesome if she ended up with a bunch of insiders instead of finding a shopkeeper.

How should she find one?

Before she could come up with a solution, the second part of the Imperial Examination ended, and Meng Yunzheng could come back to rest for a night.

This time was different from the first; the second session drained the energy of the candidates significantly. Meng Yunzheng was fine, but according to Xia Yan, who had been stationed outside the Examination Hall, seven or eight people had to be carried out.

There were even reports of two people, who, feeling too cold, accidentally overturned their stoves while warming themselves with charcoal fires, getting burned, and burning their exam papers to ashes.

Fortunately, the patrolling officers arrived in time; otherwise, if the bedding caught fire, it could have caused a disaster or even loss of life.

Shu Yu thought, indeed, this exam was like a life test, truly challenging.

She planned to tell Ah Rui and the others that physical exercise was really important.

Compared to other examinees who were in a sorry state, Meng Yunzheng was in much better condition. Xun Sheng was prepared well this time without rain, and after taking medicine given by Zhao Xi, he was not as haggard as before.

Meng Yunzheng felt good, and during the meal, he inquired about the family situation as usual.

Upon hearing that Shu Yu was busy looking for a shopkeeper, he paused and said, ”You can go to Xiang Weinan and ask him to introduce someone.”

”Xiang Weinan?”

Meng Yunzheng said, ”You are right, it’s indeed not suitable to openly search for a shopkeeper in the capital. Having him help us find a shopkeeper also gives Lu’s Shop a backer. He is now the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and a favorite in front of the emperor. With him safeguarding the shop, no one would dare to cause trouble. Besides, when melon seeds and sunflower oil first came out, as the county magistrate of Jiangyuan County, he was the one who helped introduce them to the palace. So, he is quite connected with Lu’s.”

He and Shu Yu wouldn’t stay in the capital for long, so they needed someone to support the shop to avoid trouble from the unruly people.

Xiang Weinan... was perfectly suitable.

As for the other people Shu Yu knew, Lord Yao was too rigid. Although he was the Minister of Public Works, he was entirely devoted to official duties. Plus, he had only returned to the capital for just over three years and had limited connections, making him unsuitable.

Even though Lord Jing from the central judicial office had a high status, his relationship with Shu Yu was not strong enough.

As for Grand Tutor Qi, his position was extraordinary, and favors should be saved for critical moments.

Xiang Weinan was already like a brother to Meng Yunzheng and also familiar with Shu Yu. Communication with him was equal and easy, and they had quite a deal of shared secrets. Asking him would give him an opportunity to shine, according to Meng Yunzheng.

Shu Yu’s eyes lit up. Right, with their families’ closeness, mutual help was the way to maintain a good relationship, wasn’t it?

”Alright, I will go find him tomorrow.” With this major issue settled, Shu Yu felt much better, and not only finished her meal but also served Meng Yunzheng an extra bowl of rice, fearing he might have been hungry at the examination.

Meng Yunzheng, ”...” He was actually already full.

Never mind, he could eat a bit more.

The next day, the third session of the examination began. It was the last session of the nine-day, six-night Imperial Examination. Everyone would be liberated once it was over.

Just as before, Shu Yu reminded them tirelessly of the details, especially to keep warm.