Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 525 - 361 Princess Rong Jia

Yao Mengxian smiled at her second sister and used a handkerchief to wipe the tea stains from her mouth. She didn’t think her second sister was helping her; it was more likely she was afraid they would quarrel here and lose face before the Princess, thereby disgracing the Duke Mansion.

This second sister was always one to protect her own interests, being the legitimate eldest daughter of the second house and Yao Mengdie’s biological sister. To Yao Mengxian, this sister was already the only person in the mansion who harbored no ill will towards her.

It’s not that Yao Menglian would help her; rather, Yao Menglian wouldn’t hit someone when they’re down, and unless her interests were threatened, she couldn’t be bothered to intervene.

Of course, if you underestimate her methods, you’d be wrong. Yao Mengxian had once seen her deal with an old lady, who was by the old matriarch’s side. Yao Menglian schemed for half a month to finally bring the woman down, earning herself much compassion from the old matriarch and quite a few rewards.

"Third sister, I didn’t explain it clearly enough and brought you and our fourth sister to the restaurant today; you won’t blame me, right?"

Yao Mengxian quickly replied with a smile, "Second sister, don’t overthink it, how could I possibly blame you? It’s just that I’m afraid with so many people outside today, something unexpected might happen, so we should be cautious."

Yao Mengxian wasn’t just being alarmist; places with crowds were prone to accidents. However, they were on the second floor of the restaurant, and it should be safe. Still, since they were all women and only had two guards from the mansion with them, they needed to be cautious.

Yao Mengxian’s concerns were not without reason. Although the phrase "the streets were deserted" was a bit exaggerated, it was not too far from the truth. Even though government officers maintained order down on the street, many people stood before the shops, blocking their entrances.

"Menglian!" The door of the private room suddenly opened, and a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl entered, followed by two maids.

"The Commandery Princess is here! Yao Menglian pays her respects to the Princess!" Yao Menglian quickly curtsied upon seeing the Princess.

Princess Rong Jia was the granddaughter of the Emperor and Empress, with a Standard Second Rank status, enjoying both land and food allowances.

"Yao Mengxian pays her respects to the Princess!"

"Yao Mengdie pays her respects to the Princess!"

"All may rise!"

Yao Mengxian stood up straight and saw a radiant young woman, with skin whiter than snow and features like a painting, making the two delicate maids behind her appear like fish eyes in comparison.

She was dressed in a brocade gown adorned with myriad floral motifs and flying butterflies, pairing it with a pleated silk skirt with subtle floral embroidery, enhancing her delicate beauty. Princess Rong Jia inherited the beauty of the Eldest Princess, and perhaps even surpassed it.

"You stay here, I’ll go meet the Second Aunt!" Ming Mo thought it was about time; the carriage couldn’t come in today, and although he sent someone to meet them, they hadn’t arrived yet.

"Oh? Look, they’re here! I’ll go bring them up."

Gu Wan and Sun Xian finally squeezed their way up.

"There are really a lot of people today; those restaurants and tea houses are sure to make a great profit." Gu Wan exhaled deeply after entering the private room, unable to understand why people were so frenzied over seeing the First Class top three parade the streets.

Sun Xian leaned out the window to look around; the view from here was quite good. This private room was booked by Gu Chengyu’s orders yesterday, and it wouldn’t be available if they tried to book it today. The idea was that even if he didn’t make it to the top three, Gu Wan could still admire the elegance of the top three.

"I wonder if Xiao Bao will make it." Though Gu Wan said this, her expression was quite calm. She was confident in Xiao Bao, so much so that she couldn’t sleep in excitement last night.

Suddenly, from the other end of the street, drums and gongs thundered. Ming Yan hurried to the window to watch, "Ah! They’re here, they’re here!"

"Quick, let me see too!" Gu Wan wanted to see the Champion Scholar’s heroic presence on horseback, and also to know whether her Xiao Bao was the Champion.

The procession drew nearer; at the front, you could see four people holding placards inscribed with "Silence" and "Keep Away," and the name of the Champion was visible. The Champion rode a tall steed, with a red silk draped across his chest, heading in Gu Wan’s direction.

Gu Chengyu held the Emperor’s imperial edict in hand, riding a golden-cushioned chestnut steed, proceeding with a large entourage. At this moment, he only wished he could hurry home, feeling utterly despondent.

The crowds cheered vigorously wherever Gu Chengyu passed, especially the women who were eager to throw their pockets, handkerchiefs, and the silk flowers from their hair towards the people on horseback. Gu Chengyu, helpless, had to guard his Champion hat, fearing it might be knocked off by the flying pockets, truly finding it unbearable.

"Yu Lang!" The women cheered; this was the illustrious Gu Jieyuan, now the Champion Scholar. His lyric "Green Jade Case" had spread throughout the Capital, and even to Jiangnan.

Behind him, Fu Yanshan and Min Feng were just past fledgeling youth, truly the young talents of their generation. Even if one were to stand alone, he would drive those women wild. Unfortunately, with Gu Chengyu’s radiance ahead of them, they weren’t as noticeable this time.

With the banners and drums clearing the way, applause thundered, and celebratory cannons roared, everyone wanted a glimpse of the Champion Scholar’s elegance.

The parade of the Champion Scholar was originally most noted for the third-place scholar, as they were typically the youthful talents. However, this time, the Champion Scholar had already overshadowed the second-place and third-place scholars.

Pockets and handkerchiefs flew like a cloud, with even Min Feng and Fu Yanshan catching quite a few. However, upon seeing Gu Chengyu in front, they instantly felt a sense of balance despite the attention they lost.

Gu Chengyu constantly dodged the flying items, yet still found himself being adorned with those pockets. He couldn’t fathom why those women were so fanatical, feeling overwhelmed as he wished to hurry home.

As Gu Chengyu prepared to quicken his pace, he was suddenly hit by something rather heavy, dropping onto his horse’s back. Looking down, he found it was an embroidered shoe of moon-white satin, adorned with a plum blossom. Gu Chengyu was utterly speechless and gazed up at the shop above, wondering who threw it and if they knew it could seriously injure someone.

"These common women are too bold, no matter how handsome Gu Chengyu might be, they shouldn’t behave so shamefully, right?" Yao Menglian disapproved of these women’s conduct, pursing her lips, thinking to herself, "After all, they are from smaller households, they know no manners."

"It’s said that Gu Chengyu is exceedingly handsome; this Princess would like to see just how he looks." Actually, Princess Rong Jia had long heard of Gu Chengyu’s reputation. After Gu Chengyu became the top scorer, his fame spread far and wide.

Yao Mengxian also covered her face with a veil and stood by the window, watching the approaching procession. Seated on the first horse — who else could it be if not Gu Chengyu? Even from afar, where his features were indistinct, the upright posture like pine bamboo left no doubt in her mind. After all, she had seen him several times before.