NOVPUBBut what was this? How did her brother get involved with Gu Zhi in their conversation?
Shen Roujia hadn’t had the chance to go out and ask Gu Zhi about this matter yet.
Suddenly, the entire capital was abuzz with a new sensation.
A scholar named Jia Shen wrote an essay that moved the Emperor to tears.
The Emperor immediately nominated him for the examination list, but no one could find out who this genius named Jia Shen was.
This person was spoken of with an air of mystique and legend.
Even the Emperor deployed the Imperial Guards, but they couldn’t find him.
When Shen Roujia heard the news, she wasn’t surprised.
“And then?” she asked.
Xiao Fu, who was nearby, excitedly began to describe the scene, “I heard, Your Highness, that today in the main hall, several impostors pretending to be Jia Shen were dragged out.”
Shen Roujia was taken aback, “People are actually trying to impersonate him?”
Xiao Fu nodded repeatedly, “Yes, the Emperor was furious and had those impostors executed. Despite this, people continue to pretend to be him.”
Shen Roujia lay back down, “How did such news even reach the harem?”
Xiao Fu was engrossed in her storytelling, as if she had witnessed it herself.
“Your Highness, it’s said that this Mister Jia Shen wears a mask, and beneath it hides an extraordinary visage.”
Shen Roujia couldn’t help but burst out laughing, spraying the tea she had been drinking.
“Oh, this is truly remarkable…”
Xiao Fu, worried that Shen Roujia might choke, quickly patted her back.
“Were you burned?” she asked.
Shen Roujia waved her hand, “I’m fine, I’m fine.”
Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her, and she rolled her eyes mischievously. “In a few days, I plan to visit my brother. I think the recent busy days are over, and I can relax a bit.”
Xiao Fu smiled, “Your brother will be very happy to see you and will forget all his tiredness.”
Though Xiao Fu’s words seemed slightly odd, Shen Roujia only frowned briefly before dismissing the thought.
“Yes.”
That day, as soon as Shen Roujia entered her family home, she overheard Shen Siqi arguing with Shen Hexuan.
“Brother, why did you intentionally refuse Miss Gu? It would have been such a good match.”
Shen Hexuan softly reprimanded, “Siqi, this is none of your concern.”
Shen Siqi’s voice carried a hint of tears, “Brother, even if you have arranged everything for us, how can we be at ease if you have no one to spend your life with?”
Standing outside the door, Shen Roujia hesitated, unsure how to enter, and remained still, listening to their conversation.
After a moment of hesitation, Shen Siqi continued, “I’ve met Miss Gu, and she is on good terms with Jiao Jiao. If she joined our family, she certainly wouldn’t trouble us sisters!”
Shen Hexuan’s voice suddenly became stern, “By the way, how did Jiao Jiao and Gu Zhi become acquainted?”
Without thinking, Shen Roujia pushed the door open, “Brother, Second Sister, you’re both here. I was looking all over for you.”
Seeing Shen Roujia, Shen Hexuan quickly composed himself, putting on a gentle smile, “Jiao Jiao, what brings you here at this time?”
Shen Roujia, smiling with curved eyebrows, gestured for the servants behind her to set down the boxes and items they were carrying.
“Brother, the exam results are out. I heard the top three all came from your students. That’s amazing!”
Shen Hexuan responded with a modest smile, “You didn’t need to bring anything, just coming back is enough.”
Shen Roujia explained simply, “These are just practical items like herbs and fabrics that I got for you.”
