NOVPUBAt dawn, with mist lingering in the air, a shadow quietly slipped out of a small door by the North Lake.
Shen Roujia was true to her word, never procrastinating.
She first went to the Hidden Pavilion to change into appropriate attire.
Upon arriving at the Hidden Pavilion, she encountered a familiar chubby man.
With a beaming smile, he greeted Shen Roujia, “Master, you’re here. I heard you completed that advanced mission in the Western Mountains last time.”
Shen Roujia was momentarily taken aback. She didn’t expect news to travel faster than she did.
“Haha, let’s keep it low-key.”
Seeing the chubby man’s friendly face, Shen Roujia casually asked, “I keep seeing you around. What’s your name?”
The chubby man paused slightly before smiling, “I’m Zhang San.”
Hearing this name, Shen Roujia was speechless. Did the author just randomly assign him a name?
Isn’t that a bit too casual?!
Shen Roujia stifled her laughter and nodded knowingly. “Alright then, I need to go to the Imperial Academy. You come with me.”
Zhang San looked as if he had received the greatest job ever, answering respectfully, “It would be an honor to accompany you, Master!”
Shen Roujia nodded slowly and spoke sternly, “When you’re with me, talk less and do more.”
Shen Roujia changed into a green scholar’s robe, looking every bit like a learned scholar.
“When we go out, don’t call me ‘Master.'”
Zhang San was obviously puzzled. “Yes.”
Shen Roujia had Zhang San change into a servant’s outfit.
Seeing his absurd appearance, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Ahem, it’s fine. Let’s go.”
Zhang San’s face turned red. “Master, isn’t this outfit a bit inappropriate?”
Shen Roujia raised an eyebrow. “What’s inappropriate about it? You’re here to enhance my presence. And remember, today’s events must not be spoken of!”
Zhang San smiled wryly and nodded repeatedly.
Only then did Shen Roujia take out a mask from her robe, put it on securely, straighten her posture, and head out.
This early summer at the Imperial Academy was quite lively.
Carriages from various prominent families were parked in front of the academy.
Shen Roujia observed that all the notable officials’ families were present.
When she saw the Gu family’s carriage, she instinctively hid.
“Why is the Gu family here?”
Zhang San followed Shen Roujia’s gaze and whispered, “Probably the sons of the third and fourth branches of the Gu family.”
Sure enough, two unfamiliar young men stepped out of the carriage, allowing Shen Roujia to step forward confidently.
Shen Roujia casually took out a wooden plaque from her robe. “Go register for me.” 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝔭𝔲𝔟.𝖈𝖔𝔪
Zhang San was taken aback. “What?!”
Shen Roujia smirked. “Write the name as Jia Shen.”
Zhang San, still stunned, took the plaque from Shen Roujia. Though unsure where she got it, he didn’t delay and went to register her.
Shen Roujia lightly rubbed her thumb and forefinger, recalling that she had taken the plaque from her brother’s study…
Meanwhile, in White Stone Academy.
Shen Hexuan looked at the defiant Qiao Qi before him, fuming with anger.
“The Qiao family has always been noble, each generation outstanding. How could you be so disappointing?”
Qiao Qi, usually sunny and never angered, was truly infuriated this time.
“Master Shen, you took this path yourself. I don’t want it. The academy plaque was lost; give mine to him. Why slander me over this?”
“Do you think I care about these things so much that I’d steal it?”
