USWHC -Chapter 428 Rushing to the Capital for the Exam (Part 8)

Ji Yi continued, “Actually, I’m not just here for the exams this time; I’m mainly here to find someone. I hope Brother Lu can help me with this!”

It turned out the man’s surname was Lu. Hearing this, he immediately nodded in understanding. “Looking for someone, huh? Who do you plan to find?”

“Could you help introduce me? I want to meet the Lady of Ping’an County.” Yes, Ji Yi was that straightforward!

But Master Lu almost spat blood. No way—meet the Lady of Ping’an County? His eyes went wide with shock. “Could it be… you?”

“Yes, the person I’m looking for is her!” Ji Yi was almost certain—fifteen years old, married off to the old emperor, ran away and was captured again—this situation matched Zhu Jie’s story almost exactly.

“May I ask, what is the Lady of Ping’an County’s given name?” Ji Yi asked further.

At this, Master Lu nearly spat blood again. Not even knowing her name, and yet he was so certain it was her?

“Zhao Anjie,” Master Lu said cautiously, glancing at him. “Are you sure she’s the one you’re looking for?”

Anjie? Not Zhu Jie, but her name also had “Jie” in it—this must be her! Ji Yi said with near certainty, “Yes, she’s the one I’m looking for!”

Upon hearing this, Master Lu immediately got excited. Ah, there’s some juicy gossip here! He leaned in closer with a smile. “What’s your relationship with her?”

“My wife!” Ji Yi answered bluntly.

Wow, stealing from the emperor’s own harem! Interesting, very interesting! Master Lu’s eyes widened. “This is on me! I’ll make sure you two meet!” He leaned closer again, whispering, “Quick, tell me—what happened between you two?”

Unfortunately, his eager curiosity was met only with Ji Yi’s sorrowful look and a long sigh. He waited a moment, but the man still wouldn’t speak!

Master Lu pouted. Ah, he’s a lovesick fool! Hah, he dares to come to the exam just because he donated a few coins—does he think the imperial exam is that easy?

“By the way, I’ll first take you to the Shangli Academy to have a look. You might get a chance there. Honestly, I can’t arrange a meeting with the Lady of Ping’an County. Her family keeps a very tight watch, and she rarely meets outsiders.”

Master Lu chuckled wryly. “You know, my father is just a minor official in the Ministry of Rites. Even he can’t easily meet the Lady of Ping’an County, let alone me. But don’t worry—we’ll find a chance! What’s the capital full of? Activity! There’s always some event she has to attend, and I’ll find a way to get you to meet her then!”

Honestly, he really was a passionate young man! Always eager to help others, though the expression on his face made it look like he was just waiting to see a spectacle—did he find the capital too boring, or did he just need something to show off about?

“Thanks a lot!” Ji Yi actually obediently agreed.

“What kind of person are you looking for? You seem so unreliable,” Doctor Sun muttered in complaint.

Lao Zhang, however, sighed. “Can’t help it. This Master Lu is as loyal as they come. Others? If they knew we just arrived in the capital, the master would be alerted immediately!”

“Still, don’t pick such a rich playboy—don’t corrupt me!” Doctor Sun said indignantly.

At this moment, the playboy in question, Master Lu, spoke again. “Brother Ji, do you always bring so many people when you go out? A doctor, a carriage driver, the shopkeeper… isn’t that a bit much?”

In the capital, some had wealth, some had power, some had loud entourages—but no one had three elders in tow. It looked strange!

Before Lao Zhang could respond, Ji Yi waved lightly. “You all wait here for me.”

“Don’t be reckless! Sir, it’s not safe in the capital!” Uncle Ge immediately protested.

Not safe? Master Lu was speechless. Who does he think he is? With his kind of wealth, walking around the capital, no one would pay him any mind. No assassins would come after him—they’d be disappointed by the lack of drama!

But he didn’t say it outright, only wearing a mocking smile. Ji Yi understood immediately. Who did he think he was? Just a villager from Xiangshui Village? He snorted coldly. “Go back. No one here knows me, so what danger is there?”

He even gave Lu a compliment: “And Brother Lu is here! What’s there to fear?”

Lao Zhang and the others sighed inwardly. Even one person recognizing them would cause a stir! But they dared not speak, so they reluctantly retreated.