Chapter 15: Young Master Xu's Ill Intentions

Xu Mingyi’s name was renowned throughout Liangzhou, so much so that even the Grand Dowager frequently mentioned him. Especially whenever the prince made a mistake, the Grand Dowager would sigh and say, “Look at Master Xu. Though he is several years younger than you, whether in scholarship or conduct, he has never caused his parents any worry. When will you be like him and give me some peace of mind?”

Hearing such words repeatedly, the prince grew extremely resentful. Otherwise, how could Zhao Shenxing view the talented Xu Mingyi as an unfeeling, hypocritical gentleman?

Ning Junruo must have been misled by these remarks to harbor prejudice against him. Even though Junyuan’s letters praised Xu without reservation, she never entertained the thought of meeting him, nor did she know what he looked like.

Though they had once met briefly across a screen, he had been backlit, revealing only a tall silhouette. When Madam Wei mentioned that was Master Xu, she immediately glanced towards the shop.

By coincidence, the man in the black long robe inside the shop turned just as she looked up, their bright eyes meeting.

The group was walking ahead, and the woman dressed in white, pure as snow, turned her head curiously to gaze at him.

Her round cheeks framed eyes so bright and penetrating that one glance could captivate completely.

Xu Mingyi’s heart skipped a beat, then pounded wildly as if drumming.

Over the years, he had encountered many women, some even openly affectionate, but this was the first time he felt such a rapid heartbeat.

His legs felt as if filled with lead, yet he stared unwaveringly at the radiant woman before him.

His back straight, shoulders broad, his stature was as upright and resilient as a sturdy pine, appearing exceptionally tall.

Noticing that this handsome man with sharply carved features was staring at her absently, Ning Junruo hastily averted her gaze.

Her cheeks warmed slightly as she quickened her steps, though her light footsteps seemed somewhat unsteady.

Could this be the Xu Mingyi she had just heard about?

Why was he staring so intently? Had he recognized her?

While she pondered this, a deep, magnetic voice suddenly called from behind.

“I have urgent news for the princess; may I have a moment of your time?”

“How dare you!”

Ning Junruo turned to see Zisu sword drawn, standing protectively with her blade blocking the man’s way. “The princess’s status is noble; you cannot meet her at will.”

Seeing her turn, Xu Mingyi bowed and cupped his hands. “Time is of the essence; I beg the princess to decide swiftly.”

Ning Junruo quickly scanned the area, finding no one nearby, then lowered her voice. “Meet me in one hour at Room Qian of the Jinning Tavern.”

Having said this, she turned and left without looking back.

Only then did Xu Mingyi straighten up, watching their retreating figures with a faint smile curling at his lips.

“Miss, why is Master Xu so rude?”

Zisu asked, puzzled. “Are you really going to see him? I have a bad feeling about him.”

Madam Wei chuckled softly. “No wonder, being trained in martial arts, Miss Zisu seems to distrust everyone.”

“Really?”

Zisu frowned. “Who stares at someone like that in public? I’m telling you, he means ill.”

Ning Junruo felt awkward—indeed, his gaze had been rather blatant.

Madam Wei, however, pressed her lips and shook her head with a smile. “You’ll understand once you meet someone you fancy.”

Chattering and laughing all the way, they observed the shops along the street. Within the time it took for incense to burn, they reached the Jinning Tavern.

Manager Yuan personally escorted them to Room Qian, serving exquisite tea and snacks. Ning Junruo wasted no time explaining her purpose.

“I took a careful look at the shops and found quite a few still unleased.”

She had Madam Wei hand over the ledger to Manager Yuan. “Why was I not informed earlier about such a serious matter?”

Yuan Wenxiu sighed, then said apologetically, “I did not mean to hide it; I feared the princess would worry.”

Over the years, if not for Manager Yuan’s devoted management, how could she have reaped such benefits?

Ning Junruo did not intend to blame him. “Uncle Yuan, please don’t take it personally; I know you meant well. But seeing this outcome so suddenly naturally worries me.”

Her addressing him as “Uncle Yuan” touched his heart deeply.

His brows smoothed. “Miss, please do not fret. We are thinking of ways to make up for losses by trying other trades in those vacant shops.”

“Oh, by the way,” Madam Wei asked, “on the way here, I saw a stationery shop—is that also one of our businesses?”

Yuan Wenxiu was surprised. “It should be.”

“How is business?”

Ning Junruo suddenly recalled that the shop Xu Mingyi had just visited must have been that one.

Yuan Wenxiu sighed again. “Two years ago, the Xiongnu nearly breached Liangzhou city. Fearing the city’s fall and total ruin, many fled overnight with only their valuables, abandoning their homes. Scholars were few to begin with, so stationery sales were poor. Since then, business has plummeted, barely breaking even.”

“No wonder so many unruly children roam the streets.”

Thinking of the stubborn gaze of Yu Xiaonu, Ning Junruo had a sudden thought. “Since those houses are empty anyway, why not establish a school? If more people study, perhaps stationery sales will improve.”

Yuan Wenxiu shook his head. “Miss, you may not know, but most of those left behind cannot afford schooling.”

Ning Junruo smiled. “What if we waive tuition? Would more children attend?”

“How would we make a profit without tuition?” Manager Yuan asked curiously.

Seeing the frequent street quarrels and fights, Ning Junruo understood why the capital’s people looked down on these ‘uncivilized’ folk.

“I’m not seeking profit at first. I just think that if more study, social morals might improve.”

Her gaze grew resolute. “Those quarrelsome children might soften if taught the sages’ teachings. I also hope poor families wishing to educate their children will have the chance to learn to read and write...”

Everyone was stunned. They had not expected the young lady, despite being a woman, to possess such broad vision and insight.

“If we truly waive tuition, I’m afraid our shops won’t be enough. Hiring teachers, buying desks, chairs, and supplies will be a considerable expense.”

Yuan Wenxiu said with concern, “We should consider this carefully.”

Ning Junruo nodded. “We used to subsidize the mansion with over a thousand taels of silver. From now on, no more contributions there. We can use those savings to build the school; it should suffice.”

Just as she finished speaking, a waiter called from the door: “Miss, Master Xu Mingyi requests an audience.”