The Marquis doesn't support his beloved wife's ambitions, so I'll take the imperial e

He said calmly, "Thank you for your appreciation, sir. However, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Sister Jiang saved my life and gave me a second chance; I, Shen, will never betray her in this lifetime."

Having said that, he ignored the man's astonished expression and turned to leave.

Back in the inner room, Shen Yu told Jiang Zhenxue everything about the matter.

"Thirty percent? Second manager?" Jiang Zhenxue was not angry at all. Instead, she laughed. "They think highly of you. Fine, since they think you're my 'brain,' then we'll play along."

Shen Yu asked, puzzled, "What does Sister Jiang mean?"

"Let them imitate if they want. Let them open new stores if they want." Jiang Zhenxue's eyes gleamed with cunning. "But they're being too naive to think that learning the superficial aspects will allow them to grasp the essence."

She took out a ten-tael silver ingot from the money box and handed it to Shen Yu.

"Go and find a few gossipy women, distribute this silver, and have them pass on a message for us."

Jiang Zhenxue whispered a few words in Shen Yu's ear.

Shen Yu's eyes grew brighter and brighter as he listened, and finally he nodded emphatically, his face full of admiration: "Sister Jiang, I understand!"

Within three days, a new piece of news began to circulate in the streets and alleys of Puxian County.

"Have you heard? Zhiyuan Bookstore is opening a new branch called Juxian Pavilion, exactly the same as Jinbang Timing, but half the price!"

"Really? That's great! I was just worried about how expensive it is to achieve top honors in the imperial examinations!"

"That's right! I heard they even poached an accountant from Jinbangtiming and got their hands on all their business secrets!"

The news spread like wildfire, and everyone was filled with anticipation for the upcoming opening of "Juxian Pavilion".

Manager Chen listened to these rumors, his mustache bristling with pride. He thought it was because the people he sent had worked, but little did he know that Jiang Zhenxue was the one stirring things up behind the scenes.

Seven days later, Juxian Pavilion opened its doors with great fanfare.

The format is exactly the same as the "Golden List of Successful Candidates" competition, but the price is 30% cheaper. They even produced a so-called "Reflections of Past Successful Candidates" and placed it in the most conspicuous position.

On its opening day, Juxian Pavilion attracted a large number of students thanks to its novelty and low prices, and the scene was very lively.

The number of customers at the "Top Scholar" section was visibly reduced by half.

Kang Mingyan rushed over, looking worried: "Xue'er, look at this... Manager Chen's move to undermine our business is too underhanded! Shouldn't we lower our prices too?"

"Mingyan, calm down." Jiang Zhenxue appeared calm and composed. She pointed to the guests who were still in the study room, "You see, those who stayed are our real guests."

Kang Mingyan looked around and found that most of those who remained were students who had made large pre-deposits. They enjoyed the discounts and priority, and didn't care about the meager benefits offered by Juxian Pavilion.

"But this can't go on forever!" Kang Mingyan said anxiously.

"Who said this will continue?" Jiang Zhenxue smiled slightly, took out a notice that she had written earlier, and handed it to Shen Yu. "Xiao Yu, post it out. It's time to let the students of Puxian County see what true success in the imperial examination looks like."

Shen Yu took the notice, his eyes burning with fervor, and strode out.

The new notice, written in black on red paper, instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"To help our county's students prepare for the provincial examination, Jinbang Timing is holding its first mock provincial examination! Completely replicating the real examination format, we have specially invited Mr. Zhang, a newly appointed scholar who passed the provincial examination in the same year as last year, to personally preside over the examination and grade the papers! Three days after the examination, Mr. Zhang will personally give a lecture to explain the exam papers in detail and offer guidance!"

"All participants will receive an exclusive copy of the 'Provincial Examination Hot Topic Question Bank'! Limited spots available, only fifty people allowed, register now!"

This notice, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, has stirred up huge waves!

A mock provincial examination?!

Or is it a newly appointed scholar who is in charge of grading the papers?!

After the exam, a high-ranking scholar personally gave lectures and explanations?!

This... this is such an incredible opportunity!

Compared to this valuable opportunity that can directly improve test-taking skills, the 30% cheaper price of Juxian Pavilion and the dubious authenticity of the "Scholar's Insights" suddenly become utterly tasteless, like a chicken rib!

"Quick! Hurry up and register for the prestigious exam!"

"If you're late, there won't be any spots left!"

"This is truly a place that cares about us scholars!"

The students who had just been taking advantage of the Juxian Pavilion were now in an uproar, rushing frantically towards the Golden List across the street.

They didn't even bother to grab their own belongings, fearing that if they were a step too late, they would miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the once bustling Juxian Pavilion became deserted, with only a few bewildered waiters and Manager Chen standing there dumbfounded.

He looked at the queue across the street, which was almost bursting through the doorway, and heard shouts of "I'll bid twenty taels!" and "I'll bid fifty taels!" His old face went from red to purple, then from purple to white, and finally, with a "poof," he spat out a mouthful of blood and fell straight backward.

Cuckoo taking over the nest?

They didn't take the nest seriously at all, and instead built a nine-story tower right next to it that the nest couldn't even see the top of.

In front of Juxian Pavilion, Manager Chen's heart's blood was splattered on the ground, a shocking sight.

The staff hurriedly carried him away. The once-impressive new store was now a laughing stock, leaving only a mess and empty seats.

Across the street, the "Golden List Success" self-study room was bustling with activity, with the line of people registering for the mock provincial examination stretching almost to the end of the street.

Standing beside Jiang Zhenxue, Kang Mingyan looked at the contrasting scenes of ice and fire and felt completely relaxed and happy.

"Xue'er, you're amazing! That move of cutting off the enemy's supply lines was absolutely brilliant!" He rubbed his hands excitedly. "That Manager Chen got what he deserved. I bet his shop will be closing down tomorrow! Let's see who dares to go against you in Pu County after this!"

Jiang Zhenxue withdrew her gaze from across the street, her expression calm, without any hint of triumph. She shook her head and said softly, "Mingyan, this was not my intention."

Kang Mingyan was taken aback. "Huh? He's bullying us like this, are we just going to swallow our anger?"

"The business world is like a battlefield; I was just protecting myself," Jiang Zhenxue said calmly. "If he hadn't tried to poach Xiaoyu and destroy my foundation, I wouldn't have resorted to such ruthless measures. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone me, who is no rabbit."

She spoke these words casually, yet they sent a chill down Kang Mingyan's spine.

Yes, he only saw Xue'er's intelligence, but forgot that she was a lone woman who had made a name for herself in Pu County, and that her success was not solely due to her intelligence.

After registering the last student's information, Shen Yu walked to Jiang Zhenxue's side and whispered, "Sister Jiang is right. We are only on the defensive, while he is on the offensive. Now the balance of power has shifted, and we don't need to push him to the brink."

He saw things more clearly than Kang Mingyan. Every step Sister Jiang took left room for maneuver, yet also concealed deadly intent.