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

In early autumn, the weather gradually cools down.

The "Top Scholar" study room welcomed its first guests. Jiang Zhenxue warmly welcomed them, serving tea and snacks, and allowing them to read books at their leisure.

At first, everyone found it novel and started making noise, but soon they became immersed in the world of the book and didn't go back until it got dark.

Although the first group of guests had only been there for two hours, they had already given rave reviews.

"Sitting in this study room for an afternoon is much more efficient than studying at home all day."

"Yes, the books here are complete, and we won't be disturbed by others. Back home, the maids would come to bring tea and invite us to meals all the time, which was incredibly annoying."

"This place must be widely publicized! It's a great place, a truly wonderful place!"

Jiang Zhenxue smiled and said to everyone, "Thank you all for coming. Everyone, please don't just talk about the benefits. If you have any opinions, please feel free to raise them. If they are helpful, I will give you all a free meal next time."

Hearing that the meal would be free, everyone was happy to offer suggestions.

One person pondered, "Although these cubicles are secluded, it's inevitable that people will disturb others when they walk around to get books. If we could put a bookshelf above the cubicles so that people can place the books they want to read there, we could save them the trouble of getting the books."

Another person said, "Also, change the tea cups to larger ones, so we don't have to go back and forth to get the tea."

"And another one," another person said, "we can stop providing snacks. They're so delicious, who has time to study?"

"Thank you everyone." Jiang Zhenxue smiled and bowed repeatedly in thanks.

After seeing off the first group of guests, only Jiang Zhenxue and Kang Mingyan remained in the study room.

Kang Mingyan had put in a lot of effort these past few days, but since he didn't want Jiang Zhenxue to pay for the meal, he could only treat her to a meal instead.

Kang Mingyan waved her hand: "No need, no need. You're a young lady, you should save some money."

"We haven't even celebrated the opening of this store yet, and besides, you're my first friend here," Jiang Zhenxue insisted.

Kang Mingyan then stopped refusing.

The two walked side by side to the largest restaurant in Puxian County.

"Today I'm hosting, so please don't stand on ceremony. Order whatever you'd like to eat."

The two sat down by the window, looking down and taking in the view of half of Puxian County. They could enjoy the beautiful scenery and the delicious food at the same time.

Kang Mingyan was a little embarrassed at first, but after hearing Jiang Zhenxue say that, he stopped being coy and ordered several specialty dishes in a generous manner.

Kang Mingyan raised his wine glass in a toast and said, "Miss Jiang, I must thank you. If it weren't for your help back then, I might have given up my studies and hanged myself in the inn..."

Jiang Zhenxue drank it all in one gulp and said, "Now that you have passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, you don't need to worry about the past. As the saying goes, after the darkest hour comes the dawn. As long as you focus on your studies from now on, your academic achievements will surely reach new heights."

Upon hearing this, Kang Mingyan was deeply moved. He had been under immense pressure from his family since childhood because of his studies, and no one had ever understood him. Now, meeting Jiang Zhenxue was like finding a soulmate, and he rediscovered his ideals and ambitions in life.

"Miss Jiang...can I call you Xue'er from now on?" Kang Mingyan said, then hurriedly added, "You, you don't misunderstand, I just think it would be closer that way, I truly consider you a friend."

Jiang Zhenxue smiled and nodded, "It's just formality. Since we're friends, what's wrong with calling each other more intimately? I can call you Mingyan from now on."

Kang Mingyan was overjoyed and found himself getting along very well with Jiang Zhenxue, as if they were kindred spirits who had met too late.

Just as the two were enjoying each other's company, a commotion suddenly erupted downstairs: "You filthy beggar! You dare to come here and steal? I'll beat you to death today!!"

Immediately following was the clatter of tables, chairs, and benches falling to the ground.

The meal was almost finished, and Jiang Zhenxue, who didn't want to meddle, was about to tell Kang Mingyan to leave when a dark figure suddenly rushed up the stairs and bumped right into the dining table.

The person rushed in too fast and accidentally broke all the bowls and plates. Kang Mingyan frowned slightly and was about to speak when he saw the waiter hurriedly chasing after them.

The innkeeper's assistant, panting heavily, shouted, "You filthy beggar! Don't run! I'm going to catch you and take you to the authorities today!!"

Jiang Zhenxue glanced sideways at the "stinky beggar" and saw a boy of about sixteen or seventeen. He was dressed in tattered linen clothes, tall but excessively thin due to long-term malnutrition. At this moment, the boy was tense, looking around warily.

"What happened?" Jiang Zhenxue asked.

The waiter said with a forced smile, "Excuse me, esteemed guest. This filthy beggar keeps coming to the restaurant to steal things, and no matter how I try to chase him away, he won't leave. I was just about to arrest him and take him to the authorities."

"Then let's get on with it quickly..."

Before Kang Mingyan could finish speaking, the boy interrupted him coldly, saying, "I didn't steal anything; I just picked up some leftover steamed buns from the guests."

"You filthy beggar! You dare to argue?!" The waiter roared in anger, "You've been lurking around the restaurant all day, stealing all sorts of things, not to mention how much you've stolen, your filthy appearance is an eyesore and a blow to the restaurant's business!"

After saying that, the waiter was about to step forward and grab the person.

The boy, terrified by the iron rod the waiter was holding, hid behind Jiang Zhenxue.

"What are you doing?" Kang Mingyan immediately tried to pull Jiang Zhenxue away, fearing that the boy would get Jiang Zhenxue's clothes dirty.

"etc."

Jiang Zhenxue felt the boy's trembling body and stopped the waiter, turning to ask, "You really didn't steal anything?"

The boy looked timidly at Jiang Zhenxue, "I didn't. I only ate half a steamed bun; it was leftovers from the guests..."

Jiang Zhenxue examined the dirty skin on the boy's sleeve, where scars were faintly visible. This boy must have endured countless beatings just to beg for a bite to eat.

"What did he steal? I'll pay for it." Jiang Zhenxue felt a pang of pity.

"This..." The waiter didn't expect Jiang Zhenxue to meddle in his business.

"Sir, if it's just food, it's indeed not worth much. However, he's affecting the business of the restaurant, and the owner has said that he must be arrested and taken to the authorities."

This is the real reason why Xiao Er wanted to arrest the teenager.

This wasn't the first time the boy had been to the restaurant, nor was it the first time he'd been beaten. But he was like a stubborn plaster that couldn't be shaken off, driving the restaurant owner to distraction. That's when the owner decided to get rid of him once and for all.

"Xue'er, it's better to avoid trouble. Let the restaurant handle it," Kang Mingyan said, shaking his head. There are countless beggars like this in Pu County; it's impossible to manage them all.

"So, according to your boss, he'll be let go as long as he doesn't come to the restaurant again?" Jiang Zhenxue looked at the boy again. "Can you promise not to come to the restaurant again?"

The boy looked at Jiang Zhenxue hesitantly. Although the waiters at the restaurant often beat and scolded him, the restaurant was the only place where he could get a full meal.

Jiang Zhenxue said softly, "Don't worry, as long as you agree, I can guarantee you won't go hungry in the future."

Upon hearing this, the boy stared blankly at Jiang Zhenxue, and as if touched by her bright eyes, he slowly nodded.

The waiter had no choice but to put away the iron rod and said, "Fine, I'll let you off this time for the sake of our two distinguished guests. But if you dare to cause trouble in the restaurant again, I will definitely take you to the authorities."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the waiter turned and went downstairs.

Kang Mingyan initially thought Jiang Zhenxue was acting out of kindness and was about to help the boy, but then he saw Jiang Zhenxue, disregarding her filth, pull the boy to sit down and ask, "What's your name?"

The boy hesitated before saying, "Shen Yu..."

Jiang Zhenxue felt the name sounded familiar, and then, in a sudden shock, she realized—Shen Yu?! That seemed to be the name of the second male lead in the original novel!!