Chapter 77: The Grand Exam (Part 1)

Bai Fan arrived at Liangjing. Sunlight spilled onto the streets, and pedestrians flowed in an endless stream.

The streets and alleys were filled with the figures of scholars, their white robes as pure as snow. They held scrolls, their expressions focused, each carrying the dream of taking the exam.

During this period, Liangjing appeared exceptionally lively, with the cries of vendors on both sides of the street rising one after another.

"Does this Young Master need ink and brushes? They are top-quality; you can write as if flying, and the characters will be clear!"

A middle-aged man was enthusiastically soliciting business by the roadside, holding up an exquisite writing brush.

"Consecrated talismans! Pass every exam you take!"

An old man beckoned mysteriously, holding a few talisman papers in his hand, his eyes revealing a hint of craftiness.

His stall was crowded with examinees, each with burning gazes, clearly full of anticipation for these consecrated talismans.

"Don't fight, don't rush, there's enough for everyone, one tael of silver each. Buy ten and get a brocade pouch free; the effect is even better!"

"Is it really useful?"

A young examinee was half-doubting, his brows slightly furrowed, appearing somewhat hesitant.

"Of course! These are talismans personally consecrated by me. I guarantee that any difficult problem you encounter in the exam hall will be easily solved!"

The old man was full of confidence, his face beaming with smiles, seemingly extremely proud of his treasures.

"I'll take ten!" An examinee took out his silver without hesitation, his face full of anticipation.

"Buy more, get more, you definitely won't lose out!" The old man quickly handed him the talisman papers, a mysterious smile curling the corners of his mouth.

Bai Fan observed from the side, couldn't help but shake his head, and continued walking forward.

"Steaming hot candied hawthorns, sweet enough to intoxicate the heart! Come and have a taste, the best choice for examinees to replenish energy!"

"Freshly made wontons, overflowing with fresh fragrance, perfect for examinees to replenish their strength!"

"Top-quality tea, refreshing and mind-clearing, helping you maintain your best state in the exam hall!"

Bai Fan walked past a teahouse and passed by a Brothel, when a young maiden suddenly grabbed his wrist, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.

"This Young Master is so handsome; one can tell at a glance that you are from a wealthy family. A few girls just arrived, it's their first day receiving guests. Why doesn't the Young Master take a look? If you are satisfied, you can even redeem them and make them your reading companions."

Bai Fan was stunned, a moment of hesitation flashing through his mind.

Although he had forgotten the memories of Lin Fan, his nature remained as it was, filled with care for young ladies.

Even though his extensive reading of poetry and books made him feel a trace of discomfort in such a situation.

But when he thought about how those girls were, without exception, from poor families and had fallen into this plight, he felt that if he could help them, it would be a good deed.

But then he thought again: his pockets were empty. Although that fifty thousand taels of silver was right before his eyes, the arrogance of a scholar made him not take a single bit; he had left it all for Bai Youyou.

"I'm sorry, I…" Bai Fan said in a low voice, his eyes revealing an apology, "I cannot help you."

"It's okay." The young maiden smiled slightly, seemingly having seen through his thoughts, a flash of understanding passing through her eyes.

"I observe that the Young Master carries an air of nobility and will surely pass the exam. You can come in and take a look first, and redeem them after the Grand Exam."

Upon hearing this, Bai Fan's heart was suddenly shaken, and his thoughts became clear.

His gaze turned towards the teahouse, and thinking of the plight of these girls, a wave of sympathy could not help but well up in his heart.

"Fine! Then lead me in to take a look."

Seeing this, the young maiden's eyes flashed with joy. She gently pulled his wrist and walked toward the inner hall of the Brothel.

Her chest was warm and fragrant, her clothing light, and her body close. Bai Fan only felt that as their sleeves touched, a warm fragrance assailed him, and his heart trembled slightly.

Bai Fan's learning told him that such behavior was improper and that he should shake off her hand and maintain distance.

But this faint fragrance and warmth seeped into his heart like spring water, making it difficult for him to make a decision for a moment, his emotions in turmoil.

"Young Master, please follow me."

The young maiden's voice was like gentle flowing water, carrying a hint of intimacy.

Her hand gripped tighter.

"Please follow me, the girls here have gentle personalities and outstanding talents; the Young Master will surely like them."

She said with a smile, leading him through light gauze curtains into an elegant room.

The walls of the room were hung with exquisite paintings, the floor was covered with soft embroidered carpets, and the lingering fragrance was refreshing to the mind.

Several girls were sitting together, some whispering, others lowering their heads to read poetry and books. Seeing Bai Fan enter, they immediately looked up, revealing curious gazes.

Among these girls, the one reading poetry and books with her head down was particularly eye-catching; her figure was enchanting, and her skin was so fair and tender it seemed like it could drip water.

Although her attire was simple, it exuded an elegant temperament. Hanging at her waist was an exquisite pattern with gold as the main color, embroidered with a Phoenix spreading its wings and flying above auspicious clouds.

With such a stunning appearance, she kept her head down reading poetry and books, as if unwilling to let people see her existence.

Bai Fan's gaze was involuntarily attracted to her, and he secretly thought, this girl's beauty is truly incompatible with her status; could it be that there is some secret hidden behind it?

"Hello everyone." Bai Fan smiled slightly, a warm feeling in his heart.

He knew he was not a real guest, but he hoped to give them some comfort and hope.

"Greetings, Young Master." Several girls responded in unison, their voices like clear springs flowing by, sweet and moving.

"Are you doing well here?" Bai Fan asked with concern, his voice revealing a trace of gentleness.

"It's alright, it's just that life is a bit difficult." One of the girls lowered her head, her eyes revealing a faint sadness.

"I can help you," Bai Fan's heart moved, his thoughts racing, "I will try my best to redeem you after the Grand Exam and take you away from here."

Hope flickered in the girls' eyes, and Liu'er asked softly: "Young Master… are you truly willing to help us?"

Bai Fan nodded solemnly, his gaze frank: "As long as there is an opportunity, I will definitely do my best."

The madam smiled slightly, her expression amiable but secretly calculating: "The girls are all talented and beautiful, well-read and sensible. If the Young Master is willing to help them temporarily escape their plight, we can make no other arrangements, and wait for you to pass the imperial exam before proceeding with the redemption."

Bai Fan nodded, praising her thoughtful plan, and asked casually: "Then how much silver is needed?"

The madam pondered slightly and said: "Each of them needs two thousand taels of silver for redemption. If the Young Master is fond of all three, six thousand taels will suffice. If you do not wish to redeem them yet and only ask for them to have a few days of peace, we can negotiate accordingly."

Bai Fan frowned slightly and asked: "Then, to temporarily put aside the matter of receiving guests, how much silver is needed?"

The madam smiled and replied: "If we go by the full amount of six thousand, the matter of delaying can be reduced to four thousand. And Young Master, rest assured, I have already taken care of their status so they will not be humiliated in the future."

Bai Fan was startled upon hearing this, feeling that something was wrong. Four thousand taels of silver just for a few days of peace was no different from redemption. Moreover, his pockets were empty; he couldn't even scrape together one tael.

"Just for a few days, it costs four thousand taels? That is too much."

The madam continued to smile: "It can be negotiated; how much does the Young Master think is appropriate?"

Bai Fan touched his empty purse in his sleeve, pondered for a moment, and finally summoned the courage to say: "Ten wen per person, a total of thirty wen of silver, just as a gesture of my heart. I hope you will kindly accept it."

Hearing this, the madam's expression changed slightly, her smile vanished instantly, and she said coldly: "Young Master, are you not joking? The girls here are all from respectable backgrounds and have outstanding talents. This little bit of money is probably not even enough for a single song they play."

Bai Fan's expression did not change, his tone gentle: "I am not buying anyone; I just hope they can have a little less hardship. If it is not convenient, then forget it."

The madam suppressed her anger, still wearing a smile on her face, but her eyes already showed displeasure: "Since the Young Master has entered my Brothel and chatted with them for a long time, there should be some gesture. Ten taels of silver is just a token, consider it tea money, and then please leave."

Bai Fan was stunned upon hearing this, feeling slightly confused: "I did not ask for company, why do I still need to pay silver to leave?"

The madam lightly smoothed her sleeve, her smile faint: "This is the rule in my establishment. Once you enter the door, you are a guest. Ten taels is the starting price; it cannot be less."

Bai Fan had an Epiphany, knowing that he had fallen into a trap. He touched his waist, where only a few copper coins remained, not even totaling one tael, so how could he afford ten taels?