Volume One, Chapter 10: Embarrassing? She No Longer Cared

Upon receiving the order, Chu Ge immediately came up with a plan and sprang into action.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu Tang and Chun Tao were at the Imperial Medical Institute, successfully registering their names. Not only that, but they also encountered an old acquaintance inside. After inquiring about the situation within the institute, Jiang Yu Tang learned that she had just made it in on the last day of registration—the examination would take place the very next day.

The day of the emperor’s poisoning was drawing near.

Jiang Yu Tang knew she could only succeed; failure was not an option.

Feeling somewhat anxious, upon returning to the Dream Garden, she hastily reviewed her medical texts, reinforcing and deepening her knowledge. She was utterly absorbed, paying no attention to the outside world. Chun Tao dared not disturb her and moved quietly in and out.

Time passed busily in this way. The moon set and the sun rose, and before long, it was the following day.

Both mistress and maid rose early.

“Young Madam, I have already informed the Duchess of your leave; you need not attend to her for the next two days...” Chun Tao had just been to Lady Xie’s courtyard, fully prepared to face any difficulties or refusals.

To her surprise, Lady Xie readily agreed.

Jiang Yu Tang was not shocked by this. Forced to reclaim control of the household, Lady Xie was currently displeased with her and, unwilling to return Jiang Yu Tang’s dowry, naturally preferred to avoid her altogether.

Before leaving the Dream Garden, Chun Tao glanced toward the main residence with mixed feelings.

The Young Madam’s renunciation of household duties had severed her future prospects within the Duke of An’s estate.

Yet her husband remained indifferent...

His heart was truly hard to warm.

Jiang Yu Tang and Chun Tao left the Duke of An’s estate discreetly through the side gate.

The Imperial Medical Institute stood on a corner outside the palace, situated in the bustling district of the capital. Its main entrance was grand and imposing, with vermilion doors studded with golden nails wide open. Young candidates for the examination came and went in an endless stream, the atmosphere lively and vibrant.

Jiang Yu Tang, accompanied by Chun Tao, followed the crowd into the institute.

Suddenly, the street outside erupted in noise. A deep maroon horse pulled a luxurious carriage made of exquisite ebony wood, coming to a steady stop before the institute’s gates.

Several officials hurried forward to greet the guest.

“Lord Xie, what brings you here in person?”

At these words, Jiang Yu Tang stiffened. Her gaze, along with the other candidates’, turned toward the source, where she beheld an exquisitely handsome face.

Xie Yi He, clad in a robe of deepest black, was the first to disembark from the carriage.

At this hour, wasn’t Xie Yi He supposed to be attending the morning court session?

Chun Tao’s eyes widened in shock.

“Master?”

His presence here—could it be that he finally cared enough for the Young Madam to come personally to make arrangements for her convenience?

Just as this thought crossed Chun Tao’s mind, before she could rejoice, the next moment—

Not far off, Xie Yi He stood beneath the carriage, extending his hand to someone inside.

Yun Qianqian lifted the curtain and appeared, placing her delicate hand in his. He helped her down with ease.

Perhaps realizing they were the center of attention, Yun Qianqian blushed faintly, her eyes shy and innocent like a bashful little rabbit, following closely behind Xie Yi He.

The officials eagerly escorted the two into the building.

The candidates instinctively lined up on either side, clearing a path. Jiang Yu Tang and Chun Tao found themselves pushed to the edges of the crowd.

Chun Tao suddenly remembered that Yun Qianqian was also taking the examination.

The Master was here to see her off...

Not for their Young Madam.

With the Master’s public display, how would acquaintances perceive the Young Madam?

Chun Tao glanced at Jiang Yu Tang, feeling a wave of relief that she had not voiced her foolish feelings aloud. Otherwise, by comparison, the Young Madam would appear even more laughable.

The candidates whispered quietly among themselves.

“Lord Xie is the famed Grand Commander, the heir to the Duke of An’s estate, right? So handsome! Despite his busy schedule, he personally accompanies his woman to the Imperial Medical Institute for the examination...”

“Surely, when a man’s heart is with you, he will always make time for you no matter how busy he is.”

“Then the lady beside Lord Xie must be the heir’s wife? She’s so beautiful and elegant. They truly make a perfect match. I envy the heir’s wife so much.”

“...”

Though the central path was wide and spacious, the officials still found it insufficient. They scolded the candidates standing nearby.

“Step aside! Don’t block the noble guests!”

The candidates stepped back hastily. Jiang Yu Tang, the true heir’s wife, was pushed until her back pressed against the wall, squeezed tightly among the crowd. The air grew stifling.

Jiang Yu Tang, at the rear, her forehead strands slightly disheveled, had to witness the passing of the distinguished couple right before her eyes.

At that moment, Yun Qianqian seemed to sense something and looked sideways in their direction.

Her gaze pierced through the crowd and landed on the flushed, embarrassed Jiang Yu Tang. A mocking smile tugged at her lips as if she found the scene amusing.

Yun Qianqian and Xie Yi He’s figures disappeared from sight.

The crowd slowly dispersed, and normalcy returned.

The stark contrast washed over Chun Tao like a tide of despair. She suppressed her feelings of disappointment, showing no sign of it on her face, pretending nothing was amiss as she tidied Jiang Yu Tang’s hair.

Jiang Yu Tang did not mention the glaring incident.

The two silently proceeded toward the examination hall.

Inside the Imperial Medical Institute, the spacious halls featured flying eaves and intricate bracket sets, ancient towering trees everywhere, and a faint scent of medicinal herbs permeating the air.

At the secondary entrance outside the examination hall, Yun Qianqian was about to enter when she suddenly paused, touching her waist in dismay.

“Oh no, Brother Yi He!”

Embarrassed, Yun Qianqian turned to Xie Yi He and whispered, “I—I forgot to bring my candidate’s badge. We’ll probably have to return to the estate...”

Xie Yi He was unconcerned. “It’s no trouble. I’ll let them know.”

For him, it was merely a word.

Yun Qianqian entered smoothly.

Not long after, Jiang Yu Tang arrived.

Holding her candidate badge, she queued patiently. When her turn came, however, a problem arose during verification.

Jiang Yu Tang was stopped by a medical officer at the secondary door of the examination hall.

“Jiang Yu Tang, right? Your name isn’t on the registration list. You can’t enter.”

Impossible.

Jiang Yu Tang frowned slightly. “I registered just yesterday. Please, check again.”

“I said no, so no. Don’t believe me? Look for yourself.” The officer’s tone was arrogant as he slammed the book onto the table.

Concerned about her plan, Jiang Yu Tang hurriedly flipped through the register, but indeed, her name was missing.

She was certain.

She had registered yesterday!

Yet now her name had vanished—someone must have tampered with it behind the scenes.

And only someone capable of issuing orders to the Imperial Medical Institute...

Jiang Yu Tang clenched her fingers into a fist beneath her sleeve.

“Finished looking? Confirmed? Then get lost and don’t block the way or stop other candidates from entering,” the officer said, roughly shoving Jiang Yu Tang aside.

The long line progressed as the candidates entered one by one, casting curious glances at the embarrassed Jiang Yu Tang being dragged away.

Xie Yi He, having seen Yun Qianqian off, witnessed this humiliating scene.

His cold gaze lingered on Jiang Yu Tang’s distressed face for a moment before turning away like a stranger. Surrounded by officials, he passed by and left.

Jiang Yu Tang was not willing to give up so easily.

Standing her ground, she contemplated her next move. The candidate badge in her hand was issued by the Imperial Medical Institute—they could not deny that.

“Tang Tang?”

At that moment, a clear male voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

It was...