The government was sending out wives, and I ended up with a princess from the previous dynasty!

Inside the pavilion, the tea was still bubbling away, with wisps of steam rising into the air before dissipating in the cool breeze, filling the air with its aroma.

Outside the pavilion, tiny, white snowflakes drifted and swirled like willow catkins.

Jia An and the old man stared at each other, both speechless.

They never expected that Jia Daoshi would solve this seemingly unsolvable problem so easily!

How much time has passed since then?

Jia An, in particular, found it hard to accept this reality!

He was the most cultured person in Jiajia Village, and a benefactor mentioned by the old immortal of Ziyue Temple!

But now, why are we losing to Jia Daoshi in every aspect?

That's ridiculous!

"I think we can stop the next test?" Xia Wanlian asked softly.

"So be it! It seems I am ultimately destined to be unworthy of your esteemed household." The old man sighed, rose, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and then turned to leave.

Jia An also looked dejected: "Madam! Jia An takes his leave!"

As he spoke, he turned back and glared at Jia Daoshi before following the old man out.

A young maidservant immediately appeared and led the two of them.

This left only Xia Wanlian and Jia Daoshi.

Xia Wanlian was in a great mood, partly because she had found a kindred spirit in the art of tea.

Secondly, we finally found a suitable candidate.

She had just taken a close look at Jia Daoshi and found that he possessed a restrained spirit and a righteous aura. With him by her side while she studied, it should be able to help Shen Li dispel the evil energy accumulated in her body!

In fact, when Shen Li presented this tricky question, she studied it for a long time but still couldn't find a perfect answer.

Who would have thought that it would be solved so easily today!

This must be fate!

"Mr. Li, may I ask your age this year?"

"Twenty-six."

"I never imagined that such a small county as Yilan could have such a talented person as you, sir. I have truly broadened my horizons today."

"You flatter me, Madam."

“Very good. In that case, the monthly wage will be thirty taels of silver, starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM. You can begin teaching at the manor tomorrow. What do you think, sir?”

"can."

“That would be excellent. Do you have a place to stay in Yilan County? If it is inconvenient for you to come and go, I can prepare a room for you.”

"No need, I have a place to stay, it's just that..."

"The Lunar New Year is approaching, and I'm a little short on cash these days..."

"A little short of cash?" Xia Wanlian was taken aback at first, then quickly reacted: "Sir, your way of speaking is truly humorous. It's alright! A person's character is reflected in their tea. I trust your character. Here's thirty taels of silver, sir."

As she spoke, Xia Wanlian took out three gleaming silver ingots from her purse.

This woman is quite generous; it seems this is the life of the wealthy—so simple and unpretentious.

Thinking back to the villagers of Jiajia Village, the gap between the rich and poor in this era was simply too enormous.

After receiving the money, Jia Daoshi bowed and took his leave. He picked up the oil-paper umbrella from the corner of the pavilion, opened it, and walked into the light snow, slowly departing.

Unbeknownst to him, in the bamboo grove not far away, a pair of eyes were watching his back as he carried the umbrella, a thoughtful expression on their faces.

The little girl beside him whispered, "Your Highness, it's him! Master wrote that poem almost immediately after giving the question! But I think this guy is too weak and pretentious. He even needs an umbrella for such a little snow. His body is really too frail."

Shen Li stared at Jia Daoshi's retreating figure for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Rouya, have you heard any news from the bandits around Yanzhou lately? Is that woman named Mu Weishuang still causing trouble?"

Rouya's face showed a strange expression: "Your Highness, why did you suddenly ask about this? A while ago, this woman named Mu Weishuang subdued Qinglong Village, Baihu Village, Heifeng Village, and Woniu Village, and then she has been quiet for a while. I guess she wants to celebrate the New Year first. With the heavy snow blocking the mountains, she can't make any noise."

"Hmph! It's rare for me to encounter a worthy opponent. You keep a close eye on her for me, and don't let her disrupt the peace of Yanzhou!" Shen Li snorted coldly.

"Yes, Your Highness, but aren't we talking about Li Bai right now?" Rouya looked confused, not knowing why her prince had suddenly changed the subject.

"Since Master has already made the decision, he will definitely come tomorrow. At that time, I will have my own methods! Li Bai? That kid is quite good at pretending!"

Shen Li turned around, put her hands behind her back, and walked back to the inner courtyard.

……

Jia Daoshi was delighted.

Thirty taels of silver is a huge sum of money!

He went to the street, bought five catties of braised pork ribs, and also some cosmetics, powder, candied hawthorns, and other things, before leisurely walking back home.

Along the way, looking at the quaint, snow-covered town, it felt like a dream.

I wonder how my two young ladies will react when they find out what happened to me today.