A crown princess who doesn't do infrastructure construction isn't a good doctor.

After nine days, the imperial examination came to an end. Exhausted students emerged from the examination hall, and the streets were bustling with activity.

"Who do you think will be the top scorer in the college entrance exam this year?"

"The provincial examination has just finished, and the results won't be released for another month. We still don't know who will be able to enter the palace examination."

"I heard that betting companies have already placed bets, and it seems that Young Master Chu has the highest odds!"

"Did he still take the exam this year?"

"Of course they participated, otherwise why would anyone place bets?"

"Hey, do you guys want to try placing a bet?"

"Let's forget about it. Life is unpredictable. Even if you bet the most, what if something unexpected happens? Wouldn't all your money go down the drain?"

"Yeah yeah……"

In the study of Wutong Courtyard, Qin Suiyou was listening to the gossip that Lu Xi had overheard outside.

"The odds are highest for Chu Huan, but the imperial examination has just ended. Why are they all betting on who will be the top scholar?"

Gao Yu diligently helped Beitang Yan wash his paintbrushes, and upon hearing this news, she couldn't help but ask a question.

Qin Suiyou flipped through the ancient book that Chu Yuning had given him and replied, "The people they are betting on are all those who participated in this imperial examination and were already famous in Yejing for their talent. They are unlikely to fail the examination, so it's normal for people to start joining in the fun early on."

After speaking, Qin Suiyou asked Lu Xi, "Who is the most popular candidate?"

Lu Xi recalled for a moment and said, "His name is Su Yu. He seems to be a descendant of a famous scholarly family with a century-old tradition. It is said that he could read at the age of three, write poetry at the age of five, and paint a famous painting at the age of eight that made even the most famous scholars feel ashamed. He also has a good appearance. Every time he goes out, countless young girls in love throw silk flowers and sachets at him."

Qin Suiyou: "You've found out quite a lot."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xi patted his chest.

"That's right, I'm quite skilled at gathering intelligence."

When Qin Suiyou heard the name Su Yu, it sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He didn't bother to think about it and then told Lu Xi, "Go back and find out when the betting house closes for the next round. Place your bet near the close and bet on Chu Huan."

Lu Xi didn't understand and asked, "Why? Although he was famous for his talent before, given his family's current situation, that person wouldn't choose him as the top scholar, would they?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Suiyou's lips curled up, his eyes revealing confidence.

"You don't need to worry about that, just place your bets. If you're really worried, take my money and bet on someone else."

Finally, on the day the results of the imperial examination were about to be announced, just before the market closed, Lu Xi only bet on Chu Huan's score. Moreover, under the gazes of many people who looked at him as if he were a fool, he even took out his own savings of one hundred taels of silver to bet that Chu Huan would become the top scholar.

After the list was posted, many people were heartbroken to see the name at the top of the list. Why didn't they place another bet on Chu Huan?

The day the results were announced also included the date of the palace examination, which was set for ten days later. Putting all that aside for the moment, the Southwest Bookstore, which had been busy for almost two months, finally reopened on the day the results of this year's imperial examination were announced.

This time, the reopening was not a big affair. After all, it is a shop whose target consumer group is mostly scholars. Being too extravagant and grand would leave a bad impression on many aloof literati. Moreover, a bookstore is not like a restaurant or eatery that can rely on a moment of liveliness to make a good business. So, we simply opened the door and hung up a sign that said "Open for Business".

Everything seemed ordinary and unremarkable, but a sharp-eyed observer noticed that Kong An, the son of a renowned scholar and the Imperial Academy's Vice Director, who was famous throughout Yejing for his sharp tongue, arrogance, and insistence on using only the finest writing materials, had actually come to this seemingly ordinary bookstore.

Those who knew a little about Kong An's reputation couldn't help but become curious about this Southwest Bookstore that had been closed for a long time.

Two young scholars passed by the Southwest Bookstore. Upon seeing Kong An, one of them, quite curious, pulled the other inside.

"Hey, what's going on..."

Seeing the question raised by his companions, the person walking slightly ahead asked, "What's wrong, Brother Huaiyuan?"

Gu Huaiyuan said, "Yuanzhou, do you still remember the time you accidentally ruined the Xuan paper that the teacher asked you to prepare for the class?"

Xia Yuanzhou nodded: "Of course I remember. If Brother Huaiyuan hadn't bought some more for me, I might have been punished by the teacher again."

After speaking, Xia Yuanzhou cast a questioning look at Gu Huaiyuan, wondering why he brought this up.

Then Gu Huaiyuan said, "I was afraid I wouldn't have enough time that day, so I bought it at this nearby store instead of the one we usually go to on the street. Back then, this bookstore wasn't like this."

Upon hearing this, Xia Yuanzhou looked around and suddenly seemed to remember something. He then whispered in Gu Huaiyuan's ear, "I heard a while ago that this bookstore is now owned by the heir of the Prince of An. It was closed for a long time before reopening today. It seems to have undergone a lot of renovations. Brother Huaiyuan, look, these shelves and tables and chairs are all new. Do you think Lord Kong came here because of the Prince of An's residence?"

Gu Huaiyuan glanced at the newly renovated and exceptionally well-organized bookstore and said, "Alright, since we're already here, there's no harm in taking a look. Let's leave Lord Kong's matter alone."

Xia Yuanzhou wasn't particularly concerned about knowing why Kong An had come here; he just wanted to satisfy his curiosity. Hearing Gu Huaiyuan say this, he replied, "Okay."

The two walked slowly, their initial curiosity turning into increasing surprise.

The layout of the bookstore is quite different from that of ordinary bookstores. The two shelves in the middle are filled with books on both sides of one shelf and various stationery items on each shelf. Neither shelf is very tall, only reaching about shoulder height.

Most of the space along the wall was occupied by calligraphy and paintings for sale by others, while the remaining small portion had signs on higher up advertising practical books.

What surprised the two of them was the location of the miscellaneous books.

"Brother Huaiyuan, here's the Commentary on the Waterways Classic! And it's the complete set! Haven't you been wanting to read this for a while? But many bookstores either don't have it or it's too expensive. Let's buy it quickly!"

Seeing the book he had been longing to read but had never been able to, Gu Huaiyuan was very happy, but he still hesitated.

"One hundred and fifty coins, one and a half taels."

Now, the shelves and bookshelves on the first floor of the bookstore all have a slot in the corresponding position for placing wooden signs with prices written on them.

Xia Yuanzhou saw it too, and that's precisely why he was so happy.

"It sells for over two hundred coins elsewhere, but it's much cheaper here. Let's chip in and we can do it together."

"No..."

"Um... what are you two looking to buy?"

The first day of business after the suspension was really quiet. Kong An came over and was led upstairs by Qin Suiyou. Jin Wen, who had just been appointed as the manager a few days ago, also went upstairs, leaving the inexperienced shop manager behind. He was anxious for a long time looking at the shop with hardly anyone except the staff.

When two people finally arrived, he remembered the bookstore's service guidelines he had memorized beforehand: "Do not interfere with guests unless they need it." He suppressed his excitement but kept a close eye on the two of them.

Just as he noticed that the two seemed to be struggling with the price, he immediately thought of Zhengjun's "rental" service. Although he might not get his first order of the day, it would be good if he could use this opportunity to promote Southwest Bookstore's "rental" service!

Upon seeing Lan Feng approach, Xia Yuanzhou immediately said, "We want this 'Commentary on the Waterways Classic.' By the way, could we take it out and have a look at it first?"

It was only then that Xia Yuanzhou realized that although the current furnishings of this bookstore looked quite impressive, what if it was a case of false advertising? If the price was suddenly so low, and the contents were incomplete, then they would be at a loss.

Lan Feng nodded and said, "Of course."

"Sorry, we'll have to wait for now..."

Just as Xia Yuanzhou was about to pick up the book, he heard Gu Huaiyuan still wanting to give up and said with slight dissatisfaction, "Brother Huaiyuan, we can't miss this opportunity. We have an ounce and a half, and we'll still have plenty left after buying it. It'll be enough for us to get by for now."

Looking up at Xia Yuanzhou, Gu Huaiyuan said helplessly, "You've already spent too much money to help me. I can't let you suffer in the future because of my own selfishness."

Before Xia Yuanzhou could say anything more, Lan Feng, who had overheard their conversation, interjected, "Actually, you can choose to rent books."