A few days later, in the imperial palace, the emperor’s study.

 

Lin Zhao stood before Emperor Xuanwu and General Li Xuanwu, dutifully reporting the recent events.

 

He detailed how Ye Cheng had caused trouble at the Scholar’s Hall, teamed up with Li Wuling to acquire Shengde Lou, and even discussed Ye Chuan’s business practices.

 

“Your Majesty, General, I’m afraid I’m powerless in this matter!” Lin Zhao said, his face full of frustration. “Your Majesty, you have no idea how busy Shengde Lou has been these past few days!”

 

“Ye Chuan’s ‘Journey to the West’ story has spread throughout the entire capital. Many of the citizens can’t go a day without hearing a segment…”

 

“Not to mention the points system and the meal packages he’s introduced…”

 

“Now, Shengde Lou is the most popular establishment in the capital, and Scholar’s Hall is nowhere near its level!”

 

“Ye Chuan is on the verge of making a fortune, and he doesn’t even care about titles or fame—he’s only after money…”

 

Lin Zhao sighed helplessly. “All I could do was resort to indirect methods. I asked one of his servants to persuade him. There was no other option!”

 

Emperor Xuanwu and General Li exchanged glances.

 

This young man has really caused quite a stir!

 

Emperor Xuanwu felt a mix of emotions.

 

On the one hand, he was pleased to see that he hadn’t misjudged him. The young man was resourceful, not just talented but full of potential.

 

On the other hand… he’s obsessed with wealth!

 

Not taking the imperial exam is absolutely unacceptable!

 

After all, he had promised Princess Yunxi that Ye Chuan must succeed. If Ye Chuan doesn’t make it to the top three, what will happen to his reputation?

 

It seems I’ll have to handle this personally…

 

“Alright, I understand!” Emperor Xuanwu said.

 

“Prepare, we’re leaving at once. Lead the way!”

 

General Li Xuanwu nodded solemnly, clearly displeased. “It’s time we took a look.”

 

“This scoundrel has so much talent, yet he’s wasting it on such trivial pursuits!”

 

“He’s even telling stories! Is that the work of a decent person? That’s a profession for the lower rungs of society!”

 

“Who would waste their time with such nonsense?”

 

…

 

Two hours later, in the grand hall of Shengde Lou.

 

“That’s all for today, my esteemed guests. If you wish to hear what happens next, come back tonight!” Ye Chuan finished his performance with a loud clap of his hands, earning applause and cheers from the crowd.

 

A secluded table by the window.

 

“That’s it?”

 

“No, the monk Xuanzang is just about to reach Five Fingers Mountain. Why stop now?”

 

“Damn it, another half hour, at least!”

 

General Li slammed the table in frustration.

 

Standing beside him, Lin Zhao rolled his eyes.

 

Master, didn’t you just call this profession ‘the lowest of the low’?

 

How did you get so hooked so quickly?

 

Emperor Xuanwu, too, looked reluctant to leave, nodding repeatedly.

 

“Quite captivating. No wonder the citizens are flocking to it.”

 

“Earlier, when they mentioned the ‘Great Havoc in Heaven,’ I was really angry. It clearly depicted rebellion!”

 

“But the way it was handled, subduing the Stone Monkey and making him reflect, was masterful. A good use of both grace and authority.”

 

Lin Zhao secretly grumbled.

 

Did you not listen to the earlier parts of the story, Your Majesty? The immortal trials, the chaos in the Dragon Palace, stealing weapons, wandering through the underworld, erasing death records…

 

And don’t even get me started on that character named Wei Zheng—he’s outright defying the emperor’s orders!

 

But Ye Chuan is the only one bold enough to tell these stories…

 

Ye Chuan, unaware of what the two elders were thinking, didn’t even realize they had arrived.

 

After returning from the stage, Ye Chuan sat down at the counter where Ye Ying’er quickly brought him a cup of tea.

 

“Master, you must be tired. Please have some tea to soothe your throat.”

 

Ye Chuan took the cup and took a sip, feeling refreshed.

 

Ye Ying’er was gentle and attentive, taking care of him in every way.

 

She was also quiet and bashful.

 

A woman like her, where could you find such a one?

 

But recently, Ye Ying’er had been a bit distracted, as if something was on her mind.

 

“Ying’er, what’s been on your mind lately?” Ye Chuan casually asked as he rested.

 

“Well…” Ye Ying’er hesitated for a moment, then continued, “A few days ago, Mr. Lin Zhao spoke with me for a while…”

 

Ye Chuan paused, immediately catching on.

 

Ah, so they’re trying to infiltrate from the inside and give me a little “whisper of advice,” huh?

 

“Master, I know Mr. Lin’s intentions, and I understand you have no desire to take the imperial exam…”

 

“But I have my own thoughts, and I’m not sure…”

 

Ye Chuan smiled gently. “You can tell me anything, we’re not strangers.”

 

Ye Ying’er’s heart warmed, and she bravely met his gaze. “I’m thinking about Madam…”

 

Ye Chuan’s expression turned serious.

 

“Master, no one but you can help Madam get justice!”

 

“But your father…”

 

Ye Ying’er’s voice faltered, and she lowered her gaze.

 

Ye Chuan sighed inwardly. This girl is so loyal… even after so many years, she still remembers the kindness shown to her mother by Madam.

 

“Ying’er, don’t worry. I promise you, I’ll make sure justice is done for Mother!” Ye Chuan said, looking her in the eyes with determination.

 

“Yes!” Ye Ying’er nodded, her eyes welling up with tears, her heart filled with gratitude.

 

For a moment, the two exchanged a deep, emotional gaze, lost in the moment…

 

“Cough, cough!”

 

A sudden, untimely cough broke the silence.

 

Ye Ying’er jumped in surprise, her heart racing.

 

Ye Chuan turned, slightly irritated, to see who had interrupted.

 

“The exchange, please!”

 

Li Zhiyu, a vision of grace, was standing there, her beauty captivating. She wore a water-blue dress with ink-painted lotus flowers, exuding elegance.

 

Behind her stood Li Wuling, who mischievously winked at Ye Chuan.

 

Ye Chuan was momentarily stunned. He saw Li Zhiyu extend a delicate hand holding a voucher, offering it to him.

 

Well, well…

 

The loyalty, righteousness, and wisdom are all here!

 

Ye Chuan blinked, surprised by how dedicated she was.

 

Since Li Zhiyu first visited three days ago, Shengde Lou had held two meals a day. That’s six meals, plus today’s fourth… Seven stamps, all collected.

 

You really haven’t missed a single meal!

 

And didn’t someone say… scholars shouldn’t mix in this “worldly business”?

 

But here you are, eating every single meal!

 

Li Zhiyu looked away quickly when their gazes met, her cheeks flushing slightly, then coldly said, “It wasn’t me, it was all Li Wuling’s doing!”

 

Li Wuling, behind her, shook his head and revealed her little lie.

 

Such a proud girl…

 

Ye Chuan chuckled inwardly.

 

But no matter. This is free advertising, the best kind of promotion!

 

He immediately gave a deep bow to Li Zhiyu. “Congratulations, Miss Li!”

 

Then, he raised his voice and called out to the entire hall.

 

“Dear customers, since the implementation of our loyalty card system, we have our first guest to collect all seven stamps today!”

 

“Let us all congratulate Miss Li!”

 

“Her next meal at Shengde Lou will be free of charge!”

 

The entire hall erupted into excitement.

 

“Someone really redeemed it!”

 

“Shengde Lou is so generous! They’re serious about this!”

 

The atmosphere was electric, and with Miss Li as an example, every guest was now more eager than ever to dine here. For a free meal and the captivating ‘Journey to the West’ tales…

 

They’d be back every day!