The Devious First Daughter

Chapter 119. A romantic talent from Jiangnan

Cheng Yu was a well-known noble childe from the regions south of the Yangtze River. Although he could not compare with the most famous Childe Yueming, he was relatively well known there. Moreover, he was romantic, handsome and talented. In the past examinations, he had won the first place, so he was very confident about this coming imperial examination.

"Win a title, make it to the list and select a husband from the list" was the popular adage.

This was the way that many noble families in the capital chose worthy husbands for their daughters. Because his parents wanted it this way, Cheng Yu was not engaged yet. In his parents' view, their son was so outstanding and if he could win a title and marry a noble young lady, in this way they would get more help.

However, Cheng Yu did not think so. He had always been very indifferent to women. Some said that he was proud and insolent because of his talent and some said that he was romantic and unrestrained. But no matter what, in the regions south of the Yangtze River, he had once announced that he would not marry a woman who did not have a good appearance. Not only must she be from a good family and conduct herself well, but she must be good-looking. It was really hard to look for such a candidate.

Moreover, a Young Lady usually grew up in her boudoir, so it was impossible for men outside to meet her.

Therefore, his marriage was put on hold. Fortunately, his parents wanted him to marry a noble young lady in the capital after winning a title. At this moment he had yet to find a woman whom he loved at first sight.

The imperial examination was coming soon. More and more people hid in their rooms and reviewed the books. Everyone hoped that they could read more books at this time. Even if they were unwilling to read at ordinary times, they had to concentrate on it now. The more they read, the better they would be. Although making frantic last-minute efforts had only a little effect, it was the best they could do.

Cheng Yu had a bit of leisure time and went to the bookstore with Xia Yudong, the second son of Minister Xia. He got to know him several days ago. Xia Yudong had a good reputation in the capital and they met at a poetry recital event and took to each other instantly. As for Xia Yuhang, he was Xia Yudong's eldest brother, had a good reputation and talent, but Cheng Yu had never seen him before.

Although Chengyu had never met Xia Yuhang, he highly disapproved of this gifted scholar because he was once famous for a while, but in the end, he was punished over an affair with a woman. In Chengyu's opinion, so what if Xia Yuhang loved a woman and had a secret relationship with her? In the end, Xia Yuhang still married her! It was not a big mistake from a morality point of view. Chengyu himself was eager to meet a beautiful noble young lady and eventually marry her.

He stood on the second floor and casually flipped through the books. At the same time, he had a chat with Xia Yudong who was standing at the stairs. Suddenly, they heard a flurry of footsteps coming from the stairs. Before their arrival, the young ladies' voices could clearly be heard. It was as if something had happened and there was a woman moaning.

"Brother Cheng, there is a rare beauty coming from downstairs. Would you like to see her?" Xia Yudong suddenly leaned closer and said this jokingly in a low voice, "She is the most famous beauty in the capital and is known to be both virtuous and talented."

"Is she a famous noble young lady who has both virtue and talent in the capital?" Cheng Yu's eyes lit up and he whispered, his heart pounding in anticipation.

Xia Yudong lowered his voice and said, "Of course. Young Ladies of the Lord Protector's Manor are all beautiful, especially her. Moreover, she is the daughter of the principal wife of Lord Protector and is even more beautiful. Although she is still young, no one can compare to her graceful bearing in the capital."