Strange Tales: You're an Official, but you're raising a bunch of Demonessess? - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: A beautiful woman outside the Palace of Learning

“Um?”

On the top floor of the study palace, a noble young man in black emerged from the door, glancing downstairs as if sensing something. He couldn’t help but furrow his brow slightly, “Bai Yu?”

With exceptional eyesight, he could see clearly. A young scholar leisurely walked out of the examination room in the distance. Since the courtyard in front of the building was empty, he stood out alone, particularly conspicuous.

The person was memorable. Once you spoke to him, you wouldn’t forget. Seemingly recalling something, he subconsciously touched his chest.

“Bai Yu!”

Wasn’t he here to take the exam?

Why did he leave?

…

As the sun set in the western mountains, the evening breeze rustled, and in ancient times, without modern advancements, the twilight cast a yellowish hue, gradually shrouding the land in darkness.

Outside the study palace, a crowd gathered. Some came to witness the triennial scholar’s imperial examination spectacle, while others were concerned family members of the examinees inside. Although the exam was still a night and a half away from concluding, some had already arrived early.

One person stood out in the crowd—a tall and elegant woman dressed in black and white, with flowing black hair and an otherworldly aura, standing by the city river.

With skin like cream and lips like rubies, she seemed like a celestial being in the earthly realm. Under the setting sun’s glow, her charming and perfect face added a touch of haziness.

A distant view was astonishing but not to be trifled with.

“There’s a beauty in the north, peerless and independent. One glance captivates the entire city. Another, the entire country.”

Her beauty was like a painting in the light of the setting sun.

Who is she?

So beautiful!

Like a fairy!

Is she married?

Everyone looked at her, unable to help but wonder.

The woman held a small chicken, reminiscent of a myth in Bai Yu’s world where a heavenly beauty resided in the Moon Palace, cradling a white rabbit, exuding ethereal beauty.

Now, holding a little chicken, she seemed almost the same. Quietly standing there, she paid no mind to the surrounding gazes—whether prying, astonished, or lascivious.

Her gaze focused on the study palace where countless candidates were striving. She stood still, a picturesque sight of tranquillity and purity. No one wanted to disturb such a beautiful scene.

“Cough~.”

“Ahem~.”

“Miss, your beauty surpasses all, like a goddess has descended.”

“You’ve truly stolen my heart. May I know your name?”

Yet, there were always those who considered themselves extraordinary, acting recklessly, eager to embrace beauty as if welcoming an immortal into their arms.

“A young man in fancy clothes approached with a couple of attendants.”

“He had a floating gait, a thin face, and prominent cheekbones, giving off an unfavourable appearance.”

“Not exactly a pleasant face to look at.”

“He opened his folding fan, thinking he looked debonair, with a greasy smile as he addressed the woman.”

“It’s him!”

“The fourth son of the Xinyuan family?”

“Ah… what a shame!”

“How many times is this?”

“I can’t say… I can’t say…”

“People around here recognise him, and their expressions changed, some appearing sympathetic.”

“Either shifting their gaze or whispering to companions.”

“However…”

“Quiet, as if the newcomer is beneath notice.”

“The woman remained unmoved, not glancing at him as if she hadn’t heard him.”

“For her, there are two types of people in the world: sons and everyone else, and she pays no attention to the latter.”

“Ahem…”

“Completely ignored.”

“The charming smile on the dandy’s face gradually stiffened.”

“Young lady, let me introduce myself. My name is Yang Shancheng, and I am the fourth son of the Xinyuan Mansion. My father is Yang Huabin, the Marquis of Xinyuan, and my family’s ancestor was a founding hero who established the foundation with the Emperor.”

“He continued, head held high, eyebrows raised, like a peacock, his words carrying a hint of unspoken superiority.”

“When the court honoured you?”

“The woman finally moved, giving him a stingy look.”

“The young master, having achieved academic success, naturally has the privilege to greet the noble officials of the current court.”

“She took a random look at him, nodded perfunctorily, ‘Oh.'”

“Strange…”

“He has a folding fan, similar movements.”

“The young master is chic and romantic, with an attractive temperament.”

“The person in front of him is wretched, vulgar, and unsightly, with revealed desires known to all, arrogant yet despicable, and an unbearable stench.”

“Truly two extremes not worthy of comparison.”

“What brings you here, miss?”

“In this capital, I, Yang Shancheng, still have a bit of face! Let me know if you need anything, and I can help you!”

“He patted his chest, laughing.”

“Ordinary women have already thrown themselves into his arms after hearing his prominent family background.”

“But this beautiful woman who seemed like a fairy remained unmoved.”

“He loves to ignore him.”

“Seeing this, Yang Shancheng became even more interested.”

“These fickle admirers have become tiresome.”

“On the contrary, including such a woman in his conquests is more fulfilling.”

“To be looked at with joy and admiration by such a woman…”

“Hiss… such a contrast, just thinking about it made him unconsciously bend down.”

“I’m waiting for my son!”

“I have only one request for what you seek. Please don’t stand beside me.”