"My home doesn't offer lodging, but I can guide you. You'll have to pay me a finder's fee," the young boy said without any shame when money was mentioned.
"How much is your finder's fee?" Lin Yan asked him with a smile.
"Ten copper coins. That's the standard price for everyone."
This was a concession the town offered to children. Every year during the enrollment period for Maolin Academy, they acted as guides, and the money they earned was saved for their tuition.
"Besides finding a place to stay, do you have any insider information?" Lin Yan realized that this had likely developed into a whole industry.
Lin Bo looked at Lin Yan in surprise but said nothing, turning back to the boy.
"Yes, we also have past exam papers from the academy, but those are quite expensive, and many people don't want to buy them."
Seeing that the clothes Lin Yan and his companions were wearing weren't of the best quality, unlike the silks and satins of wealthy young masters, the boy hadn't tried to sell them anything.
"Apart from that, we also have collections of essays and preferences of the academy's teachers. Those are even more expensive."
Lin Bo was very surprised. He had never expected things to be so comprehensive here. It truly opened his eyes.
"Then take us to find a place to stay first. On the way, you can tell us about this area," Lin Yan decided.
"Alright, just follow me. All the lodging is in one area. You can tell me what kind of house you're looking for." The boy was delighted, figuring he had found a big customer for the day.
"I'd like a small courtyard that can accommodate me and my cousin's group," Lin Yan said, not bothering to ask Lin Bo's opinion. Lin Bo had a recommendation letter, and all he needed to do was submit it when enrollment began.
He didn't need to inquire about the academy's entrance exams. He just needed to study diligently and prepare for the teachers' assessment.
Lin Bo knew he was benefiting greatly from Lin Yan's generosity. As they walked towards the lodging area, he helped her with her luggage.
The boy introduced himself as "Brother Quan." His family lived nearby, and he offered his assistance if they needed anything.
Especially if they wanted to explore the town tomorrow and get acquainted with it, they could ask him to lead the way.
Brother Quan showed Lin Yan and her group around, and after they decided on a house, they signed the lease agreement with the owner and received the keys.
The house was fully furnished. After Lin Yan's maid and page had made the beds, Lin Bo's page came to invite them to dinner.
Lin Bo had asked his page to buy the food. Lin Yan had covered his travel and accommodation expenses all the way, so he could only pay for their meals.
After they finished eating, Lin Yan dismissed them to rest. Lin Yan had already consumed the spiritual spring water, and her body was in excellent condition. The long journey had not made her feel particularly tired.
The imperial examinations were a physically demanding undertaking, and she needed a healthy body.
Lin Yan felt she couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Although the current dynasty didn't prohibit merchants' children from participating in the imperial examinations, scholars like Lin Yan, who had already earned academic titles, were not allowed to engage in business.
Lin Yan planned to explore the town tomorrow to see if she could find a way to earn money. Although she couldn't conduct business herself, she had brought two other people with her.
After dinner, Lin Bo began to pack his belongings. He hadn't brought much, as his family knew the academy would provide many things, so he hadn't packed excessively.
However, he now regretted not bringing more. They had traveled together with Lin Yan, and their mode of transport had been quite spacious, allowing them to bring more items.
Only after leaving home did he understand the saying: "A thousand days at home are pleasant, but ten thousand difficulties arise when you venture out."
Everything on the road cost money, and not only that, but it was also particularly expensive. Every time he paid, he felt his heart ache.
And this was still him benefiting from his cousin's generosity. His cousin, on the other hand, had spent money like water.
But this made him even more grateful to his cousin, Lin Yan. Without him, he truly wouldn't have been able to reach here so comfortably.
The next day, Lin Yan called for the young boy and went to explore the town with him.
Lin Yan not only bought the past exam papers but also the teachers' preferences. Judging by the writing style and the way people were addressed, Lin Yan guessed that this booklet was likely compiled by students of the academy.
The booklet was not printed elaborately but was still sold at a considerable price. It seemed to be a way for the academy's students to earn money.
Seeing that Lin Yan bought so much, Brother Quan felt she was a truly significant customer. With such a large purchase, he would receive a substantial commission.
Because of this, he enthusiastically introduced the town and even provided Lin Yan with a lot of insider information, though he couldn't guarantee the accuracy of the news.
Lin Yan didn't take everything he said to heart.
The past exam papers and teachers' preferences were merely secondary. The most important thing was one's own talent. These were just references.
After Lin Yan had finished exploring the town, she returned and shut herself in to study the academy's past exam papers.
Although Brother Quan was a little reluctant to leave, he knew Lin Yan was engaged in important matters. He calculated the tips he had received from Lin Yan in the past few days and the commission from the shop, and he smiled contentedly.
Lin Yan not only studied the exam papers herself but also shared them with Lin Bo.
"Although you can be admitted to the academy without an exam, cousin, it's still a good idea to look at these questions. After all, you'll have to face the teachers for an interview and placement, so it's best to have a general idea of the questions they might ask."
Lin Yan not only shared the exam papers with Lin Bo but also gave him a copy of the teachers' preferences.
"Thank you, Cousin Yan!" Lin Bo knew that reviewing these would be beneficial, but his wallet was empty, so he hadn't considered buying them.
However, he hadn't expected his cousin to be so kind to him. With this thought, his gaze towards Lin Yan was filled with gratitude.
"Cousin, you should focus on practicing the problems. Since the questions have been bought, you should make the most of them.
Moreover, you are familiar with the academic level of our other cousins at home, so you can see if they would be able to pass if they were to participate."
Lin Bo had not been idle during his recovery from his broken leg. He had not only tutored his cousins in the village but also studied with other cousins. In essence, he was more aware of the academic standing of the Lin family's younger generation than anyone else.
"Cousin Yan is right. We can mail these questions back home later. They'll know if they can get into the academy," Lin Bo said excitedly.
Being able to study at such a prestigious academy would undoubtedly offer a brighter future than studying in a small town.