Chapter 010: Achievements and Fame

Wang Qi was filled with anger and was about to erupt, but he saw Zhang Zixiang approaching their table with something in his hands, so he had to hold back, glaring at Pan Keshan a few times before letting it go

Qin Xu's expression was completely unperturbed; he extended his long hand, moved the brocade box in front of him, and opened it without the slightest hesitation

When General Weichi walked out of the Tianyin Building, he had a red handprint on his face and several bloodstains on the back of his hand, which left people puzzled

Closing the lid, Qin left not a single word behind, disregarding Wang and Pan who were behind him, and simply got up to return to his room

The man on the outside finally managed to stop laughing, and after sizing up the tea doctor’s degree from top to bottom, he was only contemplating how to retrieve the string of money that had been extorted earlier

The man across from me wiped the water from the corners of his lips with a cloth and smiled at the tea doctor, saying, "Enough, enough, you may go ahead for now." He then turned to the man who was paying and said, "Uncle Zheng, I told you there was nothing worth listening to from such people; you didn't believe me, and now you're suffering the consequences, aren't you"

At the four-person table by the window, the two men on the outer side are dressed in brocade robes, exuding charm and elegance. On the inner side, by the window, sits a man who, although only wearing a cloth robe, possesses a striking demeanor and an extraordinary presence.

The three men exchanged glances, and the one who had taken out the money earlier said with a smile, "Without mentioning anything else, why don't you tell us about the rumors regarding the handprint on General Chi's face and the scars on the back of his hand?"

Wang Qi Zhi Ya said: "What you say is indeed correct. At that time, would we still worry that Miss An would not reciprocate Brother Zhi's feelings? Since ancient times, beautiful women have been paired with talented men. How can a martial man like Wei Chi Jue be compared to Brother Zhi..."

The tea doctor weighed the copper coin in his hand, grinning widely as he said, "This young gentleman knows the rules, I thank you very much." He casually set down the copper kettle and cheerfully continued, "Everyone, think about it, who is General Yuchi? He is the esteemed General Huaihua, who has achieved remarkable military exploits in the campaign against the Western Barbarians! With a figure like that visiting Tianyin Tower, which girl would dare to refuse him?"

The doctor, bending down and leaning closer to them with a mysterious expression, said: "Gentlemen, please listen carefully, this matter must not be known to anyone else. The owner of Tianyin Tower, Master Chu, has a white cat, but that day, for some unknown reason, it went mad and tried to catch Miss An. General Yu Chi, of course, could not stand by and watch. While trying to catch the cat, he accidentally got scratched by its claws, leaving several bloody marks on his hand. Coincidentally, a flying insect landed on General Yu Chi's face that day, and Miss An, in a swift motion, swatted it away, but inadvertently left a mark on General Yu Chi's face..."

At this moment, upon hearing Wang Qi's words, the smile on Qin Xu's face gradually faded. He held the wine glass on the table but did not drink; instead, he slowly traced circles on the rim of the glass with his finger

It is quite a coincidence that a distant relative of mine is working at the government office, and naturally knows more than what is rumored. A tea doctor, shaking his head and speaking, faced the crowd eagerly waiting to hear more from him, yet he hesitated and spoke evasively. With a glance, he noticed a few scholars sitting by the window beckoning him, and hurriedly, with great delight, brought over a long-nosed copper kettle.

Wang and Pan were both tribute students at the Ying Tian Academy. Considering that there were over 1,000 students in the academy, only a mere five were able to pass the academy's examination and become tribute students. Both of them had rather proud personalities, often resorting to sarcastic remarks when they disagreed. However, just a few days ago, they were both humbled by a remark made by Qin Xu. Once they calmed down and spoke to each other, they surprisingly found that they had much in common, leading them to set aside their previous grievances and feel a sense of regret for not having met sooner.

The renowned An Ke Luo from Tianyin Tower, who seldom performs on stage, has unexpectedly dedicated a piece to General Wei Chi. Although this news is surprising at first glance, upon further reflection, isn't this just the way of beautiful heroines throughout history

Wang Qi Zhi Ben intended to enlighten Qin Xu, but he spoke rather indiscreetly, not anticipating that it would provoke a reprimand from Qin Xu. However, he found himself unable to defend his position and could only acquiesce.

Young Master Qin," Zhang Zixiang, with his slightly plump figure, moved to the edge of the table, blocking most of the gazes from those around him. He glanced at Wang and Pan, hesitated for a moment, then placed the item in his hand on the table in front of him, a smile spreading across his rosy face, "This is from Miss An of Tianyin Tower, sent by her messenger.

"Do not speak recklessly," Qin interrupted Wang Qizhi's words, his brow furrowed. "A true man, when he goes out, serves the country; when he returns, he supports his family. General Yuchi is indeed a hero, but we, who strive for academic success, also do so with the intention of serving our country and family. How can we discuss matters of men and women in this context... The sixteen prefectures and counties of the Northern Territory that have been occupied by the enemy still require renowned generals like General Yuchi to help our Heavenly Dynasty reclaim them. Uncle Zheng must not harbor the notion of valuing civil affairs over military matters."

He has determined to achieve this fame and success

The man touched his nose and said, "I merely thought he spoke with such conviction earlier, who would have known it would turn out this way?" He nudged the man sitting by the window with his arm, "Isn't this all for you, Brother Zichi?"

The tea doctor was about to pour tea for the man at the table when he saw the man raise his hand to cover the teacup, smiling as he said, "We few do not want tea." He then took out a string of coins from his body and gently placed it in the tea doctor's hand, saying, "You only need to tell us in detail how your distant relative, who works in the government office, has spoken about this matter."

Wang Pan and the other person, upon hearing Zhang Zixiang's words, were so excited that they kept looking at Qin Xu

The tea doctor, seeing several of them like this, could not help but show a look of embarrassment, but still said: "You gentlemen do not believe me, but that relative of mine at home indeed said so to me."

Inside lay a brush, with a translucent and lustrous ivory handle, and a glossy purple-black brush tip

Pan Keshan, upon seeing this, cast a glance at Wang Qizhi and smiled at Qin Xu, saying: "Brother Zichi, there is no need for you to worry. With your talents for governing the country, the position of the top scholar is within your grasp. The day of the Ministry of Rites examination will be the time when you make your name known throughout the world."

The newly appointed General of Huaihua, Wei Chi Jue, went to Tianyin Tower, which is nothing to be surprised about. After all, he is a man, and there is nothing wrong with visiting a brothel to listen to a little music.

In the Joyful Immortal Pavilion in the southern part of the city, tea doctors and wine doctors weave between the tables, serving tea and wine to the guests, while also casually peddling some fresh news to earn a little extra money

The man sitting by the window, dressed in a cloth robe, is Qin Xu. The two individuals beside him are the same ones who had a confrontation at the Yuexian Building a few days ago. One is named Wang Qizhi, courtesy name Shuzheng, and the other is named Pan Keshan, courtesy name Shize. Both come from wealthy merchant families in Jiangnan. For generations, their elders have hoped that the younger generation would pursue an official career, thus sending the two to the renowned Yingtian Academy in the Celestial Empire for study abroad. Yingtian Academy is famous for producing talents, with about fourteen to fifteen percent of those who pass the imperial examination having studied there. Since the reign of Emperor Taizong, the Ministry of Rites has held examinations every three years, granting special privileges to Yingtian Academy with five recommended student slots, known as the Academy's Recommended Students.

On the opposite side, Pan Keshan's mouth had already broken into a grin, his eyes squinting into a narrow slit. He looked at Wang Qi, as if to say, "See, I knew you wouldn't speak; now you've made a fool of yourself."

However, the matter of Wei Chi Jue meeting An Ke Luo at Tian Yin Tower has spread throughout the imperial capital like the wind, causing a great uproar and leaving Qin Xu, who usually remains impassive, in a state of turmoil.

It is a slender black patterned brocade box

However, he was unaware that at this moment, similar dialogues were being lively performed in other grand restaurants in the imperial capital.

A few days ago, Qin Xu noticed the expression of An Ke Luo, which was observed by two people. In the days that followed, they often teased Qin Xu about it during their leisure time. Qin Xu's temperament is particularly proud, and he is generally quite indifferent towards others, not taking the good-natured teasing from Wang and Pan to heart.

The discussion about the doctor's degree was not yet finished, but the two men sitting outside the table could no longer contain themselves. One was clutching his own wrist and laughing wildly, while the other was choked by water, spitting it onto the ground. Although the man on the inside still managed to maintain his composure, a smile that he could not suppress was evident on his face.