Chapter 18

The two people arrived at the door, and immediately two scholars in blue robes came forward to greet them. They clearly did not recognize Hu Xiaotian, and both bowed deeply to Xu Zhengying, saying, "We, Qiu Zhigao and Qiu Zhitang, pay our respects to Lord Xu."

Xu Zhengying smiled and said, "No need for formalities. Today we are here for a literary gathering, so there’s no need to follow the usual bureaucratic etiquette." He turned to Hu Xiaotian and said, "Nephew, these two are famous scholars from the capital, the sons of Grand Historian Qiu."

Hu Xiaotian put on a pretentious air and clasped his hands, saying, "I have long heard of your great names, they are as thunderous as the sound of a gong!" In fact, he had never heard of these two people, nor even of their father, but regardless of whether he knew them or not, he had to put on a show of politeness.

Qiu Zhigao and Qiu Zhitang also returned the bow. After all, they did not know who this young man was. Since he had come with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Xu Zhengying, he must be a relative or a student of Xu Zhengying. This literary gathering was organized by the two brothers. Their father, Grand Historian Qiu Qingshan, held a rank of Fifth Grade, but his position in the court was very important. He was currently compiling the *Comprehensive Mirror of the Great Kang Dynasty* and was a well-known scholar of the Great Kang.

Xu Zhengying did not introduce them, fearing that others would learn Hu Xiaotian’s identity and treat him as his subordinate.

Qiu Zhigao led the way, guiding the two up to the second floor.

This was Hu Xiaotian’s first time participating in such a social event, and he found everything around him novel. He looked around curiously, like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden.

The literary gathering was on the fifth floor, and more than ten people had already arrived, forming small groups. They chatted about literature and swayed their heads. Hu Xiaotian had also been a member of a literary club in university, and his level of classical Chinese was at the master’s degree level. However, he did not recognize anyone at the scene.

Xu Zhengying was well-known for his talent and often attended such literary gatherings. As a Third Grade official, his arrival immediately drew everyone’s attention. The group of young and middle-aged literati quickly came over to curry favor. Xu Zhengying was surrounded by the crowd and could not attend to Hu Xiaotian for a moment.

Hu Xiaotian was naturally left out, but he did not mind. He found a seat by the window, poured himself a cup of tea, and enjoyed the view of the vast sky outside.

Today, Xu Zhengying was not the only official attending the literary gathering, and he was not the highest-ranking one present. The star treatment he received did not last long. With the arrival of the Minister of Rites, Wu Jingshan, and the Censor-in-Chief, Su Qingkun, the focus immediately shifted to them.

Xu Zhengying had originally thought he was the highest-ranking official attending the literary gathering. He had not expected the Minister of Rites, Wu Jingshan, to come, as he was a Third Grade official. No one would be content to play a supporting role. Xu Zhengying had come to the literary gathering with the intention of being the main character, but he did not expect this to happen. Su Qingkun, a Fourth Grade official, was half a grade lower than Xu Zhengying, but he was also a regular at literary gatherings. Xu Zhengying was somewhat displeased, as the Qiu brothers had not mentioned to him that Wu Jingshan would also be attending, either out of carelessness or intentionally.

Su Qingkun was very humble in front of the Minister of Rites, Wu Jingshan. In fact, Wu Jingshan had come to the literary gathering to join in the fun, much like Hu Xiaotian. However, the excitement caused by Wu Jingshan’s arrival was much greater than that of Hu Xiaotian. As soon as he arrived, he drew everyone’s attention. The literati hurried over to greet him. The reason why literati with integrity and character are remembered in history is because they are rare. The desire for fame and fortune among literati is much greater than that of ordinary people. Seeing a Third Grade official in person, they all vied to curry favor.

The Minister of Rites, Wu Jingshan, was fifty-three years old, with a dignified and graceful appearance. Although he wore a faint smile, he gave off an air of arrogance and coldness. No matter who came to greet him, he maintained the same expression, not even nodding his head.

Xu Zhengying and Wu Jingshan did not have much interaction, and he knew that the Minister of Rites and his superior, Hu Buwei, had a poor relationship. They had often argued in the presence of the emperor. Xu Zhengying secretly worried that if Wu Jingshan recognized Hu Xiaotian as Hu Buwei’s son, he would likely make things difficult for him. He hoped Hu Xiaotian would keep his word and remain silent. Xu Zhengying glanced at Hu Xiaotian and saw him sitting alone by the window, looking out at the scenery, seemingly oblivious to the events around him, which made him feel a bit more at ease.

After the crowd dispersed, Xu Zhengying walked over and bowed, saying, "This humble official greets Lord Wu!"

Wu Jingshan glanced down and then a faint smile appeared on his lips, though it seemed somewhat dismissive. "Isn’t this the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Revenue, Lord Xu?"

Xu Zhengying thought to himself, "You saw me long ago, what’s the point of pretending?" He smiled and said, "Lord Wu’s presence at the literary gathering brings glory to the Yan Shui Pavilion. I have long admired your poetry and prose, which are unparalleled. Today, we are fortunate to witness your great talent."

Hu Xiaotian’s attention was drawn by this string of flattery. Xu Zhengying’s skill in flattery was indeed impressive. He could say such flattering words without blushing. Hu Xiaotian did not recognize Wu Jingshan, but from the way the crowd fawned over him, he guessed that this person must be of high rank, at least a Third Grade official, possibly even higher than his father.

Although Xu Zhengying’s flattery was skillful, Wu Jingshan did not seem impressed. He smiled faintly and said, "Today I have some free time, and Lord Su mentioned this literary gathering, so I came along to take a look."

A group of literati vied to flatter Wu Jingshan, though their words varied, they all praised his great talent and unparalleled wisdom, and expressed their honor at receiving his personal guidance.

Wu Jingshan was indeed one of the famous scholars of the Great Kang. Talented people often have a tendency to be arrogant and look down on others. Wu Jingshan clearly did not take these people seriously. In terms of rank, he was the highest, and in terms of talent, he was the best.

Xu Zhengying had originally planned to sit with Hu Xiaotian, but with Wu Jingshan’s arrival, he had to show respect and accompany the Third Grade official. Unfortunately, as soon as Wu Jingshan and Su Qingkun sat down, the remaining seats were quickly taken by literati eager to curry favor. Xu Zhengying hesitated and missed his chance to join them.

Xu Zhengying secretly cursed. In the past, he, a Third Grade official, was usually the center of attention at literary gatherings. Today, with Wu Jingshan’s arrival, the situation had changed. The literati were more worldly and practical than ordinary people.

Xu Zhengying reluctantly returned to sit beside Hu Xiaotian. Hu Xiaotian held his teacup, squinting his eyes as he watched Wu Jingshan, who was surrounded by admirers, and whispered, "Who is that old guy? He seems quite impressive."

Xu Zhengying lowered his voice and said, "He is the Minister of Rites, Lord Wu Jingshan. The one next to him is the Censor-in-Chief, Lord Su Qingkun."

Hu Xiaotian nodded, understanding, and asked, "Who is higher in rank between them and you?"

Xu Zhengying’s face turned red, thinking, "Why do you always bring up the things I don’t want to talk about?" But since Hu Xiaotian had asked, he could not avoid answering. He whispered, "Lord Wu is a Third Grade official, and Lord Su is a Fourth Grade official." He did not directly say who was higher, leaving it to Hu Xiaotian to figure it out.

Hu Xiaotian pressed on, "A Third Grade official is one rank higher than you, and a Fourth Grade official is half a rank lower. So, this old guy is the highest-ranking official here today, no wonder he looks so arrogant and condescending."

Xu Zhengying was startled by the boy’s blunt words and hurriedly warned, "Walls have ears, some things should not be said."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Speaking of the Minister of Rites, I remember something. Didn’t he submit a memorial against my father a few days ago?" Hu Xiaotian had mostly heard this from the servants. Liang Dazhuang was a big mouth and would report any news to Hu Xiaotian.

Xu Zhengying broke out in a sweat. Indeed, this had happened, and he wondered how this brat knew. Seeing Hu Xiaotian’s half-smiling, half-serious expression, he felt uneasy. "This boy might be thinking of revenge," he thought. He whispered, "Differing political views in the court are common. Everyone acts for the public good, not out of personal grudges." He said this, but in his heart, he knew that the relationship between Wu Jingshan and Hu Buwei was poor, and they often clashed in the court.

Hu Xiaotian sneered but said nothing, just sipped his tea, his eyes occasionally darting toward Wu Jingshan, wondering what mischief he was planning.

With Wu Jingshan’s arrival, Xu Zhengying naturally became a supporting role. In the past, the start of the literary gathering was usually decided by him, but today it was decided by Wu Jingshan.

Qiu Zhigao came to Wu Jingshan and bowed deeply, almost touching the floor with his head. His bow was even more respectful than when he greeted Xu Zhengying.

Hu Xiaotian thought, "This guy is so exaggerated when he sees a Third Grade official. If he saw a First Grade official, he would probably drill a hole in the floor with his head. What a disgrace, can’t he have a bit of a literati’s integrity? How can he bow and scrape to the powerful like this? He has no sense of honor at all."

Qiu Zhigao asked respectfully, "Lord Wu, can we start the literary gathering?"

Wu Jingshan smiled but did not speak. The Censor-in-Chief, Su Qingkun, said, "Wait a moment!" His eyes were on the door, as if waiting for someone to arrive.

The crowd was curious, wondering who was so important that a Third Grade official would wait patiently. Just as they were wondering, a loud voice announced, "Miss He has arrived!"

Hu Xiaotian was taken aback. "This old guy was actually waiting for a girl. I didn’t expect this seemingly upright old man to have so many hidden desires. I wonder who this girl is that they are waiting for." Unlike the others, who tried to suppress their curiosity and maintain a calm appearance, Hu Xiaotian stretched his neck to look at the entrance, almost standing up from his chair.

"Woof woof!" A dog barked from outside.

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