Chapter 28

Li You thought that after Yuan Zhang entered the capital, he might take the imperial examinations and join the ranks of the commoner officials, slowly climbing up the ladder. As for himself, he would inherit his title after passing the National University's examination and return to Jia Prefecture, thus severing all ties with Yuan Zhang! However, he never expected that in the days to come, they would have many more dealings, and both would have multiple opportunities to put the other to death! To put it in a vulgar way, this was probably the first meeting of these two fated rivals.

"I have inquired about it! Yuan Zhang originally came from a wealthy family; his father was a famous merchant in Suzhou. Unfortunately, he offended the former governor and was falsely accused, losing all his property! The governor intended to eliminate him completely, but due to a change in the political situation, he was imprisoned, allowing Yuan Zhang to survive!" Qian Hua, one of the outstanding members of the current nobility, would not overlook any information that might threaten him. Within a few days of leaving Suzhou, he had thoroughly investigated Yuan Zhang's background.

"Facing such a great calamity at a young age, he suddenly turned from a pampered young master to a pitiful dependent, which is why he became so cynical!" Qian Hua showed a hint of sympathy, "However, Yuan Zhang is a rare talent, excelling in both literature and martial arts! Ten years ago, he was recognized by the famous scholar Longxi of Suzhou and taken in as a disciple! Although Longxi never passed the imperial examinations, his knowledge was extraordinary, excelling in classics, poetry, military strategy, and martial arts. Unfortunately, he offended a powerful official and had no hope of entering the government!"

Given his background and such a master, it's no wonder he has such a character. Hearing this, Li You's aversion to Yuan Zhang diminished. But if he doesn't change his nature, even if he passes the imperial examinations, he will likely not achieve much.

"Longxi taught him for eight years. On his deathbed, he laughed heartily and praised Yuan Zhang to his visiting friends, saying that Yuan Zhang had surpassed him in many ways and would surely make a name for himself in the future, ensuring his place in history! Since then, Yuan Zhang has become famous in Suzhou!" Qian Hua continued, "Yuan Zhang did not disappoint his master. He achieved success in the imperial examinations and gained a significant reputation in the literary circles of Suzhou. His poetry was widely sung on pleasure boats, and many courtesans vied to be with him, just to obtain one of his poems."

At this point, Qian Hua couldn't help but smile bitterly, "This great talent, Yuan Zhang, looks down on others but favors Hui Niang. If I had known this earlier, I would never have let the madam call Hui Niang to accompany us! It's not worth offending such a promising individual!"

As a mature noble, Qian Hua was not afraid of offending people, but it had to be worth it! This kind of unwarranted trouble was simply not worth it!

Li You consoled him, "Brother Ziqi, who can predict the future? Since the extraordinary Longxi never passed the imperial examinations, why should Yuan Zhang be any different? Even if he passes, his rebellious nature is unsuitable for the bureaucracy. Even if he gets a position by chance, as long as this is still the Great Wei, how can families like ours be afraid of him?"

"I overreacted!" Qian Hua was enlightened. Indeed, there were many talented people in the Great Wei over the centuries, but few of them entered the government, let alone became high-ranking officials who could threaten the Qian family!

Qian Hua soon put this matter aside and talked to Li You about the courtesans of Jiangdu, the brothels of Linqing, and the Chang'an pleasure quarters. Indeed, it was extremely difficult for a commoner scholar like Yuan Zhang to stand out in the competition between noble families and the aristocracy!

A few days later, they arrived in Jiangdu. This time, they were not disturbed, and Li You enjoyed the ancient high-end entertainment. Unfortunately, Qian Hua, remembering Xu Guang's instructions, allowed drinking and listening to music but strictly forbade spending the night, which left Li You extremely frustrated.

Thus, they traveled leisurely, occasionally going ashore to explore the local culture and visit noble families. This period was quite pleasant.

While they were enjoying themselves, Yuan Zhang had already entered the capital, holding the letter Longxi left him before his death. He found a certain mansion in the capital and was soon invited inside.

"Yuan Zhang, a latecomer, pays respects to Mr. Huaiye!" Inside the hall, Yuan Zhang bowed.

"Please rise quickly!" The new National University Chancellor, Wang Weizhen, held the letter, his hand trembling slightly. He was not angry that Yuan Zhang only addressed him by his courtesy name and not his official title. Instead, he admired his old friend's disciple even more and quickly helped Yuan Zhang up. "I have long heard that Longxi took a good disciple. Today, I see that you are indeed extraordinary."

He invited Yuan Zhang to sit and asked about Longxi's final days. Wang Weizhen sighed deeply, "It is a great pity that Longxi, with his vast knowledge, was framed by villains and could not serve the court. This is a loss for the Great Wei!"

"Please tell me who framed my teacher, Mr. Huaiye!" A flash of anger crossed Yuan Zhang's eyes. Longxi was like a second father to him, and he could not let the insult go unpunished.

"I will not tell you now!" Wang Weizhen said sternly, "I see that you are not a patient person. If I tell you now, you will rush to avenge Longxi! But that villain is powerful and not someone you can match at the moment. Wait until you pass the imperial examinations and enter the government, and then I will tell you."

After that, Wang Weizhen discussed classics and poetry with Yuan Zhang. Every question he asked, Yuan Zhang answered with ease and insight, making Wang Weizhen nod repeatedly. A seven-character poem at the end made him sigh again, "Longxi's knowledge has a successor. He can rest in peace!"

"Fei Qin, there are still a few months until the imperial examinations. I plan to recommend you to study temporarily at the National University to suppress the arrogance of the scholars there!" Wang Weizhen called Yuan Zhang by his courtesy name, and as the National University Chancellor, it was easy for him to arrange this. He also wanted to give Yuan Zhang some guidance on the examination techniques.

"I will follow Mr. Huaiye's instructions!" Yuan Zhang, who had no intention of going to the National University, changed his mind upon hearing Wang Weizhen's last words and agreed.

Thus, Li You and Yuan Zhang became classmates at the National University. At this point, Li You was unaware of this, and even if he knew, he wouldn't have time to think about it, as the second mission had already started.

"Mission time has arrived. Please prepare to enter the mission world. This time, the world is the second year of Emperor Wu of Han's Jianyuan era..."

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