Chapter 17

"Did you say a scholar named Xizhicai came to visit me?" Zhang Hao looked at the attendant who had come to report, somewhat surprised.

The reason for his surprise was not only because Xizhicai was a renowned and talented person known to Zhang Hao, but also because the fact that the other party had taken the initiative to visit was even more surprising.

Thinking about this, Zhang Hao felt a bit speechless. In recent days, Zhang Hao, the overseas righteous citizen, had gained some fame in Luoyang.

Especially those treasures had captivated the wealthy and powerful. Apart from his wealth and treasures, Zhang Hao's reputation was rather foul.

The reason was simple: Zhang Hao was too close to the treacherous Zhang Rang. Even though he appeared to be a merchant, this still made those who considered themselves righteous look at him unfavorably. Although no one had directly spat in his face when he walked outside these days, he could often see disdainful glances.

If it were just buying an official position, being despised would be fine, as Zhang Hao had benefited from it. But now, he felt wronged.

This was due to insufficient consideration. If he wanted to sell some 'treasures' in Luoyang, he could not avoid Zhang Rang. These eunuchs were petty, and if he did not inform them, they would likely harbor resentment. Additionally, Zhang Hao needed Zhang Rang's help to introduce clients and provide protection.

Zhang Hao was well aware of the principle that a commoner with no crime can still be accused of harboring a crime. Without Zhang Rang's protection, he, the overseas righteous citizen, would have been targeted by those eager heroes and the powerful long ago.

In the end, Zhang Hao should not have sold treasures in Luoyang. But by the time he realized this, it was too late.

Now, it could be said that he had not caught the fox but had instead gotten himself into trouble. When he failed to buy an official position, Zhang Hao thought that since he planned to use the banner of a celestial being descending, it seemed inappropriate to buy an official position; he should maintain the dignity of a celestial being. But now, even without buying an official position, his reputation was still foul.

What could be done now? Zhang Hao could only grit his teeth and accept it. He consoled himself that reputation was not everything; strength was the hard truth.

While consoling himself, Zhang Hao sighed a bit. Many of his predecessors who had traveled through time were wise and heroic. Why did he end up making such foolish moves?

Because of these experiences, Zhang Hao found it incredible that a future celebrity like Xizhicai would take the initiative to visit him.

After a moment of shock, Zhang Hao did not hesitate. It couldn't be that Xizhicai had come to scold him, right? According to historical records, Xizhicai was not an extremely upright and righteous person. Curious, Zhang Hao immediately went out to welcome him.

He even considered whether he should learn from Cao Aman and welcome him with his shoes on backward. But clearly, Zhang Hao was not Cao Aman and did not have his status. Doing so would seem fake.

Walking out, in the courtyard, Zhang Hao saw a tall, thin scholar in his thirties being led by the attendant, walking leisurely. His face was somewhat sallow, his figure slender, exuding a sense of freedom. Unlike other scholars Zhang Hao had met, Xizhicai's demeanor and attire were extremely casual.

Zhang Hao even noticed that Xizhicai's clothes had some stains and were worn loosely.

At this moment, Zhang Hao understood why Xizhicai had the reputation of being unconventional. In this era, which valued etiquette and demeanor, his behavior naturally seemed non-mainstream. Even in modern society, people have requirements for appearance and manners.

No wonder Xizhicai's reputation was not prominent. With his attitude, many people in this era who valued propriety would not bother to talk to him.

"This must be the renowned overseas righteous citizen, Zhang Hao, also known as Zigaogao? I am Xizhicai, and I have come to visit you without prior notice. Please forgive me," Xizhicai said.

Zhang Hao's lips twitched, immediately finding another reason why Xizhicai was not well-liked. His speech clearly had a strange tone.

"I don't dare to claim to be renowned, but I do feel the weight of a bad reputation. When my attendant said a scholar was visiting, I hesitated for a moment. I was worried that a righteous and noble scholar might come to scold me!" Zhang Hao smiled, not minding Xizhicai's teasing, and led him to sit at a stone table in the courtyard.

"Many people are accustomed to parroting others, as if they are not upright if they do not criticize certain people. Additionally, some people feel good about themselves, and some nobles know that reputation is the greatest weapon. Some poor scholars believe that this can enhance their reputation and hope to enter officialdom. Most of them are mediocre," Xizhicai commented disdainfully.

Although many people looked down on Xizhicai, he also looked down on their rigidity or hypocrisy.

"Brother Zigaogao, the reason I came here uninvited is that I heard you have many good things. Don't bother with tea. Since I'm already speaking well of you, bring out your fine wine. I couldn't resist the temptation of the wine after hearing about it from others."

Seeing the attendant bring tea, Xizhicai directly said to Zhang Hao, his righteous and confident manner leaving Zhang Hao speechless.

However, Xizhicai's freedom and honesty were not unpleasant. Zhang Hao gestured, and the familiar guard, who had already glared at the thick-skinned Xizhicai, went to fetch wine and dishes. The dishes were prepared by the inn, and the wine was brought by Zhang Hao from the modern era.

It was not the bulk wine Zhang Hao used to fool outsiders but rather the premium bottled wine.

"Tsk, indeed a fine wine, very potent!" Xizhicai first sipped the wine, tasted it carefully, and then praised it.

"If you like it, take some with you when you leave. I have plenty. It's a rare encounter, so don't be polite," Zhang Hao smiled.

"Ha, that's what you said. I am naturally not one to be polite."

Xizhicai laughed, then drank the wine like a pure drunkard, not intending to talk much with Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao was a bit surprised but did not mind. Although he knew Xizhicai was a great talent, he had no confidence in recruiting him. After all, he had no official position and a bad reputation. For someone with true talent, there was no attraction.

Perhaps Xizhicai had come purely out of curiosity about the so-called overseas righteous citizen and interest in the wine.

Zhang Hao ate the dishes casually without disturbing Xizhicai. After a while, Xizhicai's face was already flushed, and he belched openly. With blurred eyes, Xizhicai looked at Zhang Hao.

"Brother Zigaogao, having returned from overseas, what can you tell me about the lands beyond and how they differ from the Han Dynasty?"

Zhang Hao casually told Xizhicai about the Western Roman Empire, other small countries, and the distinctly different Eastern customs. These things were somewhat jumbled, and some clearly did not belong to the same period, but no one else knew.

Xizhicai listened intently, clapping and exclaiming in surprise from time to time, and sometimes even asking Zhang Hao questions.

Zhang Hao might not be very familiar with the Western world of this era, but he had some knowledge of the modern Western world, so he could still answer Xizhicai's various questions, albeit in a jumbled manner.

"The world is vast, and there is nothing that does not exist. The Han Dynasty should not be like a frog at the bottom of a well. From what you say, many systems in the West are worth pondering."

Xizhicai said seriously, "Brother Zigaogao is truly well-informed, making me want to see the world beyond the Han Dynasty myself."

"However, is Brother Zigaogao really an overseas righteous citizen? Although those strange stories seem true, the way you speak makes it feel as if you are recounting what you have heard from others. You do not seem to know many details," Xizhicai's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he slowly said.

Zhang Hao was taken aback, then smiled. He did not know where he had slipped up to make Xizhicai suspicious. But these were trivial matters. He pointed to the wine in the cup, "Brother Zizhi, where do you think this comes from? Items never seen in the Han Dynasty, if not from overseas, where else could they come from? Moreover, is it important whether I have returned from overseas? Everything beyond the Han Dynasty can be considered overseas, and I have only recently come to the Han Dynasty, which is undeniable."

"You are right; it was my oversight. Everything beyond the Han Dynasty can be considered overseas. Well said," Xizhicai nodded without further questioning.

"Then what does Brother Zigaogao seek? Since yesterday, I have heard others say that this overseas righteous citizen wants to 'serve the country,' even bribing eunuchs for it. Many scholars think that Brother Zigaogao wants to put on a crown on a monkey!"

When he said 'serve the country,' he deliberately emphasized the words, clearly indicating their sarcastic meaning.

Zhang Hao frowned. Put on a crown on a monkey? Those damned people had such venomous tongues. After 'put on a crown on a monkey,' there were also descriptions like 'overestimating oneself' and 'bringing shame upon oneself.'

Sigh, this matter has leaked. I wonder if Zhang Rang was not discreet or if his residence was infiltrated. Otherwise, this should not have been known.

The struggle between eunuchs and the gentry was intense, and mutual infiltration was common. Otherwise, it would not be called a struggle.

It was only later that Zhang Hao learned that the reason his attempt to buy an official position was known to others was due to Zhang Rang's good intentions.

Zhang Rang had received so many treasures from Zhang Hao and, to ensure safety and avoid accusations of harboring a crime, had agreed with Zhang Hao that he would receive a certain share of the business. This made Zhang Rang even more uncomfortable.

Regardless of his character, Zhang Rang still had some conscience. So, he tried to get a higher position for Zhang Hao. When he reported to Emperor Ling, it inevitably leaked out. Thus, Zhang Hao gained the reputation of wanting to put on a crown on a monkey.

It could only be said that Zhang Rang's 'reputation' was not undeserved, even if his good intentions led to a mistake.

PS: When I saw the recommendation votes had become four, I was delighted. Besides the one given by the website, it meant that a reader had given a recommendation vote. Previously, it was three, and then it became four. But being a bit superstitious, I found it a bit awkward, as four is not a good number. I thought about secretly voting for myself to make the number five. But I was speechless to find that I had already used my vote for the day.

Sigh, which kind-hearted person can give me a vote?

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