Chapter 686: Waiting for the Right Moment
Chapter 686: Chapter 686: Waiting for the Right Moment
These words silenced those around, and finally, someone spoke with a forced smile:
"You must know that blaming others is not as fruitful as blaming oneself; seeking from others is not as effective as seeking from oneself."
"Hey, why are you quoting books now!"
"Then I’ll add one more: Confucius said: A noble man seeks from himself; a petty man seeks from others."
The one mocked couldn’t hold back: "...I...I’m really angry. Just wait until one day the koi turns into a dragon. Don’t blame me for using this line from ’Enlarged and Enriched Wisdom’ to respond: Speaking isn’t as effective as doing, seeking from others isn’t as fruitful as seeking from oneself. At that time, I hope everyone will align knowledge with action."
"We were wrong, if one becomes rich and powerful, don’t forget us."
Wu Junren looked disdainfully at those people, smirked, and whispered to Lin Ziqi: "Why hasn’t Young Master Nantang appeared yet? The hour is not early. I hope tonight won’t be just Mr. Songshan discussing policy essays."
The hoarseness of his voice betrayed his inner unease.
Lin Ziqi clenched his palm, calming himself, and softly reassured: "How could it be? Not to mention that Dingbei Marquis is guarding the terrace, and now that the Princes and Princesses are all here, even if Young Master Nantang doesn’t know how to conduct himself, he wouldn’t dare not appear. When he shows up, seize the opportunity."
Wu Junren chuckled: "Naturally, I’m just worried he might not come out. This Young Master Nantang is elusive and extremely hard to invite. The owner of Book Sea Pavilion has tried countless methods to force him out without success; unexpectedly, he’s so well in sync with Dingbei Marquis Mansion, isn’t that strange?"
Lin Ziqi felt uncomfortable and snorted: "That’s why my Yue Family really favors Qin Siyuan. Both Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang hold him in high regard. But to me, their son-in-law... even trying to add a few more poems to the poetry collection isn’t possible."
Wu Junren sympathized: "It’s not about worrying about scarcity but about uneven distribution."
Lin Ziqi felt understood: "Indeed, if resources were distributed evenly, I wouldn’t cause a fuss."
Wu Junren sneered: "Later, I’ll tear away his facade and show everyone what kind of character he has."
The two lowered their voices like buzzing mosquitoes, believing their plans were solid, just awaiting Young Master Nantang’s emergence.
On the terrace, Mr. Songshan gestured downward, and the crowd’s discussions slightly calmed.
Mr. Songshan stroked his beard and said: "I’ve spoken for a long time and feel tired; let’s rest for a bit. How about letting Young Master Nantang take over for this topic?"
The aristocratic ladies first raised their voices in approval.
The scholars followed in agreement, though not as enthusiastically as before.
Lin Ziqi and his companion were suddenly energized, looked up eagerly, and saw a slender figure appearing by the railing, his face under the lamplight like jade, handsome features like a painting.
Wu Junren couldn’t help but praise: "This Young Master Nantang is indeed handsome. No wonder he can write such elegant and ethereal poems. Truly, the poetry echoes the person."
Lin Ziqi remained silent.
He felt that Young Master Nantang looked somewhat familiar, as if he’d seen him somewhere before.
Then, Young Master Nantang spoke: "My voice is not great; I can’t speak loudly, so I’ll have to ask Mr. Qin to relay my words."
With that, Qin Siyuan emerged from inside and stood by the railing.
The crowd below was somewhat surprised.
Lin Ziqi harbored resentment; Qin Siyuan never needed to compete, yet opportunities were presented to him.
If he could serve beside Young Master Nantang, wouldn’t this chance for public recognition be his?
Growing ever more eager to step over Qin Siyuan.
Princess Fuyun was the first to call out: "Good, as Young Master Nantang wishes. But it’s a bit burdensome for Mr. Qin; this Princess is willing to award you ten rolls of top-quality silk as thanks."
The finest silk, of considerable value.
The crowd immediately erupted in discussion.
Qin Siyuan hurriedly shouted: "If the master has a need, the student will work hard. I am not burdened. Princess Fuyun needn’t reward me. Moved by the Princess’s kindness, I will work even harder."
Mr. Songshan laughed: "Mr. Qin has received guidance in poetry from Young Master Nantang, having somewhat of a teacher-student relationship; indeed, rewards aren’t necessary." But Princess Fuyun insisted, and instructed her attendant to quickly fetch the silk, privately envying: "If only Young Master Nantang would guide me as well."
Prince Qi coldly laughed: "Do you think your talents are so great that even Zhang Hanlin is unfit to guide you?"
"Oh, I was just expressing my admiration for Young Master Nantang..." Princess Fuyun sighed.
Zhang Hanlin’s writings are naturally excellent, but his poetry is indeed too rational like the Jiangxi Gang in the court, lacking some elegance and romance, not to the liking of young ladies.
But this couldn’t be said aloud.
As the saying goes, walls have ears; moreover, in such a public place.
Nearby, the Ninth Princess who wished to ruin this union was listening intently.
Prince Qi said: "Look at you, rewarding like this has placed Qin Jijiu’s nephew in a hot spot; Young Master Nantang’s actions already put him in the limelight, further arousing resentment from interested parties."
Princess Fuyun quickly responded: "I meant well, not realizing it would be like this. Brother, you’re the kindest, please help me remedy this."
Offending Qin Siyuan, doesn’t it equate to offending Qin Yuan; offending Qin Yuan equates to offending Third Brother Gu.
Prince Qi shook his head with a small laugh.
"Next time, don’t act so thoughtlessly. Now, in front of such an audience, everyone thinks your actions stem from love for Young Master Nantang’s talent; Third Brother won’t think much, nor will Zhang Hanlin."
Princess Fuyun was relieved.
Prince Qi observed her expression and relaxed as well.
These days, Princess Fuyun has been gloomy due to facial injuries; Prince Qi felt her pain, wishing he could mar the Ninth Princess’s face in retaliation if his own position weren’t precarious.
This Young Master Nantang is truly remarkable, making Princess Fuyun forget about her facial injury, and even overshadowing her budding affection for Third Brother Gu.
Prince Qi lifted his eyes towards the terrace and said: "I came out of admiration; after discussing policy, can Young Master Nantang spare a few moments for poetry and songs?"
Qin Yuan respectfully said: "Please rest assured, Prince Qi. After discussing policy, I’ll also review the poems proposed by everyone before the park tour, as long as no one minds my modest literary skill."
Upon saying this, a stream of people quickly broke away from the crowd, clamoring towards the poetry wall.
Wang Zichuan was shocked: "How could it be?"
Someone nearby said: "Young Master Nantang’s poetry is adored by ladies in their chambers; unexpectedly, the ladies in the Capital City are so crazed. Fortunately, he doesn’t like revealing himself, or he’d be stuck on the streets, blocked by these crazy women."
Wang Zichuan pondered: "I wonder about my poem..."
The person nearby said: "His poems are favored by ladies; Big Brother’s are filled with boldness and fierceness, don’t scare him away."
The two laughed heartily.
Wu Junren and Lin Ziqi exchanged a glance, fully understanding each other’s thoughts: when Young Master Nantang critiques the poems, that’s their moment to act.