Chapter 56: The Gathering of the Golden Carp Scholars (Part 2)

  The crowd followed the steward of the Tong Mansion to the backyard, and along the way, no one dared to look around recklessly, all with a polite demeanor.

  A handsome young servant saw the steward and hurried forward to greet him: "Steward Tong, the master and all the guests are waiting in the Xiu Shui Ting courtyard up ahead!"

  Everyone listened to the young servant's words and quietly tidied up their clothes. The path turned, circling around the fake mountain, and soon a pond came into view in front of them. The leaves were lush and green, the water was rippling, and occasionally a few swans could be seen foraging on the surface of the water - what a wonderful scene! After crossing the Nine-turn Bridge, they turned back several times, and then a cool pavilion appeared before their eyes, reflecting the ripples in the water and appearing exceptionally spacious. Looking up, there was a small black and gold plaque above it, with the three large characters "Xiū Shuǐ Tíng" (Elegant Water Pavilion) written on it. The calligraphy was bold and strong, with a mix of square and round strokes, the structure was steep and precipitous, the brushstrokes were sharp and decisive, and it had a bit of the style of the Saint of Calligraphy.

  It suddenly occurred to him that his teacher had once said that Lord Tong was particularly fond of calligraphy, and especially admired the work of Wang Xizhi. The Emperor himself was a student of Lord Tong's, and had learned from him the art of fine handwriting. This was why, since the Emperor's accession to the throne, his teacher had been urging him to gradually change over from the European style he had previously practiced, with considerable success. The imperial examinations were not just about writing a good essay; it was also important to cater to the tastes of the chief examiner, Lord Tong - an unavoidable necessity.

  Four elderly men sat at the end of the water pavilion, and two young scholars, both in their weak crown years, were exceptionally handsome.

  Lin Zhiyuan followed the crowd to pay their respects, and sat down in the first position was a middle-aged man with a height of over eight feet, his face as white as jade. Seeing Lin Zhiyuan and others, he smiled and said: "I'm sorry to keep you waiting! Please sit down quickly." He pointed to several people sitting next to him and introduced them: "This is our Minister of Rites, Jiang Shilang Jiang, Minister Hong of the Ministry of Rites, and Minister Qiao of the Imperial Academy."

  All of you students listened to Mr. Tong's words and were filled with reverence.

  "You've come, I'm delighted. This year just work hard and strive for the title of Tianzi Gate scholar, it's not a bad thing in life. Oh, right, which one of you is Lin Zhiyuan?"

  Zhiyuan hastily stood up, "It's just a student, I've met Lord Tong before."

  Mr. Tong took a look at this man full of English spirit and didn't seem like a bookworm who only knew how to read dead books, suddenly having a good impression.

  Jiang Shilang, who had been silent all along, asked in a low voice: "But what about the 14-year-old case that Jiangnan people mentioned?"

  Zhiyuan listened to this tone and felt that he was not a good person to get along with, his stern expression revealed a hint of arrogance.

  "I report to your honor, the student indeed passed the imperial examination three years ago."

  Tong Daoren and Jiang Shilang were of equal rank, but because of the emperor's favoritism, he was also a cunning old fox who had given the emperor many ideas, so others didn't dare to offend him easily. As for Jiang Shilang's temperament, Tong Daoren was very clear about it, although he felt a bit ashamed in his heart, he didn't show it on his face at all. He said to Zhiyuan and Pang Wen'an: "Come, come, let me introduce you, this young man is the son of Jiang Daoren, and this one is Yao Chengyun, who is also participating in this year's imperial examination with you, so be careful! Jiang Gongzi is talented and has the guidance of his father, he can be considered your strong competitor!" Tong Daoren was half-jokingly looking at everyone.

  Pang Wen'an and others couldn't help but glance back and forth at Director Jiang and that young Master Jiang, thinking to themselves, no wonder this Minister of Rites was so unfriendly to Lin, it turns out he's jealous.

  At this time, however, Mr. Jiang was secretly scolding the surname Tong for not knowing how to speak. This old fox put his own son in the front row. Isn't it just asking him for help? What's so special about being a minister of the emperor? If he hadn't found out that His Majesty might appoint this surname Tong as the chief examiner this year, why would he come here with a thick face to ask for nothing?

  Jiang Shilang thought of this, and he looked down on Tong's newly promoted Lin Zhiyuan even more. His eldest son had always been his pride, and it could be said that entering the palace examination was a sure thing, only to see what ranking he would get. Jiang Shilang naturally hoped that his son could win the title of Zhuangyuan, so he regarded Lin Zhiyuan, this 14-year-old Juren, as his greatest opponent.

  However, Jiang Gongzi was different from his father and seemed more easy-going. When asked several questions by Pang Wen'an and others, he answered them in detail.

  Lin Zhiyuan's eyebrows rose, and he found that the gaze of Yao Chengyun, who was standing behind Jiang Gongzi, was a bit off. It seemed to be a mix of surprise, unwillingness, and more importantly, vigilance.

  "Brother Lin, I've heard that your painting is unparalleled in Jiangnan. I just don't know if I'll have the chance to see it." Jiang Gongzi looked at Lin Zhiyuan with sincere eyes.

  Lord Tong's spirits lifted upon hearing this. In his lifetime, he had three loves: calligraphy, painting, and beautiful women. He couldn't live without any of these three things. The Tong household had six madams, each one a stunning beauty, as lovely as flowers. Lord Tong was able to enjoy the blessings of many people, even the previous emperor had teased him about it. If not for Lady Tong's exceptional abilities, this household would have likely been in disarray long ago.

  So, when Lord Tong heard Jiang Gongzi say that Zhiyuan was a painting master, he hastily asked: "Nephew said is true? Zhiyuan, if you have good things, don't hide them privately, take them out and let us see." This Lord Tong is indeed changing quickly, and there is no difference with Pang Wenan. Just now it was still lukewarm to call "Lin Zhiyuan", just a moment's work, it became "Zhiyuan".

  "Adults are fond of painting, and Zhiyuan has long been known for it. This time in the capital is hasty, and his previous works are still in the box, not yet organized. If adults condescend to accept them, Zhiyuan will personally present them and ask for guidance." Such polite words, Lin Zhiyuan said with a straight face, can be considered an old slicker.

  Indeed, Lord Tong was overjoyed and asked about the recent situation of Mr. Zhiyuan Shen.

  Jiang Shilang saw the two men chatting happily, ignoring him, and his face couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. As an official appointed by the imperial court, he couldn't bear being treated like this, lest these young scholars laugh at him. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he saw the steward of the Tong Mansion hurrying from the shore towards the Waterside Pavilion, and so he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

  Tong Guan's face was covered in sweat, and he didn't even have time to wipe it away. He walked up close and whispered something into Tong Da's ear.

  Mr. Tong was first startled, then a sly smile appeared on his face, and everyone else looked at him in confusion.

  "I'm sorry, Lord Jiang, something has come up at home and I must take my leave."

  Jiang Shilang frowned and said in a deep voice, "Tong sir, I came early this morning and we haven't had a good chat yet. How could you leave us like this? This is not the way to treat guests!"

  "Father, I'm sure Lord Tong's family must have some urgent matter to attend to. It would be better for us to come back another day."

  Mr. Tong smiled kindly and replied, while Jiang Shilang saw his son speak up to advise him, he couldn't do anything else but stand up to bid farewell. Mr. Tong kindly invited Lin Zhiyuan, Pang Wen'an and other young scholars to stay for lunch at home, saying that after handling the matter, they would have a good talk with everyone. People like Lü Gongzi still haven't been able to say a word to Mr. Tong until now, so naturally he didn't want to leave.

  Zhiyuan's purpose for this trip has been achieved, and he has established a relationship with Lord Tong. It doesn't matter whether he stays or leaves now. Moreover, it seems that the future chief examiner holds his benefactor in high esteem.

  However, Lin Zhiyuan still stayed behind. Firstly, he didn't want to arouse the suspicion of Pang Wenan and others. Secondly, he saw that Jiang Gongzi and Yao Chengyun were also invited to stay behind. Thinking back to the gaze just now, Lin Zhiyuan had a mind to get to the bottom of it.

  At the dinner table, everyone was toasting and chatting, without worrying about where they were. Zhiyuan ate quickly, found an excuse and went outside to get some fresh air behind the fake hill.

  Before long, footsteps came from the opposite side of the artificial hill.

  Two men's voices.

  Lin Zhiyuan heard it clearly, and it was exactly that Jiang Gongzi just now, another one should be Yao Chengyun!

  "Yao brother, what's wrong with you just now? If I hadn't signaled to you, he would have noticed you." Jiang Gongzi advised in a gentle tone.

  Lin Zhiyuan heard the man say, "Don't worry, he won't know who I am. Our Yao family and their Lin family haven't had any contact for so many years. Even if we mention our names, he may not have heard of them."

  "I know that Brother Chengyun is not resigned in his heart, but the more so, you must calm down. Although Lord Yao always mentions Lin Zhiyuan's name, it is ultimately to encourage you, and he has a good intention, Brother Chengyun must not disappoint him."

  "Although our two families have cut off all ties, I'm afraid Lin Zhiyuan will remember the Yao family very clearly! Recently, I received news that my aunt's original maid has been placed under house arrest by them, and the loyal servants have also been dismissed. The people of the main house of the Lin family have always believed that my aunt was responsible for the death of Lin Zhiyuan's father. Now that he is in charge, how can they continue to associate with the Yao family? This time, I must win the imperial examination, and as long as I can suppress Lin Zhiyuan, I will consider it a great achievement. As for the future, we'll just have to wait and see."

  Lin Zhiyuan heard a moment of silence from the other side, and after a long time, Jiang Gongzi said: "Cheng Yun brother, I think he's not that easy to deal with, you must be careful. If you can turn hostility into friendship, it would be a good thing. The East Ping Hou in Jiangnan has a very good relationship with the Lin family, and it is also said that the young master of the Du family is his sworn brother. Now that the daughter of the Du family has become the crown prince's consort, you can't act rashly and ruin your future prospects. Logically speaking, I shouldn't be saying this, but I'm afraid you'll go astray. Who is your aunt's companion? The spies from Jiangnan have already investigated clearly. Lin Zhiyuan was able to endure until now before taking action, which shows his high tolerance. Cheng Yun brother, our current task is to deal with the imperial examination. Three years ago, you should have participated in that year's provincial exam, but Master was afraid you were too young and couldn't win first place, so he endured for three more years. Cheng Yun brother, we can't delay Master's important matter!"

  Lin Zhiyuan held his breath, shocked in his heart. He had originally wanted to hear what grudge this Yao Chengyun had against him. Indeed, after exchanging a few words, the two of them revealed some clues. The late old lady of the Lin family, the mother of Second Uncle, was surnamed Yao and must be the one they called "Guzumu" (paternal grandmother's sister). Putting that aside for now, Lin Zhiyuan was only curious - who exactly were these two people serving as masters?

  PS: Jinghe has been busy collecting manuscripts recently, and the editor informed me that it will be put on shelves on the 1st of next month, so there will be a big explosion at that time. Don't worry, everyone! Jinghe's speed is comparable to that of a turtle, please forgive me! I hope friends will continue to support me and not abandon Jinghe just because it's going to be put on shelves~~~

  Thank you cx玉, biooil2010, 红袖, 死亡之刃ldxiii, 竹意无尘, chieh－g, 水∮凝∮夜, 天生书精, xieyannan, 孙萧 for the rewards! o(n_no Ha ha ~