Chapter 39

Chapter 39

No matter how sulky Shen Huaizhi was, Han Zhang remained as steady as a rock.

After bantering for a while, the two of them took the Shen family carriage together and headed for the literary gathering at the tea house.

On the way, Shen Huaizhi said seriously:

“This literary gathering at the Ink Fragrance Tea House may be called a meeting of scholars, but in reality it’s a stage for the sons of the capital’s elite to compete for fame. I know you have talent, but that place is no venue for a poor scholar like you to make a name for yourself.”

“Once we enter the tea house, just stay by my side and take in the scene. Don’t try to stand out, or you’ll make enemies—I'm just the son of a lowly fifth-rank official, can’t protect you…”

“However, since I said today I’m bringing you to ‘climb the social ladder,’ there will naturally be a chance for you to shine.”

“At the gathering, there are plenty of good-for-nothing rich kids like me. So we’ve set up a game with the talented scholars.”

“The game is: they set the topics—poetry, couplets, whatever—and the poor scholars we bring take the stage on our behalf to solve the challenges and win prizes.”

“Behind the bamboo screen, many noble ladies and young gentlemen will be watching. If you perform well, with that handsome face of yours, you might catch the eye of some noblewoman or young gentleman…”

At this point, Shen Huaizhi paused, his tone sour but grudgingly honest: “You really do have a good face. Even if your talent is mediocre, just standing on the stage might make some young ladies and lads take a liking to you.”

Han Zhang didn't bother with modesty; he laughed heartily and said:

“Thank you for the compliment, Second Brother Shen. The Han family indeed has good looks, and I’m the best-looking among the younger generation of our clan.”

“According to my grandfather, back when the Han family hadn't fallen from grace, not only were all the men handsome, the young ladies and lads they married were also chosen for their beauty. So it’s no surprise that I turned out so elegant and handsome.”

He not only accepted the praise straightforwardly but also cheerfully recounted the Han family history to his brother-in-law.

Shen Huaizhi thought: … There's actually someone with thicker skin than me!

“I’ve never seen a poor scholar so full of yourself. One compliment and you think you’re flying? You’re only a little better-looking than me. What are you so smug about? You’re elegant and handsome? I’m as handsome as Pan’an!”

Damn it, the only thing he could boast about in the capital’s social circles was his face.

And now this Han guy was even better-looking—infuriating!

Shen Huaizhi cursed inwardly, his face showing indignation.

But Han Zhang’s next words made him grin from ear to ear.

Han Zhang smiled: “In terms of looks, Second Brother is indeed slightly inferior to me; but in terms of your true nature, I’m far from your equal.”

“And just now you called yourself a ‘playboy.’ Please allow me to argue otherwise: you're wise but appear foolish, with the demeanor of a wise man. Why belittle yourself so?”

Shen Huaizhi was stunned: Huh? What?

He, Shen Huaizhi, the acknowledged playboy of the Shen residence, the worst student according to the academy teachers—wise but appearing foolish? A wise man demeanor?

He knew his own character well enough.

Shen Huaizhi rolled his eyes: “You smooth-talking scholar, stop sucking up. I'm telling you, I'm not buying it.”

“What wise man at my age still can’t even recite the Thousand Character Classic from memory? C'mon, I know I'm a playboy. Don't try to fool me.”

Han Zhang: … Alright, you know yourself.

But that didn’t stop him!

Han Zhang quickly adjusted his approach, calmly kept spinning his story to win over his brother-in-law.

“Not at all, no! Who says wisdom only comes from books? As they say, there are experts in every field. Book learning is just one manifestation of intelligence.”

“Perhaps in studies, Second Brother indeed lacks talent. But Lan Ge'er told me you're a natural in business. Since you have a skill, how can you call yourself a playboy?”

Hearing this, Shen Huaizhi immediately chest puffed out, nodding: “That's right. I'm no good at studying, but when it comes to making money, no one at home can match Lan Ge'er and me. I spend my own earnings. My father's savings couldn't support my lifestyle.”

Han Zhang nodded in agreement: “So you see, Second Brother. Other playboys waste their family’s wealth, but you, even though you enjoy yourself, spend money you earned with your own ability. When you call yourself a playboy, isn't that selling yourself short?”

“Moreover, in my view, even a true playboy has his merits. Second Brother shouldn’t sell yourself short…”

This argument was novel to Shen Huaizhi.

He leaned in eagerly: “Oh? Playboys have merits? Tell me more.”

Han Zhang continued his solemn nonsense: “As the saying goes, a swift horse may exist, but a Bole is rare. Nothing is useless in this world; what's lacking are eyes that recognize talent.”

“Everyone says playboys only know how to eat, drink, and have fun, but they don’t realize that the art of enjoying life is also a deep skill. Second Brother, think carefully—can everyone get good at all the fun stuff you do?”

Shen Huaizhi thought for a moment and shook his head: “Of course not. Take pitch-pot, cuju, polo—we playboys outclass those frail scholars by far.”

Han Zhang clapped his hands: “Exactly! Although you’re not skilled in the Four Books and Five Classics, those bookworms are just as bad at riding, archery, and games. Everyone has their strengths; don't compare your weakness to someone else's strength.”

“Furthermore, true playboys are eloquent and skilled in socializing. Such talents are exactly what the Court of State Ceremonies (the foreign affairs ministry) would kill for.”

“And you, Second Brother, not only excel in socializing but also understand commerce—you are exactly the kind of key talent that the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Revenue would kill to get their hands on!”

Shen Huaizhi: …

Shen Huaizhi stood with his mouth agape, as if struck by thunder. He was completely dumbfounded.

He was the kind of talent that the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Revenue would kill to get their hands on? Was he really that impressive?

His heart suddenly pounded with excitement.

Shen Huaizhi said blankly: “But I’m not good at studying; I can’t even pass the Tongsheng exam, let alone become an official. All those abilities you mentioned are useless.”

“Who says you’re not cut out for studying? Who says you can’t become an official?”

Han Zhang immediately retorted, his face suddenly serious: “Second Brother, I suspect someone has set you up.”

Shen Huaizhi was bewildered: “…What do you mean?”

“I mean you’ve been tricked. Someone is deliberately holding you back! Since you can get along with the capital's playboys and are skilled in business, that shows you're plenty smart.”

“An intelligent person, even if not inclined to study, couldn't be that mediocre.”

“Second Brother, let me ask you: When you were young, did people often praise you as clever and quick-witted?”

Shen Huaizhi nodded dumbly: “Well, I think so…”

But isn’t that just what people say to children out of politeness?

“Second Brother, let me ask again: After you started school, did you often hear people call you dull? They praised your classmates for reciting fluently, while calling you a blockhead? Over time, did you gradually come to hate studying, getting a headache whenever you opened a book?”

Shen Huaizhi was stunned: “Yes, how did you know?”

Han Zhang: ...because it's the usual problem with struggling students, it's all the same.

Han Zhang went on ominously: "Second Brother Shen should know the story of 'Mencius's Mother Moving Three Times,' right? As the saying goes, 'You're known by the company you keep,' which shows the influence of environment on a person."

"Someone born slow may never wise up later; but if someone daily calls a piece of uncut jade a worthless rock... then even a prodigy, after years of verbal belittlement, will start to doubt themselves and go from genius to good-for-nothing."

"I may not know what goes on inside the Shen household, but in a big house full of concubines, there's bound to be backstabbing. The four young masters of the Shen family studied under the same teacher, yet you alone have become a dandy who can't even recite the whole Thousand Character Classic. Don't you find it strange, Second Brother Shen?"

"..."

Shen Huaizhi's expression darkened as he listened.

Strange, indeed too strange!

He wasn't an idiot, and he wasn't born with some mental problem. Among his brothers, why was he the only one who couldn't study? He was praised for being smart when he was a child!

Before he could think further, Han Zhang said passionately, "Of course, it could also be that I'm overthinking. Your poor academic performance, Second Brother Shen, might be because the tutor your family hired for you isn't suitable."

"How can an ordinary tutor teach a genius? A genius has their own way of learning. Having an ordinary tutor teach a genius is no different from casting pearls before swine!"

"Second Brother Shen, your poor performance in studies might truly not be your fault, but the fault of your tutor."

"If you meet a wise teacher who tailors his teaching to your strengths, and you give up your love of goofing off, with your intelligence and talent, even if you don't become a prime minister, you're sure to become a top-tier official!"

Han Zhang looked at Shen Huaizhi with sparkling eyes, his eyes clearly said, 'My brother has what it takes to be an emperor.'

Just like Shen Qinglan before him.

Shen Huaizhi was also completely swayed by him.

He cast aside all his disdain and prejudice.

Shen Huaizhi flushed and grabbed Han Zhang's arm, asking urgently, "Then, Brother Han, what should I do now? Although I'm a genius, I've already passed the age of twenty. If I change my tutor and school now, give up my playful habits, and study hard, is it still too late?"

"Really, it's all my father's fault for being blind to my potential. If he had realized earlier that I'm cut out for studying and hired a good teacher, I might have already come first in the imperial exams and made my mother proud."

"Shen Houde, you old thing, have ruined me!"

In his excitement, Shen Huaizhi was so angry that he called his father by his full name.