Chapter 42

Chapter 42

The activity in the private room went unnoticed by anyone else.

Han Zhang and Shen Huaizhi and the others were having an excellent conversation, the more they talked, the more delighted they became.

Because he discovered that these playboys were not as shallow in their learning as he had imagined. Although they were unfamiliar with the Four Books and Five Classics, and couldn't even recite the most basic "Thousand Character Classic" completely.

Yet they had a broad range of esoteric knowledge, and even possessed keen political instincts.

They could chat freely about current affairs and military matters, their words tinged with some immaturity, occasionally flawed in their insights, and they lacked confidence, treating it all as mere jest. But actually, their views were quite unique. With proper training and guidance, with time, they might well amount to something.

Truly, one should not underestimate playboys who manage to thrive.

Just as they were enjoying the conversation.

The literary gathering downstairs in the tea house was already more than halfway through. Suddenly, the tea house owner stepped onto the stage and announced in a loud voice:

“Today’s literary gathering has seen a succession of talented scholars competing skillfully, truly a clash of titans, a grand Confucian scholarship event. Our master, greatly delighted, has specially added another prize—”

“Here is a question: If a disaster strikes, granaries are empty, refugees are about to rebel, and the imperial disaster relief funds and grain have yet to arrive. As a local official, what strategy would you use to resolve this crisis?”

“The winner will receive one hundred taels of gold, and an azure phoenix cloud-patterned white jade pendant. All talented scholars, please go ahead—”

Having said this, the owner stepped aside, gesturing for interested scholars and students to come up and express their views.

Han Zhang also watched with interest, to gauge the level of current affairs knowledge among the capital's young talents. He hadn't paid attention to the earlier poetry and essay competitions.

As long as they didn’t talk about the Four Books and Five Classics, Shen Huaizhi and the other playboys were equally eager to watch!

But what puzzled Han Zhang was that most of those aristocratic talents who had been vying for the spotlight earlier were now hesitating, while only the poor students were eager to try.

If there was a question, one should not hesitate to ask. Han Zhang looked at Shen Huaizhi and asked curiously:

“Second Brother, the prize the tea house owner mentioned just now, while not too precious for the children of noble families, is still a good opportunity to gain fame and steal the show. Why are those talents hesitating? Is there some reason behind this?”

Hearing this, the group became excited.

Shen Huaizhi immediately put on his big-brother act, saying smugly: “As expected of my Brother Han, so sharp! You’ve nailed it! Let me, your elder brother, explain the situation in the capital today, so you won’t unknowingly get caught up in trouble.”

“The reason those below are hesitating is because the owner of Ink Fragrance Tea House is the Crown Prince himself.”

“If it were just an ordinary literary gathering, composing poetry, having a good time in the Crown Prince's place would be fine. After all, what well-known shop in the capital doesn't have connections?”

“But now the tea house owner—that is, the Crown Prince—has posed a question to test everyone, and it’s a current affairs question. You're sharp – you can probably guess what it means, right?”

Han Zhang was speechless.

Bro, didn't we just meet?

Are you really okay with discussing the Crown Prince so freely in front of me?

Just a moment ago I was praising you in my heart, and now you make me look bad...

Han Zhang felt a little helpless, but he wanted to know more, so he played along: “Is the Crown Prince... trying to pick talent?”

“Sharp as ever, Brother Han!” Shen Huaizhi gave him a nod of approval.

Then he lowered his voice and continued: “Although the Crown Prince resides in the Eastern Palace and enjoys the Emperor’s favor, currently his prospects seem bright. But throughout history, you never know... These aristocratic sons, though not yet in office, have too many family ties. They must act with caution.”

So naturally, they step back, leaving the glory to the poor scholars.

Pan Taining and the other two eagerly suggested: “Brother Han, you come from a humble background, without such concerns. Why not get in on the action?”

With Brother Han’s talent, he would surely astonish everyone. Then we can boast about it, so our folks know we haven't been wasting time on bad friends.

We can proudly say, ‘Look, this brilliant scholar Han is our ride-or-die’!

Their eyes lit up, not hiding their desire to “freeload off their brother.”

Han Zhang: ...

Before I’ve even gained any benefit, these little brats are already trying to exploit me. Isn’t that a bit too much?

But Shen Huaizhi’s smile froze. He smacked each of them on the back of the head, scolding: “Scram! My Brother Han is going to study in peace and win first place in next year's imperial exam! You want my Brother Han to steal the show now and delay his studies?”

With Brother Han’s handsome looks and brilliant talent, the moment he goes on stage, he'll be snatched up by those ladies and gents.

No way. He now felt that Brother Han would make a perfect brother-in-law for his precious younger brother. He couldn't let anyone steal his little brother's perfect husband!

Shen Huaizhi snorted: “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You want my Brother Han to shine today so you can show off at home. I tell you, no way.”

Pan Taining and the others, unaware of the real reason, were indignant after being hit: “Why no way? Brother Han isn’t yours alone! Shen Huaizhi, you bully!”

“Besides, we’re also thinking of Brother Han’s good. He comes from a humble background. Among all the Emperor’s princes, none treats common scholars better than the Crown Prince. If Brother Han can enter the Crown Prince’s service, he'll get better backing, right?”

Wu Xuelin added: “And there’s a prize of a hundred taels of gold and the jade pendant...”

A hundred taels of gold is a thousand taels of silver.

Don't think silver's worthless just because Han Zhang sold a top orchid for over a thousand taels earlier.

That was because Shen Qinglan wanted to subsidize him, so he conned his own father into paying a high price.

In reality, a thousand taels of silver, even for the sons of officials like Wu Xuelin, was already a huge sum!

Only Shen Huaizhi, whose mother came from a merchant family and who himself was good at business, a real rich tycoon, thought nothing of thousands of taels.

So the next moment.

Shen Huaizhi retorted with willful ignorance: “Just a hundred taels of gold. What’s that compared to my Brother Han becoming the top scholar? My Brother Han is always low-key, doesn’t like such vain fame, and doesn’t care for such worldly gold and silver.”

Han Zhang was speechless.

No, I really do care for such worldly goods!

Although rare flowers could make money, rarity makes them valuable. He couldn’t just force-grow a bunch of rare flowers to sell. The money he could make was limited.

And his daily expenses—buying books, writing supplies, socializing, practicing the Six Arts—were all money pits. He was really strapped for silver.

So now, that hundred taels of gold really made Han Zhang's mouth water.

But if he stole the show today and was recruited by the Crown Prince, given his humble background, he had no room to refuse.

Throughout history, few crown princes have made it to the throne smoothly. If he went with the Crown Prince... the risk was way too high!

After much deliberation, Han Zhang ultimately steeled himself and gave up on the gold and jade pendant.

"You flatter me, Second Brother. I'm just a man of little learning and talent, just spouting off a few random thoughts in private—how could I possibly compete with all those brilliant scholars in the capital?"

He laughed and waved his hand, set on not going on stage today.

—

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Emperor Taixuan, watching from his private room, noticed Han Zhang still hadn't gone on stage and started getting curious.

After all, Han Zhang was a time traveler from the future. His modern demeanor, so unlike that of the ancient people, had made a deep impression on Emperor Taixuan at the last temple fair, really piquing his curiosity.

Besides, as mentioned before—if Han Zhang had voluntarily stepped forward today to answer the questions, regardless of whether his answers were satisfactory, the emperor would have lost interest in this nobody.

But now that Han Zhang refused to take the stage, Emperor Taixuan's interest only grew stronger.

Thus, seeing that Han Zhang truly had no intention of going up, the emperor's curiosity was piqued, and he decided to make a move.

So, just as Han Zhang and the others were chatting happily, Emperor Taixuan and his son, the crown prince, arrived.

"Emper... Emperor..."

Zhao Yongchang had seen Emperor Taixuan and the crown prince before. Startled by their arrival, he almost blurted out "Uncle Emperor."

Emperor Taixuan cut him off in time, smiling warmly. "You little rascal, what trouble have you stirred up now? Seeing your imperial uncle leaves you stammering like that."

The crown prince also shot him a meaningful glance.

Zhao Yongchang was quick-witted and instantly realized that his imperial uncle was traveling incognito! He immediately switched to a hearty smile, pretending to be familiar. "Imperial Uncle, what are you saying? Your nephew here is clever and upright, the most obedient and rule-abiding person you'll ever meet—how could I ever do anything mischievous? It's just that I'm so happy to see you!"

"What brings you here today, Imperial Uncle? Why didn't you let us know in advance? Uncle, let me introduce you—these are my closest friends: this is Brother Shen, Brother Pan, Brother Wu, and Brother Han..."

Then, to Han Zhang and the others, he vaguely said, "This is my imperial uncle, and this is my cousin, the crown prince."

He didn't specify which imperial uncle.

But Han Zhang and the others were not foolish enough to pry. They quickly bowed respectfully. "We pay our respects to the Prince and the heir..."

"In a literary gathering, only talent matters, not rank. No need for formalities. Everyone, please sit."

Emperor Taixuan waved his hand gently, signaling everyone to sit.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he got straight to the point, smiling. "I saw from afar that you were all deep in lively conversation. It piqued my curiosity—what topic could be so engaging? Mind if I join in?"

Zhao Yongchang quickly took the lead, speaking in a light tone. "Imperial Uncle, we were just chatting about the talented young men who took the stage earlier. They're all true scholars of the capital, engaging in brilliant debates back and forth."

Shen Huaizhi and the others smiled, behaving obediently, not daring to reveal they'd been discussing the crown prince in front of the "prince."

Fortunately, Emperor Taixuan didn't care much about them either.

After a few more casual remarks, his gaze turned to Han Zhang, and he said kindly:

"Yongchang is straightforward and easygoing, but he doesn't enjoy studying and rarely associates with scholars. It's truly rare for you, Master Han, to become such close friends with him."

"Clearly, your talents are outstanding, and your insights must be extraordinary. Otherwise, how could you have earned the respect of my wild nephew? So, Master Han, why not go up on stage today and have a friendly debate with the other scholars?"