Chapter 47: Qionglin Banquet – Young Marquis Xie

“I’m not as clever as you all. Since childhood, my uncle…” Chen Qi said this while craning his neck to look around. Only after confirming that Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet Chen Yanfeng hadn’t arrived yet did he dare continue, “My uncle is extremely strict. He’s been forcing my brother and me to study since we were young. Though my uncle is brilliantly talented and has now reached the position of Grand Secretary, both my cousin—that is, Chen Mu, the biological son of Grand Secretary Chen—and I have been disappointments since childhood. I’m slightly better, but my cousin is beyond description… Over our studies since childhood, we’ve provoked our uncle’s anger countless times. My father’s health has been poor since I was young, so the family’s burdens all fell on my uncle’s shoulders. Seeing that I was somewhat better than Chen Mu, my uncle forced me to study day and night. But my Imperial Examination journey hasn’t been smooth either—from taking the Imperial Examination for Children in my teens until now, it’s been ten years of ups and downs. This year I finally showed some promise and was appointed Bangyan by His Majesty… I’ve finally overcome the hardships, and only in recent days have I finally seen a trace of smile on my uncle’s face.”

“Brother Zhizhong is too modest. The Imperial Examination is like thousands of troops and horses crossing a single-plank bridge…” Jiang Qingshi said sincerely, “Now that Brother Zhizhong has become Bangyan, it demonstrates your own capability.”

“Nian Chen, you don’t know this, but your story has spread throughout Jingshi,” Chen Qi said. “We’ve all heard that you only took the Imperial Examination for Children the year before last, and now you’ve become Tanhua. They also say you suffered family hardships since childhood and only began studying with your wife’s support after marriage…”

At this point, Chen Qi suddenly felt he was exposing too much of someone’s past. Even if Jiang Qingshi was previously impoverished, now that he had become Tanhua, countless people were vying to flatter and befriend him. Bringing up old matters again would truly be dampening the mood.

“Ah, these are just rumors spread by country folk. Here I am, a newly appointed Bangyan, actually believing these slanders from petty people—how shameful!”

“Brother Zhizhong wasn’t wrong,” Jiang Qingshi said with a smile at the corner of his eyes and a peaceful expression. “If not for my wife’s support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I only hope my wife has learned this good news by now, so she won’t worry about me anymore.”

Seeing Jiang Qingshi admit this without any avoidance, Chen Qi was somewhat surprised, then somewhat envious: “Looking at you, Nian Chen, you must have an excellent relationship with your wife. Though I’m already twenty-six, I haven’t married yet. All because my uncle said indulging in romantic affairs would hinder studies—all these years I haven’t even had a chamber maid… What kind of life am I living!”

Jiang Qingshi also laughed: “Now that Brother Zhizhong has achieved high honors, you needn’t worry about finding a good girl in the future. Jingshi is popular with grabbing a son-in-law from the list—perhaps many fathers-in-law have already taken a liking to Brother Zhizhong!”

“Useless, my face won’t do!” Chen Qi glanced at Xie Qinghe who stood nearby with a cold expression. “Xie Qinghe, stop pretending! Don’t think I don’t know you’ve been listening to our conversation all along!”

Xie Qinghe coldly glanced at Chen Qi and spat out two words: “Boring.”

“Hmph, after dealing with you for several years, I know you only appear like an immortal on the surface!” Chen Qi crossed his arms. “Xie Qinghe is practically the ideal son-in-law for noble families! With his prestigious lineage and handsome appearance… But Nian Chen, before meeting you, I thought Xie Qinghe was the most handsome man in Jingshi. Look at his face, beautiful as a maiden—so many young ladies are captivated by him. Since ancient times, it’s said the Third Scholar is the most handsome. We all thought this year’s Third Scholar would undoubtedly be Xie Qinghe, but Nian Chen turned out to be even more handsome! Though giving Xie Qinghe the top scholar title isn’t unfair… Nian Chen, it’s a pity you’re already married, otherwise the fathers in Jingshi would be fighting over you till they’re bloody!”

“How could I compare with Young Marquis Xie?” Jiang Qingshi hastily waved his hand. “I’m merely a farmer, incomparable to any of you.”

“Don’t undervalue yourself.” Chen Qi also turned serious. “Nian Chen, I mean it—you’re a rare genius. Both Xie Qinghe and I started studying at three or four years old. Even with Xie Qinghe’s exceptional talent, he once failed the Provincial Examination! If I hadn’t sat with you today, I’d never believe anyone who said you only studied seriously for a few years, just started taking the Imperial Examination for Children the year before last, and have now become the Third Scholar. If you were from the Chen family, I can imagine how overjoyed my uncle would be. Fortunately, you proved yourself and didn’t let this pearl remain hidden in dust. If a talent like yours hadn’t pursued the Imperial Examination path, it would truly be a loss for our Great Liang.”

“Brother Zhizhong, you exaggerate…”

Chen Qi spoke with such sincerity that Jiang Qingshi actually felt his cheeks warm.

“You were young then, occasional setbacks were common. Though I started the Imperial Examination late, I’m older now, perhaps more steady than in childhood.”

“You truly are a heaven-sent genius.”

Xie Qinghe, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke, his cool, glass-like eyes fixed directly on Jiang Qingshi.

“My name is Xie Qinghe, courtesy name Rongyu. Since we’ll be working together in the Hanlin Academy, you may call me Rongyu.”

Jiang Qingshi froze, not understanding why Xie Qinghe was telling him this. Chen Qi also paused before reacting, then slapped Jiang Qingshi’s shoulder.

“Nian Chen, this is truly unprecedented! This fellow—our most noble and aloof Young Marquis Xie Qinghe—actually took the initiative to befriend someone today!”

Xie Qinghe rolled his eyes coldly, completely ignoring Chen Qi.

“Now that you’re a Bangyan, you should shed that monkey-like mischievousness from your youth.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Young Marquis.” Chen Qi grinned even more broadly. “I’ll certainly remember your precious words.”

Xie Qinghe didn’t want to engage further with Chen Qi, who was about to tease more when three ceremonial cannons fired and music began. Officials escorted Chen Yanfeng, Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, into the garden.

Chen Qi immediately sat properly, his expression becoming immovable, completely different from his earlier demeanor.

Chen Yanfeng, nearing fifty, appeared vigorous with piercing eyes.

Representing the Emperor to host today’s banquet, after receiving everyone’s bows, he declared clearly: “His Majesty decrees that at today’s Qionglin Feast, sovereign and subjects shall rejoice together. The new scholars need not be overly formal.”

Despite these words, over three hundred scholars remained breathless and attentive, not daring the slightest lapse in decorum.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually grew lively. Officials began making rounds to propose toasts, while the newly selected scholars started mingling and conversing.

Jiang Qingshi had now become famous overnight, and everyone wanted to witness the elegance of the new Tanhua. For a time, scholars coming to toast Jiang Qingshi were as numerous as fish swimming across a river. Having never experienced such a scene before and lacking alcohol tolerance, Jiang Qingshi felt obliged not to offend his future colleagues. Soon, his face flushed crimson and he grew lightheaded. Struggling to maintain composure, he glanced toward Zhuo Zhiming, only to find him in no better state—cheeks propped in his hands, face red as a monkey’s bottom.

He had initially thought of asking Zhuo Zhiming to help fend off some toasts, but now it seemed Zhuo Zhiming was even worse off than him…

Chen Qi, thoroughly enjoying himself, wandered around with his cup, toasting here and there. In contrast, Xie Qinghe sat upright, exuding an aura that kept others at a distance. Despite being the Number One Scholar, no one dared approach him for a toast.

Jiang Qingshi understood his current predicament clearly. Most of these new scholars were astute observers and couldn’t have missed his discomfort. Their persistent toasting stemmed from the belief that, as someone with no influential backing, he couldn’t possibly retaliate.

Though fully aware of their intentions, Jiang Qingshi could do nothing. Despite the Imperial Examination’s lack of formal barriers, those who topped the ranks were still predominantly from privileged, aristocratic families raised in comfort. His rise from humble origins made him, in the eyes of many, little more than a wild chicken that had flown up a branch. Resentment simmered beneath their smiles, and they eagerly anticipated seeing him make a fool of himself.

He had endured far greater humiliations in the past—what were these trivialities now? To tread the path of an official, one couldn’t afford excessive pride. With nothing yet to his name, offending these people would only bring him harm.

Enduring what others could not was how one tempered their spirit. There would be many more trials ahead, and he must learn to adapt.

His only concern was to avoid drunken disgrace. After all, here in Jingshi, if he truly got drunk, there would be no one to look after him.

Noticing Jiang Qingshi’s flushed face, Xie Qinghe restrained himself for a while but finally spoke coldly when the next person approached to toast Jiang Qingshi: “Tanhua Jiang has already had enough. There’s no need for further toasts.”

The man, Zhai Shuxin, froze in surprise. Though his family wasn’t as illustrious as Xie Qinghe’s, they were still officials in the court. Everyone in Jingshi knew Xie Qinghe’s temperament—indifferent to people and affairs, never speaking up for anyone. Could it be that Jiang Qingshi had gained Xie Qinghe’s favor?

Zhai Shuxin and his companions had indeed intended to make things difficult for Jiang Qingshi. How could an unknown farm boy steal their limelight and expect them to swallow their pride?

But if Xie Qinghe was speaking up for Jiang Qingshi, that changed everything… After all, among their circle, no one dared provoke Xie Qinghe.

Swallowing his displeasure, Zhai Shuxin forced an apologetic smile toward Jiang Qingshi. “My oversight—I didn’t realize Tanhua Jiang has a low tolerance for alcohol. It seems…”

Zhai Shuxin’s eyes darted slyly: “It seems Jiang Tanhua still lacks experience in such occasions.”

Though Zhai Shuxin spoke obliquely, Jiang Qingshi immediately grasped the implied meaning—this was still mocking him as a country bumpkin, suggesting his limited exposure made him unfit to appreciate the fine wines of Jingshi.

This level of insult felt like a mere itch to Jiang Qingshi, hardly worth his attention.

“Zhai Shuxin? You ought to know I never partake in such gatherings. Today’s attendance was mandated by the court, leaving me no choice. Presumably, everyone knows my low alcohol tolerance, which explains why no one has proposed toasts to me thus far.” Xie Qinghe let out a cold laugh. “So, Zhai Shuxin, are you insulting me along with him?”

Zhai Shuxin’s face paled instantly, his drunkenness dissipating halfway: “Young Marquis, I would never dare imply such a thing…”

“Then engage your brain before speaking—words once spoken cannot be retracted.” Xie Qinghe interrupted him impatiently. “With such narrow-minded exclusionary attitudes, you’ll only make our capital a laughingstock.”

“Yes, yes…” Zhai Shuxin nodded meekly, his expression resembling a cowering rat. “I humbly accept this lesson.”

Author’s Note: Beep~ The Young Marquis has sent you a friend request [dog head]