"Master Yao, do you need something from this old man?" Scholar Qian asked.
As the wealthiest man in the capital, Master Yao was already famous. Although merchants held low status, their wealth often opened doors. Most officials in the capital had dined at Master Yao's table...
Old Man Yun sat to the side, watching silently. How did this Master Yao resemble his grandson's classmate?
Master Yao put down the gifts and cupped his hands towards Old Man Yun, "My apologies for the intrusion. I'll just have a few words with Master Qian and then I'll be off..."
"No trouble, no trouble!" Old Man Yun waved his hand. Noticing Master Yao's dry lips, he said, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'm having drinks with Brother Qian, why don't you join us, Master Yao!"
Master Yao indeed hadn't eaten enough at home. He glanced at the dining table. Although the perch was almost gone, the golden beans and bright red kimchi made his mouth water...
"Then I'll gratefully accept. My apologies for disturbing your pleasant gathering!" Master Yao lifted his robe and sat in the guest's seat.
Neither Old Man Yun nor Scholar Qian had met Master Yao before, so sitting together for drinks unexpectedly created a bit of awkwardness...
As a result, the entire meal was dominated by Master Yao's chatter, mostly filled with flattery and appeasement.
As the sky began to darken, and even Xiao Xitian had gone home, Master Yao finally brought up the matter of his son's schooling with Scholar Qian...
"I know Master Qian doesn't accept money, so I've specifically brought two ginseng roots today. Please keep them for brewing wine!" Master Yao said with a smile.
Scholar Qian glanced at him, "Master Yao, your son is currently studying at Bocai Academy, isn't he?"
"Yes, yes, yes. His name is Yao Jinsheng. Although he's not an outstanding student in terms of character and learning, he's very good at dealing with people..." Master Yao introduced with a smile.
This time, before Scholar Qian could express surprise, Old Man Yun himself was astonished.
"Master Yao, y-you said what? Your son is named Yao Jinsheng?" Old Man Yun asked, standing up.
Master Yao was startled, thinking that rascal Jinsheng had done something bad outside...
"Y-yes, what's wrong, Brother Yun?" Master Yao looked utterly bewildered.
Old Man Yun slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, "Haha, that's why I say we have fate! Did your son not return to the capital for the New Year before the end of the year?"
"Yes, yes..." Master Yao was stunned for a moment, then murmured, "He said he was going to spend the New Year at a classmate's house in Dashui Village. That family's surname is Yun!"
Upon hearing this, Old Man Yun closed his eyes, suppressing the excitement within him, "Then it's correct. Young Master Yao went to my home!"
How could such a coincidence happen in this world? Even Old Man Yun himself couldn't believe it.
Madam Gu smiled from the side, also happy about this matter...
Master Yao heard this and quickly stood up, bowing respectfully to Old Man Yun, "Oh, this is truly remarkable! I was wondering, my son Jinsheng has been pampered and lived a life of luxury since childhood. Why would he run off to the countryside for no reason? It turns out that Brother Yun's home hosted him well, and the food was delicious..."
"Master Yao is too kind. Young Master Jinsheng brought a lot of joy when he spent the New Year at our home!" Old Man Yun waved his hand and sighed, "It is a great destiny that we meet today. We've just moved to the capital and don't have many friends or relatives. We'll have to visit each other more often..."
Old Man Yun was known for his warmth and hospitality in Dashui Village. He was honest and straightforward, never playing tricks, so he made friends wherever he went.
However, he wondered if Master Yao would fulfill the promises made by Yao Jinsheng.
For example, the jade gourd for wine, the pure gold pipe, and so on...
"Naturally. Tomorrow, you pack your things and come stay at my manor for a few days!" Master Yao patted Old Man Yun on the shoulder. "I'll have the kitchen prepare some braised beef for you to eat."
It was known that in the Daliang Kingdom, eating beef was not allowed casually, unless the cow had died accidentally, fallen to its death, or even died of illness, then it could be bought and eaten...
This showed that Master Yao was also someone who enjoyed good food and drink.
Old Man Yun smiled and said, "I will definitely visit with my wife another day. It's too late today, so let's skip it!"
"Certainly. Whenever you wish to visit, just send someone to my manor to inform me, and I'll have the kitchen prepare the meal in advance..." Master Yao said.
Seeing the two chatting so happily and neglecting the main topic, Scholar Qian coughed lightly, "Well... my stomach is acting up again. You two continue chatting, I'll be heading back!"
The Imperial College wasn't run by him, and he found it difficult to force students into it. Scholar Qian felt that if Master Yao's son had good academic performance and excelled in every exam, there might be some hope. But the problem was that Yao Jinsheng wasn't a good student...
Furthermore, Master Yao was asking for two spots, which if Minister Feng found out, he would be demoted.
Seeing Scholar Qian about to leave, Master Yao quickly stopped him, "Oh, Master Qian, you can't leave! I still need to trouble you with my Jinsheng's matter!"
Scholar Qian: "..."
"Master Yao, do you think anyone can enter the Imperial College?" Scholar Qian frowned deeply, his expression turning serious.
Master Yao was anxious, wringing his hands, and quickly shoved the gift box containing the ginseng into Scholar Qian's hand. He was determined to do this for his son.
"Master Qian, look, if you want him to study at the Imperial College, are there specific requirements? Let's be direct and not beat around the bush, alright?" Master Yao urged.
Scholar Qian: "..."
His words made it sound as if he was deliberately making things difficult.
"Alright, then I'll be direct!" Scholar Qian placed the ginseng on the table and stood with his hands behind his back, "As long as your son passes the exam without cheating, the Imperial College will accept him. I'll prepare a set of questions when I have time, so you should have your son study diligently during this period..."
Master Yao was speechless upon hearing this.
Did he not know what kind of person his son was? It was already difficult enough for him to attend Bocai Academy, and now he insisted on trying to get into the Imperial College...
"Then, I'll tell him later. Thank you, Master Qian!" Master Yao sighed.
Since things had come to this, even if his son had no inclination to study, Master Yao had to force him to.
They chatted about a few other things before heading home separately...
Meanwhile, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Imperial Palace.
The Emperor sat before his desk, rubbing his temples. His complexion was poor.
Eunuch Zhao stood by his side, serving him. Seeing the Emperor's displeased expression, he said in a low voice, "Your, Your Majesty, it's late. You should rest early!"
Alas, the Emperor had been drinking the fish soup sent by Consort Xian every day for the past few days. If this continued, before the Emperor could bring down Consort Xian, he himself would be dead...
Just then, a loud announcement came from outside the hall, "Consort Xian arrives!"