"What's absurd about it? Brother Han, this is a golden opportunity to make a name for yourself!"
Zhong Yanchong looked at Han Mo with a face full of confusion.
Seeing the expression on his face, Han Mo suddenly realized.
He was always looking at this world with modern eyes, but for someone like Zhong Yanchong.
Scholars should frequent brothels, exchange poetry with singing girls, this was the life that scholars should have.
"Brother Zhong, you don't know. I was drunk at my future father-in-law's house last night and I still have a headache. How could I have the mind to compete in poetry with him! Moreover, as a man, shouldn't one consider matters of the nation and the world? Wandering in the streets and alleys all day, how can that be the act of a true man?"
Han Mo coughed dryly and immediately found a grand excuse for himself.
"Brother Han truly is a model for our generation. I admire you, little brother!"
Zhong Yanchong was still young, only in his early twenties this year. Compared to a seasoned veteran like Han Mo, he was too green.
In just a few words, he was completely led astray.
"Great Talent Zhou has come to the Imperial Academy!"
As soon as Han Mo finished speaking, a commotion suddenly came from outside the door.
Han Mo was completely bewildered. What was this?
Could he be attacked here?
"Brother Han, it seems you have to go today whether you want to or not!"
Zhong Yanchong's expression became extremely strange, looking like he wanted to laugh but dared not.
Han Mo's mouth twitched incessantly. This Zhou Bangyan was too outrageous!
This old fellow liked to fight with the emperor over women, but he had no such intentions.
"He is not a student of the Imperial Academy, nor a teacher. He shouldn't be able to get in, right?"
Han Mo rubbed his nose and said somewhat hopefully.
In any case, Han Mo had made up his mind today. As long as he didn't accept the invitation, they couldn't force it into his hands, right?
However, Han Mo had severely underestimated the status of talented scholars in the hearts of the Song people.
While he was still muttering to himself, a tall, middle-aged man in a white scholar's robe, holding a folding fan, had already walked in.
It was only the end of February, and when people went out in Bianliang, they still kept their hands in their pockets. This guy was already holding a folding fan, which made Han Mo want to laugh.
Did this kind of behavior, prioritizing style over warmth, already exist a thousand years ago?
"Are you perhaps the young scholar Han Mo from Xiang Province?"
"That's right, this is Brother Han Mo."
Before Han Mo could speak, Zhong Yanchong couldn't help but introduce him.
"I've long heard of Young Scholar Han's astonishing poetic talent. I am untalented and have come today to seek guidance!"
As Zhou Bangyan spoke, he snapped open the folding fan in his hand.
This entrance alone elicited a wave of cheers from the crowd.
Looking at his slightly reddened hands from the cold, Han Mo really wanted to lend him his hand warmer.
"Mr. Qingzhen is joking. You are a renowned scholar in Bianliang City, and I, Han Mo, am merely a junior disciple. How dare I compete with you!"
Han Mo had planned to go to Shenxiao Palace tonight. How could he have the time to spar with him at Fan Lou?
At this time, the best course of action was to avoid and hide if possible.
"What? Does the young scholar look down on me? Or do you think I'm not worthy of being your opponent? I'm hosting a banquet tonight at Fan Lou. Please be sure to attend, Young Scholar Han!"
After speaking, Zhou Bangyan took out an invitation from his sleeve without a second word and thrust it directly into Han Mo's hand.
Before Han Mo could refuse, he strode out.
"Please stay, sir! To be honest, I have other important matters tonight, so I really cannot attend!"
"It's fine. Whenever Mr. Han arrives tonight, we'll start the feast. We'll meet then! If you're afraid to come, it's also fine. Farewell!"
After saying that, Zhou Bangyan turned and left, fanning himself as he walked.
This time, Han Mo was completely stunned.
What was this?
He had been challenged like this?
Were all the scholars in this generation so arrogant?
"I say, Brother Han, you probably can't avoid going tonight..."
Looking at the invitation in Han Mo's hand, the students of the Imperial Academy looked at Han Mo with complex expressions.
There was envy, jealousy, and a little bit of admiration.
After all, for these rookies who were about to enter officialdom, if they could win a literary reputation in the scholar circles before entering officialdom.
After the imperial examination, they should at least be able to secure a prestigious official post in Bianliang City.
After all, those who came here would all be Jinshi officials upon their departure.
As long as they didn't make mistakes and proceeded step by step, with some influence behind them, by the time they were in their forties, they could at least become Grand Academicians.
Then, depending on the opportunity, perhaps in their fifties, they could even become a Qingliang San!
Don't underestimate this small step before entering officialdom. This small step could put you half a step ahead of your classmates.
It was this half step that would allow you to stand taller than your classmates in the future.
"Whatever! Let him wait if he wants!"
After taking a deep breath, Han Mo simply threw the invitation onto the table and turned back to his dormitory.
He hadn't slept well last night. Now was the perfect time to catch up on some sleep.
Indeed, after a short nap, Han Mo felt much more energetic.
"Young Master, Miss Chun Tao just sent a letter!"
As soon as Han Mo came out of his dormitory, Xu Fengnian rushed to meet him.
"I know!"
Han Mo took the envelope, glanced at the ink dot in the lower left corner of the envelope, stuffed the envelope into his sleeve, and turned to leave.
This was what he had agreed with Lin Ling Su in the letter. After all, how could he put such confidential matters into writing?
The letter to Lin Ling Su was also burned by Chun Tao in front of him after he had read it.
This was better for everyone, as neither party would fare well if the matter was exposed.
Lin Ling Su's arrangements were complete. Now it was time for him to find an excuse to slip away.
Seeing that the sun in the sky had already begun to set in the west, Han Mo took Xu Fengnian and left the Imperial Academy.
"Young Master, are we going home or...?"
After getting into the carriage, Xu Fengnian quickly asked in a low voice.
"No rush. I haven't had a good bath in days. Let's find a place to wash up properly before going back!"
"Then to Hu Ji's Perfume Shop?"
Xu Fengnian asked tentatively.
"Alright!"
The so-called perfume shop was not the perfume sprayed by young girls in later generations, but a common name for public bathhouses in Bianliang City.
This Hu Ji's Perfume Shop was located outside Yiqiu Gate, only a few streets away from Shenxiao Palace.
For Han Mo, this was a good place. Especially such a public bathhouse, to attract customers, they always had entrances and exits. There was no better place to escape without anyone noticing!