Chapter 184: A Crane Soars into the Clear Sky, Stirring Poetic Feelings to the Heavens (1 / 2)

Zhao Li: “…”

Was he just openly snubbed?

More than anger, Zhao Li was utterly baffled.

When did the top scholar, Zhuangyuan Lang, and Xu Yanmiao form a connection? He’d never heard of such a thing! And what kind of “grand scene” involved a group of officials sitting somewhere to daydream? Even if Zhuangyuan Lang wanted to help Xu Yanmiao out of an awkward situation, surely he didn’t need to use such an easily debunked lie?

But when everyone arrived at the spot, it turned out to be exactly that—a cluster of officials from the capital, either sitting or standing quietly. There was no big event, just a collective session of sitting still.

Someone curiously asked, “Why are all of you sitting here… daydreaming?”

A glance was exchanged, and then one of them started making things up: “In our daily lives—attending court, being on duty, handling official tasks—we need to focus with all our energy, which takes a toll on us. So, during our days off, sitting quietly in one place and clearing our minds helps restore our mental state.”

Wait… that’s a thing?

The young scholars were stunned on the spot.

Not a single official refuted this explanation.

Even Marquis Hongyang’s cousin was dumbfounded. He began to wonder if he’d somehow fallen out of touch with the capital’s circles. How could such a widespread habit exist without his knowledge? Even his elder cousin hadn’t mentioned it!

He forced a smile, embarrassed. “So that’s how it is. I must have disturbed Xu Lang’s quiet contemplation just now.”

Before Xu Yanmiao could deny it, one of the more hot-tempered officials, who rarely thought before speaking, blurted out, “You did disturb him a little.”

After receiving an elbow jab from his companion, he hastily added, “But ignorance is no crime. Xu Lang probably didn’t even mention it to you, so no blame rests on Zhao Langjun. Besides, the entire peach garden belongs to Langjun. Guests claiming parts of it as their own would be absurd.”

—However, forcing your way in to read aloud while someone is quietly sitting there is equally absurd.

Zhao Li’s smile grew increasingly awkward as he let out a dry laugh. “In that case, I won’t disturb you further.”

In a secluded corner:@@novelbin@@

Zhao Li met with one of Liu Changshi’s planted agents.

—Liu Changshi wasn’t reckless; he never showed himself directly and instead relied on covert operatives within the capital.

Zhao Li’s expression was complex as he said, “I feel like there’s something strange about Xu Yanmiao. Perhaps we should switch targets…”

“Absolutely not! Absolutely not, Zhao Langjun!” the operative interrupted urgently. “No one else enjoys as much favor as Xu Yanmiao. Look at Zhuangyuan Lang—how could you compete with him? Even if you win, so what? The imperial exam happens once every three years, and a Zhuangyuan only appears once per session. How does defeating him highlight your talent?”

Zhao Li steadied himself, somewhat convinced. “Fine. I’ll come up with another plan.”

The operative suddenly had an idea. “I think your previous scheme was too juvenile. I heard that Xu Yanmiao didn’t even pass the palace examination. He only became an official because of lucky timing. Why not force him to write an essay on statecraft in public and then criticize it ruthlessly?”

Zhao Li raised an eyebrow. “No need. I’m just looking to boost my reputation, not to utterly humiliate him and turn him into a laughingstock.”

The operative chuckled and praised, “Langjun is truly kindhearted…”

“Enough, enough. A kindhearted person wouldn’t use others as stepping stones to begin with. I’m just not wicked enough to go all the way,” Zhao Li waved dismissively.

As someone from a family of military officers at heart, Zhao Li waved him off. “You can leave now. I’ll think about other ways to trouble Xu Yanmiao.”

The operative relayed this information back to Liu Changshi, adding a sarcastic comment: “Those who achieve great things don’t sweat the small stuff. This Zhao Li is indecisive and overly cautious—how does he expect to stand out? If he weren’t Marquis Hongyang’s cousin, he probably couldn’t even afford to host this Spring Banquet.”

Liu Changshi glanced at him but refrained from commenting on the critique. Instead, he simply said, “Keep watching and exploit any openings.”

The operative nodded.

He understood the plan: arrange for some people to demean Xu Yanmiao, and then have Liu Changshi step in to defend him.

When someone is being ostracized, the one who suddenly steps up to protect and stand by them is often able to win their loyalty.

Liu Changshi pondered for a moment. “Find a way to get Zhuangyuan Lang out of the picture.”

Otherwise, if Zhuangyuan Lang also stepped in to defend Xu Yanmiao, the strategy would lose its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Xu Yanmiao was “meditating.”

Of course, he felt a bit guilty, as though he were a husky sneaking into a wolf pack.

[Other people are genuinely calming their minds, while I’m just here for the gossip. Shame on me, shame on me.]

The other capital officials exchanged subtle glances but remained silent.

Yes, yes, we’re totally calming our minds—because who’s to say that watching someone else’s drama isn’t relaxing?

[Oh wow! So Cui Yi hides his private savings in a moneylender’s shop, and the proof of deposit is tucked above his bed curtain.]

[The most dangerous place is the safest place, huh? Tsk tsk, he really mastered the art of war!]

The officials: “!!!”

So that’s where it’s hidden!

Cui Yi, you clever rascal! Noted!

One of Cui Yi’s mischievous friends rolled their eyes, already plotting a way to scare him. They’d have to act fast—before someone else brought it up to Cui Yi directly! The hush money… at the very least, it should include a meal at the finest restaurant in the capital!

[Who would’ve thought? The husband of the Princess of Wanquan County is a gambler, yet the princess doesn’t want a divorce!]

The officials: “?”

Huh? Really?

That doesn’t add up—they clearly remembered that the county princess and her husband were deeply in love. Their household didn’t even have concubines, not to mention any attractive maidservants! Her husband even painted her eyebrows and applied her makeup daily. Rumor had it that the rouge the princess used was custom-made by him to suit her skin perfectly.

[She even went to the Empress to ask for advice!]

[And the Empress actually gave her a solution!]

[Ssss—She suggested that the princess open a gambling house, with all the staff and patrons secretly working for her! First, they let her husband win a few rounds, then ensured he kept losing. When the family’s savings dwindled to just 3,000 taels, the princess took out her dowry, didn’t scold him, and casually told him to use it to cover the losses. Years later, her husband still doesn’t know about it. He’s remained loving and gentle to the princess and hasn’t gambled since. Meanwhile, the princess sits in the moneylender’s office, lost in thought as she looks at the growing fortune.]

[If it were me, I’d be deep in thought too—so much money! Honestly, this man doesn’t seem all that necessary to keep around anymore, does he?]

The capital officials’ pupils shook with shock and dread.

They began racking their brains, wondering if their wives had secretly outsmarted them in any way.

After much thinking, they couldn’t come up with anything, so they turned their gaze toward Xu Yanmiao. They wanted to hear more gossip from him but also felt that, perhaps, ignorance might truly be bliss at times.

[Oh! And also—]

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the distance.

Curious, Xu Yanmiao instinctively looked up, and his train of thought was immediately interrupted.

The capital officials: “……”

Who is it this time?!

Xu Yanmiao glanced at his still-meditating colleagues, then quietly stood up, tiptoeing away as silently as possible.

—A true gossip enthusiast simply can’t resist checking out a disturbance.

[I’ll just take a quick look! Just one glance!]

He didn’t notice the longing gazes from his colleagues behind him.