Bab 65: A Discussion
Wang Yu's face became so dark that it could be compared to charcoal. The words spoken by Mo Qingkuang seemed to dissect his deepest shameful secret for everyone to see.
Who among the privileged children of the capital didn't know how he became the top scholar? Apart from deceiving some newcomers like Mo Qingkuang, Wang Yu never dared to show off in front of familiar faces; it was a humiliation to himself.
At this moment, he felt a bit regretful for picking a fight with Mo Qingkuang. Who would have thought that this lad would be so impolite, exposing his flaws like this?
'If everyone knew the truth, how could I continue to thrive in the capital? Even my grandfather wouldn't easily let me off.'
Wang Yu glared at Mo Qingkuang with a dark expression. "Mo Qingkuang, are you looking for trouble?"
Mo Qingkuang looked a bit puzzled but then sincerely said, "Brother Wang, I genuinely want to be friends with you! Look, I'm here to offer a toast! Give me some face, let's be friends!"
Unfortunately, his sincerity didn't move Wang Yu. In Wang Yu's eyes, Mo Qingkuang was just holding onto his weakness with a high and mighty attitude.
"Be friends? Is this how you make friends?"
Wang Yu gritted his teeth, cautiously observing the onlookers. He spoke in a low voice, "Mo Qingkuang, stop talking. If you genuinely want to be friends, step back now, and I'll come to toast you later!"
He was still afraid. If Mo Qingkuang opened his mouth and recited his essay, it would undoubtedly be the biggest news in the capital tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the two high-ranked figures on the stage, drinking and toasting to themselves, overheard the discussions and the conversation between Mo Qingkuang and Wang Yu.
"Hua Ge, are you really not going to intervene? Letting them do as they please?" Zheng Tao transmitted his thoughts with a hint of annoyance.
He had a strict personality and despised blatant cheating and behaviour that lowered the high and praised the low.
Hua Ge leisurely took another sip, wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve, and chuckled. "I know. Wang Lao has given his word."
"Do you think Wang Lao knows?"
"He knows! It's just you who doesn't know. Why are you, as the dean of Martial Academy interfering in the matters of Literary Academy?" Hua Ge shrugged, seemingly indifferent.
"You —you are openly cheating, leading the way to crime. The reputation of the Imperial Academy will be ruined by you! Wang Lao knows about this, but he still follows your lead?! No, I have to report this to His Majesty and dismiss this top scholar!"
Seeing Zheng Tao about to leave, Hua Ge's figure suddenly flashed, blocking Zheng Tao's way with a playful smile. "Brother, don't be impulsive. Listen to what I have to say."
"Hmph, speak then."
"Well, a few years ago, I accidentally spilt wine on a painting of Wang Lao. You know about that, right?" Hua Ge's expression turned somewhat bitter as he spoke in a low voice.
Zheng Tao gave him a stern look but didn't say anything, indicating him to continue speaking.
Hua Ge laughed and said, "Unfortunately, I got trapped in his scheme. Old man Wang is a cunning one. When he gave me the painting, he said it wasn't anything special, so I took it from him just to take a look. And when I damaged it, he claimed it was a family heirloom, passed down through his ancestors for eighteen generations, scaring me into owing him a favour."
"As you know, I admitted I was wrong in handling the situation. I just accepted owing him a favour and asked him what I could do for him right there."
"But this old man dragged it on, saying he'd let me know when he figured it out. I've been waiting for several years, but there's been no response."
"I thought, if I let this continue, it won't be good. So, I..."
Zheng Tao, hearing this, was speechless. "So, you collaborated with your subordinates, cheated, and made his grandson the top scholar to repay a favour?"
"Exactly. If he tries to pressure me again, I'll just expose his grandson's 'masterpieces.'"
Seeing Zheng Tao getting agitated, Hua Ge quickly pushed him down and poured him wine, smiling apologetically, "Buddy, we've been friends for over a hundred years. Don't act rashly."
"I might stay quiet, but my apprentice might not. He doesn't know about your favour, Dean." Zheng Tao sneered, but his tone relaxed a bit.
Hua Ge looked back at the scene.
Mo Qingkuang still held his wine glass, while Wang Yu and several others glared at him, creating a tense atmosphere.
"Mo Qingkuang, show some respect! If you know what's good for you, roll back to where you came from!" A young man next to Wang Yu spoke harshly.
As a seasoned playboy, what mattered most? Face!
Mo Qingkuang was also a bit unhappy at this point. You called me to toast to you, and I came. I'm toasting to you as a confidant in the playboy world and as someone daring to make waves in the imperial examinations!
But my arm is sore from holding this glass. Not only do you not stand up to clink glasses with me, but you also speak harshly!
Have I, Mo Qingkuang of Tiannan City, ever suffered such humiliation?
"Young Master Wang, my arm is sore from holding this glass. Are you really not giving me any face?" Mo Qingkuang's eyes squinted, his tone unfriendly.
"Also, in my hometown, no dog dares to bark in front of me without my consent."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yu was furious. You want face? Don't I want face too?
'You in your hometown, a remote borderland, acted like a petty tyrant. Naturally, no one dared to provoke you. But if you flaunt your power at me, Wang Yu, that's your mistake.
Others might not know, but my grandfather is a current prime minister. Checking your background is a simple matter.'
Earlier, Wang Yu had sneaked a look at Mo Qingkuang's file. He couldn't help but look down on playboy scions like Mo Qingkuang.
He, Wang Yu, may not be a great scholar, but he's proficient in the four arts of the study.
As for this Mo Qingkuang, he had infuriated several teachers and driven away numerous others.
"Mo Qingkuang, what exactly do you want?" Wang Yu took a deep breath, forcibly calming the anger in his chest.
Seeing Wang Yu in a dilemma, Hua Ge's eyes turned and he revealed a strange smile.
"Old Zheng, do you want to see some fun?"
"What fun? What trick are you up to now?" Zheng Tao immediately became alert.
This buddy next to him, exceptional in martial arts, poetry, appearance, and physique, was outstanding in every aspect. However, his temperament was a bit too unconventional. As he aged, instead of toning down, he became even more exaggerated.
Hua Ge smiled mysteriously, and his lips moved slightly, apparently using a secret method to communicate.
Not far away, Wang Yu's expression suddenly froze, and then he revealed a confident smile.
He raised his wine glass and said, "I heard that Young Master Mo is unrivalled in the whole of Tiannan City, and must have exceptional literary talent. Today, our meeting is fate. How about I, Wang Yu, learn from you?"
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone