Chapter 658: Chapter 657: I’m Getting Married
Xia Wenjin: "..."
Without turning her head, she already knew this person was Shen Yuncong, the son of Academician Shen.
This man’s literary talent was outstanding; he had been the top scholar and held a position at Wenbo Academy. Unlike other young men, he had his own official rank, Fifth Rank.
Although this rank was not high, being the top scholar, a young academician at Wenbo Academy at just twenty years old, and the son of a Grand Scholar, coupled with his elegant demeanor and refined charm, made him stand out among many noble gentlemen.
In the Capital City, the three noble sons, Huangfu Yuxuan, Shen Yuncong, and Ming Mengchen, were the dream of countless noble ladies.
Among the three, Ming Mengchen and Shen Yuncong were scholars in the same session: one the top scholar, the other the third scholar.
It is said that in terms of literary talent, Ming Mengchen and Shen Yuncong were evenly matched; their writings were on par with each other. During the imperial examination, Shen Yuncong benefited from the reputation of his father, Academician Shen, being appointed as the top scholar.
Ming Mengchen was supposed to be the second scholar, but the Emperor felt that such a gentle and poised young man, there was no difference between second and third, so he was appointed as the third scholar, which also meant the Emperor appreciated his refined gentlemanly manner.
After all, it’s well-known that one has to not only possess literary talent but also exceptional looks to become the third scholar.
Besides Ming Mengchen, who had requested a position in a certain location in Qingzhou, the new three noble sons of the Capital City had yet to be selected. Huangfu Yuxuan and Shen Yuncong were like untouchable flowers in the Capital City.
Unfortunately, this Shen Yuncong, with his outstanding literary talent and exceptional looks, was notoriously flirtatious, often striking up conversations with beautiful women and not hesitating to use his literary talent for flattering compliments, which indeed had significant effects, stirring many young ladies’ hearts.
Such behavior was sneered at by some, while others laughed it off as a scholar’s romanticism, which Shen Yuncong indulged in tirelessly.
Now, he even used this tactic on her. By the way, this silver bud tea was discovered and promoted by Shen Yuncong.
She turned her head to look at Shen Yuncong.
Shen Yuncong took a deep breath; just now, upon seeing the silhouette of this young girl in moon-white clothing, he already found her elegantly beautiful, and now, seeing her face, he was even more astounded.
To the extent that, his self-perception of being suave and confident in front of ladies, dissipated into a daze.
Xia Wenjin said, "Mr. Shen, do you need something?"
Just as Shen Yuncong was about to speak, Xia Wenjin’s question caught him off guard. He just felt her voice clear, and it struck his ears softly and refreshingly, making him want to hear more.
However, he also discerned that Xia Wenjin’s tone wasn’t entirely pleased, evidently a person’s refined pleasure had been interrupted, naturally bringing some displeasure.
He clasped his hands and bowed slightly, warmly saying, "The scene of the young lady admiring the flowers was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but praise it aloud, disturbing the lady’s pleasure. It was rash of me. I hope the lady doesn’t mind!"
Xia Wenjin replied, "Mr. Shen, this place isn’t mine; there’s no need to apologize. Please enjoy the flowers freely! Excuse me!"
With that, she stepped away from the silver bud tree, following the path to the right.
Shen Yuncong couldn’t help but touch his nose.
Who was he? One of the three noble sons of the Capital City, a top scholar, holding an official position, aside from a royal birth, his talent and charisma surpassed the first gentleman of the Capital City, Huangfu Yuxuan. With his looks and refined and gentle demeanor, his warm and amiable nature, coupled with that handsome gentleman’s style, he was irresistible to young ladies.
Unexpectedly, this girl was unmoved by his charm.
Her gaze was clear, lips slightly curled as if smiling, yet upon closer look, it was not. He had seen many extraordinarily beautiful women, but not one like her, clean, pure, fresh, and elegantly distant.
Especially, the fact that she could seem indifferent to his irresistible charm piqued his interest.
To remain unmoved by his charm, she must either be blind or have broad knowledge with her heart outside worldly matters, or be loftily arrogant, prouder than he is!
Which one could she be?
Shen Yuncong squinted slightly; now, those who could pique his interest were scarce, and those who could catch his eye were even rarer. This girl, he must figure out who she is.
Thinking of this, Shen Yuncong hurried to catch up, calling out, "Miss, miss, please wait!"
Xia Wenjin stopped, looking at the approaching Shen Yuncong, suppressing her impatience, and asked, "Mr. Shen, do you have business?"
The same question, yet this time sounded even less polite.
Shen Yuncong scratched his head, awkwardly saying, "Well, I don’t know the lady’s esteemed name yet!"
Xia Wenjin did not speak, simply looking at him.
Shen Yuncong was initially stunned, then his face blushed.
He really was in a hurry, a girl’s given name isn’t casually disclosed to others. Just now, in a moment’s excitement, he asked without thinking, now feeling embarrassed.
This self-proclaimed charming nobleman was usually not so shy. Among flowers, he’s always at ease.
Perhaps it was the purity of the girl’s gaze. And that glance she gave him, like the clearest spring water, cleansed his inner self.
Just as Shen Yuncong was about to say something to make amends, the girl across spoke calmly, "My name is Xia Wenjin."
Her tone was very plain, neither accusatory nor dismissive.
Shen Yuncong was extremely surprised, coming to his senses when the girl had already walked away.
"Xia Wenjin?" Shen Yuncong murmured softly, "Wenjin, as in literary excellence? What a good name!"
He needed to inquire about who this Miss Xia was. He felt genuinely moved this time and wondered if it was too late to send a matchmaker!
After everyone admired the flowers, the servants came one by one to inform them that the Princess invited everyone to gather at Linfeng Water Pavilion.
At the water pavilion, Shen Yuncong kept searching the crowd with his eyes.
His good friend Zhu Pucheng chuckled, "Yuncong, what are you looking for? In these gatherings before, you always appeared unbothered!"
Shen Yuncong smiled mysteriously, saying, "To be honest, this year I might get married!"
Zhu Pucheng was startled; being close friends, he knew clearly that Shen Yuncong had very high standards, focusing on the talented Shuang Yan.
People in the Capital City did not think he was recklessly bold; rather, they felt that, apart from a background and talent like Shuang Yan, no one else could really match up.
Zhu Pucheng’s eyes lit up; with a curious gaze, he asked, "Yuncong, is it Miss Duan or Miss Zhao?"
Shen Yuncong shook his head, "Neither!" His gaze kept searching the crowd until a figure in moon-white appeared at the end of the corridor, walking gracefully, and his eyes lit up, seemingly glued, unable to look away.
Zhu Pucheng followed Shen Yuncong’s gaze and gradually widened his eyes. What was he seeing? Was that a fairy descending to earth?
Comments