Chapter 78 - Regret We Didn't Meet Sooner
Zuo Shaoqing continued walking, distancing himself with each turn, but he eventually halted when he recognized the familiar figure up ahead.
He attempted to call out, “Big Brother Cao?” The person turned around, confirming that it was indeed Cao Zongguan.
Joyfully, Zuo Shaoqing rushed over and greeted him with a broad smile, “What brings Big Brother Cao to the capital?”
Cao Zongguan displayed a hint of surprise initially, but his expression remained composed. “Is the capital exclusively reserved for the Zuo Family?”
“Oh, are you still upset?” Zuo Shaoqing chuckled, fully aware of Cao Zongguan's lingering resentment toward the Zuo Family.
Pretending not to notice Cao Zongguan's aloofness, he continued to beam, “Of course not. It's wonderful to encounter Big Brother Cao here. We haven't seen each other in two months.”
Cao Zongguan's lips curved slightly, and in a cool tone, he inquired, “How is Shao Qing doing?” He assessed Zuo Shaoqing from head to toe and remarked to himself, “From your appearance, it seems you're doing quite well.”
Zuo Shaoqing tugged at his jacket sheepishly and replied softly, “I came to the capital with my Second Uncle. He was concerned about my health, so he provided me with some winter clothing.”
Cao Zongguan nodded in understanding, “Why haven't you met up with Brother Shao Shuai?”
A hint of sadness flashed in Zuo Shaoqing's eyes. “Brother and I parted ways along the journey. I have no idea where he is now.”
Observing Cao Zongguan's contemplative expression, Zuo Shaoqing smiled once more, “But it's alright. Second Uncle mentioned that my family will arrive in the capital in a couple of days. I'll be able to reunite with them then.”
Zuo Shaoqing noticed that the once cheerful young man had lost the usual warmth and friendliness that radiated from him. Now, there was only a lingering shadow of gloom.
He sighed inwardly. Even though the conflict between their families was a consequence he had desired, seeing Cao Zongguan like this made it difficult for him to bear.
“You mean… your entire family is coming?” Cao Zongguan inquired.
Zuo Shaoqing set aside his pity and nodded with a smile, “Yes, my second brother… he's unwell, so Mother wants to bring him to the capital for medical treatment.”
Zuo Shaoling couldn't keep his situation hidden from others. Even without Cao Zongguan's inquiries, rumors were already circulating. Cao Zongguan responded with a nonchalant mutter, “Is that so?”
“Did Big Brother Cao come along with the third sister this time? We're all family, so we can visit each other's homes,” Zuo Shaoqing casually inquired.
Cao Zongguan's composed expression suddenly shifted. He turned to Mei Hua Lin and asked, “Your third sister…” “She didn't come,” Mei Hua Lin replied.
Zuo Shaoqing had no intention of pressing further, and they both fell into a contemplative silence.
“The banquet is about to commence…” An attendant hurriedly moved between the trees, reminding the students who had been captivated by the picturesque surroundings.
“Big Brother Cao, shall we join them?” I've heard that today's luncheon will feature roasted venison,” Zuo Shaoqing suggested.
Cao Zongguan nodded and led the way, with Zuo Shaoqing following.
Zuo Shaoqing gazed at the slender figure of Mrs. Xue and took in a deep breath, savoring the scent of blooming flowers in the air. He couldn't help but smile faintly, contemplating what kind of reception awaited Mrs. Xue in the capital.
Upon entering the gathering, they had barely noticed the crowd's presence. But now, with all the students assembled in one place, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Zuo Shaoqing estimated that there were over a hundred students in attendance.
Zuo Shaoqing scanned the crowd in search of Qu Changqing and Jiung Hengzhou, but his limited height hindered his view even when he stood on tiptoes.
“Huh?” While he couldn't locate Qu Changqing and Jiung Hengzhou, Zuo Shaoqing was surprised to spot Zuo Shaoyan. The host of the Flowers Engraving Banquet had evidently invited all the students in the capital, as there was no shortage of them.
Listening to the conversations around him, Zuo Shaoqing gleaned that the top achievers from various counties had all attended, along with students who had gained some recognition.
Zuo Shaoqing raised an eyebrow and tugged at Cao Zongguan's sleeve. He exclaimed, “Big Brother Cao, look, isn't that my elder brother?”
Cao Zongguan followed the direction of Zuo Shaoyan's finger and spotted him chatting amiably with two young men amidst the crowd.
“Your elder brother…” Cao Zongguan began thoughtfully, “seems much livelier than before.”
Zuo Shaoqing pretended not to grasp the hidden implication in the statement and replied, “Indeed, now that Big Bro has finally achieved his desires, he must be overjoyed. Besides, my sister-in-law is pregnant.”
“In that case, I must extend my congratulations to him.” Cao Zongguan maneuvered through the crowd and made his way towards Zuo Shaoyan's location.
Zuo Shaoqing pondered for a moment, debating whether to accompany them and witness the spectacle. Ultimately, he decided against it, as he didn't want to get caught in any potential crossfire.
However, even as he relished in his private amusement, a smile failed to form on his lips in the following moment.
He fixated his gaze on the man who appeared in the nearby pavilion. If he had known that Jiang Che was the mastermind behind today's Plum Blossom Meet, he would have surely refrained from coming.
“I apologize for the wait. I am Jiang Che, the host of this gathering. I invited all of you here with the hope of making new acquaintances.”
Someone in the crowd recognized Jiang Che's identity and exclaimed, “It's Vice Minister Jiang!”
A few days ago, Jiang Che's name might not have been well-known among the attendees, but ever since he had provided assistance to the Humble Class students with a piece of paper, his reputation had spread among the examination candidates.
Zuo Shaoqing adopted an insincere manner as he greeted each student who approached him with gratitude. He secretly intended to gather information about every individual who engaged him in conversation.
“Please, everyone, take your seats. We haven't prepared any dishes or wine for today's occasion. A few days ago, we embarked on a hunting expedition outside the city with the Emperor.”
After another round of flattery, Zuo Shaoqing curled his lip and selected the seat farthest from Jiang Che, then proceeded to pour himself a glass of wine.
Upon taking their seats, Zuo Shaoqing found himself seated next to a middle-aged man in his forties who radiated a quieter demeanor compared to the lively youngsters present.
Zuo Shaoqing relished the tranquility, sipping his drink while awaiting the arrival of the dishes. He muttered to himself, “Jiang Che is quite generous, bringing top-quality Yuan Hong wine to entertain such a large gathering.”
Today's grand event offered glimpses into the Jiang Family's background.
Before long, uniformed maidservants emerged, each carrying fragrant roasted meat, which they placed meticulously in front of every student.
The grilled meat had been meticulously sliced and adorned with a generous drizzle of sauce. A fruit platter accompanied the dish. Just from this presentation alone, the students' opinion of Jiang Che soared to new heights.
Raising his glass and standing up, Jiang Che addressed the gathering, “Come, let's all raise a toast. Our meeting here is fateful, and each one of us is a potential pillar of our nation. I wish you all the distinction of becoming the top scorers.”
“We'll remember Lord Jiang's righteousness in our hearts…”
“Vice Minister Jiang is young and accomplished, a paragon of benevolence and righteousness for our generation…”
“In the future, should I have the privilege of serving in the imperial court, I hope Lord Jiang will extend his guidance to me…”
Praising words of various kinds filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Zuo Shaoqing sat alone in a corner, emptying his glass onto the ground and scoffing quietly. He then began to savor the meat with his chopsticks.
A middle-aged man seated next to him shot him a curious look, approached, and whispered, “Young man, are you not pleased with Vice Minister Jiang?”
Zuo Shaoqing responded with a faint smile, “How could that be? Vice Minister Jiang is a role model for all students. I have no reason to be displeased.”
The middle-aged man chuckled and fed a piece of meat to Zuo Shaoqing, saying, “These little tricks are only meant to deceive those students who have never ventured beyond their textbooks.”
Those words resonated with Zuo Shaoqing. He thawed a bit and engaged in conversation with the middle-aged man, only to discover that this seemingly average scholar was actually the top scorer of a certain county.
For a moment, both regretted their tardiness. Despite the slight age gap, Zuo Shaoqing enthusiastically addressed him as “Brother He.”
“Considering Brother He's age, this can't be your first Spring Festival Exam, can it?”
“Indeed, this marks my eighth pilgrimage to the capital for the exam,” He Zhicheng sighed with a wry smile.
“Congratulations on your perseverance, then,” Zuo Shaoqing raised his wine cup with both hands and toasted He Zhicheng. He then drained it in one go.
“Haha… Young Brother Zuo is remarkably forthright for his age. I am humbled,” Hee Zhicheng said, returning the gesture and downing his own wine.
As they continued to drink, the two conversed on various topics. Zuo Shaoqing admired Hee Zhicheng's wisdom, while Hee Zhicheng marveled at Zuo Shaoqing's quick wit. Meanwhile, the other students had already started composing poems, but these two conversed about exotic subjects from overseas.
“The fragrance of Po Luo Country is exceedingly enigmatic. If one were to inhale it, they would be ensnared in a bewildering trance. Even upon waking, they would struggle to recall the scene.”
“Is that true?” Zuo Shaoqing showed keen interest. “Could someone employ this incense for nefarious purposes and vanish without a trace?”
“Indeed…”
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Jiang Che, wearing a smile, and a group of students who regarded them with disdain.
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