Chapter 94

“Young Master, please come this way.” Huang Zilan politely moved aside, allowing Liao Tingyu to pass.

Liao Tingyu patted Huang Zilan’s shoulder with a folding fan in a rich boy’s manner, “Well, I didn’t expect to be late. There are so many people waiting. It’s a sin to keep these esteemed gentlemen waiting for a young man like me!”

His comment immediately offended everyone, as he seemed to mock them for being old.

Luo-xiucai, in particular, was seething with anger as he gazed at this young scholar who was condescending.

“As expected of a young man, full of youth and vigor. However, many who gain fame at a young age often become mediocre in the long run.” Luo-xiucai remarked, “Some people should learn and observe more. We old-timers may not be better than you, but we’ve certainly experienced more in life. As an elder, I’d like to offer some advice—be humble!”

“Of course, after living so many years. Is it possible you were living in vain?” Liao Tingyu responded with a smile as he took his seat.

Huang Zilan stood by attentively, serving tea and pouring water.

“Would you like some water, young master? How about some snacks?” Huang Zilan asked.

“No need, I doubt there’s anything delicious in such a small place.” Liao Tingyu replied, “The taste of this tea doesn’t compare to the green tea I have at home. If it doesn’t suit your palate, no need to force it. Just stay by my side and study diligently.” he added.

Everyone looked at the pretentious expression.

Didn’t you have money?

If you don’t like it, but why do you still let him serve the tea??

“Young people are quite particular. If this tea doesn’t meet your standards, I’m curious about what you usually drink?” Tang-xiucai mocked, “tell me, what kind of tea is this green tea? I’m ignorant; please enlighten me.”

“Didn’t you claim to have more experience than us? And you’re unfamiliar with this tea? A knowledgeable scholar should have the ability to discern tea. You…” Liao Tingyu continued.

It was as if he was suggesting that they weren’t true scholars.

How could they bear it? They could see that this young man was there to stir up trouble.

They had previously wondered why someone would arrive after they ate, and now it appeared he had timed his arrival.

“This is the essence of a lifelong scholar’s quest for knowledge. It’s natural for scholars to admit when they don’t know something. No one can claim to know everything. Now, why don’t you enlighten us on what this green tea is? Let us all learn something new.”

“Alright, if everyone insists, how can I refuse!” Liao Tingyu exclaimed.

“Green tea is the latest trend in the Capital. It’s made through a process of picking, withering, rolling, and roasting. This specific tea is roasted, and upon sipping, it leaves a fragrant trace on the palate and has a sweet aftertaste. The sweetness takes some time to develop, as the predominant flavor in the mouth is initially bitterness. Additionally, this tea is believed to have beauty and health benefits. Three pounds it cost ten taels.” Liao Tingyu explained enthusiastically.

“Seniors, if you have some spare money, you can purchase it and enjoy a few taels. After tasting it, you’ll find it difficult to go back to the tea you’re accustomed to.”

Huang Zilan couldn’t help but suppress a smile from behind. This “green tea” wasn’t a real variety, but a made-up concept by Liao Tingyu. Nevertheless, he was delivering the explanation with such conviction that it seemed plausible. Perhaps there really was such a tea variety they were unaware of.

Luo-xiucai rolled his eyes and retorted, “If you drink this kind of tea at home, you should carry it with you when you go out! Why don’t you share it with us so we can all experience it?”@@novelbin@@

“You’re right, but sharing this tea would require a higher moral standing among our esteemed gentlemen, and you wouldn’t want to eat for free, right? Unfortunately, I’ve encountered people like this before. I kindly invited them to drink tea, but in the end, they left me to cover the bill. Such a shame!” Liao Tingyu acted as if he had been taken advantage of.

Huang Zilan went along with the performance, saying, “Young master, don’t be upset. People who take advantage of others are not worthy of you. Besides, we’re among scholars here, and they wouldn’t engage in such unscrupulous behavior to take advantage of others. Now, my young master is being fair and not seeking compensation to avoid any misunderstandings. But you are all distinguished scholars, so there’s no need to take advantage.”

The scholars in the room blushed at these words, realizing they hadn’t thought paying for it. But if they insisted not giving money now, it would make them appear immodest.

If Liao Tingyu insisted on not accepting the money, they would lose face.

Now there was no turning back. Those with less money in life had to turn their attention to the wealthier people. They didn’t want to spend a few taels if they could help it.

Luo-xiucai, seated on the cupboard, received several glances. He really wanted to curse.

‘Damn it, I only booked this restaurant for a fight. I spent several taels on it, and had a meal too, which was all meat. I haven’t had such a feast in ages. Now, I’m being asked to pay for tea! How shameless can you get?’

But what could he do? To accept or not, it was really an unfortunate turn of events.

The group of people drank the tea offered by Liao-xiucai. It did indeed have a unique flavor. Huang Zilan discreetly tucked away the money.

Yes, working together as a husband and wife was not exhausting.

“Liao-xiucai, you’re young and accomplished. May I ask where you studied?” Tang-xiucai inquired.

“I studied in a school, but it’s different from here. The teachers at our school cover a wide range of subjects. I heard that many things aren’t taught when coming here. I believe that scholars should assist each other, so I’m willing to share what I know with those in need.” Liao Tingyu explained with a sense of pride.

“By the way, do you need assistance? Honestly, I deeply admire you esteemed gentlemen. You were able to pass the examination when nobody else knew about it. You truly possess great capabilities.” he praised.

Liao Tingyu waited for a moment, but no one responded. So, he continued, “There are things we’ve compiled at our school over the years. We aim to educate and help others. You can make use of it. Although it’s not from this area, it’s a comprehensive resource. Moreover, with your experience, you’ll surely be able to come up with precautions for the examination.”

“Thank you very much!” Luo-xiucai expressed his gratitude first.

“No problem. By the way, I didn’t bring paper and pen with me today. That’s fine too, some of the young students have them. Please ask from them, we are all on the same level, anyway.” Liao Tingyu smiled, appearing as if he was simply being helpful.

The scholars in the room exchanged looks, unsure whether Liao Tingyu was being deliberate. How could people like them lower themselves to ask for something from someone studying at student level?

Were they even on the same level?

“Well, we appreciate your generosity, Liao-xiucai.”

“It’s alright. This is a small matter. We’re all scholars, and we should help one another.”

“Sir, you’ve traveled here with respect. As local landowners, it’s our duty to treat you to dinner. We initially intended to invite you, but unfortunately, you arrived late, so we ate first. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Why would I mind such a trivial matter? I’m here to enjoy myself, and I’ve already had a meal, so I’m not hungry. Thank you for your kind offer.” Liao Tingyu responded politely.

“Since everyone has had their fill of food and drink, why don’t we discuss ways to enhance each other’s poetry?” Luo-xiucai immediately changed the subject and took the lead.

“That’s a great idea. We scholars are gathered here to discuss and learn from one another, and we’ve already grasped the basics.” Wang-xiucai agreed.

“Excellent, I came here for further study and would be delighted to engage in a poetry discussion with esteemed scholars.” Liao Tingyu confidently conveyed the demeanor of a scholarly gathering.

However, Huang Zilan was slightly concerned. His weak point was elegant poetry, and if it was exposed. He wasn’t sure how to handle this.

Liao Tingyu wasn’t concerned. Even if things went poorly, it wouldn’t be a significant setback for him.

“Since everyone is in agreement, let’s begin. Since it’s currently spring, why don’t we choose ‘Spring Rain’ as our topic?” Luo-xiucai suggested, setting the theme.

The others didn’t object; they were all on the same page, after all.

“Given that Luo-xiucai has proposed this topic, why don’t you begin?” Liao Tingyu opted not to be the first and allowed himself some time to think.

Luo-xiucai initially assumed he would go first, being the youngest among them. Would he be willing to relinquish the spotlight in this scenario?

He hadn’t anticipated this deviation from the norm. Furthermore, everyone’s eyes were at him again, such a bunch of pig teammates.

“Alright, I’ll take the lead in inspiring others.”

He surveyed the surroundings in search of inspiration.

It took Luo-xiucai half an hour to complete his poem.

“The sound of drizzle, sneaking low into the night…”

Upon hearing this poem, everyone expressed their approval, and even Liao Tingyu applauded. While the poem didn’t precisely align with the topic, it still conjured a vivid nighttime atmosphere.

Subsequent poets took their turns, with several more recitations.

Throughout this process, Liao Tingyu found encouragement in his peers. He had often been criticized by his teacher for the quality of his poetry, but now it appeared that he wasn’t all that bad.

This was his most significant accomplishment of the day.

He paid little heed to how others regarded him.

Moreover, as one poet finished, the next one would promptly begin. It wasn’t a problem for Liao Tingyu to compose hundreds of poems in a single day.

To him, this was child’s play.