Chapter 291 – Medicine and a Gathering, Mountains of Deals (1)
The royal villa was luxurious, but it couldn’t compare to the blooming clusters of flowers on the mountains. Under the trees danced young men dressed in red and green, adorned with powdered faces and floral hairpins. They settled down one after another, and at first glance, they looked even more radiant than the blooming flowers.
Liu Zhi wore a snow-blue robe, sported a lacquered silk cap, and held a scepter in hand, sitting upright with a straight back and a cold expression.
Though he had surpassed thirty, his appearance was hardly inferior to those youthful beings, possessing maturity and steadiness they lacked.
With a cold gaze, he observed the numerous young masters arriving, some chatting cheerfully, some frowning deeply, and others nodding slightly to him. The variety of life was vividly displayed, yet the veiled flattery was a common thread, like a peacock spreading its feathers, eager to show off its most magnificent side.
Time swirled around; for a moment, it felt as if he’d returned decades back, when he too was part of these noble sons.
Yet, he always remembered how he looked back then—calm on the surface, whether playing the lute or discussing poetry, but inside he was drenched in sweat, a phantom hand clutching at his heart, threatening to tighten at the slightest misstep, making him restless and anxious.
After the evaluations, he hurried home to pour out his unease and timidity to Amin, only to be met with the piercing gaze of Amin’s reproach.
To this day, he still recalled Amin’s angry complaints.
“Such pretentiousness, what sort of exam is this?”
Liu Zhi was left utterly bewildered.
“Liu Governor, all the young masters are seated; we can begin now.”
Just as he pondered this, a colleague beside him cautiously roused him. Liu Zhi opened his slightly tipsy eyes, as if just awoken from a satisfying sleep.
Looking at those noble youths more delicate than the scenery itself, Liu Zhi smiled lightly and said, “Let’s get started over there.”
The Dongqing evaluation occurred every three years.
The first category, family background, had been sent from the provinces to the capital long ago.
Liu Zhi arrived a bit late, spending the previous days diligently reviewing the information about everyone participating in the evaluation, categorizing them according to their family histories and personal statuses, assigning ranks and scores.
They were roughly divided into excellent, average, and poor.
Though only a little over a hundred candidates were present, they were all carefully selected from across Dongqing, with solid family backgrounds. No one could afford to offend them. If there was significant controversy over the rankings he gave, it would mean trouble with their influential backgrounds.
As previously mentioned, the three aspects of virtue, appearance, and character could be used to bribe the judges; Liu Zhi had received several offers, subtly and overtly, during the past few days, whether in the form of gold and silver or precious antiques. The grand gestures of these individuals had left him in awe.
No wonder everyone wanted to be the chief evaluator—three years without business, then a feast for thirty years when it finally began, how wonderful.
As for ability, the individual bragging reports had been submitted long ago.
Liu Zhi had reviewed them all, finding most to be flashy but hollow.
Why did he say they were flashy but hollow?
Take, for example, someone with a waist so thin they could only wear soft, old clothes and couldn’t even bathe, yet claimed to draw a two-hundred pound bow and single-handedly tackle two tigers. Isn’t that hilarious?
Oh, perhaps they were referring to some enchanting tiger-like intimidating presence?
Liu Zhi idly found himself playing the part of a seasoned driver, artfully cruising through conversations.
Though it was called an evaluation, it felt more like a large-scale, purposeful elegant gathering, where all the young masters displayed their talents.
Those daring to showcase their skills surely had a thing or two up their sleeves!
Initially uninterested, Liu Zhi found himself increasingly engaged; the atmosphere felt remarkably harmonious.
Previously mentioned, the evaluation resembled a grand royal gathering; participating were not just noble sons but also several ministers and their families. The Emperor, concubines, and princes would also appear. The crowd was large but not noisy.
Liu Xi didn’t recall such a grand setup, and how would Jiang Pengji, the future military leader, know how to handle it?
Fortunately, Feng Jin, as the legitimate son of the Feng family, had experienced various grand occasions since childhood. Even with Jiang Pengji as a bit of a burden, he still managed to engage in pleasant conversation, flitting about like a butterfly among flowers, greeting people and introducing Jiang Pengji to many.
They were all seasoned players; even if they had never heard of Jiang Pengji, they couldn’t easily overlook her just because of her title as “Liu Governor’s son.” Following Feng Jin, Jiang Pengji got to know quite a few people.
“Does Lan Ting not enjoy conversing?”
Once free, Feng Jin took his seat according to his status and asked her.
Jiang Pengji let out a sigh and replied, “It’s not that; I just think this circle is truly chaotic.”
Feng Jin was stunned for a moment.
Truly chaotic?
He recognized the four words separately but couldn’t grasp their meaning together.
However, looking at the literal meaning, he, being smart, could deduce it.
“Why do you say that?”
Feng Jin chuckled in disbelief; unbeknownst to him, Jiang Pengji’s words were unexpectedly shocking. He leaned closer and lowered his voice.
“Nowadays… is male affection really so rampant?”
Even coming from a future world known for its openness, not everyone was involved in such matters.
Yet, after meeting so many people with Feng Jin, she genuinely questioned whether she had entered a different world.
She even experienced a strange illusion that maybe she was the only straight man in the whole world.
Pff, she was a woman!
Feng Jin’s fair skin turned slightly pink.
With a hint of discomfort, he said, “Could you not stare so aimlessly?”
Jiang Pengji clicked her tongue, “What, are you telling me to close my eyes and not look?”
Seeing the other person made her brain automatically analyze; could she be blamed?
Years of ingrained professionalism weren’t something she could change overnight.
Feng Jin choked for a moment, his expression strange, yet he whispered again.
“The court’s relationships are messy; as long as it doesn’t delay having offspring, this brotherly contract is rather common.”
Many contracted brothers would even prepare betrothal gifts for each other, letting their partners marry and have children to continue their line.
After all, there are three unfilial acts, and having no heir is the greatest.
The feelings among men were already against natural reproduction; what if that led to one of them losing their descendants? How would they face their ancestors in a hundred years?
Jiang Pengji narrowed her eyes, sensing Feng Jin’s unease, feeling a sort of indescribable oddity.
“Jin cares little for such peculiarities; there’s no need for Lan Ting to look at me like that; it’s rather creepy.”
Usually, it was fine, but once Jiang Pengji stared at him earnestly like this, Feng Jin often felt as if his entire being was laid bare to her gaze.
Jiang Pengji chuckled at him, “You act all virtuous and proper, what do you have to fear from me?”
“Not fear, just dislike,” Feng Jin sighed. “Sit properly; if others see you like this, they’ll mostly blame Liu Governor for poor upbringing.”
Suddenly remembering something, he stressed with emphasis, “Lan Ting, remember not to wander and play around; the royal villa is not your home. Every move is under scrutiny. Say less, do less, keep it quiet, alright?”
Jiang Pengji noncommittally nodded. Seeing her so obeying made Feng Jin feel a slight twinge of worry in his heart.
