Chapter 307
307, Secret Contest (1 Update)
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Those capable yet mindful of the rules always catch others’ eyes.
Neither arrogant with talent nor excessively humble, they approach and withdraw with measure and are both gentle and courteous.
Li Yuanbao looked at Xuan Mu.
The information he had gathered indicated that the Liang Family maid Xiangye, having last been seen with Xuan Mu, disappeared along with her family without a trace thereafter.
Whether Xiangye’s disappearance was related to Xuan Mu was still under investigation.
With thoughts whirling, Yuanbao smiled at Xuan Mu, “Could it be that you’re the top scholar of Yangjiang Prefecture?”
“Yes!” Xuan Mu said in a deep voice.
The young master had a dignified appearance and seemed somewhat gentle, but Yuanbao’s sharp eyes saw that Xuan Mu was not as simple as he appeared.
He belonged to those who seem harmless on the surface but are full of schemes and plots at heart.
“Indeed, a dragon and phoenix among men, the future for Scholar Xuan will undoubtedly be boundless!”
“I dare not, I dare not!”
The two, one flattering, the other modestly declining, both harboring cunning hearts, could not quite determine a winner for the moment.
Xu Xuanjin quickly stepped forward to invite Yuanbao.
Although Yuanbao was a servant, he attended to His Highness Prince Kan; even a seventh-rank official at the prime minister’s gate was something. Moreover, by the side of a prince, if one day Prince Kan ascended to the throne, Yuanbao’s status would surely rise. Not to mention being conferred a marquis or appointed prime minister, a promotion would definitely be in order.
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“Very well, you go ahead. I’ll be there soon!”“Then we shall await Master Yuan!” Xu Xuanjin said with a smiling bow.
Xuan Mu glanced at Yuanbao as he was being pulled away.
Xuan Mu gave Yuanbao a bow, “Then we’ll go ahead. You must come, Master Yuan!”
“I’ll definitely come!”
Yuanbao entered the compound first.
Xuan Mu turned and walked towards the private room.
Many behind him said, “Truly someone from His Highness’s side, he looks quite imposing!”
Xuan Mu pursed his lips and remained silent.
Unwarranted kindness is either conniving or thieving; he did not quite believe Yuanbao would suddenly seek his friendship without an ulterior motive.
To be the top scholar, among the thirty states and thirty prefectures, only in Yangjiang Prefecture does one stand out.
He did not believe Yuanbao’s sudden closeness lacked plotting and scheming.
Yuanbao returned to the inner courtyard, where Li Hengyi was sprawled in an empress’s chair, gently stroking Routuan’s dog head.
“My lord, I ran into Xuan Mu and Xu Xuanjin. The Liang Family’s Xiangye is currently missing, and I suspect Xuan Mu has hidden her away. Thought to get in touch and find out more!”
Li Hengyi raised his eyes to look at Yuanbao, “To become the top scholar is no simple feat. Be careful when you are in contact with him and avoid being too arrogant!”
“Yes!”
Yuanbao complied and, having made his preparations, went to the private room Xuan Mu and his party had reserved.
Inside were many scholars and students, not the young but rather the accomplished scholars, flatterers of Xuan Mu.
Xuan Mu’s voice was soft, his face smiling yet slightly cold, not as smooth and charming as Xu Xuanjin.
“By the way, hasn’t Brother Wang arrived yet?”
Upon hearing this, Xuan Mu looked around and indeed did not see Wang Shaoyu.
He signaled a page boy to wait outside for him.
The page boy went out, met Yuanbao, and immediately bowed respectfully, inviting him in.
Yuanbao entered the private room with a smile.
The crowd gathered around Yuanbao to talk, asking him about matters in the capital.
“I’ve been with my lord outside for three years, I’m not very familiar with the capital now, but concerning the Imperial Examination Venue, I do know a bit. If you’re willing to listen, I can share what I know!”
“Master Yuan, have you been inside the examination venue?”
Yuanbao laughed, “I have been, but it was when I was younger, so I can only speak in generalities!”
But even generalities were enough to benefit them greatly, as they knew nothing.
Yuanbao laughed as he shared what he had seen and heard with them.
Then, wearing bamboo-green attire, Wang Shaoyu stepped into the room.
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Chapter 308