Chapter 60: First Move and Counter Move
“Immortal, a Hanlin Scholar requests an audience. He claims to have come seeking the insights recorded by ancient talents,” a Yellow Gate attendant respectfully informed Chen Xiyi.
Chen Xiyi, who had been reading a medical book, looked up and said, “Please let him in.”
Though his tone was calm, he felt a surge of joy in his heart. Finally, there was some news. It had been almost a month since he had stopped fishing to read at Wende Hall, and in that time, no one had come to disturb him, as expected given the persona he had established.
After the attendant relayed the message, he brought the Hanlin Scholar inside.
This Hanlin Scholar looked to be about twenty-five or twenty-six, appearing rather delicate, not like those scholars who would travel long distances to the capital for the imperial examinations, but rather as if he were a local from the capital.
Particularly, his demeanor was something that ordinary families could hardly cultivate; he must have come from a wealthy or aristocratic household.
“Greetings, Immortal,” the Hanlin Scholar straightened his posture, exuding an air of arrogance, and casually clasped his hands in salute, seemingly indifferent to Chen Xiyi.
【Civil Official Dong Shen, Life Points: 99%, Status: Cautious】
【Ability 1: Proficiency in Literary Works and Poetry】
【Ability 2: Mastery of Copying Texts】
【Experience】
【September: Came to question the Immortal about why he studies miscellaneous books and ignores sage teachings, lacking understanding of the bigger picture】
【September: While compiling texts in the Hanlin Academy, hearing that the Immortal dislikes sage literature, he became indignant and disdainful】
【August: In the Hanlin Academy, compiling articles, aiming to make an impressive debut】
【August:】
Looking at Dong Shen, Chen Xiyi couldn’t help but think, “Is this guy delusional? Are you here to stir up trouble instead of genuinely offering me something valuable?”
He had sensed arrogance from him earlier, but now it seemed very likely that this guy was trying to trap him.
The problem was, he couldn’t recall having offended him. This was all a performance, a hidden agenda to approach him—was he planning to step over him for personal gain, especially given the previous intention to make an impressive debut?
What’s the quickest way to make such an impressive impact? Obviously, it would be to rise through the esteem of someone well-known. No wonder his status was marked “cautious,” as if he was prepared to gamble everything.
“Speak, what is it?” Since he knew the other party’s intention, Chen Xiyi decided not to be polite.
Dong Shen, of course, did not notice anything amiss. After all, Chen Xiyi’s tone was quite normal, and with his face completely obscured by the helmet, he couldn’t read Chen Xiyi’s expression.
“I’ve heard that the Immortal is seeking ancient texts. While compiling at the Hanlin, I happened to come across this book and came to offer it to the Immortal,” Dong Shen said without being humble or servile.
However, this statement sounded somewhat disrespectful to the Yellow Gate attendants present; if you weren’t going to flatter, at least show enough courtesy. The court officials certainly didn’t behave this arrogantly.
“Offering tribute? Is that in accordance with protocol?” Chen Xiyi turned and asked the attendant beside him.
The attendant hesitated for a moment before truthfully replying, “That is not in accordance with protocol. If one wishes to present something, they should first report it to the Hanlin Academy.”
After the attendant finished speaking, Chen Xiyi finally spoke, “Did you hear that? This is the procedure. You bypassed the proper authorities for glory or wealth?”
“However, since you are here, I will take charge and streamline the process. In time, I will report to His Majesty, leaving you only rewards. But this action of yours should also be reported to the officials in each department.”
Chen Xiyi’s words caused Dong Shen’s expression to change. He realized inwardly that he had been caught off guard.
He had been grasped by the other party.
If he succeeded in mocking the other party, it wouldn’t matter what they said in response. But the problem was that before he could even speak, he was already branded by the other party as someone greedy for wealth and honors, which would require reporting to higher officials. Not only did he fail to question successfully and gain fame for himself, but his future was also in jeopardy because of the other party.
“I… I…” Dong Shen didn’t know what to do at that moment. If he brought out that book to mock the other party for being unreasonable and only knowing rambling writings of the sages, it would not only fail to achieve the intended effect but might even backfire against him.
Chen Xiyi didn’t continue to speak but instead smiled and continued reading.
Dealing with such a person, after countering them, there’s no need to kick them while they’re down; just leaving them hanging like this would make them feel ashamed on their own.
Dong Shen found himself trapped; he couldn’t move forward or backward, and his face turned red.
The Yellow Gate attendant beside him didn’t dare to plead or say anything more, also choosing to ignore the other party.
After all, the previous behavior and attitude of the other party made them quite displeased as well.
“Today, it is my offense. I will return and follow the proper procedures. Farewell.” After a few minutes of stalemate, Dong Shen suddenly spoke. His tone calm, he finished saying this and turned to leave, knowing he had lost and could only make a hasty exit.
【The civil official Dong Shen feels extremely dissatisfied with your actions, thus harboring hatred towards you. Hatred Level +1, Hatred Level: 1 Star】
“…”
Chen Xiyi couldn’t help but feel astonished upon hearing this. Clearly, it was you who initiated trouble first, yet you still have the face to be dissatisfied and harbor hatred towards me.
Watching as the other party’s nickname turned red, he noticed they changed from a white dot to a red dot on the map.
In response to this, Chen Xiyi could only lament how self-centered some people could really be.
“Ha, with such a mentality, what achievements can one expect in the future?” Chen Xiyi said as he watched the other party leave.
Dong Shen quickened his pace, pretending he hadn’t heard.
But thinking of the other party’s power, he felt a bit of regret.
Not regretting provoking Chen Xiyi, but regretting that he hadn’t prepared thoroughly and lost the upper hand to the other party.
So for now, he could only endure.
“Young man, you must be down-to-earth. Do not pursue crooked paths to ingratiate yourself with those in power for a facade of pride and superiority to gain progress; this is a dead end.”
Chen Xiyi certainly wasn’t going to spare the other party. If someone wanted to climb over him to gain power, then he would not let the other party off so easily.
Dong Shen, still not far away, heard these words and felt increasingly solemn. If such words were to spread, his political career would undoubtedly be ruined.
And as for whether they wouldn’t spread?
How could that be possible? So many Yellow Gate attendants were present; if just one of them leaked a hint, it would spread throughout the entire capital.
Especially since this Immortal Fuyao was a key focus in the capital right now, many people would certainly be spying on this matter.
‘At this point, I can only leave the capital first and formulate a new plan.’
After stepping out of the Wende Hall, a glimmer flashed in Dong Shen’s eyes. Though he didn’t understand why he had failed, plans were ultimately just plans, unable to keep up with changes.
‘A gentleman takes revenge; it’s never too late. I will deal with this matter another day.’
He had never regretted what he had done; he merely regretted losing and the other party winning.
As for doing something wrong?
What’s wrong with climbing higher? If he had succeeded this time, he would surely have entered the eyes of the civil and military officials and even the current emperor, soaring to great heights.
(End of Chapter)
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