Chapter 147: Wang Family Feast

Ji Yuan didn't need to concern himself with the Third Prince's matter; he could leave it to Master Yin to handle.

Ji Yuan walked a few steps away and cupped his hands to greet the approaching Old Dragon, but remained silent.

After the Old Dragon drew closer, he returned the bow to Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan then gestured, and with a shared understanding, they moved to a street corner, their gaze turning towards Yin Zhaoxian's surrounded stall on Wenqu Street.

“Is Mr. Ji waiting until after the Spring Imperial Examinations to leave the capital region?”

Similar to the provincial examinations where the Guibang list was posted, in Dazhen, 'Spring Imperial Examinations' also referred to the imperial examinations in the capital. Originally, it only corresponded to the metropolitan examinations, but now it signifies the palace examination and other final results.

Ji Yuan looked at the 'Third Prince' who was now standing close to Yin Zhaoxian's stall. He didn't use his authority to disperse the crowd, but instead stood by with interest, watching Master Yin write.

Hearing the Old Dragon's question, Ji Yuan pointed to the 'Third Prince' and countered with a question of his own, though not directly answering.

“Does Old Mr. Ying know who that newly arrived man is?”

The Old Dragon followed Ji Yuan's gaze and saw a man of considerable presence, with several vigorous mortal warriors positioned around him. Upon a closer observation of his aura, a rising vitality was visible, with a hint of purple hidden within.

“He seems to be some kind of imperial relative?”

“Precisely. When this man travels, he likes to call himself the 'Third Prince,' but he is actually the 'Prince of Jin,' the third son of the current Dazhen Emperor.”

“Oh, the Dazhen Emperor's third son.”

The Old Dragon showed little interest in this. Even with the Tongtian River right next to the capital region, the rise and fall of the Dazhen dynasty held no meaning in his eyes. In comparison, Yin Zhaoxian was more favored by the Old Dragon.

Ji Yuan looked at the Old Dragon and said:

“Although Dazhen usually establishes the eldest legitimate son as Crown Prince, the current emperor is still young and vigorous, with a unique personality. He has been slow to name a Crown Prince, and even finds his older eldest son an eyesore.”

The Old Dragon's interest was piqued slightly.

“Mr. Ji, do you believe this Prince of Jin might become the future Crown Prince or even the next Dazhen Emperor?”

“Haha, one could say there’s a possibility, but he is too ostentatious, and in this great struggle, dangers lurk everywhere.”

The Old Dragon frowned, looking at his friend. It wasn't that he found anything wrong with the statement, but rather that he sometimes truly couldn't fully comprehend Ji Yuan. He seemed interested in everything, yet at the same time, interested in very little.

“Mr. Ji, today is New Year's Eve, the very end of the year. For mortals, it's a crucial day, and for us, it holds a special significance. How about you accompany this old man back to my water mansion for a chat? Of course, you could also bring Yin Zhaoxian along; this scholar is quite good.”

Seeing the Old Dragon's serious expression, Ji Yuan quickly shook his head.

“Scholars are dedicated to the state; it's better not to let Master Yin get too involved with matters beyond the mortal realm. Besides, I am quite interested in what's happening here. Why is the Prince of Jin not attending the imperial palace's reunion dinner but instead seeking out Yin Zhaoxian here? Oh, that's right, the emperor doesn't like holding palace banquets…”

At this point, Ji Yuan also extended an invitation to the Old Dragon.

“Returning to your water mansion just to eat and drink might be a bit dull. How about Old Mr. Ying joins me today to observe the mortal festivities? Especially the imperial city's atmosphere; at the turn of the new year, there must be something worth seeing.”

Hearing this, the Old Dragon also smiled. What one does often depends on who one is with; he had naturally felt no interest in such things before, but since Ji Yuan was inclined, he too developed a slight interest.

“Since Mr. Ji has such an elegant inclination, this old man shall accompany you.”

With that, Ji Yuan had no intention of revealing himself to Yin Zhaoxian. Smiling, he gestured, and together with the Old Dragon, approached Yin Zhaoxian's stall, their figures gradually fading, becoming imperceptible to ordinary people.

At this moment, even many other scholars on Wenqu Street were gathered around Yin Zhaoxian's stall, watching.

Yin Zhaoxian was indeed exceptionally talented. The Spring Festival couplets and poems he wrote not only displayed outstanding calligraphy but also had perfect antitheses and excellent meanings, clearly setting him apart from other scholars. Shi Yusheng, on the side, had become the dedicated person collecting copper coins.

However, writing so much inevitably made his hand sore. By now, Yin Zhaoxian had rubbed his wrists several times. Fortunately, although there were still many onlookers, few people were actually buying calligraphy anymore.

“Ice melts and snow flowers vanish, the land once again displays its vibrant hues; winter departs and spring returns, the divine realm reappears in a thousand forms.”

“He writes so well!” “Indeed, I heard he’s the Jieyuan from Jizhou, named Yin Zhaoxian!”

“Is that so? No wonder!”

It's unknown who spread the word, but Yin Zhaoxian had only been setting up his stall here for two days and was already well-known, especially today, when his popularity exploded.

After he finished writing that couplet, and with no one immediately coming forward to request calligraphy, the 'Third Prince,' who had been watching for some time, finally spoke.

“Scholar Yin, do you still remember me?”

As he spoke, his servants quietly began to separate the crowd, gently herding the surrounding scholars and others away. Seeing this display, no one dared to say much.

“Why are they driving people away… ” “Exactly, I still wanted to buy calligraphy!”

“Hush… don't say anything.” “Let’s go, let’s go… We can't afford to offend them…”

Yin Zhaoxian turned to look at the Prince of Jin and paused. He certainly recognized the man but didn't know his name, so he could only say:

“I do.”

“Haha, good that you remember. I've finished reading your 'Discourse on Birds' and 'On the Meaning of Knowledge'; they are wonderfully written. Previously, when my tutor visited my residence, he also caught a glimpse of 'Discourse on Birds' and found it very interesting upon perusal. Today, my family is hosting a banquet, and I imagined that Scholar Yin, being thousands of miles from home, must be lonely. How about you honor me with your presence at the feast?”

“I…”

Yin Zhaoxian looked at the surrounding situation; he seemed to not dare to utter the word “no.”

“It is better to obey than to be disrespectful!”

As he spoke, Yin Zhaoxian looked around for Shi Yusheng, finally realizing that he too had been pushed aside by the 'Third Prince's' servants, who clearly had no intention of making exceptions.

“Let's go now then. That scholar named Shi can clean up your stall for you.”

The Prince of Jin made the decision for both of them directly, then turned and left. Having no choice, Yin Zhaoxian put down his brush, apologized to Shi Yusheng, and departed with two guards.

Shi Yusheng, however, thought about it more and more, realizing something was wrong. Wasn't this kidnapping?

Gritting his teeth, he entrusted the stall to someone nearby, then quickly ran off, intending to report it to the authorities.

Yin Zhaoxian had never imagined that the so-called reunion dinner would be held at a princely mansion, nor that this 'Third Prince' was actually the Prince of Jin.

The current Dazhen Emperor had a strange habit: he preferred to host a reunion dinner in the palace at noon, leaving the evenings free. Sometimes, he would take his consorts to visit the residences of his favored sons, believing that the palace, with its high halls and deep gardens, lacked intimacy compared to the more interesting princely mansions of his sons.

This year, the emperor had gone to the Prince of Wu's mansion, while the Prince of Jin hosted a modest banquet at his own home, attended not by dukes or ministers, but solely by his trusted confidants.

The opulence of the princely mansion still overwhelmed Yin Zhaoxian. He couldn't fathom what virtues or abilities he, a mere Jieyuan from Jizhou, possessed to be invited to such a gathering.

Ji Yuan, who had accompanied the Old Dragon, did have a fleeting thought.

Entering amidst the servants' greetings of “Good day, Your Highness!” “Good day, Your Highness!”, Yin Zhaoxian felt like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden; he dared not speak, merely following along.

“This must be Scholar Yin, then!”

A loud call came from within the mansion, startling Yin Zhaoxian. The Prince of Jin had already cupped his hands in greeting towards the newcomer.

“Teacher! This is Yin Zhaoxian, Scholar Yin, the literary luminary of this generation from Jizhou.”

“I wouldn't dare claim such praise!”

Yin Zhaoxian broke into a sweat upon hearing such high praise.

“Scholar Yin, this is my tutor, Li Mushu, the Prince's Royal Tutor!”

An elderly scholar in a Confucian robe had already approached. The Prince of Jin introduced him to Yin Zhaoxian, who quickly bowed.

“Greetings, Mr. Li!”

“Hahaha, no need for formalities. I, Li, have already read 'Discourse on Birds' and 'On the Meaning of Knowledge,' and Scholar Yin's talent truly impresses me! At the time, I told the Prince of Jin that such a great talent must be secured, or others might snatch him first.”

Hearing these words made Yin Zhaoxian's back grow warm again. Imperial factions were no laughing matter, but now he was in a difficult situation with no easy escape.

“Mr. Li, you flatter me, you flatter me!”

Seeing that his tutor and Yin Zhaoxian were engaged in conversation, the Prince of Jin prepared to leave again. It was customary for him to make a symbolic visit to the palace before dusk to pay his respects to his father, the Emperor.

“Teacher, please have a good chat with Scholar Yin. I will go to the palace first.”

“Your Highness, please go ahead. Scholar Yin will be entertained by this old man; he certainly won't run off! Hahahaha…”

The Prince of Jin also left with a laugh, while Yin Zhaoxian offered an awkward smile in return.

“Hehehe, Scholar Yin, there's no need to be nervous. Today is the Prince of Jin's family banquet; there are no high-ranking court officials. The Prince of Jin invited you here precisely because he appreciates your talent. In a moment, you can sit beside me!”

“Thank you, Mr. Li. To be honest, I'm already sweating through my back.”

Yin Zhaoxian's sincere yet amusing reply entertained Li Mushu.

“Hahaha… Please, let's go to the side hall first and discuss 'Discourse on Birds.'”

“Mr. Li, please lead the way!”

Since things had come to this, Yin Zhaoxian could only resign himself to the situation.

Ji Yuan and the Old Dragon stood within the Prince of Jin's mansion, observing Yin Zhaoxian's discomfort from beginning to end without revealing themselves to rescue him. The Old Dragon also chuckled.

“This Master Yin is quite popular, it seems. Grand Righteousness isn't very effective in such formal social settings, is it?”