Read Novel Full Chapter 1715: The Banquet
Chapter 1715: Chapter 1715: The Banquet
Meng Po glared, "Of course, all these years I’ve been at a loss."
Qi Wen laughed on the side, thinking, what could the look of your work clothes be?
The principal was leaving today and insisted on leaving Silver for the two students.
Meng Po refused. "Principal, as you have seen, we won’t lack money in the future, and we want to give the house to the academy. How to arrange it is up to the principal."
Previously, he wanted to give it to Zhang Sheng’s family, but they were of slave status, and thus had no right to inherit property.
Giving it to the academy is just as good; otherwise, it would be useless to leave it lying around.
Finally, the principal left with the deed, lamenting how students like these were rare. But they would certainly become the pride of the academy in the future.
"Let’s just rent a house long-term."
Qi Yan had no objection. He actually wanted to eliminate the Zhang Family’s slave status before leaving.
It would also conclude their bond.
There were many invitations, and the two decided to attend the Prime Minister’s Mansion banquet tonight.
"I say we should buy some servants, right? At least someone to drive the carriage and carry the sedan."
"Too troublesome, Zhang Dong can drive the carriage later."
Qi Wen didn’t want too much contact with people. Sometimes invisible karma binds them, making it unworthy.
The two entered the Prime Minister’s Mansion, glanced at each other, it truly was luxurious.
Servants respectfully invited the two in, although they weren’t yet on duty, they held official positions.
Especially since these two were Imperial Attendants, meeting the Emperor daily, even ordinary fourth-rank officials had to treat them with respect.
Seeing the third-place scholar, Meng Po raised his eyebrows, wasn’t he supposed to return home for a visit? Right, when invited by the Prime Minister, even urgent matters must be attended.
This time, the Prime Minister invited the top fifty individuals, all of whom had prospects.
Upon arriving, some Advanced Scholars came over to greet them; Qi Wen only cupped a hand, with a simple greeting, leaving the rest to Meng Po.
Watching her navigate the crowd was quite interesting. Everyone once again witnessed the prowess of the second-place scholar.
Officials kept arriving. All were greeted outside.
In this environment, Meng Po was certainly the most outstanding one.
Everyone became more informed about this second-place scholar.
The crowd grew; inside, everyone knew many were seeking prospective sons-in-law. The top three drew the most attention.
Ye Zongshen also got the word. Of course, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity, knowing where his two sons lived. But he felt it shameless to visit, holding his status. Meeting them here would be best.
Many eyed the two brothers. Although they were born of a concubine, now as Champion Scholar and second place, their background mattered less, plus a Marquis Mansion’s concubine-borne son was quite acceptable.
Not only did the Prime Minister host a banquet today, but also the Prime Minister’s wife. Every lady and miss of status showed up.
They’d seen the Champion Scholar riding on horseback during the parade, surely a handsome young man.
The lovesick young women certainly wouldn’t miss this chance. Sneaking glances at today’s talented youths, the Champion Scholar and second place were the most handsome.
Ye Zongshen arrived, observing his sons surrounded by people. It was impossible not to feel proud.
Maintaining his dignity, he didn’t approach them, but mingled with officials.
"Marquis Ye, congratulations, having such exceptional sons."
Ye Zongshen chuckled, "They worked hard on their own."
At this, someone snickered, "Isn’t that right? After all, you kicked them out years ago, didn’t they have to rely on themselves? I heard the two studied at a small academy on their own, achieving such results through their effort."
Though furious, Ye Zongshen couldn’t refute the truth.
"Hehehe, actually, if the two were in the Marquis Mansion, they might not have become Champion Scholar."
This struck his face harder; nobody replied, unwilling to offend anyone.
Ye Zongshen’s good mood vanished; he refrained from leaving, waiting for his sons to pay respects.
Left waiting long, frustration grew, mainly because people kept mocking him.
The banquet began, with Qi Wen and Meng Po of course seated at the head table, a tremendous honor.
"Congratulations to you both, let’s have a toast," the Minister of the Ministry of Justice smiled, showing great respect.
Meng Po cupped a hand, "Thank you, Minister. Our brothers really can’t drink. We’ve received your congratulations."
"Oh? So young, and unable to drink?"
Qi Wen smiled, "We were once poisoned and barely survived."
Silence fell upon the feast. Ye Zongshen again became the focus.
Duke Lu laughed, "Champion Scholar, tell us what happened? Everyone must be curious, since it’s been brought up, don’t leave us hanging."
Qi Wen cupped a hand. "Our excellence angered the legitimate son, leading him to poison our mother and us three. Our aunt succumbed to her fate; we fled supporting each other to an outside clinic.
The doctor’s skill was exceptional, he bled us to detoxify. That’s how we narrowly escaped death. But the doctor also mentioned, our roots are harmed, unsure when we’ll go."
All eyes fixed on the brothers; Meng Po laughed, "So we live in timely joy, who knows when we’ll meet King Yan, isn’t that right, gentlemen?"
Families considering marriage grew concerned, reluctant to wed their daughters to men of short lives.
"Such a great attitude from you both."
Meng Po laughed, cupping hands, "Can’t afford not to, living in timely joy."
"With such poor health, how do you serve the Emperor?"
"Our health may be poor, but not our minds; if we were skilled in both culture and martial arts, we’d fear taking others’ roles," Qi Wen replied, unfazed by these people.
"Indeed, your minds are agile."
The Marquis Mansion affair resurfaced; though not entirely clean, publicly, there still wasn’t.
Ye Zongshen was furious, forgetting his goal, storming out with others’ false attempts to stop him, adding to his humiliation.
Qi Wen and Meng Po rejoiced, that hypocrite was finally out of sight.
They planned discreetly, not openly showing dissatisfaction with Ye Zongshen.
The banquet atmosphere was odd, but they felt unaffected, still the same.
Knowing everyone felt satisfied here, they were quite happy.
Thoughtful families remained silent, despite the brothers’ claims of poor health, which visually seemed fine. Decisions awaited family discussion.