Chapter 95: Quiet Again
“Haha, I didn’t expect Brother Li to get there first. Little Brother Gu, don’t forget about me! Just call me Brother Wang, no need for formalities… I can be the judge for this poetry gathering!”
After seeing Li Fei sneak off, Wang Suili, unwilling to be outdone, directly interrupted and spoke.
At the same time, his intention to be the judge was very clear, wanting to have more contact with Gu Qingheng through this.
This made Li Fei curse him as a sly fox in his heart, but he didn’t say anything more at the moment.
After all, there were too many people, and he still needed to maintain his image.
When the others saw how polite Li Fei and Wang Suili were to Gu Qingheng, they were somewhat surprised. They didn’t expect these three to become sworn brothers as soon as they met; their speed was indeed very fast!
Due to the sensational rumors that had been circulating in the capital recently, and the fact that Li Fei and the other man were recognized as soon as they appeared, everyone present knew that their identities were high-ranking officials in the court, not from trivial families.
It was evident that such figures were very satisfied with Gu Qingheng, the top scholar, chatting and laughing with them.
Of course, this was only on the surface; in reality, it was for the sake of the Gu family’s reputation.
Everyone understood this clearly and felt no need to voice it.
However, some scholars who were consumed by envy, jealousy, and hatred became even more resentful of Gu Qingheng because of this.
They were all scholars, so why was Gu Qingheng able to have such a smooth path, with a future in his official career shining so brightly?
Was it just because he was born into a good family, to become a member of the Gu family?
It was truly infuriating.
“Your Excellencies, since we have decided to have a poetry gathering, let’s begin now!”
Just as Li Fei and Wang Suili were trying to get closer to Gu Qingheng, someone, filled with jealousy and unable to watch any longer, quickly interjected, wanting to see Gu Qingheng embarrassed as soon as possible.
Given Gu Qingheng’s age, many people believed he had used backdoor connections.
In other words, there was something fishy about the imperial examination.
Even though the imperial exam examiners repeatedly guaranteed its fairness, and even if genuine evidence was presented, some people still wouldn’t believe it.
After all, anything could be fake; only seeing for oneself was believing!
However, Li Fei and Wang Suili were not on the same level as these scholars. Their friendship with Gu Qingheng was merely to maintain a good relationship with the Gu family, but they were not so accommodating when dealing with others.
“Why the rush? It’s not like we’re not going to play. Seeing how impatient you are, are you in a hurry to go home?”
Wang Suili impatiently looked at the scholar who spoke. If it weren’t for the crowd around them, he would have cursed him directly.
He had already gotten into trouble by joining in the excitement, and now someone was rushing him to seek death. It truly made him more and more annoyed!
Wang Suili, who had managed to get to the imperial court, was not stupid.
Looking at the situation now, just by observing the aggressive scholars around him and Gu Qingheng’s calm expression, he knew exactly how things were developing.
It was simply that someone was jealous of Gu Qingheng, the top scholar, and today they wanted to see him make a fool of himself!
Originally, this had nothing to do with him, Wang Suili, but now that he was dragged into it, there was no way to escape!
Looking at Gu Yu standing in the corner with a smiling face, Wang Suili knew how terrifying this person was. He was a truly ferocious guy!
Therefore, Gu Qingheng was someone not to be provoked…
After Wang Suili finished speaking, Li Fei immediately followed up, completing a tacit understanding with his good brother.
“Brother Wang, perhaps this gentleman really has urgent matters. It’s best to quickly send someone to escort him out of the Gu Residence!”
However, the scholar who had spoken earlier turned pale, not expecting Li Fei and Wang Suili to say such things.
He had come here precisely to get acquainted with influential people and gain an advantage for his future official career. But if he were sent away from the Gu family halfway through, he would be labeled as unwelcome by the Gu family.
What would he do in the future?
He couldn’t be sent away!
“Your Excellencies, I…”
“Brother Li’s suggestion is excellent. This brother’s complexion does indeed look quite unwell. It’s best to go home quickly, lest something happens during the banquet, and it will be too late.”
However, before the scholar could finish speaking, Gu Qingheng directly interrupted him.
Gu Qingheng would not be merciful and forgive those who dared to bully him with saintly compassion.
Of course, he would fight back heartily!
He wondered if these people had read their books to dogs, and after setting a trap for him, Gu Qingheng today, they still thought everything would go smoothly afterwards?
If they really thought so, they were truly naive to the point of foolishness.
Gu Qingheng didn’t want this person to say anything more. He directly waved his hand, and two servants immediately stepped forward, flanking the scholar. They quickly escorted him away from the banquet.
To prevent the scholar from speaking nonsense, one of the servants stuffed a rag into the scholar’s mouth.
Finally, it was quiet.
The servants’ actions were not hidden, so quite a few people around saw them. Especially those who were preparing to laugh at Gu Qingheng. For the first time, they clearly realized the difference between themselves and Gu Qingheng, and their hearts immediately became uneasy.
However, thinking of the forces supporting their actions, these people were no longer afraid.
Although the Gu family’s influence was vast, there were still many people who disapproved.
The Gu family did not have a monopoly on power, so they did not need to be overly fearful. They just needed to make Gu Qingheng, the top scholar, lose face today.
After all, it wasn’t like they were killing people or setting fires. Even if the Gu family wanted revenge, they wouldn’t find any reason!
“Alright, now that the eyesore is gone, our poetry gathering activity can begin~”
Wang Suili had no intention of guessing what others were thinking. He just wanted to quickly resolve the mess and then go for drinks and food, not wanting to get involved in any more trouble.
Who knew how unlucky he was tonight!
“Since I am the judge, I will determine the theme of this poetry gathering. With the bright moon hanging high tonight, let us use the moon as the theme. Everyone, showcase your skills!”
Wang Suili looked up at the bright moon in the night sky, then spoke with a smile, directing his gaze towards Gu Qingheng.
This “poetry gathering” was completely tailor-made for Gu Qingheng. If he were to answer first, it would directly be a slap in the face to the others.
At least, those scholars would no longer have a reason to attack him.
In that way, he, Wang Suili, could also leave this place quickly!
“Gu is not talented, but inspired by the moon, I will offer this humble work.”
Gu Qingheng did not disappoint Wang Suili. After hearing the theme of the moon, he only pondered for a moment before having an idea.
“The waxing and waning call for the high pavilion to be full, the moon’s shadow peeps through the eaves from behind the curtain, which is not rolled up. How many times have I seen the moon’s shadow in the mountains and forests, alone and desolate, my heart unable to express.”
Although Gu Qingheng knew many poems about the moon, they were all from his brother-in-law’s world. It wasn’t the right time to use them directly.
If someone continued to make a fuss later, Gu Qingheng wouldn’t mind delivering a heavy blow!
