The man nodded slightly, his gaze already resting on the volume of Grand Unity Arithmetic on the desk. He gently stroked the pages with his fingertips. Seeing this, Ji Chang asked with a smile, "Sir, you have some knowledge of these arcane mathematical principles as well?"
"I've only glimpsed the basics."
Ji Chang laughed heartily. "You're too modest. From your bearing and spirit alone, it's clear that you're no ordinary man."
"Oh?" The man raised his eyes, the corners of his lips curving as his smile spread like ripples across spring water. "Not an ordinary man? What makes Marquis Ji say that?"
Ji Chang stroked his beard and smiled. "You moved through the night without alerting a single soldier or sentry. You entered this hall and faced the Western Marquis directly, speaking with him at length. Such skill and courage are beyond what an ordinary person could ever attain."
"Haha! So you're Ji Chang—truly worthy of your reputation!"
The man threw back his head and laughed. His sleeves fluttered lightly, and the green bricks beneath him cracked soundlessly. A set of carved rosewood tables and chairs appeared from thin air. He raised a hand in invitation. "Please, sit."
Ji Chang did not stand on ceremony and calmly took his seat.
The man smiled faintly, then sat down as well. Suddenly, he asked, "Have you had dinner?"
Ji Chang paused for a moment, then laughed freely. "I already ate."
"Would you dare drink three cups with me?"
"What's there to fear?"
Before his voice had even faded, the man flicked his sleeve. In an instant, the table was covered with dazzling delicacies: dragon liver roasted until its savory aroma filled the air, Phoenix Marrow Soup glowing with an amber sheen, flawless grapes as plump and lustrous as agate, and even Jade