A Letter of Challenge

After Zhao Yuan said those words, no one paid any more Mind Horse.

According to Ma Wan, Qiu Yan only became the top scholar in the provincial examination because of his grandfather Ma Yang's connections. This was easy to misunderstand, since Qi Zhengyuan, the chief examiner of Jiannan Circuit, had a teacher-student relationship with Ma Yang. In the eyes of some Ma Family, Qiu Yan benefited from Ma Yang's influence.

In fact, anyone with a little knowledge could see that the more serious the matter, the more one should avoid suspicion. If Qiu Yan hadn't relied on a military strategy to repel the Marshfolk's army and even reach the Emperor's ears, Qi Zhengyuan wouldn't have appointed him as the top scholar, no matter how well his article was written.

Of course, Ma Wan couldn't see these things. However, his earlier statement that Qiu Yan relied on his family's connections and lacked sufficient knowledge to gain admission to the Principle Sect Academy, followed by Zhao Yuan's words, felt like a slap in the face.

Qiu Yan didn't just fail to become a disciple; he refuted the other party's students and even impressed Junior Chen, who wanted to take him as a disciple, but Qiu Yan refused!

This matter already has a touch of legend to it. If Qiu Yan were to rise to high office and achieve something in the future, the historians would certainly have to include a sentence or two about it when writing history.

Don't underestimate these one or two sentences. You should know that official history is meant to be passed down through the ages, recited by later generations, and may even become a question in the imperial examinations in the future!

Of course, that's all in the future, but the immediate impact is obvious. At least everyone's gaze towards Qiu Yan has changed, and no one takes Ma Wan's words seriously anymore. If they get out later, it will give the Ma Residence something to talk about.

After noticing the change in atmosphere, Ma Wan felt a burning sensation on her face. She felt regret and anger, but couldn't vent them, which only deepened her hatred for Qiu Yan.

Just then, Qiu Yan spoke up with a remark that sounded like an elder lecturing a junior. This immediately ignited Ma Wan's fury, like boiling oil being poured into a raging fire!

Rage clouded reason.

Snap!

Ma Wan slammed his hand on the table, stood up abruptly, his face flushed red, and shouted, "What? You want to lecture me? How the Ma Residence operates is none of your business, an outsider! Even if you are talented, you only rose to prominence because of your ancestors. Do you think you can turn your back on us now that you've achieved success?"

Facing the furious Ma Wan, Qiu Yan remained calm, as if she had expected this situation. She replied indifferently, "Ma Gong dedicated his life to the country and its people, possessing profound knowledge of both ancient and modern times. He gave me much guidance, which I have always remembered. I often quoted him back then, but Ma Xiang told me, 'Act first, then follow his words.'"

These are words that the Supreme Sage teacher Confucius said to his students. The meaning is straightforward: act first, speak later.

"Words often spoken are not necessarily useful," Qiu Yan, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Ma Wan. "If you continue to be so arrogant, it will be even more inappropriate. You should know that a wise person does not lose face, nor does he speak carelessly. If word gets out about your actions, not only will people say that I, Qiu Yan, am ungrateful, but they will also inevitably criticize the Ma Residence, saying that the Ma Family is taking advantage of a favor! Your actions alone are implicating the entire Ma Family. Such behavior is truly foolish!"

Qiu Yan's words were merciless, causing Ma Wan's face to flush red and then pale.

Having discerned the other party's hostility, why would Qiu Yan tie his own hands? However, he knew this wasn't the place to settle scores; he only uttered these words to unsettle the other party and then lay a trap.

"Although Ma Wan lacks proper upbringing, he comes from a scholarly family and lives in a powerful place like Eastern Capital. It's impossible for him not to be able to distinguish between important and unimportant matters. Moreover, his change of attitude was too sudden; there might be some problems behind it. We can't let our guard down."

Ma Wan's behavior gave Qiu Yan the feeling of a spoiled brat. Such a person was definitely not the essence of the Ma Family, so Qiu Yan was not worried about offending the Ma Family because of this. If the Ma Family suppressed Qiu Yan because of Ma Wan, it would mean that the Lineage had no future.

However, it is inevitable that one will have to go to the Ma family to apologize afterward, explain the situation, and make a certain gesture. In doing so, one may actually get closer to the Ma Family and make it seem like their relationship is extraordinary.

His blunt rebuke revealed his principles to those around him, prompting them to reflect on their own actions.

Just then, the tavern waiter came over carrying several plates of dishes. Han Zhuo coughed and said, "Alright, young people like to have a good tongue. It's all a small matter, don't take it to heart. Come on, forget about the trivialities and try the food here first."

His words gave Ma Wan a way out, and the latter snorted and sat down. However, in the time that followed, Ma Wan felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, remaining silent and not speaking to anyone. In contrast, Qiu Yan was clinking glasses and chatting happily.

Miss Han Wei'er and Qiu Yan seemed to be having a very pleasant conversation, as if they were old friends who had just met.

This scene, witnessed by Ma Wan, made him even more indignant, and his anger grew even stronger.

Qiu Yan naturally sensed something and frowned slightly. He did not want to create a rift with the Ma Family because of this person.

"Miss Han just helped me out of a tight spot, so I can't very well turn her away. But the more I do that, the more I'll provoke Ma Wan's hostility. It seems I'll have to make other preparations later. It would be best if I could ask Han Zhuo to pass on a message to the Ma Family."

On the other side, watching Ma Wan and Qiu Yan's performance, Han Zhuo shook his head, feeling somewhat disappointed in Ma Wan.

"Lu Du has been serving as an official in the provinces for many years, and has neglected to discipline his son, resulting in his unruly speech. Hopefully, after today's incident, he will learn from his mistake..."

Thinking of this, Han Zhuo's gaze fell on the calm and composed Qiu Yan again, and he nodded to himself.

"No wonder Father invited this man to the mansion. Now that I see him, he is indeed extraordinary and a promising talent. I unintentionally helped him today, which can be considered as making a good connection. Perhaps I will gain something from this. Judging from his words just now, he and Ma Gong have a teacher-student relationship. This is also good news. I should go to the Ma Residence later to clarify things and avoid any further trouble."

The meal lasted quite a while. As soon as the banquet ended, Ma Wan took the lead and left. As for Qiu Yan, he exchanged a few words with the others before taking his leave. However, before leaving, he spoke with Han Zhuo for a few moments, and both of them showed expressions of satisfaction.

"This Han Zhuo is someone worth befriending. However, there was a probing intent in his words. He subtly inquired about my opinion on the New Law, which suggests he has something to ask for. I currently hold no official position, so it's best to stay out of these matters to avoid making things worse. Even if I want to leverage someone's influence, this isn't the way to do it."

Making connections with officials and Aristocratic Clan can be beneficial to one's career, but one should not be reckless, otherwise it may backfire. Qiu Yan understood this point. He pondered this as he walked back, and by the time he arrived at the inn where he was staying, he had already made up his mind.

However, after returning to his room, Qiu Yan heard some unexpected news from Hu Qi.

"Someone challenged me to a fight?"

Upon hearing this news, Qiu Yan's face was filled with a strange expression.

"Yes," Hu Qi nodded, pointing with his hand, "The owner of the bookstore was very impressed after seeing the young master's calligraphy. Before we brothers could even quote a price, he gave us one himself."

Qiu Yan followed Hu Qi's finger and saw several silver ingots. A quick glance revealed that they weighed at least ten taels, which was no small sum. Even in Eastern Capital, it would be enough to buy a courtyard house in the outer city, with plenty to spare.

On the other side, Hu Qi continued, "However, when the owner put away your calligraphy, someone came after hearing the news. After seeing your calligraphy, he seemed somewhat Qi Ingestion and said he wanted to have a contest with you. That person even wrote a challenge letter and asked me to bring it to you." As he spoke, Hu Qi took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it over.

Qiu Yan took the letter, opened the envelope, and felt increasingly strange.

Before heading to the Han Residence, he instructed Hu Qi to take one of his calligraphy works to a bookstore in the city to sell, never expecting it would lead to this kind of trouble.

"Um?"

Qiu Yan was still thinking when his gaze fell on the letter in his hand, and he couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation.

"This character..."

The characters on the paper were strikingly expressive, subtly vibrant, and exuded a boundless Qi Soul, revealing a powerful and unrestrained vision. A sense of vitality flowed between the lines.

"Uphold lofty ideals, understand benevolence and righteousness, cultivate oneself to serve the people."

After looking at it for a while, Qiu Yan closed the envelope and uttered these ten words. A bookshelf faintly appeared in his Divine Soul, with a book inside resonating with it.

"It seems the Learning of the Second Sage have not disappeared; things won't be peaceful for the next few days..."

With a sigh, Qiu Yan put the letter away and asked Hu Qi, "Did that person say anything else?"

Hu Qi thought for a moment and said, "He also said that if you, young master, intend to Apricot Grove Discourse, then he will certainly accompany you."

"The Apricot Grove Discourse are truly a golden age for the literary world," Qiu Yan laughed upon hearing this. "I wonder how many more talented individuals they will attract. However, the more people like this, the better. The more people there are, the more diverse the Human Path ideals I can encounter, thus perfecting the Humanistic Fire Seed!"

As Qiu Yan was thinking, a thought suddenly struck him, and he turned and walked outside.

"Young master, what's wrong with you...?"

Hu Qi and Dai Guo looked puzzled, but soon they saw the figure of an old servant outside the door.

"Mr. Wu." Qiu Yan clasped his hands in greeting. He recognized the man as the old servant outside Han Yi's study, Han Wei'er had once called "Grandpa Wu."

"Young Master Qiu, you are too kind. I am not worthy of such a title," the old servant said, raising his hands to present the long, slender box he was holding to Qiu Yan. "I have come here on my master's orders to lend this item to you temporarily."

"Oh? What is this?" Qiu Yan glanced at the box, looking puzzled. He couldn't sense any aura or fluctuation from it.

Seeing this, the old servant flicked his fingers slightly, unleashing a burst of force that shook the lid open a crack, instantly releasing a solemn and powerful aura.

Qiu Yan's expression suddenly changed, and his eyes showed surprise.

ps:

Thanks to "faqi6" for the monthly vote!

Thank you to "Little Grass's Pride" and "Amazing of Life" for the generous donations!