Picking Up Sesame Seeds, Losing Watermelons

"Nine Paintings Speak of Antiquity?"

A glint flashed in Qiu Yan's eyes, and he laughed, "Shopkeeper, your information network is truly impressive. My nine paintings haven't been around for very long, and since arriving in Prosperity Capital, I haven't heard anyone mention them. I didn't expect you, shopkeeper, to already know."

Qiu Yan's words seemed to have a hidden meaning. Since arriving in Prosperity Capital and reuniting with Luo Jiayun and others, he knew that his reputation had spread here. However, most of the time, people talked about how he defeated the talented scholars of Jiangnan, gained the attention of Grand Confucian, or became famous for his calligraphy. His painting skills were not mentioned much.

This was the last time Qiu Yan painted nine works, which expounded on High Antiquity, before he left Eastern Capital. These works were collected by several academies and were not easily circulated outside the capital, so not many people knew about them.

However, this news was blurted out by the owner of a seemingly simple inn located on the edge of Xingjing Imperial City. Considering the strange things hidden in the inn, Qiu Yan could easily guess the reason.

"Uh..." The shopkeeper realized he had lost his temper and said something he shouldn't have, but he didn't panic. "Well, Eastern Capital. Your deeds in Dongdu are now widely known, so he mentioned them in his letter, which is how I found out."

"I see." Qiu Yan nodded, not delving into the matter, but simply said, "However, since your esteemed establishment has already given out all its rooms, I'll have to look elsewhere."

"No need, no need," the innkeeper said, his eyelids twitching. "Young master, you are a man of great talent. Your presence at my Book Hoard Inn is an honor to our humble establishment. To be honest, we do have a room that the owner has reserved for himself. It has been unoccupied for a long time. Please feel free to take it."

Qiu Yan shook his head. "That's fine. Breaking the rules is never a good thing. Besides, I have a few friends here, and there's no place for them either." As he spoke, he pointed to Hu Qi and the others standing by the door. The Golden Crow Elders were still standing there, not having left. There were four of them standing by the door, making it feel crowded.

The innkeeper frowned slightly upon hearing this, and continued, "Well then, two guests are checking out, so I can let them leave early." As he said this, he was secretly calculating which two people he would kick out.

"There's no need for such words. Since there were no vacant rooms just now, I, Qiu, will not stay there. You don't need to be so arrogant at first and then so obsequious, making yourself look bad for nothing!" Qiu Yan shook his head again, deliberately pretending to be someone who wouldn't accept charity, as if a scholar's arrogance was erupting. After saying this, he ignored the innkeeper and turned to talk to Zhou Guan, Luo Jiayun, and the others.

"These scholars always seem to be daydreaming. This is really troublesome. We thought we had brought in a talented scholar like Wen Zhizhen, but we ended up losing Qiu Yan. Qiu Yan already showed Qi Manifestation in the Eastern Capital. According to intelligence reports, he was exchanging ideas with people in a humble hut in the Lin Zhong, passing on many wisdoms. His nine paintings even depict High Antiquity, demonstrating his profound learning and extraordinary literary talent. In comparison, although Wen Zhizhen has a reputation, it's mostly in poetry and prose, which is far inferior. We've picked up a sesame seed but lost a watermelon!"

Despite his regret and remorse, the shopkeeper knew from the current situation that it would be difficult to get Qiu Yan to hand over the documents for the time being.

"Fortunately, Qiu Yan has some connections with these scholars, so we can start from there and get closer step by step. If we can get their Literary Fortune to help us, it will definitely be easier for our master to succeed!"

While he was thinking, Qiu Yan and the others slowly walked out of the inn. Because they were not making much noise, the others in the lobby did not notice them.

"Brother Qiu, I never expected things to turn out this way," Luo Jiayun with some regret.

Zhou Guan sneered, "The innkeeper of this inn always judges people based on appearances. When I checked in, didn't he give me a sarcastic look? Today, he was arrogant at first and obsequious at second. Before he knew Brother Qiu's identity, he wouldn't even give him a second glance, but once he found out, he fawned over me. It's only right that Brother Qiu doesn't want to stay here!"

Qiu Yan said, "You two need not worry. On my way here, I saw several inns not far from here. Once we are settled, I will naturally come over often to exchange Imperial Examinations and discuss matters related to the imperial examinations with you."

Luo Jiayun shook his head. "That's true, but I heard those places are expensive and cost a lot of money, which is really a waste."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Guan simply said, "It's no use saying these things now that things have come to this. Fortunately, the imperial Metropolitan Examination is approaching. Once the chief examiner is selected in the next couple of days, it will begin soon. If you think about it, Brother Qiu doesn't actually need to stay for long. When he Golden List colors, will he still care about a little travel expense?"

"That's right, with Brother Qiu's knowledge, becoming a Jinshi is a certainty," Cao Hanqi added from the side.

He wasn't flattering Qiu Yan. You see, Qiu Yan was the top scholar in Jiannan Circuit. Since the founding of the Great Rui, very few top scholars in the past failed the metropolitan Metropolitan Examination; almost all of them obtained the status of a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

"In that case, Brother Qiu, why don't you find an inn first?" Luo Jiayun knew it wasn't appropriate to say more. "By the way, tomorrow is the Upper Origin Lantern Festival. The Prosperity Capital Lantern Festival and the Eastern Capital Lantern Festival are renowned throughout the world, considered a double wonder. Brother Qiu, do you plan to go see it tomorrow night?"

"The Lantern Festival?"

Qiu Yan was slightly surprised to hear this. Lately, he had been either engrossed in studying or traveling, and had even missed the Spring Festival. Naturally, he had forgotten about the Lantern Festival. It was only after Luo Jiayun mentioned it that he remembered the date.

Thinking it over, Qiu Yan shook his head. " With the Metropolitan Examination just around the corner, how can I have the mind to go see the lantern festival? If I pass the Golden List, I'll have no fear of not having the chance to enjoy the lanterns in the future."

"I knew Brother Qiu wouldn't go to the lantern festival," Zhou Guan laughed, first speaking to Luo Jiayun, then turning to Qiu Yan and winking. "Brother Qiu, this lantern festival is incredibly lively. Since ancient times, it has been a time for talented men and beautiful women to meet. There are also many literary gatherings, riddle competitions, and flower contests. It just so happens that scholars are coming from the west, and they all gather together. I wonder how many people will become famous through this. You really have the nerve to stay away and not go or listen?"

Qiu Yan smiled without saying a word, and Zhou Guan didn't press the matter. After exchanging a few words, Qiu Yan left with Hu Qi and the others.

"The inn is strange, but this matter needs careful consideration. We haven't figured out their background yet, so it's best not to act rashly, or we'll alert them."

Walking along the road, Qiu Yan was still pondering. He had originally wanted Luo Jiayun and Zhou Guan to also check out of the inn, but firstly, it would be difficult to explain, and secondly, it might not be useful, and might even alert the mastermind behind the inn.

Why Luo and Zhou's Fortune Dharma Form, and what the other party's motives are—all these are unclear. Even if the two are taken away, it might not be enough to stop it.

Qiu Yan's previous actions seemed to go smoothly, and he always seemed to get what he wanted. Afterwards, he appeared calm and collected. However, this was not all due to luck. Rather, it was because he had a certain level of strength. Every time he faced an opponent, he would try his best to collect information and intelligence, then analyze it, weigh the pros and cons, and formulate plans and contingency plans before taking action.

Once everything is prepared, the result is that one is confident and prepared before each action, and can handle the situation calmly and smoothly after taking action.

If someone can conquer others solely through strength and still succeed in everything, then they can indeed be called a dragon among men, looking down upon the world.

One approach is to plan carefully before acting, while the other is to have a smooth journey. The results may seem the same, but the processes are completely different. If someone only sees Qiu Yan's glorious journey but ignores his cautious and prudent approach to life, then that would be too biased.

"If the mastermind behind that inn is after candidates or scholars, then since I revealed my identity this time and failed to persuade me to stay at the Book Hoard Inn, they will definitely use Brother Luo and Brother Zhou's connections to test me in the coming days, and may even take action against me."

With this in mind, Qiu Yan's thoughts gradually became clearer.

"The other side is unaware that I have seen through their scheme. In this situation, the enemy is in the open while we are in the dark. We must make the most of this situation, at the very least to figure out their purpose and why they are setting up a trap in the Imperial City..."

Thinking this, the group arrived outside an inn. After asking around, they learned that there were still a few rooms available, so Qiu Yan no longer needed to send the Golden Crow Elders to the Daoist temple.

On the other side, after Qiu Yan left, Luo Jiayun and the others did not intend to say anything more to the shopkeeper and went upstairs, revealing a hint of contempt.

"They're all so arrogant." The innkeeper could tell too, and sneered. He beckoned a waiter over, about to give instructions, when two tall, burly guards entered the hall and came straight over, asking in a deep voice, "Has my young lady arrived? Quickly, please invite her out."

After speaking, he revealed his identity as a guard from the House Xu.

The shopkeeper dared not delay and sent his waiter upstairs, who soon brought Xu Ran down.

The graceful woman seemed somewhat displeased, glancing at the two guards. "Did Father send you?"

The two guards bowed and said, "Reporting to Miss, it was indeed the Second Master who sent us here, but the reason is that an old friend of yours has come to pay a visit."

"What old friend?" Xu Ran asked, slightly puzzled.

"Miss Ji, who visited your residence years ago, is here again to express her longing for you, Miss."

"Sister Ji is here?" Xu Ran's face lit up with joy. She went upstairs to give a few instructions and then left with the two of them. However, as she left, she turned back to look upstairs again, still somewhat worried.

"Alright, Sister Ji is resourceful and wise. Why don't we ask her for advice on how to deal with Pang Qianru!"

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he stepped out of the inn and was greeted by a woman dressed in tight-fitting military uniform, but the clothes had been modified to suit a woman's attire.

"Huh?" Xu Ran let out a soft exclamation, her gaze falling on the woman's face opposite her, noticing her phoenix eyes.

"Song Qian! It's you? Why are you at this inn?" Xu Ran's face immediately showed a look of vigilance.

The woman called Song Qian smiled slightly, "Sister Xu, please don't misunderstand. I have no feelings for Wen Zhizhen." (To be continued. Please search for the novel for better and faster updates!)