If You Refuse to Accept It, Then Compete

Anyang Estate, located on the edge of the Inner City, was the second property of Anyang Marquis Pang Yi of Anyang in the Imperial City.

In Prosperity Capital's Inner City, land is incredibly valuable, and it's already quite difficult for others to even have a courtyard here. Yet, Pang Yi owns two. Although the villas are located on the edge of the Inner City and aren't particularly large, they still demonstrate his extraordinary power.

This isn't something you can buy just by having money.

That day, after noon, the courtyard was bustling with people coming and going.

As the sun set and darkness fell, lamps were lit in the courtyard, and as night deepened, the courtyard was brightly lit.

Starting in the evening, people began to arrive one after another, exchanging greetings with clasped hands, displaying impeccable manners; they were all clearly Confucianism disciples.

"When I received the invitation, I didn't think much of it, assuming it was just because they were descendants of military officers, nothing special. But after arriving and meeting everyone, I realized it was another grand event!"

At the entrance of the villa, several familiar scholars met and stopped to talk.

This time, the daughter of the Anyang Marquis hosted a banquet at her villa, sending out invitations to those who were somewhat famous among the candidates. The number of people was small, but when they gathered together, the atmosphere was filled with Literary Qi elegance.

This Metropolitan Examination had several thousand candidates. If everyone came, not only would the Anyang Estate be unable to accommodate them, but even the Anyang Marquis Residence would be unable to. They could only send invitations to select candidates. However, this also reflects the power of the Anyang Marquis Residence. It is clear that they have a certain understanding of the situation of many candidates, which is why they were able to select the best candidates.

Over here, the Confucian scholars were conversing. As soon as one of them finished speaking, someone shook his head and said, "Although she is the daughter of a military general, the Anyang Marquis is different from ordinary military generals. She is not only from a noble family, but also has a distinguished military record."

"Oh? Brother Wang, you come from the Hedong Three Jin regions, so you must know a lot about border affairs. May I ask what merits this Anyang Marquis has?"

The scholar who asked the question came from the south. This Great Rui Talent Selection Ceremony brought together scholars from all over the country. At that time, communication was not good, and ordinary people without Divine Ability could hardly get news of current affairs, let alone military affairs. They were not even very familiar with the generals of the Great Rui.

This was also because the Great Rui had been at peace for a long time, and the military had been largely controlled by civil officials. Scholars naturally had a sense of superiority over military generals, so they didn't pay much attention to them.

But now that matters of state and military affairs are involved, and I am in Prosperity Capital, things are naturally different.

When asked, the scholar surnamed Wang replied, "Anyang Marquis guards the north and has taken the initiative to send troops several times to strike deep into the heart of the Northern Hu, driving out several major tribes. Each time he has killed more than a thousand enemies. He is a first-rate general. In the most recent battle, if it weren't for his heroic efforts, the country would probably have to cede territory and sue for peace again."

His words inevitably sparked discussion among the onlookers, who each offered their own opinions on military strategy, speaking as if they were renowned military Military School.

However, some people frowned and asked, "Again? Why did you use the word 'again,' Brother Wang?"

"It's better that you don't know about this..." The scholar surnamed Wang shook his head, realizing he had spoken out of turn, but he didn't bother to hide or cover it up, leaving people to ponder.

This only made others more eager to know what was going on, and they started asking even more detailed questions.

The scholar in this conversation is a microcosm; similar groups abound, whether in pairs or in small groups.

Their topics were not complicated, mostly concerning military and national affairs, or related to the Anyang Marquis, the master of the villa. However, they soon focused on the Metropolitan Examination again, but their conversation did not only involve the examination questions, but also rumors related to the Metropolitan Examination.

"Have you heard? The exam Metropolitan Examination for this year's imperial examination have been leaked in advance."

"I've heard a bit about this matter. I heard that some officials in the Ministry of Rites are involved, and the court has already sent officials to investigate secretly."

"Really? I thought it was nonsense!"

"The Examination Hall has not yet opened, and many examiners are still inside. We don't know if anything has happened inside."

"It's not impossible that the questions were leaked in advance; as far as I know..."

As they talked and chatted, the scholars slowly walked forward and entered the separate courtyard.

As they passed through the gate, many people couldn't help but glance twice at the two guards standing by the gate.

The two men, clad in armor, stood motionless like statues. Anyone who passed by them could sense something unusual about them, feeling a strange unease that would give them goosebumps.

In contrast, the two guards looked at the passing scholars with a hint of barely perceptible contempt.

"These two have also been on the battlefield. Although they restrained their killing intent, it was inevitable that a trace of it would leak out. The Pang family is indeed extraordinary, worthy of being a military Aristocratic Clan. The two guards outside the examination hall that day were already astonishing in their rampant murderous intent. I didn't expect that the gatekeepers today would be no ordinary people either."

In the distance, Qiu Yan walked slowly. He saw the gatekeeper by the door and quickly noticed something. Thinking to himself, he kept walking and took a step on the ground. His body swayed, giving people a light and airy feeling, as if he had no strength at all. But in the blink of an eye, he was a meter away. It was abrupt yet natural, full of contradictions. However, the scholars next to him did not react at all.

Two days had passed since Pang Qianru and the others arrived.

Qiu Yan came to attend the banquet. Compared to two days ago, his face was still pale, but he had regained some color. However, when he walked, he still gave people the impression of being weak and frail.

The two gatekeepers, who already looked down on the frail appearance of the many scholars, happened to see Qiu Yan at this moment. Noticing his pale face and unsteady steps, their contempt grew even stronger. But as soon as they blinked, a figure suddenly flashed in front of them, and Qiu Yan was right in front of them!

"Hmm?" A daze swept over them, making their memories blurry. Then, their Qi and Blood rushed to their head, and their minds cleared again, but Qiu Yan had already passed them by.

"That scholar just now..." The two guards exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes, and then they suppressed their contempt.

"My control over the City Intent is not pure enough. It's fine for affecting the senses of ordinary people, but if it's against someone with some cultivation and abundant Qi and Blood, the degree of interference will be greatly reduced. I still haven't comprehended it enough."

Inside the courtyard, Qiu Yan was deep in thought as he entered when someone by the door beckoned him to take out his invitation.

Qiu Yan also received an invitation, which was delivered to the inn yesterday by someone from the Pang Residence.

Entering the courtyard, passing the screen wall, there was a table with a roster on it. A middle-aged scholar sat behind him, comparing names on the list. Behind him stood a young servant in blue robes, his eyes darting around.

After handing over the invitation, Qiu Yan was not in a hurry and turned to look at the scene inside the courtyard.

The main hall was brightly lit, and the carved beams could be vaguely seen. Low tables and cushions were placed on both sides of the path in front of the door.

Among the tablecloths, many scholars gathered and were led to their seats in turn.

"There are quite a few people here today."

Just as Qiu Yan was muttering to himself, the middle-aged scholar took his invitation, glanced at it, then paused, and when he looked up at the man again, there was a strange look in his eyes.

"So it's Young Master Qiu. Please come in. My young lady has been waiting for quite some time."

Qiu Yan nodded and stepped inside. The middle-aged scholar turned to give an order to his servant, who acknowledged the order and ran off to the backyard.

Qiu Yan ignored them and, led by a maid, walked inside, seemingly intending to enter the main hall.

This scene, witnessed by the scholar by the door, inevitably sparked discussion.

This banquet was only open to a small number of candidates. Everyone who was invited was very happy, but as soon as they entered and saw the seating arrangement, they realized that some people were sitting in the Outer Courtyard while others were allowed to enter the main hall. They immediately felt resentful.

Rationally, they knew that this arrangement was necessary because there were many people invited and the lobby was small. But emotionally, how many of them felt inferior to others? Those who could enter the lobby were undoubtedly the best of the best, so how could those who couldn't Qi Ingestion?

Upon seeing Qiu Yan being led inside, several people who were nearby immediately stepped forward.

"Wait!" The leader was a man in his thirties, gentle and refined, with a heroic air between his brows, clearly a man of strong will.

"May I ask your honorable name, sir?" He stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and subtly blocked Qiu Yan's path.

"Young master..." The maid leading the way was about to explain, but Qiu Yan stepped forward, squinted at the other person, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

The man opposite him suddenly felt as if he had been seen through, and he even had the thought of retreating. But the die was cast, and he had no choice but to act. He calmed the strange feeling in his heart and was about to speak when Qiu Yan spoke first.

"Brother, perhaps you feel resentful that I am an unfamiliar face and you were led to the main hall, so you came to stop me?" Qiu Yan's words were clear from the start, and a tense atmosphere immediately filled the room.

Qiu Yan's reputation had spread after meeting Wen Zhizhen outside the Examination Hall that day, but there were too many people at the time, and it was impossible for everyone to see his face. So, his face was still unfamiliar to many people.

"This..." The man was speechless for a moment, not expecting Qiu Yan to be so direct.

"No need to be surprised." Qiu Yan laughed. He had two purposes for attending the banquet: one was to make a name for himself and clear away many obstacles, and the other was to understand the Human Path of humanity and grasp the principles of Human Path among the talented scholars at the literary gathering. Regardless of which one it was, he would inevitably have to deal with the people at the banquet. If someone came to him, there was no reason to back down.

"There is no first place in literature, and I'm sure you're not convinced. Let's not waste any time on empty words. Let's have a literary contest. I see a resolute look in your brows, your demeanor reveals the principles of propriety, and your eyes show the respect of a gentleman. You must be studying the Way of Sage Sun. I will show you the Sage Sun Spirit. If you can decipher it, I, Qiu, will naturally step aside and allow you to enter the inner sanctum!"

At this point, Qiu Yan turned to the maid and said, "Go and fetch the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone." His words were filled with an aggressive tone.

The maidservant had served wealthy families and had seen many people, but she was still stunned by Qiu Yan's words. When his gaze fell on her, she was startled and shuddered. She dared not refute him and left to obey his orders!

After the maid left, Qiu Yan looked at the man opposite her, who was standing there dumbfounded. Her gaze then swept over the people behind him, and she smiled, "Gentlemen, there's no need to stand at the back. Please come forward." (To be continued. Please search for the novel for better and faster updates!)