The Study Master Would Not Appear, Using Lives as Chess Pieces

"You two didn't need to come with me." Outside Nine Rhyme Study, Qiu Yan looked at Chen Jing and Chen Yun and said.

"Brother Qiu, please don't be so polite. We also have our own reasons for coming here this time," Chen Jing said frankly. "Our status in the Chen Household has been greatly elevated, supposedly because the patriarch values us. The root of this is still with you, so naturally we can't leave easily. Besides, since the people from Nine Rhyme Study have said they wanted you to come, they must have made arrangements. One more person means one more help."

As they were talking, footsteps came from the courtyard of the study. The gate opened, and a young man came out.

The man was dressed as a servant and at first glance looked no different from an ordinary servant. However, Qiu Yan noticed several flashing blue veins on the hands of the man who opened the door. His strength was hidden, indicating that he possessed Higher Vehicle martial arts skills. Qiu Yan wanted to investigate, but before his senses could spread, the man had already reacted and looked over warily.

His eyes swept across the three of them, and finally landed on Chen Yun. Among the three, Qiu Yan and Chen Jing were dressed in Confucian attire, but Chen Yun's appearance was quite Jianghu.

However, after a quick glance, the man deduced their identities from their positions, knowing that Qiu Yan was in charge. He then asked Qiu Yan, "What brings you gentlemen to the door at this hour?"

After Qiu Yan left the courtyard of the Household Ancestor Chen, he went straight to the table. Now that the meal was over, night had just begun to fall over the city. However, in ancient times, not many people would choose this time to visit.

Qiu Yan cupped his hands and said, "Please inform him that Qiu Yan from Yuanning Prefecture has come to visit Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio as agreed." His actions were very polite, which surprised the man slightly. He had been guarding the gate for a long time, and those who came to visit, even scholars without official titles, did not take him seriously and rarely received courtesy. This made him feel good about him.

But then, the man was distracted by the implication in Qiu Yan's words.

"Yuan Ning Qiu Yan? That name sounds familiar." As he thought about it, his expression suddenly changed.

When introducing oneself to others, it was quite common to mention one's place of origin. Qiu Yan's hometown, Qingchang County, was a county under the jurisdiction of Yuanning Prefecture, so his place of origin could be Yuan Ning.

However, Yuanning Prefecture is located on the frontier and is considered a remote place in the Imperial City. Many people do not know about it, but the name Qiu Yan has become a household name in recent days. Although the man who opened the door did not know much about Scholar Forest literati, he could not have been unaware of Qiu Yan's name. Therefore, after his initial surprise, he showed great respect and bowed to Qiu Yan.

"So it's the top scholar. Please wait a moment, I'll go and inform the master right away." After saying that, he didn't dare to delay for a moment. He turned and entered the courtyard, walking as fast as the wind.

The man's steps were very rhythmic, his shoulders remained still, and his spine rose and fell. His posture was slightly strange, but Qiu Yan knew it was a method of exercising energy while walking, which was equivalent to practicing kung fu while walking.

"The fact that even the Nine Rhyme Study possesses such determination and cultivation speaks volumes."

Not long after, the man returned and Human Path to Qiu Yan and the other two, "Please invite the top scholar inside." He wasn't worried that Qiu Yan was impersonating the top scholar in the Imperial City. That would be like an old man drinking poison, tired of living.

As you enter the courtyard, you can hear the sound of reading aloud after only a few steps.

"Reading late at night, what a refined hobby," Qiu Yan praised.

The corridors of this study courtyard are lined with many flowers and plants. It is springtime, and the lush greenery is faintly visible. The vitality permeates the courtyard, blending with the sound of reading and bringing a sense of striving for progress. Furthermore, the natural atmosphere spreads, making people feel refreshed and relaxed.

After turning a few corners, they arrived at the outside of a small study.

Nine Rhyme Study is called a study, but it is not just a study. It is more like a Xiaoqiao academy, but it does not have Sage Worthies Hall, so it cannot be called an academy.

There are many buildings in this courtyard, such as this small study in the northwest corner, next to an artificial pond with weeping willows by the pond.

The house is built primarily of pillars and beams, and is enclosed by partition doors. Right now, those doors are all open, making it feel open and airy. If you sit inside and look up slightly, you can see the pool and the night view outside.

Tranquil and peaceful, the sound of reading aloud drifted from inside.

"Please come in, sir. I'll take my leave now," the man who had led the way said, and then left.

Qiu Yan stood still, surveying his surroundings. Seeing the reflection in the pond, he felt a sense of openness and exclaimed, "This layout is truly ingenious."

"Nine Rhyme Study Great Qi, and many sons of Wang Gong and nobles study here. How could the environment be bad?" Chen Jing explained from the side.

Just then, a man dressed in a dark robe emerged from the small study. Upon seeing Qiu Yan, he quickly approached and said, "I just delivered an invitation to Brother Qiu, and we meet again so soon. You must have come to see me? We are of the same generation, and although our learning may differ, we are not far apart. We should learn from each other. Come, come, let me introduce you to some friends, all of whom are like you. If you have any questions later, you can seek guidance from your teacher and receive instruction from him."

This man was none other than Lin Jianzhang. Compared to during the day, he seemed much more at ease, and his words lacked any respect. He implied that Qiu Yan was only worthy of associating with people like him.

A glint flashed in Qiu Yan's eyes, not because he felt offended, but because he found the change abrupt.

Beside him, Chen Jing smiled and said, "Brother Lin, it's been a long time."

"Brother Chen, you're back?" Lin Jianzhang then noticed Chen Jing.

Chen Jing replied with a smile, "I came to Prosperity Capital with my classmates. It just so happened that my uncle was hosting a banquet for Mr. Qiu. My uncle knew that I had consulted Mr. Chen before, so he asked me to come and accompany him. To put it bluntly, I'm just running errands."

"A banquet at the Chen Residence? Your uncle, doesn't that mean..." Upon hearing these words, Lin Jianzhang's heart skipped a beat, and he had a bad feeling about his teacher's scheme.

Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, another voice came from the study—

"Brother Lin, haven't you invited the top scholar yet? We're all waiting." As they spoke, two young men came out.

The two men, one handsome and the other burly, were dressed in silk, an attire that ordinary people could not afford. When they came out and saw Qiu Yan and his companions, they did not show the respect they should have. Instead, they stood on the platform with smiles on their faces, looking down at them.

Qiu Yan observed their expressions and considered their tone of voice. Recalling what the Household Ancestor Chen had said, he realized that their behavior was also motivated by ulterior motives. He immediately understood.

"The fact that they are top scholars, accompanied by unusual phenomena, can make some scholars and Confucianists realize reality and stop them from harboring any illusions. However, it cannot make everyone back down. These two are probably among them, perhaps outstanding scions of powerful and wealthy families. But I am not here today to get entangled with juniors."

Thinking about it, Qiu Yan shook his head. He could tell that both Lin Jianzhang, who appeared calm, and the two men who came forward later, had deliberately acted in their demeanor and movements.

Chen Jing also noticed something amiss; he deliberately elevated Qiu Yan's status in his words. He wanted to boost Qiu Yan's image, regardless of their relationship. Chen Jing had indeed benefited from Qiu Yan and didn't want to see him suppressed.

"So you're Qiu Yan?" The two men, looking down at him with feigned arrogance, glanced at Qiu Yan.

Qiu Yan didn't even glance at him. He only asked Lin Jianzhang, "Where is Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio? I've come to pay him a visit."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jianzhang and the two men in brocade robes both froze, sensing the disdain implied in his words.

The burly man suddenly raised his voice. "Qiu Yan! You are indeed the top scholar, but you should also know your manners. The master of this place is a figure of the same caliber as Prime Minister Ma Yang Ma Xiang, who is currently studying diligently. In terms of seniority and seniority, how can you, a junior, just see him whenever you want?"

This man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence. His angry rebuke exuded immense pressure, causing those around him to tremble.

"I haven't asked yet." Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes and looked directly at the person.

"My name is Gao Huanhun. You may have heard of me, but in this study, there are no young noblemen, only the master's disciples, you and I..."

His words surged like a river, spoken in one breath, leaving one feeling overwhelmed. But before he could finish, Qiu Yan interrupted him, "You speak of etiquette, yet you do not practice it? Without etiquette, one cannot stand. I have come to visit as a guest, and you are a disciple of the study, making you half a host. How can a host stand on a platform, condescendingly reprimanding a guest? If you are to know etiquette, how can you stand upright!"

The moment the words left his mouth, the surrounding Order was shaken violently, and the aftershocks lingered long afterward!

The platform, originally made of wood, resonated and suddenly shook with a creaking sound, bouncing like a ship's deck. Because it happened so suddenly, Gao Huanhun and another person lost their balance, swayed, and fell down!

Fortunately, the two had some strength and managed to maintain their balance upon landing, avoiding falling to the ground, though they were in a sorry state!

They paused briefly, took a deep breath, and their faces darkened as if water could drip from them. They both looked up and glared fiercely at Qiu Yan.

"What's wrong?"

Why is the floor shaking?

Five more people rushed out of the study, asking questions.

Qiu Yan recognized two of them as the ones who had accompanied Lin Jianzhang to deliver the invitations. He had never seen the other three before, but their demeanor was different from the others, and they exuded an air of elegance.

Once the group had stopped, they saw the two people who had landed and were mostly puzzled. One of the men, dressed in a wide robe, frowned, a strange light flashing in his eyes. He then narrowed his eyes and focused, as if sensing the changes in the air.

Someone else looked at Qiu Yan and asked, "Are you the top scholar in the imperial examination? You want to see your teacher, but you have no manners..." The study was well-ventilated, and conversations outside could be heard inside.

Seeing that someone was making trouble again, Qiu Yan had no patience. He came here this time to find out the inclination of the Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio. If he was indeed an enemy, he would settle the Karma and effect to avoid unnecessary speculation. He would also take the opportunity to explore the Human Path and collect the People's Wishes.

After hearing Chen Jing's explanation, Qiu Yan had already guessed what was going on with Xi Muyuan. He knew that many people would be involved, so rather than passively waiting and letting others control him, he decided to take the initiative and seize the Karma Fortune.

However, he did not expect that the Master of Nine-Rhyme Studio would not show up, but instead send out a group of students to belittle Qiu Yan's status, either openly or subtly.

Having thought of this, Qiu Yan understood the thoughts of that monk.

"Very well, since the abbot isn't coming out and is letting his student take the blame, then I'll discipline him for him!"

ps:

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I recommend a book: <The Chronicles of the Immortal Path>, by Gao Muyao.