Su Ziji's gaze fell on several scholars. They were all just over twenty. Some were handsome and refined, like pines and bamboo; others were plain-looking but carried themselves with some distinction. Without exception, their Confucian robes were half-old, neither new nor quite worn out. With his sharp eyes, even from so far away, he could tell that these men must be living in some straits.
He could not help thinking of his own days in the county town. Those who could rise to the rank of provincial graduate despite their impoverished families, yet did not simply enjoy the benefits that status brought, instead continuing on to the Capital City to study and willingly endure hardship—even setting aside their character, they at least possessed ambition.
One had to know that after becoming a provincial graduate, if one stayed in one's hometown instead of coming to the Capital City, then even without becoming an official, one could live quite comfortably as a country gentleman. But studying in the Capital City meant travel expenses and daily living costs, and money would be hard to come by.
In the Capital City, no one fawned over a mere provincial graduate.
"You handled this well. When the time comes, we can pay special attention to them," Su Ziji said thoughtfully. Making connections with scholars was the purpose of a literary gathering. If he failed to make any connections, it would instead arouse suspicion.
He merely needed to keep it within bounds. At this level, even a hundred more would not matter.
"Yes, my lord," Jian Qu replied.
Su Ziji suddenly saw Wild Daoist looking toward him from not far away. When Su Ziji looked over, Wild Daoist nodded. Su Ziji immediately understood—the person he had ordered Wild Daoist to watch had arrived.
"Come down with me.