Su Ziji had only taken a few steps when he heard several provincial graduates nearby chatting about romance and beauty. The name they mentioned most was "Mistress Qin."
"Mistress Qin?" Just as they were getting carried away, they suddenly heard someone nearby exclaim in surprise, but paid it no mind.
"May I ask which Mistress Qin you mean?" the man asked again.
Who was this tactless fellow? Several provincial graduates grew somewhat impatient. One of them turned around, intending to brush him off with a few perfunctory words. Yet the moment he turned, he saw an exceptionally handsome young Provincial Graduate smiling at him. His expression froze, then turned to surprise.
Scholars were often drawn to fine looks. They certainly liked beautiful women, but if a man of their own sex was strikingly elegant and dignified, they would think more highly of him too.
There had even been high officials in the past who, after seeing nothing but a man's appearance, had insisted on marrying their daughters to him.
The Provincial Graduate who had turned around was no exception. His tone softened. "Brother, you look unfamiliar. Have you just arrived in the Capital City to prepare for next year's examinations?"
The person before him looked exceedingly young, not even twenty by appearance, and wore the attire of a Provincial Graduate. Since he had already earned the degree, it was strange that the Capital City had never heard of such a young and elegant Provincial Graduate. But if he had only just arrived, that was hardly surprising.
Su Ziji smiled. "That is so. I do not know much about the affairs of the Capital City, so when I heard you mention Mistress Qin, I became curious. I hope I am not interrupting?"
"How could you be?" Taking a liking to him,