In the library's main hall, Wu Jinliang leaned over the counter, trying to chat up Third Miss Dong Liangying. The subject he kept harping on was his assurance that he really did not smell.
Occasionally, the scholars gathered in the hall to discourse on heaven and earth interrupted him. Wu Jinliang found them rather annoying. They always acted as though there was nothing in heaven or earth they did not know. Perhaps because she worked in this trade, Third Miss seemed quite taken with their routine. When someone composed a good poem, not only did her eyes light up, she might even waive their fees.
Since that was the case, he wanted to fit in with these scholars too. After all, he now came to read quite often himself. In the end, however, their poetry recitals and matching couplets drove him away. He finally understood why the Chief could only sit in the corner.
His sole consolation was that, even if they all banded together, he could still finish them off with a snap.
Of course, there were occasional moments of gratification. Once, he actually heard these scholars discussing Shi Chun, and one of them even mentioned his own name, Wu Jinliang. He immediately found that rather delightful. Even in this out-of-the-way place, people have heard of me!
Once he took that broader view, he stopped holding anything against the scholars.
As usual, he failed to win Third Miss's favor this time. After hanging around a little longer, he took his leave.
He had no choice. There was still proper business the Chief had assigned him to attend to.
He knew perfectly well that, if their Magical Treasures could be repaired, that was the most important matter before them. Was their lack of strength not the very reason they were