After Wei Nisheng and Zhang Zai left, the Spring-Viewing Tower soon sank back into the clamor of its tables.
Xie Lin stood nearby, while Wang Kan remained in his seat.
"What did you mean by that, Brother Dao'an?"
"Zhanzheng, you've had too much to drink."
"No, I haven't." Wang Kan's eyes were clear.
"Xie Dao'an, let me ask you just one thing."
"Please do."
"Those things you said to Wei Nisheng just now-were they your own views, or your teacher's?"
Xie Lin's expression paused. He glanced sideways at Wang Kan, his gaze calm.
"Zhanzheng, I don't understand what you mean."
"You understand perfectly." Wang Kan raised his voice a little, then hurriedly lowered it.
Wang Kan glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention to them.
Only then did he lower his voice and speak, word by word.
"Thinking back on what we said just now, I've finally realized something.
Those words were aimed at Wei Nisheng, but they were also aimed at Lord Feng."
"You're overthinking it, Zhanzheng." Xie Lin neither denied nor admitted it.
He merely lifted his teacup to his lips and took a sip.
"I was only speaking the truth.
Not everyone gets the opportunity to observe government affairs at Wenyuan. Was there anything wrong with saying that?"
"There was nothing wrong with the words, but your timing was wrong." Wang Kan's voice grew grave.
"You said it right after Wei Nisheng said his 'verse was passable.'
He was being modest, and you were picking faults."
"You said..."
At this point, Wang Kan suddenly realized he had nearly been led down another twisting path.
He gave a cold laugh.
"Xie Dao'an, all these twists and turns of yours-I'm no fool."
Xie Lin looked at him and fell silent for a moment.
"Since you're no fool,