"Heh, so... whoever reads this matching line today must not be a member of the Imperial Family."
Jiang Xiaobai continued, "Nor anyone from the Chancellor's Residence. And of course... no one from the Northern Guardian Marquis's Estate, either."
"Preferably, it should be whoever hated me most yesterday."
As he spoke, Jiang Xiaobai swept his gaze around the hall, finally settling on a young scholar.
The scholar's expression shifted slightly.
Smiling, Jiang Xiaobai raised a hand and pointed. "You!"
"Me?"
The scholar froze.
"Yes, you."
Jiang Xiaobai nodded. "Yesterday, you called me a filthy dog who bought his office, shouting until your voice nearly gave out. I remember it perfectly!"
"You'll read the matching line today."
"That way, surely no one can accuse you of favoring me!"
The scholar looked utterly embarrassed. After hesitating for a moment, he stood up.
Yes, Jiang Xiaobai was right. He had indeed hurled vicious abuse at him yesterday.
If even he was not impartial enough, they probably could not find another suitable person in the Clear Pavilion today.
So the scholar stepped forward and took the sheet of paper from Mou Yuanshan.
"Read it."
Mou Yuanshan glanced at the scholar and said calmly, "I'd like to see whether Heir Jiang honors his promise once this matter is settled."
With that, Mou Yuanshan looked at Jiang Xiaobai again.
"Yes, Mr. Mou!"
The scholar nodded, lifted the paper, and was just about to speak.
"Wait!"
Just then, Jiang Xiaobai's voice rang out again.
"Heir Jiang, what else do you want?"
Mou Yuanshan immediately frowned.
This time, the gentleness on his face noticeably faded.
Indeed, Jiang Xiaobai had interrupted him several times now.
No matter how good his temper was, even he was starting to struggle to contain it.
"Don't rush."
Yet Jiang Xiaobai waved a hand, smiling.