Chapter 260 Second Update
"I’ve heard that Lord Ju has made some outstanding academic achievements. It seems I have been ignorant," said Yunqian upon seeing that Nanyi did not speak and the atmosphere turned somewhat cold. He was actually surprised when Prince Duan mentioned Nanyi’s scholarship, as he had not realized that Nanyi had a background as a civil official.
"Prince Duan is too kind," replied Nanyi, who had not really been listening, "How can I compare to Prince Duan? Everyone in Zheng Capital still speaks highly of the septet series you once created. I still have much to learn from you."
"Hahaha, it’s hard to believe you remember that, those are matters of the past, unworthy of mention. But honestly, out of all the officials produced by the imperial examinations, the one whose scholarship I admire the most is indeed yours," Prince Duan suddenly became more engaged, feeling good about his discernment. A youth capable of maintaining such composure was truly rare.
As Prince Duan and Nanyi became more engrossed in their discussion, moving from poetry and prose to political essays, Yunqian felt invisible, as though his future father-in-law saw right through him, leaving him with a feeling he could hardly express.
This was not Yunqian’s first encounter with Nanyi. He had not noticed before that Nanyi possessed such a skill for flattery, nor did he expect that someone who seemed as pure as a mountain stream could flatter so eloquently.
Deliberately ignoring several of Yunqian’s attempts to change the subject, Nanyi continued to engage Prince Duan until the tea was finished, and the night had grown late, which saw Prince Duan’s interest slowly waning.
"Under such a night sky, to have discussed high matters with Heir Zong and Lord Ju has lifted my realm of life yet another level," he declared.
Yunqian had no compliments left to offer, knowing he could not outdo Nanyi.
"Where do you come up with such words, my Lord? You are the beacon on the path of my life, foreseeing the needs of the nation and its people, commanding my utmost respect." Nanyi smoothly responded, without skipping a beat.