Chapter 866 Announcing the Top Scholar (4)
"..."
Even Mo Qingze, a man of resolute character, felt uncomfortable with such lavish praise and could only force a smile, saying, "Where, where, every inch has its merit and every foot its failure. I still have much to improve, and I should strive along with all the other gentlemen."
Being able to become Scholars and confident in participating in the imperial examinations, these six were not fools. Seeing Mo Qingze’s persistent modesty and politeness, they knew he was not a fan of flattery; as a result, their interactions became much more natural thereafter.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Mo Qingze had a clear understanding of the six people’s intentions. Although not quite comfortable with it, he didn’t feel much repulsion. He had confidence in himself; he was certain his name would appear on the list. Regardless of the outcome of the final examination, becoming a Jin Shi and entering the civil service was certain. If he couldn’t even cope with these people now, how would he navigate the complex world of officialdom in the future?
Watching her father handle the situation with ease, Mo Yan couldn’t quite define her feelings. She knew her father was neither skilled nor fond of interacting with strangers, yet he was forcing himself to adapt simply because of the position he now held, to avoid unnecessary trouble.
She was seeing the change she had hoped for, but she didn’t want her father to feel uncomfortable, leaving her deeply conflicted inside.
The Mo Family’s situation had attracted the attention of many, and the six, perceptive men, knowing the Mo Family didn’t want to attract notice, decided it was not the time to curry favor and took their leave one after another.
Mo Qingze didn’t detain them but simply smiled and watched them return to their respective places.
"Father, I didn’t expect your popularity to be so high. If you hadn’t deliberately kept your voices down, I’m afraid the entire tea house would have come over," Mo Qingze settled back in his seat, and Mo Yan joked, trying to press down the mixed feelings in her heart.
The people, albeit with their own ulterior motives, carried a genuine admiration in their eyes that was visible to her. If this had been her previous life, these individuals could be considered her father’s fans, the kind that, despite having presence, preferred talent over looks.