Embarrassment

Seeing Zheng Tao declare the feast open, Dean Hua casually waved his hand and said, "Let the feast begin!" 

The atmosphere gradually warmed up. Especially on Mo Qingkuang's side, his victory against stronger opponents and his recent initiation as Zheng Tao's disciple had garnered attention from the martial arts examinees. Now, they eagerly approached, offering toasts and trying to get closer. 

Even some of the literary examinees from the other side purposely approached, trying to befriend this rising star. 

Mo Qingkuang couldn't help but feel satisfied. Back in Tiannan City, people approached him for different reasons —out of fear. Those who sought him out weren't respecting him; they were merely afraid. 

Now, surrounded by the most outstanding talents in the Tianxuan Empire, he could enjoy the genuine respect and admiration of those around him. It was a refreshing change. 

During this period of flattery, a young man dressed as a Confucian scholar beside him said, "Lord Mo, Young Master Wang invites you to join him for a drink." 

Mo Qingkuang looked puzzled, "Hmm, who is this Young Master Wang?" 

"The literary examination's top scorer, the grandson of the current Prime Minister, Wang Yu!" The young scholar gestured, showing respect towards Prime Minister Wang Hua. 

He then pointed towards the section reserved for the literary examination. 

Mo Qingkuang's gaze went towards a young man with fair skin and a handsome appearance. He wore an elegant robe, and at his waist hung a delicate sachet, giving off an air of nobility. 

However, most seats around him were empty, with only two or three people still accompanying him. 

Everyone else had flocked to Mo Qingkuang, creating a stark contrast that clearly showed the young master's displeasure. 

True, Mo Qingkuang was the top scholar, but so was Wang Yu. Even if Mo Qingkuang had just gained a powerful mentor in Zheng Tao, could he possibly outshine Wang Yu's grandfather, the current Prime Minister himself? 

Burning with jealousy at being completely overshadowed, Wang Yu sent someone to invite Mo Qingkuang for drinks. 

His plan was clever yet simple. If Mo Qingkuang refused, he would be seen as young and arrogant, lacking respect, damaging his reputation. However, if Mo Qingkuang accepted and came over to drink, everyone would interpret it as him coming to pay respects to Wang Yu first. 

In a subtle manner, it would make people feel that his position as the top scorer in the literary examination surpassed that of Mo Qingkuang, the martial examination top scorer. 

It seemed like he was saying, 'Look, everyone's admired hero still has to come to me and offer a toast obediently.' 

This way, the attention that was previously overshadowed would be now completely regained. 

Seeing Wang Yu's attitude, Mo Qingkuang was momentarily slow to react, but Tang Yu saw through it at a glance. 

He whispered to Mo Qingkuang, "Wang Yu really is the grandson of Prime Minister Wang Hua. You should be careful around him." 

While others may rely on true talent and learning, Wang Yu's position as the top scorer was built on his noble family background. 

Although outsiders were unaware, those in the circle of nobility in the capital knew very well. Wang Yu's winning essay was titled 'My Grandfather, the Prime Minister.' 

The entire essay was written in plain language, easy to understand, praising his grandfather Wang Hua thoroughly, recounting Wang Hua's political achievements, and praising how diligently he contributed to the empire. 

This essay had no technical content, yet it won the title of the top scorer, causing laughter and scorn among the influential figures. 

Wang Yu's behavior was like a blatant declaration: 'My grandfather is Wang Hua, let's see how you all don't make me the top scorer!' 

Mo Qingkuang, after understanding the situation, couldn't help but brighten up! 

A kindred spirit! Wang Yu's conduct, his lack of scholarly accomplishments, and his rise to prominence aligned perfectly with what Mo Qingkuang admired. 

He didn't feel insulted that Wang Yu invited him to offer a toast. In the imaginative mind of Mo Qingkuang, this top-tier dandy from the capital was the perfect confidant. 

Mo Qingkuang raised his wine cup, brushed through the crowd, and approached Wang Yu with a smile. 

Seeing this, onlookers sighed, 'So, the top scorer of martial examination is also someone seeking to climb the social ladder through flattering.' 

In theory, considering Mo Qingkuang's accomplishments, it wouldn't be inappropriate for Wang Yu to offer him a toast personally. 

Those who could see through the situation understood that Wang Yu wanted to regain face by making Mo Qingkuang pay respects to him publicly. 

However, Mo Qingkuang's enthusiastic gesture of going to pay his respects surprised everyone. 

Watching Mo Qingkuang approach with a smile, Wang Yu felt a burst of satisfaction. 

'This kid is quite savvy. In the future, I should take care of him when the opportunity arises.' 

He looked around at the scholars with complex expressions, sneering in his heart, 'Go fawn over him. The ones you fawn over are about to fawn over me! A bunch of fools who can't recognize Mount Tai!' 

Wang Yu sat leisurely in his seat, a smug smile on his face, not bothering to rise and greet Mo Qingkuang, exuding an air of superiority. 

He was eagerly awaiting Mo Qingkuang to come and offer a toast to express his loyalty. 

But little did he know that when Mo Qingkuang opened his mouth, it nearly blew him away! 

Mo Qingkuang, with a smiling face, raised his wine cup with sincere eyes, "Brother Wang! I am Mo Qingkuang. I have heard about Brother Wang's masterpiece. It is truly a shocking divine work, eloquent and brilliant! I couldn't sleep for days, filled with admiration. I specially came to pay my respects!" 

The whole venue fell silent. Wang Yu's casual gesture of lifting his cup froze on the spot, and the smile on his face gradually faded. 

'What does he mean? Is he here to humiliate me in public? I also know the quality of my own work. If I had enough literary talent, I wouldn't have written something like this!' 

However, since the exam papers for the literary test were not made public, many people didn't know what Wang Yu had written. They assumed it was a classical piece given his family background and the excellent upbringing by Wang Hua. 

Upon hearing Mo Qingkuang's words, some of the people who were unaware immediately changed their stance and began praising Wang Yu along with Mo Qingkuang. 

"Wang Yu's literary talent is exceptional. I had the honour to witness that, and indeed it was a stunning work, a contemporary classic." 

This was a typical example of speaking without knowledge. 

"That's right! I used my connections to transcribe a copy and framed it in my study. I read it day and night without interruption!" 

As for the people who had actually read that piece of trash, their faces turned red, feeling sorry for Wang Yu. 

Even the usually sharp-tongued Han Yan'er couldn't help but burst into laughter.

***

So, ahem....have you given any thought to, y'know...the thing I asked you 2 chapters back...y'know....ahem...stones?