Na Yan’s fingers lightly tapped on the stone table.

He weighed matters in his heart for a long time.

Then his gaze settled on a poetry album placed beside him.

It was written by Song Zhi!

He had not yet had time to read it.

He picked it up and flipped through a few pages.

His eyes were full of appreciation.

Truly excellent poems!

Na Yan had campaigned in wars for years. To put it plainly, he was a military general who carried the title of prince. He understood poetry and verse to some extent, but was not very proficient. Yet even the most ordinary person could see that the poems Song Zhi wrote were indeed very good.

Called second in the world, no one would dare claim first.

His distinctly jointed fingers gently rubbed the paper, his heart beating like a drum.

The guard at his side bowed slightly and said: “Song Zhi has written many poems before. In Yiwu he was a famous literary figure. Many wealthy young masters competed to befriend him. He is a person who takes fame and fortune lightly, is very gentle in nature, and not good at conversation! But five years ago he suddenly stopped writing poetry and went to write plays for a theater troupe to make a living. These past few years, his life has been very difficult! His excellent reputation is also gone. Recently, for some unknown reason, he suddenly came to his senses and decided to come to Gaoding to participate in the metropolitan examination.”

Hearing these words, Na Yan’s brow furrowed even deeper.

He said: “Why did he suddenly stop writing poetry?”

“No one knows the reason. He has never said.”

“Oh? It seems he’s a person with a story.” Na Yan’s interest was piqued somewhat.

The guard: “Your Highness, should we… invite him over?”

He inquired.

Na Yan put down the poetry album in his hand, his gaze passing through the gauze curtain before him to look at Song Zhi again.

After a long silence.

“Mm.”

The guard left the pavilion and walked toward Song Zhi.

Song Zhi was completely unaware until that person arrived at his side.

“Young Master Song, my lord requests your presence.”

“Hmm?”

“Please move to the pavilion.”

Song Zhi had been holding a cup of tea drinking, and at this moment was somewhat dazed.

His gaze followed in the direction of the pavilion.

Then he asked: “Your lord… who is he?”

“You’ll naturally know when you go.”

Song Zhi had never been good at refusing people, so he agreed.

He followed the guard!

Little did he know, those scholars behind him began discussing one after another.

Someone said: “I heard the person in the pavilion is the organizer of this Wen Bridge lantern festival.”

“I also heard that. He’s a great personage.”

“Isn’t he though! To be able to invite so many literary masters and wealthy noble families here, his background must be considerable.”

“Do you all know who it is?”

Everyone shook their heads: “Don’t know.”

Someone else said: “What do you all think—why was that poor scholar invited over?”

“It seems that great personage has taken a liking to him.”

“He’s truly a person with good fortune.”

Everyone envied him greatly.

After all, for a person to be invited by a great personage to the pavilion was equivalent to having one foot in the door of wealth and honor.

That lad Song Zhi was also blessed with good fortune!

Yuan Jiang, who had been sitting beside Song Zhi the whole time, stared at Song Zhi’s retreating figure, his eyes revealing jealousy and envy.

Thinking to himself, this person called Song Zhi was truly not simple!

Song Zhi followed the guard to the pavilion and first stood outside for a while.

Only then did he enter.

Although he had not formally met Na Yan face to face, he recognized him.

Seeing that the great personage sitting inside was actually the Second Prince, he was immediately shocked and stunned.

He quickly recovered his composure.

He hastily cupped his hands in salute.

“This one greets the Second Prince.”

Na Yan looked at him with appreciative eyes.

“Young Master Song need not be overly polite. Please sit.”

“I dare not.”

“Could it be you won’t give this prince face?”

“No… it’s not that.”

“Since it’s not, then please sit.” Na Yan was full of enthusiasm.

Song Zhi’s heart carried some trepidation. He didn’t even dare raise his eyes again and could only sit down as told.

Na Yan smiled at the corners of his mouth and poured him a cup of hot tea.

He pushed it forward.

“I thought Young Master Song was a distinguished person with busy affairs and would not come today.”

Song Zhi: “To be able to befriend so many talented individuals here is Song’s good fortune. Having such an opportunity, of course I had to come.”

This lad had become much more tactful.

Clearly he had been agonizing over it to death before!

Na Yan laughed: “Last time at the poetry gathering at Tongyu Pavilion, Young Master Song publicly answered Xue He’s poem. This prince was truly amazed—I had not known there was such a learned person in Gaoding City.”

Hmm?

Song Zhi cautiously raised his eyes to look at the Second Prince across from him and inquired: “Your Highness also knows of this matter?”

“Of course I know! I’m afraid Young Master Song still doesn’t know that the Tongyu Pavilion poetry gathering held once every three years is actually organized by this prince.”

“…Ah?”

This truly shocked Song Zhi.

But it was also within expectations.

Na Yan said: “This prince has always cherished talent. The reason for holding poetry gatherings is to hope that the many brilliantly talented scholars of this year’s examination can gather together to discuss matters. After all, among you are many who will be future pillars of the court.”

Song Zhi’s face showed shyness: “I dare not, I dare not.”

“How talented Young Master Song is, this prince sees clearly and also appreciates you greatly! If this prince gave you an opportunity to enter my household as a protégé, would you be willing?”

Eh?

Song Zhi’s pupils suddenly dilated.

This was something he had never expected.

To be able to enter the prince’s household as a protégé was what all scholars dreamed of.

Because this was equivalent to having one foot in the top three.

With such an excellent opportunity, only a fool would give it up.

It just so happened that the always unconventional Song Zhi seemed conflicted.

He perhaps was that unique fool!

He wholeheartedly only wanted to be an upright official, an official of few desires.

To do what he should do!

To act as he should act!

Not participate in factional struggles, not participate in verbal disputes.

But once he became a protégé of the Second Prince’s household, it would be equivalent to participating in the intense factional struggle between the Second Prince and Third Prince. He was someone who only knew how to read books studiously—how could he play at scheming and intrigue? He might die as soon as he opened his mouth.

That would not do!

But refusing the Second Prince’s kind offer would be equivalent to digging his own grave.

That also would not do!

Neither left nor right would work—honest Song Zhi was truly in a difficult position.

What should he do now?

He struggled for a long while but still could not speak a single word.

Na Yan, seeing he was in difficulty, truly did not want to force him.

He said: “Young Master Song need not answer this prince now. You can go back and think it over carefully.”

A melon picked by force has never been sweet.

Na Yan understood this principle deeply!

Song Zhi also breathed a sigh of relief and naturally did not stay any longer.

He hurriedly withdrew.

After leaving the pavilion, his heart was filled with trepidation and he was completely distracted.

He only felt his forehead and palms were covered in sweat!

When returning to the corridor, because his mind was elsewhere, he accidentally bumped into someone.

“Sorry.” He bowed slightly.

He hastily apologized.

That person, however, paid no attention at all. His face was expressionless, his eyes cold and severe, as he sat down in an empty seat.

Song Zhi stared at him for a while and saw he wore a scholar’s robe and a hat, had a somewhat sturdy build, and exuded an aura of violence throughout his body.

He gave people a feeling to keep away!

And this person… wasn’t he the man with calloused palms that Ji Yunshu had run into at the inn stairway before!