Song Yang helped Little Four to his feet. Li Zhaoting almost immediately bent down to pick up Little Four’s fallen bundle from the snow, and a scroll was sticking out diagonally from the bundle. He quickly pulled out the scroll to check if it was damaged, then narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Si Lanfeng’s retreating figure.

The many scholars divided into two groups—some followed Si Lanfeng’s departure, while others remained behind with faces full of smiles, saying: “We have long admired Young Master Li’s literary talent. Why don’t we travel to the capital together? We could exchange ideas and seek guidance along the way.”

Hearing this, Li Zhaoting said to Song Yang: “Brother Song, please trouble yourself to go to the inn and ask the servant to warm several pots of wine. I’ll come over shortly, and wouldn’t it be better to drink wine and discuss literature through the night with all you learned brothers?”

Those few were overjoyed and immediately left the courtyard with Song Yang.

However, Suzhen suddenly froze. How could the son of a ninth-rank county magistrate, no matter how famous, be known by Quan Feitong across these thousands of miles of territory? Just now, when he glanced at Si Lanfeng, there was a flash of sharp, cold intent. She had known him since birth—how could such an aura appear in this man who was gentle as warm sunlight?

No wonder even half of those who had originally followed Si Lanfeng came over to curry favor. From the earlier conversation, it was clear that Si Lanfeng’s trip to the capital would surely lead to him joining under Prince Lian Jie’s patronage. Si Lanfeng’s father had excellent political achievements, and several years ago, when Lian Jie was still a prince inspecting Qiongrong Prefecture, he had praised him. It was said that Lian Jie and the new emperor Lian Yu had extremely deep affection for each other. Many scholars were going to seek patronage, so gaining favor would not be easy.

Quan Feitong, however, was appointed as Prime Minister while the previous emperor was still alive—the youngest Prime Minister in the Great Zhou’s history, and the top scholar from eight years ago. It was said this man had an unpredictable temperament, making it extremely difficult to gain entry under his patronage. Since there were not many retainers and scholars under his patronage, if one could enter his circle, wouldn’t that be a great opportunity?

Zhaoting, how did you gain Quan Feitong’s appreciation? You who have never been enthusiastic about pursuing fame, why are you now going to the capital to take the imperial examinations—is it to restore the Li family’s glory? But you have never engaged in verbal disputes, nor do you love to show off. Why did you reveal your acquaintance with Prime Minister Quan just now, thereby suppressing Si Lanfeng?

At this moment, Little Four also asked in a low voice: “Young Master, why did you invite Song Yang to travel with us?”

Li Zhaoting placed the painting on the stone table and unrolled the scroll.

“Since Song Yang helped me, I cannot let him be harmed by Si Lanfeng. Now that he’s traveling with me, Si Lanfeng is well aware that if he tries to harm Song Yang, I will surely intervene. If Si Lanfeng moves against me, he would be offending Prime Minister Quan. As for whether Song Yang can gain Prime Minister Quan’s appreciation, that depends on his fortune.”

Little Four immediately became anxious: “Young Master, aren’t you just adding another competitor for yourself?”

“Since ancient times, any position has always gone to the capable. If I have ability, no one can take it away. If I lack capability, how can I blame others?”

Suzhen smiled inwardly—indeed, he was still himself. Even though she had never seen him like this before, with his brilliance slightly revealed, as if his sword was pointing toward the world.

“It’s all that little wench Feng Suzhen’s fault! Young Master, if you hadn’t been engaged to her, who would dare to bully you so casually?” Little Four said, spitting with hatred.

Hearing this, Suzhen smiled bitterly. Her hand hurt, and she realized her fingernail had broken off without her noticing as she gripped the pillar. She paid no attention to this and only hid behind the pillar, watching Li Zhaoting intently, waiting for his response.

“Don’t speak of her like that in the future!”

Li Zhaoting’s gaze sharpened, and Little Four was startled, immediately lowering his head. Li Zhaoting, however, raised his head slightly to look at the night sky and said indifferently: “She too was a pitiable person. Fortune and misfortune come without warning. Since she is no longer here, let all past matters go with her.”

Suzhen felt both comforted and pained in her heart. He actually didn’t blame her, but his tone was so indifferent, as if she had been nothing more than a mischievous neighbor girl who had never left even the slightest impression in his heart.

“Years ago, Young Master risked your life to save her. Young Master, did you truly… truly like Feng Suzhen?”

Little Four suddenly asked.

“Little Four, you were also there back then.”

“Yes!”

“But at that time, not a single person, including you, noticed that her father was watching us from not far away.”