After saving the Empress, I became the top scholar in the imperial examination.

"Oh... I've met Young Master Jiang..."

Ning Nan bowed respectfully, his attitude sincere and earnest, the kind of gesture and tone one would use when two scholars meet.

Jiang Sixue immediately covered her face with her fan, chuckled, and teased, "Thank you, Young Master Ning." Her almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, like two shallow pools of spring water.

Ning Nan smiled and straightened up. He had been quite disappointed not to see the other person at Shangchuntang, but he never expected to meet them outside the brothel.

Normally, if the other person is a man, the next thing that happens is that the two of them get along well and have a refined conversation, then laugh heartily, go hand in hand into a brothel, enjoy beautiful women and fine wine, and not go home all night... But if the other person happens to be a woman, then it won't work.

The other party has also deviated a little from the norm.

In this day and age, although Neo-Confucianism has not yet developed into the terrifying form of later Confucian ethics, it has already spread and can be considered a prominent school of thought.

At least from Han Laoguai, the phrase "invoking heavenly principles and extinguishing human desires" was heard more than once, and there were even some women with bound feet.

For example, it is said that Master Li's concubine had bound feet. One of the daily topics of conversation between my mother and Yang Qiniang was "How could a woman with bound feet walk?" They could never figure out this question.

Ning Nan shifted her gaze to another "young master" who had trotted up to Young Master Jiang. The latter was slightly out of breath, but as soon as she saw Ning Nan's gaze fall on her, she forcefully controlled her breathing, straightened her back, and let out a soft "humph" through her delicate nose.

This young lady was about fourteen or fifteen years old, with a rosy face and her eyes rolled upwards, as if she was very dissatisfied with him... Was she jealous of Young Master Jiang and felt that he was neglecting her?

Ning Nan gave Jiang Sixue a look.

Jiang Sixue understood immediately, a mysterious smile appearing on her fair face. She cleared her throat and introduced him with great seriousness, "This is my friend, um... also Young Master Ning!" Her eyes crinkled, "Ning Beizhi, the 'Zhi' of 'knowing and acting.' The talented Ning!"

"Uh..." Ning Nan paused for a moment, "Ning Beizhi?"

That's quite a coincidence; his father, who had been dead for many years, was named Ning Beiwang.

"Nice to meet you." After realizing what was happening, Ning Nan smiled and clasped his hands in a fist salute. "I am Ning Nan."

It seems that the phrase "Nice to meet you," which is only popular among adults, especially among talented men, made her feel respected.

The woman, whose real name was Ning Beizhi but who used the alias Ning Beizhi, flicked her wide scholar's sleeves, held her fan, and gave a scholar's salute, saying in a gruff voice, "Hmm, nice to meet you!" She raised her chin.

Jiang Sixue and Ning Nan exchanged a glance, their lips twitching as they both found it somewhat amusing.

This young lady must be a family member or friend of Doctor Jiang. She's playful and wanted to join in the poetry gathering, so Doctor Jiang had no choice but to come along.

The two women, finding it inconvenient to travel, disguised themselves as men. However, Nanjing's public security is quite good; safety is guaranteed, especially for large events like this one with many people. The government takes it very seriously; I just saw at least three groups of constables patrolling with lanterns and knives.

"Hehe, young brother Ning, are these two gentlemen the friends you've been waiting for?"

Ning Nan frowned slightly. The familiar, somewhat annoying voice rang out again: "Why hasn't that clerk who made things difficult for Yang Bing left yet?"

He looked back and saw that it was indeed the clerk. The clerk was still there, and Yang Bing and the fat clerk and his men had not left either.

Ning Nan had not yet spoken.

The clerk seemed unconcerned by Ning Nan's answer. He strode forward and said in a steady yet somewhat urgent voice, "Greetings, gentlemen. I am Qian Tong. Are you also here for today's poetry gathering?"

He wasn't an ignorant person. The two young ladies had their reasons for dressing as men. Although everyone could see through it at a glance, no one dared to cause trouble. Moreover, if this were exposed, things would get complicated under the strict separation of men and women.

Jiang Sixue glanced at him indifferently without saying anything, while Ning Beizhi responded with a simple "Mm!"

Qian Tong chuckled and said something about how meeting each other was fate, and that he was interested in befriending the two gentlemen who were both handsome and talented.

Ning Beizhi seemed to like this, and replied in a refined manner, "Brother Qian is also a handsome man."

Tian Xiong and the officials behind him immediately changed their expressions. This Qian Tong was so clever and quick. No wonder the county magistrate said that this person was very clever and had won the county magistrate's heart.

These two women are of extraordinary birth and are now dressed as men. Such young ladies usually live in secluded mansions and would never have the opportunity to make friends like this.

One glance is enough to tell that these young ladies are from respectable families, who read a lot of books and are easy to please. If you can catch their eye, there's a good chance you'll be able to perform "The Peony Pavilion" together. You might even become the son-in-law of some powerful figure.

The crowd was immediately tempted, and a few even took a step forward, but they quickly stopped, their faces showing struggle. They were quite embarrassed and anxious, as if they were eager to try but had been beaten to it and did not know how to start.

Yang Bing's teeth ached a little too. He glanced at his fellow villager, Brother Ning, with a complicated expression. This Brother Ning, where did he get the luck to meet so many young ladies... Didn't he have a cousin, Cui Cui, who was as beautiful as a fairy?

Brother Ning.

Jiang Sixue tugged at Ning Beizhi's sleeve, abruptly interrupting their seemingly harmonious conversation. Without even glancing at Qian Tong, she turned to Ning Nan and asked, "Are you waiting for a friend here?"

Ning Nan nodded, glanced at Qian Tong, then looked away and smiled at Doctor Jiang, "We're waiting for a friend here. Please come in first."

Jiang Sixue hummed in agreement and nodded.

She also wanted to quickly pull Ning Beizhi, that brainless idiot, inside, and then catch up with Ning, whom she had run into by chance.

"Eh!"

Qian Tong waved his hand, pretending to block their way, and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, you need to purchase a red invitation to enter this Yanchun Pavilion..."

"I know!" Ning Beizhi raised her two light eyebrows, her tone full of confidence in money.

"Hehe, you two gentlemen are naturally wealthy, but for poetry gatherings, talented men usually enter with red, gold, or dragon and phoenix purple invitation cards given by others. It wouldn't be nice to spend your own money... How about I buy them for you two? Consider it my honor to present them to you two talented men!" Qian Tong chuckled twice, going along with what he had said.

The red invitation card was worth one tael of silver, and once inside, one was considered a casual visitor.

The gold invitation is worth a hundred taels of silver, and you can take a seat after entering.

As for the Dragon and Phoenix Purple Altar Calligraphy... those were gifts from Yanchun Pavilion to renowned scholars, inviting them to poetry gatherings. Ordinary people couldn't even buy them... to be given a seat of honor.

Upon hearing this, Ning Beizhi's eyes lit up, and she almost couldn't move.

Qian Tong then turned to Ning Nan, his smile sincere, "I know that Brother Ning is new to Nanjing today, and currently works as a waiter in a restaurant. How about we go sightseeing together today? All expenses will be covered by me, what do you say?"

"unnecessary."

Before Ning Nan could reply, Doctor Jiang had already politely declined.

She said to Qian Tong, "We don't lack money... Brother Qian, don't worry, Brother Ning can come in with me later, so there's no need to trouble you." Her voice was somewhat muffled, as if she already disliked this person very much.

Qian Tong immediately shook his head: "Ah, this Young Master Jiang..." He sighed.

Unfortunately... this young lady surnamed Jiang has seen the world, while this young lady surnamed Ning is much easier to please.

"You two are underestimating Brother Ning. If you go in with Young Master Jiang, who is a friend, Brother Ning will naturally not want to take advantage of his friend. He will definitely make excuses and say he has something to do, and will not go in with you two... But it's different if you go in with me. I have never met Brother Ning before. No matter how much you spend, with Brother Ning's ability, he will repay you in full in the future. Therefore, he will have no worries and will be able to travel freely with us... Brother Ning, do you think what I said is right?" Qian Tong looked at Ning Nan with a smile.

A few steps away, Yang Bing and the others frowned upon hearing this. Qian Tong's plan was far too shrewd...

This fellow not only wanted to use his favor with the young lady as leverage, but also mocked and belittled the country boy. What's worse, he even planned to scheme against the boy and make him indebted... The crowd looked at the two of them with complicated expressions and sighed slightly.

Qian Tong is suited to the officialdom; they will only sigh and complain, but will not step forward to ruin Qian Tong's plans.

Everyone was quite open-minded about this losing proposition. They wouldn't gain the young lady's favor, and they'd almost become mortal enemies with Qian Tong anyway, so it wasn't worth it. If Qian Tong really succeeded, they would truly be begging him for help one day.

Even Yang Bing could only clench his fist at this moment, silently hoping that Ning Nan would not fall for Qian Tong's trick and would leave obediently. If he did, he would have no choice but to help Ning Nan out of the predicament in the building and secretly take him away from Yanchun Pavilion.

Qian Tong stared at the country boy in front of him with a kind smile.

He had been that kind of boyish age before. At that age, one can't stand being provoked. If provoked, one will blush and shout in agreement... Once one agrees, he won't care whether the other person lives or dies. Tonight, this country boy will be his sidekick all night long!

As long as he bought red invitations for the two young ladies, there would be a return exchange, and before long, they might even be whispering sweet nothings to each other... Qian Tong couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.

"call……"

Ning Nan ignored him, only letting out a soft breath, feeling a bit of a headache.

These seasoned veterans are such a hassle.

The phrase "忝为" is usually used to express humility, such as "忝为宰相" or "忝为状元". For Qian Tong to say that he is "忝为" a servant is a very vulgar insult.

Fortunately, the person he was waiting for finally arrived.

Ning Nan's eyes shone brightly. He looked over Qian Tong's shoulder and said earnestly to the person who had come, "Could you buy me a red sticker? Hmm... three, I'll take two to give to my friends."

Qian Tong was taken aback. Although the other person was facing him and speaking, it seemed that their gaze was not on him.

"A red invitation is not worthy of your style," the person said, shaking his head as he walked away.

As soon as that gentle, jade-like voice came from behind, Qian Tong felt a chill run down his spine. Who was it?

But before he could turn around, the young man in front of him frowned and probed.

"Should we buy gold leaf?"

"The gold plating is just so-so."

The sound behind him, along with footsteps, grew closer and closer. Qian Tong suddenly turned around, and everything went white in an instant!

What came into view was a handsome young man dressed in a white robe with cloud patterns and a red belt with jade pendants around his waist!

Qian Tong's pupils contracted sharply, and his face froze instantly!

"Even the gold ingot won't work... So, should I buy that dragon-themed purple ingot?" Ning Nan frowned.

Shangguan Xiu couldn't help but chuckle, raising his head to look at the gold and red entrance of Yanchun Pavilion, and loudly proclaimed, "Dragon and Phoenix Purple Altar Invitations, four in total!"

At this moment, dozens of beautiful women turned their gazes towards them.

"Young Master Shangguan! Young Master Shangguan!"

The sounds, like the warbling of orioles, gathered together, chirping and chattering.

"Ah! It's Young Master Shangguan!"

The sound of footsteps pounding could be heard. Without turning around, Ning Nan could smell that many women were rushing towards them.

"Young Master Shangguan has arrived—"

A pimp excitedly drew out his voice and sang, the sound piercing the night sky.

"Dragon and Phoenix Purple Altar Calligraphy - Four Sheets!"