Chapter 448

Those gathered here today at Qionglin Garden are all the most dazzling people of the year.

Some of these people were as young as Duan Huaichuan, while others were even slightly hunched over. However, at this moment, they were all in high spirits, their faces filled with anticipation for their upcoming achievements.

An imperial eunuch arrived with the emperor's orders, congratulating them and instructing them to enjoy themselves to the fullest. He then left, leaving the vast Qionglin Garden to these newly appointed scholars.

The crowd quickly became lively.

Once there, Duan Huaichuan quickly relaxed, and everyone was drinking and laughing.

Just then, a palace servant walked up to Duan Huaichuan, cupped his hands in greeting, and said in a low voice, "Young Master Duan, a distinguished guest requests your presence."

Since he was an important person, Duan Huaichuan naturally had no choice but to go.

His departure changed the atmosphere of the banquet once again.

"Truly worthy of being the top scholar! Look, he hasn't even entered officialdom yet, and he's already been appreciated by a powerful figure!" The person who said this spoke with a sour tone, and deliberately emphasized the word "powerful figure."

"There's nothing we can do about it. He's the top scholar in the imperial examination, and he even achieved the triple crown. No wonder he's so highly regarded."

"Hmph, in my opinion, His Majesty only wanted to boost the confidence of scholars from poor families, which is why he appointed him as the top scholar. Otherwise, how could someone from a remote mountain village possibly achieve the triple crown?"

"But even so, the top scholars in the provincial and metropolitan examinations are still those who earned their titles through their own abilities, right? That's still quite remarkable!"

"......"

Meanwhile, Duan Huaichuan followed the palace servants to a pavilion hidden among the grass and trees.

The pavilion was located in a very secluded spot, and bamboo curtains were hung around it, clearly indicating that the visitor was of high status and could not be seen by others.

Duan Huaichuan stepped forward, about to bow in greeting, but was stopped by someone. "Young Master Duan, there's no need for such formality. I've long heard of your reputation and am eager to see you in person, but you don't like to go out, so I could only come today. I hope you won't blame me for being impetuous."

"I wouldn't dare."

"Young Master Duan, please have a seat." The First Prince gestured for Duan Huaichuan to sit down.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Seeing that he had already seen through his identity, the eldest prince raised an eyebrow: "Young Master Duan has already recognized me?"

"When I arrived, I was uneasy. I inquired with the palace servants and that's how I learned of Your Highness's identity."

"I see."

The eldest prince smiled and personally poured him a cup of tea, which Duan Huaichuan immediately stood up and respectfully accepted with both hands.

The eldest prince's smile deepened: "I've long heard of Young Master Duan's talent, and now that I've met him, it's truly remarkable."

"Your Highness is too kind."

The eldest prince sized him up before finally getting to the point: "I heard you've been living in the Marquis's residence for a long time. How are you finding it?"

"The Marquis is very considerate, as is customary."

Hearing his words, the eldest prince couldn't help but frown.

I originally thought Duan Huaichuan was a smart man and wouldn't block his own path, but I didn't expect him to actually do it.

After a moment of silence in the pavilion, the eldest prince smiled and said, "Speaking of His Highness the Crown Prince, he is truly quick-witted and has a keen eye for talent. In comparison, I am far inferior. It is a real pity that I was unable to send someone to contact the young master earlier like His Highness the Crown Prince."

Duan Huaichuan did not respond.

The eldest prince's expression turned slightly cold.

He was of noble birth, and it was already a favor that he spoke politely to Duan Huaichuan. But what did Duan Huaichuan do? He either didn't do what he wanted or didn't say a word at all! It was as if he didn't take him seriously at all!

Just as the eldest prince was about to make his move, a laugh suddenly rang out: "I heard that a distinguished guest is attending the Qionglin Banquet today. I was just wondering who this distinguished guest could be, but I didn't expect it to be my elder brother!"

It turned out to be the Crown Prince.

The eldest prince's face stiffened, and he had no choice but to stand up and bow to the crown prince.