Just moments ago, he seemed like a perfectly respectable young nobleman, but in the blink of an eye, his demeanor changed completely, leaving everyone speechless. His disregard for the occasion, his casual attitude, and his unrestrained smile were entirely out of step with the behavior expected of aristocratic young masters. Yet, no one dared to utter a word against it, as it was unreasonable, disrespectful of etiquette, and lacked manners.
Some people whispered, "Young Master Huo truly has the demeanor of a scholar, and his language is witty as well."
If any other young master had done these actions, he would likely have been criticized not for displaying the demeanor of a scholar, but for disrespecting his elders and being irreverent.
Whether Yan Shiren cared about Huo Baichuan's unruly demeanor or not, he smiled broadly and sighed twice, "Time flies! In the blink of an eye, my nephew has come of age. Back when I traveled to Bianzhou, my nephew was not yet born. Now he has started a family and established a career. We are getting old."
"Not old at all, Uncle Shi is a man of extraordinary talent and elegance. His book 'Viewing the Southern State' written a few years ago is profound and elegant. My father often tells me that Uncle Shi is a great talent of our time and a role model for us boys to learn from."
His ordinary manner of speaking and behaving left those around him speechless. Yan Shiren burst into laughter, pointing at him and saying, "Like, like your father, hahaha."
Upon hearing this, everyone thought to themselves, "So that's how it is. Young Master Huo is truly unpretentious."
After finishing speaking, Yan Shiren pretended to see Prince Yong beside him and quickly clasped his hands in a salute, saying, "This humble subject greets Your Highness."
The officials looked at each other, exchanged glances, and hurriedly followed suit, bowing, "Your humble servants pay their respects to Your Highness." The Prince Yong's mansion is not what it used to be; not only have they invited members of the Huo family, but also the eldest son of the Huo family, who is the future leader of the Huo family.
Although they don't look particularly composed, the Huo family is the Huo family. No matter what they look like on the outside, their hearts are as pure as gold.
Unconsciously, the ministers' bows became much more sincere. Prince Yong was startled. In the past, these people would also bow insincerely, but today they spoke so neatly and solemnly. This was the first time he had personally experienced this.
“Mr. Yan, there is no need for such formalities. I have long admired you, and it is truly worthwhile to meet you today.” After he finished speaking, he bowed respectfully and then said to the assembled officials, “My lords, there is no need for such formalities.”
Everyone sighed inwardly. It was strange that Prince Yong had become so eccentric, his speech and behavior were completely different from before.
Yan Shiren was merely giving a perfunctory greeting. After bowing, he looked at Sun Ganzheng, who had a cold face and pretended to look elsewhere. Standing beside him were Fang Youzhi, Ji Dongxue, and several other officials, all of whom were former members of Xie-Sun's faction. Now they were all observing the situation.
To be honest, if Lord Sun and Lord Xie were to fall out, their private thought would be to wait and see. If Lord Sun were to fight Lord Xie and lose, they would join Lord Xie's side. If Lord Xie were to lose, they could take a share of Lord Xie's real power in the court and strengthen their family's power.
Sun Ganzheng turned his head upon hearing this, forcing a smile. At this moment, seeing Yan Shiren, regardless of whether Xie Yun had changed his mind, he was going to turn against Xie Yun. The two of them had supported each other for decades, and now Yan Shiren had suddenly barged in. Xie Yun really didn't take him seriously.
Initially, when Xie Yun first went to Jiangnan, he was sometimes secretly pleased. If he could invite the Yan family, his Sun-Xie faction would be able to suppress the Wang-Yang faction. Moreover, he did not believe that the Yan family, which had survived to this day, would agree to the current emperor's implementation of new policies. However, Wang Kuanqi fell, and Qiu Tangshi's faction instantly became powerful.
Qiu Tangshi stated on many occasions that the court needed reform and new laws needed to be written. He said that the privileges of aristocratic families were too many and that this person should not be befriended. Wang Jiyang had taken over the Wang family. Wang Jiyang was a newcomer and his rank was not high. The Wang family was in chaos and he was not a threat for the time being. However, behind him stood Wei Tingsi, a favorite minister of the court. There was nothing that this guy would not do.
At this point, Yan Shiren's arrival should have made him even happier. However, he had already received news that it was the second master of the Yan family who had come. The second master of the Yan family had once written a book, which was the "Official of Nanzhou" that Huo Baichuan had just mentioned. He had also read this book, which subtly pointed out that the privileges of aristocratic families were too great!
They are utterly traitors, not cherishing the blessings left by their ancestors!
Just then, Prince Yong invited the Huo family and they even moved into Prince Yong's mansion. Although he knew very little about the eldest son of the Huo family, moving into Prince Yong's mansion was a very good signal, indicating that they were of one mind with the Emperor.
"Lord Sun, it's been many years. You still look as dashing as ever." The two had met once when they were young, but Sun Gan was already an adult, while Yan Shiren was not yet of age.
Sun Ganzheng gave a perfunctory bow, clearly and plainly expressing his dissatisfaction with Yan Shiren. He was older, and even if he was a bit arrogant, no one dared to say anything, especially since he was surnamed Sun.
Yan Shiren was not angry and continued to greet them with a smile. Wei Caitao stood in front of the carriage with his hands behind his back. He was dressed in gray and his figure was straight and slender, like a clump of green bamboo in the green mountains and clear waters, leisurely and otherworldly.
Wei Caitao watched as Yan Shiren greeted everyone, a warm smile playing on his lips. When Yan Shiren looked over, he nodded slightly. That slight bow and gentle smile outshone all the officials over thirty years old in front of the Meridian Gate.
Those under thirty years old are only Prince Yong and Huo Baichuan.
"This must be Mr. Wei, known as Xu Gong of the North City?" From the Strategies of the Warring States, Qi Strategy 1: "Xu Gong of the North City was the most handsome man in the State of Qi."
Wei Caitao cupped his hands in greeting, "Brother Yan, you flatter me." The two began another round of mutual compliments, with Yan Shiren lamenting that time waits for no one and that his temples were now gray... and so on.
Actually, it's not something to be happy about for a man to be praised for his good looks, but Wei Caitao has heard it for decades and has long since become indifferent to it.
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