Upon hearing that these people had come to inquire about the top three in the imperial examination, without the madam even needing to speak, everyone pointed to the private room upstairs.
"The loudest noise comes from the private room where our top three talents are located."
Upon hearing this, the lobbyists also looked up at the other room.
Even from this distance, they could clearly hear the unrestrained cheers and clinking of glasses coming from that room.
"These guys are having so much fun?!"
Everyone was stunned.
They had originally thought that a man of such great talent would maintain an elegant demeanor even in a brothel.
Judging from their voices, they didn't sound like the top three talented individuals at all; they were clearly a group of lecherous devils.
"Hmph, a bunch of sycophants who got into the top three with their flattering articles, they really have no manners!"
The leading scholar snorted coldly and said in a disdainful low voice.
The others nodded as well.
The top three articles had already spread throughout the capital, and everyone knew that they had gotten their top three spots by flattering and currying favor.
How could someone who only knows how to flatter be a great talent?
However, no matter how disdainful they were, they had no choice but to try to befriend the three of them.
After all, if they can get into the top three, they will most likely be among the top in the palace examination as well.
When the three of them went upstairs, they saw that the door to the other room was wide open.
Inside the room, three people were having a great time playing with a group of courtesans.
One of them, with a blindfold over his eyes, played hide-and-seek with the women. Every time he caught one of them, she had to take off a piece of clothing.
The other man had one arm around a beautiful woman and was groping her all over.
Even more outrageous, one man actually poured wine into the woman's cleavage and drank the milk wine.
Such a fancy way of playing was something the lobbyists had never seen before.
Now they were completely certain that none of these three were decent gentlemen.
After hesitating for a moment, the group still walked to the front of the room.
"May I ask if you are a top scholar who has just passed the imperial examination?"
The leading scholar smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.
Upon hearing this voice, the three of them looked up and sized them up.
"Excellent! We are the top three in the imperial examination!"
Zhang Tingyu patted her chest proudly and said with a smug look on her face.
Seeing the smug look on this guy's face, the group secretly despised him.
But they still pretended to be surprised.
"My name is Jin Zhiming, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the third year of Yuanzhao. I am delighted to meet you three talented individuals today. Would you do me the honor of joining us for a few drinks?"
Jin Zhiming said with a smile and cupped his hands in greeting.
Upon hearing this, the three did not immediately agree, but instead looked at the woman inside the room with conflicted expressions.
Seeing this, Jin Zhiming and the others knew exactly what the three were thinking.
"My three brothers, I will cover all your expenses at Tianxiang Restaurant today. Consider it as making friends."
Jin Zhiming waved his hand and said with great enthusiasm.
Upon hearing this, smiles appeared on the faces of the three of them.
"Haha, Brother Jin is a Jinshi in the third year of Yuanzhao, so he is our senior. We also want to learn from you. Please come in, Brother Jin."
The three men laughed heartily and invited the others in.
Seeing their drastically different attitudes, the group had a lot of complaints but nowhere to vent, so they could only find a seat and sit down.
"Go, bring up your most beautiful women from Tianxiang Pavilion to serve you, and replace all the food and drinks with the best of the best!"
Jin Zhiming was very generous; as soon as he sat down, he immediately made arrangements.
The women who had been serving then withdrew.
"Brother Jin, you've gone to so much trouble. We are truly unworthy of such an offer!"
Seeing Jin Zhiming's generosity, all three of them showed joy on their faces.
"Haha, it is our honor to befriend the three of you gentlemen. A little money is nothing to us."
Jin Zhiming waved his hand.
Before long, fine wine and beautiful women were served.
Jin Zhiming did not immediately state the purpose of his visit, but instead spent a long time having fun with the three of them.
After several rounds of drinks, Jin Zhiming was completely convinced that these three were all good-for-nothings with no ambition.
If their essays were written during the reign of the late emperor, they wouldn't have been among the top three; they would probably have been dragged to the execution ground and beheaded on the same day.
Although the three of them were not particularly talented, they were often easy to subdue.
Seeing the three of them drunk, Jin Zhiming dismissed the servants.
“My three brothers, I am here today to show you a clear path. If you are willing to accept it, you will rise to great heights and enjoy wealth and honor.”
Upon hearing Jin Zhiming's words, the three, who had just been drunk, exchanged glances.
They've arrived!
"Brother Jin, do you have any insightful suggestions for us?"
Zhou Peishen raised his wine glass, smiled, and looked at Jin Zhiming, asking a question.
Jin Zhiming pretended to look around, then lowered his voice and said, "I can introduce you gentlemen to the Prime Minister."
Upon hearing this, all three of them stood up in surprise.
Seeing their strong reaction, Jin Zhiming's expression changed.
The others had even gripped the weapons hidden in their sleeves.
If these three guys don't know what's good for them, then they'll kill them to prevent them from hindering the Prime Minister's grand plans in the future.
However, the three did not refuse as they had expected.
"Brother Jin...you must be joking. How could a great figure like the Prime Minister possibly take us seriously?"
The three of them looked at Jin Zhiming with great trepidation.
Seeing that they were only worried that the Prime Minister would not accept them, Jin Zhiming finally relaxed.
"The Prime Minister is eager to find talented people. The three of you have won the top three places in this imperial examination, which shows that you are exceptionally talented. If you are willing to serve the Prime Minister, I believe he will be very pleased."
Upon hearing Jin Zhiming's words, all three of them became happy.
“We have long wanted to find an opportunity to pay our respects to the Prime Minister, but we are too humble to go easily. Since Brother Jin is acquainted with the Prime Minister, why don’t you introduce us?”
The three bowed in greeting.
Seeing how easily he had won over the three men to the Prime Minister's side, Jin Zhiming suddenly felt a pang of regret.
If he had known that these three had wanted to submit to the Prime Minister long ago, why would he have spent so much money?
...
Night falls in the palace.
"Your Majesty, those three have entered the Prime Minister's residence tonight."
In the Imperial Study, Qin Yu listened to An Fu's report and nodded calmly.
Seeing his calm expression, Anfu couldn't help but feel a little worried.
"Your Majesty, will these three tell that old scoundrel Sima about your affairs?"
Anfu had never actually approved of Qin Yu meeting those three people.
After all, you can know a person's face but not their heart. If any one of these three people had any ulterior motives, Qin Yu would be doomed.
However, Qin Yu shook his head.
"Others may betray me, but these three are the only ones who would never betray me."
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