The study in Qin Zhao's home is simply decorated.
The desk was divided into two sections: one containing books for the imperial examinations, the other a collection of colorful notebooks. The two types of books placed together looked a bit awkward, but the owner kept it neat and tidy, avoiding any clutter.
Behind the desk is a somewhat simple bookshelf, on which are neatly stacked some Confucian classics and medical books, most of which are handwritten and look a bit old.
"Master Deng, please sit down." Ah Qi poured him a cup of tea and placed it next to the seat on the side.
Deng Tianyou retracted his gaze, sat down as he was told, and asked casually, "How do you know my identity?"
Ah Qi paused.
When Deng Tianyou came, he only said that his surname was Deng, and did not introduce his family background. The name Ah Qi was a bit of a giveaway.
After all, the latter had followed Qin Zhao for many years and was not flustered when faced with the situation. He said calmly: "After the first round of the provincial examination, I went to the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall to pick up my teacher. I met you once."
Deng Tianyou was not surprised when he heard this, he just nodded and said, "I see."
"I heard that Jieyuan was ill in bed, and I was very worried. I came to visit you. I hope I didn't disturb you."
Ah Qi: "I dare not."
"But I'm very pleased that the champion, despite his illness, still wrote a poem for me." Deng Tianyou pulled a slip of paper from his sleeve, placed it on the small table beside him, and asked, "Is this the poem you sent to the government office?"
Ah Qi replied, "Yes."
“…Did he write this poem?”
Ah Qi fell silent.
Deng Tianyou lowered his eyes to look at the note on the table and said slowly, "Eleven years ago, the current emperor ascended the throne and named the reign Yanguang. However, because the emperor was young, he appointed a prince of a different surname as regent. In the third year of Yanguang, the regent personally selected the first batch of Jinshi (imperial examination candidates) of the dynasty. Afterwards, the top scholar composed a poem at the Luming Banquet and presented it to the regent, expressing his gratitude for his recognition."
He pointed to the piece of paper on the table and said, "This is it."
Ah Qi lowered his head and still did not answer.
Deng Tianyou's eyes darkened, and he asked coldly, "Who is Qin Zhao?"
It's no secret that Deng Tianyou wrote this poem eight years ago. However, due to its age and the fact that it's not considered a masterpiece, it hasn't been widely circulated.
But Deng Tianyou will never forget.
It was a taboo to misappropriate other people's poems at the Luming Banquet, let alone this poem was written by Deng Tianyou. Deng Tianyou did not believe that this man who had been unanimously rated as the top scholar by all the Hanlin scholars would make such a mistake.
There is only one possibility.
This person did it on purpose.
"Why don't you just ask me directly? Why bully my people?" A voice came from outside the door, and Deng Tianyou was stunned.
Qin Zhao slowly stepped into the room.
The late autumn night was slightly chilly, and the man, wrapped in a windproof robe, looked even thinner. The candlelight in the room revealed half of his handsome face. Seeing that face clearly, Deng Tianyou felt all the blood rush to his head, his ears ringing, and he sat slumped in his chair for a long time, unable to speak.
Qin Zhao raised his hand and motioned Ah Qi to go out first.
Ah Qi closed the study door as he left. Qin Zhao walked over to the desk and sat down, then asked softly, "Master Deng, why did you come to visit so late at night?"
He really looked like someone who had not recovered from a serious illness. His face was pale and he was much thinner than before. The change was so great that he was almost unrecognizable.
Deng Tianyou stared at him in amazement: "You...how could you..."
"How come you're still alive?" Qin Zhao smiled. "Why do everyone ask me this question when they see me? Do you really want me to die?"
"Of course not!"
Deng Tianyou stood up suddenly, seemed to realize that he had lost his composure, and lowered his head.
He had mixed feelings about this guy.
This man had originally chosen him as the top scholar, and had taken him in as his disciple, teaching him with great care. Personally, Prince Rong was a mentor who had shown him great kindness and knowledge, and a teacher who had taught him everything he knew.
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