[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten":3,"chapter-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-610":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Simulated to Reality: I Once Looked Down Upon Ten Thousand Ages?",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2347625,4587,"Chapter 610: The Secret of Master Dong Shao: Red Sleeves Add Incense!","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-610",610,"\u003Cp>Feng Yayu was the most surprised; when Xiangjun was a star at Yuehua Pavilion, she was no less brilliant than the courtesan queen, though she held no official title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had truly mingled with the elite of Bianjing; whether it was He Xiao or even Jia Yu and the Chongshan Academy, she held none of them in regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only because, in the last courtesan selection, she lost by a single move and failed to become queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the true nobles of Bianjing and the nine great clans, the title of courtesan queen was a “gold-inlaid-jade” status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without that status, the sons of great families would not associate with common courtesans—they looked down on them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fortune a courtesan queen earned in a year was unimaginable to a mere head courtesan of Yuehua Pavilion; her status, resources, and connections were worlds apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this year’s Qunfang Banquet was being held; if the courtesan queen appeared on stage, her reputation and value would soar, along with the rarest opportunity: redemption from servitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sister of poetry and incense, after this turn of fate, naturally seethed with resentment; for days past, she had nightly coughed up blood in Yuehua Pavilion, burdened by sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We specially invited her out to clear her mind and ease her inner turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet we never expected her to take special notice of a mere Shie family bastard—what an odd thing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s face turned ashen; since Xiangjun had entered, she had ignored him entirely, never addressing him as Young Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene made his face burn with shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The accompanying scholars also wore dark expressions, constantly sizing you up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet you stepped forward with a smile: “Xie Guan, greetings, Miss Shixiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden-robed woman, her black hair coiled into a flowing cloud bun, her face regal and noble, now smiled faintly: “I’ve long heard of your literary fame; today I see you, and indeed your bearing is extraordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Guan, you may call me Xiangjun,” she said softly, gentle and charming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan’s face showed surprise; Xiangjun never smiled easily, yet today she made an exception—truly an odd thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed his head, thinking inwardly: Has the sun risen in the west today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner’s eyes sparkled with curiosity: “Sister Shixiang, when did you learn of Young Master Guan’s literary fame? Why didn’t you mention it just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You too felt a flicker of confusion—you had never set foot in the Western Pavilion, let alone met Miss Xiangjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xiao gazed at the golden-robed woman’s radiant smile, utterly entranced; such a cold woman, when she smiled, was so captivating, heart-stopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiangjun gave a light laugh: “I’m quite familiar with Miss Yunzhi of the Zhang household; she mentioned you before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, you paused, then understood; it was common for the nine great clans to interact with the courtesan queens of Yuehua Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s face darkened further; he knew well the name Zhang Yuzhi—this woman’s literary fame spread through Bianjing, and yet she knew Xie Guan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You smiled humbly: “Miss Yunzhi flatters me too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Yuzhi speaks of you without end; she swore you will one day shake Bianjing with your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiangjun shifted tone, her gaze flickering with hidden meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Su Yun has been waiting for you at Yuehua Pavilion all along; surely he seeks a poem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Su Yun is the greatest patron behind Sisters Chenxiang and Yunniang; if you compose a poem today, their opening verses at the Qunfang Banquet might well be yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiangjun’s elegant eyes lifted slightly, her tone laced with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is it that Young Master Guan refuses such an opportunity to gain fame?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yuan suddenly recalled: at the Caotang Poetry Gathering, Su Yun had once promoted Xie Guan’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that Xie Guan refused?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner also looked at you with curiosity; such an opportunity—how could any scholar refuse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You smiled calmly: “Xie Guan is shallow in learning; I’d only embarrass myself by attempting it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiangjun smiled faintly: “Young Master Guan is too modest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu sneered: “At the Qunfang Banquet, great scholars gather, talents abound, even academy masters compose poems. We, though holding titles, know our own shallow talent and dare not hope.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your words, Young Master Guan, show at least self-awareness,” he added, dripping with mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Yayu, hearing this, agreed inwardly; Jia Yu spoke truth—the Qunfang Banquet had been prepared for over three months; courtesans from all quarters had already set their themes and invited scholars to compose poems in advance, awaiting only the banquet’s opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those of us uninvited could only wait until the courtesans performed, then compose on the spot—how could we compare?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Xiangjun paid no heed, still smiling: “Poetry and verse—we women are naturally unfit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I know Young Master Guan not only excels in poetry, but also in calligraphy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At Yuehua Pavilion, I once saw the brushwork from the Caotang Poetry Gathering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shifted again, her eyes alight with anticipation: “Might I, today, be so fortunate as to receive a piece of your brushwork?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the banquet hall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone had been prepared; several sheets of rice paper bore poems, paintings, calligraphy, landscapes, and figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At gatherings of scholars and beauties, beyond music and dance, it was all about literary artistry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When women sought brushwork, it often carried the intent of forging connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s face grew darker; since entering, the golden-robed woman had barely glanced at him—yet now she fawned over Xie Guan—how could he endure it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You felt a flicker of strangeness, but shook your head and politely refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You sensed the subtle tension in the air and wished to avoid entanglement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Xiangjun, I apologize. My studies are self-taught; I’m merely a rustic path, and to pick up the brush now would only invite ridicule.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yuan, hearing this, knew your calligraphy was profound—this was merely an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden-robed woman did not grow angry; she merely smiled faintly: “If Young Master Guan has no wish, then so be it. But should opportunity arise in the future, I hope you will grant me a brushwork.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner quickly added: “Young Master Guan, might I, like Sister Xiangjun, be so lucky as to receive a few characters from you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she did not understand why Xiangjun had suddenly changed her demeanor to court this Xie Guan, she sensed the Shie family bastard was no ordinary man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You smiled: “Next time, for sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You gradually became the center of the gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu stood aside, watching the two women cluster around you, his face growing harder to bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One scholar suddenly changed tone, speaking leisurely: “Miss Yuner and Miss Xiangjun, don’t let Xie Guan fool you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This Xie Guan knows nothing of calligraphy—his first teacher was Dong Shao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong Shao? The same man who stole the Second Master’s brushwork and faked his way past the academy masters? If the academy had any mercy, he’d have been banished from Bianjing long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Guan is Dong Shao’s disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether that fragmentary poem was his or not is uncertain—but as for brushwork, why else would he refuse so many times?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your heart trembled slightly; this was the first time you’d heard such a vile rumor about Master Dong Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the calligraphy scrolls Dong Shao had given you, you noticed they indeed contained the Second Master’s handwriting—you had always wondered how a mere Shie family retainer could possess such treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though you’d met Dong Shao only a few times, you knew his character; you were certain he could never steal another’s brushwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter was clearly strange!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yuan, seeing your confusion, frowned slightly; he had long known of this rumor but had never mentioned it, fearing you’d dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, next year you would enter the academy; Dong Shao’s teaching no longer mattered to you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu sneered: “Tell me, Young Master Guan—is your first teacher truly Dong Shao?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You did not evade it; Dong Shao had helped you greatly. Had he not given you the Second Master’s scrolls for practice, you would never have received the two sword insights from Hongjing Academy—and those insights earned you Lu Hua’s favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You spoke calmly: “My first teacher was indeed Master Dong. He taught me much; I am deeply grateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu laughed mockingly: “Do you know what Dong Shao did? He stole the Second Master’s brushwork and plagiarized his classmates’ poems. When exposed, he was despised by all of Bianjing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard he recently died drunk at home—either from shame or guilt. Like master, like disciple—this saying holds true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, you finally frowned, your face growing solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yuan could no longer suppress his anger. In Da Qi, respecting one’s teacher was a sacred virtue; the bond between master and disciple could surpass that of father and son. Jia Yu’s insult to Dong Shao was like cursing a son’s father—how could one not be enraged?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Yayu, sensing the tension, stepped in: “The Qunfang Banquet is about to begin—let’s take our seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The courtesan queen will appear soon—especially Miss Nihuang of Yuehua Pavilion’s opening Nihuang Dance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You lowered your head, thinking deeply; faced with this, you decided…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1. Prove Dong Shao’s innocence. (Hint: May gain a thread of opportunity.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>2. Ignore it. (Hint: May affect the future.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>3. Distance yourself from Dong Shao. (Hint: May lose opportunity.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>4. Participate personally. (0\u002F3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great tripod rang, spilling ten thousand rays of light; the characters upon it slowly stabilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Ke stared at the four options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the fourth choice triggered by Dong Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Shao was absolutely pivotal to this “Heavenly Reincarnation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the hints given, no other choice remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this “thread of opportunity”—did the Qunfang Banquet again hold danger?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Ke did not hesitate—he chose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1. Prove Dong Shao’s innocence. (Hint: May gain a thread of opportunity.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You furrowed your brow for once, your face turning cold; your dark, starlike eyes now held a chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner, gazing at the boy in plain robes, felt an unfamiliar flutter in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your voice carried coldness and indifference: “Young Master Jia, what are you most skilled in at Chongshan Academy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu blinked, then understood your intent and smiled: “Are you challenging me, Young Master Guan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You nodded faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A nearby scholar interjected: “Young Master Jia excels in the Four Books and Five Classics, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—especially strategy and discourse. But if you must name his greatest strength… it’s poetry and painting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s smile widened: “If it’s poetry, we’d never settle a winner. Let’s compete in calligraphy instead—let’s see your brushwork, Young Master Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You shook your head. “Since Master Jia claims to excel in painting, let us compete in artistry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Painting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s face broke into a faint smile. “I’ve studied since childhood—winning would hardly be fair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Confucian scholars beside him burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Jia, you studied for six years under Master Liu Xing of the Academy—this is like bringing an axe to Lu Ban’s door!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yuan stood nearby, observing in silence. He knew Jia Yu was exceptionally skilled in painting, especially tigers—he could paint two tigers simultaneously, one with each hand, lifelike and astonishing in technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was precisely why Jia Yu had been invited to the poetry gathering by the Second Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for you, he had never seen you produce a single painting, and he secretly feared you would be humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu’s smile widened. “Why must Master Xie do this? Don’t bring shame upon yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sneered: “If I lose, I’ll retract my words and kneel three times, prostrate nine times before Master Dong’s funeral altar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you, Xie Guan, lose, you will henceforth step aside three paces whenever you meet me, and you will not be allowed to attend today’s gathering of beauties—you must leave immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You listened, then nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Yaya furrowed her delicate brows. “Master Jia, must it be so extreme? This was meant to be a refined gathering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Jia Yu’s painting skill was superb—even the courtesans of Yuehua Pavilion had commissioned him for portraits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xiangjun’s eyes, however, showed a flicker of interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xiangjun’s gaze drawn to him, Jia Yu’s face lit up with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone like Xie Guan—a pretty but useless ornament—is best judged by putting him to the test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Yu rolled up his sleeves and strode to the desk; the two other scholars hurried to grind ink for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You walked forward slowly, ready to unroll the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhou Yuner stepped lightly forward, stopping before you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuner, grind ink for Master Xie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner bowed slightly; her robe parted to reveal a patch of pale skin. She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a slender wrist, just the right thickness, the bone beneath faintly visible as she turned the inkstone slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beauty grinding ink—red sleeves adding fragrance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Jia Yu clenched his brush tight—the ink paused, then a heavy drop fell, soaking through the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2172,"2026-06-21T01:33:03.787Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","91ef95f0c2758dc6a40395c673c7f8b3a2d191f084d87483cd5c6dbc7211d079","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-611","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-609",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]