Chapter 627: The Critic Jin Zitan Sighs: So Many Flower Queens!

Chen Yong knew that Xie Guan had a hard time in the Xie household; even from his clothing, it was clear the fabric was not valuable, and four million taels was likely something he had never seen before.

But!

Xie Guan's expression just now had seemed utterly indifferent.

A thousand taels are not precious!

After taking Xie Guan's silver and gold, Chen Yong felt a strange sense of loss—had his decision been right?

Though he had intended to defend Xie Guan, before Prince Chen Feng and the Prince of Yan, he ultimately chose silence.

Chen Yong's cautious nature, honed over years, convinced him that Xie Guan was not worth angering his two elder brothers.

By saying this, Xie Guan had repaid his debt with four hundred taels.

We are even!

Chen Yong collected himself, hefting the box holding the silver notes: "Young Master Guan is indeed a remarkable man."

"Such silver is handed over only to be given away."

He turned to Chen Mu and smiled: "Thirteenth brother, the horse ranch on Yulong Street is yours now."

Chen Mu's grim expression finally brightened slightly.

With the ranch, his mansion now had a place to house its prized horses.

"Eleventh brother, when I host a horse race at my estate, I'll surely invite you."

Chen Yong merely smiled.

It seemed a mutually beneficial deal: Chen Mu gained the ranch, and he gained four hundred taels of silver and gold.

In truth, he had still come out ahead.

Now that Su Shi had purchased the poetry and paintings with this timely fortune, the heavy payment had finally silenced all unspoken criticism.

This matter is settled!

Chen Mu looked at Xie Guan, his face hardening further, preparing to leave.

Yet he still sneered: "Xie Guan, patrons as generous as Lady Su are rare."

"Otherwise, what would your painting be worth?"

"A single fine steed in my princely mansion could buy you thousands of such paintings."

Yu Ke paid no heed.

Just then!

A hoarse, aged voice rang out.

"Valuable!"

"How isn't it valuable? It's worth a fortune."

Li Xiangjun smiled faintly, recognizing the speaker.

Feng Yaya and Zhou Yuner exchanged glances and smiled slightly.

A short, stooped old man with a wine-red, bulbous nose struggled through the crowd, shoving his way forward while shouting.

"Make way, let this old man pass!"

The old man wore a Confucian robe, but it was disheveled, his hair wild, as if he had just staggered out of a tavern.

Yet his eyes sparkled with vitality.

He paid no heed to the nobles—Prince Chen Feng or the Prince of Yan—but strode forward two steps at a time straight to Xie Guan.

This move startled everyone around, drawing curious glances.

Chen Feng instantly recognized the elder: a famous figure from Xixiang Tower, and also a scholar of the Academy.

The old man seemed oblivious to the stares around him. He straightened his robe, then bowed respectfully to Xie Guan:

"You must be Young Master Guan?"

"This old man is Jin Zitan, honored to meet Young Master Guan."

Yu Ke heard the name and paused slightly in thought.

This name had appeared repeatedly in his simulations; he strained to recall Xie Guan's memories and finally remembered the elder's identity.

Jin Zitan, a famed critic in Bianjing, had compiled the "Eighteen Masters of Xixiang Tower."

He was a regular at Xixiang Tower; countless women would gladly sweep their beds for him, even without silver, just to earn his critique.

Hu Yunniang, last year's Flower Queen, rose to fame solely because of Jin Zitan's critique—

"At eight, Yunniang could play the zither; spring wind carried her notes from heaven's height. One note brought tears to the eyes of Yongmen; two notes made crimson carp reveal their fins and gills; three notes summoned white apes to stretch their arms across their cheeks."

After that, her fame soared, and she won the title of Flower Queen of Yuehua Pavilion.

Xie Guan's father, Xie Ling, had also risen to prominence thanks to Jin Zitan's critique—"The first storm among the Nine Clans, a hero of peace, a warlord of chaos."

Li Xiangjun added at the right moment: "Young Master Guan, this is Elder Jin."

Jin Zitan grinned. "Flattered that both ladies know this old man."

Many Flower Queens of Xixiang Tower were familiar with this old man.

Though eccentric and unconventional, he never bullied women; instead, he delighted in helping fallen women compose lyrics and songs.

Thus, his reputation in Xixiang Tower was excellent.

Jin Zitan cared nothing for wealth or power.

He once criticized Minister Su Xiang: "He possesses the ability to hold up the sky and the talent to quell chaos, yet when faced with great matters, he overthinks and under-decides."

Because of this, Su Xiang had him imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison and ordered him to rewrite it.

Jin Zitan refused to change a word, shouting: "If I feared death, why did I grow a mouth?"

Eventually, Su Xiang had no choice but to release him.

The Third Master praised him: "He has the heart of a pure child."

And!

Jin Zitan's critiques carried immense weight—even the Nine Surnames dared not offend him, fearing his disparaging words.

Moreover, he was himself a scholar of the Academy, having studied there in his youth and later topped the imperial examination as a Metropolitan Graduate.

Chen Ting smiled warmly and greeted: "Elder Jin, what brings you here?"

He held a special "respect" for Jin Zitan, knowing his critiques could stir storms within the scholar class.

Yet Jin Zitan ignored the Prince of Yan's overture.

"Who just claimed Young Master Guan's painting was worthless? This old man refuses to agree."

"I had no intention of interfering, but seeing Young Master Guan give away four million taels as if they were dust, I was deeply moved."

"I know full well that to Young Master Guan, such silver and gold are mere worldly trappings, unworthy of notice."

"Truly: brush and ink cannot capture the aging of years; wealth and rank are but mist to me."

Chen Mu's face darkened.

Yu Ke also bowed: "Elder Jin."

"Ah… don't call me 'Elder.' I'm not worthy of that title from Young Master Guan."

Jin Zitan cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed: "This old man dares to beg for a painting from Young Master Guan, but alas… my purse is empty…"

It was no lie; though he lived freely and had received silver from many Xixiang Tower women, he had never accepted a single coin.

Yu Ke, hearing this, paused, then readily agreed.

After all, helping "Xie Guan" form a bond with Jin Zitan could only bring benefits.

Jin Zitan's eyes lit up; he glanced at Su Shi and hurriedly added: "Lady Su, don't blame me—you spent four million taels, and this old man only used his mouth."

Su Shi replied indifferently: "Elder Jin, I sought this painting with sincerity—it's different."

Jin Zitan laughed, giving a thumbs-up: "Lady Su, truly worthy of being the finest among flowers."

Jin Zitan had also once critiqued Su Shi.

"This woman belongs only in heaven."

Chen Mu dared not mock Xie Guan further; with Jin Zitan present, if he were branded "disrespectful to a scholar," his hard-won reputation in Bianjing would vanish.

Jin Zitan looked at Xie Guan and chuckled: "Since you've agreed, I'll visit your Xie household in a few days."

No sooner had he spoken!

Jin Zitan sensed something unusual in the crowd.

At this moment!

The crowd parted automatically, all eyes turning instinctively.

The several Flower Queens who had just taken the stage were walking toward them.

Among them, Lady Gongsun, dressed in red silk, carried an air of strength.

The one with dignified grace was Yun Wan, Flower Queen of Yuehua Pavilion.

Two other women walked together: Hu Yunniang and Chen Xiang.

PS: Today's update is 6, 00, not 8, 00—I got a bit overconfident… Starting tomorrow, at least two updates per day!

(End of Chapter)