[{"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-697":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},2347712,4587,"Chapter 697: To Stand Against the Entire Xie Family—What a Daring Spectacle!","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-697",697,"\u003Cp>Outside the Xie Fu, rain poured heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang looked up at the gilded plaque reading “Dingyuan Marquis Mansion,” rain sliding down the umbrella ribs, splashing into droplets on the blue stone pavement—all felt like a dream…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of scholars from the academy stood solemnly in the rain, their tall caps and wide sashes soaked through, yet not one stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water streaming down the umbrella canopy resembled countless glistening curtains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill wind blew through the street, piercing through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang had thought seeking help from the academy was a desperate gamble; she never imagined it would go so smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang recalled the scene at the academy: at the gate, she had met the ever-arrogant Master Jin Zitan, expecting to be ignored—but upon explaining her purpose, he immediately rose and slammed his fist on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the academy, he called upon his peers, and one after another, the scholars laid down their brushes and followed, including Zhang Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang had assumed Master Jin Zitan had wide connections within the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old man? I have no such influence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water droplets clung to Jin Zitan’s white beard, yet his eyes burned brightly: “These youths came because they truly admire Xie Guan’s talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old master raised his hand to catch the rain dripping from the eaves; his voice carried through the downpour: “How can we stand idly by and watch such a man perish within his own family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To see talent destroyed by a woman’s hand—who wouldn’t grieve?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang’s grip on the umbrella trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Zitan’s voice grew melancholy: “Since childhood, I was poor, my home bare walls—I studied books in hardship, striving to rise above, my writing once stirred the capital. I once thought youthful brilliance was nothing to boast of, yet I lacked true literary depth. Only through relentless effort in old age did I reach this point—and now my hair is entirely white.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why I’ve always envied men like Master Xie—born with talent, admired by women, living as a youth ought to live—that is true youthful spirit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Zitan’s gaze drifted past the rain curtain toward the slender figures holding lotus-leaf umbrellas—the courtesans of Xixiang Pavilion had braved the rain as well, their silk socks dusted with mud, brows furrowed with unmistakable anxiety, their demeanor echoing…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…a maiden’s quiet yearning for a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Zitan stood in the rain, his robes soaked, yet his spine straight; his voice pierced the storm: “Had Master Xie been a scion of the Nine Surnames, perhaps we wouldn’t have come out in this rain. But—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on the direct disciples of the Second and Third Masters: “As those born lowly, this mutual respect—this is the integrity of scholars!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain intensified, drumming against oiled paper umbrellas, yet it could not drown out the rustling of their robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xie Fu guards stood with swords at either side of the vermilion gate, exchanging glances, yet dared not strike these precious scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of umbrellas formed a single, unbreakable barrier, completely surrounding the Xie Fu’s main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yunniang’s grip on the umbrella loosened; a faint smile touched her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven never seals the path to salvation—there is finally a turn!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, I wonder—have Xiangjun and Yuner succeeded on their end?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old master, let me help you back? The rain is too heavy, the wind too cold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xiangjun and Zhou Yuner, one on each side, carefully supported an elderly man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man wore a slightly oversized Confucian robe, his back bent like a bow, his steps unsteady as if the autumn wind might topple him at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyebrows and hair were sparse, his face crisscrossed with wrinkles; when he opened his mouth, only a few yellow teeth remained—he looked like any common old man in the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his brow carried a gentle warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the two women dared not treat him lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, in Yuehua Xuan, the powerful proprietor of the establishment had bowed to the ground upon seeing him, calling him “Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out the proprietor of Yuehua Xuan was not the true master behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner and the other woman had gone to Yuehua Xuan, explained their purpose, and were quickly granted an audience with this old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had secretly feared he might dismiss them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew that upon hearing their plea, the old master immediately agreed—and even came himself to the Xie Fu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women were still dazed when the old man’s green-curtained carriage had already raced down the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shockingly, every carriage of the Nine Surnames along the way, upon seeing his banner, veered aside to let him pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they reached the Xie Fu gate, the imperial princess’s palanquin stood clearly in the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even more astonishing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble imperial princess herself stood in the rain, and upon seeing the old man step down, immediately stepped forward and performed the salute of a disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raindrops traced paths down the princess’s cheeks, yet could not hide the look of stunned awe on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Zhou Yuner realize the true stature of the man she was supporting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women now knew the old man’s name—Dongshan Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xiangjun’s fingertips trembled; she suddenly recalled a folk tale—that when Emperor Xianhe had wished to appoint Dongshan Master as national tutor, he issued three imperial edicts, all refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this be the same man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the princess entered the Xie Fu bearing the old man’s personal seal, Dongshan Master prepared to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Xiangjun and the other woman stepped forward to assist him, the old man waved them off: “I’m not porcelain—I can still climb into my own carriage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped onto the carriage’s footboard, then paused and turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing on the carriage’s step, he gazed at the scholars gathered before the Xie Fu gate, umbrellas raised against the storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rarely, he smiled faintly: “Scholars…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He murmured softly: “When humble, they stand united—it stirs the blood. But once they rise to court… they become this empire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sigh, swallowed by the rain: “And become a burden to the realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man stared at the high walls of the Xie Fu, his gaze piercing through the curtain of rain: “Xie Guan… I’ve staked everything I have on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yuner and the other woman stood beneath the carriage, puzzled, respectfully seeing him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was about to step into the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind and rain gradually ceased; a sliver of light broke through the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Creeeak—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xie family’s main gate slowly creaked open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man slowly raised his head to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hesong Hall!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The old matriarch had made her decision, her gaze sweeping the room.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[“Given all that has transpired, we shall set aside the matter of Xie Guan for now.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Madam Zhao protested, “Grandmother, this is unjust—Renfeng has—”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Before she finished, the old matriarch cast a single glance—cold, tangible.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Madam Zhao gritted her teeth: “Your servant obeys.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xie Qiyue, watching nearby, finally exhaled; the heavy stone in her chest lifted. Xie Guan was safe today—she felt a quiet relief.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Zhuge Jian stroked his long beard, smiling as he bowed: “Grandmother, your household governance is exemplary—harmony prevails; blessings await.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The old matriarch, weary, said: “I am tired today. All of you may leave.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Qiuyue entered and stepped forward to assist the old matriarch.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The old matriarch turned to Li Nantian with mild expression: “Nantian, convey my regards to Lady Li.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Li Nantian rose and bowed: “Grandmother, please take care of your health. My sister and I take our leave.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The old matriarch nodded slightly, picked up the household register on the table, took a few steps—then halted, glancing back: “Xie Guan—today’s matter is not finished.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[“The sky over this Xie Fu will never change.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[These two sentences fell like ice spikes—temperature in the hall plummeted.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The warning was clear to all present.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xie Xuan silently shook his head: Today you escaped, but you’ve enraged the old matriarch and every lady here—your future will be unbearable. You’ll have no place to stand.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[To oppose the old matriarch is to oppose the entire Xie family.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[As long as your household registration remains in this Xie Fu, your life is theirs to crush—you are meat on their chopping block. The old matriarch can accuse you again, just as today.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Today, powerful patrons shield you—but tomorrow? The day after? Even goodwill runs out.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Before all eyes, you suddenly smiled. The young man in his blue robe stood tall, spine straight: “How convenient—those are precisely the words I wished to say to Grandmother.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cold fury flared in the old matriarch’s eyes—but instantly, it vanished into the murk of her gaze. She gave you one final, deep look, then vanished into the shadows of the inner chamber.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[“Bidding farewell to Grandmother!” came the chorus of bows from behind.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Madam Zhao stormed out, leaving only: “Xie Guan, remember this—you will die far worse than today.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xie Renfeng followed his mother out, but his eyes held a cold sneer: “Wait, Xie Guan. You’ll regret this.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Some of the Xie family ladies and clan members departed; others lingered.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You heard Madam Zhao’s words, a true chill passed through your eyes—then vanished into calm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You thanked Zhuge Jian and the others, then prepared to go to the Xie Fu gate to meet the scholars who came for you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Xie Yuan and the others followed you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Madam Yuan was curious—academy scholars were proud, looked down on all; how could they care for a bastard son?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Li Nantian and the others filed out as well.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stepping out of Hesong Hall, daylight had already broken. Somehow, the torrential rain had ceased; the leaden clouds were being torn apart by the wind.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The gray sky had faded; it was still noon.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Crossing the Daguanyuan by boat, the heavens above were now bright, warmed slightly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[With so many guests today, and the Li family’s withdrawal, the Xie family had opened its gates wide—rare indeed.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Before you reached the gate, you heard the clamor outside.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prevent the students from rushing into the Xie residence, the main gate had been tightly shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the Xie family servants on either side slowly pushed open the vermilion-painted main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xie Guan has arrived—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone shouted aloud, and instantly the crowd outside erupted like hot water poured on snow—cheers surged forth. Dozens of students, their robes still damp with rain, stood straight as pines. The elders in the front row even stepped forward several paces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gate opened slowly; a sliver of golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, gilding the upturned eaves with flowing gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You stepped out and watched the crowd cheer, and among them, several women holding green lotus umbrellas—Hu Yunniang, Chenxiang, and others—shed silent tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You straightened your robes and bowed deeply to the crowd across the rain-cleared street: “Xie Guan thanks you all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, every scholar in the street returned the bow. The white-haired elders bowed low as pines; the young students prostrated themselves fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Yu, trailing behind his mother, showed rare surprise—could this Xie Guan truly possess only a modicum of poetic talent? Could he truly merit such mutual respect among scholars?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>～\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man standing on the carriage—Master Dongshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He squinted slightly, his aged fingers unconsciously tightening the carriage curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched the young man step out from the Xie residence: though his blue robe was not expensive, it fit him perfectly, like a slender bamboo standing tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn broke, the heavy rain had just cleared; golden light tore through the gray clouds above and fell upon the boy, dazzlingly brilliant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man chuckled, “Not bad. Reminds me of my youth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1962,"2026-06-21T01:33:03.787Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","221a14e1123aaf1133e336a1bef01be14afc21ab57ac81b0eca682899febd9a1","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-698","simulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-chapter-696",728,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsimulated-to-reality-i-once-looked-down-upon-ten-cover.jpg"]