From the moment Song Mao left that afternoon, Su Wenxing had been anxiously awaiting nightfall. His impatience wasn't just personal—he had, after all, already boasted to his brothers and close friends that his uncle would arrive and finally expose the supposedly virtuous facade of that "reputation-seeking scholar" Ning Yi. This was also why he had rushed to question Song Mao when he heard the unexpected praise for Ning Yi at the library.
"I think your uncle doesn't want to get involved in this," one friend muttered, gesturing vaguely. "Look at what he said in the library… clearly, he didn't know Ning Yi was our teacher at first! Now he can't retract his words, calling him some sort of 'talent' and all that. Just admit it, Fifth Brother—you're bluffing... Hmph! I can't understand what Ning Yi could have done to leave everyone so bedazzled. Are you sure he isn't some kind of professional swindler?"
Dusk had settled in, and a few young men were sitting around a pavilion in the courtyard, chatting casually. Most of them belonged to the second branch of the Su family. Normally, if not for Song Mao's visit, Su Wenxing wouldn't have found himself at the center of attention among them. These friends weren't bound by deep ties, but rather by mutual benefits and companionship in frivolities. Because of their family relations, they naturally had closer connections.
Since they all benefited from the second branch, they did occasionally worry about its future, though most of their time was spent enjoying themselves or posing as scholars while cavorting with courtesans. Although Su Tan'er always appeared confident, her reliance on wealth to sway many of their peers into neutrality did little to change the fact that, as a woman, her support base was always weaker compared to the second and third branches. The reality was that they weren't influential enough within the family to make substantial changes, but with time on their side, they could chip away at their rivals' momentum.
To these young men, who fancied themselves scholars but frequently indulged in leisure, Ning Yi—who was independent, famous, and married to Su Tan'er—was a perpetual thorn in their side.
"If I had his reputation," one of them thought bitterly, "I wouldn't be turned away from the best courtesans in Qinhuai! But this guy doesn't even go to the brothels—a waste! Besides, I'm sure his reputation is fake... It's intolerable…"
Though they nursed their complaints in private, there was little they could do openly to damage Ning Yi's standing. When Ning Yi had claimed in front of Su Taigong and others that the famous poem wasn't his own work, both Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang had witnessed it firsthand, meaning these young men were well aware of it too. Su Taigong had issued a strict order forbidding any rumors, so who dared to spread it publicly? Even starting subtle rumors was ineffective; Ning Yi's behavior was too hard to discredit that way. Within the family, any attempt to "expose" him was pointless since he had already admitted it outright, which only reinforced his reputation as someone calm and unafraid to hide his talents.
For these young men as members of the Su family, it was unthinkable to stir up trouble outside in the name of "righteous indignation." And within the household, they were at an impasse—directly opposing Ning Yi would be impossible. Thus, the plan to confront him was becoming complicated.
But with Song Mao's arrival, they finally had a golden opportunity. As an esteemed prefect, Song Mao was uninformed about Ning Yi's connection to the family. As long as he publicly and indignantly denounced Ning Yi as a "fame-chaser," Su Taigong wouldn't have grounds to reprimand him as an outsider. Once the news spread, they could "cut ties" with Ning Yi in a bold move that might even improve their social standing. One of them even daydreamed, imagining himself confiding to a courtesan, "That brother-in-law of mine… I once thought he had real talent. Who knew he would..."
When Song Mao arrived, the group quickly gathered around Su Wenxing to tell him about their plan. Song Mao had always been particularly fond of Su Wenxing, and everyone knew it. After a brief discussion, Su Wenxing strode out confidently and declared, "It's all set." However, shortly after, they all saw Song Mao in the library praising Ning Yi, which left everyone sneering at Su Wenxing. Song Mao was known for his honest and upright reputation, and his praise for Ning Yi in the library seemed heartfelt, making them doubt whether their plan would succeed.
"You don't understand," Su Wenxing countered. "Ning Yi wasn't present at the time. Even if there's criticism, it's limited to saying his teaching skills are lacking. My uncle is just giving him a bit of praise upfront; when Ning Yi lets his guard down, tonight at the banquet, we'll test him. He won't have an excuse then, even if he wants one."
Leaving his uncle's room, Su Wenxing recalled Song Mao's words, which now seemed profound and full of meaning. He confidently relayed this to the others, though as evening approached, some skepticism arose again, and yet the group chose to trust Su Wenxing's words.
"After all, he is Wenxing's uncle. Who else would he support if not Wenxing? Worry not, Wéntián."
"To expose him, we must first get close to him, flatter him a little, and then casually ask a few things at the evening banquet. His bluff will be revealed. Those outsiders who invited Ning Yi before always left with evasive answers because they were unfamiliar with him. But now, with the prefect praising him, Ning Yi will have to act friendly, and that's when we strike," said Su Wengui, the second-ranking male in the Su family. Though slightly thin in appearance, he was reputed to have some brains, fancying himself a strategist like Zhuge Liang. His words had more weight than Su Wenxing's, making Su Wéntián laugh awkwardly as his earlier concerns were addressed.
"Heh, I just couldn't stand seeing everyone around here singing Ning Yi's praises."
"What talent could he possibly have? We all investigated and found he's nothing more than a bookworm," Su Wengui remarked with a frown. "In my opinion, most of Ning Yi's actions are masterminded by our second sister. Everyone, be alert tonight at the banquet. If the prefect asks questions, Second Sister might try to intervene or come up with excuses like Ning Yi being unwell. She might even engineer a small mishap, making it difficult for the prefect to press him too hard. That's when we must take our chance to amplify the situation, leaving Ning Yi with no escape. Once he's exposed, we can distance ourselves from him publicly. Only then can we finally dismantle this arrangement set by our Second Sister."
Everyone nodded and discussed these strategies. Su Wéntián asked, "Wenxing, do you know where the prefect went this afternoon? If he stayed for a meal somewhere, we might miss him tonight."
Su Wenxing shook his head, "I don't know. Probably with one of his mentors or some other notable figure."
"Then they must be distinguished individuals…" Wéntián mused. "Wenxing, wouldn't it be wonderful if one day you could take us along? Some advice from such figures would be invaluable…"
"Hmph! And you think you'll just understand everything with a few words of guidance? You don't even study seriously!"
"There's no use applying myself to the mediocre teachers at Yushan Academy, but true notables are different. Just think of that verse I composed once at the Yingchun Tower—everyone there praised it highly. A word of guidance from someone truly accomplished, and I'd be a better poet in no time…"
Although Su Wéntián had a slow wit and was fond of praising his supposed literary skills, he often frequented brothels where the women would only pay him attention in exchange for his money. Secretly, the others found him foolish and didn't bother arguing with him. A moment later, a servant arrived, informing them that Song Mao had returned.
"…It appears the prefect returned with Ning Yi; they seemed to know each other well and were in high spirits."
"That settles it." Su Wengui stood, face impassive, folding his fan with a snap. "The prefect is setting the stage. Otherwise, why would he go to such lengths for Ning Yi—a mere son-in-law and junior, even if he's moderately talented? The banquet tonight will proceed as planned. Everyone… prepare yourselves."
In the pavilion, Su Wengui's figure stood calmly, exuding an aura of strategy, as if the entire world was within his calculations. His demeanor captivated those around him, who nodded eagerly, feeling newly invigorated with a sense of purpose.
Upon returning from outside, Ning Yi had no idea that a group was secretly scheming against him at home. Learning about the family connection between the Qin family and Song Mao surprised him, though he quickly adjusted, simply changing "Brother Song" to "Uncle Song."
Song Mao appeared straightforward yet was quite astute, and Ning Yi found dealing with sharp-minded people easier, especially when the situation was clear. However, other events back at the Su residence left him slightly surprised.
Not many people from the Su residence saw Ning Yi and Song Mao return together, as they parted ways at the gate. Ning Yi carried a jar of century eggs toward the back courtyard, where he soon spotted Xiao Chan waiting partway. The young girl had likely wandered around nearby courtyards for a while, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She ran up to him, calling "Young Master" with a smile, looking eager.
"Oh, done for the day?" Ning Yi asked. "By the way, I have something for you…"
Xiao Chan was the closest person to Ning Yi in the Su family, so it was only natural to share a century egg with her. He raised the jar and swayed it, intending to open it, but Xiao Chan—her attention elsewhere—hugged the jar, likely assuming he wanted her help to carry it.
"Young Master, listen, you were really impressive today!" she said excitedly.
"Oh," Ning Yi responded, unsurprised, "I know, the library exams, right? How did Hei Zi and the others do? If the old patriarch rewarded them, Xiao Chan, should I take half or let them keep the other half…"
Xiao Chan nodded eagerly, thrilled by Ning Yi's accomplishment. "Besides the library, there's something else, too. You were amazing today, resolving Miss Su's business deal with the He family in just one sentence… It's a pity I didn't see the He patriarch's reaction because I was out with Miss Su admiring the snowy scenery, but it must have been interesting! Everyone—Miss Su, Cousin, and Shopkeeper Xi—was stunned. But I wasn't! Young Master, you really know everything. If you meet Miss Su later…"
Ning Yi walked silently alongside Xiao Chan as she clutched the jar, chattering like an excited little hen. After a while, he sighed.
"Xiao Chan, what exactly is this He family business? Can you tell me everything from the start?"