The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 67 The Princes and Young Masters Reflect Each Other's Madness

Tu Chengyu listened for a long time but didn't hear the most important information, so he couldn't help but get up and walk over to the group, saying:

Greetings, gentlemen.

The group was having a pleasant conversation when someone interrupted them. They turned around and saw a rather tall child pretending to be an adult and asking questions.

Although he was just a child, they didn't look down on him. They all stood up and returned the greeting. One of them, who had a beard and looked the oldest, said, "Greetings, brother. May I ask how you are addressed, young man?"

Tu Chengyu used a fake name he had already thought of, saying, "My surname is Chen, and I am the fifth child in my family. You can call me Chen Wu."

Tu Chengyu gave his name, and everyone else gave their names in return. Only then did Tu Chengyu realize that the oldest person closest to him was named Zhu Ruoheng.

After exchanging names, Zhu Ruoheng asked, "Brother Chen Wu, is there something you need from us?"

Tu Chengyu said, "I was eating just now when I overheard you gentlemen talking about the prominent figures in this year's imperial examination. I was quite interested in this Scholar Hu, so I thought I'd like to ask you all for more information."

Zhu Ruoheng said, "I wonder what kind of information Brother Chen Wu would like to know?"

Tu Chengyu asked directly, "I wonder if this Scholar Hu is married?"

These words caused the scholars to burst into laughter. After they finished laughing, Zhu Ruoheng explained, "Brother Chen Wu, please don't be offended. It's not that we were making fun of you, but there have been so many people inquiring about Hu Jieyuan's marriage lately. When we heard that you were also inquiring, we couldn't help but laugh."

After listening, Tu Chengyu said, "So many people actually want to marry their daughters to Hu Jieyuan."

Zhu Ruoheng said, "I estimate that all the young ladies in the capital who are of marriageable age want to be Hu Jieyuan's wife. There are even rumors that Shang Yuanfeng, the Grand Secretary of the State Council, wants to marry his daughter to Hu Jieyuan."

Before Tu Chengyu could ask any questions after he finished speaking, a voice came from the other side saying, "Brother, you've misheard. The son-in-law that Grand Secretary Shang wants to find is Grand Secretary Shang's fellow townsman, the talented young man Wu Shangbin, also known as Wu Xuanzhi from Guangzhou."

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu looked over and saw that the speaker was a man with darker skin from another table of scholars. After he finished speaking, he quietly looked over here.

Upon hearing these words, Zhu Ruoheng laughed and said, "Guangfu? Since when have scholars from Guangfu dared to compare themselves with the top scholar from Yuzhang Prefecture? If Wu Xuanzhi weren't about the same age as Hu Jieyuan, both being the youngest in this year's examination, no one would even compare him to Hu Jieyuan. Only you people from Guangfu believe that Wu Xuanzhi can be compared to Hu Jieyuan just because someone casually mentioned it. Now you even dare to dream that Grand Secretary Shang will marry his beloved daughter to Wu Xuanzhi, it's simply laughable."

Although Zhu Ruoheng was a failed scholar, he possessed a natural arrogance, especially when facing scholars from other prefectures. His undisguised mockery infuriated the scholars from Guangfu, who turned red in the face and could only manage a weak remark after a long while.

"What's so funny? Marrying off a daughter isn't like taking an exam; it's not about who ranks highest. Besides, Grand Secretary Shang is from Guangdong, so it's perfectly reasonable for him to find a son-in-law from Guangdong."

Zhu Ruoheng said, "Fellow villagers are fellow villagers, and marrying off one's daughter is marrying off one's daughter. Don't confuse the two. If it were about choosing a good son-in-law, why would Grand Secretary Shang abandon pearls and jade for earthenware? You should stop deceiving yourselves."

Zhu Ruoheng was incredibly sharp-tongued when he mocked others. Several scholars from Guangfu took turns trying to outwit him, but none of them could match him. In the end, unable to win the argument, they had no choice but to slink away in disgrace.

After the scholars from Guangzhou left, Zhu Ruoheng put away his arrogant attitude and said to Tu Chengyu, "Brother Chen Wu, please forgive my rudeness. Scholars often have these kinds of verbal sparring sessions, so please don't take offense."

Tu Chengyu thought to himself that he wanted to watch their witty banter a little longer, but said aloud, "It's alright, brother, you haven't answered my question yet. Does this Guangfu Wu Xuanzhi, the scholar Hu Jieyuan, actually have a marriage contract?"

Upon hearing Tu Chengyu quietly add Wu Xuanzhi's name, Zhu Ruoheng smiled and said, "Neither of them is engaged. However, I advise Brother Chen Wu that if you truly have an unmarried sister at home, don't even think about marrying Hu Jieyuan."

Tu Chengyu asked, "Why is that? Does Grand Secretary Shang really intend to take Scholar Hu as his son-in-law?"

Zhu Ruoheng said, "The rumor that Grand Secretary Shang is looking for a son-in-law is just that, and no one can say for sure. However, I know Hu Jieyuan well. He once said, 'I will not start a family if I do not pass the imperial examination.'"

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu initially wanted to retort, but seeing Zhu Ruoheng's serious expression, he realized what was going on.

Zhu Ruoheng wasn't referring to Hu Guangjin passing the imperial examination, but rather using this statement to tell Tu Chengyu that Hu Guangjin was a very arrogant person, and that he would have extremely high standards when choosing a spouse, so ordinary women shouldn't even think about it.

Not knowing whether Zhu Ruoheng was telling the truth or not, Tu Chengyu let Hu Jieyuan off the hook for the time being, and instead asked, "What about Wu Xuanzhi from Guangfu? Is he really as bad as you say?"

Zhu Ruoheng said, "Our argument just now was a fight of pride. Brother Chen Wu, you must not take it seriously. I also know about Wu Xuanzhi. Although he is not as good as Hu Jieyuan, he is still a rare young talent. It's just that he comes from a humble background and lives in a border prefecture, so no one is there to promote his name. Otherwise, his reputation might not be lower than Hu Jieyuan's now."

It turned out he was a hidden big shot; Tu Chengyu became interested in him too. Just as he was about to ask more questions, he heard a voice behind him.

“Brother Mingzheng, you’re helping others gain fame again.”

Tu Chengyu turned his head and saw a young man dressed in a light blue scholar's robe, holding a bamboo-ribbed fan, with a crown on his head and an elegant demeanor, walking leisurely towards him under the light shining in from the entrance of the restaurant.

As soon as this person entered, all the scholars sitting in the restaurant hall stood up and greeted him, making quite a grand entrance.

Zhu Ruoheng, who was talking to Tu Chengyu, smiled even more broadly upon seeing this man and quickly went to greet him, saying, "Brother Shengping, you're teasing me again. What merit do I, Zhu Ruoheng, have to promote someone else's name? I simply met a kindred spirit today and exchanged a few words with him."

This Brother Shengping glanced at Tu Chengyu and continued to say to Zhu Ruoheng, "It is said that Brother Mingzheng has friends all over the world and acquaintances all over the country. It is indeed well-deserved. Now even children can make friends."

The man spoke in a flat tone, with no extra expression on his face, so Tu Chengyu couldn't tell whether he was being sarcastic or praising.

Zhu Ruoheng seemed unable to discern the man's attitude either, and said, "Brother Shengping is joking again."

Brother Shengping said, "I just heard Brother Mingzheng praising Wu Xuanzhi to this child. I would also like to hear what kind of talented person this young man, whose reputation is no less than mine, is."

Tu Chengyu then realized that the person in front of him was Hu Guangjin, whom they had been talking about. However, he hadn't yet experienced this man's talent, but his arrogance was first-rate; he couldn't stand being praised.

Hearing Hu Guangjin's words, Zhu Ruoheng gave a wry smile. He said, "It's not that I want to diminish your reputation, Brother Shengping, by praising Wu Xuanzhi. It's just that this young friend inquired about Wu Xuanzhi, seemingly intending to form a marriage alliance. This is a fine thing, how could I not spread his good name?" Hearing this, Hu Guangjin neither moved nor thought, but glanced sideways at Tu Chengyu and said, "Another time, a wealthy family in the capital is choosing a son-in-law? Do these noble families really think we scholars are like pigs in a pen, to be taken whichever they fancy? But those who aspire to rule the world, how could they become the son-in-law of such a wealthy family? Brother Mingzheng's praise of Wu Xuanzhi is probably not what he desires."

Zhu Ruoheng said with a wry smile, "But I can't talk badly about people behind their backs."

Tu Chengyu felt that Hu Guangjin was really sharp-tongued. He immediately compared the way the noble families in the capital chose their sons-in-law from among the scholars to catching pigs in a pigsty, and at the same time, he cursed those scholars who became sons-in-law of wealthy families as pigs.

Although upon closer reflection, it was indeed true, Tu Chengyu was still very displeased. He didn't even look at Hu Guangjin directly and said, "If being the son-in-law of a wealthy family is like being a pig, then what about being the son-in-law of a high-ranking official?"

Hu Guangjin probably didn't expect that Tu Chengyu, a child, would refute him. He turned around and looked at Tu Chengyu seriously for the first time. He saw that although Tu Chengyu was young, he had an extraordinary aura and it was clear that he was of noble status. At this moment, he also understood why Zhu Ruoheng would attach so much importance to such a child.

However, Hu Guangjin was not Zhu Ruoheng; he would not lower his stance just because the person in front of him was a son of a duke or marquis.

He said, “The Grand Secretaries of the Council of State Affairs are all graduates of the imperial examinations, bearing the hopes of the people. They are concerned about the country while serving in the imperial court, and they assist the emperor in governing the people. How can such noble families be compared to the corrupt ones? To be chosen as a son-in-law by such noble families is an honor for a scholar.”

This man's impassioned and arrogant words, which seemed to disdain even royalty, drew cheers from the surrounding scholars. The commotion, however, attracted scholars from the back courtyard to investigate, and soon the entire hall of the restaurant was filled with them.

The more scholars there are, the higher Hu Guangjin holds his head; now his entire face is almost level with the roof.

Looking at his arrogant demeanor, Tu Chengyu couldn't help but say, "I've heard from others that you are a brilliant and renowned talent. But after meeting you today, I realize that you are nothing more than a sycophantic, arrogant, and ignorant fool. The fact that someone like you could become the top scholar in Yuzhang Prefecture shows that Yuzhang Prefecture has no talent to speak of."

Upon hearing Tu Chengyu's words, not only was Hu Guangjin furious, but even Zhu Ruoheng from Yuzhang Prefecture was fuming. In contrast, the scholars from other prefectures around them, amidst the lively atmosphere, had slight smiles on their faces.

Hu Guangjin said, "How dare this mere child speak so arrogantly and insult the scholars of Yuzhang Prefecture."

Tu Chengyu replied, "How arrogant you are, a mere scholar! You actually think you can represent the entire Yuzhang scholar community by yourself. You don't believe me when I call you a madman."

Hu Guangjin hadn't expected this child to be so talkative, readily labeling him as a madman. If this reputation got out, how could he ever serve as an official again?

He quickly replied, "What a sharp-tongued brat! I only argued with you for a few words, and you call me a madman? Then wouldn't everyone in the world who dares to speak out be considered a madman in the eyes of you nobles?"

This guy is really good at escalating conflicts, turning a dispute between two people into an adversarial conflict between two groups, and then placing himself in one of the groups. In this way, he can instantly gain a lot of helpers.

Sure enough, the surrounding scholars all subtly revealed their shared hatred towards Tu Chengyu. It wasn't that these scholars couldn't see it; it was just that, due to their status, they could only respond to Tu Chengyu, a nobleman, in this way.

Despite being stared at by so many eyes, Tu Chengyu remained calm and slowly said, "I've talked to you for so long, but I haven't felt any talent in you. What I have felt is your arrogance, ignorance, and glib tongue."

Hu Guangjin, who was arrogant and considered himself a genius, could not stand this and angrily asked, "You say I am arrogant and ignorant?"

Tu Chengyu said, "Isn't that so? We've only just met today, and neither of us has revealed our identities. Yet you looked at me coldly, your contempt overflowing. Then, without even distinguishing right from wrong, you regarded me as a corrupt nobleman and ridiculed me mercilessly. Aren't you arrogant? Aren't you ignorant?"

Hu Guangjin asked in confusion, "Aren't you a descendant of a noble family?"

Tu Chengyu said, "Who told you that I am a descendant of a noble family? Besides, what gives you the right to look down on descendants of noble families?"

Hu Guangjin ignored Tu Chengyu and turned to look at Zhu Ruoheng, as if asking, "Isn't he a descendant of a noble family?"

Zhu Ruoheng was also dumbfounded. He had always thought that the child was a descendant of a noble family, but now that he thought about it, the child had not said that he was a noble family.

This whole thing turned out to be a misunderstanding. Zhu Ruoheng shook his head at Hu Guangjin.

Hu Guangjin asked Tu Chengyu with suspicion, "Since you are not from a noble family, why are you making things difficult for us scholars?"

Tu Chengyu's absurd question startled him, then anger rose within him, and finally he laughed in exasperation: "Hahaha, this is truly an eye-opener! How absurd and laughable that such a person is regarded by everyone as the only candidate for the top scholar."

Hu Guangjin, naturally unable to bear such sarcasm, asked, "What's so absurd and laughable about it?"

Tu Chengyu pointed at him and said, "You, a top scholar from the prefecture, argue with others without distinguishing right from wrong, only looking at their background. In your eyes, noble families are corrupt, while scholars are pure."

Hu Guangjin said, “There may be good people in noble families, but how many are there? Although there are bad people among scholars, they are taught by sages and always have a bottom line in their actions.”

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu knew that this person was either a rare flower cultivated in a greenhouse by upright gentlemen, very intelligent and talented, but inexperienced in the ways of the world.

Or he's just an arrogant opportunist with an overconfident talent.

No matter what kind, he would not be a good official.

Tu Chengyu shook his head and said, "Based on your limited knowledge and opinions, I can conclude that you are not qualified to be the top scholar."

Hu Guangjin said arrogantly, "This matter is not something a mere child like you can decide."

Tu Chengyu had lost all interest in arguing with him and said, "Just wait and see."

After saying that, he stood up, shook his head at Hu Guangjin, and then swaggered away with Lao Yao and the others.

(End of this chapter)