This immortal was clearly ordinary, yet he was unusually confident.

Meng Chang was immediately drawn to the poem on the visiting card. Although it was only four simple lines, the poem used peach blossoms as a metaphor for a recluse, vividly portraying the image of a carefree, elegant, and idyllic hermit.

Most importantly, the poem clearly has a sequel, and the feeling of reading a good poem but not being able to see the whole thing was really distressing for him.

Just like some authors who like to stop updating at crucial plot points, making readers want to send them razor blades or local specialties...

Upon seeing the signature "Zheng Zhuang" on the visiting card, Meng Chang immediately instructed his students, "Quickly, go and invite this young master Zheng in!"

"now?"

"Now, of course! Right now!"

The students were astonished, because they received visiting cards every day, but they had never seen their teacher so eager, even neglecting his long-standing habit of taking a nap.

Zheng Zhuang didn't actually do much tampering; he simply cast a small spell on the visiting card to make it stand out, so that people would naturally be tempted to open it and take a look.

As for this poem, its artistic value has already been fully proven in previous generations.

Even someone as ignorant as Zheng Zhuang thought it was well-written, even if he didn't know why. But the most impressive thing is that it made someone who doesn't understand poetry think it was good.

Zheng Zhuang didn't have to wait long. The student, who had received the dean's instructions, rushed back, slightly out of breath, looking around and saying:

"May I ask which one of you is Young Master Zheng from Zhengzhuang? The Dean invites you in!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd outside the door started shouting.

"Zheng Zhuang? Never heard of this person before. Where did he come from?"

"What good luck! If I could gain the Dean's favor, my future would be limitless!"

"Yes, who doesn't know that His Majesty trusts the Dean very much? If the Dean recommends someone, it's like having one foot in the court."

"Alas, I come here every month, but I can't even get through this door!"

"..."

Listening to the discussions, Zheng Zhuang felt secretly pleased. Although he had no intention of becoming an official in the court, this was still a small way of showing off.

Zheng Zhuang pulled out a folding fan from somewhere and, with the demeanor of a humble gentleman, replied, "That is indeed me!"

Then she gently opened the paper fan, boldly welcoming the envious, jealous, and hateful gazes of everyone.

Upon hearing this, the dean's student also looked towards Zheng Zhuang, only to be met with a plain-looking face, and a hint of disappointment instantly appeared on his face.

I thought he was a handsome and talented man, but I didn't expect him to look so ordinary!

Zheng Zhuang keenly noticed this hint of disappointment. He was somewhat puzzled, thinking that with his appearance and demeanor, he should perfectly fit the image of a romantic and talented scholar.

Suddenly, Zheng Zhuang had a look of realization. It turned out that the handsome scholar was actually a woman!

A woman dressed as a man! That's interesting!

No wonder. She must have first read my invitation and been impressed by my talent. Then, upon seeing my unparalleled appearance, she couldn't help but feel inferior and thought she was not good enough for me.

That's why he couldn't hide his disappointment!

Because if it were a man, upon seeing someone as outstanding as myself, the expression he would likely display would be one of despair!

In a split second, Zheng Zhuang conjured up what he thought was a plausible story in his mind.

This woman is named Liu Mengchen, and is actually the daughter of Liu Liangcai, the city lord. She has loved reading since she was a child.

Because of the Empress, the Cangyue Kingdom does not prohibit women from studying; some can even enter the court as officials.

However, because of her special status, if she were to directly enter Quliang Academy, she would definitely attract some people with ulterior motives.

Therefore, she could only enter the academy by disguising herself as a man and using the alias Liu Liangchen. Only Meng Chang knew her true identity.

However, she became a student of Mengchang through her own genuine talent and learning, and she always ranked at the top of her class in the academy.

Therefore, seeing how much Mengchang valued it, she was very curious about what kind of masterpiece it would be, knowing that her own masterpiece had only received a single "not bad" praise from Mengchang.

She was always proud and arrogant, thinking that the talented men in the academy were nothing special, and she was determined to be like the empress, a woman who was not inferior to men.

We must prove to the world that what men can do, women can do just as well, and even do better.

Liu Mengchen led Zheng Zhuang into the academy, intending to strike up a conversation, but Zheng Zhuang kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, giving off an unapproachable air.

This annoyed Liu Mengchen. In the past, the people she brought in, even if they weren't flattering her, were always polite and hoped that she would say a few good words for them in front of the teacher.

But this young master Zheng seemed afraid that I would talk to him. Humph, arrogant and conceited. I will definitely report him to the teacher later!

However, she felt much better after seeing Zheng Zhuang's face. Heaven is fair!

He was given amazing talent, but not a handsome appearance; otherwise, he would have become incredibly arrogant.

Alas, I wonder if I will ever meet someone in this life who has both qualities; such a gentleman would be my perfect match.

Thinking of this, Liu Mengchen blushed slightly.

Zheng Zhuang, standing to the side, secretly thought to himself that things were not going well. He had already adopted such a posture, how could she possibly have any wild thoughts?

Upon entering, Zheng Zhuang made a decisive decision. Based on his experience from his previous life, he knew that if he wanted to reject someone he didn't like, he had to do it as early as possible and thoroughly.

Seeds must be nipped in the bud!

Because some sycophants are very persistent; they won't give up as long as there's even a glimmer of hope.

He recalled that he was like this in his past life. One day, the goddess would hurl insults at him, but the next day, a simple "Are you there?" would excite him. How shameful!

So he pretended not to care and didn't say a word, just to end this ill-fated relationship as soon as possible!

Each with their own thoughts, the two soon arrived at a study.

"We've arrived, please come in, young master!" Liu Mengchen gently opened the door.

"Hahaha!" A hearty laugh rang out, and Meng Chang came out to greet him. "This must be Young Master Zheng. Indeed... he has an extraordinary air about him!"

Meng Chang originally intended to praise Zheng Zhuang's "extraordinary appearance," but changed his words the moment he saw him.

Because of the poem, Meng Chang had a preconceived notion that the poet must be a free-spirited and dashing hermit, but he never expected him to be such an ordinary young man.

However, he was worldly-wise, and his expression remained unchanged, so no one felt embarrassed at all.

Meng Chang had a unique way of dealing with people: to encourage more and scold less.

If you encounter someone who is ugly, you can praise them for being smart; if someone is stupid, you can praise them for being hardworking; if someone is lazy, you can praise them for having a good attitude. In this way, everyone will be happy.

His ability to rise to the position of dean was not only due to his academic knowledge, but also related to his consistent adherence to this principle of conduct.

He taught many students, and even those who weren't his direct students often encouraged him. Some of those students were able to succeed, and they would all feel that they had achieved what they had today because of Mr. Meng's encouragement.

Therefore, when the previous dean left office, his popularity was unparalleled, and he naturally became the dean.