Chapter 163 - 116: "Willing to Take the Bait" Written in Wild Grass

Chapter 163: Chapter 116: "Willing to Take the Bait" Written in Wild Grass

Four large, bold characters were written on the rice paper with flamboyant strokes.

"The willing take the bait."

These four characters were written in Wild Grass calligraphy, each stroke flowing as smoothly as drifting clouds and running water.

While writing, Zeng Anmin noticed a distinct detail. Ever since he had entered the Dao, he had become far more adept at cursive script than before! There were fewer distractions in his mind as he wrote. With every character he formed, a profound sense of comfort washed over him. Furthermore, as his brush moved, his comprehension of the Dao of Calligraphy deepened, and the Vast Righteous Qi within his chest subtly fluctuated in response.

"The willing take the bait?" Qin Shoucheng was perplexed. Looking at the four words, he raised his head in confusion and asked Zeng Anmin, "What does this mean?"

"Uh, it refers to a legendary, top-tier angler," Zeng Anmin explained with a serious expression.

"Oh!" Qin Shoucheng’s eyes suddenly lit up. "Since ancient times, those born as sages have all possessed an aura of affinity and tolerance.

"That ancient sage must have radiated such warmth that the fish in the pond scrambled over one another, willing to bite the hook!

"Excellent, truly excellent! This suits me perfectly!!"

In the room, only Qin Wanyue’s expression stiffened. She glanced hesitantly at her elderly father but ultimately pursed her lips, not daring to say another word.

At this moment, the way Qin Shoucheng looked at Zeng Anmin changed. The previous wariness was gone, replaced by the joy of finding a kindred spirit. The more he looked at Zeng Anmin, the more satisfied he felt.

RUSTLE.

He reached out, gently lifting the four large characters Zeng Anmin had written, and studied them carefully for a long time.

"The essence of the wild cursive remains undiminished—elegant, free-spirited, and flowing like clouds and water. It is as if crafted by nature itself!" Qin Shoucheng exclaimed. "This kind of calligraphy will definitely go down in history!!"

The more he looked at it, the more he loved the writing in his hands.

"Uh, as long as you’re happy," Zeng Anmin said, scratching his head and revealing a pure, innocent smile.

"I heard that you have also entered the Dao in Archery, one of the Six Arts." As if recalling something, Qin Shoucheng fixed his gaze squarely on Zeng Anmin.

"It was just a stroke of luck," Zeng Anmin smiled modestly.

EXHALE.

Qin Shoucheng narrowed his eyes before nodding slightly. He glanced around before meeting Zeng Anmin’s eyes again. "Then, once your Confucian Dao reaches the Sixth Grade, you will be able to condense your Dharma Aspect."

Hearing this, Zeng Anmin’s eyes narrowed slightly. Not many people knew that he had already broken through to the Sixth Grade. Those in the know included his old man, Qin Shoucheng, Qin Wanyue, Mr. Tian who taught Archery, and the Crown Prince. None of them were gossips.

From Qin Shoucheng’s words, Zeng Anmin could discern the underlying meaning. The teacher had likely deduced that despite consecutively entering the Dao through both Archery and Calligraphy, Zeng Anmin still hadn’t broken through to the Fifth Grade. Possessing an aptitude comparable to the ancient sages, Qin Shoucheng didn’t want the news to spread too quickly. This was a disguised form of protection.

Understanding this, Zeng Anmin nodded with a smile and bowed respectfully. "What you say is absolutely correct, sir."

"Mhm." Holding the four characters "The willing take the bait" in his hands, Qin Shoucheng slowly walked toward the door. His voice drifted into the ears of all the students. "Class dismissed."

After stepping out of the classroom, Qin Shoucheng held up the words "The willing take the bait," his face filled with absolute delight.

"Good! Excellent!"

Only after walking a fair distance away did he finally burst into hearty laughter.

Back in the classroom.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on Zeng Anmin. Liu Xian took a deep breath, looking at him with bright, burning eyes. "Quan Fu, could you write a piece for me so I can copy and practice it?"

As soon as those words were spoken, the rest of the students snapped out of their daze.

"Quan Fu, I also need your guidance!"

"Oh my! Quan Fu, how about we head to the Imperial Music Bureau tonight? Don’t worry, it’s my treat!"

"There are many academic problems I don’t understand. Could you help clear my confusion, Quan Fu?"

A cacophony of voices erupted all at once.

Zeng Anmin merely chuckled and nodded. "Don’t rush. One at a time."

Night fell.

Zeng Anmin stepped out of the main gates of the Imperial College. His entry into the Dao through Calligraphy could not be hidden. He just didn’t know how quickly or in what manner his fame would spread. Of course, these matters had little to do with him right now. At present, he had to deal with Liu Haitang, who was standing right in front of him.

"Quan Fu, tomorrow is our day off. Would you like to come over to my house as a guest?" Liu Xian’s face was full of smiles. He rubbed his hands together somewhat sheepishly and said, "I often tell my mother that I’ve met a brilliant friend at the college. She wants me to invite you over for a visit... What do you think?"

Hm?

Hearing this, Zeng Anmin blinked slightly. "Your mother wants to see me?"

"Yes, Quan Fu. When will you be free?" Liu Xian knew that his request was rather presumptuous. But whenever he thought of his mother’s strict gaze, he felt that he had to risk it all to deliver the invitation today.

An invitation from an elder was not easily declined. Moreover, Zeng Anmin had no intention of refusing. He genuinely wanted to visit Liu Xian’s home, or rather, use Liu Xian to get into the Liangyou Chamber of Commerce to see if he could get his hands on their account books.

"That sounds fine." Zeng Anmin turned his horse around and looked directly at Liu Xian. "Let’s go."

"Right now?" Liu Xian was stunned. He stared blankly at Zeng Anmin.

"It’s a good thing to pay respects to your elders," Zeng Anmin nodded as if it were a matter of course. In reality, he wanted to see if he could meet Liu Xian’s father—the president of the Liangyou Chamber of Commerce, Liu Sanjiang!

"This..." Liu Xian’s face flushed slightly red. He clearly hadn’t expected Zeng Anmin to give him so much face!

"Quan Fu, from now on, you’re my real brother!!" Liu Xian said, his voice even choking up a little. He gently straightened the begonia pinned to his head, his expression turning extremely solemn as he bowed deeply to Zeng Anmin. "In the future, if you have any orders for me, I will never disobey!!"

"Stop sprouting nonsense and let’s go." Zeng Anmin cast him a sidelong glance and raised his Horse Whip. "Lead the way!!"

As the night fully set in, Zeng Anmin followed Liu Xian’s carriage until they slowly came to a halt in front of an extremely spacious mansion. He obviously hadn’t expected the Liu Mansion to be so far from the Imperial College! The journey had taken more than half an hour. Though the estate looked incredibly luxurious, its location was indeed a bit remote.

Then again, it made sense. For a merchant family to occupy such a magnificent estate in the capital was already a special grace. If it had been any closer to the imperial palace, they would likely be accused of overstepping their bounds.

"Take your time, Quan Fu."

As soon as they arrived, Liu Xian hurried out of his carriage and made a gesture to help Zeng Anmin dismount. However, Zeng Anmin’s horsemanship was truly impressive. With a light tap of his toes, he gracefully and nimbly alighted from his horse like a butterfly.

"Young Master, you have returned." A servant from the Liu Mansion emerged with extreme respect.

"Mhm." Liu Xian looked down at the servant. "My dear friend Quan Fu has come to visit as a guest. Notify all the servants in the mansion to keep their eyes sharp."

"Yes." The servant carefully stole a glance at Zeng Anmin.

"Heh." Zeng Anmin chuckled lightly. Having rushed over today, he still hadn’t taken off his Imperial College student uniform. "Pardon the intrusion," he said softly.

The servant quickly bowed deeper, a respectful smile on his face. "Since you are an esteemed guest of the Young Master, there is no such thing as an intrusion. Your presence is a blessing to our mansion."

"Oh?" Zeng Anmin raised an eyebrow and casually asked Liu Xian, "Who does he serve? He certainly knows how to speak well."

"He’s the mansion’s butler," Liu Xian beamed warmly. He gently guided Zeng Anmin forward, extending his other hand toward the main gate. "Please."

"Mhm." Zeng Anmin followed Liu Xian through the main gate.

After entering the mansion, Zeng Anmin’s gaze rapidly, yet casually, swept over his surroundings. This was the outer courtyard, and its furnishings were largely the same as any standard estate. It wasn’t until they made their way into the inner courtyard that Zeng Anmin’s gaze grew much more profound. He quietly observed the environment of the courtyard as he followed Liu Xian toward the main hall of the Liu Mansion.

Just as they approached the main hall, Zeng Anmin faintly heard a crisp, melodious ringing—DING DONG.

It sounded like a Chime Bell. It rang out gradually, like a gentle, flowing spring, incredibly pleasant to the ear.

"This Chime Bell music is truly beautiful," Zeng Anmin couldn’t help but praise.