With a wave of his hand, Lin Muping produced a clutter of gifts, much to Ye Wen's surprise. The young master of the Lin family continued, "These are all tokens of our initial meeting for Brother Ye and all of you. Besides these..." As he spoke, he pointed outside. Following his gaze, Ye Wen saw numerous servants and retainers waiting outside, carrying large chests.

This display did not escape the notice of many onlookers, who gathered around, buzzing with discussion.

"Good heavens, what's all this about?"

"You don't know? The newly crowned First Scholar lives here; they're all here to propose marriage!"

"Oh! I see. No wonder I thought this inn was constantly busy today—it's because the First Scholar is staying here!" Then, noticing the pile of large and small boxes, the speaker asked, "Such extravagance—which family is this?"

"Minister Lin's family!"

"Minister Lin? Isn't that..."

"Hush! Say no more, just watch the show!"

Lin Pingzhi offered a slight smile. "These are all introductory gifts for the First Scholar, Brother Xu. I hope Brother Ye will accept them on his behalf!"

Ye Wen could now clearly see the lengths the Lin family was going to secure Xu Xian as a son-in-law. If they maintained this fervor, it would be hard to handle. He decided to test the waters cautiously. "Regarding my junior martial brother's affairs, I cannot speak for him. Moreover, the kindness shown by Young Master Lin today with these gifts is..." He gently pushed the stack of presents before him slightly outward. "It would be improper for me to accept such gifts. Young Master Lin, perhaps you should..."

Before he could finish, Lin Pingzhi interrupted. "These are mere tokens of greeting and have nothing to do with Brother Xu's situation! Brother Ye, please do not refuse!" He then pushed the pile of items back to their original position. "As for Brother Xu, I only ask that Brother Ye agree to speak on our behalf. Whether it succeeds or not is ultimately unimportant!"

Ye Wen's eyelids twitched upon hearing this. He thought to himself that the Lin family was indeed extraordinary. Presenting such generous gifts regardless of the outcome established a connection. Even if Xu Xian refused to marry their daughter, there would be no total loss of goodwill. Furthermore, Xu Xian, as the First Scholar, might naturally align somewhat with the Lin family in his future official career—a form of investment in bureaucracy.

As Ye Wen hesitated, Lin Pingzhi lowered his voice. "I am aware that my elder sister has a rather poor reputation in the capital. However, my sister is educated and reasonable, and while her temper might be somewhat strong, she is not unreasonable! The stories circulating in the capital about her are largely exaggerated rumors that have spiraled out of control!"

Likes using a whip, and has a bad temper, does she? Ye Wen muttered internally, remaining silent. He simply reached out and opened a small, exquisite box resting before him, revealing a pair of blue-green gemstone pendant earrings.

As Ye Wen opened the box, Ning Ruxue, who had been sitting silently beside him, glanced over. Upon seeing the earrings, she clearly admired them and looked for a moment longer.

Noticing this, Ye Wen presented them to her. "If you like them, take them!"

Then, turning back to Lin Pingzhi, Ye Wen stated, "I, Ye Wen, am not one to accept favors without reciprocity. Speak." He then drew his long sword with a sharp clang.

The sword was a standard-issue weapon of the Shu Shan Sect, nothing unusual. Lin Pingzhi was puzzled, wondering why Ye Wen had drawn such a blade, and exchanged a look with the elder brother accompanying him.

As they watched in surprise, Ye Wen held the sword upright before him, grasping the hilt with his left hand inverted, while raising his right index finger, channeling his Qi Sword Finger technique. A faint purple sword aura flickered at his fingertip. At this sight alone, the expression of the elder brother opposite him changed drastically, and his admiration for this young master of the Shu Shan Sect deepened immeasurably.

The two men sitting opposite could not see exactly what Ye Wen was doing, but they heard a ceaseless sound of metal scraping—a grating, unpleasant noise.

Fortunately, the sound vanished after only a moment. Ye Wen presented the sword to Lin Pingzhi. "Consider this a token of trust. Should you require my assistance for anything, take this sword and seek me out on Mount Shu, outside Shushan County in Pingzhou!"

Lin Pingzhi took the sword and examined it. The normally bright and smooth blade now bore the inscription, "Shu Shan Sect, Ye Wen," etched in bold, powerful strokes—a testament to excellent calligraphy. Furthermore, Ye Wen had inscribed this upon the steel using only his finger. He had only ever heard of such divine skill in the tales of storytellers, never witnessed it firsthand.

Having received instruction since childhood, Lin Pingzhi understood the significance of this sword immediately. Especially seeing his elder brother’s reaction, he knew such a master was not someone encountered casually, like common cabbage.

He had initially assumed Ye Wen was merely a proficient martial artist, perhaps a skilled figure in the Jianghu, but not someone excessively formidable. Now he understood that Ye Wen was a true master. The Lin family’s journey here was worthwhile simply to make the acquaintance of such an expert, justifying the large gifts presented.

He accepted the sheath offered by the attendant dressed in fine silks, then returned the sheathed sword to his most trusted elder brother. Lin Pingzhi finally said, "Brother Ye is too kind!"

Ye Wen offered no reply, merely taking a sip of his tea.

He was being polite. Otherwise, accepting a mountain of gifts without offering corresponding assistance would truly weigh on his conscience. After all, he had no real impression of the unseen eldest daughter of the Lin family and naturally could not advocate for her.

After a period of idle chatter, Lin Pingzhi suddenly asked, "I wonder if your sect is still accepting disciples?"

Ye Wen blinked, then seeing Lin Pingzhi's eager expression, immediately realized the young master was interested in martial arts training. But could a Minister’s son endure the rigors of true cultivation?

As he observed, Lin Pingzhi continued, "I have studied martial arts with my elder brother here for several years. Although it’s just some basic stances, I assume I have some foundation and shouldn't be too poor!"

Despite saying this, his expression betrayed a hint of insecurity. He knew himself well. His main studies involved policy analysis, poetry, and occasionally learning interpersonal skills from his father. Though young, not yet twenty, he possessed considerable knowledge and was rather seasoned in worldly affairs.

The consequence of such intense study was a frail constitution. Furthermore, as a son of a wealthy family, by his age, most men would have several concubines warming their beds and the occasional venture into decadent pleasures—his health certainly wasn't optimal. Free time was also scarce, leaving almost no opportunity for martial arts practice. If his father hadn't insisted that appropriate exercise promotes health, he likely wouldn't even have this little time for training.

Ye Wen glanced at him, then raised his right hand, gesturing for a pulse reading. Lin Pingzhi understood immediately that this meant examining his aptitude and immediately offered his wrist.

After feeling the pulse for a while, Ye Wen frowned. "Your constitution is quite poor..."

Lin Pingzhi was surprised that his underlying condition was revealed so easily, and responded with embarrassment, "I have consumed various tonics, but the effect is limited!"

"Don't take too many of those heavy supplements; too much is detrimental!" Ye Wen then inquired, "What martial arts have you practiced?"

Lin Pingzhi listed what he knew: mostly simple sword forms, fists, and palms. He had also attempted Qi cultivation exercises but could never master the entry point.

Ye Wen pondered for a moment, finally pressing down on Lin Pingzhi’s wrist and channeling a thread of Zhenqi (True Qi) into him, whispering instructions. "Remember the path this Zhenqi takes as it circulates within your body!"

Lin Pingzhi was stunned but instantly recognized this as an immense blessing. He dared not speak, quietly sensing the warm, silken thread weaving through his internal channels, so much so that he didn't even notice when Ye Wen withdrew his hand.

When he snapped back to attention, intending to offer his thanks, Ye Wen spoke. "We have met, and this is fate. By helping you cross this threshold today, if you diligently practice along this route, even if you don't become a martial arts master, maintaining longevity and good health should be no problem."

The circulation route he had just imparted was a very basic breathing technique, akin to foundational internal arts. It was actually a modified version of the breathing exercises Ye Wen himself had practiced initially. Having long cultivated Daoist internal arts, he possessed a certain understanding of Qi nourishment and had devised this exercise specifically as a favor to grant others.

This technique's ability to cultivate Qi was mediocre, but it maintained the Daoist characteristic of being highly effective for nurturing and conditioning the body. If an ordinary person practiced diligently without fail, they could remain spry well into their seventies or eighties and develop a respectable degree of internal power.

By imparting this to Lin Pingzhi, the Shu Shan Sect had earned goodwill from the Lin family. As for the marriage proposal, it seemed both parties had intentionally or unintentionally sidelined the matter.

Lin Pingzhi was not obtuse. Judging by everyone’s demeanor, he understood that securing Xu Xian as a son-in-law today was virtually impossible. However, leaving with these benefits certainly meant the trip wasn't wasted.

His bond with Ye Wen had deepened. Setting aside the possibility of needing favors in the future, having an ally was always beneficial.

More importantly, if the Lin family could forge ties with the Shu Shan Sect, they could later request outstanding disciples from the Meishan Sect to safeguard their family’s peace—a benefit far surpassing anything else.

"Actually, what interests me most is the Qi cultivation method Brother Ye taught me. That sliver of warmth swirling inside my body is truly fascinating!"

The guard heard this and was also awestruck. To implant a strand of Zhenqi into a person's body where it remains active and circulating was certainly the mark of a master one should look up to.

"Young Master has gained such an opportunity; you must practice diligently henceforth!"

Lin Pingzhi smiled. "Naturally!" He remembered Ye Wen’s parting instruction whispered into his ear: The strand of Zhenqi I sent into your body will dissipate on its own after seven days. If you practice diligently these next few days, you can cultivate a Zhenqi of your own, and its disappearance will not matter. If you do not practice, once it dissipates, cultivating your own Zhenqi will become much more difficult! My help today will at most only make you feel physically refreshed.

Besides that, practice this health-preserving art well; it will greatly benefit your exertions in the bedroom as well!

This final sentence solidified the Lin family scion's resolve to practice the technique fiercely. He thought to himself, I must test the rumored prowess of an entire night without exhaustion!

Little did he know, as soon as he left, the young master of the Baili family arrived to pay respects to Ye Wen.

"Is Young Master Baili also here to propose marriage for a sister?" Ye Wen didn't recall much about Young Master Baili; he had been rather quiet during their previous conversation. He hadn't expected a visit today.

The moment he spoke, Ye Wen realized his assumption was wrong. "I have come specifically to pay my respects to Brother Ye today!" Seeing Ye Wen's puzzled look, Baili Ming explained, "Brother Ye might wonder why I've come specifically to visit. In truth, my Baili family is a military lineage with some ancestral martial arts, so we naturally feel close to those in the Jianghu; that's why I've come to call on you!"

"Oh..."

Ye Wen then learned that Baili Ming’s father was a Commander in the Imperial Guard, holding considerable authority and responsible for the capital's defenses. Baili Ming himself held a nominal post in the Guard, likely destined for a substantive role in a few years.

Baili Ming hadn't come under any direct orders today; he was simply establishing rapport with Ye Wen. After chatting for a while, Baili Ming took his leave.

Yet, despite his words, Ye Wen felt it wasn't that simple. Why would Baili Ming specifically seek out the leader of a small sect from the countryside? In essence, he was trying to leverage acquaintance to win him over.

Never mind that his junior brother was the new First Scholar and he himself possessed exceptional skill—if the Baili family could secure his allegiance, they would indirectly influence Xu Xian. They would also establish a relationship with the Shu Shan Sect, potentially gaining a few outstanding disciples to bolster their own ranks, which would be a significant advantage.

"None of these sons of officials are fools!"

After seeing Baili Ming off, Ye Wen looked at the pile of gifts filling his room and secretly wondered if he should leave the capital sooner rather than later. If this continued, he wouldn't fare much better than Xu Xian. Being the center of attention, like a rare giant panda being gawked at, was truly unpleasant.

As he was contemplating this, Xu Xian walked in, looking utterly exhausted. Seeing the scene in Ye Wen's room, he couldn't help but laugh. "Senior Brother must have had a busy day too?"

Ye Wen had anticipated Xu Xian's schadenfreude and replied drily, "It's all thanks to my junior brother's status as First Scholar!" Then he added, "Didn't you say you only intended to muddle through casually?"

"I did try to muddle through! But it didn't work..." Xu Xian’s face was full of gloom as he spoke of it. He never expected this year's imperial examination to be so flimsy that his casually answered papers resulted in the top rank.

Ye Wen could only sigh at Xu Xian's predicament and dropped the subject, asking instead, "When do you plan to leave the capital?"

Xu Xian considered. "At the very least, I must wait until the Emperor has bestowed honors upon us new Jinshi scholars, and then report to our assigned departments!"

"Oh! Which department do you think you'll enter?" In Ye Wen's memory, most newly minted Jinshi entered the Hanlin Academy, but he wasn't sure if this dynasty had such a body.

Xu Xian explained, "The third-tier Jinshi usually enter the Hanlin Academy—it's a sinecure with little real influence, and there’s no telling when one might advance out. The second-tier Jinshi are less certain; some go to the Hanlin Academy, and some are sent to the Six Ministries for training."

"And the first-tier?" The first tier consists of the Zhuangyuan (First Scholar), Bangyan (Second Scholar), and Tanhua (Third Scholar). By Xu Xian's tone, he would, at the very least, be assigned to a substantial department for training, making resignation very difficult later on.

"Definitely the Six Ministries! Where exactly I go depends on the Emperor's decision!" Xu Xian also realized this difficulty and immediately leaned towards Ye Wen, whispering, "Senior Brother, do you have any Qingguo left?"

"You mean...?"

Xu Xian held up a finger. "If necessary, we'll have to resort to that! But for now, we must leave the capital and return to Shu Shan!"

After chatting for a while, they noticed the hour was late. Looking at the jumble of gifts in the room, Ye Wen knew they couldn't eat there. "Let's go to the main hall for a bite! It's just being watched; they aren't staring at me anyway!"

The group bustled into the main hall. It was dinner time, and the hall was crowded. After much effort, Ye Wen's party secured two tables and ordered their food, only to see numerous people crowding around, hoping to get close to Xu Xian. Many acted as if they had been waiting precisely for the First Scholar to make an appearance.

Some approached to chat and observe, others offered unsolicited self-recommendations, such as suggesting positions as Xu Xian's personal secretary. Even more extreme was a girl who knelt before Xu Xian, weeping and begging to become his concubine, leaving Xu Xian utterly flustered.

Dinner was a lively affair, with Ye Wen treating it as watching a street performance.

Because everyone around them was watching, he initially failed to notice two women in a distant corner, pretending to eat while quietly discussing their group.

"Young..."

The person opposite glared.

"Miss... that is the newly crowned First Scholar, Xu Xian!"

The woman, whose striking appearance also drew considerable attention without her seeming bothered by it, replied, "I can see that without you telling me, do I need you to state the obvious?"

This woman wore a dress made of the finest silk, and coupled with her exceptional demeanor, an air of nobility was undeniable. Sitting in such a corner, she was genuinely conspicuous, though most people in the hall were focused on the First Scholar due to his overwhelming aura.

"Miss, the Imperial... the Eldest Young Master intends to offer you in marriage to that Young Master Xu! Your servant observes that Young Master Xu is handsome and highly talented; he is barely worthy of you!"

The woman raised her eyes slightly, glancing toward Xu Xian, then declared proudly, "What good is a man who looks as delicate as a woman? Besides," as Xu Xian happened to cough twice, "he seems so frail—can he even be called a man? I find the one next to him more pleasing to the eye." She pointed toward one of the Shu Shan disciples. "Moving around so freely while carrying such a large weapon—that is a real man."

The maid nervously continued, "Miss, that is the First Scholar, rumored to possess extraordinary literary talent. During the imperial examination, there was almost no dispute; all the ministers unanimously recommended him for the top spot! Isn't such talent precisely what you stipulated?"

The woman snorted. "My requirements were: exceptional literary talent, education and propriety, outstanding appearance, a firm bearing, and preferably some martial skill—only then could he be considered both scholarly and martial, barely worthy of me!"

The maid stuck out her tongue. "To meet all of Miss’s requirements, that man would likely be an old man by then!" This was because the young woman’s demands were so numerous and high that few men in their early twenties could possibly satisfy them all.

Upon hearing this, the woman merely shot a dismissive glance. "Then it's because he isn't good enough to deserve me!" She added, "I came out discreetly today to gauge the caliber of that First Scholar... Hmph, he's nothing special!"

The maid glanced at the three tables of guards surrounding them, then looked at the many guards seated across the street, and a cold sweat broke out. "Miss, and you call this discreet?"

Meanwhile, Ye Wen had also noticed this group. He secretly commented to Xu Xian, "I wonder which young lady that is over there, bringing so many people to observe you! That’s quite the high-profile act!"

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