The Prodigal Son

Inside the peony garden, Qin Yu and Shangguan Youyi were accompanying Zhao Yan on a stroll.

Zhao Yan was quite talkative and chatted enthusiastically with Shangguan Youyi.

Qin Yu didn't interrupt much, only making a few casual remarks, but his mind was on Zhao Luan's matter.

I wonder how the female demon's talk with the Empress Dowager went.

If the Empress Dowager refuses to help, this matter will probably have to be discussed at length.

What they feared most was that the Empress Dowager harbored deep resentment and would tell Zhao Yan, that grandson, about their plans.

If that were the case, I'm afraid the only option would be to kill that bastard Zhao Yan.

"Qin Yu, Qin Yu..."

Zhao Yan's voice rang in Qin Yu's ears.

Qin Yu snapped out of his reverie and looked at Zhao Yan with a puzzled expression. "What instructions does the Crown Prince have?"

"I wouldn't call it giving advice."

Zhao Yan gave a gentle and refined smile. "Lady Shangguan just mentioned that she likes the lotus flowers in the peony garden the most. Are there any flowers, plants, or trees that you like in this peony garden?"

Zhao Yan's question surprised Qin Yu for a moment.

Why did he suddenly ask that?

Or what, you think you're going to pursue me?

vomit……

Qin Yu felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly banished the distracting thoughts from his mind, glanced around casually, and then fixed his gaze on a weed on the ground. "This is what I like!"

As Qin Yu spoke, he pointed with his foot at the weeds on the ground.

"Weeds?"

Zhao Yan clearly did not expect Qin Yu to give such an answer.

Shangguan Youyi was also quite surprised and asked with great curiosity, "Why does Physician Qin have such a fondness for these weeds?"

"Very resilient!"

Qin Yu smiled, "Although it's inconspicuous and disliked by many, it has a tenacious vitality. It doesn't need careful care; even if it's burned to ashes, it will sprout again next spring!"

Upon hearing Qin Yu's words, a strange light involuntarily flashed in Shangguan Youyi's eyes.

"Is that so?"

Zhao Yan chuckled, slowly squatted down, and pulled up a weed from the ground by the roots, casually tossing it aside.

Zhao Yan stood up, raised an eyebrow at Qin Yu: "The reason you think weeds are resilient is because you're using the wrong methods!"

"Like me, these weeds will die completely under the scorching sun in less than a day!"

"Weeds are just weeds; they're not only undesirable, but they also hinder the growth of crops!"

Sensing Zhao Yan's hostility towards Qin Yu, Shangguan Youyi couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

So Zhao Yan has started to confront Qin Yu directly?

interesting!

Despite Zhao Yan's provocation, Qin Yu remained unperturbed and calmly inquired, "Then what kind of flowers, plants, and trees does the young master prefer?"

"bamboo!"

Zhao Yan pointed to a clump of bamboo not far away and smiled, saying, "Bamboo is lofty but not aloof; it is resilient, indomitable, humble, and upright!"

"Looks like we're really not cut out for each other!" Qin Yu glanced at the clump of bamboo with disgust. "I hate bamboo more than anything!"

Why?

Zhao Yan narrowed her eyes slightly.

Qin Yu shook his head and smiled to himself, then slowly spoke:

"Bamboo resembles a hypocrite, outwardly firm but inwardly hollow."

"In a flock they can block out the sun, but standing alone they cannot withstand the wind."

"Thin roots are good at gathering acupoints, and a supple waist is used to bowing."

"Scholars often love this, and they share the same sentiments."

As Qin Yu finished speaking, Zhao Yan clenched his fists tightly, a murderous intent rising in his heart.

hypocrite!

How dare you!

Qin Yu actually dared to indirectly call him a hypocrite to his face?

Do not!

No beating around the bush!

They're insulting him right to his face!

In all these years, no one has ever dared to be so presumptuous in front of him!

Zhao Yan's anger surged, and if he hadn't been concerned about saving face, he probably would have lost his temper on the spot.

"You sure know how to talk!"

Zhao Yan slowly loosened his fist, a forced smile returning to his face. "The Confucian Temple Debate is in a couple of days. You're the reincarnation of the God of Literature, and with such a sharp tongue, why don't you go join the fun?"

Yo?

The information provided by Lü Si is true!

This bastard tries to get me to participate in the Confucian Temple debate whenever he gets the chance!

But the more he does this, the less I can let him have his way!

Let him just stare blankly!

Thinking this, Qin Yu waved his hands repeatedly, "I'm so busy right now, I won't join in the fun!"

Shangguan Youyi glanced at him and smiled, saying, "Qin Langzhong can go and have a look too! The scholars at the Confucian Temple would certainly love to witness the brilliance of this literary star!"

Hearing Shangguan Youyi's words, Qin Yu couldn't help but frown secretly.

What does she mean by that?

So you're starting to turn the tables on yourself?

Or perhaps, this is the female demon's intention?

Haven't we already found a way to deal with the Prince of Chengyang?

Why are you still doing this?

"Lord Shangguan is right!"

Zhao Yan nodded and said, "I will also participate in the Confucian Temple debate; I've been wanting to have a debate with Lord Qin!"

Zhao Yan made no attempt to conceal his purpose.

There's no point in hiding it.

Qin Yu is an obstacle that Zhao Luan has set up for him, and he must get over it!

"Forget it!"

Qin Yu waved his hand, "I'm the kind of person who doesn't do things without a reason. Why would I go if there's no benefit for me?"

He's not afraid of debates at all!

Thinking back to my past life, I was a well-known debate prodigy in college.

His most glorious achievement was making the opposing female debater cry.

Later, her brainless boyfriend, her best friend, and her best friend's sycophant all took turns demanding that she apologize to them, but she ended up making them all cry.

"It really does have its advantages."

Shangguan Youyi smiled, "Although the Confucian Temple Debate is just a debate, it is a comprehensive test of one's knowledge, learning, eloquence, and quick thinking. The Confucian Temple Debate is very good for personal development!"

"What kind of benefit is this?"

Qin Yu rolled her eyes at her. "Wouldn't it be more beneficial for me to debate with those ministers in the court than to waste my time debating with them?"

Shangguan Youyi was speechless, unsure of what to say.

"So what benefits do you want?"

Zhao Yan squinted and asked.

Qin Yu didn't speak, but simply rubbed two fingers together.

Zhao Yan and Shangguan Youyi both looked puzzled, not knowing what he meant.

They're out of touch!

"Appearance fee!"

Seeing that they didn't understand, Qin Yu stopped beating around the bush, "I've taken time out of my busy schedule to participate in some debate, so I should at least get some appearance fee, right?"

"I've always been greedy and lustful. Will the young master give me tens of thousands of taels of silver, or will he send me several beautiful women?"

Such an appearance fee?

Understanding Qin Yu's meaning, Zhao Yan couldn't help but curse Qin Yu inwardly as shameless.

Zhao Yan suppressed the urge to berate Qin Yu and said with a smile, "This is an opportunity for Physician Qin to showcase his talent, why would he want any benefits?"

"Because I don't get up early for nothing!" Qin Yu revealed a frank smile.

Zhao Yan's face twitched slightly, and he raised an eyebrow, saying, "Does Doctor Qin not dare to accept my challenge?"

"Provocation won't work on me!"

Qin Yu smiled dismissively, "If I don't set a threshold, won't just any Tom, Dick, or Harry challenge me and use me as a stepping stone to gain fame?"

Cats and dogs?

Zhao Yan's anger reignited.

This fool is courting death!

How dare you compare yourself to a cat or a dog?

Just as Zhao Yan was suppressing his anger, a eunuch trotted over and whispered in Shangguan Youyi's ear.

Shangguan Youyi's expression changed, and he quickly followed after her.

Qin Yu and Zhao Yan were stunned for a moment, then quickly followed...