Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

"Snapped!"

Ten paces away, Jiang Zhao tossed the arrow lightly, and it grazed the iron kettle as it flew past.

"What a pity." Jiang Zhao shook his head.

He used to play the game of pitch-pot when he was a child, and sometimes he could even hit the target nine times out of ten.

Unfortunately, since I've been busy with my studies, I've become rusty and lost my accuracy.

Nowadays, I can only manage three or four out of ten shots hit the target.

After Jiang Zhao passed by, it was Gu Tingye's turn. He took a step forward.

He aimed carefully and raised his hand.

"clatter!"

Impartial and unbiased, right in the center of the pot.

"Excellent skill!" Su Shi clapped his hands repeatedly.

In this era, some games are not as simple as they seem on the surface.

Like polo, it inherently involves certain equestrian requirements.

The accuracy of pitch-pot is actually somewhat related to archery.

Gu Tingye's skill in pitch-pot was impeccable, hitting the target every time without missing a single shot. Wasn't that a remarkable skill?

"Zhong Huai is indeed very skilled!" Jiang Zhao clapped his hands and praised.

"Haha!" Gu Tingye smiled modestly and waved his hand.

Just as he was about to speak, a maidservant hurried over.

"Master, Master!"

The maidservant approached Qi Heng and whispered, "The Princess has something to discuss with you, young master."

Young Qi Heng was taken aback, glanced in the direction of the pavilion, and nodded obediently.

Throughout history, those who were bestowed with titles from the ten kingdoms of Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, Qin, Wu, Yue, and Jin were considered the most prestigious.

Therefore, Qi Heng's great-grandfather—the first Duke of Qi—was undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the aristocratic circle.

However, because Qi Heng's great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were all纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats) for three generations and lacked the ability to maintain the Duke's power, the Qi State Duke's Mansion gradually declined.

To this day, three generations have not been rooted in the military, making them powerless and insignificant, merely empty shells with the title of Duke.

The Duke of Qi in this generation had no power, but in order to gain some power, he married the adopted daughter raised by the Empress, namely Princess Pingning.

Princess Pingning was raised by the Empress, so she was arrogant and had a relatively strong personality.

Princesses and Dukes were both top figures in the nobility circle, and there was no question of superiority or inferiority between them.

The princess's marriage to the duke could not be considered a marriage of high or low status.

Unfortunately, what is theoretically one thing is actually another.

For three generations, no one in the Qi State Duke's family had served in the military. The current Qi State Duke was also quite incompetent, and naturally lacked confidence in front of the princess, so he could only be obsequious and subservient.

As a result, Qi Heng had always seen his father as subservient and his mother as an exceptionally strong-willed person since childhood, so he never dared to disobey his mother in the slightest.

When the maid came to announce his arrival, Qi Heng dared not delay in the slightest and quickly bowed, saying, "My mother summoned me, so I had to leave abruptly. Please forgive me."

"It's alright." Jiang Zhao waved his hand dismissively.

He didn't know why Princess Pingning had recalled Qi Heng, but he knew about Princess Pingning's strong personality and Qi Heng's weak personality.

Since Princess Pingning had summoned him, Qi Heng certainly wouldn't dare to disobey.

Jiang Zhao glanced at Qi Heng and shook his head inwardly.

Just now, Qi Heng may have been trying to show his gentlemanly demeanor, or perhaps he couldn't let go of his status as a young master.

Anyway, he didn't say much.

He didn't even participate in the pitch-pot game; he just stood there and watched.

Jiang Zhao knew the plot, so he naturally knew about Qi Heng.

But Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, and the others were unaware of the plot.

Qi Heng's affected manner just now already detracted from his overall image.

The demeanor of a scholar?

Ah!

With just these few people, who among them can't read?

Since Qi Heng is keeping his distance, naturally no one will indulge him or take the initiative to get close to him.

During the long time it takes to play the arrow-throwing game, apart from Gu Tingye occasionally exchanging a few words with Qi Heng, the rest of the people probably didn't exchange more than five sentences with Qi Heng combined.

Once he leaves, Qi Heng will probably have a hard time even becoming a familiar face!

One can glean some insight from the behavior of Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, and Zeng Bu.

Apart from Jiang Zhao, who was in the lead, the others didn't even raise their hands to return the greeting.

"Qi Heng takes his leave." Qi Heng bowed and hurried toward the pavilion.

At the same time, Gu Tingye also shook his head inwardly.

As one of the few nobles who had achieved success through scholarship, Qi Heng had long been accustomed to the praise of "gentlemanly demeanor".

Therefore, he almost always maintained a composed demeanor, appearing refined, gentle, aloof, and distant.

Little did they know that this small circle was full of scholars who were good at reading.

Such gentlemanly conduct seems too deliberate.

Gu Tingye may be stubborn, but he is also a smart man and naturally knows the value of the small circle led by Jiang Zhao.

These people were all at the pinnacle of the younger generation of scholars—the junior scholars.

This is practically the most prestigious, powerful, famous, and talented small circle among the younger generation.

To truly integrate into this small circle, or even just barely remain outside it and become an "outsider," one must at least possess a unique skill.

Even if you don't become an "unofficial member," you should at least become acquainted with each other and be able to call each other friends. You should at least be able to put aside your pride and hang out with them.

It should be noted that this small circle alone includes two members of the "Top Three".

Once you integrate into this small circle, or become an "unofficial member" of the circle, you will never lack opportunities to become famous or to show yourself!

Just like him, there are already signs of him becoming an "outsider" in a small circle.

As the only one with a military background, he will certainly have no shortage of opportunities to prove himself should any of these men need military officers in the future.

Unfortunately, Qi Heng failed to seize the opportunity.

If you have no special skills and can't lower yourself to have fun together, how can you become friends?

Moreover, such opportunities to play pitch-pot together are not common.

Do you think that Hanlin Compilers, Hanlin Imperial Diarists, and Hanlin Bachelors have time to play pitch-pot with you all the time?

Gu Tingye glanced back a few times.

As expected, Qi Heng's departure barely attracted the attention of the group.

The "young master" whom I had only known for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn was aloof and barely spoke.

Aren't they complete strangers?

"clatter!"

"Hey!"

Su Shi threw the arrow, which grazed the edge of the iron kettle and fell inside, causing several people to shout.

"ah!"

"Su Shuchang is quite capable." Madam Wu took three steps in two, with a smile on her face. Her every move exuded a heroic spirit, which made people like her even more.

Right behind her was a boy of eleven or twelve years old.

"Madam Wu." Gu Tingye bowed respectfully.

Thus, Jiang Zhao, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zhang Heng, Zeng Gong and the others realized that the very generous and unrestrained woman in front of them was the organizer of the Jinmingchi Polo Tournament.

"Madam Wu".

The group exchanged glances and then bowed in unison.

"I caught a glimpse of you all at Jinmingchi just now, and I was afraid of being disrespectful, so I came over to call out to you."

Madam Wu laughed heartily, and her demeanor was completely unpretentious and charming.

Jiang Zhao smiled gently: "Madam Wu, you flatter me."

Madam Wu was a skilled socialist who knew that one should not speak too intimately with casual acquaintances and that greetings should not be too long, otherwise it would be considered a disturbance and would annoy people.

She pointed to the young man behind her: "This is my son Liang Han. If any of you need anything, please let him know."

Young Liang Han stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting: "My name is Liang Han. If you gentlemen need anything, please feel free to come to me."

Several people nodded slightly.

Upon seeing this, Madam Wu smiled, knelt down and bowed, saying, "In that case, I won't bother you any longer."

After saying this, Madam Wu pulled Liang Han along and walked towards the women's quarters.

Jiang Zhao slightly raised his eyebrows.

No wonder Madam Wu was able to organize the Jinmingchi Polo Club so well!

Given the situation just now, most wealthy women would probably choose to keep Liang Han and let their sons make friends.

Little did they know that such a hasty stay, if they didn't know how to speak, could lead them to end up like Qi Heng.

Let's go, it might not be a good idea.

If I don't leave, I'm not good at socializing.

The result is that it's difficult to even become a familiar face.

The way Madam Wu made her son show up briefly to leave an impression was quite good.

You might leave a vague impression after the first meeting, but you'll gradually become familiar with them after the second or third.

On the women's side, perhaps because she knew Sheng Hualan and was also a woman, Madam Wu spoke more.

But after less than ten words, he left with Liang Han.

After Madam Wu left, the other women continued making the dumplings.

Jiang Zhao and the others continued with the pitch-pot game.

"So, Zhonghuai is going to the academy to study and hone his strategic skills?" Jiang Zhao asked with a puzzled look.

Just now, during their conversation, Gu Tingye mentioned his ambition to become a scholar-general through studying.

“Exactly.” Gu Tingye nodded and said, “A real man must have a plan in his mind if he wants to realize his ambitions.”

As the second son, he had no right to inherit the title, nor did he intend to compete with his elder brother for the marquisate.

In the past, he had no plans for his future at all.

My decision to take up reading was made only recently.

On the one hand, his mother's early death, his father's misunderstanding, and his older brother's targeting over the years have made him realize that he can no longer be idle.

On the other hand, it was because he got to know Jiang Zhao and Sheng Changbai.

After his trip to Huaizuo, Gu Tingye met two scholars, Jiang Zhao and Sheng Changbai, which broadened his horizons considerably.

No wonder my father said that he used to associate with only bad friends!

Upon comparison, the old father was indeed right.

His friend was outstanding, so he couldn't fall behind, which inspired him to study.

Unexpectedly, before long he had even settled into his studies, he gradually came to know this special, top-tier circle of people, including Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, and Zeng Bu.

As a result, his plans for the future have changed somewhat.