Jiang Wang was stunned.

Gone? Just like that?

A task that Zhongxuan Sheng needed either the Marquis of Bowang or the Marquis of Ding Yuan to speak up for, you managed with just a note?

Yan Xian Brother, you’re so amazing, why didn’t you say so earlier?

"Brother Yan," Jiang Wang said with deep respect, "I was young and ignorant before, and if there was anything I did wrong, please forgive me. Now that I’ve grown up, let’s get along well from now on."

Who taught you that!

Yan Fu couldn’t help but laugh and cry, "I didn’t say that I have much wider connections than Zhongxuan Pang. The affairs of Qi Country are vast like mountains and seas. Although there are nine Imperial Court Advisers, they can’t take care of everything personally. There are numerous officials beneath them, and things like the Yellow River Gathering slots are reported up layer by layer.

Those who don’t know the intricacies, like the Zhong Xuan Family having their roots in the Military Affairs Hall, would need to rely on the influence of several Marquises to directly send messages to the Imperial Court Advisers.

As for me, I just need to write a note and hand it to any official, and it’ll easily reach the Imperial Court Advisers. Seeing that it’s recommended by me, they usually won’t make things difficult. After all, my grandfather..."

He stopped there, "Of course, the main reason this was easy to handle is that you indeed qualify. Your strengths and reputation are sufficient, recommending you is not against the rules!"

Those who aren’t close wouldn’t say such things.

He doesn’t have to say anything, just casually mentioning it would make Jiang Wang owe him a big favor.

Zhongxuan Shengzhi knew that Yan Fu could handle this easily, but he didn’t reveal how easy it was. Because, if Yan Fu wanted a big favor for this, it was justified!

Yan Fu was very familiar with the courtesies among noble families, but he didn’t use them on Jiang Wang.

Because those who really knew Jiang Wang were aware that he was an exceptionally sincere person. Treat him with sincerity, and you will receive sincerity in return.

Jiang Wang didn’t utter words of gratitude but continued to jest with all seriousness, "Yan Xian Brother, in the past, I presumptuously addressed you as ’Xian Brother.’ Back then, I only knew you were rich, but not that you were so rich. Later on, I knew how rich you were, but I didn’t realize you also had so much power! Let’s say no more, from now on you can call me ’Fu Brother,’ and I’ll call you ’Wang Younger Brother!’"

Some things are better kept in the heart.

Not everyone can just write a note and have it reach the Imperial Court Advisers. What Yan Fu did effortlessly is the power and status many dream of. But Yan Fu wouldn’t help just anyone. To someone like him, money can be thrown around and spent without care, but he wouldn’t lightly do something that seemed even simpler, like writing a note.

Because each note spent the goodwill the Yan family had accumulated over many years. If Yan Fu didn’t rise before it was exhausted, the Yan family would be no more.

Many top-tier aristocratic and meritorious families have fallen this way.

Yan Fu didn’t tease him, and with his usual grace, he continued gently, "There won’t be any problem at the Political Affairs Hall. Once the list reaches His Majesty, however, no one can be sure. There might be literary or martial contests, but of course... the Emperor’s will is what matters most!"

Jiang Wang stroked his chin, wondering if the purple robe he had once been awarded counted as having "the Emperor’s favor."

But there was really no need to ponder this. Having only been in Qi Country for a few years, though he had taken root, there were still accumulations that required time. There were many nobles, perhaps even some whom Emperor Qi had watched grow up, how could he compare.

Jiang Wang put aside his contemplations and said softly with a smile, "Whatever the contest, literary or martial, I shall prevail with my sword!"

Indeed, he didn’t need to think anymore. Since he had decided to compete, no matter who the opponent was or how the competition was to be, he would prevail with his sword!

"Excellent spirit!" Young Master Yan clapped his hands and exclaimed, "I’m looking forward to that day already!"

The two continued to talk for a while, discussing some opponents that should be taken note of. The Yan family’s Housekeeper hurried in and whispered something in Yan Fu’s ear.

With Jiang Wang’s keen hearing, he could easily listen in, but he deliberately chose not to eavesdrop.

Turning back to Jiang Wang, Yan Fu said with a complex expression, "Miss Wen is on her way..."

His newly betrothed bride to be was Wen Yanyu’s daughter, Wen Tinglan.

Jiang Wang courteously stood up, "Then I will take my leave now. We can drink together another time."

"No, what I meant was..." Yan Fu raised his hand to stop him, "Don’t go yet, stay and accompany me for a bit. Her sudden visit is unexpected and I’m feeling a bit nervous..."

"..." Jiang Wang said in a stifled voice, "I lack the experience too."

"Just stay for a bit," urged Yan Fu soothingly, then turned to the Housekeeper, "Quick, invite Miss Wen in."

Jiang Wang wanted to decline, but he already heard footsteps approaching.

"There’s no need for further invitation," a gentle and pleasant voice followed, "I’ve come uninvited."

Yan Fu hurriedly stood to greet her, "Haha, Miss Wen, what brings you here today?"

No matter how one heard that laugh, it sounded forced.

Considering Yan Fu’s previous misfortune of being sent overseas by Jiang Wuyou... Jiang Wang suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable in his chair, itching to return home.

Yan Fu was right. Had he known securing a slot for the Yellow River Gathering was so easy, requiring only a letter, why bother visiting the Yan residence and enduring the agony?

Marquis Jiang calmed himself and firmly seated himself.

Regardless, one must not show weakness.

He tried to maintain a calm expression as he looked towards the door and greeted with the warmest smile he could muster, "Miss Wen, it is an honor to see you today."

The woman who entered the hall was graceful and gentle in her movements, clearly well-bred.

Upon seeing Jiang Wang, she curtseyed, "Young Master Jiang, Ting Lan has been presumptuous. I hope my visit hasn’t disrupted your important matters."

Her voice was pleasant, her expression tender, her manner cordial, and her words polite, but somehow it felt awkward.

Daqi had no rules about men and women not meeting before marriage, and it was common for engaged individuals to meet and socialize.

Putting oneself in their shoes revealed the source of the awkwardness. Yan Fu’s future wife visiting him, but directing to Jiang Wang that she was being presumptuous...

Jiang Wang, being from a rural background, wasn’t sure how to respond properly but stood up anyway, "Not at all, we’ve finished our business."

Seizing the moment to excuse himself and completely forgetting Yan Fu’s earlier request, he said, "Why don’t you two chat first? I have other matters to attend to..."

"Hahaha," Yan Fu laughed almost hysterically, drowning out Jiang Wang’s excuse, "What’s all this about presumption? We’re all friends here, come, sit and talk!"

He subtly forced Jiang Wang back into his seat.

Then turning, he ordered, "Bring the tea, quickly. You know what Miss Wen likes to drink, I don’t have to emphasize it again, right?"