"Behold his warm fragrance and glamorous jade, his spirit pure and peerless, a world apart from all on earth."

The fourth month of summer, at Prince Yu's Manor's private estate.

Inside the garden pavilion, Ling Qiyan rested with his eyes closed, reclining on a soft concubine's couch. Seven or eight maids surrounded him, the air filled with the lingering sound of a qin and the charming chatter of their soft voices.

A eunuch came in and reported in a low voice, "Your Highness, the third young master from Marquis Xian'an's Manor and the others have arrived."

Ling Qiyan's long, slender fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the couch. Without opening his eyes, he said, "Have them come over."

A group of lavishly dressed young masters, led by Zhang Yuan, the third son of Marquis Xian'an's Manor, entered the pavilion, followed by four or five students in the uniform of the Imperial Academy.

The newcomers all greeted Ling Qiyan. Zhang Yuan sidled up to Ling Qiyan with a smile and reported in a low voice, "Your Highness, I've brought the people."

Ling Qiyan frowned, opening his eyes to glance at him. "What people?"

The smile on Zhang Yuan's face froze for a moment. He explained helplessly, "A few days ago, Your Highness heard us mention that some of these scholars in the Imperial Academy... were rather interesting. You said you wanted to have a look, so we brought them here."

Ling Qiyan thought for a moment; it seemed there had been such a conversation.

Zhang Yuan and his group were all students of the Imperial Academy by hereditary privilege, having entered by relying on the noble titles and official positions of their elders. They hardly studied on a normal day but were adept at all manner of eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling. Each was an expert at dallying with beautiful maidens and male favorites.

A few days ago, they had mentioned in front of Ling Qiyan that the tribute students in the Imperial Academy, recommended from various regions, were mostly poor scholars. Many among them would, overtly or covertly, try to curry favor with powerful scions like them. They were more savvy than the catamites in the brothels, and cleaner, which made them more interesting to dally with.

Ling Qiyan had heard this at the time and casually remarked that he wanted to see for himself. And so today, Zhang Yuan had eagerly brought the people to his private estate.

The four or five students stood in a row, heads bowed and motionless, appearing extremely nervous. Ling Qiyan's gaze swept over them, but he couldn't see their faces. Somewhat displeased, he shot a sidelong glance at Zhang Yuan. "They're all trembling like quails? Could they really be interesting?"

Zhang Yuan forced a smile. "To be honest with Your Highness, the ones I brought for you are all virgins I picked out myself. How would I dare bring those unclean and licentious ones before you? These few haven't seen the world. It's their first time meeting someone as noble as Your Highness; they're simply frightened."

Ling Qiyan looked at him suspiciously. "You didn't force them to come, did you?"

"Of course not. When they heard they could meet a nobleman, they all fought for the chance to come," Zhang Yuan said hurriedly, afraid Ling Qiyan would misunderstand.

Ling Qiyan's gaze swept over them again. Someone at the side shouted at them, "You're in the presence of His Highness, Prince Yu, why aren't you paying your respects! What are you all standing there dumbly for!"

The others knelt down, trembling with fear. Only the tallest and most upright one on the far left remained conspicuously standing. He was also the only one who didn't tremble upon seeing Ling Qiyan.

The man had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his figure tall and sturdy, lacking the frail look of most scholars. With his eyes downcast, one could not see his face clearly, but the line of his jaw alone was sharply defined, powerful and smooth.

Ling Qiyan's gaze fell upon him, pausing slightly. Someone immediately took the hint and kicked the back of the man's knee, causing him to stumble forward and fall heavily onto one knee.

He struggled to rise but was forcefully held down by the shoulders, forced to kneel on both knees. The hands at his sides were clenched into tight fists.

Ling Qiyan narrowed his eyes slightly and lifted his chin, signaling him. "Lift your head."

The man kept his eyes downcast, not making a sound.

Someone kicked his lower back again, cursing, "You begged to come along, but now you're putting on airs in front of His Highness. You court death!"

The young man finally raised his eyes. His thick brows were tightly knitted, his features distinct and deep-set. A faint air of hostility surrounded him. His phoenix eyes were long, narrow, and sharp, and his cold gaze held not a trace of fear.

It was no exaggeration to say his looks were one in ten thousand.

Ling Qiyan sized him up with great interest. He had seen plenty of handsome men and beautiful women, but it was rare to see a poor scholar with looks so outstanding they were unforgettable. To think the Imperial Academy was hiding such a character; this was indeed rather interesting.

It was just the way this person stared at him without reservation that made Ling Qiyan slightly displeased. He certainly had a lot of nerve.

"What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?"

Zhang Yuan was about to answer for him but was cut off by a raise of Ling Qiyan's finger. Staring fixedly at the person kneeling before him, Ling Qiyan's lips curled slightly. "You answer for yourself."

The young man's slightly low, hoarse voice answered calmly, "Wen Ying. Sixteen years old. From Guang County, Jizhou."

"Jizhou... That's not far from the capital."

Seeing that Ling Qiyan had genuinely taken an interest in this person, Zhang Yuan eagerly began his introduction. He said that this Wen Ying was Jizhou's Minor Triple First Scholar, and had only been recommended to study at the Imperial Academy by the Jizhou Educational Commissioner at the beginning of the year. His knowledge was extraordinary, and he was highly appreciated by the academy's officials. He was set to participate in the provincial examinations this autumn.

Ling Qiyan was slightly surprised. A sixteen-year-old Minor Triple First Scholar—one would be hard-pressed to find many of those in the entire Great Cheng Dynasty. A person like this would have a fighting chance not just for the titles of Juren or Jinshi, but even for Zhuangyuan or Bangyan in the future. And yet, he was fawning over the powerful like the others?

Of course, for a poor scholar with no family background, even if he did achieve a First-Class rank, he would still have to grind away for ten or twenty years in the Hanlin Academy to gain seniority. If he could win the favor of a powerful noble, he could take a shortcut. There were always people who wanted to take such unorthodox paths.

Although, this seemingly rebellious Minor Triple First Scholar before him didn't look like he had such intentions.

As Ling Qiyan scrutinized him, Wen Ying did not receive the gaze with the meek and cautious deference of the others. Instead, he met his gaze openly, just as discreetly sizing up the lofty and revered legitimate firstborn son of the Emperor before him.

Ling Qiyan possessed a pair of star-like eyes, radiant as peach blossoms, with a beauty mark at the corner of his left eye serving as the perfect accent. His complexion was as fair as if powdered, his features dazzlingly beautiful. He was truly a man of unique beauty, second to none in the world. Compared to the beautiful maids around him, each with their own charms, whether plump or slender, he was even more stunning.

Such a face was born to captivate souls and stir hearts, yet he was also an imperial noble whom no one in the world would dare profane.

Growing more displeased under Wen Ying's direct stare, Ling Qiyan furrowed his brows slightly. He ignored him, tossing out the words, "Go and amuse yourselves," before leaning back on the couch and closing his eyes again.

The gang of dandies dragged the other students away to amuse themselves outside, leaving only Wen Ying still kneeling in the pavilion. No one dared to tell him to get up.

Zhang Yuan lowered his voice and asked Ling Qiyan with a grin, "Your Highness, have you taken a liking to this one? Shall I have him serve you?"

After a long moment, with his eyes still closed, Ling Qiyan gave a faint 'Mm' of assent.

Wen Ying remained kneeling on the ground, his expression impassive. Zhang Yuan shot him a glare and admonished him, "It's your good fortune that His Highness has taken a fancy to you. Serve him well. If you displease him, watch your head."

Ling Qiyan waved his hand impatiently, signaling to Zhang Yuan. "You can get lost too."

Smiling sycophantically, Zhang Yuan withdrew from the pavilion.

The maids and eunuchs continued to surround Ling Qiyan, playing the qin, singing songs, and serving tea and water with attentive care.

Wen Ying knelt on the ground for a full half-hour, completely ignored by everyone.

Ling Qiyan finally opened his eyes again. He glanced at him and crooked his index finger. "Come here."

Wen Ying tried to stand, but a eunuch at his side kicked him back to his knees. He had no choice but to shuffle forward on his knees until he was before Ling Qiyan.

Ling Qiyan pinched his chin, forcing his face up to examine his features up close.

Wen Ying's face was smooth and felt exceptionally good to the touch. As the pad of Ling Qiyan's thumb caressed his jaw, his pupils constricted slightly.

Up close, not a single flaw could be seen on his face. Although he disliked those cold, predatory phoenix eyes, the man's appearance was indeed to his taste.

"Do you know why you followed them here?" Ling Qiyan asked languidly.

Wen Ying's expression remained unchanged, his voice low and cold. "Has Your Highness truly taken a fancy to this student?"

Ling Qiyan raised an eyebrow. "Isn't this exactly what you came here for? Is it not more to your liking for this Prince to take an interest in you, rather than any of those others?"

The light in Wen Ying's eyes dimmed. "If this student refuses, what does Your Highness intend to do? Force me, or kill me?"

Ling Qiyan sneered. "Do you think that just because you have the title of a scholar, this Prince wouldn't dare touch you?"

"With Your Highness's status, let alone a mere scholar, even if you took a fancy to a Jinshi or a court official, you could do as you please."

"Since you know that, why are you wasting my time with this nonsense?"

After a moment's stalemate, the shadow in Wen Ying's eyes receded and he relented. "This student is willing to accompany Your Highness to recite poetry and paint, play the xiao and qin, brew tea and admire flowers. If Your Highness values and promotes this student, I will surely repay you with utmost loyalty in the future."

Ling Qiyan laughed in amusement and annoyance. "After all that, your plan is to become this Prince's retainer? There are plenty of people who can accompany me to recite poetry, paint, play instruments, brew tea, and admire flowers. Why on earth should I promote you?"

"Are you referring to those people outside?" Wen Ying said dismissively. "They are nothing but incapable, mediocre men who rely on their ancestors' protection and are content with a life of pleasure. How could they be of the slightest help to Your Highness? In the future, I may not become the top scholar, but I am confident I can at least attain the rank of Jinshi. If Your Highness is willing to promote me, I will naturally repay you."

"You're the first to dare belittle Zhang Yuan and his group to my face." Ling Qiyan released his chin and leaned back, his voice becoming more distant. "What use do I have for you? Everyone knows this Prince is merely an idle prince of no great ability, occupying the so-called title of the Emperor's legitimate eldest son while my second younger brother was made Crown Prince. Moreover, he and I are not on good terms. If you align with me, the Crown Prince's faction will never give you an important position when you enter official life."

"This student knows."

Ling Qiyan looked at him with a half-smile. "So you still want to follow me?"

"If I can catch Your Highness's eye, this student will naturally comply."

Wen Ying's expression was candid, but a hint of vigilance arose in Ling Qiyan's gaze as he looked at him.

After a moment's thought, Ling Qiyan still felt this person was indeed interesting. He neither refused nor agreed, saying only, "That will depend on your performance."

Wen Ying lowered his eyes, his voice deepening. "Thank you, Your Highness, for giving this student a chance."