Chapter 134: Watching Him Put On A Show In Silence

Madam Xiao noticed the two young men as well, but feigned ignorance. She walked over to a low table at the edge of the room and sat down, with Chen Xiang naturally following to take the seat opposite her. Her demeanor was so effortless that it truly seemed as if she had not spotted them at all.

The two young men, unaware of this, excused themselves from their companions. With smiles plastered back onto their faces, they approached Madam Xiao and bowed deeply.

"Junior Wang Yu (Zhang Feng) pays his respects to Aunt Xiao!" the two said in unison, perfectly polite.

Their families were acquaintances with some business dealings, so addressing Madam Xiao as "Aunt" was both customary and a way to signal closeness.

"Oh, if it isn't Young Master Zhang and Young Master Wang! It has been a long time; I have missed you both dearly. Are you here for tea as well?" Before Madam Xiao could speak, Chen Xiang interjected with a look of feigned surprise.

Madam Xiao watched them with a gentle smile, showing no signs of irritation.

The two young men, however, felt quite differently. They had intended to offer their respects to Madam Xiao, but Chen Xiang’s preemptive greeting had effectively turned their gesture toward him instead. Still, they had to maintain their refined, scholarly image in front of Madam Xiao, so they merely shot him a fierce glare instead of losing their tempers, harboring silent sneers in their hearts.

Why were they there? It was because they remained deeply resentful after losing to Chen Xiang the day before. Their mentor, Master Qingliu, had warned them upon his return not to trouble Chen Xiang, nor to engage in further public debates, as such things were frowned upon for scholars. However, Master Qingliu had immediately gone into seclusion upon his return, instructing everyone not to disturb him for three days.

That was all the encouragement the two needed to grow arrogant. Though they were rivals, they were united by their shared humiliation. They had gathered their own circles here, intending to uncover Chen Xiang’s background, teach him a lesson, defeat him in their specialty, and then have him beaten and thrown out of the city. They hadn't expected to run into him so soon.

"Aunt Xiao, what brings you to the Tea Fragrance Pavilion with such elegant intentions today? Had you told your nephew earlier, I would have certainly been prepared to invite you to critique our poetry and tea discussions!" Young Master Zhang said, fawning over her while pointedly ignoring Chen Xiang.

"Indeed! Who in the city does not know that you were a renowned talented woman in your youth, Aunt Xiao? You are well-versed in all forms of poetry and composition," Young Master Wang added, nodding with a look of profound respect.

Both men elevated Madam Xiao’s status, as they were the most prominent scholars of the Dongliu Academy, and having their work critiqued by someone of her stature was no small matter. Furthermore, both men harbored hopes of marrying Miss Xiao. They understood that gaining the mother’s favor was halfway to winning the daughter’s hand, which explained their obsequious behavior.

Chen Xiang glanced at them, amused. He hadn't realized their ability to lie straight-faced was so refined—it was almost on par with his own! As they spoke, they cast occasional looks of disdain toward Chen Xiang, as if to say that this high-society gathering was no place for someone like him. Chen Xiang saw it all clearly, but he simply smiled back at them, unfazed.

"You are both too kind, young masters. Yesterday, Lin'er invited Young Master Chu to our home as a guest, and since I had no pressing matters today, I decided to accompany him to tour the Liuxin City. As for the past... I have long since set aside my literary pursuits and have forgotten most of what I once knew. I hardly possess the skill to critique poetry anymore," Madam Xiao replied with a modest smile.

Upon hearing that Miss Xiao had invited Chen Xiang to her home, the two young men were consumed with rage, though they dared not show it, grinding their teeth in silence.

"Aunt Xiao, you are too modest. Your insight is more than enough to critique the works of us juniors. By the way, the 'Spring Banner' tea that just arrived at the pavilion is exceptional. We have tasted it, but we feel we haven't quite grasped its true essence. Would you care to try a cup, Aunt Xiao?" Young Master Wang suggested, following up with a polite invitation.

"Pfft..." Chen Xiang nearly choked on his breath. It was hilarious; this was the very tea Madam Xiao had just declined, yet Young Master Wang was now using it to court her favor.

Young Master Wang frowned, displeased, but suppressed his anger. "Is there a problem, Young Master Chu? Or perhaps... do you feel that a tea costing one thousand taels per ounce is not up to your refined taste?"

He had mentioned the price intentionally. Judging by Chen Xiang’s attire, he didn't look like a pauper, but he certainly didn't look like a wealthy scion either. One thousand taels per ounce was beyond the reach of most, and the Spring Banner tea was often impossible to procure even with money.

Chen Xiang almost laughed. One thousand taels? When he dealt with that Spirit Severing Stage cultivator last time, he had burned through tens of thousands of pounds of silver without a second thought. But he chose not to expose them, silently watching them posture. He waved his hand dismissively. "No, it's fine. Please, do continue."

"Hmph!" Young Master Wang, believing he had intimidated him, scoffed with disdain and turned away. Young Master Zhang gave him a mocking look, as if to say, "You poor wretch."

Madam Xiao observed this and shook her head imperceptibly, feeling disappointed by their conduct. As a cultivator, she did not place great value on worldly wealth, and she held little regard for the character of those who used money to belittle others.

"You are both very kind, young masters. I have already ordered a tea from Manager Sun, though it is not the Spring Banner. Drinking two types of tea at once would compromise the palate, so I must decline your offer with thanks," Madam Xiao replied with a gentle smile.

The two young men were visibly disappointed by her refusal.

"Since you say so, Aunt Xiao, we shall not insist. However, would you be willing to critique our poetry later? With your guidance, I am certain our work would improve greatly!" Young Master Wang pressed.

Madam Xiao hesitated, then glanced at Chen Xiang before smiling. "Very well, I shall do my best to take a look."

Ecstatic, the two men thanked her profusely and retreated to their seats, where they began whispering to their companions, casting frequent glances toward Chen Xiang.

Both Chen Xiang and Madam Xiao were cultivators; though the men spoke in hushed tones, every word reached their ears. They were busy plotting how to make Chen Xiang look foolish. Madam Xiao continued to smile at Chen Xiang, saying nothing, while Chen Xiang gazed calmly out toward the Autumn Water Lake, feigning total ignorance.

Before long, the tea Madam Xiao had ordered arrived, brought by a graceful woman carrying a tray. On the tray sat a white jade pot and two white jade cups, both carved with exquisite patterns.

The tray was set upon the low table, yet Chen Xiang did not smell even a hint of tea fragrance.

Madam Xiao smiled at him. "Young Master Chu, do try this 'Azure Jade' tea. I had to ask Manager Sun several times before he would part with this single ounce. I hope it suits your taste."