Chapter 48: Bai Ruolan's Keen Eye for People

“Impressive, Brother Jia, I never expected you to be so skilled in poetry,” Guo Tongfang was the first to react.

“Heh, it’s just a natural talent, really. When it comes to knowledge and scholarship, I’m far behind Brother Tong,” Jia Ping’an said with a modest smile.

If this had been before, Master Tong would have accepted this statement readily. But now? He dared not take it lightly.

Wisdom is the teacher.

The pursuit of learning is no different; achievements aren’t measured by age alone. If that were the case, why bother with imperial examinations? We could just compare years of study!

“Silly Ange’er, you jest. I am dull-witted; my scholarship isn’t even a fraction of yours,” Master Tong lowered his head sincerely, not out of flattery, but truly.

Tong Weixing was somewhat impressed; Jia Ping’an’s demeanor was quite satisfactory in his eyes.

That was more like it. He had worried that four poems wouldn’t shake the other party. If that failed, he wouldn’t mind reciting ten or eight more, even a hundred or so if necessary.

In short, if quality doesn’t suffice, then quantity will overwhelm you until you’re dazed.

Men like Tong Weixing are inherently proud; unless he is truly subdued, he will never genuinely respect you. The effect seemed promising—so long as there were chances to show off in this area, it was only a matter of time before he was brought to heel.

“Brother Tong, you flatter me. It was merely inspiration at the moment, heartfelt feelings that led to this humble offering. Come, tonight is New Year’s Eve dinner, the new year is fast approaching; let us toast to our ever-growing fortunes ahead. Cheers.”

Jia Ping’an raised his cup, eager to steer the conversation away.

Some matters, if clung to too tightly, become forced. It’s better to let go and allow the other to come to understanding in their own time; the effect is far better.

After this brief interlude, the atmosphere of the New Year’s Eve dinner shifted. Master Tong, for one, spoke little, seemingly wounded. Guo Tongfang, however, was still lively, though his focus shifted from Tong Weixing to Jia Ping’an.

Previously, he had hoped Tong Weixing, being a top scholar, might soon be employed. In their nation, it was not unheard of for exiled officials to be reinstated. Maintaining good relations with him could bring future benefits.

But since Jia Ping’an casually recited his four poems, Guo Tongfang’s attitude changed somewhat.

He had thought Jia Ping’an merely a lucky, impulsive youth with a generous nature. Such a person could be used for favors while in Ningguta, but once he returned to Changdu, he intended to sever ties with him.

In this officialdom-driven Xuanguo, power was currency—there was no shortage of those willing to pay.

Yet just now, Jia Ping’an revealed literary talents. Considering his youth, there was a chance he might rise after all.

If there was hope, Guo Tongfang naturally wanted to cultivate this relationship as much as possible; these were future resources for himself.

His enthusiasm grew compared to before, though Jia Ping’an merely smiled and took it lightly. He knew for such pragmatic, realistic people, appealing to emotions was difficult—if not impossible—to fully penetrate.

Thus, Jia Ping’an had always preferred Tong Weixing’s nature over Guo Tongfang’s.

But if the latter sought friendship earnestly, Jia Ping’an would not refuse; a little extra conversation wouldn’t cost him, just pleasant company for an elder.

Compared to Guo Tongfang’s pragmatic approach, Jia Ping’an was no different; perhaps even more so.

Guo Tongfang did not realize this; he only saw his own warmth reflected back and took it as closeness, which was enough.

By the end of the meal, everyone was in high spirits except Tong Weixing.

Even Xiao Bai, after eating plenty of meat, found a corner in the hall and closed his eyes for a nap.

Notably, Tong Weixing had drunk too much.

At the start of the dinner, he was reserved, proud of his scholarly status, sipping lightly with an aloof air.

But later, after Jia Ping’an’s blow, he began drinking alone, gulping down cup after cup of mild “Fu Tou” wine.

In the end, everyone else remained sober, but he was utterly drunk. It was Tong Gui who helped steady him, and Jia Ping’an arranged a room for him to rest on the third floor.

Tong Weixing did not leave, nor did Guo Tongfang. As they were to pay New Year visits with Jia Ping’an early the next morning, they stayed.

Jia Ping’an personally saw them to their rooms and, noting the late hour, prepared to retire himself when Bai Ruolan suddenly emerged from a corner.

“What—” Chang Chao, standing beside Jia Ping’an, stepped forward swiftly, coldly interrupting, but stopped mid-sentence.

“Miss Bai, what brings you here so late?” Seeing only Bai Ruolan, Chang Chao relaxed slightly but remained vigilant for his master’s safety.

“I have a few words to say to you, Master,” Bai Ruolan said cautiously, a bit nervous.

She had summoned her courage to come tonight, feeling some matters must be spoken, lest the master suffer losses later.

“Miss Bai, so late at night, what is it?” Jia Ping’an heard this and stepped forward without waiting for Chang Chao’s briefing.

“Master… that Guo… Guo Tongfang harbors ill intentions towards you.”

Though she had rehearsed a long speech, facing Jia Ping’an, she suddenly lost her words.

“Ill intentions? Why say that?” Jia Ping’an smiled.

He certainly sensed Guo Tongfang was different from Tong Weixing, but to label him ill-intentioned seemed excessive. They were simply mutually utilitarian—he was testing the waters just as Guo Tongfang was.

A person’s true character cannot be judged by hearsay. People wear many masks, and their behavior varies with company.

Jia Ping’an had encountered many hypocrites; hence his creed was to see for himself and feel with his heart.

He had indeed noticed many differences between Guo Tongfang and Tong Weixing, but so what? Dealing with different people in different ways and speaking differently was his forte.

“He… he’s insincere. He wants to use you,” Bai Ruolan said, emboldened by Jia Ping’an’s encouraging smile.

“Insincere?” Jia Ping’an was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected a young girl, previously distant from them, to perceive such things—she must have some skill in judging character.

“Hmm, understood. I’ll be careful from now on.” Though he already knew, he thanked her out of courtesy for the warning.

Hearing this, Bai Ruolan sighed in relief. In the Bai household, she had seen many promising youths, but they were often arrogant, unwilling to heed advice from inferiors.

Had they not been so arrogant, the Bai family might not have suffered so grievously.

Compared to them, Jia Ping’an was more receptive to counsel, which pleased Bai Ruolan greatly. Following a master who could listen meant far greater safety.

She did not want to be sold off again. This master was young, handsome, capable, and kind. But who knew the temperament of the next one?

Having said all she came to say, Bai Ruolan turned to leave.

Jia Ping’an suddenly called after her, “By the way, thank you for the warning. And Happy New Year!”

“Ah!”

Like a rabbit startled by a sudden noise, Bai Ruolan was genuinely taken aback.

Simply put, a master thanking a servant was unheard of in her old Bai household, and was rare anywhere in Xuanguo.

Yet Jia Ping’an did it naturally, without awkwardness or pretense.

Standing there stunned, Bai Ruolan watched Jia Ping’an laugh heartily as he left.

From her words, he sensed her sincerity.

Perhaps she was now a slave and thus felt compelled to please him.

Human hearts are treacherous; Jia Ping’an refused to imagine anyone as purely good or purely bad. Everyone had their shining points—the key was whether you could perceive and utilize them.

Like Bai Ruolan’s actions tonight, they earned her favor, but total trust was premature; continued observation was needed.

Even Chang Chao, who followed him closely, was not trusted completely—let alone a well-meaning warning.

Since she cared for him, Jia Ping’an’s nature compelled him to show gratitude.

Entering his courtyard, he said to Chang Chao, “Tomorrow morning we’ll hand out New Year’s money. Rongrong will come too; have her assist accordingly.”