"Awesome. As expected of an Imperial-level treasure. The system truly doesn't deceive me."
Liu Hao carefully stored the items away, feeling extremely satisfied.
This restaurant truly deserved its reputation as the most famous one in Luoyang. The chef's skills were remarkable. Although the food was still somewhat inferior to the cooking of the talented chef back at his residence, Liu Hao's appetite was fully awakened.
Looking at little Zhao Yu beside him, who was devouring the food like a starving wolf, Liu Hao couldn't help but laugh. He gently patted her back and said,
"Slow down. There's plenty more if you're still hungry."
The meal ended up costing more than seventeen taels of silver, yet Liu Hao felt no pain spending the money.
After all, with the Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix earrings and hairpin in his possession, it was like sitting atop a mountain of gold. Spending a little silver meant nothing.
After dealing with Wei Zhongdao and enjoying a satisfying meal, Liu Hao finally headed to Cai Yong's residence with Dian Wei and submitted his visiting card.
The servants of the residence warmly welcomed him inside.
As for Zhao Yu, Liu Hao instructed Zhan Zhao to take her to a clothing shop in Luoyang and buy her a new set of clothes so she could properly clean up.
A little girl as pretty as a spirit shouldn't be wandering around in dirty rags.
Walking across the stone-paved courtyard, Liu Hao suddenly paused.
The system's voice sounded again in his ear.
System Notification:
The host has triggered the second stage of the hidden mission.
Mission: The Gathering of Great Scholars in Luoyang.
Mission Requirement:
Make a stunning impression at this gathering of great scholars and earn their recognition.
"So the second stage has finally been triggered."
"I wonder what the reward will be this time. I'm looking forward to it."
A faint smile appeared on Liu Hao's lips.
He was also curious about meeting his teacher.
After all, this was Cai Yong.
The father of the legendary beauty Cai Yan.
Strictly speaking, Cai Yong was currently living in retirement and did not hold an important official position.
However, his influence among the aristocratic clans remained extremely powerful.
The gathering of great scholars was being held at his residence, and numerous famous scholars and high officials had answered the invitation.
Among them were great scholars such as Zheng Xuan and Ma Ridi.
Also present were influential figures like Yang Biao of the Hongnong Yang clan, Minister Wang Yun, and Kong Rong of Beihai.
Many of these individuals held significant political power.
Inside the Cai residence.
The respected scholars had already taken their seats after exchanging formal greetings.
After some pleasantries, they began discussing classical teachings and current affairs.
Wei Zhongdao sat stiffly in a corner without saying a word.
Although his family was wealthy and powerful, his seniority among the scholars present meant little.
Furthermore, after losing the precious treasures intended for his marriage proposal, the gifts he had brought now seemed embarrassingly inadequate.
His heart was filled with anxiety.
Suddenly, the doors of the residence opened softly.
A tall young man stepped inside, carrying a long box.
His hair was dark as raven feathers, his complexion pale as fresh snow.
His phoenix-shaped eyes were long and slightly raised, his gaze deep and bright.
Paired with sharp sword-like eyebrows, his appearance was strikingly handsome.
The plain robe he wore on his tall and slender frame somehow made him appear even more refined and elegant.
"What a handsome young man!"
Everyone's attention naturally shifted toward Liu Hao.
"What a remarkable appearance. I wonder which family he belongs to?"
Many eyes shone with curiosity.
"He… he's here too…"
Wei Zhongdao's face changed dramatically.
The box in Liu Hao's hands was clearly the very treasure he had intended to use for the marriage proposal.
One elderly scholar with white hair shook his head and snorted.
"Young people these days have no manners. Can't he see we are discussing important matters?"
"Indeed. Such arrogance."
The scholars murmured among themselves.
Some spoke favorably, while others expressed dissatisfaction.
After all, Liu Hao had arrived late and caused a commotion upon entering, interrupting their conversation.
Wei Zhongdao listened carefully, secretly delighted.
He wished for nothing more than Liu Hao to behave arrogantly and offend all these scholars.
If Liu Hao angered the great scholars, his reputation would be permanently ruined.
No matter his background, the stain would never be washed away.
Seated at the head of the gathering, Minister Wang Yun chuckled teasingly.
"Who is this young man who walks directly into the Cai residence?"
"Cai Bojie, could this be your future son-in-law?"
The scholars' gazes were still examining Liu Hao critically, but Wang Yun's lighthearted remark eased the tense atmosphere.
"I am Liu Hao of Hongnong, a disciple under Master Cai."
Liu Hao respectfully greeted each of the scholars one by one.
His posture was humble yet confident.
He glanced slightly longer at the thin elderly man before him.
If he was not mistaken, this was Wang Yun.
The foster father of the most famous beauty of the Three Kingdoms—Diaochan.
Liu Hao quietly activated his observation.
Wang Yun
Strength: 45
Intelligence: 85
Politics: 93
Leadership: 21
A first-class literary talent.
In the future, his greatest achievement would be presenting the beauty stratagem that drove a wedge between Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, ultimately causing the collapse of the Western Liang faction.
Of course, at this moment Dong Zhuo had not yet entered the capital.
Naturally, Wang Yun himself had no idea he would accomplish such a legendary feat.
Liu Hao nodded slightly to Wang Yun with a polite smile.
"Hongnong is a land of talented people. A fine place indeed."
General Lu Zhi was bold and straightforward in temperament.
When he noticed the guard standing outside beside Liu Hao—Dian Wei, who stood like a towering mountain and possessed a far more imposing presence than the servants of the other guests—Lu Zhi immediately developed a favorable impression of Liu Hao.
"A handsome young man with dignified manners."
"I've heard that recently you killed more than a thousand remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels."
"Eliminating such threats for the country—excellent work."
"It seems Master Cai has taken in a fine disciple."
Liu Hao nearly laughed internally.
In reality, he had only killed a little over a hundred bandits.
Yet by the time the report reached the government, the number had become more than a thousand.
The officials had certainly exaggerated things generously.
"Indeed."
Even the usually serious Cai Yong revealed a rare smile of approval.
He nodded toward Liu Hao, signaling him to take a seat.
Then he introduced him to the scholars.
"This young man is my somewhat unworthy disciple."
"He has studied the six arts of a gentleman—rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics."
"He arrived late today, so there must have been something delaying him."
Cai Yong turned toward him calmly.
"Liu Hao, tell us."
"For what reason did you arrive late?"