Chapter 24: Overconfident

The Wang family of Taiyuan did not participate. At this moment, Wang Dan had already been invited by Cui Wenbin into a private chamber. These noble families often associated with one another; their internal relationships were incredibly complex, and intermarriage was a common occurrence. Furthermore, in order to curry favor with Cui Wenbin, Wang Dan had refrained from having his subordinates compose any poetry.

"Master Cui, it is said that a peerless beauty has arrived at the pleasure house today. Since this is your establishment, Master Cui, it is only fitting that you should be the first to meet her." Wang Dan was, in part, fawning over Cui Wenbin. As the only heir to the current head of the Cui family, although his seniority was lower than Wang Dan's, his future prospects were undoubtedly boundless. Wang Dan had already caught a glimpse of the poems written here; it was clear that preparations had been made well in advance. As it turned out, the procuress had received the topic early that morning and had promptly delivered it to the Cui residence. No one else was aware of this. With a full day to prepare, the poem Cui Wenbin had written was something the average person could never hope to rival.

"Nonsense. Our house is open for business, and everyone who enters is treated as an equal. Even if my father were to come, it would be no different," Cui Wenbin said, speaking of equality. Yet, in his heart, he already knew the woman belonged to him. Cui Wenbin fanned himself with a folding fan, looking utterly relaxed. Wang Dan naturally noticed this.

Just then, someone came to report that they had seen Su Chen submit his own poem.

"This Su Chen has been extremely arrogant lately. He opened a medical clinic in Chang'an and is nothing but a charlatan. He even deceived our own ancestor, who now refuses to visit our clinic," Wang Dan said, his anger flaring at the mention of Su Chen's name. After all, it was because of Su Chen that Wang Wei had stopped going to the Taiyuan Wang family's clinic. Their business had been snatched away; Su Chen’s treatments were effective and his medicines were cheap—things the Wang family’s clinic lacked—which resulted in the Taiyuan Wang family’s clinic having no patients at all.

"Oh, I believe I’ve heard of him. But they say this Su Chen is unlearned; how did he manage to open a clinic? And now he is here writing poetry? He probably just had one of his servants write it for him," Cui Wenbin said dismissively.

These people would, at most, call upon a few others to help them write poetry. But Cui Wenbin had already enlisted a whole group of scholars that morning, so the situation was entirely different. The others only had the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, and no matter how they wrote, it could never compare to what Cui Wenbin and his associates had polished for an entire day.

"Exactly, he must have had his underlings write it. That fellow is unlearned, spends his days swindling people, and has even fooled the commoners of Chang'an. He somehow convinced a few imperial physicians to leave the palace and help him open that clinic. He is insufferably arrogant," Wang Dan said, growing angrier as he spoke. He felt that Su Chen was a complete fraud. So many people had been deceived by him—some must have been bribed. It was impossible for a dissolute playboy to suddenly become a miraculous healer.

Cui Wenbin nodded, agreeing with Wang Dan's assessment. "However, since the three of them are here, I must at least go through the motions. Uncle Wang, would you like to join me?"

Cheng Chumo and Li Huairen were also with Su Chen. If Cui Wenbin hadn't known, it would be one thing, but now that he knew they were in a nearby room, he naturally felt obligated to go over, offer some polite words, and share a few drinks.

Wang Dan laughed. Taking advantage of the fact that they had some time before the results were announced—after which Cui Wenbin would be off to meet the peerless beauty and would have no time left—he stood up. "Very well. Let us go and see what kind of drivel this Su Chen has managed to write."

It was clear that they were going over to humiliate Su Chen. After all, one cannot fake talent when it comes to poetry and prose. Even if he had hired some experts to help him, it wouldn't matter; Cui Wenbin had been prepared for a long time.

The two, followed by their attendants, arrived at Su Chen’s chamber. Su Chen and his companions had already seen them approaching.

"They come with ill intent. Everyone, be on your guard," Li Huairen noted. They had no real relations with the youths of these noble families. For Cui Wenbin to deliberately come here, he was certainly harboring malicious intentions.

"And the Wang family is with him, too," Su Chen frowned. He had always wanted to avoid dealing with these families. He knew they would eventually face their downfall, as Li Shimin would never tolerate them. But he needed the strength to deal with them when the time came. Changsun Chong hadn't arrived yet, and his conflict with the Changsun family remained unresolved. To have these noble scions seeking him out now made Su Chen feel quite annoyed.

"It's him. I remember. He came to our clinic a few days ago to stir up trouble," Cheng Chumo added. Cheng Chumo now considered Su Chen one of his own, and by extension, Su Chen’s clinic was his as well.

As Cui Wenbin and Wang Dan entered, Cui Wenbin cupped his hands. "Brother Su, Brother Cheng, Brother Li, so you were here all along! You didn't even tell me so I could play the host. I only just saw you now—it's quite late." He spoke as if he were genuinely regretful that he wouldn't have much time to spend with them.

"Master Cui, why is that? Isn't there plenty of time tonight?" Wang Dan asked, playing the part of the ignorant. He knew perfectly well that Cui Wenbin had arranged to spend the night with the beauty from Gusu.

"I just submitted a poem. Had I known Brother Su had written one as well, I would have certainly deferred to you. After all, guests must be treated with respect. But at the time, I didn't know you were here, so it slipped my mind," Cui Wenbin said. He and Wang Dan were putting on a choreographed act. It was clear that Cui Wenbin was absolutely certain of his victory.

"Damn it, you must have known the topic beforehand. This is your family’s establishment, after all," Cheng Chumo cursed, convinced that Cui Wenbin had known the topic, which was the only reason he could be so confident.

"Hmph, so the family business has already been handed over to Brother Cui? It seems your father is on his way out and has no strength left," Li Huairen retorted, his words dripping with malice, deliberately mocking Cui Wenbin. Cui Wenbin hadn't actually taken over the family business yet; although he was the young master, his father still managed everything.

However, Cui Wenbin didn't get angry. He knew they were just jealous and envious. Yet, they had failed to notice Su Chen’s reaction. Su Chen simply sat there, leisurely sipping his wine.

"Brother Cui, I'm afraid I might disappoint you in a moment. I don't think your poem is up to scratch; it certainly won't be as good as mine."

Su Chen’s confidence left everyone stunned. Even Cui Wenbin hadn't expected Su Chen to be so thick-skinned. Cui Wenbin and Wang Dan stood frozen for a moment before bursting into raucous laughter.