Therefore, when it comes to the appreciation of calligraphy and painting, Charles Harper also has his own unique insights. His gaze was quickly drawn to a piece of running script on the wall. It was clear that this poem was an imitation, but compared to the original, Charles Harper was even more interested in studying the imitation. After all, originals are common, but skillful imitations are rare, especially those that can be hung as decorations in the mansions of the wealthy—those are truly one in a million. To imitate at such a level is even harder than producing an original.

Charles Harper stood with his hands behind his back, almost forgetting that there was another person sitting in this side hall.

This person seemed to have been here for quite some time, wearing a scholar’s cap and robe, looking every bit the proper learned man, about twenty years old, and rather delicate in appearance.

When he saw Charles Harper enter, he said nothing, merely comparing himself to Charles Harper, as if he felt he was slightly inferior in looks, and a trace of jealousy flashed in his eyes.

He gave a cold laugh and said, “Brother, did you also pass the preliminary exam?”

Charles Harper came to his senses and finally noticed him. Seeing that he was sizing him up rather rudely, he nodded and said, “I did. May I ask your name?”

The man replied impatiently, “My surname is Zhou, given name Yan. You should address me as Mr. Stone. And who are you?”

This Robert Stone certainly put on airs. Naturally, Charles Harper didn’t take a liking to him. He stated his own name, then asked, “Is Mr. Stone also here to apply?”

“Of course.” Robert Stone replied confidently, “I don’t know what kind of luck you had to pass the preliminary exam, but I advise you not to get any foolish ideas. The young lady of the Lu family is already in my pocket. If you want to compete with me, you’d better consider your own worth.”

Charles Harper almost spat out a mouthful of blood—this guy was actually here to steal his woman.

Robert Stone was also furious. Originally, he was the only one to pass the preliminary exam this time. He thought that as long as he got through today, he could rightfully become the Lu family’s young lady’s tutor, and then, following the example of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun, win her heart, get the beauty, and enjoy wealth and glory beyond words.

Who would have thought that just as the preliminary exam ended, a dark horse like Charles Harper would appear? At this moment, he hated Charles Harper to the core, but couldn’t help but secretly probe him, wanting to see what kind of person he really was.

Faced with such rudeness, Charles Harper responded with a cold laugh, saying, “We’ll see who’s more worthy when the time comes.”

Robert Stone snapped, “Let me ask you, do you have any academic titles?”

Speaking of academic titles, Robert Stone looked quite pleased with himself.

Charles Harper replied calmly, “Academic titles are like floating clouds to me.”

“Haha…” Robert Stone burst out laughing, “I thought you were a worthy opponent, but you’re just an empty-headed fool. Let me tell you, I am a xiucai, and not only that, I am a stipendiary student of Zhenjiang Prefecture. Next year, I’ll be taking the provincial exam and will become an official sooner or later. But… being an official is boring. Even if I do become one, I’ll make sure to win the beauty first. The Lu family’s young lady is mine for the taking. And you, a nobody without any academic title, think you can compete with me for a woman just because you got lucky in the preliminary exam? Who do you think you are?”

This guy’s mouth was really foul, but Charles Harper knew that, on the surface, this Zhou fellow was spouting nonsense, but he was actually quite clever. He was deliberately trying to undermine his confidence—a common psychological tactic.

“What, cat got your tongue? Never mind, I pity you. Here, I have more than ten taels of silver—consider it your compensation. If you know what’s good for you and withdraw now, the silver is yours. How about it?”

Robert Stone was already starting to show off his wealth, full of spirit and confidence. In contrast, the calm and collected Charles Harper seemed to be at a disadvantage.

Charles Harper said, “I don’t want your silver. I want to be Miss Lu’s teacher.”

“Ha!” Robert Stone nearly jumped up, unable to resist mocking, “Why don’t you take a look at yourself? You don’t even have an academic title—probably haven’t read many books either. I’ve seen plenty of toads like you trying to eat swan meat. You should know your place and not be so shameless!”

Charles Harper replied calmly, “I have read books.”

“What’s the use of knowing a little?” Robert Stone continued to mock him, “Just because you know a bit of literature, you think you can be a teacher and compete with me for a woman?”

Charles Harper said, “As I said, academic titles are like floating clouds to me. I don’t care about them.”

Robert Stone almost burst out laughing—so he was just a bookworm. He sneered, “You don’t even have an academic title, and you dare call yourself a scholar.”

Charles Harper said, “I read for pleasure, not for fame or fortune. As for my learning, I can’t say for sure, but…” He put on an innocent look and said, “But since you put it that way, I can only ask for your guidance.”

Charles Harper looked at a painting on the wall titled “Welcoming Spring” and said, “Mr. Stone, look at the vibrant spring in this painting. With your talent, could you compose a poem on the spot?”

Robert Stone was stunned—compose a poem on the spot? He could write poetry, but improvising was something only a genius like Cao Zhi could do. He was just a lowly xiucai; how could he manage that on the spot?

Realizing that Charles Harper was deliberately trying to embarrass him, Robert Stone sneered, “I’m not in the mood right now. What, can you do it?”