By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 24 Wen Zongji's Lucky Journey

As the eldest son of the Grand Secretary, Wu Fengyuan was quite capable; he booked the entire Wangchun Tower for this gathering.

As soon as the Wen brothers entered, a waiter approached them: "Gentlemen, Wangchun Pavilion is booked out today and we are not accepting outsiders. May I ask if you have any invitations?"

Wen Zongji and Wen Zongjing exchanged a glance and then took out invitations and handed them out.

The waiter checked their invitations and readily let them through: "Please, gentlemen—"

At this time, there were already a few people in the lobby on the first floor of Wangchun Tower.

Wen Zongjing said in a low voice, "I heard that those invited this time include people from prominent families like us, those who ranked high in the provincial examinations, and those who are renowned for their talent in the capital region."

To put it bluntly, those who are qualified to attend the gathering either have status or are highly educated.

Wu Fengyuan isn't a fool; he wouldn't invite a bunch of good-for-nothings over to freeload.

After saying that, Wen Zongjing looked at Wen Zongji with a complicated expression: "Among the sons of high-ranking families who received the invitation, only you and I are sons born out of wedlock."

After finding out this information, Wen Zongjing realized that he had benefited from Wen Zongji's influence.

Given Wu Fengyuan's pride as the top scholar in the provincial examination and the eldest son of the Grand Secretary, he would certainly disdain inviting a concubine's son who was not well-known for his learning. However, Wen Zongji was an exception among the concubine's sons from prominent families in the capital.

Out of respect for the Princess of Anhe County, Wu Fengyuan gave Wen Zongji an invitation, while the Marquis's mansion also had Wen Zongjing, a son of a concubine who was also going to participate in the imperial examination.

Since they were both sons of concubines in the Marquis's household, it was impossible to send an invitation only to Wen Zongji, so Wen Zongjing also received an invitation.

Given Wu Fengyuan's status, he could have easily ignored Wen Zongjing. Even if Wen Zongjing was unhappy, he couldn't do anything about Wu Fengyuan. However, he still gave Wen Zongjing an invitation.

Judging from his actions, even though they had never met, Wen Zongji had already gradually formed an image of Wu Fengyuan in his mind, and he must be a thoughtful person.

Wen Zongji said, "Since you're here for the gathering, why should you overthink it, Second Brother?"

In essence, there is no difference between the two; he benefits from Pei Rujing's influence, while Wen Zongjing benefits from his.

it's the same!

Wen Zongji looked around and his gaze fell on a man who was dressed simply and seemed out of place among the others.

Wen Zongjing noticed Wen Zongji's gaze and introduced him in a low voice: "This person is Lu Nian'an, who came in second in this provincial examination, only after Wu Fengyuan. However, I heard that he comes from a poor family and has been staying at Xiangguo Temple since he came to the capital because he didn't have money to stay at an inn."

Lu Nian'an was not an isolated case. Many students from poor families would stay at Xiangguo Temple. Xiangguo Temple would provide them with food and lodging. Although the conditions were average, it was a rare find in the capital.

As the most popular temple in the capital, Xiangguo Temple only offers such preferential treatment to students who come to the capital for the imperial examinations, in order to gain a good reputation.

Wen Zongji turned to look at Wen Zongjing: "How does Second Brother know everything?"

Wen Zongjing smiled and said, "I can't stay at home like my third brother and study. I'm a restless person and I often go out to relax. I can find out about these things with just a little inquiry."

Wen Zongji replied that Wen Zongjing was being modest: "If it weren't for my second brother's concern, why would I have bothered to inquire?"

"Hey, these are all people who will be taking the imperial examination next year. I need to know who our competitors are and see how good our chances of passing next year are."

Wen Zongji asked, "What conclusion did Second Brother reach?"

Wen Zongjing sighed, "The conclusion is to leave it to fate!"

There were too many competitors, to the point that he despaired whenever he calculated his chances of winning.

Wen Zongjing composed himself and pulled Wen Zongji into the crowd: "We're here to attend a gathering today, so let's not say anything that would spoil the mood."

Wu Fengyuan had already arrived and was being talked to by a group of people.

Wen Zongji and Wen Zongjing stepped forward to greet Wu Fengyuan.

"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Wu."

Upon seeing the two individuals, the people nearby exchanged glances, all somewhat puzzled: "Who are they?"

Some people recognized Wen Zongjing and his companion, their eyes filled with mockery, but they made no attempt to introduce them.

Wu Fengyuan stood there, tall and handsome, with a warm smile on his face. Noticing the doubts of the crowd, he introduced them: "These two are Wen Zongjing, the second son of the Marquis of Zhongyong, and Wen Zongji, the third son. They are also candidates for the provincial examination next year."

"The Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion? Didn't Princess Anhe marry into the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion a little over a month ago?"

"It seems she married the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Zhongyong, who is apparently the third son, right?"

In just a few words, Wen Zongji's identity was revealed.

It had only been a little over a month since he and Pei Rujing got married, but their affair had already become the talk of the town. These people had good memories, so they quickly remembered it.

In an instant, everyone's eyes fell on Wen Zongji.

"Brother Zongji, how do you feel about marrying Princess Anhe?"

Wen Zongji smiled faintly: "That's excellent."

"Brother Zongji, you are very lucky. Everyone knows that the Emperor dotes on Princess Anhe. With this marriage, it is a sure thing that you will become a Grand Secretary in the future."

Some people couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks.

Wen Zongji raised an eyebrow: "Does this gentleman mean he thinks the current emperor is a tyrannical ruler who appoints his own people based on favoritism?"

The man's expression changed: "Don't slander me! I didn't say that."

Wu Fengyuan tried to smooth things over: "We've gathered here today solely to exchange knowledge; let's not talk about anything else!"

Wen Zongji cupped his hands in greeting: "I was quite puzzled, thank you for giving me the opportunity to resolve my doubts, Young Master Wu."

Wu Fengyuan smiled and said, "Brother Zongji, you're too kind. I'm glad I could help you."

At this moment, someone else came over to greet Wu Fengyuan, and Wen Zongji took the opportunity to leave the encirclement with Wen Zongjing.

After getting away, Wen Zongjing snorted coldly: "Third brother, don't pay attention to those people. They only dare to say a few sarcastic things to you."

Wen Zongji didn't take it to heart. As a man himself, he knew all too well what those people were thinking.

Just like the many online comments that look down on men who live off women in later generations, in reality, if given the opportunity to live off a woman, 80% of people would agree.

Whether in the future or now, the benefits that actually come into your hands are the real deal; everything else is just fluff.

Wen Zongji's gaze returned to Lu Nian'an: "I plan to consult with Lu Nian'an on some academic matters. Would you like to come along, Second Brother?"

Wen Zongjing waved his hand: "I won't go. I saw a few people I know, I'll go talk to them."

He wasn't there to exchange academic ideas; he just saw the gathering as a platform to build connections.

The two brothers then separated.

There was still no one else around Lu Nian'an. Wen Zongji approached him and took the initiative to say, "Brother Lu, I am Wen Zongji."

Lu Nian'an was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly realized and said, "Are you the husband of Princess Anhe?"

Good guy!

Even Lu Nian'an knows!

Wen Zongji readily admitted, "That's right."

Lu Nian'an looked on with envy: "Your Excellency is truly fortunate."

Wen Zongji: "..."

Having worked his way up through the ranks for many years, he can still distinguish between genuine feelings and feigned sincerity.

He could tell that Lu Nian'an genuinely envied him.

This left Wen Zongji speechless.