Volume One, Chapter 8: How Dare You Not Choose Me?
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“Miss, something’s wrong! That Prince Consort Shen came again today!”
Inside the Peony Room of the Green Willow Pavilion, a fair young girl burst in, anger evident on her face. “Last night, he caused the death of ten of our sisters, and today he’s causing trouble again!”
Nearby, a woman sat gracefully playing the zither, her delicate features radiating emotion, her skin as white as snow. Her slender hands were like finely carved jade, stirring the heart.
Her face was a portrait of tender charm and pure beauty, every smile and frown captivating and gentle.
Despite it being the coldest month of winter, she wore a long robe, faintly scented with peony, evoking the beauty of spring in full bloom throughout the garden.
A maid beside her added precious hot stones to the brazier, gazing at her with both admiration and reverence.
This woman was Qin Qianyue.
She pursed her peach-colored lips lightly and said calmly, “Why panic so? If he still doesn’t know how to restrain himself, just tell Madame Yuan not to entertain him.”
“But Miss!” the maid protested angrily, “He’s not here for the lower quarters; he’s here for you! You don’t know—he said in front of everyone that he wants to write poetry for you!”
“That’s an insult to you! With his level of skill, how dare he write poetry! If those three women hear his verses, they’ll burst out laughing. It could ruin your chance at the year-end top prize!”
Qin Qianyue paused, troubled.
She had reached her current standing not only through her own talent and skill but also through her deep understanding of men’s hearts and, of course, the careful nurturing from the person behind Green Willow Pavilion.
Her value to the pavilion was immeasurable.
Poetry and song were the foundation of her reputation.
If a talented scholar composed a brilliant quatrain for her, her fame and worth would soar to new heights.
She even dreamed of becoming one of the five legendary celebrated courtesans immortalized in history.
Qin Qianyue prided herself on being talented, never inferior to any, especially those wealthy young ladies who lived sheltered lives.
She felt both envy and disdain.
Her fate may have been unfortunate, but everything she had was earned through her own efforts.
She would never allow anyone to deliberately tarnish her reputation.
She recalled how Sister Ling Xue had once tried to keep certain matters private, but the people behind Orchid Dream House sought to use the opportunity to sully Shen Yi’s name.
If not for the poetic genius who had turned the tide with a masterful quatrain that day, Ling Xue’s reputation would have plummeted.
Whenever Sister Ling Xue mentioned that incident, it was like an annoying fly that wouldn’t go away, an unbearable discomfort.
Yet, Qin Qianyue always admired Sister Ling Xue for having been honored by the poetic prodigy.
It was a tremendous honor and brought great renown.
Unfortunately, that year the poetic genius had no major works.
Sister Ling Xue had since fallen from grace and struggled to compete with them, who had long since surpassed her.
“But I don’t have the poetic genius this time!” Qianyue murmured anxiously.
“Has he finished writing? Is anyone watching him?”
The maid shook her head. “No. He’s probably afraid of embarrassment and won’t let anyone see. But he stubbornly claims he’s worried others will copy his masterpiece.”
“He even shamelessly said that tonight he would…”
Qianyue frowned. “What did he say?”
The maid blushed with anger. “He said he wants to spend a beautiful evening with you and that tonight the top spot on the list belongs to him.”
“Miss, you don’t know—he doesn’t even have money for ink, brush, paper, or inkstone! It’s Scholar Lu who fronted the costs!”
“What? Scholar Lu? Lu Yu?” Qianyue’s eyes brightened. Is that that sycophant?
“He’s here too? Has he written his poem?”
“Yes!” The maid was slightly excited. “Scholar Lu said this is the result of three months of painstaking effort, written especially for you!”
“Good.” Qianyue stirred slightly, her expression recalling a scene from years ago, murmuring,
“If Scholar Lu’s poem reaches even a tenth of the poetic genius’s caliber, I can take this chance to promote him and enhance each other’s fame...”
“But this fellow is indeed somewhat annoying. Hopefully, he can be more restrained in the future.”
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Qin Qianyue was troubled. If one of the four great poetic kings had come, she might have accepted it.
But it was precisely this arrogant young master.
“Perhaps after three months of toil, he really has a world-shaking masterpiece.”
Thinking of this, her eyes brightened slightly.
“Xiaoyu, bring all the poems up here.”
Qianyue said calmly, “If no one sees Shen Yi’s verses, it’s no problem. If anyone does, I’ll just tear them up.”
“Understood, Miss!”
...
Soon, all the poems were brought forth.
Qianyue skimmed through them, looking first at the names and then the verses.
But one after another, the words were forced and awkward; she almost thought the theme was “Beauty” rather than “Purity.”
Too harsh.
Some even wrote, “I am unworthy, willing to pay ten thousand taels of silver to secure the first place on the list. I do not seek to share flowers and moonlight with you, only a meal together!”
Had the poetic standard in Dachen fallen so low?
“Alas.” After a long look, Qianyue sighed helplessly, “Perhaps fewer poets come to me than to my two older sisters.”
“Am I simply too conservative?”
She gazed at the stars and moon, feeling melancholy.
How she longed for a romantic story with a talented scholar that would be remembered through the ages.
Now, she had enough money.
What she urgently needed was fame.
“Hm?”
Suddenly, she saw the opening lines of Scholar Lu Yu’s poem!
Her eyes lit up instantly.
“Smoke and blossoms curling...”
“What a fine line! What a fine poem!” Qianyue couldn’t help but admire. “Though this man is a bit extravagant, his skill is quite good. Three months of hard work has indeed improved him. Today, I shall make you famous!”
She quickly flipped through the other poems, then came upon two ugly characters: Shen Yi.
She pursed her lips, smiling faintly. “Perhaps his appearance will recreate that famous scene of the past. But I will never publish your poem! Your words are as ugly as your character!”
She tore it up!
Her heart secretly thrilled, yet...
Her hand suddenly halted.
Her gaze fixed on the first line, her pupils dilated in shock!
“This person actually has such a famous poetic masterpiece! Even I cannot help but applaud! Could he have a great talent behind him?”
“But with his reputation, there is no way I can choose him!”
Yet, reading a passage in the middle and the unfinished verse at the end...
Her face grew tense and fearful, and she sprang to her feet.
“Do you dare not choose me?…”
“Someone! Quickly announce the top poem on the list! Bring him upstairs at once!”
...
“The sky blue waits for the misty rain, and I am waiting for you...”
“Brother Shen, what are you singing? It’s so beautiful.”
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Liu Xiu, sitting uneasily beside Shen Yi, was surprised upon hearing him sing.
“Which actress’s tune is this?”
“What tune? Haha.” Lu Yu was in high spirits today. Although he had wasted fifty taels, money was nothing to him.
He looked at Shen Yi, who was casually singing a strange melody, unable to appreciate it.
At the same time, he silently speculated.
Miss Qianyue would surely be reminded of that wild night because of Shen Yi’s appearance!
Most importantly, he was overly confident in this poem of his!
Combined with Shen Yi’s disgusting verses, it would make Miss Qianyue more decisive!
Prince Consort Shen!
You are a good man!
Willing to disgrace yourself just to help me!
Once I make my name, I will ensure those uncouth fellows treat you better in the future.
Ha ha.
Lu Yu slapped his embroidered fan, his mood excited, nervous, and immensely thrilled!
With lofty ambition, he declared, “Prince Consort Shen, today I eagerly await your dazzling display.”
Shen Yi smiled faintly, “Likewise.”
“He’s out! He’s out! Miss Xiaoyu has appeared!”
“Miss Qianyue has indeed released the top spot on the list today! This is the very first place—the top of the list!”
“Damn! Miss Qianyue’s first night is about to become legendary today.”
Everyone stood in astonishment!
After four months!
Finally, someone had claimed a spot on the poetry list!
Xiaoyu faced everyone’s eager gazes without a hint of embarrassment.
But when she saw a list with only names, she was utterly stunned!
She looked at Lu Yu in disbelief: No! I don’t believe it! How could this be!
“Damn! Miss Xiaoyu looks at Scholar Lu Yu with shock! Could it be?”
“After four months, the top spot belongs to Scholar Lu Yu?”
“It must be! This scene is too familiar! Another generation of poetic king is about to rise!”
Lu Yu couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips, his eyes shining with excitement!
The advantage is mine!
They must be stunned by my poetry!
Miss Xiaoyu, don’t hesitate!
Don’t be shocked!
It is me! You’re not mistaken!
Shout it out loud!
Lu Yu raised his hand, bowing to everyone, “You flatter me, everyone. If today this scholar is unworthy and earns a spot on the list, then…”
“All drinks consumed here tonight shall be paid by me!”
“To celebrate with you all!”