Chapter 64

Chapter 63: Shuisheng Takes the Lead

Shuisheng was certain that Song Qingshu was just putting on an act and wanted to embarrass him thoroughly.

Sure enough, upon hearing her words, everyone in the hall turned to look at Song Qingshu.

"Is he just guessing a random number?"

"This kid shouldn't have such delusions. We've all guessed so many times, and none of us got it right."

...

Guigong's eyes lit up, and he gave a subtle glance. The madam smiled and said, "Ah, it's Young Master Wei. Indeed, you are a man of great talent. Please give us your answer, and Miss Youyou will judge whether it's correct or not."

Hearing the cold remarks from the crowd, Wang Yuyan glanced at Song Qingshu with concern. After several interactions, she had a good impression of him and didn't want to see him embarrassed. She was about to whisper the answer to him, but Shuisheng quickly stepped between them and said with a smile, "Miss Wang, there's no need to worry about my young master. He is a man of great learning and naturally knows the answer to such a simple question."

Shuisheng inwardly sneered with satisfaction. The higher she praised him now, the harder he would fall later. Wang Yuyan, unaware of their relationship, gave up on the idea of reminding him.

"This little girl," Song Qingshu glared at Shuisheng.

Duolong looked at Song Qingshu enviously and winked, "Young Master Song, they think you're Brother Wei. What a rare opportunity, I wish you success in winning the beauty."

"Does he even know the answer? Don't waste everyone's time," the crowd was already growing impatient, and Shuisheng was waiting with a smirk for the show.

"After a hundred cuts, Miss Youyou's handkerchief should be divided into at most 5,051 pieces," Song Qingshu said, looking at the lady in the palace attire behind the curtain.

Wang Yuyan nodded inwardly, thinking that Young Master Song not only had high martial arts skills but also knew the mysterious and complex art of numerology, truly a man of great learning.

Finally, Miss Youyou spoke, her voice soft and melodious, each syllable seeming to have a bewitching charm, "Young Master Wei is indeed talented. I wonder how you calculated it." She was puzzled, having heard that Wei Xiaobao was uneducated and unattractive, yet this man was handsome and could solve the problem.

This Miss Youyou was none other than Xia Qingqing, now the wife of Yuan Chengzhi. Perhaps years ago, she was still somewhat naive and boyish, but for some reason, after marriage, she had become even more beautiful and charming, exuding a captivating aura. She truly radiated allure.

If Song Qingshu knew her identity at this moment, he would surely exclaim, "No wonder Yuan Chengzhi didn't want to find Ajiu; Xia Qingqing has become so stunningly beautiful!"

The question was found in an ancient book, deliberately set to challenge the pleasure-seeking gentlemen, making them realize the difficulty and retreat. She was waiting for Wei Xiaobao, and once he came, she would find a way to let him pass the test—after all, she knew the answer, and she could say he was right even if he guessed.

To her surprise, Wei Xiaobao answered correctly, leaving Xia Qingqing astonished. She then noticed the men and women behind him and thought, "Wei Xiaobao must be in a high position; his advisors must have helped him."

Although Xia Qingqing had many thoughts, to the outside world, it seemed like a moment. Everyone was still waiting for Song Qingshu's answer.

Song Qingshu hesitated for a moment and then said, "I guessed." The hall erupted in angry shouts.

He inwardly sighed, knowing the answer to this question by chance. In his previous life, during a recruitment process, he had seen the HR department's interview questions, which included this one.

At the time, Song Qingshu was embarrassed to find that he couldn't solve it and didn't want to ask his subordinates, so he quietly searched for the answer on Baidu, which left a deep impression on him.

As for the solution... mathematical induction, do you understand? Song Qingshu looked at everyone with disdain, unwilling to explain further.

"Since Young Master Wei is unwilling to reveal his method, I won't force you," Xia Qingqing quickly intervened to help him out. Hearing her words, everyone assumed that Song Qingshu had some unique skill and was unwilling to share it, so they let it go.

"Please listen to the next question. If you can answer it, please join Miss Youyou in her chamber," Xia Qingqing smiled seductively, her voice full of allure.

The hall seemed to explode:

"Wasn't it supposed to be three questions? Why is he allowed in after two?"

"Miss Youyou, you must hold your ground."

"Don't be swayed by his handsome looks. Pretty boys are often silver-tongued but weak. A man like me, with wealth and strength, is the true companion for a woman."

...

Hearing the vulgar remarks, Xia Qingqing's ears turned red. She thought resentfully, "If it weren't for catching Wei Xiaobao, I wouldn't be here putting on a fake smile. If this were a few years ago, I would have killed all these foul-mouthed men with one sword each."

Xia Qingqing's smile faded, and her voice became colder, "Young Master Wei, listen carefully. I once met a wandering sage who gave me an ancient absolute couplet. It is said that no one has been able to match it perfectly in a thousand years. Please be cautious."

Her words caused an uproar. The pleasure-seeking scholars and literati were always present in such places. The first question was obscure numerology, but this time, the couplet was their forte. They clamored, "Miss Youyou, please give us the question. If we can answer it, please give us another chance."

Xia Qingqing smiled and recited, "The upper line is 'Smoke locks the pond willow.'"

Song Qingshu was taken aback. How could it be this couplet? In his previous life, he had read a novel called "The Supreme Householder" online, which he found very entertaining. The various couplet-solving scenes left a deep impression on him. He thought it was a great way to show off, so he had studied it thoroughly. The upper line 'Smoke locks the pond willow' was the most famous absolute couplet in history, and he remembered it well.

As for later, he admired the author of "The Supreme Householder" so much that he personally visited and recruited the author to his company, which led to the author never writing another novel, causing many online readers to lament. But that's another story.

While Song Qingshu was lost in thought, someone in the hall had already answered, "Cannon guards the sea tower!"

Indeed, the pleasure houses were always filled with talented scholars. The difficulty of the upper line lay in the five characters, which contained the five elements of "metal, wood, water, fire, and earth," and the poetic imagery.

The person's "Cannon guards the sea tower" also contained the five elements, but the imagery was slightly lacking.

Sure enough, someone criticized, "It's a stretch. Though it matches, the imagery is far from the upper line. It's not good."

"Hmph, I answered it. If you can do better, you do it," the first man said with a disdainful look, looking around, "If no one else can answer, I win."

Though he was somewhat arrogant, he indeed had real talent, having answered the absolute couplet so quickly. The others could only think hard.

"I, a poor monk, also have a lower line. Please listen and judge," Tumotuo couldn't resist the urge to show off and slowly said, "Lanterns light the village temple bell."

Everyone cheered, appreciating the inclusion of the five elements and the better imagery. The "temple bell" also fit his status as a monk.

The first man who answered said sarcastically, "Now monks can also seek pleasure?"

The crowd burst into laughter, embarrassing Tumotuo, who muttered, "The couplet is too brilliant. I just couldn't resist."

"Master, your red star is moving. Well done," Duan Yu said with a smile, making Tumotuo so angry that he almost exploded. Seeing his fierce expression, Duan Yu quickly added, "I also have a lower line. Please judge it—Tea boils from the chiseled spring."

Not everyone in the hall was uneducated. Though many couldn't create good lines themselves, they could appreciate them. They praised Duan Yu's line, saying it was better than Tumotuo's, which, though high in imagery, lacked proper rhythm. Duan Yu's line was equally poetic and well-matched, making it a superior choice.

"Is Young Master Duan also interested in Miss Youyou?" Wang Yuyan looked at Duan Yu blankly, her tone neutral.

To Duan Yu, her voice was like heavenly music, but it felt like a thunderbolt. He hurriedly explained, "Miss Wang, you misunderstood. How could I be interested in other women... It was just a spur-of-the-moment game..."

"Miss Wang, please believe me..."

Song Qingshu watched Duan Yu fumble in front of his beloved with a calm demeanor, but he couldn't hide his inner satisfaction. Men naturally have a competitive spirit in such matters.

At that moment, a servant handed him a note, "It seems to be from a maid at the Lichun Courtyard."

Curiously, he opened it and saw five neat and elegant characters: "Lanterns light the silver bridge." Song Qingshu looked up at Miss Youyou, who was also staring at him. Seeing him look up, she smiled shyly. Song Qingshu was captivated, thinking, "Could it be..."

Shuisheng, who had been standing beside him, saw the note and the exchange of glances and said jealously, "It seems Miss Youyou has fallen for you at first sight, afraid you wouldn't answer, she even gave you the answer."

Duolong and others were shocked and gathered around to look. Even Duan Yu glanced over. After seeing the note, the men sighed, "We have no chance. Young Brother Song, Miss Youyou clearly favors you. Don't disappoint her..."

Song Qingshu tried to maintain his composure, but he couldn't hide his inner pride. Men naturally have a competitive spirit in such matters.

At that moment, Xia Qingqing's voice rang out, "Does Young Master Wei have an answer?"

"I have one," Shuisheng, for some reason, quickly shouted, "Lanterns light the silver bridge!" She was dressed as a man, looking handsome and refined, making the men in the hall feel inferior.

Xia Qingqing's heart skipped a beat, but she forced a smile, "So far, this young master's answer is the best." The crowd nodded in agreement, starting to inquire about his identity, impressed by his talent and appearance...

Duolong and Zhang Kangnian exchanged glances, thinking the same thing: "Wei Xiaobao's Shuang'er is the best. Other women, when jealous, are truly terrifying."

After her impulsive act, Shuisheng felt some regret. She nervously glanced at Song Qingshu, who didn't react, and secretly stuck out her tongue, looking adorable. Fortunately, they were far from the crowd, or the men would have been shocked to see her feminine gesture in male attire, causing another commotion.

Xia Qingqing stomped her foot in frustration, looking at Song Qingshu with annoyance, thinking, "Why is Wei Xiaobao so foolish? The answer was right in front of him, and he let another man take the credit. Now I have to think of a reason to invite him to my room..."

Song Qingshu hadn't taken it too seriously, but when he met Xia Qingqing's playful yet scolding gaze, his heart skipped a beat. He cleared his throat and said, "I also have a lower line. Please judge, Miss Youyou."

Xia Qingqing's eyes lit up, thinking, "Perfect. Even if your answer is poor, I have a reason to invite you in. After all, I'm the judge, and I decide tonight!"

"Young Master Wei, your talent is unmatched. Your answer must be extraordinary?"

Song Qingshu stood up, using his inner strength to project his answer to everyone, "Miss Youyou's upper line is 'Smoke locks the pond willow.' My lower line is 'Peaches burn on the brocade riverbank.'"

After previous answers, there was always a flurry of comments, but after Song Qingshu spoke, the hall fell into an eerie silence.

Wang Yuyan's eyes sparkled, glancing at Song Qingshu's profile, feeling melancholic, "If my cousin had his literary talent, how wonderful it would be..."

Xia Qingqing looked at him in surprise, looking around and smiling, "Young Master Wei's answer is the best tonight. Does anyone disagree?"

"Excellent!" The crowd cheered, showing at least some decorum. In crude terms, though they were patrons, they had their limits. Song Qingshu's answer was indeed the best, and no one would nitpick at such a moment.

"Since that's the case, Miss Youyou invites Young Master Wei to her chamber," Xia Qingqing smiled, leaving a captivating silhouette that made the entire hall drool, disappearing into the back room.

Soon, a maid approached, "Young Master Wei, my lady invites you."

Song Qingshu struggled with the decision, to go or not to go? If he went, his noble image would be tarnished, but if he didn't... well, would he still be a man?

Smiling, Song Qingshu politely followed the maid, walking upstairs under the envious and jealous gazes of the men.

"Pervert, lecher!" Shuisheng felt annoyed, sitting down and drinking several cups of water wine.

Chapter 64: Who Benefits?

Duolong and Zhang Kangnian exchanged glances, thinking the same thing: "Wei Xiaobao's Shuang'er is the best. Other women, when jealous, are truly terrifying."

After her impulsive act, Shuisheng felt some regret. She nervously glanced at Song Qingshu, who didn't react, and secretly stuck out her tongue, looking adorable. Fortunately, they were far from the crowd, or the men would have been shocked to see her feminine gesture in male attire, causing another commotion.

Xia Qingqing stomped her foot in frustration, looking at Song Qingshu with annoyance, thinking, "Why is Wei Xiaobao so foolish? The answer was right in front of him, and he let another man take the credit. Now I have to think of a reason to invite him to my room..."

Song Qingshu hadn't taken it too seriously, but when he met Xia Qingqing's playful yet scolding gaze, his heart skipped a beat. He cleared his throat and said, "I also have a lower line. Please judge, Miss Youyou."

Xia Qingqing's eyes lit up, thinking, "Perfect. Even if your answer is poor, I have a reason to invite you in. After all, I'm the judge, and I decide tonight!"

"Young Master Wei, your talent is unmatched. Your answer must be extraordinary?"

Song Qingshu stood up, using his inner strength to project his answer to everyone, "Miss Youyou's upper line is 'Smoke locks the pond willow.' My lower line is 'Peaches burn on the brocade riverbank.'"

After previous answers, there was always a flurry of comments, but after Song Qingshu spoke, the hall fell into an eerie silence.

Wang Yuyan's eyes sparkled, glancing at Song Qingshu's profile, feeling melancholic, "If my cousin had his literary talent, how wonderful it would be..."

Xia Qingqing looked at him in surprise, looking around and smiling, "Young Master Wei's answer is the best tonight. Does anyone disagree?"

"Excellent!" The crowd cheered, showing at least some decorum. In crude terms, though they were patrons, they had their limits. Song Qingshu's answer was indeed the best, and no one would nitpick at such a moment.

"Since that's the case, Miss Youyou invites Young Master Wei to her chamber," Xia Qingqing smiled, leaving a captivating silhouette that made the entire hall drool, disappearing into the back room.

Soon, a maid approached, "Young Master Wei, my lady invites you."

Song Qingshu struggled with the decision, to go or not to go? If he went, his noble image would be tarnished, but if he didn't... well, would he still be a man?

Smiling, Song Qingshu politely followed the maid, walking upstairs under the envious and jealous gazes of the men.

"Pervert, lecher!" Shuisheng felt annoyed, sitting down and drinking several cups of water wine.

Chapter 64: Who Benefits?

Duolong and Zhang Kangnian exchanged glances, thinking the same thing: "Wei Xiaobao's Shuang'er is the best. Other women, when jealous, are truly terrifying."

After her impulsive act, Shuisheng felt some regret. She nervously glanced at Song