Chapter 38

Hearing Yutang said, "To put it simply, it's nothing more than the commoners and the aristocrats vying for literary fame. In the past, the commoners were always suppressed by the aristocrats. Now, with a talent like you, who has never before appeared in Jingguo from a humble background, they naturally want to seize this opportunity to turn the tide. However, they should not have any ill intentions towards you; otherwise, they wouldn't have sent so many people. It's also a way to show respect and to avoid making you suspicious."

Fang Yun remained silent, deep in thought.

Hearing Yutang continued, "If you can outshine everyone at this poetry gathering, the people from Lishan Society will definitely invite you to the Lixia Literary Gathering tonight. They will spread your literary fame and thank you for surpassing the aristocrats."

"They have a good plan," Fang Yun said casually, gazing out the window, his expression calm.

Hearing Yutang immediately said, "Since you don't plan to steal the spotlight at the poetry gathering, it doesn't matter. However, if this happens again in the future, they must offer substantial benefits! They can't let you do all the hard work while they enjoy the fruits of your labor."

Before long, the carriage left the city and arrived at Wuli Village, which was very close to the outskirts.

Hearing Yutang said, "Such literary gatherings are often held outside the city. After all, the city is full of houses, where can you see the spring? Wuli Village has beautiful scenery and the Yang River, a tributary of the Yangtze, which is the favorite of many literati. Of course, the brothels and pleasure boats here are also exceptional."

After saying this, Hearing Yutang gave a knowing look, and Fang Yun smiled slightly.

The two discussed the literary gathering on the way, with most of the talking done by Hearing Yutang, while Fang Yun listened. Hearing Yutang deliberately mentioned some of the underhanded tactics used by literati to harm others, warning Fang Yun to be cautious.

Upon arriving at Wuli Village, Hearing Yutang directed Fang Daniu to Mingyu Tower, the venue for the poetry gathering.

Fang Yun smiled and said, "Brother Hearing is a regular guest here."

Hearing Yutang was not embarrassed but rather showed a hint of pride.

Literati and scholars in the ten countries all pursued elegance. As long as they were not in official robes, even officials could drink and enjoy the company of courtesans, but they could not stay overnight.

Before long, Fang Daniu called out, "Young Master, there are too many carriages ahead. There are attendants directing traffic, not allowing carriages to enter. We can only park here."

"Fine, let's stop here."

Fang Yun and Hearing Yutang got out of the carriage. Fang Yun took out a piece of silver, about half a tael, from his pouch and gave it to Fang Daniu, saying, "Find a place to eat. We don't know how long we'll be here."

"Thank you, Young Master." Fang Daniu was overjoyed.

Hearing Yutang's eyes lit up, thinking that Fang Yun was indeed worth supporting.

The two walked on foot, and Fang Yun looked around.

On the right was a river about ten zhang wide. The wind blew, and the river surface shimmered.

On the opposite bank was a dense forest, while on this side, there were two-story wooden buildings, each grand and spacious.

These wooden buildings faced the river and overlooked a residential area of Wuli Village.

There were carriages everywhere along the way.

The two walked to Mingyu Tower, showed their invitations, and entered the first floor.

The first floor of Mingyu Tower was very spacious, with many dining tables and desks. The dining tables were filled with various pastries, cold dishes, and drinks, while the desks had writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Six courtesans were playing the zither and flute in the hall, their melodious sounds echoing in the air.

More than fifty scholars were scattered on the first and second floors. Many were hugging one or even two women, but more than half were not touching the women and were instead gathered in groups, discussing.

All the doors on the second floor were open, and the sounds of men talking and women laughing could be faintly heard.

"Double Jia Fang!" Gao Minghong called out loudly to Fang Yun.

As soon as these three words were spoken, all the scholars stopped what they were doing, and even the women looked at the entrance with surprise.

The music suddenly became chaotic, and the six courtesans were so distracted by looking at Fang Yun that they had to stop playing.

People on the second floor also came to the corridor to look at Fang Yun.

Fang Yun helplessly bowed, acknowledging everyone, and then walked towards Gao Minghong.

Only one person, upon seeing Fang Yun, quickly walked into the best room on the second floor.

The courtesans resumed playing, and Mingyu Tower returned to normal.

Many people approached Fang Yun, wanting to talk to him.

"Fang Yun, you must stand up for us commoners today and win the poetry gathering," Gao Minghong said.

Fang Yun thought that what Hearing Yutang had said was right. Gao Minghong must have been used as a pawn; otherwise, he wouldn't have said such things upon meeting.

"Today, I only brought my mouth, not my hands, so I can't write poetry. I'll just eat and leave," Fang Yun smiled.

The surrounding scholars were unsure what had happened, some thinking Fang Yun was joking.

Gao Minghong asked in confusion, "What happened? We just determined that you would definitely win this poetry gathering. Why aren't you participating?"

"Writing poetry isn't like eating or drinking; it can't be done on command. I'm out of ideas today and can't write poetry. I hope you understand," Fang Yun said.

"Pity."

Many people sighed lightly.

At this moment, a group of young men in luxurious brocade robes came out of the best room on the second floor and leaned on the railing.

The music stopped, and everyone looked at them.

One of the scholars, whose robe was embroidered with carp, bowed to the crowd and smiled, "Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to host the Lixia Literary Gathering. I was going to vent my frustrations, but hearing that Fang Yun, Double Jia, has come in person, all the hardships I've endured these days are worth it. I represent everyone here to thank Fang Yun, not only for showing us great poetry but also for uplifting the spirits of Jingguo's literati!" He clapped his hands forcefully.

Mingyu Tower erupted in applause.

Fang Yun and a few others, however, felt something was amiss.

Whoever sets the stage, whoever performs. This person, who was hosting the literary gathering, praised Fang Yun excessively, which was clearly problematic. Applauding for a scholar in such a sudden manner was a bit hasty, as it was a high honor for actors and storytellers.

Gao Minghong immediately said, "He is a big figure in the Ying Society, Guan Yaoyuan. Although he is from a prominent family, his uncle is a fifth-rank official in the capital, a close confidant of the Left Chancellor. He has a very good relationship with the two brothers of the Liu family." He gave Fang Yun a look to be cautious.

Fang Yun immediately stood up and bowed to everyone, "Brother Guan, you flatter me. I am just an ordinary scholar who occasionally writes decent poetry. I dare not take credit. Today, I am here to enjoy the fresh fish from the Yang River. As for the poetry gathering, it's up to Brother Guan."

Fang Yun sat down.

The crowd saw Fang Yun's intention to yield. Some were curious, some nodded secretly, and some were dissatisfied, but a few people around Guan Yaoyuan sneered.

Guan Yaoyuan sighed, "Speaking of the poetry gathering, I apologize to everyone. Due to a misunderstanding by my servant, the invitation was written incorrectly. This is not a poetry gathering but a ci poetry gathering. To make up for my mistake, the prizes for the first, second, and third places will be doubled. However, since everyone is writing poetry and ci on the spot, this minor issue shouldn't matter."

"Of course, a poetry gathering and a ci poetry gathering are the same."

"They are both literary gatherings!"

The crowd tried to ease the tension for Guan Yaoyuan.

A flash of anger crossed Gao Minghong's face, and he stood up and said loudly, "Brother Guan, why did you announce this only after Fang Yun arrived? Are you afraid of Fang Yun's literary fame, so you changed it to a ci poetry gathering at the last minute?"

Guan Yaoyuan immediately bowed and pleaded, "Brother Gao, I was wrong, I really was wrong. Come, let me go down and make you tea. I didn't mean it that way. Even a fool knows that if Double Jia can write three brilliant poems, his ci poetry skills won't be a problem. If you don't believe me, ask the owner of Mingyu Tower and the courtesan Pan'er. Haven't I always said that the annual Lixia poetry gathering is too boring and that this year we must have a ci poetry gathering?"

"Gao Minghong, poetry and ci are inseparable. You are being too aggressive."

"Yes, Guan Yaoyuan has already apologized. Don't push him too far."

"Brother Gao, let bygones be bygones."

Even some commoner scholars supported Guan Yaoyuan.

Gao Minghong coldly snorted and sat down, then glanced at Fang Yun, his expression very serious.

Fang Yun understood. Guan Yaoyuan, with his high status, was now acting like a wronged grandson in front of Gao Minghong, which must mean he had a significant plan.

"Could it be that Liu Zicheng is trying to ruin my literary reputation?" Fang Yun thought.

Seeing Gao Minghong sit down, Guan Yaoyuan continued, "After I announce the next piece of news, you will all suspect me of foul play. If you don't suspect me, you're not men. Because, Pan'er has decided to offer her virginity to the winner of this ci poetry gathering, ending her life as a courtesan!"

"What?"

"How could she offer herself for a ci poetry gathering when she refused to be redeemed and married by a scholar in the past?"

"Could she have a crush on Double Jia?"

"Ah, it seems she's targeting Double Jia!"

Mingyu Tower was in chaos.

Gao Minghong was stunned. If this was arranged by Liu Zicheng, the cost was too high. Pan'er was the cash cow of Mingyu Tower, skilled in poetry, music, and even able to discuss classics and statecraft with some scholars. She could earn at least 20,000 taels of silver for Mingyu Tower each year, making her extremely valuable.

Gao Minghong hesitated for a moment and whispered to Fang Yun, "This is not good. No matter what, Liu Zicheng couldn't have persuaded Pan'er."

Hearing Yutang, who had come with Fang Yun in the carriage, leaned over and whispered, "You must not leave now. If you leave early, they will spread rumors, saying you are afraid and damaging your literary reputation."

Fang Yun smiled slightly. He had always been calm, but now there was a subtle change.

"To damage my literary reputation, they must pay a higher price." Fang Yun said, taking a sip of tea.

Fang Yun did not lower his voice, and everyone at the table could hear. They could only remain silent.

Gao Minghong sighed and whispered, "If your literary reputation is damaged after today, I will find a way to compensate you."

"Brother Gao, there's no need for that," Fang Yun said.

Gao Minghong shook his head.

With no more doubts, Guan Yaoyuan began to announce the rules of the ci poetry gathering. The rules were simple: write a ci poem on the theme of "spring" on the spot, and everyone would judge. If the writer was unsatisfied, they could go to the Literary Academy to test their talent and determine the winner.

The winner of this ci poetry gathering would not only receive Pan'er's virginity but also 600 taels of silver. The second place would get 200 taels, and the third place would get 100 taels, which was a significant amount for most people here.

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The rules were announced, and the gathering began.