[Wuxia] The Number One Ding Under Heaven (Complete) - 24

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Chapter 167 The Courtesan Contest: It was he who ruined his daughter's chastity.

It was as if, in the deep autumn season, amidst fallen leaves and the mournful chirping of insects, cold rain tapped on the window, a solitary lamp flickered in the cold quilt, wild geese cried from the Yin Mountains, and monkeys howled in the Wu Gorge, a desolate and sorrowful melody soared into the sky, instantly filling the entire hall. The melodious and lingering tune, exuding endless desolation and sorrow, was like autumn leaves, one by one leaving the branches with the cold wind, helplessly drifting to the ground.
Looking at the stunned audience and Uncle Ba stroking his beard and smiling, Pang Yu couldn't help but exclaim: "Wow, wow, wow, what a Chen Shishi! This is what you call originality and uniqueness! In the courtesan contest, other girls played erotic songs, but she alone composed a poignant and sorrowful piece. If this were a modern talent show, such an unconventional contestant would definitely get extra points for her ingenuity and unique approach!"
"What a beautiful girl! So intelligent and lovely. It's a pity that Fourth Brother is an upright man, with no interest in stealing women, much less taking a woman his brother has slept with."
Chen Shishi's hand twirled, and the pipa's melody changed again. The trembling notes seemed to be sobbing sadly, or lamenting, expressing boundless melancholy. At the same time, she sang, "At the first watch of the night, my heart is most broken. My parents love me like a precious jewel, and the joy of home is hard to find in this world. Now I have everything, new pearls and silks, endless lamb and fine wine. But when I think of home, my tears fill my eyes... At the second watch, I ponder deeply, how can I bear to leave my family three thousand miles away? My parents are old, who will I rely on? There is no news from the palace. I think of Zhaojun day and night, my heart is restless with longing. I only hope to go to the capital to see the court..." Her singing style revealed a carefree, languid, and subtly melancholic flavor. The simple melody paired with the poignant poetry created a unique and unparalleled elegance. Her flawless, beautiful voice, coupled with her moving expressions, complemented each other perfectly, evoking deep-seated pain and joy in everyone present. It stirred up unbearable sorrows, worthy of lamentation and sighing.
In this serene moonlit night, drawn by her mournful pipa music, the hidden grief and sorrow in everyone's hearts surged forth like a torrent. A myriad of helpless and irreversible sorrows overwhelmed them, and even the hardest-hearted guests couldn't help but tremble. At the most poignant parts, some even choked back sobs, tears streaming down their faces.
"...At dawn, dreams are elusive, the inner palace is cold and desolate. A beautiful night is wasted, parents yearn for their daughter, and the daughter longs for her family in vain. Such is fate, what can be done? I sigh, life is predetermined." As the song ended, the pipa's melody shifted, revealing a free and easy charm, a stark contrast to the previous sorrow and melancholy. It was as if someone who had been immersed in sorrow for a lifetime had suddenly achieved enlightenment. Having seen through the ways of the world, she entered a realm of serene purity.
The sound of the pipa lingered softly, seemingly there yet not there, seemingly scattered yet gathered. Chen Shishi's beautiful face shone with a divine radiance; her eyes were deep and calm. The lingering sorrow and despair that had enveloped her vanished without a trace. The beautiful notes, like gentle rays of sunlight, soothed the wrinkles in the hearts of the guests with infinite tenderness.
The music suddenly stopped.
The audience was almost mesmerized, almost forgetting that this was a competition, forgetting that it was a performance, forgetting everything. Even after the song faded away, they remained motionless for a long time.
After a long while, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall, and spontaneous praises and cheers followed.
Zhao Xuanhuang sighed deeply, moved, and said, "In the Flower Queen Competition, all beauties vie for attention. I thought that apart from the Nangong family, no one would refrain from using bright and beautiful music to win favor, but I never expected that you, Miss, would produce such a poignant and exquisite piece."
On the stage... One of the judges, Cheng, stroked his beard and praised, "The young lady's rendition is the famous 'The Lament of the Fifth Watch.' Legend has it that it was composed by Wang Zhaojun. It is filled with melancholy and boundless sorrow, mixed with a deep longing for home, yet also a hint of yearning. A thousand emotions, ten thousand strands of melancholy—the pipa player perfectly captures Zhaojun's haggard beauty, frailty, and loneliness. Truly, it is the finest piece in the competition so far!" As soon as he spoke, all the judges nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, someone in the audience stood up and declared loudly, "This music should only exist in heaven; it is rarely heard on earth. Miss Shishi's 'The Lament of the Fifth Watch' is poignant and sorrowful, fully expressing Zhaojun's loneliness and grief at being coldly treated in the palace and forced to marry a foreign ruler. I, in my humble opinion, will improvise a 'Song of the Imperial Concubine' to congratulate you on your excellent performance."
Composing poetry and music was common practice in the courtesan competition. Firstly, it allowed one to showcase their literary talent before a hall full of guests. Secondly, a fine piece could bring fame within ten days. Secondly, while most courtesans loved money, they also loved talent. There were many examples of courtesans winning favor with a single poem, song, or essay at the courtesan competition, leading to marriage. Before Chen Shishi's appearance, many talented men had already "showcased" their work before the other girls, producing numerous excellent pieces that drew applause and praise, making the competition even more exciting. Therefore,
composing lyrics and music was not surprising.
However, when this person stood up, it still drew gasps from the entire audience.
First, he was very short. Very, very short. Short like a child. Then his voice was very tender. Very, very tender. Tender like a child—oh no. Upon closer inspection, he was indeed a child. Eleven or twelve years old. A robust, chubby-cheeked boy.
The world is going to the dogs, people's hearts are no longer what they used to be!
Pang Yu couldn't help but lament, "So young and already participating in the courtesan competition, what will he be like when he grows up!" "
Damn it, I was too naive, too innocent, too closed-minded before, and now I've time-traveled and I'm not a virgin anymore! Young man,
you have potential, Fourth Brother supports you!" "Jiefu, Jiefu, stop playing around, it's all adults composing poems and lyrics, why are we joining in?" Another little boy next to the boy kept pulling him, and it turned out to be the two little "talented men" who had entered the Green Jade Pavilion that day by answering questions.
"Jiefu" was unmoved, puffed out his little chest, and sang in his slightly childish voice: "When Mingfei first married the Hu boy, a hundred felt carts were filled with Hu women; with unspoken feelings, she conveyed her heart to the pipa. Golden hairpins were planted in the spring breeze, playing the flying goose to persuade the Hu to drink; the Han palace maids secretly shed tears, and the travelers on the sand turned their heads. The Han's favor was shallow, while the Hu's was deep, the joy of life lies in mutual understanding; alas, the Qing family is now overgrown, but the mournful strings still remain to this day." After
the song was sung, the whole audience was shocked. "What a wonderful piece! So insightful and exquisite, so deeply moving and poignant, truly a masterpiece!"
"My goodness, how old is this child? It's a pity the Qing family is already ruined. Yet the mournful strings still remain, worthy of being called timeless verses. He, he, he…"
"This…whose child is this? No, no, no, whose talented son is this? Whose family is he?!" Zhang Xian exclaimed, even Liu Yong, who had been keeping his head down and silent, couldn't help but look at "Jiefu."
"Jiefu" raised his head and said, "My surname is Wang. My courtesy name is Jiefu. I am a student at the Imperial Academy."
"Who is your father?" Seven or eight voices asked simultaneously, all thinking he was the son of some great literary figure.
"My father is Yi, courtesy name Sunzhi. He once served as a judge in Linjiang Army."
Everyone looked at each other, the people sitting here were at least ministerial level, who would recognize a judge?
"Whoosh—" Someone jumped up, in the most luxurious first-class seat, it was Fourth Brother.
"Wang Anshi!? You, you are Wang Anshi!!!" Pang Yu was so excited that he was almost incoherent.
"Yes. I am Wang Anshi." Stared at by nearly a hundred pairs of eyes, he showed no fear whatsoever, proudly pulling the arm of "Zigu" beside him.
"This is Zeng Gong, my classmate from the Imperial Academy."
Pang Yu's head buzzed.
Do you know what it feels like when a mountain of gold suddenly appears before you?
That's exactly how he felt. "
Holy crap! Ouyang Xiu, Fan Zhongyan, Wang Anshi, and Zeng Gong—this lineup is absolutely magnificent! Unparalleled throughout history!"
Zhao Xuanhuang asked doubtfully, "Does the Marquis of Anle know this man?"
"Nonsense. A renowned prime minister throughout history. One of the Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties…" Pang Yu almost let slip, quickly shutting his mouth.
"I also have a poem, 'Responding to the Song of Lady Mingfei.' Please give your critique—" At the crucial moment, Ouyang Xiu smoothed things over. He immediately drew everyone's attention; having a loyal friend is truly a blessing.
Liu Yong sat motionless, while Ouyang Xiu undoubtedly became the most anticipated "star" of the competition. For a moment, the hall was quiet and silent, everyone waiting for the capital's top talent to reveal his masterpiece. Ouyang Xiu sang: "The barbarians live on horseback, hunting is their custom. Sweet springs and beautiful grasses are everywhere, birds are startled and beasts are frightened, they race and fight. Who will marry a Han girl to a barbarian boy, the wind and sand are merciless, her face is like jade. She does not meet any Chinese people, she composes a song of longing for home on horseback. She pushes her hand to play the pipa, but turns her hand to play the lute, the barbarians who listen also sigh. Her beautiful face is lost and dies at the ends of the earth, but the pipa is brought back to the Han people. The Han palace competes to play the new tune, the regret is deep and the sound is more bitter. The slender hands of the young girl are born in the bridal chamber, she learns the pipa and does not leave the hall. She does not know the road to the Yellow Clouds beyond the border, how could she know that this sound can break the heart?"
"Excellent, excellent music!" As soon as he finished singing, before the guests could even applaud, Pang Yu, having composed himself, loudly began to praise, "A certain 'Su Mu Zhe' is beyond the reach of modern people, except for Li Bai; this 'Ming Fei Qu' by Brother Jie Fu is beyond Li Bai's reach, except for Du Fu, and since Du Fu is no longer here, only Brother Yongshu can do it!" "Su Mu Zhe" was the poem he composed at the Green Jade Pavilion, "Wine enters the sorrowful heart, turning into tears of longing."
Even the usually silent Liu Yong couldn't help but praise, "Brother Yongshu's music is truly exquisite. The opening lines describe the differences in customs in the Hu region, then the suffering of Zhaojun in her exile, and finally the composition of music by Mingfei longing to return home, her jade-like face..." From the line onward, the music transitions from the people to the music, describing how the music was introduced to the Han region. The people came from the Han to the Hu, and the music came from the Hu to the Han. The narrative begins in the land of the Hu (non-Han peoples) and ends in the land of the Han (Han peoples), repeating itself to highlight the differences between the Hu and Han, and the distinction between the barbarians and the civilized. It laments that what should be the most embarrassing melody for the Han people is now being played as a new tune in the Han palace, but how many truly understand the sorrow and grief within? The profound meaning is conveyed through a calm and subtle narrative, with simple and graceful language and clear, natural transitions, highlighting a deep and poignant lament for the tragic life of Zhaojun… "Such a lamenting and expressive poem, I, Sanbian, am ashamed to admit my inferiority." He seemed to avoid topics of marriage alliances or overly sentimental matters, sighing before falling silent.
"Hahaha, Brother Sanbian, you are inferior, then I shall do it." "How could Fourth Brother let such a chance to shine pass by?" Liu Yong laughed and took over the topic. "I'll compose two songs, one after the other, and I'd like everyone to comment on them.
'When Consort Mingfei first left the Han Palace, tears wet her temples in the spring breeze. She lingered, gazing at her reflection, utterly devoid of color, yet even the Emperor couldn't contain himself. Returning home, she blamed the painter, for such beauty had never been seen before; her charm could never be captured in a painting, and Mao Yanshou was wrongly executed. Once gone, she knew she would never return, pitifully wearing out her Han Palace robes; she sent messages to inquire about the affairs of the southern border, but only the wild geese flew there year after year. Her family sent news from ten thousand miles away, urging her not to miss him in the felt city; have you not seen how Consort Mingfei was confined in the Changmen Palace, so close yet so far, her life filled with sorrow, with no north or south?"
Pang Yu sang with his magnetic and gentle voice, and when he heard the line "Her charm could never be captured in a painting, and Mao Yanshou was wrongly executed," the entire audience... Everyone, including Liu Yong, was deeply moved. When the last line, "Have you not seen how the Changmen Palace was so close yet so far, where even the most beautiful woman is confined? In life, when one is down on one's luck, there is no north or south," Wang Anshi and Zeng Gong's eyes were once again filled with admiration and respect. Ouyang Xiu couldn't help but slap the table in admiration. The seven courtesans, including Chen Shishi, all looked at the Fourth Prince with burning eyes. They had only heard about the various "legends" about this "eunuch marquis, who fought Liu Yong and single-handedly challenged the prince's faction" before, but today they saw it with their own eyes and heard it with their own ears. They truly appreciated his outstanding literary talent and unparalleled genius. Coupled with his handsome face, tall figure, and the noble status of the Marquis of Anle, what girl wouldn't be moved and secretly succumb to desire, even if it was just for one night, she would want to sleep in his bed!
Fourth Brother's favorite feeling was being watched by a bunch of beautiful women. He would raise his cup with a flourish and drink it all in one gulp. In his drunken state, he would leisurely recite: "There was a beauty in the Han Palace, whom the Emperor did not know at first. One day, she followed the Han envoy and went to marry the Xiongnu chieftain. Her beauty was unparalleled in the world, and once lost, it could not be regained. Even if the painter was killed, what good would it do? If what we see and hear is like this, how can we control the barbarians thousands of miles away! The Han plan was indeed clumsy, and the beauty of women is not something to boast about. When Mingfei left, her tears fell on the flowers on the branches; when the mad wind rose at dusk, they drifted and fell to whose home? Beautiful women often have short lives. Do not blame the spring breeze, but lament yourselves. Girls, youth is fleeting, so enjoy yourself while you can and do not waste your radiant youth. Beasts, be carefree when you can and be romantic when you can. If you do not indulge in pleasure now, when will you? Ahahahahaha!" He was drunk and all sorts of lewd words came out, but they also expressed the feelings of most people present.
Women, which one doesn't yearn for spring? Men, which one isn't inherently lustful? The courtesan competition—isn't it the best platform for them to find pleasure, enjoyment, and mutual solace in "love"?
Pang Yu's men got excited along with him. Some shouted, some yelled, some slammed the table—wolf howls filled the air. The girls, on the other hand, were shy and blushing, their faces radiant with spring. At least six of them were determined to sneak into his bed that night and have a night of passion with this "servant among servants, servant among servants"!
But why 99? Because out of about two hundred guests, two were completely unmoved and would never be aroused by Pang Yu. One was the heartless Bao Laohei, and the other, of course, was the dark-faced Uncle Ba.
Indulging in pleasure? That's what he thinks!
Uncle Ba was furious. He thought: This scoundrel corrupted my daughter! My daughter was bewitched by this guy, which is why she did such a scandalous thing as premarital sex! His once ethereal and proud daughter was now overjoyed to receive a broken water bottle, her excitement barely contained, a smile spreading across her face!
Poor father, for three years, he hadn't seen his daughter smile like this!
It was this man, this scoundrel who constantly talked about enjoyment, pleasure, and living for the moment! It was him who ruined his daughter's purity, it was him who stained her divine status
! Uncle Ba's eyes blazed with fury.

Chapter 168: The Courtesan Contest, the Number One Beauty of Jiangnan.

What is humility? Fourth Brother had never known.
After reciting a poem that was unanimously praised by the capital's literary circles as "the pinnacle of poems about Wang Zhaojun," Fourth Brother spontaneously composed two more poems, the applause in the hall thundering and lasting for a long time.
"He returned to the northern deserts, his family pacified the land for generations; if judged by merit, he was almost on par with Wei Qing and Huo Qubing."
"Emperor Wu of Han's heroic ambitions are recorded in history, the Great Wall stretches for ten thousand miles amidst the smoke of war.
How can they compare to a single pipa melody, where arrows have been silent for fifty years?" With each line recited by the fourth brother, cheers from the men and screams from the women rang out, turning the courtesan competition into his personal poetry recital. The brothers of the Crown Prince's faction shouted themselves hoarse, especially Gao Yanei and Qian Shicai. For so many years, they had been ridiculed and mocked for being uncultured and of low quality, and they had felt so stifled! Now, they could finally hold their heads high. The eldest brother's newly acquired servants were not only skilled in couplets, but also in composing poems and lyrics. Even an impromptu melody could elicit thunderous applause from this group of "talented scholars and literati." The Crown Prince's faction had lost face in the past, and from now on, no one would dare to ridicule them again. What reason was there not to cheer and rejoice?
"Alright, that's enough about the poetry for now. Next, I'll..." Pang Yu seemed determined to turn the courtesan competition into his personal show. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine, and he glanced sideways.
It was his Eighth Uncle, his face dark, teeth clenched, the cunning Eighth Uncle about to explode.
"That's enough for now. Let's have Xi Yun perform a song and dance, hahaha, I've been waiting for this for a long time." Fourth Brother changed his mind too quickly, not because he was afraid of anyone, but because he suddenly realized a serious problem—damn it. \\\\The Song Dynasty seems to have a rule that you can't marry two princesses, right? I'm a responsible man, I can't just sleep with her and then deny it. I'll just have to reluctantly take that unruly little white tiger... hehehe, I'll take her in. But Qin Yi is also a princess, so that's redundant... Oh dear, this is a huge problem!
Fourth Brother was feeling depressed, and the hall fell silent once again, including the famous courtesans like Chen Shishi. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Zou Xi Yun's appearance.
The most beautiful woman in Jiangnan!
This was after Qixiufang settled in the capital. A huge "Jinling fan club" (well, there wasn't such a thing in ancient times, we're just calling it that for ease of understanding) then came to the capital and spent a fortune, booking several of the most luxurious inns in the west of the city for a year. Then, every day, they would bring all sorts of gifts and make a big show of supporting Qixiufang. Only then did people hear from them that Zou Xiyun had such a prestigious title in their area, and that the quietly opened Qixiufang was actually the most elegant and refined place in Jiangnan!
For a long time, the playboys and noble families of Bianliang only had eyes for Nangong Qinyi, believing that no woman in the world could compare to her. But when they came to Qixiufang to see Zou Xiyun's performance, everyone unanimously felt that if anyone in the world could rival Nangong Qinyi for the title of "Queen of Courtesans," it would undoubtedly be Zou Xiyun of Qixiufang!
Pang Yu never cared about these empty titles of "Number One Beauty" or "Number One Courtesan." However, having seen Zou Xiyun's performance once, he knew how captivating it was, and his anticipation was even stronger than that of the other guests.
The drums and music began, and everyone held their breath.
Pang Yu's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Last time, in the secluded small building of Zou Xiyun's residence in Qixiufang, Zou Xiyun and the nine dancers of the "Nine Heavens Flying Fairy" performed together, showing him the most moving dance he had ever witnessed. And this time… Zou Xiyun put on a spectacular performance at Fenglin Pavilion to vie for the title of courtesan queen. Her entrance was even more grand than before.
A band of sixteen women played music and dance. As they played various instruments, producing melodious tunes, they swayed gracefully, their movements beautiful and captivating.
They were all young women in their prime, with slender figures, and most exquisitely, their colorful dresses perfectly revealed their long, snow-white legs and slender waists, drawing attention without falling into vulgarity.
Suddenly, the music changed, and nine beautiful dancers draped in light gauze, holding feather fans, danced into the hall from the inner door—the very same "Nine Heavenly Fairies" they had seen that day. Their beauty far surpassed that of the other dancers they had performed before; their figures appeared and disappeared in a flash, creating dazzling patterns that left the men and women present in awe.
Although Bianliang was the largest metropolis in the world at the time, when it came to elegance and refinement, Jiangnan was still the best, especially during the Southern Tang Dynasty. From the ruler Li Yu and Empress Zhou Ehuang to the literati and scholars in the countryside, everyone loved singing and dancing and indulged in pleasure. Li Yu favored his concubine Niang and praised her dancing as "lotus flowers on the water, ever new moon in the clouds," which started the trend of foot binding for a thousand years. Empress Zhou re-composed the "Rainbow Skirt Dance," restoring the largest song and dance movement in the Tang court. Although the Southern Tang Dynasty perished because of this, the decadent and extravagant atmosphere of Jiangnan has remained unchanged for a long time, which is incomparable to Bianliang, which has been the capital of the Song Dynasty for just over 60 years.
The seven famous courtesans present (Nangong Fengyi and Hua Xiangrong went backstage to prepare for their performance) were all first-class singers and dancers in Bianliang, but when they saw this dance and music performance that was famous in Jiangnan, they could only admit their inferiority.
What was even more unsettling was that the "Nine Immortals," in the prime of their youth, were draped only in shawls of crimson, bright yellow, pale green, and light blue, revealing glimpses of pale red undergarments beneath. Their snow-white shoulders, jade-like arms, and slender legs swayed gracefully, captivating the male guests. Gao Ya Nei and Qian Shi Cai, those two lecherous rogues, were practically drooling. "
Look at this! Look at this! What kind of manners are these?!" Fourth Brother felt like banging his head against the wall. He was also secretly observing his surroundings. While Zhao Shi Kai and Zhao Zong Hui weren't as out of control as his two lecherous underlings, they were still dumbfounded, their breathing quickening. Among the Crown Prince's faction, only Zhao Yun Bi remained calm and unmoved by the beauty before him.
Zhao Xuan Huang, though outwardly engrossed, showed no trace of bewilderment or infatuation in his eyes, revealing that his demeanor was merely a facade to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing too much attention.
After a thousand and one dazzling displays of beauty, the nine dancers, initially separated, merged into a large circle. Simultaneously, their cherry lips parted to utter enchanting songs, their lotus feet swaying gracefully, their skirts revealing glimpses of youthful, alluring beauty—a breathtaking sight. The air was filled with the fragrance of clothes, the shimmering shadows of hair, and the soft, sweet voices, a mesmerizing spectacle.
The guests couldn't help but applaud and praise. Suddenly, the dancers scattered like butterflies, revealing the true performer, Zou Xiyun, standing prominently in the center of the arena.
No one knew when this ethereal, otherworldly beauty, the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, had arrived, nor how she had hidden among the dancers until Pang Yu led the applause, at which point they seemed to awaken from a dream and joined in.
The true brilliance of the Flower Queen Competition had begun!

Chapter 169: The Flower Queen Competition, "A beautiful dance, boundless spring colors, hair like clouds,

cheeks like snow!"
This line, once imagined countless times by Wen Feiqing (Wen Tingyun), is a phrase he had fantasized about.
Pang Yu finally understood!
Zou Xiyun's pretty face was unbelievably white. It wasn't the cold, pale blue of Hua Xiangrong's mixed-race features, nor was it the translucent, jade-like white of Nangong Qinyi's. Instead, it was a warm, rich white, with even the pinkish-orange hue showing through the thin skin at the tip of her nose, under her ears, and at her temples, like a layer of honey.
Pang Yu finally understood why he could sense any subtle changes in her face even through the black veil.
It was because this whiteness was so intense, so rich it seemed impossible to separate, so incredibly lustrous, so dazzling… more radiant and dazzling than frost reflecting the winter sun. No wonder she concealed her jade-like face with a thin veil; otherwise, this milky, rich, creamy, and smooth white alone would be enough to make any man in the world lose his soul!
It wasn't just her fair skin; her slender, crescent-shaped eyebrows, her clear, deep eyes, and her smooth, snow-white cheeks were all perfectly combined on her pure and ethereal face. Beneath her elegant, straight nose, her full, bright red lips, accentuated by two beautiful dimples, resembled a touch of crimson rouge painted by the hand of nature—vibrant and intense, yet utterly otherworldly.
Her pretty face still bore traces of dew, faint traces of sweat that had trickled down her cheeks. Her cascading black hair, smooth as satin and gleaming with the lingering effects of the song and dance, still swayed gently, reflecting the hazy moonlight outside the window, creating a soft, dreamlike glow. Combined with her irresistible noble air, she made all the other beautiful courtesans in the room pale in comparison!
The crowd was so excited that they forgot to clap and cheer. Pang
Yu was completely captivated, utterly mesmerized.
What a sight Zou Xiyun! After her dance, she deliberately removed her veil, allowing the guests to witness her breathtaking beauty for the first time—a far superior feat compared to Chen Shishi's performance, which had taken an unexpected turn.
Pang Yu picked up the black veil beside him, rose from his seat, and walked to the center of the hall. His playful gaze swept over Zou Xiyun's fair and radiant face, then he surveyed the entire hall, arrogantly declaring, "Xiyun's dance was exquisite! Even the celestial dances of the Jade Palace couldn't compare, could they?" Zou Xiyun was his woman—oh no, his "Chang'e" (after all, the Cowherd's woman is Chang'e). Her performance was so brilliant; of course, he had to lead the applause.
The crowd, their souls returning to their bodies, erupted in cheers, this time truly beyond their control. Even Zhao Zonghui and Zhao Shikai, members of the Crown Prince's faction, couldn't help but shout wildly, except for Zhao Yunbi.
Pang Yu looked at Zou Xiyun again, his eyes filled with excitement, confusion, and the fervor of seeing an idol superstar. He held onto the thin black veil, damp with her cool, fragrant sweat and imbued with her virginal scent. He slowly walked to Zou Xiyun's side, a mesmerizing smile curving his lips, and knelt on one knee… before him!
No, Fourth Brother knelt down. He merely brushed a speck of dust from his boots. Then he stood up, reaching out with infinite tenderness to gently stroke Zou Xiyun's flawless face.
Zou Xiyun had initially thought he was captivated by her beauty and couldn't help but kneel before his beautiful "princess," but it turned out Pang Yu had feigned weakness, tricked her again, and easily succeeded. "
Ah, so smooth and supple, so delicate, this must be what they mean by 'skin like solidified cream',"
Fourth Brother exclaimed. Before Zou Xiyun could even react and grab him, his mischievous hand had already retreated. He brought it to his nose, inhaling the sweet, virginal scent of the glistening sweat on his fingertips, like sandalwood and musk. As for the black veil he was holding in his other hand, he unceremoniously placed it into his own bosom!
Damn it, Fourth Brother, I'm your "Cowherd," you know what a cowherd is? The man who comforts you and brings you joy, and he didn't even see your face first, but instead was with so many ordinary mortals. That's so heartless, fickle, and cruel! (What nonsense!)
As punishment, I only touched you once; Fourth Brother was being lenient.
Touching your face, from his modern perspective, is nothing, but in ancient times, especially in the strictly regulated Song Dynasty, for a girl who only performed and never let anyone touch her, having her face touched was the greatest humiliation she could suffer, second only to being forced into a sexual relationship!
Fortunately, most people were still immersed in the memory of Zou Xiyun's beautiful dance; otherwise, if Fourth Brother had touched her face as soon as the beautiful Zou revealed her beauty, Pang Yu, who had "humiliated" her, would have been driven to death by jealousy!
But now, Pang Yu felt better.
Look, look, they're all women, all vying for first place. How did that Flower Fairy Girl manage that? She even got a little princess with her after a night of passion (Fourth Brother was under the influence of the Ecstasy Incense; he doesn't remember Hua Xiangrong actually letting him in, but actually, aside from her two holes, he played with her everywhere else, countless times). No doubt about it, I've switched sides! Xi Yun, you can't blame me for this; you're so unfair! You didn't even let me see your face first. \\*\\\\That day I even showed you my naked body, not just completely naked, but I was completely dizzy and let you do whatever you wanted all night!
----Hmph, although you took off your veil and your beauty rivals Chang'e in the moon, how did you treat the Cowherd Brother who spent the night in your boudoir and shared a bed with you?!
It's utterly heartbreaking!!!
Fourth Brother angrily returned to his seat. His unyielding style, showing no lingering affection for the beauty, secretly impressed those who despised him as a lecherous scoundrel (like Bao Laohei).
After the performance, Zou Xiyun didn't follow the custom of leaving the stage to change her costume backstage. Instead, she led "Nine Heavens Flying Fairy" directly back to her seat, seemingly eager to see her rival, Hua Xiangrong, perform.
Yes, it was Hua Xiangrong's turn after her. Everyone secretly wondered what kind of performance this alluring beauty, who had become famous throughout the capital in less than a month and whose popularity rivaled Nangong Qinyi, could possibly offer to compete with them, given Zou Xiyun's graceful singing and dancing and Chen Shishi's poignant music.
The answer was simple—a float.
A huge float slowly drove into the hall, easily several feet in diameter. It was open on all four sides, with colorful curtains hanging over several feet high, painted with various birds, beasts, and plants of different expressions and unknown forms. It was completely different from the ink wash paintings of Central Plains landscapes. As the float moved forward, the curtain rose and fell gently without wind, revealing lifelike and dynamic patterns that added a touch of mysterious exoticism. "
Where is Hua Xiangrong? Is she inside?" Everyone wondered in unison, holding their breath.
The float reached the center of the hall and came to a steady stop. Then came a long silence. Just as the guests were growing impatient and preparing to bang on the tables in complaint, a woman's soft moan suddenly rang out from behind the curtain, her voice languid and alluring. The sound sent a shiver down the spines of everyone present. Suddenly,
an arm emerged from behind the curtain, fingers clenched into a beak shape, pointing proudly to the sky. The
hand was slender and delicate, the skin like jade, even the blood showing through the thin skin at the elbows and armpits was a soft, pinkish-orange. Truly, it was as tender as lotus root. So smooth and translucent, it captivated everyone. All eyes were fixed on it, the entire hall of guests mesmerized.
Her arm, which had been still as a jade sculpture, was now completely still. But as the light gauze draped over her arm fluttered down, a sense of fluidity suddenly emerged. Amidst countless burning, lustful gazes, it began to transform into various alluring postures, sometimes like a phoenix perched proudly on a branch, sometimes like a budding little bird seeking pleasure. Gradually, it lowered lower and lower, finally drooping weakly onto the colorful screen, with only two fingers sticking out. The fingertips, stained bright red with balsam juice, still trembled incessantly, their delicate fragility and overwhelming weakness arousing the blood to boil, making one yearn to step forward and gently massage them, to soothe the tender feelings for the flower. For
a moment, the hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, except for the constant "gulp," "gulp" of swallowing—the sound of a group of lecherous men drooling.
Even a gentleman like Fourth Brother felt his heart pound and his blood surge. He couldn't help but think back to their passionate embrace on the rooftop earlier—those soft, boneless red hands, and her glistening, sensual lips, so moist… her delicate, sweet tongue—wasn't that the culprit who stole Fourth Brother's first ejaculation?
Suddenly, the fingers resting on the screen twitched, and her slender arm rose again. **** Fingers, palm, wrist, elbow, and shoulder moved rhythmically in sequence, rising from behind the curtain. At the end of her arm, a head of cloud-like hair could finally be seen. Everyone knew that Hua Xiangrong must be in the car, and they all stared wide-eyed, eager to see her carefully made-up face. But she deliberately didn't show her face, only her black hair undulating like waves at the edge of the curtain, captivating everyone's attention.
After waiting for quite a while, a stunningly beautiful face finally emerged from behind the curtain, truly a sight to behold! From afar, she had removed the golden hairpin from her temple, leaving only a playful and alluring loose bun. Her trembling fingertips traced her lily-petal-like cheeks, across her beautiful chin, slender neck, and delicate collarbone, slowly resting on her slightly heaving white chest, revealing her full breasts and supple waist. Every part of her body exuded an indescribable allure and seductive charm, leaving everyone present stunned and speechless.
Hua Xiangrong slowly stood up, her body draped only in a layer of pink gauze, vaguely revealing a pair of fair and dazzling breasts. As her body swayed and undulated like a water snake, her smooth arms and jade legs, her wasp waist and heaving chest, and her secret places were faintly visible. Coupled with the soft moans from her mouth and the alluring charm in her eyes, even if the guests could resist the temptation just now, they stopped breathing and stood motionless in their seats like clay statues. The only sound in the hall was the "thumping" of their hearts, so violent and intense that one could almost imagine the rush of hot blood.
As the curtain fell, Pang Yu finally saw that the so-called "float" was actually a mobile water pavilion. Each of the four corners had an exquisitely carved pavilion pillar, and the center was recessed, filled with hot spring water, forming a large expanse of shallow water, like a small pond. Countless shadows of varying heights were scattered on the bottom of the water, resembling unevenly laid square tiles. Countless wooden idols were erected on the water, carved in the shape of musicians and dancers, as well as those rowing boats and riding horses. They were so detailed that even the five fingers holding flowers, no bigger than walnuts, were clearly carved. Their clothes were flowing, and their features were lifelike. They were deliberately left unpainted, and the beautiful wood grain that was revealed only added to the antique charm.
Hua Xiangrong's bare, shapely, and long legs revealed a pair of plump, translucent, and delicate white feet, smooth and lustrous as if coated with milk. She wore neither pale yellow embroidered shoes nor fine snow-white stockings. The soles and ankles were a pale orange-red with a soft pinkish hue, so tender that not a single rough skin was visible. Her toes were flat
and rounded, possessing both the plumpness of an infant and the alluring curves of a mature woman, a perfect blend of innocence and charm, indescribably adorable. The pool water reached her calves. She gracefully stood still, assuming a dancing posture. Her lotus feet inadvertently touched the square bricks in the pool, producing a clear and melodious sound from the four pillars, like the tolling of a chime. Water splashed across the surface, and several small dancing figurines within the pool began to turn.
Pang Yu examined the wooden figurine closely and discovered its exquisite craftsmanship. Each part, including the knees, elbows, shoulders, and waist
, had movable joints. However, the chime from the pillar only rang a few times, and the figurine stopped moving almost immediately, nothing particularly remarkable. Just as he was wondering if there was some hidden secret, he suddenly noticed Hua Xiangrong opposite him, her thin lips pursed, gazing at him with tender affection. Her almond-shaped eyes, brimming with spring-like desire, overflowed with alluring brilliance. "
What's wrong? Not satisfied yet? Want your fourth brother to 'fill' your stomach again?" "
Alright, if you want to 'do it,' pick a time. We've agreed on a place, and your fourth brother will definitely be there."
Feeling a surge of desire, Hua Xiangrong lightly tiptoed, her slender waist twisting, and began to dance. Her long, smooth legs bounced beneath her skirt, her soft, full hips swaying with elasticity. Her alluring figure spun in the carriage, her full breasts swaying like waves, while the tinkling music from the pillar played like a dulcimer, the melody continuous and unending. (So that's how it is!) Everyone suddenly realized.
Her water-themed float was itself a musical instrument!
Sound-producing stones and ironware were hidden in the four pillars of the float, hollow like air pipes. The seemingly random tiles in the pool were actually keys, connected by springs to the dancing figures on the water's surface. Touching a tile would trigger a sound from the pillar, indirectly activating the water-powered mechanisms in the outer pool, causing the figures to rotate and dance!
As the music played, the dancing figures in the pool indeed began to move—unlike the previous intermittent and stiff movements, the entire pool of people, boats, and carriages spun rapidly around the pavilion. Musicians swayed their heads and played flutes, dancers leaped and soared, sails billowed and horses galloped, as if they were alive. The crowd stared in disbelief, speechless.
Hua Xiangrong's dance was graceful; although one hand held the hem of her light gauze dress while the other gently clapped and harmonized, her figure appeared even more exquisite, like snowflakes drifting in the air, or tumbleweeds dancing by the poolside. As the lively music played, the dance steps quickened. Suddenly, she raised both arms, landed on one leg, and began to spin to the rapid rhythm. The light veil covering her body billowed up, revealing her naked body.
The guests all stood up, unable to resist leaning forward, wanting to feast their eyes on the spring scenery within. Unfortunately, this was a sight only Fourth Brother could enjoy—Hua Xiangrong was spinning so fast that not only were her private parts obscured, but even her face was impossible to see clearly. The shallow lake surface was instantly filled with a chaotic whirlwind!

Chapter 170: The Courtesan Competition, Climax? Elegant Charm? Celestial Melody

The first climax!
Hua Xiangrong's performance reached its first peak. More than two-thirds of the guests were eagerly anticipating the performance, their hearts pounding in their chests. Even though she spun so fast, they couldn't see anything. They couldn't see anything at all. Yet, they all stared intently, their breaths quickening, their eyes blazing with desire.
Gradually, Hua Xiangrong's dance steps began to slow down. But at the same time, the light veil fell down. Her fiery, alluring, and curvaceous figure was once again concealed. So, although the secrets behind the thin veil were faintly visible, only Fourth Brother's unparalleled, thieving eyes allowed anyone else to appreciate or savor them.
Hua Xiangrong's dance slowed, then suddenly she paused in a corner of the pool. Her delicate hands danced in the wind, her long, slender lotus feet lightly touching the ground. The rich melody, originally a harmonious blend, suddenly became a single note. The surrounding puppets also moved slower and slower. Yet, the listener did not feel empty. It was as if they were in the trough before a peak, filled with anticipation for the next moment.
She danced gracefully in the pool, her clothes splashed with water, clinging tightly to her exquisite body, highlighting her two snow-white, round breasts. The full, smooth flesh overflowed, heavy and overflowing to her armpits. Even through her soaked outer garment, her snow-white legs were clearly visible, reflecting the shimmering water. They were even whiter than the reflection of her white gauze dress on the surface. Her delicate knees and the backs of her knees were a soft, rosy orange. Her bare feet occasionally lifted above the water, glistening with tiny water droplets, like fresh, plump, tender pears.
This was what others saw. But in Fourth Brother's thieving eyes… hey. Under the fluttering gauze, he could see everything. Her incredibly white cleavage, her petite and adorable navel, and her plump, soft, yet still slender waist. And between her legs, which were forcibly parted in the water, the constantly swaying black down…
even mosaics were no obstacle. Let alone gauze.
Fourth Brother's desire grew stronger. He was already calculating how many times he would do it that night, how many positions he would try. Suddenly, the enchanting music changed to a gentle tune. Hua Xiangrong parted her red lips slightly. A soft voice sang:
"In the North there is a beautiful woman, aloof and independent.
One glance could topple a city, a second glance could topple a nation.
How could one not know the power of such beauty? Such a woman is hard to find again!"
The wind subsided, and the melody faded. A bewitching beauty, dressed in a half-wet, sheer veil, bowed gracefully to the judges. Her flowing skirt spread out in a pink circle on the water's surface; her milky-white skin peeked through the soaked veil. Her exquisite curves reflected the shimmering water, appearing and disappearing, dazzling to the eye.
The entire hall fell silent.
Until the water-powered mechanism that had been driving the puppets gradually stopped, the dancing figures moved slower and slower, until they stopped completely. Only then did a burst of applause erupt in the hall. Zhao Yunbi clapped loudly and shouted, "People say the South is beautiful, its beauties often have almond-shaped eyes and willow-like waists, their makeup light yet their emotions deep; the North is rugged, its ladies often have snow-white skin and icy figures, pure and charming. Seeing you today, I can see the truth is indeed true!" (
Forgive and forget the reputation!) My Rongrong is performing a song and dance. Why are you praising her beauty so much?
She's my woman! The woman I just slept with! Pang Yu was furious. He stood up, ready to yell at him. But Uncle Ba on the judging panel spoke first: "Please be quiet, everyone. It's getting late. Let's invite Master Nangong to perform and decide the courtesan's winner as soon as possible."
Uncle Ba's face was dark as he spoke. Looking at these wolves with eyes only for lust, he felt like flipping the table. Shouting! Shouting nonsense! Boasting! Boasting nonsense! No matter how well these girls who have performed before sing or dance, can they compare to my precious daughter?
The guests, who had prepared countless words of praise and flattery, hoping to win the beauty's heart, fell silent the moment they heard the Eighth Prince's outburst. They were instantly paralyzed. This was understandable, because Uncle Ba's words were probably the most effective in the Song Dynasty besides the emperor's golden words—even Grand Tutor Pang's were effective. However, with his golden whip in hand, Eighth Uncle could kill anyone who dared disobey on the spot. Grand Tutor Pang wouldn't be able to act so quickly.
Fourth Brother also didn't have time to continue teasing Zhao Yunbi. Before leaving, Hua Xiangrong gave him a long, affectionate look with her watery eyes. The meaning in her eyes was clear: Fourth Brother, I'll serve you tonight. You must keep your promise.
Nonsense. When has Fourth Brother ever broken a promise?
He promised Zou Xiyun that Marquis Anle would personally act as the male prostitute for the Seven Beauties Pavilion during the Flower Queen Competition. In the end, he only got a one-day transfer, temporarily taking over as Marquis Anle himself. Damn it. Fourth Brother never promised to help her win the Flower Queen title. Now that he's decided to help the Flower Demoness, it can't be considered a breach of promise.
He returned Hua Xiangrong a flirtatious look. The Flower Demoness blushed, shyly accepting the offer, and then threw him several alluring glances. Gao Yanei and Qian Shicai, standing beside Fourth Brother, were ecstatic. Their daydreaming skills were no less than Pang Yu's. They thought this was directed at them, their faces beaming with joy. Fourth
Brother winked at the judge, who had already "settled things": "The courtesan? My woman, Rongrong!"
The hall fell silent again, save for the expectant heartbeats of the guests.
Finally, when Nangong Qinyi appeared before everyone like a fairy descending from a deep valley of dreams, everyone in the hall, regardless of gender, couldn't take their eyes off this stunning beauty.
She walked in with light, graceful steps, like a fairy moving on water. What captivated everyone wasn't just her slender, well-proportioned figure and graceful bearing, but even more enchanting were her clear, watery eyes, like two stars shimmering in an autumn pool—deep, bright, and brimming with spirit. A gentle blink sent ripples across the room. How could any ordinary person in the hall resist such allure?
She reminded Pang Yu of the Fairy Sister.
Nangong Qinyi possessed a similar ethereal, fairy-like beauty. While she lacked the hazy, mysterious beauty that came with concealing her face, and didn't possess Fairy Sister's icy coldness, she combined a certain innate elegance and untainted beauty, creating a unique charm that was in no way inferior. Nangong Qinyi
walked to the center of the hall. She first gestured towards the judges' panel, then gracefully turned to the side, her gaze sweeping across the entire room. A gentle smile seemed to escape from the corner of her lips unintentionally. The guests were stunned: "Qin Yi's trip to Luoyang caused the competition to be delayed for several months. I feel deeply guilty. Today, I offer this piece, 'High Mountains and Flowing Water,' to express my apology. I also hope that all the sisters in the world will become friends and remain kindred spirits forever."
After a brief silence, the entire audience roared in agreement. The moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.
Nangong Qin Yi sat upright in her chair, accepting the brocade box presented by a maid. With her delicate, smooth, and snow-white hands, she slowly touched the lid of the box.
Everyone stopped moving, held their breath, and waited for the music to begin
. As the brocade box opened, a seven-colored radiance flowed out, and a dazzling light shot into the sky. The Yangxue Ningshuang Qin, Nangong Qinyi's most beloved instrument, appeared before all the guests in its unique and magnificent form. The jade base was crystal clear and incomparably beautiful. Colorful light swirled around it, emanating a cool, refreshing aura. The seven strings—Gong, Shang, Jiao, Zhi, Yu, Bianzhi, and Biangong—were arranged from bottom to top, as if imbued with her intelligent and refined heart.
Nangong Qinyi picked up the Yangxue Ningshuang Qin and gently placed it on the table. A hazy, gentle moonlight, like water and mist, rose in her beautiful eyes: "Ladies and gentlemen, Qinyi will now make a fool of herself." The vast hall fell silent.
"Ding-dong," she murmured, her expression captivating, lost in thought. Slender, graceful fingers seemingly plucked the strings casually, weaving beautiful notes with effortless ease. The music flowed like willows sipping water, dancing gracefully, spreading outwards in concentric circles, gently rippling into the hearts of all. The music
was so moving, so unadorned, like a naturally beautiful woman removing her finery. The richly varied melodies bloomed like flowers from the point where her fingertips touched the strings. At their highest points, they seemed to emanate from beyond the heavens; at their lowest, they were like the deepest, unfathomable ocean.
All the guests were captivated, their spirits soaring. For a moment, the hall was silent, filled only with the lingering sound of the zither.
Suddenly, the music changed, shifting from clear and distant to melancholic, like the longing in one's heart, rich as wine, thick as honey, carrying the sorrowful and delicate beauty of Song Dynasty poetry. Implicitly, a lingering, poignant sorrow, a melancholy that lingers without bitterness. The breath between notes, the transitions between phrases, create a sense of space and linear beauty in the music. The melancholic timbre flows gently, leaving an endless aftertaste. In contrast to this poignant melody, all words seem empty and powerless. The moving music evokes deeply hidden emotions, making them difficult to suppress.
Nangong Qinyi's snow-white, slender fingers press, pluck, and strum on the seven strings, striving to guide the flow. The soundscape is like morning dew, a gentle breeze, the music's sentiment like weeping and lamenting, like evening wind rustling bamboo, like fine rain dotting duckweed. Yet each beat remains clearly audible, like gossamer threads drifting in the air, sometimes broken, sometimes continuous, like pearls leaping, rising and falling.
The guests stare in awe as she plays her solo, feeling the ever-changing sorrow and grief, like clouds drifting across the sky. A surge of tenderness and affection welled up within her. She could
n't help but lament her own loneliness and bewilderment. The music changed again, transforming into a ethereal melody, like flowing water from a high mountain. Yu Boya had once composed lyrics and music lamenting the passing of his friend Ziqi, the loss of a true soulmate. But when Nangong Qinyi played it, she transformed into a lonely woman awaiting her lover's return. Her fingertips gently plucked the strings, following her longing. Gradually, a rosy glow, even the moonlight couldn't conceal, rose on her beautiful cheeks, as if her beloved had returned from afar. Her shimmering eyes were filled with an overwhelming tenderness.
The waves of Jinming Pond, accompanying her moving music, shattered the moon's reflection, scattering it into countless jade butterflies fluttering on the water's surface. Orange-red petals swayed with the ripples. Nangong Qinyi's eyes were focused on the zither and her fingertips. With each pluck... It always transforms into a gentle breeze, harmonizing with the moonlit night over the spring river…
At this moment, "High Mountains and Flowing Water" is no longer just "High Mountains and Flowing Water," but a melody belonging solely to Nangong Qinyi! Amidst the anticipation of the crowd, her elegant and agile zither music rises like the moon into the starry sky in the quiet night, eternally radiant!
And everyone present can imagine themselves as the male protagonist in her music,
feeling Nangong Qinyi's longing, feeling her waiting, feeling the joy of reuniting with her after a long separation, feeling her wholehearted love and devotion… This was a scene they could never have imagined, never dared to imagine, before. But now, listening to Nangong Qinyi's heartfelt performance of "High Mountains and Flowing Water," all their desires, expectations, and dreams seem to have become reality! Nangong Fengyi
turns the pegs and plucks the strings, following the principles of music. The zither music swirls and rises and falls, gradually turning upwards, becoming increasingly soaring, like a flying dragon in the sky. Traversing three mountains and five peaks, it vanished in an instant. Yet its roar lingered, echoing in the ears. Suddenly, the dragon reappeared, swooping down from the sky, stirring up clouds. The melody rose with it, surging and flowing, ever-changing, each level higher than the last. It navigated danger with ease, effortlessly navigating the twists and turns.
The guests listened, mesmerized, almost forgetting where they were.
Then, Nangong Qingyin turned her hand, and the melody changed again. First, it was like birdsong in an empty mountain, a cascading waterfall, then a riot of colors, a hundred flowers in full bloom. Even the roar of a tiger and the cry of a dragon could not mask its elegance; even the chirping of a phoenix and the blowing of a luan bird could not describe its beauty. A deeply moving melody emerged, crystal clear like dewdrops on a lotus leaf. Reaching the climax of the piece, Zhao Yunbi was deeply moved, almost unable to suppress his praise. She quickly covered her mouth. It wasn't that the music shouldn't be praised; it should be praised, lauded! Praised with every word! However, the timing was wrong. If she uttered a sound now, it would disrupt this exquisite performance. No matter how much she couldn't bear it, she had to wait until the music ended. It was truly hard to suppress, yet she hoped the music would never stop. To listen to Master Nangong's music for a lifetime, there was nothing more she could ask for.
Suddenly, all the large and small windows in Fenglin Pavilion opened at once, even the skylight in the central dome. The bright moonlight shone in, its radiance filling the entire pavilion, making everything around it dazzling. Everyone was instantly blinded, only hearing the celestial music playing, lingering endlessly, like a hundred birds singing in unison, as if a phoenix had truly descended from the sky. And Nangong Qinyi's music was precisely the celestial melody that gathered a hundred birds to welcome the phoenix!
She didn't know how long she waited. When the light of day faded and the phoenix returned, the lingering notes of the music drifted out. Its melody lingered like wisps of smoke. Everyone listened, completely captivated. Not a single person cheered.
Then, someone seemed to awaken from their reverie, praising it first. The second, the third, and so on. Then all the guests in the hall came to their senses. The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause.
Pang Yu's ears were still filled with the exquisite music. He had intended to savor it, but then he saw Liu Yong suddenly stand up, his sorrow vanishing. He exclaimed, "Hearing the heavenly music of Master Nangong, I, Pang Yu, am filled with the thought, 'If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.' Looking at this competition, countless courtesans from all directions have graced us, but only Master Nangong's elegance is unforgettable. A beauty as pure as a fairy, the night view by the pond is intoxicating. I am filled with admiration..."
What's wrong? Is he about to compose lyrics while sighing?
Pang Yu downed the wine in front of him in one gulp, slammed the cup down, and stood up with a "crash." "
Alright! Fourth Brother will keep you company!"

Chapter 171 The Courtesan Contest:

The moment Liu Yong, the man who had seduced her, rose to his feet, the entire audience was filled with anticipation. This renowned scholar, whose fame and prestige in the world of courtesans were second to none, was finally about to speak.
When Marquis Anle followed suit, smashing his cup and leaping into the air, their anticipation had shifted to the excitement of watching a spectacle—the thrill of seeing a lowly servant battle the greatest scholar in the land!
No, wait, the servant was no longer just a lowly servant; he was now a marquis personally appointed by the Emperor. If he were to fight, he would represent the powerful families of the entire capital, even the entire North, against Liu Sanbian from the South.
The battle was on! The ladies' performance was over; it was time for the men to fight. The highly anticipated battle between the Prince's faction and the Crown Prince's faction was completely turned into a one-sided affair due to Fourth Brother's clever scheme; the contest between the literary talents and the playboys was further dampened by Fourth Brother's three bottles of perfume; if it weren't for the brilliant performances of Zou Xiyun and Hua Xiangrong (Nangong Qinyi participates every year and is always brilliant, so she doesn't count as adding to the excitement), this year's Flower Queen Contest would have been even less exciting than in previous years. Now, with this sudden outbreak of a battle of talents, everyone's interest has instantly soared again. Especially those guests who hadn't witnessed firsthand how Fourth Brother displayed his vast knowledge in the Green Jade Pavilion, leaving Liu Yong red-faced and almost spitting blood, only managing to attend the Flower Queen Contest thanks to Nangong's musical performance, were all green with envy, eagerly awaiting the two to begin their battle.
Liu Yong desperately wanted to compete with Pang Yu again. For some reason, he had remained silent since the start of the competition, only regaining his spirits after hearing Nangong Qinyi's exquisite performance. He desperately wanted another chance to compete with this opponent, whose literary talent surpassed Ouyang Xiu's and who had nearly defeated him that day. And today, at this moment, in front of all the guests, in front of the Nangong family, his fourth brother had openly smashed a cup, clearly intending to settle things. How could he possibly back down!
The battle was about to begin.
At this crucial moment, someone suddenly appeared to dampen the atmosphere.
"The competition isn't over yet. Even if you two want to compete, you'll have to wait." The deep voice, laced with anger, didn't hesitate to dampen the enthusiasm of the entire audience. It was none other than the cunning Eighth Uncle.
Upon hearing this, everyone who had been watching the competition for years immediately understood the hidden meaning.
---Not over yet? That meant the performance by the three famous courtesans was a draw, and they would have to compete in poetry and prose?
Zou Xiyun's song and dance medley, Hua Xiangrong's dance and music, and Nangong Qinyi's ethereal melody were all exquisite. It was truly difficult to rank them. ***** It seems not only the spectators thought so, but even the judges agreed. Therefore, according to the competition rules, an additional round was to be held to compare the talents of the three famous courtesans before determining the final winner.
And so, instantly, no one paid attention to the poetry competition between Fourth Brother and Liu Yong anymore. --A contest of talent between beauties in the hall—wasn't that much more interesting than two grown men arguing?
These lecherous scoundrels!
Except for the seventeen famous courtesans present (the top twenty could enter Fenglin Pavilion to watch the final), who were somewhat looking forward to the contest between the young servant and the talented Liu, everyone else was hoping to see the three beauties composing poetry!
"Sigh. Why not do it this way?" Zhao Xuanhuang, who had been keeping a low profile in the VIP section, smiled. "I would like the three ladies to each compose a poem appropriate to the occasion, or a lyric or musical piece. Then, Brother Sanbian and Lord Anle will each offer their critiques, and we'll see whose judgment is more insightful." His gentle smile and magnetic, deep voice were not only a weapon to charm the ladies, but even men couldn't bear to refuse him—except for Fourth Brother, and Liu Yong as well. This suggestion sounded really good. Two men arguing over poetry at the courtesan competition would be a bit of a mood killer, but if it were combined with the final selection of the three most famous courtesans, it would become a refined affair, something others would desperately want.
"What does the Eighth Prince think?" Zhao Xuanhuang looked towards the judges' panel, surprisingly not calling him "Father." It seemed that, as Zou Xiyun had said, their father-son relationship hadn't been very harmonious since last year's courtesan competition.
"Alright, as you say." The Eighth Prince also didn't call him "My Son," the old man and the young man seemed truly determined.
Pang Yu suddenly realized, "Damn it, does that mean Zhao Xuanhuang is my brother-in-law?" "Fine, that's good too. Let your Uncle Ba always be all smiles hiding daggers, always scheming to threaten his son-in-law. Alright, then I'm sorry, I'll team up with my future brother-in-law from now on, hehe, and challenge Uncle Ba!"
As the most literary figure among the judges, and the one with the most authority to comment on talent, Zhang Xian, seeing the Eighth Prince's approval, immediately said, "The scenery by Jinming Pond is otherworldly. In every Flower Queen Competition, we have enjoyed the songs, dances, and music of famous courtesans in this truly magnificent place. Therefore, I invite the three ladies to compose a poem on the theme of Jinming Pond. Young Master Liu and Marquis Anle will choose one to evaluate and determine the winner. Then, we eight judges will decide the final winner of this year's Flower Queen competition."
The guests responded with enthusiastic applause.
Hua Xiangrong rose first from her seat at the head of the table, her lotus-like steps faltering as she gracefully bowed: "When it comes to composing poetry, I'm afraid I'm not as good as my two elder sisters, so I'll make a fool of myself first."
With a charming smile and a hint of shyness, she gazed deeply at Pang Yu, and recited in her alluring, melodious voice:
"The Eastern Lord reigns supreme, but can he hold onto green hair and rosy cheeks for long?
The setting sun over the southern shore, the sparse rain in the apricot garden, I fear the fallen petals will linger.
Since spring arrived, the east wind has ruffled the willow banks, the verdant green gradually fading.
At Peach Leaf Ferry, old dreams linger, a tree of bright blossoms withers.
Gazing through the mist-shrouded pavilion, the grass obscures the misty shore, the sound of the jade flute playing 'Plum Blossom' remains.
After the gentle departure of the orchid-adorned boat on the green water,
I recall playing the spring tune at the Moon Pavilion, hand in hand on the waves.
A thousand sails have vanished, the clouds of the Wu Gorge have dispersed, my thoughts are intoxicated, I drink the clear wine of Xinfeng." "
The crane returns to the tower, heaven and earth are intertwined, I envy the beautiful night of the Double Seventh Festival, the celestial couple on the Magpie Bridge.
I sigh at my fickle life, my feelings are like water, no one will knock on my little pavilion anymore."
After reciting the two verses, Hua Xiangrong opened her luscious red lips and pursed them slightly: "This poem, 'Jinming Pond, Parting Feelings,' was written by Xiangrong in response to her feelings. I hope Young Master Liu and Marquis Anle will offer their critiques." Her smile was captivating, alluring to the bone, her coquettish voice carrying a hint of softness, making it sickeningly sweet. "You vixen
, can't you tone it down a bit? You don't have to seduce your man like this in public."
Pang Yu was still sighing when someone had already started commenting.
"Excellent words, excellent words! The first stanza describes the scenery, the whole poem is filled with mist, creating a desolate and sorrowful atmosphere; the second stanza expresses feelings in a subtle way, hinting at the past and then returning to the present, entering a dreamlike reverie, as if a beautiful woman is on the other side of the water, gazing longingly. The entire poem is a prelude to extreme scenes and emotions, expressing the sentiment of life's brevity and the difficulty of severing love. Wonderful, wonderful!"
This voice, of course, is neither Liu Yong's nor Fourth Brother's!

Chapter 172 The Flower Queen Competition, the Emperor Arrives in

My City, Who's Going First?
Pang Yu was instantly furious. Because he had been staring at Liu Yong, he didn't have time to notice who had gotten ahead of him, but no matter which bastard had the guts to steal Fourth Brother's chance to shine... Hmph, Fourth Brother didn't even bother to look, and picked up his cup to smash it!
But unfortunately, his cup had already hit the ground, and he grabbed nothing.
"It's alright if it's empty, there are more nearby," Pang Yu thought, getting up to grab his two underlings' cups. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the person who had been stealing his thunder with their comments.
"Damn it, Little Wang Anshi!"
Pang Yu's anger flared even more. "This brat, he's not even famous yet, and he's already trying to steal the spotlight from the girls! If I don't teach him a lesson, he'll really be a bad kid!
" He rolled up his sleeves, ready to pounce and grab him, but then he saw Little Zeng Gong pulling on Little Wang Anshi's sleeve, urgently saying, "Jiefu, Jiefu, look what you've done! I told you
not to talk nonsense, you lied..." "Such a good opportunity, why didn't I speak?" Little Wang Anshi shook him off, his small chest puffed out high.
"Master and Liu Sanbian only need two poems to compete, but for the Flower Queen competition, they have to write three! Why can't I comment?"
Pang Yu, almost flipping the table over, lunged to grab him, but then, upon hearing the word "Master," he was shocked.
What does that mean? What does it mean? "Is this 'master' you calling 'I'?
" "Master—" Little Wang Anshi called again, addressing him directly. "Jiefu wants to become your disciple. Will you teach me poetry and prose? Master. Last time at the Green Jade Pavilion, Jiefu wanted to learn from you how to write poems, lyrics, and couplets. Master, you're much better than those old scholars at the Imperial Academy. Please accept me. Master. Please? Master. I beg you. I beg you. I beg you." He clenched his little hands, pleadingly looking at Pang Yu. His childish voice uttered three consecutive "I beg you," "I beg you," making many girls want to pick him up and pinch his little face.
This is how the first generation of fujoshi (female fans of male-male romance) who loved young boys in the Song Dynasty were born.
"Jiefu, are you crazy!" Zeng Gong exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock. "You're becoming a disciple of a servant…you're becoming his disciple. If the headmaster finds out…you finally got into the Imperial Academy! Could it be…"
"Oh, no problem, no problem. It's not unacceptable for me to occasionally give a lecture at the Imperial Academy. I'm always a tireless teacher—Anshi, from now on, you're my first student. Come over and offer your master tea!" Pang Yu's attitude changed drastically. Shamelessly, he immediately acknowledged this young boy who had developed respect for him from admiration, and whose respect had led to his desire to become his disciple. He
quickly finished the tea offered by Wang Anshi as a gesture of respect. The second person to appear, Zou Xiyun, had already recited her impromptu poem in front of everyone with great emotion:
"Jade Garden, Golden Pond. Green Gate, Purple Path. Willow catkins like snow fill the road.
Clouds and sun are pale, the sky is low and the day is long, a few drops of fine rain fall.
Beautiful flower branches, half over the wall, seem to yearn, where is the fragrant grass of the prince?
Water surrounds the houses. Bridges stand by the gates and alleys, swallows and orioles dance.
How can the Lord of Spring remain the master, keeping green hair and rosy cheeks, for even a moment?
The beauty sings 'Golden Robe,' let it not be a pity; the talented scholar falls, let Jade Mountain not lament.
Moreover, spring comes, making me feel even more heartbroken, thinking of my homeland, the New Year is filled with sorrow.
Even if the precious horse neighs in the wind, and the red dust brushes my face, I will still seek fragrance and return home."
"Excellent! What a fine poem!" Liu Yong exclaimed, moved. He valued his status and knew that Pang Yu was preoccupied with taking on disciples. He hadn't listened carefully and didn't want to take advantage of him. The author commented, "The entire poem is expansive and expressive, combining descriptions of scenery with a lament for one's own fate. The writing is delicate, subtle, and moving. The first stanza unfolds like a scroll painting, stretching from Shuntian Gate in Bianliang City all the way to Jinming Pond. The scenery along the way is not merely depicted from an observational perspective, but rather enhanced and embellished using various techniques. First, it imbues natural scenery with human emotions. The beautiful flowers and branches half-peeking over the wall, seemingly gazing wistfully at the departing prince, evoke a sense of longing for his lost love. The flowers peeking over the wall are like a beautiful woman, reminiscing about her sorrow, watching the departing prince.
It's hard to tell whether the flowers are alluring or the prince is alluring. Second, it uses movement to highlight stillness. Third, it delicately depicts colors, such as the blue, purple, and snow-like willow catkins, directly describing three colors. The beautiful flowers are red, and the fragrant grass and water are green—this is an implicit description."
"The second half of the poem shifts to expressing emotions. The transition to the first half uses a question, closely echoing the spring scenery described in the first half, maintaining a continuous flow of meaning throughout. 'How can the Lord of Spring remain forever, holding onto youthful beauty and vibrant life?' This expresses both a lingering affection for the beautiful spring and a lament about the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of youth. From this point, the poem's mood shifts from joy to revelry and song, then back to sorrow and grief, culminating in a poignant sigh of longing for home."
Liu Yong's detailed commentary on the entire poem concludes: "The first half of this poem focuses on joyful scenes, while the second half emphasizes sorrowful emotions. 'The beauty sings "Golden Robe," but the talented scholar falls; Jade Mountain, cease your lament.' It depicts a beautiful woman singing a love song, a talented scholar drinking..." Fine wine, though enjoyable, inevitably carries a decadent, hedonistic spirit. This superficial joy serves to highlight inner sorrow, hence the following three lines about spring's arrival pour out the heartache and anguish. The final three lines don't conclude with the usual description of scenery or emotion, but rather with a dynamic element. The preceding lines, describing spring's arrival, express deep sorrow, longing for the homeland, and the bitterness of the New Year, leaving the reader deeply depressed. The image of a fine horse whistling in the wind, dust brushing against the face, echoes the earlier excursions, which should have lifted the spirits. However, the single word "纵" (zòng, meaning "to let go") transforms it into a resolute statement, implying that even the most joyful excursion to Jinming Pond must ultimately end in returning home, making the emotion even more poignant—a truly masterful touch! As soon as
he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.
Zou Xiyun's poems were already deeply moving and poignant; Liu Yong's comment only enhanced them further. Even if she didn't win the title of "Queen of the Courtesans" today, she would surely become a celebrated story in the literary world.
Following Zou Xiyun was Nangong Qinyi, a peerless beauty who seemed to live a life of solitude and isolation. She too was moved by the scene, her voice sweet and gentle, defying description, whispering in everyone's ear:
"The sky is vast, the clouds high, the stream flows far, the evening sun casts a chilly glow.
Quiet steps, willow catkins dwindle, the vermilion gate is closed, the warbler's song is still tender.
I regret hastily passing Qingming, only to seize the remaining fragrance.
Now it has become a deep sorrow. Several days have been gloomy. Nights have passed in languor, and I rise to find my youth gone.
Resentment etched on my brows, I see them idly swaying. I try to understand my feelings, but they seem so close.
My deep emotions are nothing but self-pity, my weary thoughts are ultimately ashamed to be questioned.
Who knows, in my dreams, I dream of Penglai, waiting to forget the lingering fragrance, to send a message.
Even if the warbler and flowers remain, the east wind will not cease, and only sorrow remains before my eyes."
"A fine poem. A fine lament for the passing of spring." It was Pang Yu's turn to comment. The beginning sounded similar to Liu Yong's, but it was quite different from the rest. "It begins with a broad perspective: the sky is vast, the clouds are high, the stream flows far, and the evening sun casts a light halo. It uses three short phrases that depict expansive scenes in one breath, reversing the delicate approach of poems lamenting spring. The opening is abrupt and striking. If you look at each of the three distant scenes individually, they only show a grand and distant scene, which doesn't fit the theme of lamenting spring. But once they are combined and arranged, the atmosphere of sorrow permeates the words, establishing the 'sorrowful' tone of the whole poem. The opening is abrupt but not abrupt or awkward. It has its own originality, which is the beauty of this poem."
The four lines beginning with "Quiet steps" follow closely from the preceding text, shifting from a broad outline to a meticulous depiction; from vast clouds and distant waters to quiet courtyards and vermilion doors; subtly capturing the changing characteristics of spring. The four lines beginning with "Regret for the fleeting spring" follow closely from the mid-spring scenery, further exploring late spring. The word "regret" leads the way, depicting the swift passage of spring, overflowing with boundless regret and melancholy; the use of words like "fleeting," "suddenly," and "already" in a single breath further reveals the fleeting nature of spring and the sorrow of its passing. The three lines beginning with "Several days of gloomy weather" follow closely from the Qingming Festival, describing the end of late spring. Spring has completely vanished. For several days in a row, the weather has been gloomy. The fear of rain without rain has led to weariness. Upon waking from a drowsy state, one finds that all the beautiful spring scenery has disappeared. These three lines are filled with regret for not appreciating spring in time and frustration at watching spring slip away in vain.
"The most poignant part of the entire poem is the second stanza: 'Even if the orioles and flowers remain, the east wind will not cease, and sorrow will still linger before my eyes.' The resentment stems from the passing of spring, yet here it says that even if the orioles' songs and the fragrance of flowers remain, the sorrow is still hard to dispel. Why? Because the east wind will not cease! The passing of spring is merely a prelude; the most heartbreaking aspect is not the disappearance of spring's beauty, but the passing of time and the aging of people—spring can return, but people cannot return! The unspoken sorrow is fully contained within." The first stanza primarily describes the scenery, occasionally revealing emotions within it; the second stanza primarily expresses feelings, all stemming from the sorrow of spring's passing. "Resentment lingers in my brows, a subtle struggle; at first glance, I grasp the sentiment, seeing the close connection," describes the sorrow and resentment of spring. "Struggling" refers to deep contemplation; "seeing the close connection" indicates a special and intimate regard. "Resentment lingers in my brows, deep contemplation," all because of the heartless passing of spring. "Deeply resentful," nothing more than self-pity; "disgusted," ultimately ashamed to be questioned, describes the state of resentment, emotions stirred within and expressed outwardly. "Because spring has passed, my heart is filled with resentment; because of this resentment, my spirit and form are lingering, a sight that moves the heart!"
"Excellent! Excellent critique!" Before Pang Yu could finish speaking, Gao Yanei and Qian Shicai led the shouts, followed by the Prince's Party brothers. As for the Prince's Party, they were caught in a dilemma—undermining him would mean the Northern talents would lose to the South, and helping to denigrate Liu Yong would also be problematic—denigrifying him would only give him more attention. They were all dumbfounded, unsure what to do.
The judges were also stunned, especially Zhang Xian. In his absolutely professional eyes, Liu Yong and Pang Yu's critiques of the two poems were truly insightful, not only explaining the meaning of the poems clearly and thoroughly, but also revealing the deeper meanings hidden within the words through detailed descriptions. The various subtle nuances and charms between the lines are more accessible and easier to understand (many of these spoiled brats are illiterate; without explanation, some really won't understand). Comparing the two, it's impossible to determine which is better. How can we decide a winner? Should we change the topic and start the competition again? Oh my god, is this ever going to end? Will we even choose the courtesan queen?
Suddenly, a powerful and majestic voice rang out from the main entrance: "Cultural arts are paramount, martial arts are second to none. Both of you are first-rate talents of our Great Song Dynasty. Why insist on determining a winner? In my opinion, it is still..." " I!?" Pang Yucai realized something was wrong and was about to look in the direction of the voice when Bao Zheng on the judging panel suddenly turned and knelt down. "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!" Your Majesty
!?

Pang Yu turned his head in shock, instantly recognizing the face that had entered, and his expression changed drastically! This person, this face, is so familiar. He...he...he...he...it's the Emperor!? Pang Yu

froze in shock, somewhat at a loss. Wait, something's not right. Although he vaguely recognized this face, he couldn't remember when or where he had seen it before. But it certainly wasn't recently! "His Majesty has personally arrived! Why don't you all kneel down?" Beside Emperor Renzong, an old eunuch with a face full of goosebumps shouted in a strange, androgynous voice. Shouting was useless; just seeing the gleaming gold embroidered dragon robe, with its nine golden dragons and twelve imperial symbols, completely stunned the guests. The Emperor!? It's the Emperor!? What is the Emperor doing at the Flower Queen Competition!? "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The Eighth Prince led the way in kneeling. Everyone then snapped out of their daze, realizing that the Emperor had truly arrived. "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The entire hall of guests instantly knelt, except for Pang Yu, who stood, staring at his brother-in-law, the Emperor, wondering… where he had seen him before. "Hey. Hey. The Emperor is here. Aren't you going to kneel?" Someone tugged at him from behind. It was Ren Huang! "What are you doing here…" "Brother Ren knows you're just a servant. You've never seen the Emperor before. You must be acting silly right now. I came to remind you." Ren Huang was half-squatting. He certainly wasn't kneeling. "You knew the Emperor… you knew the Emperor was coming?" "Just kidding. Who am I? The top servant of the Princess's residence. My information network is much better than yours. I knew months ago that the Emperor was coming to the Flower Queen Competition." Ren Huang winked at him. A lewd smile tinged with cunning. "What is His Majesty doing here?" "To appoint the top courtesan." "Huh!?" "What 'huh'!" Ren Huang was a little indignant, glancing at the woman with his lewd eyes. "You allow these spoiled young masters and high-ranking officials to seduce famous courtesans, but you forbid His Majesty from indulging in romance. What man doesn't like that?" "Hey, that sounds disrespectful." "What disrespect? I'm telling the truth. His Majesty is also a man! His Majesty is also lustful, lustful! Do you understand my tastes? What's wrong with appointing the top courtesan?" "Oh, so you mean all that performance and judging is nonsense, whoever His Majesty takes a liking to is the courtesan?" Pang Yu was furious, feeling like he'd wasted his efforts and been tricked. "That would only work if the performance was so captivating that the Emperor would take a liking to it." "Performance my foot! Being naturally beautiful is enough to win someone's favor." "The Emperor isn't that kind of person!" "You just said the Emperor is lustful too!" "The Emperor prefers refined beauty, not your kind." "Even the most refined beauty is still just for sleeping with!" The two of them were talking about things that deserved execution, but Emperor Renzong didn't seem to notice them. He went straight to a specially built platform on the second floor of Fenglin Pavilion, surrounded by a group of ministers. It was a better spot than the judges' seats. It had been empty before, and Pang Yu thought it was for awarding prizes to the winner of the Flower Queen award. Now he realized it was a seat prepared for his brother-in-law, the Emperor, just waiting for the Emperor to personally select the Flower Queen! "Uncle, has this year's Flower Queen been chosen?" Emperor Renzong cleared his throat and asked the Eighth Prince. He was quite handsome, even deserving the small word "handsome," but his face was a little pale, probably because he wasn't in good spirits. It was unclear whether it was due to the burden of state affairs or because he was busy working on his sister, the Imperial Concubine. "Brother-in-law, you're asking a question you already know the answer to. You're so hypocritical! " Pang Yu, like Ren Huang, squatted down, wishing he could give his brother-in-law the middle finger. "This year's competition has attracted beauties from all directions, each with their own unique charm. Their talents in music, dance, and more are far superior to previous years. We, your humble servants, dare not presume to decide the winner; we humbly request Your Majesty's decision." "Oh dear, that's not appropriate." The emperor, his brother-in-law, hesitated, clearly doing it on purpose, waving his hand to signal everyone to rise. "The winner has always been chosen by the people of the capital; how can I decide alone?" Damn, still pretending! If this weren't his own brother-in-law, Pang Yu would have thrown his shoe at him. His appearance at the crucial moment, the pre-prepared seat, and the Eighth Prince preventing him from competing with Liu Yong in poetry… Hmph, the emperor, his brother-in-law, must have been here long ago, secretly observing from somewhere. The Emperor is busy with countless affairs of state, and he finally managed to carve out a tiny bit of time to see the famous courtesans. He came to Jinming Pond to appreciate beauty, not to watch two grown men fight. Eighth Uncle, to please his brother-in-law the Emperor, has thus ruthlessly killed what could have been a legendary battle of wits! Fourth Brother finally understands, he understands everything. The moment his brother-in-law the Emperor appeared at the gate, it meant he had already chosen the courtesan queen. It was predetermined, you understand? Predetermined! Just like Zeng Ge making it into the top twenty, there was no need for a competition; everyone knew who would be eliminated. Similarly, in this competition, his brother-in-law the Emperor had already decided who would win. This whole thing is a charade, a pretense, you understand? "In this competition, all the beauties are vying for attention. We, your humble servants, find it difficult to decide who will receive the crown of courtesan queen. We humbly request Your Majesty's wise judgment." Even Bao Zheng, who had remained silent throughout, joined in. Did the truth even need to be explained? "Goodness, what a show! The Eighth Prince and Bao Zheng, two super supporting characters, are singing in unison, while the protagonist is the Emperor's brother-in-law. I've been kept in the dark the whole time. Damn it, is this a selection of a courtesan, or is the Emperor's brother-in-law choosing a mistress ?" Pang Yu was furious, extremely furious, but there was nothing he could do. That was the current Emperor, the supreme ruler! His own brother-in-law—could he just kick him? "Hey, hey, hey, reconsider what I said, about that distant cousin of my princess." Ren Huang pulled him from behind, habitually stroking his mustache with his other hand, his smile becoming even more lewd. "She's practically a relative of the Emperor…you don't like the Emperor, so why not take his sister in…" "Get lost!" Pang Yu wanted to smash a silver brick across the face of this lewd man who was still trying to play matchmaker at this moment. Damn it, with the Emperor's brother-in-law here, even Fourth Brother didn't dare to say another word. You're really asking for it! "Since that's the case, then I'll reluctantly choose this year's courtesan. What do you all think?" The emperor's brother-in-law seemed to be forced into it, agreeing with great difficulty. When the emperor speaks, who dares to disagree? No one. So, naturally, Fourth Brother's efforts to bribe the judges were in vain; the courtesan was chosen by the emperor's brother-in-law. Little Brother Pang, let me tell you, my sister… ah, no. "She's a distant cousin of my princess. She's gentle and lovely, not at all willful or unruly. Buddy, believe me, she really never makes a fuss, never hits anyone, and never runs around when she can't sleep at night..." Ren Huang continued rambling on. Pang Yu ignored him, his gaze fixed on his brother-in-law, the emperor. What he cared about most now was who his brother-in-law would choose as the courtesan. If he chose Zou Xiyun, wouldn't she owe him a night—what? You say choosing the courtesan means bringing her into the palace? So what! For his sister to gain the emperor's favor, and for his hard work to be rewarded, he wouldn't even care about stealing the woman his brother-in-law had his eye on.

What's there to be afraid of? The Emperor, brother-in-law, is the ruler of a nation. He wouldn't be so lowly, lewd, or shameless as to immediately bring any girl he chooses as the courtesan back to the palace for his pleasure. If it's not "immediately," there are plenty of opportunities.
He can intercept her, switch her with another, substitute one for another—the methods are
endless. In short, Fourth Brother is determined to steal the courtesan!
"In my opinion..." The Emperor's brother-in-law glanced around, pausing slightly as he looked at Pang Yu. "Why don't we invite the ladies that you, Uncle and Lord Bao, find difficult to decide to come up on stage? I'll have a good look at them." If
the Emperor says to look, then so be it.
Zou Xiyun, Hua Xiangrong, and Nangong Qinyi were invited together to the specially erected platform in front of the judges' seats. It faced the platform extending from the second floor, and the distance wasn't far. A mere ten feet or so—a step would be easily taken by someone with some martial arts skills—but the Emperor's brother-in-law, perched high above, could easily see the three beauties' exquisite figures clearly.
If Pang Yu was the man who had seen the most beautiful women in the world, then the Emperor's brother-in-law was undoubtedly the second most. Faced with the alluring and seductive Hua Xiangrong, the pure and refined Zou Xiyun, and the otherworldly and ethereal Nangong Qinyi, each a captivating beauty, he didn't stare blankly, become mesmerized, or linger for long, his gaze averaging less than ten seconds on each of them.
"Has His Majesty made a decision?" The Eighth Prince, who had somehow appeared on the second floor, stood beside the Emperor's brother-in-law and asked. It hadn't even been a minute, and he was already going over to ask this seemingly casually. Hmph, it seemed he had already made up his mind; this "looking around" was just a formality.
"Well, I've decided, the final crown of this Flower Queen Contest—" The Emperor's brother-in-law deliberately dragged out his words, keeping his eyes fixed on the three women on the stage, observing their reactions.
Hua Xiangrong still smiled seductively, displaying her unparalleled allure before the Emperor; Nangong Qinyi remained aloof, her pretty face as calm as still water; Zou Xiyun had already changed into a black veil before going on stage, covering her fair and delicate face, but the sharp-eyed Fourth Brother still caught a glimpse of urgency and nervousness in her clear eyes through the thin veil.
Fourth Brother was indeed sharp-eyed. From the moment his brother-in-law, the Emperor, entered, he noticed many familiar faces suddenly appearing throughout the hall. The most familiar was Ye Gucheng, the top martial arts expert in the Imperial Palace and the Emperor's personal bodyguard commander. He deliberately hunched over, hiding in the crowd and vigilantly watching his surroundings. In addition, there were other familiar faces from the Shence Camp, such as Lao Gao and Xia Dade—all of them were there. Fourth Brother's eyes were truly sharp; he could spot most people with martial arts skills at a glance, except for those hidden super masters. For example, right now, he simply counted, and at least forty or fifty trained fighters had suddenly poured into the hall, which could hold more than three hundred people, just from the left side. Something
was wrong, Pang Yu thought to himself. When a head of state travels, security should be in place beforehand, no matter where he goes. Why would they only send in more people after the Emperor had entered and been talking for a while? He suddenly had a bad feeling.
"The final crown—is—is…"
"Boom!" On the top floor of Fenglin Pavilion, the exquisitely carved large flower window facing the second-floor platform suddenly exploded, turning into thousands of wood chips containing powerful energy. A white figure swept down, wielding a long sword that flashed with light and shadow, carrying a chilling killing intent that made people tremble, and thrust it straight toward Emperor Renzong in the center of the platform!

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