Mein erster Ehemann nach der Transmigration

Kapitel 31

Yongjiao made a few "oh oh oh" sounds, then perked up and began telling the story with great enthusiasm.

It turns out that Cui Wenqi was not only famous in Suzhou, but also in the capital. He was the designated successor of Longhu Mountain (which few people knew), but he refused to go back to become a Taoist priest. Instead, he spent his days seeking pleasure and deliberately built his reputation on a dissolute image. In addition, he was an excellent painter, especially skilled in landscape and figure painting. His manuscripts were often priceless, so he was known to scholars all over the country.

I initially thought this guy didn't want to be a Taoist priest; he just wanted wealth and status, to be admired by everyone, so of course he was aiming for the imperial examinations. Who knew he would even avoid the imperial examinations like the plague, saying things like, "Although I don't enter Longhu Mountain, I am still a descendant of Longhu. How can I go to that mortal world?"

Naturally, some questioned, "Does your womanizing and promiscuity mean you're not going into the mortal world?" He flicked his robe and stood up gracefully—"I'm going there to gain experience and strengthen my resolve. That's enough. I cultivate worldly Zen. But if I were to pursue wealth and status, how could I live up to all the Taoist scriptures I've studied since childhood?"

This was a man who called himself Liuru, claiming that fame and fortune were as fleeting as dreams, bubbles, and lightning, and that there was no need to deliberately seek them. His anecdotes and interesting stories in Suzhou had already spread far and wide and were familiar to everyone. However, such a person would naturally cause a stir wherever he went.

Although he did not take the imperial examinations, his friends did. On the one hand, he was concerned about his close friend, and on the other hand, he was unfamiliar with the "place of cultivation" in the capital (which was naturally the brothels). So, while his close friend was preparing for the exams, he also went to the capital with him. With the reputation of being a descendant of Longhu Mountain, a talented scholar from Suzhou, and the most romantic man in Jiangnan, he made a good living in the aristocratic social circle. In just a few months, he had thoroughly explored all the brothels in the capital.

At the beginning of last month, Qingqing, the top courtesan of Luoyue Tower in Yangzhou, officially opened her business in Shibali Lane in the capital, selling her art but not her body. After some hype, she caused a great stir in the scholar's circle, and Cui Wenqi naturally went to join in the fun. Upon seeing her, he was immediately amazed and vowed to become her guest.

His companions naturally didn't believe it, since many people had tried before but all had failed. Although Cui Wenqi's methods of stealing kisses were superb, the young lady had already declared that she was keeping her chastity for love. A woman's heart is set once she falls in love, so no matter how skilled you are, why would she care? So they made a bet with him: if he couldn't become her lover, he would have to do something for them. As for what that thing was, they would wait for the result.

If it works out, they will all agree to one thing from him, and he can make any conditions he sets.

Cui Wenqi was incredibly confident in himself, readily agreeing and setting a one-month deadline. He thought that even without the bet, such a beauty was worth his time and effort, so he was determined to win. For the next month, he used every trick in the book: a lavish playboy, a talented scholar, a domineering yet handsome, a gentle yet weak character, a mature and world-weary man, a love-crazed man—he tried every imaginable persona, all to pursue this Miss Qingqing.

But this young lady remained unmoved...

He became determined, ultimately playing the heartbroken type, determined to find out the reason. Qingqing had no choice but to tell him that she truly loved someone else, and then—

He Su Shi's reputation as a cross-dressing guy spread throughout Kyoto—even though he himself had never been there!

To be honest, Su Chen couldn't understand what this young lady found so appealing about He Su Shi. They'd only spent one night together, talked all night—how could she know he was a trustworthy man? Besides, He Su Shi didn't love her. If she clung to him like this, what would she do when she grew old and faded? How could the madam allow her to remain chaste forever? Even if she remained chaste, what would she do if no one redeemed her?

Prostitutes have virtually no future.

However, although many people couldn't understand why she would remain chaste for a teenager, Cui Shiran still lost. He then had to grant his friends a request.

In Kyoto, August is the Lotus Festival.

Vast fields of lotus blossoms stretch as far as the eye can see in the suburbs, making it the perfect time for a spring outing.

In Kyoto in August, there is a tradition of holding the Lotus Poetry Garden Gathering. Many unmarried noblemen and women gather together, with the women veiled, and they exchange poems and lyrics—this poetry gathering was initiated by Emperor Huizong.

Cui Wenqi's friend asked him to attend this poetry gathering, but not as Cui Wenqi, but as someone no one could have imagined!

Chapter 49, Strolling in the Garden

The promoter function is now open! What are you waiting for? Join now!!! In Yongjiao's vivid narration, the scene of that day is recreated—

In the early morning, in the western suburbs of Kyoto in August, lotus flowers bloom in vast expanses, pink interspersed with tender yellow, and white lotuses among the yellow. The delicate petals shimmer with a tender luster under the sunlight, lotus leaves reach to the sky, and flowers are covered with dew.

Several octagonal pavilions stand beside the pond, with covered walkways and stone tables and benches—this is the West Suburb Corridor, a famous garden in Bianjing. Invited young women, in twos and threes, some holding fans or handkerchiefs, sit with their maids in the pavilions, shyly peeking at the young men by the pond.

Seemingly sensing their gazes, the men raised their voices even louder as they discussed poetry and anecdotes, and their expressions became unnatural.

It was a rare large-scale gathering of men and women. These noblemen and scholars might be unrestrained in their evenings in brothels, joking and drinking freely, but in this setting where their future wives might be present, everyone was reserved and polite, as if they had just come from the rooms of adults taught etiquette by the Ministry of Rites.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance. Someone shouted, "Look, the young prince is here!" The women in the pavilion quickly turned to look, but then, realizing their actions were too obvious, they lowered their heads and resumed their ladylike demeanor. Noticing everyone around them doing the same, they couldn't help but chuckle to themselves, feeling a sense of closer connection with those around them. The young men gathered by the pond exchanged suspicious glances, but involuntarily moved towards the source of the voice. Since the young prince had arrived, they naturally stepped forward to pay their respects.

The young prince's name is Zhao Xian. He is the only son of the third prince and is twenty-three years old. However, due to various reasons, he is still unmarried. He is born with a handsome appearance and is a regular customer of brothels. He is probably the highest-ranking and most prestigious matchmaker to appear at this Lotus Poetry Gathering.

Since he was here, everyone naturally had to pay their respects and show courtesy. After a long period of commotion, things quieted down a bit. The host greeted them with a smile, then invited the scholars to take their seats, and then began to ask the women in the pavilion to come up with couplets.

The girls pushed and shoved each other, and after a while, one of them stepped forward and came up with a couplet that perfectly captured the beauty of the lotus blossoms at that moment. Before the scholars could even hear it properly, a deafening chorus of "Well done!" had already spilled from their mouths.

With the opening couplet, the atmosphere gradually became lively, and some people began to answer questions, while others ignored the poetry and literature, only cautiously stealing glances at the faces of the women in the pavilion beneath their thin veils. However, while others were stealing glances, Zhao Xian only glanced at them and then looked away, clearly not finding anyone to his liking, thinking that these women were nothing special and unremarkable.

Just as they were getting bored, someone walked over with a smile. It turned out to be a young scholar from the capital named Su Liushan. He was the son of the Minister of Rites. He smiled smugly and said, "Gentlemen, someone over there is being harassed!"

Someone asked curiously, "Brother Su, what do you mean by this? It's so nonsensical, how can we understand it?" He continued with a cryptic smile, "I've long heard of the literary talent of the scholars from Suzhou and Hangzhou, but now that I see them, they're not as good as the talented women of our capital."

Su Liushan smiled and pointed to the corridor, "It's a good thing that Young Master Cui Wenqi didn't come today, otherwise he would have lost face just like his friends."

Scholars often belittle each other, especially those from different regions. The recent sensation caused by the Four Talented Scholars of Suzhou and Hangzhou in the capital had already aroused jealousy in some people. Now that they heard there was something exciting to watch, they all chimed in with questions. Zhao Xian, finding the speech lacking in excitement, couldn't wait any longer and ran over to see the live version. Seeing this, the others cheered and followed. Only a few people remained to maintain appearances and recite poems, leaving the presiding official speechless with frustration. However, since the young prince had taken the lead, he couldn't say anything.

Although the girls in the pavilion were curious, they couldn't go and investigate like the scholars. They could only whisper among themselves, discussing what was going on, and sending their maids to find out.

When Zhao Xian arrived outside the corridor, he found Liu Zhenxi, Jing Yuezhi, and Zhang Jingjing standing there with embarrassed expressions. Liu Zhenxi wiped her sweat without making a sound and bowed, saying, "May I ask which family you belong to, young lady? I hope you will enlighten me."

A woman stood opposite them, her face veiled like the girl in the pavilion. She stood gracefully, her figure as delicate as a willow. A light blue, long dress with lace trim clung to her body, further accentuating her elegant figure. Although her face was covered by a veil, her hair was slightly tied up, her forehead was smooth, her nose was straight, and her skin was as delicate as ivory. Though veiled, she possessed a mysterious beauty, like distant mountains shrouded in mist.

She truly is a woman of unparalleled beauty and elegance!

Zhao Xian was delighted to hear Liu Zhenxi's question. He was indeed worthy of being a chosen one; the question had hit the mark. He pricked up his ears, waiting for the woman's answer so he could send someone to inquire about her family background. However, the woman stood silently, her head slightly bowed. Her maid stepped forward and said sharply, "Young master, what is the meaning of this?! Is it the behavior of a gentleman to inquire about the family background of an innocent woman for no reason?!"

Liu Zhenxi clenched his fists, concealing the helplessness and embarrassment in his eyes. He could only bow again, pressing his hand deeply to his waist, and said seriously, "I was rude, please forgive me, young lady." The maid snorted at this and said, "You call yourself a talented scholar? I think you're nothing special. You can't even string together a simple poem. I'd think you're a nobody if you were just a sedan chair carrier for my young lady!"

The scholars hiding under the eaves erupted in a flurry of noise. Some were amused, some were delighted, and some, who were on good terms with the men, were anxious to see them being mocked by the maid. Zhao Xian couldn't help but laugh as well, but he had some doubts: How dare this mere maid dare to challenge Liu Zhenxi like that? Liu Zhenxi was a person on the list of successful candidates, destined for great things. At the very least, his father was the Minister of Works, not someone a lowly maid could casually ridicule.

But if she's just an ignorant girl, then why is she so well-mannered and knowledgeable about propriety? Who is she from, acting so strangely, as if she's certain that Liu Zhenxi can't or dares to do anything to her?

Could this be the daughter of some high-ranking noble family, whose maid has also gained some status? But how come I didn't know about this family?

While he was pondering this, the maids of the young ladies had already run back in shock to report. As maids themselves, how could they have ever seen such a bold maid dare to mock the scholar's lack of knowledge in front of him? Wasn't this slapping the Emperor in the face?!

Suddenly a female voice was heard saying, "Shishu, step back, do not speak nonsense!"

Then the woman's voice said, "Young Master Liu, please don't mind. My maid is used to being pampered and may speak rudely and rashly. I will discipline her when I get back, so please don't take it to heart. I also greatly admire Young Master Liu's talent and often study your poems in private. But today, upon seeing you, I couldn't help but step forward to ask for your guidance. I apologize for any offense caused."

It was the girl who stepped forward. Zhao Xian listened to her voice, which was melodious yet clear, completely different from the sticky, sweet female voices of other women. She had a unique charm, and he was captivated by her voice.

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I really want to see comments! I have so many points to give away! Is everyone too lazy to write reviews?