The First Marquis of Leisure

"Brother Bai!"

Myolie Wu was also anxious, as she and Hu Pingfan had been in the Yan Kingdom for many years.

Naturally, it was understood that the flourishing literary tradition of the Yan state was not unfounded, especially given Li Chentian's reputation.

Even back in the Chu Kingdom, I had heard of him, and Qian Yuan himself just said that Li Chentian values ​​his talent highly!

She didn't understand why Bai Xinghe wanted to compete with Qian Yuan in poetry!

"Xing'er, trust me!"

Bai Xinghe knew Hu Xing'er's inner worries. After all, if he lost, she would have to go upstairs and be completely ruined from then on.

However, if he wasn't absolutely certain of victory, Bai Xinghe would naturally not gamble with the innocence of a virgin.

What's a mere coin? Even if Li Chentian himself came, it would be a piece of cake.

Even the most powerful Ji Yun was no match for him!

Myolie Wu wanted to say something more, but seeing Bai Xinghe's firm and confident gaze, she took a deep breath and agreed.

"Brother Bai, I believe you. You saved my grandfather's and my lives. No matter the outcome, it's still my life!"

Bai Xinghe shook his head and reassured her, "Xing'er, don't worry, I won't lose."

To the others, Bai Xinghe's confident words sounded like a publicity stunt and extreme arrogance.

"This person is quite interesting. He's probably a talented scholar from another country who came to our Great Yan to participate in the national competition, hoping to rise to prominence overnight on the Golden Terrace!"

"Heh, so what? Over the years, have any talented scholars from other countries ever won against the scholars of my Yan Kingdom?"

"Exactly! Besides, Dr. Li highly values ​​Young Master Qian's talent. Do you know what Dr. Li's high regard means? This man is destined to lose!"

The many scholars and literati in the hall laughed, all believing that Bai Xinghe was doomed to lose.

Qian Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, exuding confidence.

"Young man, I admire your commendable courage!"

"Since you wish to humiliate yourself, I will grant your wish. This is a brothel, a place for drinking, revelry, and immediate pleasure. Let's make the night too short!"

Bai Xinghe sneered and said, "The night is too short, of course. No need for further words, you can go first."

"Hmph!" Qian Yuan sneered, "Guests are always welcome, and the Great Yan has its own way of treating guests. You go first, lest word get out that I, this young master, am bullying you!"

Bai Xinghe smiled to himself, thinking that although Qian Yuan was a playboy, he wasn't a bad person and had some manners, much like himself before.

"If I had gone first, I'm afraid you wouldn't have been able to speak!"

"Hahaha!"

"This is truly interesting. I, this young master, must see for myself!"

Qian Yuan didn't take it seriously and laughed loudly, and the others joined in the mockery.

Only Bai Xinghe remained calm, because this wasn't the first time he had experienced such a scene.

The theme is "Spring nights are fleeting, so seize the day," right?

He only needed a brief recollection to quickly pinpoint a famous lyricist to his mind.

"The scenery in the eastern city is gradually becoming more beautiful, with ripples on the water welcoming the boats."

"A light chill lingers in the morning air beyond the green willows, while spring is in full bloom on the red apricot branches."

As soon as these four lines were uttered, the entire brothel hall fell silent.

Everyone turned to look at Bai Xinghe, and in their hearts, there was only one word: "Beautiful!"

It's so beautiful! The scenery is beautiful, the words are beautiful, and the artistic conception is beautiful!

Those present were all scholars and literati, unlike ordinary people, and therefore all possessed a certain level of appreciation.

The disdainful smile that had been on Qian Yuan's face naturally disappeared.

However, he was indeed quite capable; while marveling at the beauty of Bai Xinghe's poem, he immediately grasped the essence of the topic.

"Ha, I admit, your poem is indeed quite good, but where is the meaning of 'the spring night is too short'? Where is the meaning of 'seize the day'?"

Bai Xinghe sneered and said, "Who told you this poem was finished?"

Then Bai Xinghe took a step forward and looked at Hu Xing'er.

"Life is short, and joy is fleeting; who would value a thousand pieces of gold over a mere smile?"

"I hold up my cup to the setting sun, urging it to linger a while longer among the flowers!"

As soon as these four lines were uttered, the entire brothel hall became so quiet that you could hear everyone breathing!

A deathly silence fell, and all eyes turned to Bai Xinghe!

Even the prostitutes stared in astonishment, their mouths agape!

"wonderful!"

"This poem should only exist in heaven! How could anyone possess such talent!"

"Truly marvelous! This is an unparalleled masterpiece, unlike anything I've ever heard of!"

"Especially these last four lines, a timeless masterpiece!"

After a brief silence, cheers, applause, and gasps of amazement immediately followed.

Myolie Wu blushed and looked at Bai Xinghe with eyes full of admiration.

At first, she thought Bai Xinghe was talented, which is why he came to Yan, but she never expected that Bai Xinghe's talent was so outstanding!

Even Qian Yuan's men were stunned, pondering and savoring the poem.

Qian Yuan's face turned ashen, and he looked at Bai Xinghe with a mixture of surprise, jealousy, and admiration!

"Life is short, and joy is fleeting; who would value a thousand pieces of gold over a mere smile?"

"What a wonderful poem! Truly a wonderful poem!"

"Brother, I, Qian Yuan, concede defeat!"

Qian Yuan sighed, then his eyes lit up, and he immediately admitted defeat.

Bai Xinghe was also taken aback, not expecting Qian Yuan to be so capable of letting go.

"Young Master Qian, we have no grudges against each other. There are countless beautiful women in this world. Xing'er is innocent and naive. If you truly like her, time will tell. You can win her over with your sincerity!"

"I hope you keep your word and will not harass Xing'er again!"

Bai Xinghe remained calm, but sighed inwardly.

Qian Yuan nodded, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said to Hu Xing'er, "Miss Hu, I acted impulsively just now. Don't worry, I, Qian Yuan, am by no means a despicable person. I apologize for my previous rudeness!"

Then, Qian Yuan instructed his men to bring out all the silver notes they were carrying.

"Brother, here's the thousand taels we just wagered, please accept it!"

Then he took out a valuable jade pendant from his person and handed it to Bai Xinghe: "Brother, may I have this poem? This jade was given to me by my father, and I estimate it is worth at least a thousand gold pieces. If that's not enough, I'll send someone back to the manor to get it!"

I'd spend a fortune on a poem!

Everyone was amazed!

However, everyone soon realized it was worth it; this poem was absolutely worth it!

After a moment's thought, Bai Xinghe accepted them all without hesitation.

He also had his own plans. Firstly, doing big things requires money, which is true in any era.

He felt ashamed that Myolie Wu, a virgin, had to perform in a brothel to make a living.

Secondly, he was certain that once the poem was circulated, it would cause a sensation.

It would be better to just hang it on the money, which would save you a lot of trouble.

After collecting the money, Bai Xinghe called Hu Xing'er and Qian Yuan and walked out together.

Seeing that no one was around, Bai Xinghe said, "Since Young Master Qian liked the poem, I will give it to you. You can then announce to the world that you wrote it!"

"Very well, thank you so much, brother!" Qian Yuan was overjoyed, more than he could have asked for.

If he were to write poetry of this caliber, it would not only bring him fame but also bring honor to his father.

Most importantly, I have no problem becoming a disciple of Dr. Li Chentian in the Imperial Academy!

"Brother, if you ever need anything in the future, feel free to come to my residence. I, Qian Yuan, will never refuse!"

Bai Xinghe paused, having his own plans in mind.

Having just arrived in the State of Yan, they were in dire need of manpower. Qian Yuan was straightforward and efficient, and had no ulterior motives, so he could be taken advantage of.

Besides, Yuan Yao's matter hasn't been resolved yet, and we'll need Qian Yuan sooner or later!