Film and Television: The Villain's Life Begins with Joy of Life

Prince Jing's Mansion, Yin'an Hall.

The interior of the hall had already been decorated with great elegance.

The windows were wide open, and warm sunlight streamed in, illuminating the polished mahogany desk, which was fully equipped with the Four Treasures of the Study. Two or three pots of orchids were also scattered among the desks, their delicate fragrance mingling with the scent of ink, gently wafting with the light and shadow.

A large brocade carpet was laid out in the hall, for composing poems and displaying talents. At the corner of the hall, on a zither stand, lay a zither with a scorched tail, its strings gleaming softly.

A large number of people had already gathered in the hall.

Kyoto's talented young men and noblemen, whether in groups of three or five engaging in lively discussions or alone leaning against the railing silently composing poetry, dressed in fine clothes and gently waving feather fans, exuded an air of refined elegance.

Amidst the laughter and conversation, some people's eyes kept glancing at the palace gate and the empty seat at the head of the table, speculating about the distinguished guest who would be arriving today.

Guo Baokun hunched his shoulders, half-covered his face with his sleeve, and quietly moved to the side of the palace gate. Just as he was about to slip in, he was spotted by a sharp-eyed scholar.

"Oh, isn't this Young Master Guo? And what brings you here today...?"

Seeing that he couldn't avoid it, Guo Baokun had no choice but to lower his sleeves, revealing half of his face wrapped in gauze.

His appearance was quite eye-catching, immediately attracting many surprised glances.

Guo Baokun nodded awkwardly.

He had heard that Zhou Cheng might be present, but thinking of the public humiliation he suffered yesterday, and the burning pain still on his face, he was extremely reluctant to show himself.

He had no choice but to carry out the task assigned by the Crown Prince, so he had to do it even if it was difficult.

He had barely stood still when someone else approached him, feigning concern: "Brother Guo, what happened to your face...?"

Guo Baokun sighed helplessly, his voice muffled behind the gauze, "Last night... I got up in the middle of the night and accidentally bumped into the door frame, injuring my face. I'm sorry for your concern, but it's nothing serious, nothing serious."

Even those who were unaware of the situation, even if they noticed something amiss, pretended not to ask any further questions. However, a few well-informed individuals in the room, who already knew that the injury on his face was caused by Prince Cheng's slap in the street, couldn't help but twitch their lips slightly upon hearing his excuse. They suppressed a smile and exchanged knowing glances with the other people in the know.

Then someone else spoke up: "Why is Young Master He Zongwei so late at today's poetry gathering? He usually arrives very early to discuss poetry and literature with everyone."

Guo Baokun also didn't know anything about He Zongwei.

The other person left in a hurry after "waking up" yesterday. He himself was in great pain on his face and was in a hurry to find a doctor, so he didn't have time to ask him any questions.

Recalling He Zongwei's pig-headed appearance yesterday, she knew he would be too ashamed to face anyone today, so she could only vaguely reply, "Young Master He... was unwell yesterday, so it might not have been appropriate for him to come."

He Zongwei had a wide circle of friends, and people immediately wanted to ask for more details.

Just then, Prince Jing's heir, Li Hongcheng, dressed in a royal blue brocade robe and with his hair tied up in a jade crown, calmly entered the palace gate with a gentle smile on his face and an elegant demeanor.

The group of people who had been surrounding Guo Baokun immediately retreated and rushed towards Li Hongcheng, surrounding him.

Someone, trying to strike up a conversation with the young master, brought up He Zongwei again: "Young Master, I heard that Young Master He is unwell and has not yet arrived. Did you inform him in advance?"

Upon hearing this, Li Hongcheng paused slightly, and the smile on his face froze almost imperceptibly.

He gently rubbed his index finger joint with his thumb, then his expression returned to normal. He bowed slightly to the surroundings, his tone as gentle as ever:

"Young Master He... has recently encountered some unexpected events, so I'm afraid he won't be able to participate in the poetry gathering for the time being."

"An encounter?" Upon hearing this, everyone's curiosity was piqued even more.

Li Hongcheng sighed softly, seemingly with a hint of helplessness: "Yesterday on the streets of the capital, Young Master He had the good fortune to meet His Highness Prince Cheng. His talent... was greatly appreciated by His Highness. In addition, Young Master He has lofty aspirations, and His Highness could not bear to see him waiting anxiously for the imperial examinations, so he made an exception and recommended him to serve in the palace."

Upon hearing this, many talented men immediately murmured in dismay.

He caught the eye of Prince Cheng and was recommended to enter the palace!

This opportunity was truly a chance to rise to prominence and achieve great success.

They were naturally familiar with Prince Cheng. After all, when discussing the situation in the court, mentioning the Crown Prince and the Second Prince inevitably led to the mention of this "Prince Cheng".

Although Prince Cheng was far less powerful than the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, he was still Prince Cheng, a nobleman whom ordinary officials, commoners, and even students from humble backgrounds could hardly reach.

Now that people hear that He Zongwei has risen to prominence by associating with Prince Cheng, envy, jealousy, and even a hint of resentment are quietly creeping into the hearts of many.

A sour atmosphere gradually filled the hall. Not to mention the few people who didn't get along with He Zongwei, even most of the people who were close to He Zongwei had a sour taste in their words of congratulations.

As Li Hongcheng finished speaking, only Guo Baokun and a few others in the know felt a chill run down their spines.

Others might not understand, but they knew perfectly well!

What Zhou Cheng said yesterday... was actually true!

Listen to what the Crown Prince said, He Zongwei didn't rise to prominence at all; he was clearly sent to the palace to be castrated!

From a renowned scholar in Kyoto to the lowest-ranking eunuch in the palace... the contrast is chilling to even think about.

Guo Baokun thought that Zhou Cheng might appear soon, and his legs went weak. He almost fell over and hurriedly grabbed the table next to him, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Yesterday he complained that the dignified Prince Cheng was too harsh in punishing him for the sake of a courtesan. Now, comparing He Zongwei's fate, he realized that Zhou Cheng had already shown him mercy and exceptional leniency!

Amidst the fear, a strange sense of gratitude also arose within me.

Just as everyone's thoughts were in turmoil, a clear announcement suddenly came from outside the hall:

"His Highness Prince Cheng has arrived!"

As soon as the voice fell, the hall fell silent, and many people's eyes immediately lit up with a burning light!

When Prince Jing holds poetry gatherings, he emphasizes immersing himself in the community and enjoying the festivities with others, rather than deliberately arranging seats at the head of the table.

The seat in the hall today was originally reserved for Prince Cheng!

Some of the talented scholars had their doubts answered, while many others, unable to contain their excitement, rushed to the palace gates to welcome the newcomers.

Even Prince Jing's heir personally confirmed that He Zongwei rose to prominence overnight because of Prince Cheng's appreciation. What were they studying so hard for? Who wouldn't want to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

Even though most people believe that their talents are far inferior to He Zongwei's, what if His Highness takes a liking to them?

With a mix of emotions, the crowd hurried to greet them, frantically straightening their clothes and smoothing their sleeves, their expressions both eager and tense, as if facing a major exam.

Zhou Cheng wore a moon-white brocade robe with dark silver patterns, with only a warm white jade pendant hanging at his waist, exuding nobility yet understated elegance.

Beside her, Sang Wen wore a long, lotus-colored dress with exquisite lotus vine patterns embroidered on the hem, covered with a thin silk veil. A jade hairpin and two small pearl flowers were inserted diagonally into her hair. Her makeup was simple, yet she exuded a quiet and refined air, revealing a noble air.

Zhou Cheng was slightly surprised to see a group of people approaching, all with enthusiastic smiles on their faces.

He did not recall being so popular in the Shilin community.

However, he showed no unusual expression and calmly followed Li Hongcheng into the hall.

The hall was much emptier now, with only a handful of people inside. He glanced around casually before his gaze fell on Guo Baokun, who was trying to hide behind others.

Guo Baokun froze instantly when that gaze swept over him, like a mouse seeing a cat.

He knew he couldn't avoid it. Despite his trembling legs and pounding heart, he forced himself to step forward, his voice shaking, "Greetings...Greetings, Your Highness Prince Cheng."

Zhou Cheng smiled, revealing a friendly expression: "Young Master Guo, you spoke up for justice and are very righteous. How are your injuries?"

Guo Baokun shuddered and instinctively squeezed his legs together.

He knelt down, wanting to say that he was "outspoken" and not "wise and righteous," but he forced himself to hold back and hurriedly said, "Thank you so much for your concern, Your Highness. I'm... I'm fine now."

Those who were unaware of the situation looked doubtful, while those who knew the truth covered their mouths and chuckled, their expressions subtle.

Zhou Cheng nodded slightly, listening to the mere few dozen points of notification in his ear, and decided not to bother with this good-for-nothing anymore.

Li Hongcheng then gestured to the waiter, who led him to the head seat. The waiter came out from the side and quietly placed fruit platters and fragrant tea on the table.

Zhou Cheng calmly took his seat, glanced at the bright-eyed, eager scholars around him, and simply waved his hand lightly: "Please make yourselves at home. Today I am merely joining in the fun to see the talent of the Qing Kingdom. There is no need for you to be reserved. Just pretend I am not here."

After Zhou Cheng finished speaking, Sang Wen knelt down beside him at his signal.

Sang Wen was unaware that Zhou Cheng intended to mentor her.

She was reluctant to come to this gathering place of literary figures, fearing that her status would attract gossip. However, before Zhou Cheng left, he said to her, "Anyone who dares to criticize you in front of me is not looking down on you, but on me. Remember, you will be a concubine of Prince Cheng's mansion in the future, no longer the courtesan of Liujing River."

Zhou Cheng's words gave her tremendous emotional support.

As she sat down, facing the scrutiny from all around, whether overt or covert, she no longer flinched. Her gaze met the stares calmly, and her demeanor naturally exuded a sense of composure and nobility.

Zhou Cheng's effortless and composed demeanor, along with the beautiful and elegant woman beside him, secretly inspired admiration in many young scholars in the hall, who felt that this Prince Cheng was quite different from the rumors.

As soon as Zhou Cheng was seated, a bold and talented scholar stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "Your Highness, today's poetry gathering is meant to be an elegant occasion for us to display our talents and make friends through poetry. I heard from the Crown Prince that the great scholar He was appreciated and recommended to the palace by Your Highness. I wonder if we, the winners of poetry and prose, may also have the same honor?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cheng's expression turned slightly strange. Only then did he understand why he had received such a warm welcome upon his arrival.

He almost chuckled inwardly, but maintained a composed expression: "So, the talented scholars of my Qing Kingdom have such awareness? Very well. If any of you are so inclined, there's no need to wait for the poetry competition; just go and ask Hongcheng for a spot!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to Li Hongcheng.

Li Hongcheng looked slightly embarrassed, not expecting anyone to dare to question Zhou Cheng. He also didn't expect Zhou Cheng to steer the conversation back to him.

In a moment of quick thinking, he bowed to Zhou Cheng and the others and apologized: "You all misunderstand. It's all Hongcheng's fault for not explaining things clearly before. The matter of He Caizi entering the palace is not what you all think."

The talented scholar He is fervently loyal and determined to undergo castration to enter the inner court, seeking only to be near the Emperor and serve His Majesty faithfully. Other talented scholars, even if they have patriotic aspirations, need not follow this path.

As soon as Li Hong finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent.

The talented scholar who had pleaded opened his mouth wide, his face filled with disbelief.

Recommended to enter the palace—so this is what "recommendation" means!

He mustered the greatest courage of his life to ask for such an honor!

The audacious and talented scholar wished he could faint at this moment. In an instant, the attitudes of everyone in the hall toward Zhou Cheng reversed completely.

All joy vanished, replaced by fear!

The eagerness just now seemed like an illusion. Now, no one dared to look Zhou Cheng in the eye, for fear that they too would be "chosen" and sent straight to the palace to keep He the talented scholar company.

In the midst of the deathly silence, footsteps sounded outside the hall, and Fan Xian and Fan Ruoruo entered side by side.

As soon as the two entered the hall, all eyes in the hall seemed to have found the exit and quickly gathered around them.

The brother and sister exchanged a quick glance, both bewildered, and sensed that the atmosphere in the hall was slightly strange.

Fan Xian's gaze swept over everyone, he nodded slightly to Li Hongcheng, and then fell on Zhou Cheng.

Fan Xian and Fan Ruoruo stepped forward, first bowing to Zhou Cheng, and then clasping their hands in a fist salute to the others.

"Isn't today a poetry gathering? Shouldn't we be reciting and composing poems? Why is it so quiet?"

Fan Xian came with the intention of testing Zhou Cheng. Seeing the strange scene, he broke the silence, though he didn't understand why.

His words eased the tense atmosphere somewhat.

The group of talented men chuckled dryly and began chatting and laughing in small groups. However, as they moved, they subconsciously moved away from the head seat, leaving a large empty space in front of Zhou Cheng.

Fan Xian was unaware of the details and only knew that they revered the imperial family's authority.

When Guo Baokun saw his target appear, he was about to muster his energy to provoke him when Fan Xian took the initiative to step out from the crowd and walk to Zhou Cheng's desk.

The scene fell silent once more.

Fan Xian bowed to Zhou Cheng again: "Your Highness, I have been disrespectful. I am a humble man from the countryside on the frontier, with little talent and learning. I love poetry, but I have no achievements to speak of."

However, I have come across a few fragments of poetry in ancient books, but I have been unable to decipher them or know how to complete them. Since so many talented people have gathered here today, I dare to ask for your guidance, hoping that Your Highness can enlighten you all.

Zhou Cheng nodded calmly: "I am merely a spectator and am not skilled in poetry or literature. Since Young Master Fan has questions, there are many talented scholars here, so please feel free to ask."

Fan Xian bowed again, straightened up, and cleared his throat:

"This first sentence..." He glanced around, but his gaze finally settled on Zhou Cheng's face.

"Odd changes, even remains the same."

Fan Xian stared intently at Zhou Cheng, trying to catch every micro-expression on his face.

If Zhou Cheng were truly a "fellow villager," upon hearing this, even the most shrewd person would not be able to escape their instinctive reaction.

But then he was disappointed.

Zhou Cheng merely frowned slightly, as if pondering the meaning of the sentence. His expression remained unchanged, showing no emotion, and even his pupils did not dilate or contract in the slightest.

[Fan Xian's negative emotions +555!]

Hearing the notification ringing in his ear, Zhou Cheng's heart stirred slightly, and he sighed inwardly:

As expected of the protagonist, even his disappointment level is this high!

Fan Xian noticed Zhou Cheng's reaction, and his heart sank as disappointment spread.

He has now entered the eighth rank, and with the observational ability of an eighth-rank martial artist, he is certain that Zhou Cheng is no different from others.

He forced a smile and turned to the others, only to find them looking at each other blankly, completely bewildered.

"How can this be considered poetry? The meaning is incoherent and completely unrelated! Did Young Master Fan perhaps read a fabricated book and deliberately try to mock us and His Highness?"

Guo Baokun seized the opportunity to jump out again, speaking in a stern voice while stealing glances at Zhou Cheng's expression.

It looks just like a weasel about to steal chickens.

Normally, Fan Xian would have made fun of Guo Baokun's current appearance, but he was in no mood for it at the moment.

His expression darkened, and he raised his voice to ask, "Even among you talented gentlemen, does no one know?"

Except for Guo Baokun, who was still shouting, everyone else remained silent.

Fan Xian, feeling helpless, turned to Zhou Cheng and read the second sentence:

"Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron".

Worried that Zhou Cheng might not have heard him clearly, he repeated it again, but Zhou Cheng remained calm, as if he were pondering something as usual.

"Are these mnemonics I'm using too obscure? They shouldn't be... Anyone who has gone through nine years of compulsory education should be familiar with them."

Fan Xian was in turmoil, his hand in his sleeve constantly clenching and unclenching.

"Could it be that Prince Cheng was illiterate before he transmigrated? That shouldn't be the case..."

The debate yielded no results, and the surrounding scholars began to show their impatience. After all, these two lines were devoid of any poetic sentiment, let alone any structure, and had nothing to do with poetry.

"There's a third sentence!"

Fan Xian suddenly raised his hand, and with his last hope, loudly recited:

"Moonlight shines before my bed!"

The crowd reacted enthusiastically, with constant jeers and snickers, but Zhou Cheng's reaction was only slight surprise; it was still not what he wanted.

He clenched his fists tightly, feeling a tightness in his chest and a sense of loss.

Guo Baokun's eyes darted around, and he burst into laughter, drawing everyone's attention. He then jumped into the hall, pointed at Fan Xian, and shouted angrily, "The first two lines are utter nonsense, and the last line is child's play! Fan Xian, you're clearly deliberately disrupting the event, disgracing the poetry gathering, and making fun of talented people!"

Fan Xian glared at Guo Baokun, wanting to find a place to sit down and calm himself down, not wanting to get entangled with him.

But Guo Baokun wouldn't let it go and blocked his way.

Fan Xian grew increasingly frustrated.

At this moment, Guo Baokun tugged at his sleeve again:

"Your Highness is magnanimous and will not hold your disturbance against me, but I cannot stand idly by!"

I challenge you, Fan Xian, to a duel! I'll challenge you to a poetry contest!

Whoever loses must kowtow to the other and apologize, and will never write poetry again. His Highness is present today to witness this. Fan Xian, do you dare to accept the bet?

Fan Xian closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again.

"Young Master Guo wasn't satisfied with just being slapped on the cheek yesterday, and since you want more today, then I'll grant your wish. I, Fan Xian, take your bet!"