"......My name is Chen Luoyuan. Welcome, friends, to my humble estate. As you all know, several friends have come from afar today. Among them... we have a former Number One Scholar, a celebrated talent of the capital, and..."

The time was drawing near, and the people had mostly arrived. Chen Luoyuan, a middle-aged scholar, having greeted some of the guests, prepared to invite everyone to stroll up the mountain. According to the previous arrangements, the main reason for hosting this spring outing was his good relationship with Zhou Bangyan, who deserved the title of "celebrated talent of the capital." However, his mention of the former Number One Scholar surprised Ning Yi.

"Zhou Bangyan was a Number One Scholar?"

Generally speaking, those renowned for their poetry and prose might not necessarily be outstanding in the imperial examinations. Although the poet Li Bai was favored by the emperor, his evaluation in officialdom was akin to that of a jester. The poet-sage Du Fu spent decades in officialdom without holding any significant position. Lu You's life was filled with hardship and constant exclusion in officialdom. To some extent, good artists often failed to become good bureaucrats, although thinkers might have a chance. If Zhou Bangyan could truly balance both aspects, it would be truly remarkable. However, Ning Yi had heard that he only held a minor seventh-rank position in the capital, which seemed inconsistent with the status of a Number One Scholar.

However, after Ning Yi asked, Qin Shaoqian rolled his eyes in that direction: "Well, my elder brother was the Number One Scholar in Chengping 14th year. At that time, Father was the Minister of Personnel. It's a wonder they dared to choose him."

In the Wu Dynasty's reign titles, Chengping came before Jinghan. Qin Shaohe gave off a low-key impression and seemed more restrained than his father, Qin Siyuan. Compared to talents like Zhou Bangyan, Qin Shaohe didn't seem to have a widespread reputation for talent. It wasn't as if he had risen through the ranks due to his scholarly achievements. Ning Yi hadn't paid much attention to him, but he didn't expect him to be a former Number One Scholar. This was probably because his steadiness in handling affairs had overshadowed his literary flair, truly embodying the style of being high-profile in work and low-profile in boasting.

Besides the beautiful women from various brothels, most of those present were scholars. While everyone usually indulged in poetry and prose, at the end of the day, studying and writing were for taking the imperial examinations and becoming officials. Zhou Bangyan initially gained office by presenting the *Bianjing Rhapsody* and became famous for his literary talent. However, the talent of a Number One Scholar, even rumored to be the reincarnation of the Star of Literature, was something else. The Wu Dynasty had tens of thousands of officials, but there could only be one Number One Scholar each year. This title caused an immediate uproar. If Chen Luoyuan hadn't immediately revealed his position as a prefect, someone would probably have rushed up to curry favor.

With Qin Shaohe's little interlude, the attention on Zhou Bangyan and others was slightly diverted. On the other hand, the scholars from the capital and Jiangning became even more solemn, implicitly placing more importance on this spring outing. With a Number One Scholar present, they naturally had to perform well when composing poems and lyrics later.

The introductions roughly informed the participants about who had come from the capital. Zhou Bangyan and the others still dressed like scholars, while Li Shishi, veiled and holding a *guqin*, appeared quiet. This woman, known as the top courtesan of the capital, didn't choose a commanding entrance. However, her gentle and composed smile behind the veil still left a deep impression. She didn't seem particularly pitiable, but...

"I actually think that Miss Shishi is having a hard time..."

Jin'er whispered beside him. Yunzhu simply smiled, and Ning Yi turned his head to ask, "You think so?"

"Yes, she's just here to visit relatives and friends, right? She didn't say she wanted to do anything. But we forced her out and insisted that she looked down on Jiangning or something. In fact, which woman in this profession would be silly enough to do these thankless and offensive things? It's all Puyang Yi and the others..."

"She's doing it on purpose."

"Huh?"

"Look over there. Qi Lan, Luo Miaomiao and the others have their maids carrying their instruments. But she came out like this, holding the *guqin*, with both hands in front, showing resistance. Her hands holding the *qin* are crossed deeply, seemingly holding the *qin* tightly, implying isolation. Her smile is very natural, but from the moment she came out, without saying a word, her body language has been constantly implying: 'Although I am the top courtesan of the capital, I was also propped up by others. In fact, I'm just an ordinary woman, and you're bullying me.' Look, with such a beautiful woman in sight, a group of scholars from Jiangning will be divided. Later, everyone will lash out at Zhou Bangyan and others, but they will ultimately show mercy to her."

As soon as Ning Yi said this, Yunzhu and Jin'er looked at him. Yunzhu softly said, "Are there really so many subtleties in such small movements? Liheng is really..."

Ning Yi just smiled: "It's a false claim, actually a backward explanation. Maybe she herself didn't think of anything. But some people can see the occasion and immediately know how to respond. Although they didn't think about it in their minds, the effect is achieved. I'm just adding some random explanations to the effect."

"No, no, no." Jin'er's eyes were shining, as if she greatly admired Ning Yi's analysis, "I think it makes a lot of sense."

"See, fooled one person."

After Ning Yi finished speaking, Yunzhu laughed. Jin'er snorted lightly, "Look at Sister Yunzhu, she smiles so subtly, and after smiling, she glanced at you, but on her face, there is no sign of disapproval. This shows that Sister Yunzhu believes your previous statement and thinks your vision is very unique. Hmph, do you always know what someone is thinking just by looking at them?"

"I'm not that good..."

As they were talking, Puyang Yi came over to them: "Brother Ning is here too." He looked at Yunzhu and Jin'er, recognized that they were women, and perhaps recognized Jin'er's identity. He just assumed that they admired Ning Yi and came along. Although he was curious, he didn't greet them in words, just nodded slightly.

"I just met some people over there and couldn't come over to say hello. Brother Ning, please forgive me." He smiled and looked around, "There are many people here today. I believe it will become a beautiful story in the future. Regarding articles and affairs of the world, is Brother Ning in the mood to play a bit today?"

Last year, in dealing with the Su family's affairs, familiar people in the business world gave Ning Yi the nickname "Ten Steps One Calculation." This nickname only spread within a small circle, mainly because the few families who suffered losses at Ning Yi's hands were still apprehensive. If it reached the ears of scholars, they would probably just think it was a small trick of the business world. Everyone read the books of sages and worthies, and in the future, they would manage the world. If they took action themselves, they would probably be no worse. So they felt that the nickname was an exaggeration. However, Puyang Yi witnessed the entire process of the imperial merchant incident and understood the weight of this nickname. At this time, he didn't beat around the bush, just asked about Ning Yi's decision. However, Ning Yi shook his head.

"Today, all the virtuous men are gathered here. I'm afraid watching everyone's performance is enough. Heh..."

"Uh..."

"I used to know that Miss Li."

"Hmm?"

"When I was a child, my family lived in Sanlian Lane. At that time, Miss Li was probably learning the *qin* at the home of a musician at the entrance of the lane. A few days ago, I suddenly ran into her. At that time, I didn't know her current identity. I only found out when I came here this morning."

Ning Yi was honest with Puyang Yi. The other party was slightly stunned, then smiled wryly, cupped his hands, and was more magnanimous: "Haha, I see, I understand, I understand. Old friends meet, since there is a relationship, Brother Ning is naturally not good at writing lyrics for Qi Lan. If I had known earlier... Heh, in fact, I was being mercenary. The elegance of poetry and prose should not have too much thought behind it."

He apologized with cupped hands, then sighed with a smile: "Today, Zhou Bangyan is famous all over the world. Without Brother Ning headlining, it seems that Qi Lan's side is quite dangerous. I have offended Miss Li, but I have no malice in my heart. I will have to ask Brother Ning to say a few good words later. However, these things can be put aside. If Brother Ning is really in the mood, good words should still be written. If there are no lyrics from Brother Ning at today's literary gathering, people will always feel that something is missing. Although Puyang Yi is a bit mercenary, he still respects literature the most. My request a few days ago was just hoping that Brother Ning would take care of Qi Lan while writing poetry and lyrics. Today, let's pretend that I didn't say those words. Please don't hold any grudges, Brother Ning."

The Puyang family was keen on poetry and prose, and there were many considerations of interest. However, Puyang Yi was influenced by his family's education. At this time, these words were spoken with genuine respect for poetry and prose. This was the atmosphere of the times. Poetry and articles had always been the highest art. Good lyrics could make people feel a kind of sage-like aura within them. People used this color to paint the scroll of the entire history. When Puyang Yi knew that things could not be done, he put down the balance of interests in his heart. His respect for words was actually from the bottom of his heart.

Everyone chatted for a few more words. When Puyang Yi left, Yunzhu asked about his acquaintance with Li Shishi. Ning Yi told her about the Sanlian Lane incident not long ago. Yunzhu said, "Then... is Liheng not planning to participate in today's literary gathering?"

"I came here to watch the show. Poetry and lyrics are for cultivating sentiment, inspired by feelings. Comparing them is actually unnecessary. Besides, they want to have a good reputation and show off. I don't need this, so there is no need to block others from getting ahead. It's good to be a foil. What's more... it's really a bit like bullying people, heh..."

He had many poems and articles in his mind. At this time, he also incorporated the atmosphere of this era and understood poetry and lyrics more. He could recall more and more of them. To say that it was a bit like bullying people was actually the truth. However, after saying it, Jin'er naturally glanced at him: "Boasting."

Then she said triumphantly: "But I see it. That Puyang Yi retreated in order to advance. After knowing that you can't write poetry for Miss Qi Lan, he sought the next best thing, asking you to differentiate Li Shishi's side, saying that he wants you to say a few good words, but in fact, it is showing weakness to the enemy. And it is definitely false that he said there is no way without you headlining."

Ning Yi nodded: "Puyang Yi is good at burning cold stoves. He didn't actually help me with any real big favors, just did some icing on the cake. He is the kind of person who plans before acting. Since I don't owe him a favor, he certainly won't insist that I help him. Asking me to write a poem is at most an extra card. What's more, this spring outing has only about seventy or eighty people. As long as there is no big mess, no matter how the poetry competition goes, the Puyang family can always blow Qi Lan into a courtesan as good as Li Shishi. If Cao Guan wins, they also win. If Zhou Bangyan wins, Qi Lan is also performing on the same stage as Li Shishi. In the future, everyone will only talk about this literary gathering. And when Li Shishi returns to the capital, they will promote that she fought with the crowd in Jiangning. In short, everyone carries the sedan chair for each other. As long as they are not fools, it is always a win-win situation."

"You business people are really treacherous." Jin'er pouted, then smiled, "But Puyang Yi is a nice person. When you said you knew Li Shishi, he immediately understood and apologized so seriously. I used to hear that he was easy to talk to, and now it seems pretty good. I... uh... I've seen him several times before..."

The Puyang family has always praised Qi Lan, but as the top courtesan of Jinfeng Tower, Yuan Jin'er had naturally seen Puyang Yi several times, but there wasn't much contact. At this time, she was recalling the scenes from previous meetings. Ning Yi laughed: "What? Are you infatuated?"

"No, I just think he's very powerful and want to learn from him. I think it's good to be able to understand other people's difficulties. When I was in Jinfeng Tower, people were always arguing. For example, even though I had already agreed to go to the Chen family's banquet, the son of the Lu family came over and said that he must have Yuan Jin'er. In the end, there was another quarrel. After the quarrel, I had to apologize to both sides. But if I went out in my spare time, the Chen family's son would be unhappy. If I didn't go, what if the Lu family's son didn't come in the future? Mama would keep nagging. No wonder their business isn't as big as the Puyang family's. Yunzhu and I will make Zhuji more powerful than the Puyang family in the future..."

Jin'er didn't care too much about the past. At this time, she was babbling interestingly. Ning Yi was amused and laughed, then shook his head: "Don't look down on Puyang Yi."

"Uh? I didn't..."

"That's not understanding, that's cultivation. He knows that I have difficulties, and this is not a big deal, so he is doing a favor. If this matter is related to the life and death of the Puyang family, he will say the same thing, but after he finishes these words, you have to know that you are enemies. He will turn around and deal with you. Of course, he may ask you once more, but the result is the same. In the business world, there can be true cultivation, but there will be no true humility. Puyang Yi is very clear about this. If you want to learn from him, don't really regard him as a modest gentleman."

Yunzhu wanted to do business. Ning Yi didn't say too much in detail. Jin'er wanted to learn, so he taught her a lesson by the way. Then he felt that he had said too much. Jin'er had her own set of methods for dealing with interpersonal relationships. There was not much treachery in her heart, but she could avoid many treacherous methods. This was what made her interesting. He didn't need to let her realize many truly dark things.

Then he simply blackened Puyang Yi, shaping him into the image of a mad demon king in a cartoon. When Jin'er felt that Puyang Yi was full of black water, the previous feeling of a hidden needle was diluted. The group left the yard, talking and laughing, and walked along the woods behind the yard towards the nearby hillside.

At this time, it was about two quarters of the hour of Si, which was about ten o'clock in the morning. The sun broke through the morning clouds. The mountains and forests were lush, but the area was not very large. Two streams flowed down from the mountains, and the ripples reflected the sunlight, blurring and dazzling. The group walked in the fresh woods, occasionally a woman plucked the *pipa* in her hand, and the silk and bamboo were pleasant to the ear, or there was the sound of silver bell-like laughter. At the end of the field of vision, a green space appeared in the forest at the top of the small mountain. The grass was as green as oil, and the grass was dotted with wild flowers. The mountains and trees on the side blocked the strong winds from the southeast, while the other side had a wide view, overlooking the Yangtze River and the stone city in the distance. It was a great place for a spring outing...

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Getting an injection... There will probably be another chapter at noon, because I am coding. (To be continued.) Vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)