Chapter 30: When the Hell Did I Ever Write a Poem? (Please Vote!)

Following Chen Duolong's gaze, Bai Mugé indeed saw a woman of extraordinary beauty and elegance, slender and graceful, already ascending the pavilion with a zither in her arms.

Her skin was as smooth as congealed cream, her hands like slender jade. On that delicate, oval face, long curved lashes fluttered lightly, and her eyes were as clear and pure as the stars and moon.

“This humble woman greets you all.”

Shangguan Yiren bowed gracefully to the audience below. Just beneath her chin, her features held a trace of fierce determination, and her voice was as cold and distant as a mountain of ice.

She exuded an air that kept others at arm’s length.

Yet this did nothing to diminish the affection she inspired in everyone present.

Even Bai Mugé found himself somewhat lost in thought.

This Miss Yiren is indeed stunningly beautiful, he mused. She could almost rival my dear sister Shixuan!

But their temperaments were utterly different.

Li Shixuan was the type who could be both adorable and fierce.

Shangguan Yiren, on the other hand, was all aloofness and icy reserve.

“Well, what do you think, my lord?” As Bai Mugé was still distracted, he noticed Shangguan Yiren had already taken her seat, her slender fingers plucking the zither, sending forth melodious music. Chen Duolong suddenly leaned closer.

“This Shangguan Yiren truly is a rare beauty, isn’t she?” Chen Duolong said with a smile.

Bai Mugé came back to his senses. Glancing at Chen Duolong, he raised his cup and drank, replying coolly, “Let’s listen to the music first.”

“Understood! Heh heh…” Chen Duolong nodded with a knowing smile.

Bai Mugé: “…”

At this moment, Bai Mugé truly didn’t want to pay him any mind.

What on earth do you think you understand this time? Don’t go stirring up trouble again!

He already had his guard up against Chen Duolong, who had a knack for creating chaos.

Though Bai Mugé had little desire to engage, for the sake of caution—and to forestall any mischief—he watched the performance and asked out of the corner of his mouth, “Lord Duolong, do you like Miss Yiren?”

“A woman so gifted and beautiful—of course I like her!” Chen Duolong made no effort to conceal his true thoughts, then asked, “And you, my lord? You don’t care for such a beauty?”

“No.”

Bai Mugé shook his head with utter seriousness, his expression showing faint distaste. “So later, don’t go making a scene, and don’t say another word!”

Chen Duolong was dumbfounded.

Such a rare beauty—what man wouldn’t be drawn to her? And yet Lord Bai claims he isn’t interested?

No… could it be?

After a moment of shock, Chen Duolong suddenly realized Bai Mugé’s hidden meaning.

Lord Bai is hinting he doesn’t want me to compete with him for Miss Yiren! Just a woman—am I that kind of man? As long as my lord is happy, my efforts will not be in vain!

With that, Chen Duolong’s face filled with admiration. He had not expected Bai Mugé to be so skilled even in speaking in hints.

Luckily, he was clever enough to catch on.

“Your advice is wise, my lord! I will not act rashly!” Chen Duolong vowed solemnly with a nod.

Seeing this, Bai Mugé finally relaxed. After all, Chen Duolong had given his word—though sometimes unreliable, he was always true to it.

Yet as Bai Mugé turned back to his wine and music, he failed to notice Chen Duolong exchanging knowing glances with the officials of the Court of State Ceremonies beside him.

Nor did he forget to signal Lord Liu as well.

I, Chen Duolong, won’t say a word! These matters can be handled by others just as well.

The officials and Lord Liu, catching Chen Duolong’s signal and recalling Bai Mugé’s earlier words—and seeing how pleased he was listening to the music—immediately understood.

Rest assured, Lord Duolong; we all know what Lord Bai desires! Leave it to us!

It’s settled then!

A series of exchanged glances sealed the plan, all without Bai Mugé’s knowledge.

A short while later, the beautiful music faded, lingering in the air.

On the pavilion, Shangguan Yiren smiled and nodded in salutation, and a maidservant stepped forward.

She bowed first, then announced, “Today, my lady invites all learned friends to the Red Sleeves Hall. We hope you will participate with enthusiasm. Whoever wins my lady’s favor may spend this splendid night in her company. Now, please display your talents.”

With that, the maidservant stood aside, awaiting volunteers.

Shangguan Yiren herself sat with an expression as cold as frost, her emotions unreadable, her eyes glimmering faintly.

No sooner had the maid finished speaking than a refined young man rose to his feet.

With a graceful flick of his folding fan, he strolled forward and recited with elegance:

“Lotus rising from the water, all other flowers pale and weep.
Yiren’s beauty startles the wild geese, surpassing even Xishi!”

When the poem was finished, the young man closed his fan and, thinking himself most charming, cupped his hands in salute to the pavilion.

This poem cost me five hundred taels at the poetry club! Surely Miss Yiren will be moved by it!

With such thoughts, he stood smiling, eyes full of hope, gazing at Shangguan Yiren.

But she remained unmoved, even frowning slightly, as if deeply displeased by the poem.

“What a fine poem!”

“A rare gem among verses!”

“Young Master Lin’s poem is truly a string of pearls, capturing Miss Yiren’s beauty perfectly. We are all in awe!”

“Alas, I am put to shame by comparison…”

Although Shangguan Yiren showed no reaction, the crowd erupted in praise. After such a poem, no one else dared step forward.

Seeing this, Chen Duolong began making faces and glaring at his colleagues from the Court of State Ceremonies. At once, one among them took the hint.

“Hold!” A voice suddenly rang out, cutting through the commotion and drawing all eyes.

One of the officials rose with disdain. “Is that what you call a good poem? Perhaps you’ve never heard the one our Lord Bai composed for Miss Yiren. Allow us to open your eyes!”

With that, the official drew a scroll from his sleeve and unfurled it with a flourish.

On it was a poem!

Bai Mugé was instantly mortified.

When did I ever compose a poem? How do I not know about this? And where did this so-called poem come from?

Before he could react, the official began to recite the poem in a clear, resonant voice…