Chapter 362: Shang Yan

After paying the five-hundred-tael introduction fee, Cheng Feng had Hongyu take him directly to Shang Yan's private area.

Hongyu asked curiously, "Has the young master made a new discovery?"

Looking at the curious Hongyu, Cheng Feng sized up her curvaceous figure, stared at her lovely face, and said, "What kind of ideas could I have? I have always politely declined brothels; this is my first time visiting one!"

I wouldn't dare think about those top courtesans, but being able to see a Huayin is enough to broaden my horizons.

At worst, I'll just give him that ten thousand taels of silver. Let him treat me to a meal, that's all.

Hongyu felt a bit shy under Cheng Feng's direct gaze: "Why does the young master keep staring at me?"

Cheng Feng, feeling a bit tickled by Hongyu's charming tenderness, chuckled, withdrew his gaze, and feigned composure: "Miss Hongyu, you misunderstand. I just think you are beautiful and have an extraordinary temperament, quite different from the other women in this brothel."

Upon hearing this, a blush appeared on Hongyu's face, and she whispered, "The young master is too kind. To receive such praise from you, Hongyu is already satisfied."

Cheng Feng thought to himself, "Those who have undergone professional training really are different."

Every glance and smile is soul-stirring.

While speaking, the two had already arrived in front of Shang Yan's private area. This place was decorated extremely elegantly, completely different from the noise in other parts of the brothel, exuding a faint freshness and refinement.

Hongyu first asked the attendant guarding the door, and after confirming there were no guests inside, she knocked gently. Before long, a soft voice came from inside: "Who is it?"

"Miss Shang Yan, it is I, Hongyu. I have something to discuss."

A little maid ran out from inside and brought Hongyu in.

A moment later, footsteps were heard from within.

A pretty, delicate little maid opened the door for Cheng Feng: "Miss Shang Yan invites the honored guest."

Cheng Feng bowed: "My respects."

Cheng Feng straightened his robes and entered. A woman dressed in green with a refined and ethereal appearance appeared before his eyes; it was Shang Yan.

Her gaze was cold yet not lacking in gentleness, as if she could see through a person's heart.

Shang Yan nodded slightly, signaling for Cheng Feng to enter. The room was furnished simply but with style; several scrolls of poetry were placed on the desk, and the air was filled with a faint scent of ink.

"Young Master Cheng, I heard from Hongyu that you were willing to pay a high price to see me. May I ask what for?" Shang Yan's voice carried a hint of curiosity amidst its coldness.

Cheng Feng sat down and said slowly, "To tell you the truth, I do have a request."

Shang Yan raised her eyebrows slightly, signaling for Cheng Feng to continue.

Cheng Feng then recounted the story of his bet with someone.

The more one tells a lie, the smoother it becomes.

Shang Yan remained silent, while Hongyu was somewhat bored, playing with the silk handkerchief in her hand.

After a moment, Shang Yan said, "Since you are betting with someone, you must have been prepared for both victory and defeat.

I am not lacking in silver here, but I do have a fondness for poetry and songs.

If you, young master, can compose a superior poem,

I will certainly tell you everything I know, without reservation."

Cheng Feng felt a bit overwhelmed; the poems and songs in his head were all goods from his past life.

I hope I don't get exposed!

In the years since learning about the Great Zhou, he hadn't seen any figures related to his past life, which still left Cheng Feng with some lingering thoughts.

Being a literary plagiarist, that's not too much, right?

In an instant, Cheng Feng nodded and said, "Please set the topic, Miss."

Seeing Cheng Feng's unchanging expression, Shang Yan was certain that what Hongyu said was true—that Cheng Feng did indeed have some ink in his belly.

She became slightly interested: "Then, young master, please compose a poem with the theme of 'Love'."

Cheng Feng thought about it; there was no need to bring out those earth-shattering poems.

As long as he could pass the test, it would be fine.

He tilted his head slightly and began: "

The embroidered face, a lotus blossom blooming in a smile; the slanted hairpin of precious duck-shape sets off the fragrant cheeks. The ripples in the eyes just stir, and one is guessed by others.

One side of amorous feelings, deep and rhythmic; half a note of delicate resentment sent to a hidden longing. The moon moves the flower shadows, an appointment to meet again."

Hearing Cheng Feng compose the poem, Shang Yan's cherry lips parted slightly, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

Shang Yan had originally intended to give Hongyu face by accepting something decent.

She hadn't expected that Cheng Feng's poem would actually capture the feeling of a first love, always accompanied by many romantic fantasies.

That hazy beauty of having one's thoughts guessed, followed by the shyness of a girl agreeing to a meeting—

It made Shang Yan marvel that Cheng Feng could compose a poem of this caliber.

Shang Yan parted her red lips slightly and praised: "Young Master Cheng, this poem is truly a stroke of genius, with genuine feelings and sincere intent.

Especially the line 'The ripples in the eyes just stir, and one is guessed by others,' which depicts the shyness and anticipation of a young girl's first love so vividly; it is truly breathtaking."

Cheng Feng smiled modestly and said, "Miss Shang, you flatter me. I was merely scribbling casually; to receive such praise from you is truly my great honor."

Hongyu was also entranced on the side. Although she did not understand poetry, she could feel the pure emotion within the lines and couldn't help but look at Cheng Feng with new eyes.

Shang Yan nodded slightly and said, "Young Master Cheng is overflowing with talent; you are truly no ordinary person.

I wonder if you would be willing to stay a while longer to enjoy some fragrant tea with me and discuss the way of poetry?"

Seeing that the lethality of his poem was still within a controllable range, Cheng Feng relaxed slightly.

He then gladly accepted, and the three of them sat down together to taste tea and discuss poetry, the atmosphere being very harmonious.

Sure enough, a talented woman needs to be conquered by someone with talent.

Amidst the curling tea fragrance, Shang Yan asked, "Young Master Cheng, could you take out that piece of paper and let me see it?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Feng felt a slight stir in his heart, but he remained calm. He took the paper from his bosom, placed it gently on the table, and pushed it toward Shang Yan.

Shang Yan lifted her fair hand, gracefully took the paper, and began to examine it.

Hongyu watched curiously from the side, but did not dare to disturb them easily.

The fragrance of tea and the scent of ink intertwined, appearing exceptionally harmonious in this tranquil room.

After finishing her inspection, Shang Yan sighed softly: "My apologies, Young Master Cheng; this is the same as the paper I use in my daily life, and I cannot see anything different about this sheet."

Hearing this, Cheng Feng felt a bit disappointed, yet he nodded in understanding. He smiled slightly: "It is no matter; that Miss Shang could spare the time to examine it is already an honor for me."

"It is merely a wager, after all; I am quite troubled by it myself, and at worst, I shall simply concede."

Hongyu, listening from the side, could not help but interject: "Indeed, Young Master Cheng, identifying someone by their paper is far too whimsical."

Shang Yan smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.

She lifted her eyes and looked toward Cheng Feng, saying: "Young Master Cheng, with your talent for poetry, you could be an honored guest anywhere; it is just a wager, so you may set your mind at ease."

Cheng Feng also gave a free-spirited smile: "That is true; Miss Shang Yan speaks with reason."

After chatting for a few more moments, Cheng Feng felt something was not quite right.

How was it that Miss Shang Yan was getting closer and closer to him?

He pondered to himself: "Is the power of poetry and song really this great?"

On the surface, however, he did not reveal the slightest abnormality, continuing to laugh and chat freely with Shang Yan and Hongyu.

Shang Yan walked closer and closer, finally stopping at Cheng Feng's side.

She said softly: "Young Master Cheng, I have a presumptuous request; I wonder if you might compose another poem for me?"

"That, I can pay for it."

Looking at the somewhat impatient Shang Yan,

Cheng Feng was a bit bewildered.

Which one of us is the one visiting the brothel?