Chapter 313: By What Right Does Xie Guan, A Noble Lady's Bet!

【Su Yun is followed closely by two people, a man and a woman.】

【The man is about fourteen or fifteen, in magnificent attire, handsome in appearance, still holding a green jade flute in his hand, with a hint of arrogance in his eyes—it is Xie Xuan, the seventh son of the Great Courtyard seen earlier by the lake at the Grand View Garden.】

【Xie Xuan lowers his head to stare at the ground.】

【He sees only that the accumulated snow has been swept to the sides, revealing old bluestone slabs eroded by time, their surfaces already slightly yellowed.】

【He frowns slightly; he, who has always loved cleanliness, cannot help but feel that this dilapidated small courtyard is a place where it is difficult to set foot.】

【The woman follows behind Su Yun, wearing a form-fitting black martial outfit for men, with a jade belt wrapped around her waist, appearing to be about the age of adulthood.】

【She wears a drooping-foot cap, her face is unadorned with powder or paint, her features are regular and beautiful, her eyebrows are like knife-cut, and she has a pair of phoenix eyes, with an heroic spirit revealed between her brows.】

【She mimics men by holding her belt with one hand, having quite a sense of dragon-striding and tiger-walking.】

【It is just that her appearance is too fair and delicate; one can recognize at a glance that she is a woman.】

【The woman walks straight past Xie Xuan and enters gracefully.】

【Su Yun also pays no mind, looking at the old courtyard with some surprise in his eyes.】

【Xie Xuan has no choice but to lift his feet and follow, stepping in together.】

【Today, Su Yun took the initiative to seek him out, and Xie Xuan was originally full of joy, waiting early at the gate of the Xie Fu.】

【Unexpectedly, it was to visit that Xie family concubine-born son, Xie Guan.】

【He had no choice but to accompany him.】

【Xie Xuan knew nothing about the residence of this concubine-born son, only learning after asking along the way that it was in the West Garden of the Xie Fu.】

【The West Garden is a place where servants live; he found it hard to believe at first, but he searched all the way there.】

【It really is a dilapidated small courtyard.】

【That a Xie family descendant would live in such a simple place, Xie Xuan, as a young master of the Xie family, also felt stunned.】

【Not to mention Su Yun, a descendant of the head of the Nine Great Surnames, who also had a look of surprise in his eyes.】

【Behind Su Yun and the three others, five or six servants also followed.】

【You look at Xie Xuan and bow: "Greetings, Seventh Brother."】

【In large families, there is an emphasis on seniority and status.】

【Xie Xuan nods slightly. This Xie family concubine-born son, with whom he rarely interacted, has recently become famous due to Su Yun's promotion.】

【However, even so!】

【In these few months, Xie Xuan had never come to get to know him.】

【In Xie Xuan's eyes, Xie Guan is just a concubine-born son who has not yet reached adulthood, has not been enlightened, has lost favor, and is a "bastard" deeply detested by the Old Matriarch.】

【He just happened to chant two lines of decent broken poetry and received a little praise from the Second Master.】

【Just a bit of luck!】

【Xie Xuan feels that this person is not worth his association; those he interacts with are never "commoners."】

【He has witnessed too many "flash-in-the-pan" talents in Bianjing; fame is just like floating clouds, illusory and ethereal.】

【Once this year's Qunfang Banquet passes, there will surely be no shortage of handed-down poems; after this year, who will remember any Xie Guan?】

【He thinks to himself, "Why bother with this trip" for Su Yun? It is truly not worth it!】

【If this Ninth Brother of his truly had some ambition, since he is valued by Su Yun, he should seize this good opportunity to climb a "high branch" instead of "putting on an act" here, relying on that bit of scholar's arrogance.】

【He has seen too many people from poor backgrounds who, for the sake of an opportunity, can discard their so-called face.】

【To achieve one's goal, one uses any means; who would still care about that mere face? Only in this way can one escape the predicament of one's background and truly get ahead.】

【Xie Xuan shakes his head; even he, Xie Xuan, with his background, can be humble.】

【By what right do you, Xie Guan, do this!】

【The woman, however, examines the youth in the courtyard carefully and nods secretly; his clothing is shabby, but his bearing is extraordinary.】

【Her phoenix eyes flow, looking at the phoenix tree in the small courtyard; she sees the snow water under the eaves flowing murmuringly under the sunlight.】

【In the corner of the wall, there are also a few evergreen plants planted, adding a bit of green to this dilapidated small courtyard.】

【There are also a few flower beds placed, having quite a bit of elegance.】

【Although the small courtyard is simple, it has been carefully managed by its owner in an orderly manner.】

【Although you do not understand the intention of Su Yun and the three others, you still politely invite them into the house.】

【Inside the house, besides the main hall, there are only three rooms: one serves as the main hall for entertaining, and the other two are the sleeping quarters for you and Sister Wu Tong.】

【The place for cooking is set in the backyard; although slightly crude, it is convenient and practical.】

【The three step into the house; the group of maids and servants behind them all lower their heads and look submissive, completely different from the troupe of entertainers Xie Yuan usually kept who liked to look around and yawn, lacking some "liveliness and spirit."】

【You notice that Su Yun actually intentionally lets the woman sit first; you cannot help but feel a bit surprised—given Su Yun's status, this move is somewhat unexpected.】

【Xie Xuan sees this scene and takes it all in; he cannot help but look a few more times at this woman dressed in men's clothing, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.】

【Su Yun then also sits on the bed-kang.】

【Xie Xuan sees this, and his expression changes slightly; this "Arhat bed" is truly simple, with only a tea table placed on it.】

【The kang below is heated warmly, and with this tea table, one can both drink tea and write, which is also convenient.】

【In the past, Xie Yuan would sit here, while Zhang Yunzhi would bring her own chair to the side.】

【However!】

【This woman does not care at all, sitting side-by-side with Su Yun.】

【You sit opposite.】

【Xie Xuan sees this and simply finds a chair, sitting outside the bed-kang.】

【There is a heater on the tea table, with water currently boiling for tea tasting.】

【Sister Wu Tong is not here, so you personally brew tea for the three.】

【Sunlight shines through the window onto the tea table, adding a bit of warmth and coziness.】

【Su Yun looks at the tea in the cup, with heat rising above it, and smiles: "Young Master Guan, this residence is quite to my liking."】

【He sighs softly, "Isn't what people in the world seek just such a world for reading, a desk?"】

【Su Yun's words reveal a bit of emotion. As a descendant of a great clan, his grandfather is the current Su Xiang, with monstrous power.】

【Among the few Su family descendants of this generation, Su Yun can be considered to have received exclusive favor.】

【Xie Xuan looks at the inferior tea with foam in the cup and silently does not move.】

【The woman, however, picks up the teacup and drinks it in one gulp, heroic as if drinking wine.】

【She jokes: "Young Master Yun, your words sound like those of the ministers in the court who are retreating from the rapids and returning to their hometowns."】

【"At your age, shouldn't it be red sleeves adding fragrance, beauties grinding ink? If you really want such tranquility, can you withstand this bitter cold?"】

【Su Yun hears this and shakes his head with a laugh.】

【Your gaze falls on that woman; Su Yun sees this and is about to open his mouth to introduce her.】

【The woman introduces herself: "I am Chen Jiuyan."】

【Xie Xuan is also seeing this woman for the first time today; after hearing her name, he cannot help but be slightly stunned.】

【This name does not sound like a woman's name, and furthermore, this surname is actually "Chen"—Chen is the state surname of the Great Qi.】

【In Bianjing, such a surname is not considered rare; after all, the Great Zhou royal family has gone through thousands of years, with many side branches.】

【It is not strange to have contact with royal family members among the Nine Great Surnames; at the Grass Hall Poetry Gathering, there were two unloved princes from the palace who all followed Su Yun's lead.】

【But the only Chen-surnamed people who can let Su Yun give up his seat and dare to tease Su Yun are those powerful princes in the palace.】

【The current Emperor has already enfeoffed four princes, and the position of the Eastern Palace has not yet been determined. Among these four princes, there are the four kings of Yan, Tang, Han, and Qian, and the King of Yan is the most noble.】

【The reason for this is nothing more than that the title of that Lu Shen Zhou in history was the King of Yan.】

【Xie Xuan thinks slightly, but the current royal family does not seem to have a woman who matches this age.】

【You smile slightly: "So it is Young Master Yan."】

【The woman named Chen Jiuyan hears this, and a satisfied smile blooms on her face; she is clearly quite pleased with the title "Young Master."】

【Su Yun states his intention, with a hint of expectation in his tone: "Young Master Guan, this Qunfang Banquet's specifications far exceed the past. Not only will the Academy participate, but the Great Qi's court heavyweights, the Nine Great Surnames, and the big figures of the Thirteen Continents will all be present; even the three brothel troupes want to compete in this grand feast—it is time to decide the number one in Bianjing."】

【"Such a grand event is the perfect opportunity for the Poetry Gathering to make a name for itself."】

【He continues sincerely: "Therefore, I ask Young Master Guan to please be sure to attend and help the Poetry Gathering."】

【You hear this and shake your head slightly: "Xie Guan knows that I have no talent; last time was just a lucky coincidence, and I fear that if I compete with real material, I will fail to make a name for myself and instead lose face."】

【Su Yun still wants to persuade: "Young Master Guan..."】

【Before he can finish!】

【You take out the Qunfang Banquet invitation Su Yun sent last time from the cabinet and push it in front of him.】

【Xie Xuan sees you refuse so decisively, and his expression becomes somewhat unpleasant.】

【Today Su Yun came with such "pomp," and he thought you would readily agree.】

【To play a so-called "Three Visits to the Small Courtyard" play.】

【What a magnificent status this Su Yun has, the grandson of Su Xiang, and what status do you, Xie Guan, occupy.】

【Stepping into this small courtyard is already giving you immense face.】

【Unexpectedly!】

【Such a blatant and merciless refusal, and the look of indifference on your face.】

【Xie Xuan frowns slightly; he really cannot stand it. He looks around at the servants and maids in the small room, all standing properly, not daring to take a single wrong step.】

【This is the way things should be!】

【He opens his mouth to admonish: "Brother Guan, how dare you refuse Young Master Su Yun? Why don't you apologize to Young Master Yun..."】

【After speaking, he already has the momentum of a Xie family elder brother on his face, "This matter was entrusted by Young Master Su Yun, and it is your good fortune..."】

【"Xie Xuan, shut up!"】

【Before his words were finished, he was coldly interrupted by Su Yun.】

【"Young Master Guan is also a member of the Grass Hall Poetry Gathering. The Poetry Gathering prohibits forcing others to do things they are unwilling to do. We make friends widely, emphasizing shared goals and doing some happy things with articles."】

【"If others are unwilling and we force them, what does that make us!"】

【Xie Xuan is interrupted by Su Yun, but he does not dare to refute Su Yun; he knows Su Yun's temper, only glaring at you fiercely.】

【He picks up the teacup on the table and takes a big gulp, not expecting the tea to be spicy and astringent, and it is not easy to spit out, forcing him to swallow it, making his face flush red.】

【The woman Chen Jiuyan sees this and laughs: "Young Master Guan, why don't you fill it up for him."】

【You hear this and have already added a cup of tea for him, reminding him softly: "Seventh Brother, be careful not to choke."】

【Su Yun looks at Xie Xuan's embarrassed state and also smiles, saying: "Young Master Guan, please don't take it to heart; Xie Xuan just has such a temper."】

【Chen Jiuyan continues the topic: "This Qunfang Banquet grand event, even if you don't go to the Poetry Gathering, you can have a good time. The three families' top courtesans are competing for beauty, and once the beauty list evaluated by the Academy comes out, it will not only shock the Great Qi's Thirteen Prefectures but will spread throughout the world."】

【You have no need to hide, after all, you will also attend the Qunfang Banquet, and you mention that you were invited by Sima Ting.】

【Chen Jiuyan hears the name "General Sima" and is slightly stunned, asking: "Is that the Jiannan Dao Military Governor Sima Ting?"】

【Su Yun nods, confirming: "Exactly!"】

【Su Yun had known from his servant that you had an invitation, but he did not expect the person who invited you to be that Sima Ting, and he was also quite surprised.】

【After returning from the Grand View Garden, he had the intention to inquire about your affairs, and naturally, he learned about the Q&A regarding "benevolent people and aspirants" in the Hongjing Courtyard.】

【Therefore, he had the intention to associate with you; after all, he believed in his own judgment—the bearing of the youth in the pavilion who wrote that poem that day was definitely not that of a mediocre person.】

【Xie Xuan, however, finds it hard to believe; when did you have dealings with a Military Governor of a continent.】

【The Military Governors of the Thirteen Continents are all figures with immense power, and the vast majority of them have the support of the Nine Great Surnames behind them.】

【Especially in a prefecture like Jiannan Dao where demons gather and uprisings are constant, the Military Governor almost has the power of "execute first, report later" for the affairs of a continent.】

【Chen Jiuyan's beautiful eyebrows furrow slightly; standing behind Sima Ting is not only the Sima family but also that Tang Ziang, known as the "Sick Tiger" in the Ministry of Rites.】

【Being able to receive an invitation from Sima Ting makes her attach more importance to the youth in front of her.】

【Su Yun's eyes light up, seemingly thinking of something, and he says: "Doesn't that work out perfectly? General Sima will mostly have to socialize with high-ranking officials at the Qunfang Banquet and won't have much time to deal with other matters."】

【He turns to look at you and says enthusiastically: "Brother Guan, what seat are you in? When the Qunfang Banquet comes, I will come to find you."】

【"Those old-fashioned national hatreds and family affairs are mostly boring; brother, I will take you to see the romantic and talented scholars of this West Wing Building."】

【You look hesitant; you are not concerned about top courtesans or making a name for yourself.】

【The Xie family's Second Master, Lu Hua, and that flood dragon will also go to the Qunfang Banquet to plot; this place is the center of the storm.】

【You shake your head slightly: "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Su Yun."】

【Su Yun is greatly disappointed.】

【Xie Xuan sees you refuse Su Yun's invitation again, and his expression becomes increasingly gloomy.】

【He is dissatisfied in his heart; even Su Yun has never spoken to him like this, so by what right, by what virtue and ability, do you, a concubine-born son, do this!】

【At this time!】

【Chen Jiuyan's gaze sweeps to the black and white chess jar by the tea table; she cannot help but have her eyes move, looking at you and saying: "Young Master Guan, you also play chess?"】

【You nod and answer modestly: "I know a little."】

【Chen Jiuyan smiles slightly and suggests: "Young Master Guan, how about we make a bet?"】

【You hear this and cannot help but have a strange look in your eyes; this sentence sounds quite like Xie Yuan's catchphrase.】

【Chen Jiuyan says: "Three games of chess, two wins out of three. If you lose, you agree to Young Master Yun's matter."】

【"If I lose, I will do one thing for you."】

【The woman wearing the drooping-foot cap laughs spiritedly: "Of course, I will not lose."】

PS: I have posted the picture of this costume in the comments.

(End of Chapter) CHAPTER 314