Chapter 367: A Talented Scholar Occupies the Poetry Field, What a White-Clothed Minister!

Everyone present could not help but show surprise.

For a time, many courtesans gathered together, making people unable to take it all in.

Especially Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun, who had not appeared in public for many years, and today was her first time performing on stage. She first bowed to the Sixth Imperial Prince, the Prince of Yan, and said softly:

"Gongsun Meiyu greets the Prince of Yan."

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun's real name was Gongsun Meiyu, and her biggest supporter behind the scenes was the Prince of Yan.

The Prince of Yan smiled slightly and nodded to indicate.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun's eyes shifted, a bit surprised; she came to find Xie Guan, not expecting that several princes would all be here.

And!

Su Shishi also appeared here.

Yun Wan, Hu Yunniang, and Chenxiang all bowed one by one.

"Your Highness Feng, Your Highness Yong."

"Young Master Su Yun."

"Old Master Jin."

Zhang Yuanlai, Jia Yu, and others looked at the many courtesans who suddenly appeared around them, their beautiful figures looking even more delicate and moving under the bright lights.

He Xiao's eyes reflected one face after another as beautiful as flowers and jade.

They were either heroic and handsome, dignified and elegant, charming and lively, small and family-like, or cold and noble, each with their own style.

Everyone lowered their voices, marveling at this rare grand occasion.

Several courtesans had all seen these princes and noble sons like Su Yun.

As for Xie Guan, Zhang Yuanlai, and others, having neither family background nor reputation, the courtesans naturally paid no attention to them.

At this time!

Hu Yunniang's gaze shifted, looking at Xie Guan on the scene, and she slowly opened her mouth, "Yunniang greets Young Master Guan."

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun also noticed the youth behind the table in the seating area, clear and handsome, with an elegant temperament.

She said to herself that it was as expected; a person who could write such excellent poems should have such a handsome appearance.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun also bowed gracefully, "Gongsun Meiyu greets Young Master Guan."

Yun Wan also said softly, "Yun Wan greets Young Master Guan."

Chenxiang raised her eyes slightly, but also bowed, "Chenxiang greets Young Master Guan."

Xie Guan?

At this moment, the people who had just been attracted by the courtesans finally realized that the youth standing in the back was the Xie Guan who had been in the limelight today.

Yu Ke naturally returned the bows one by one, his behavior appropriate.

Su Yun smiled.

Jia Yu and the other three had looks of envy.

The greetings of several courtesans explained Xie Guan's value.

An illegitimate son of the Xie family with no one to rely on, having neither a prominent family background nor relying entirely on the talent in his belly.

Jin Zitan joked, "It seems Young Master Guan is more popular than this old man."

Only Zhou Yuner, who had just ground ink for Xie Guan, had a flash of disappointment on her face, as if a treasure she had treasured for a long time had suddenly been discovered by someone else, making it hard to enjoy its beauty alone, and a sour feeling that was hard to describe welled up in her heart.

Chen Mu's expression was gloomy, looking at these few courtesans who seemed to have come for Xie Guan.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun had already learned that Su Shishi had spent four million taels to buy one of Xie Guan's poems and one painting.

Although she knew that Xie Guan and the Sixth Imperial Prince, the Prince of Yan, were at odds, relying on her many years of operation and wealth and connections, she also had support from the Academy and the Nine Great Clans.

Her relationship with the Prince of Yan was just a cooperation of mutual need.

Relying on the Prince of Yan's power, she was like a fish in water in the Zixiao Pavilion, and she also offered a huge dividend to the Prince of Yan every year.

However, if she could rank in the top three of the Qunfang Banquet today, she could escape the West Wing Building and gain freedom.

The Prince of Yan, who had already made a fortune from her, naturally did not want to let her go, and his help to her was minimal.

This Qunfang Banquet was almost Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun's own desperate gamble.

Xie Guan's opening poem just now helped her rank in the top three of the courtesans; although the results were not out yet, the number of hairpins counted already firmly placed her in the top three.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun's personality was like this, clear about gratitude and resentment, and she had to repay kindness.

A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring.

Not to mention this kind of virtue of rebirth.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun said softly, "I have come here this time because I also want to request a painting from Young Master Guan."

"The price remains the same, also four million taels; Young Master has already composed the poem, I only need a painting."

After speaking, she turned to Su Shishi.

"If Fairy Su is willing to part with it, Meiyu is willing to add another one million taels, for a total of five million taels to request this Kunpeng Painting."

Su Shishi shook her head lightly, "I will definitely treasure this painting and will never sell it easily."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun could not help but show a trace of regret on her face.

This question was actually intentional, intended to respond to Chen Mu's previous sarcasm—"This painting is worthless," to regain face for Xie Guan.

After hearing this, Chen Mu's expression became even gloomier.

Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun looked at Xie Guan and asked gently, "Young Master Guan, what do you think?"

Yu Ke saw this and did not refuse; he knew deeply that Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun had given him enough face, so he responded on behalf of Xie Guan.

Only then did Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun smile, "Today will be it; after the Qunfang Banquet, I will definitely visit you."

Anyway, Xie Guan painting a picture would not take much effort.

Yun Wan also spoke, "Young Master Guan, Yun Wan also has this intention, the price remains the same."

Hu Yunniang also said the same; after this Qunfang Banquet, her wealth would definitely double, so she specially came to make friends with Xie Guan.

Yu Ke accepted them all; these were all connections that Xie Guan could use in the future.

Anyway, painting a picture would not take much effort.

Jin Zitan clapped and laughed from the side, "Wonderful, wonderful, truly wonderful!"

"Previously, the Thirteenth Imperial Prince said with certainty that Young Master Guan's painting was worthless, but now..."

Chen Mu's face was livid, and he was just about to speak.

The Prince of Yan reminded at the right time, "Thirteenth Brother, you should have elegance."

"Old Master Jin's words are just a joke."

Chen Mu's face turned red and white, knowing that his Sixth Brother's reminder was reasonable; if he refuted or flew into a rage at this moment, he would only fall into a lower position.

Chen Mu only let out a cold snort.

He Xiao was full of envy, looking at Xie Guan surrounded by courtesans, which was exactly the appearance he had always longed to become—infinitely glorious and attracting much attention.

Zhang Yuanlai only felt genuinely happy for him.

Sure enough, some people are born extraordinary, the youth who studied hard in the small courtyard.

He only needed to walk out of the small courtyard to be dazzling.

Su Shishi prepared to say goodbye, but noticed in the crowd that several other courtesans were walking this way, seemingly also coming to request poems.

She smiled slightly, understanding in her heart; relying on the three poems Xie Guan had just composed, he seemed to have already possessed the ability to determine the ranking of the courtesans.

Those courtesans who had not yet stepped onto the stage naturally also wanted to come and compete for Xie Guan's poems.

At this time!

Yu Ke seemed to have sensed something, and even the Prince of Yan and Chen Feng both looked in one direction.

The lights in the garden suddenly dimmed, and the people around fell silent, only feeling a chill on their backs.

The crowd automatically separated into a path, and several eunuchs stood on the side, all waiting for one person.

An old eunuch with graying hair, wearing a scarlet python robe with a crane patch woven with gold thread, walked over, stepping on three-inch-high soap boots.

The old eunuch's face was deeply wrinkled, and his brows were full of coldness.

Everyone gasped; this was the Chief Eunuch who conveyed imperial decrees in the Great Qi palace.

If it were a palace eunuch, the Nine Great Clans would mostly not take it seriously.

But this old eunuch was Su Xiang's personal eunuch.

Even the Prince of Yan and Second Imperial Prince Chen Feng bowed slightly when they saw this.

The ivory-handled whisk in the old eunuch's hand swayed gently, and he barely squeezed out a smile on his face, his voice sharp.

"By the decree of Su Xiang and the Third Master of the Academy—please Young Master Xie Guan move to the Yao Xian Lou to compose a poem for tonight's Qunfang Banquet."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present fell silent.

Everyone cast their gazes in the direction of Xie Guan.

The expressions of the Prince of Yan and the Second Imperial Prince were strange.

They were secretly puzzled in their hearts; didn't news come that Xie Guan was secretly colluding with the Sanzhen Sect of the Great Sui, and Su Xiang originally intended to bring him to justice, and if it weren't for the Third Master of the Academy trying his best to protect him, Xie Guan would probably be in prison by now?

Why did Su Xiang and the Third Master invite Xie Guan to the Yao Xian Lou together now?

Could it be that there was some change in this?

Zhang Yuanlai and Jia Yu's expressions froze.

Xie Guan was invited by the Third Master and invited to compose a poem; today Xie Guan was really going to be in the limelight.

Yu Ke frowned slightly after hearing this and fell into deep thought.

He originally planned to accept Sima Pan's invitation after the Qunfang Banquet, after all, it concerned Sister Wu Tong!

But now that he was invited to the Yao Xian Lou, how should he choose?

The great cauldron in his heart rang, spitting out ten thousand rays of rosy light.

【Facing this matter, you decide...】

1. Refuse this matter. (Hint: May encounter danger, unfavorable for the future.)

2. Agree to this matter. (Hint: May be favorable for the future.)

3. Delay this matter. (Hint: May encounter unexpected events, unfavorable for the future.)

4. End personal participation. (1/3)

Yu Ke looked at the options above, it seemed this poem had to be composed.

Without hesitation, he chose directly.

2. Agree to this matter. (Hint: May be favorable for the future.)

In the A-zone of the Qunfang Banquet.

A servant in green clothes hurriedly reported to Xie Renfeng, but only said half of it.

"Click."

The string of jade marrow beads Xie Renfeng was playing with in his palm suddenly snapped, and eighteen jade beads rolled all over the floor.

Xie Renfeng's face changed drastically, and he stood up abruptly.

"What? Isn't this Xie Guan going to put my Xie family to death? He actually dared to associate with the Sanzhen Sect of the Great Sui!"

The servant continued, and Xie Renfeng's expression eased slightly.

He thought in his heart that his father was now in the Yao Xian Lou, and with this reliance, he did not need to be so panicked.

"The Third Master of the Academy is willing to protect him, mostly for the sake of my father."

"But this Xie Guan is acting so recklessly, the Xie family cannot tolerate him either."

The servant continued:

"Several ladies have already learned of this matter, and they plan to convene a clan meeting after the Qunfang Banquet ends to expel Xie Guan from the Xie family genealogy."

"The main courtyard will also give the second courtyard an explanation."

Xie Renfeng nodded upon hearing this, feeling a bit relieved in his heart.

If such a big thing happened, if Xie Guan had just been taken away by the Shen Yin and the Tu Mo Si, I fear today's matter would not have ended well.

The Xie family had many enemies in Bianjing, including many people from the Nine Great Clans who were hostile to the Xie family.

Xie Renfeng did not care about Xie Guan's life or death; he was just worried that Xie Guan would bring fire upon himself and thus implicate the entire Xie family.

"Truly a disaster!"

Xie Renfeng cursed in a low voice, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"Cannot keep this person after the Qunfang Banquet; expel him from the Xie family, and I will see who can still protect him."

Li Yutong looked at Xie Renfeng's suddenly tightened side profile and asked, "What went wrong?"

Xie Renfeng tucked the remaining jade marrow beads in his palm into his sleeve, and his expression had returned to normal when he turned around.

"It's just that Xie Guan, that fellow, has caused some trouble for the Xie family again."

He raised his eyes to look in the direction of the Yao Xian Lou, and under the bright lights and moonlight, a cold light reflected in his eyes, "With Father sitting in command, everything will be fine."

Li Yutong nodded gently, "With Uncle Xie Hong, the Xie mansion is as stable as Mount Tai."

At the Qunfang Banquet, A-zone.

Between the tables, whispers stirred, and the noble people covered in pearls and jade walked by quickly.

Red sleeves were still flying on the high platform, and courtesans were still performing on stage, but half of the seats below were empty, and even the master of ceremonies was staring at the thinning crowd in a daze.

Zhang Yunzhi, Li Shuwan, and others showed thoughtful expressions upon seeing this.

Xie Yuan had long since pricked up his ears, listening to all directions.

Suddenly seeing a familiar figure flash by, he flipped his wrist and grabbed the person's cloud-patterned wide sleeve.

"Brother Yuan, wait."

"Where are you all going in such a hurry? Is there any place more attractive than the courtesans on stage?"

The person originally wanted to get angry and stomped his cotton boots, but when he saw it was Xie Yuan, he forcibly suppressed his anger.

"Oh, so it's Brother Xie. I heard that quite a few people have gathered in the D-zone behind, and Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun and a group of courtesans have all gone there."

Xie Yuan was slightly surprised upon hearing this; Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun had already performed on stage, why would she go to the D-zone behind the Qunfang Banquet?

"More than that!"

"That Fairy Su is also there; they are all there to see Xie Guan, who just wrote the poem at the Caotang Poetry Meeting."

"I must hurry over, maybe I can catch a glimpse of her beauty."

Xie Yuan stood frozen in place; the person walked too fast, and he hadn't had time to ask for details.

"Is it really because of Brother Guan..."

Attracting many courtesans to go one after another.

Zhang Yunzhi's beautiful eyes drifted upon hearing this.

Xie Yuan saw this and hurriedly suggested: "Why don't we go and take a look?"

Li Shuwan sighed helplessly as she looked at Zhang Yunzhi's expression.

This Xie Guan had truly stolen the heart of Sister Yunzhi.

Ever since Xie Guan's name spread, Zhang Yunzhi had been absent-minded.

Xie Qiyue hurriedly clapped her hands, "Let's go and meet that Fairy Su! It's spread all over Bianjing City, saying she is extraordinary, like a fairy descending to earth, the number one beauty in the capital!"

Xue Hong scratched his head, revealing a row of neat white teeth, and smiled honestly: "In my eyes, you are the most beautiful, Qiyue."

"Xue Hong, you fool, you haven't even seen Fairy Su, talking nonsense."

Although Xie Qiyue rolled her eyes at him, she could not hide the joy on her face.

Women in the world always like to hear some praise.

Xie Yuan's group then set off and walked slowly toward the back garden.

Before long, they saw people crowding ahead, gathered in a group, extremely lively.

Xie Yuan led the group and squeezed into the crowd.

Zhang Yunzhi finally squeezed in and looked up.

Only to see!

One after another, beautiful figures; the one with a white veil covering her face was Su Yaya, whose temperament was as dusty as a fairy.

And the heroic Gongsun Gongsun Niangzi Gongsun, Yun Wan, Hu Yunniang, Chenxiang, and the courtesans in the crowd were all looking forward to it.

Their gazes could not help but stop at the very center.

That youth in a plain robe stood in the center of the crowd, his black hair loosely tied up with a mutton-fat jade hairpin, a few strands of broken hair hanging down in front of his forehead, making his brows and eyes look even more refined.

His eyes were like dots of lacquer, reflecting ripples in the lights of the garden.

An elegant air flowed between his brows, clearly from long reading of poetry and books, thus cultivating a refined and elegant interest.

Under the dim lights!

Zhang Yunzhi had not yet seen clearly when she heard a sharp, old voice.

"By the decree of Su Xiang and the Third Master of the Academy—please Young Master Xie Guan move to the Yao Xian Lou to compose a poem for tonight's Qunfang Banquet."

Exclamations rose one after another in the crowd.

The youth bowed slightly, his voice clear as broken jade.

"Xie Guan obeys the decree."

He turned around and bowed to the surroundings, saying goodbye one by one.

Even Jia Yu and the others were not left out.

Jia Yu and the other three straightened their backs, their faces unable to hide their pride and honor.

"Old Master Jin, Xie Guan will take his leave first."

The youth bowed to an old man with a white beard and hair.

Jin Zitan waved his hand and hurriedly said, "Go quickly, Young Master Guan, don't keep the Third Master waiting."

The crowd separated into a small path like a tide, and Xie Guan left with the Chief Eunuch.

Jin Zitan looked at his back, and then looked around at the courtesans who were looking forward to it, stroking his beard and laughing.

The old man suddenly flicked his sleeve, his arms exposed, and his left index and middle fingers joined together.

"Tai!"

This sound was like a singing line in a drama, full of charm.

This scene.

Li Xiangjun and the others were naturally familiar with it; this famous critic in Bianjing, Old Master Jin, would start like this when commenting on others.

The old man said leisurely:

"Let's talk about this Ninth Son of the Xie family—"

Jin Zitan deliberately lengthened his tone.

"Truly a talented scholar occupying the poetry field, what a white-clothed minister."

"I do not seek wealth from others, people must seek my articles."

The old man's words fell, loud and clear.

Everyone knew that "white-clothed" was a term for commoners without official rank in ancient times, while "minister" referred to high-ranking officials.

After hearing this, Zhang Yunzhi turned back to look at the back of the youth leaving in the crowd, although thin, he also carried a high-spirited meaning.

Under the brilliant lights.

Zhang Yunzhi's vision gradually blurred in her beautiful eyes.

Xie Yuan muttered to himself from the side, "A talented scholar occupies the poetry field, what a white-clothed minister."

"It is quite fitting; Brother Guan today, one person's poetry suppresses the Qunfang Banquet."