Chapter 371: Wait and See, Is Xie Guan Not Worth It?

"Brother Guan seems to have gone up to the third floor!"

When Xie Yuan and the others arrived at the second floor, they only heard a few people whispering that Xie Guan had already gone up to the third floor.

The first and second floors of the Yao Xian Lou, with the status of Xie Yuan, Zhang Yunzhi, and Li Shuwan as descendants of the Nine Great Clans, could naturally be entered and exited freely.

But the third floor was different; even the favored juniors of the Nine Great Clans could not go up at will, unless they reported to their elders beforehand and obtained permission.

Xie Yuan felt anxious in his heart.

The only elders of the Xie family on the third floor now were the Old Matriarch and the mistresses of the main and second courtyards, and without his mother, it was hard for him to speak. 【

His father, Xie Ling, was not in Bianjing, and for a moment, he did not know what to do.

Just then, Zhang Yunzhi reminded him, "Xie Yuan, isn't your uncle, Master Jinghu, on the third floor?"

Xie Yuan's eyes suddenly lit up; his uncle, Zhuge Jian, was a high-ranking court official and was also on the third floor today.

Li Shuwan also remembered that the family matriarch was on the third floor, so she prepared to instruct a servant to go and report the situation immediately.

Xie Qiyue thought directly of her father, Xie Hong; she had no worries about Xie Renfeng troubling her father, but instead felt a hint of joy at being able to stay by his side.

As the legitimate son, Xue Hong had his own elders on the third floor, so naturally, he had no need to worry.

The group discussed their strategy on the second floor while waiting.

Watching this scene, Xie Yuan couldn't help but laugh dryly: "I never expected that Brother Guan would take the lead and ascend to a higher level, while we remain here on the floor below."

Li Shuwan had been asking around and learned that the poetry topic given to Xie Guan by Su Xiang and the Third Master was precisely about immortals and the Inviting Immortal Tower.

She couldn't help but project herself into the situation, thinking of poems about immortals, but then she shook her head.

After all, gaining the approval of the Third Master and Su Xiang, both of whom were incredibly learned, would be extremely difficult.

Just then!

A familiar, mocking voice came from nearby:

"I advise you all not to go up; I'm afraid Xie Guan won't be able to walk back down from the third floor."

Upon hearing this, Xie Qiyue couldn't help but roll her eyes, sighing inwardly that she was truly unlucky today to have run into that annoying fellow, Zhao Yang, again.

Xie Yuan and the others simply pretended not to hear him, too lazy to pay him any mind.

Zhao Yang walked over leisurely, and seeing that the group ignored him, he didn't mind at all.

Behind him, Xie Renfeng followed slowly, a breeze-like smile on his face.

Gan Zhi followed silently behind Xie Renfeng, his expression calm, though his eyes revealed a dead, withered stillness, like a walking corpse.

Xie Renfeng swept his gaze over the group, feeling slightly surprised.

He clearly remembered that Xie Guan was just a concubine-born son who read books in a small courtyard; when did he acquire so many friends?

Especially Zhang Yunzhi, with that undisguised look of panic and worry on her face.

Seeing everyone silent, Zhao Yang continued, "You don't know yet, do you? Xie Guan has colluded with the Great Sui's Sanzhen evil sect and even has ties to the True Person of the Sanzhen Sect."

"On the strength of this charge alone, he should be sitting in a prison cell today, not grandstanding here."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yuan frowned slightly, doubt rising in his heart.

The Sanzhen Sect of Mount Zhongnan?

He had never heard of Xie Guan having any dealings with the Sanzhen Sect.

Xie Yuan scoffed, "Zhao Yang, what the hell do you know?"

"You cheap thing who likes men, what could you possibly understand? You spend your days only knowing how to loiter outside the Sima residence."

Hearing this, Zhao Yang's face flushed red instantly, his anger overflowing but difficult to express, leaving only words.

"You... you..."

Xie Yuan clicked his tongue, "You what? Did I say something wrong?"

Zhao Yang said in a fit of rage, "Xie Yuan, I'm going to tear your mouth apart!"

If not for Xie Renfeng holding him back, Zhao Yang would have already lunged at him.

Xie Renfeng smiled, "Cousin Xie Yuan, don't rely on the bravery of your tongue."

"Xie Guan has nearly implicated the entire Xie family this time; even the matriarch is furious."

Seeing Xie Renfeng speak with such certainty, Xie Yuan wondered to himself, could Brother Guan really have ties to that Sanzhen Sect?

As for whether or not the Xie family was implicated, he had long since thrown that to the back of his mind.

His heart was filled only with indignation: Good for you, Xie Guan, you made friends in the Jianghu and didn't even reveal a shred of it to me!

A look of deep worry appeared on Zhang Yunzhi's face.

Ties to the Sanzhen Sect were a crime of treason, punishable by the execution of one's entire clan!

Xie Guan had just begun to make a name for himself, yet now he was suddenly embroiled in such a ruinous storm.

If this charge were truly proven, with no one to support him, Xie Guan would likely be, as Xie Renfeng said, "doomed with no hope of survival."

What was even more worrying was that the Xie Fu would likely choose to distance itself to protect itself, sacrificing the pawn to save the knight.

Seeing Zhang Yunzhi's panicked expression, Li Shuwan comforted her softly, "If it were truly such a crime, Young Master Guan would not have been invited to the third floor of the Inviting Immortal Tower to compose poems for the Flower Banquet."

"Yunzhi, you don't need to worry too much."

Xie Renfeng reminded them coolly, "If the Third Master hadn't spoken up for the Xie family, Xie Guan would already be in prison. If he cannot write an excellent poem today, I fear he will not escape the fate of being sent to jail."

Hearing this, although Zhang Yunzhi breathed a slight sigh of relief, her heart hung in the balance once more.

There were only seven or eight courtesans left to take the stage; time was running out.

To write a poem in such a short time that would be approved by both the Third Master and Su Xiang—how could that be easy?

Not to mention, having encountered such a disaster!

An ordinary person would already be in a state of chaos; how could Xie Guan possibly calm his mind to pick up a brush and write?

She furrowed her brows, her heart full of worry, yet she was helpless.

Li Shuwan looked at her friend Zhang Yunzhi, who was usually calm and composed, but was now in a state of disarray over Xie Guan's affairs, losing her composure.

She gently held Zhang Yunzhi's hand and comforted her softly, "Yunzhi, don't be anxious yet; things may not be without a turning point."

Li Shuwan organized her thoughts, "Later, Brother Yuan will go find Uncle Master Jinghu for help, and I will go see my matriarch to see if she can mediate."

"Qiyue, can you see if you can ask Master Xie Hong to step in?"

Xie Qiyue nodded; although she wasn't very close to Xie Guan, he was, after all, Zhang Yunzhi's friend, and Zhang Yunzhi was her dearest friend.

In terms of both sentiment and reason, she was willing to help as much as she could.

Xue Hong also looked at Xie Qiyue and said in a deep voice, "Qiyue, I can also ask my great-grandfather to step in and help."

Hearing this, Li Shuwan felt slightly more at ease.

As the eldest grandson of the Xie family's main branch, if they had the Xue family's help, things would naturally go much more smoothly.

The group divided their tasks.

Xie Renfeng spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "Qiyue, Xie Guan's affair has already brought disaster to the Xie family; you must not implicate Father further."

Xie Qiyue, however, responded with a calm expression, not caring at all: "I am merely doing what I ought to do. Father has always taught us not to go against our own hearts; as for the gravity of the matter, Father will decide for himself."

"It is not for us to comment on Father's decisions."

Xie Renfeng's face darkened; although he was displeased, he knew well that Xie Qiyue's nature was stubborn, and there was no use in him saying more.

He gritted his teeth inwardly, never expecting that a Xie Guan could move so many hearts, even making Xie Qiyue willing to run about for him.

Seeing this, Zhao Yang sneered, his tone full of mockery: "No matter how much you struggle, it will be of no use; this is a wager between the Third Master and Su Xiang."

"If Xie Guan cannot write a good poem, today will be the day of his death, and no one can save him!"

His words were like a basin of cold water splashed over everyone's hearts, and the atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

After all, the name of Su Xiang was truly like a great mountain.

Li Shuwan urged, "There is no time to lose; everyone, let's not delay any longer, let's set off."

Just then!

A dignified and elegant voice came, carrying a hint of majesty in its tone.

"You juniors, do not act rashly."

Everyone followed the sound and saw.

Sima Muqing was supporting a middle-aged beautiful woman as she walked over slowly.

The beautiful woman wore a blue dress with embroidered patterns, a golden hairpin on her head, and her dark, beautiful hair was coiled into a phoenix crown, appearing graceful and luxurious.

Her face was clear and beautiful, and between her high, delicate nose and picturesque brows, there was both a look of compassion and an aura of someone who had long held a high position.

This person was none other than Lady Xu of the Sima family, the younger sister of the Demon Master Xu Jiangxian—Xu Yuexi.

Seeing this, Li Shuwan and Zhang Yunzhi stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Lady Xu."

Xie Renfeng also showed his respect.

As the second lady of the Sima family, she naturally had the qualifications to ascend the Inviting Immortal Tower.

Li Shuwan frowned slightly and asked in confusion: "Lady Xu, what do you mean by this?"

She suddenly remembered that earlier in the carriage pavilion within the Flower Garden, this Lady Xu seemed to hold Xie Guan in high regard.

Xu Yuexi's expression was calm, her tone peaceful yet carrying a hint of deep meaning:

"If you act so recklessly, not only will you fail to save Young Master Guan, but you might actually harm him."

"If you all rush in like this, regardless of whether your elders are willing to help, even if they have the heart to assist, it might be counterproductive."

Hearing this, Li Shuwan's heart stirred.

She naturally understood that this Lady Xu was well-versed in the intricate complexities of the nine great surnames and the imperial court, and what she said was certainly no lie.

Li Shuwan said respectfully, "I ask for Lady Xu's guidance."

Xu Yuexi nodded gently, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes.

She had originally thought it would take much effort to persuade this group of hot-blooded juniors from the nine great surnames, but she hadn't expected Li Shuwan to be so sensible and understand how to assess the situation.

Xie Renfeng's face was as dark as water; he had originally thought it was just Xie Yuan and these juniors "making a fuss," but he never expected the Sima family's lady to come here.

Intending to help Xie Guan!

What right did Xie Guan have!

In his memory, when had Xie Guan ever met this lady of the Sima family?

A concubine-born son who never left his small courtyard, how could he have so many "close friends and brothers."

Xie Yuan also couldn't suppress his anxiety and urged: "Lady Xu, please tell us quickly, what should we do?"

Xu Yuexi smiled lightly, her tone composed, "Actually, it's just one word—wait."

"Wait?"

Zhang Yunzhi's face showed confusion, her brows tightly locked.

Xie Yuan's face stiffened, and he couldn't help but blurt out: "Isn't that just standing by and watching him die?"

Xu Yuexi swept her gaze over the group, her expression still as calm as water, her tone carrying a hint of deep meaning.

"If you go rashly, you will only add fuel to the fire. A Xie family concubine-born son is accused of colluding with the Sanzhen Sect; even if it is baseless, it is not without cause."

"If you act so urgently, wouldn't that just confirm the matter?"

Therefore, the best way now is—wait."

She lifted her eyes slightly, looking toward the fourth floor of the Inviting Immortal Tower, which was the highest point of the place, where only two people sat opposite each other in the pavilion.

Her gaze was obscure, as if it could pierce through layers of pavilions and reach that secret location.

"If Su Xiang truly wanted to put Young Master Guan to death, why let him compose a poem? And why let the news spread so that everyone knows?"

Xu Yuexi's tone was calm, yet every word was like a needle, "If Young Master Guan truly can compose an excellent verse, and Su Xiang then goes back on his word, wouldn't he be lifting a rock only to drop it on his own feet?"

Her words extinguished the restlessness in everyone's hearts.

Xie Yuan and the others looked at each other; although they still had doubts, they had to admit that what Xu Yuexi said made sense.

Zhang Yunzhi's tightly clenched hands loosened slightly, and a hint of hope appeared in her eyes, "Does Lady Xu mean... we just need to wait and see how things develop?"

Xu Yuexi nodded gently, "Exactly, some things cannot be rushed."

Zhang Yunzhi said in a low voice, her brows still carrying a hint of worry, "I'm just worried that Young Master Guan will encounter this matter, become flustered, and find it difficult to calm his mind to compose a poem."

Xu Yuexi smiled slightly, her tone certain: "Rest assured, with Young Master Guan's character, he will naturally turn danger into safety."

Hearing this, Zhang Yunzhi couldn't help but recall everything from the time she first met Xie Guan until now.

No matter what situation he faced, Xie Guan always had a calm and composed demeanor, as if he could handle it with ease even if the sky were falling.

Thinking of this, the unease in her heart eased slightly.

Xie Yuan also nodded in agreement, his tone relaxed: "Brother Guan still has to see me off on my journey through the Jianghu; this little matter today is nothing."

Seeing that Xu Yuexi was so certain, the group felt at ease and sat down to wait.

Sima Muqing walked slowly to Xue Hong's side.

Li Shuwan keenly noticed that Sima Muqing's expression seemed somewhat unusual, especially when she looked at Xue Hong, her eyes holding a hint of fervor that hadn't been there before.

Her heart stirred; she had long known that Sima Muqing harbored affection for Xue Hong, but Xue Hong was enamored with Sister Qiyue.

Sima Muqing had always hidden this sentiment deep in her heart; why was she so "open" today?

Li Shuwan couldn't help but wonder, what exactly happened on the way to the Flower Banquet just now?

And why did this Lady Xu hold Xie Guan in such high regard?

She felt vaguely in her heart that today's events were likely far from as simple as they appeared on the surface.

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"Sixth Brother, what do you think of Xie Guan's affair?"

Chen Feng's voice sounded faintly; he stood with his hands behind his back.

"The Sanzhen Sect is the mortal enemy of our Great Qi; this news was reported by the Shenyin and the Demon-Slaughtering Division, so I fear it is eight or nine parts true."

In a corner of the Inviting Immortal Tower, the Second Prince Chen Feng, the Prince of Yan Chen Ting, the Eleventh Prince Chen Yong, and the Thirteenth Prince Chen Mu were gathered with a few others.

The Prince of Yan Chen Ting lifted his brows slightly, a meaningful smile curling the corners of his mouth.

"Could it be that you want to save him, Second Brother? I would be happy to see it happen, but if so, don't blame your younger brother for reporting you; I guarantee that by tomorrow, there will be no fewer than twenty or thirty memorials impeaching you on the Censorate's desk."

His tone was flippant, yet every word was like a knife: "By then, rumors that 'the Second Prince is secretly colluding with the Sanzhen Sect' will likely spread through the court; Second Brother, you must think three or four times before you act."

Hearing this, Chen Feng's expression remained calm, though a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

The Censorate was responsible for investigating officials and overseeing judicial prisons, and also shouldered the heavy responsibility of monitoring the intake and output of the Great Granary and the Left Treasury, patrolling for illegal activities, and inspecting all officials; its power was extremely vast.

The Censorate in the court was mostly the wing of the Prince of Yan, while the Six Ministries were occupied by the Second Prince's forces.

The brothers were at odds, and in the court, the situation was already tacitly understood, with the tension of swords drawn and bows bent, growing ever more intense.

However, saving Xie Guan at this time would be no different than sending charcoal in snowy weather.

Sending charcoal in snow is difficult; adding flowers to brocade is easy.

The court ministers, and even the nine great noble families, all remained silent due to their many concerns.

On the contrary, if these two princes, who had hopes of inheriting the throne, could lend a helping hand in a time of crisis, they might find a glimmer of survival amidst the strife.

By borrowing the name of appreciating Xie Guan's talent, they might be able to mediate and find room for maneuver.

Chen Feng pondered for a moment and shook his head, his tone indifferent: "It is not worth it for the sake of one Xie Guan."

Chen Mu's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a cold smile: "I want to see how long Xie Guan can remain smug."

Beside them, Chen Yong held a civet cat, his fingertips gently stroking its fluffy back, his gaze profound as he watched the three, yet he did not utter a single word.

Yet in his heart, he was thinking: at the Flower Banquet, with immortals as his topic, what kind of excellent verse could Xie Guan possibly compose? It was something to look forward to.

(End of chapter)