Chapter 690: By No Means a Trivial Matter

Chapter 690: Chapter 690: By No Means a Trivial Matter

"What’s happened to you?"

Prince Qi, who had been closely watching his sister, was puzzled.

"Oh, it’s nothing," Princess Fuyun shook her head.

Impossible.

She must not think this way; the thought was too improper.

One was Third Brother Gu, whom she had admired since childhood.

The other was Young Master Nantang, whom she revered and loved.

Suspecting one’s neighbor of stealing an axe.

It must be her own impropriety leading to such improper thoughts, thus feeling in this way.

"Oh."

Prince Qi suspiciously glanced at his sister.

About to say something, the clock chimed again.

"Is it already the second watch?" Using the clock chime as cover, Wang Zichuan suspiciously asked, "Why haven’t the others returned yet? Could something have gone wrong?"

The people around him whispered like a mosquito’s buzz: "...After all, it’s the Marquis Mansion..."

Wang Zichuan gasped, "Could something unfortunate have happened to them?"

The person beside him shook his head, "They are all skilled in self-defense and have never failed before; I’m sure nothing’s wrong..."

Wang Zichuan said, "Perhaps I’m overthinking it; they have always acted with caution. If there were any changes, they would surely find a way to inform us. No news is the best news."

The person beside him nodded, "Don’t worry, big brother. The brothers must be new to the Capital City, and today with the massive crowd, it’s inevitable they’ll spend a bit more time on the road."

Wang Zichuan’s brows relaxed slightly, but he still felt uneasy.

Wu Junren curiously said to Lin Ziqi, "You’re quite accommodating to Young Master Nantang."

Lin Ziqi sneered, "With Young Master Nantang, even Sixth Master Gu is recognized as a gentleman, having made a name for himself in front of the Emperor; how could I not accommodate him?"

Wu Junren’s eyes flashed with a hint of mockery; he softly chuckled and said no more.

In the distance, Qin Wan stared fixedly at every move of the two on the pavilion.

She could no longer deceive herself.

This so-called Young Master Nantang was clearly Qin Yuan.

Who was Marquis Gu?

No one understood better than her.

Only Qin Yuan could make him so cautious, treasuring him dearly.

Though their every move was restrained, a hidden emotional tide roared beneath the surface.

"Ha ha," Qin Wan mocked herself with a smile.

Qin Yuan was truly formidable, managing to win over such a cold and indifferent person.

It was simply that she was outdone.

In the future... in the future... Qin Yuan lowered his head, silently stroking his waist and stomach.

The clock chimed the one hundred and eighth time, and Qin Siyuan and Qin Yuan stood once again at the railing.

Qin Siyuan said, "It is already past the second watch; why not invite Young Master Nantang to recite poetry for us?"

Everyone agreed, "Excellent!"

When the third watch arrives, a great inspection will occur, and many of us must head to the South Garden Eagle-calling Platform early.

If Young Master Nantang doesn’t begin soon, we may miss it.

Wu Junren and Lin Ziqi exchanged a look, their eyes full of anticipation.

Wang Zichuan’s previously furrowed brows finally relaxed as he chuckled, "They say Young Master Nantang’s poetry is full of spirit; I’m keen to see how he’ll recite it."

Being less talented academically, writing good poetry can also be a way to make a name.

Poetry tests talent and creativity.

Mere hard studying won’t achieve it.

It’s the fusion of imagery, the stirring of words.

Throughout history, countless have been Champion Scholars, but the works that endure are mostly poetry and song.

The person beside him smiled, "Big brother’s poetry will surely take the prize; if not, it’s just the listener’s lack of taste."

"Indeed, with big brother’s heroic spirit, if someone remains unmoved, what talent could they have? It’s like what Mr. Songshan said, merely liking superficial beauty."

Wang Zichuan waved his hand, his expression serious, "In literature, there’s no absolute first place; in martial arts, no second. Even in poetry and song, each finds its path. The works that last for ages are either catchy or deeply moving. Such compositions are not easily achieved."

Those around him agreed, "Big brother is a heroic person, versed in literature, yet remains so humble and appreciative of talent."

Wang Zichuan felt elevated.

By this time, Shen Changle had already brought up the neatly transcribed poems. Qin Yuan carefully reviewed them by lamplight, while everyone secretly speculated whether they would be selected.

Mr. Songshan also went over to assist, soon followed by Qin Siyuan.

Lin Ziqi watched from below, exceedingly envious.

Tonight, Qin Siyuan was truly in the limelight; were it him, he would surely secure a brighter future.

The world’s unfairness is just so.

Just because of the Qin surname, benefits constantly came their way.

As for him, he could only watch longingly.

Seeking more opportunities resulted in accusations of greed.

After tonight, could Qin Siyuan still remain in the spotlight?

Soon, Qin Yuan and others finished their discussion and selected some poems. Qin Siyuan cleared his throat and said, "Young Master Nantang and Mr. Songshan have chosen several poems for comment. Today, many scholars gathered at Ranxiang Inn, leaving behind numerous fine poems. The selected poems are naturally good, but those unselected are not inferior, merely unfinished. We ask for your understanding."

Just as he finished, Shen Changle cheerfully said, "Don’t worry, everyone; tomorrow I’ll arrange for tonight’s works to be printed and sold at Zhegui Square once it opens."

Everyone laughed, "Zhegui, what a good name, this business seems promising; we will all support it."

Shen Changle’s smile grew even broader and jubilant, grinning from ear to ear.

He cupped his hands and bowed to everyone, saying, "Thank you all for your patronage."

Shen Changle didn’t stay long; Qin Yuan picked up the topmost poem, said a few words, and Qin Siyuan turned his ear attentively.

A voice rang out from below the pavilion: "Wait a moment!"

Qin Yuan frowned and looked down, seeing Lin Ziqi gazing at her with flashing eyes, a look both mocking and playful. Beside him, a man dressed as a scholar raised his hand, shouting loudly.

Qin Yuan was immediately on high alert.

Lin Ziqi, a man with considerable strategic wisdom and adept at networking, could carve out a decent path after a few years in the bureaucracy.

But he had a fatal flaw: a great memory and a tiny mind.

Thus, his jealousy burned relentlessly.

Qin Wan had already known of Lin Ziqi’s antics, causing displeasure for Qin Jijiu, not knowing whom this person was targeting today?

Qin Yuan glanced sideways at Qin Siyuan standing nearby.

He turned his head, looking confusedly at Wu Junren, as if unaware of why the other party was acting this way.

Facing the probing gazes of everyone, Wu Junren cleared his throat, brewing a sense of injustice, just about to speak when suddenly there was a loud shout from outside the crowd: "Make way, government business, whose shop is this?"

The walls of people parted, and several clerks of the Five Cities Military Department, followed by a dozen sturdy soldiers, approached the pavilion. Behind them was a team of government officials.

"What’s going on?" Princess Fuyun widened her eyes in astonishment.

Prince Qi shook his folding fan, raising his eyebrow, "The Five Cities Military Department and the Capital Governor’s people moved together; it seems to be no small matter."