C10 Showing Her Edge

Indeed, the poem in question is about the moon. It begins by highlighting the moon's descent, and the second line speaks of the unity of the four seas. If it's universally agreed that the four seas are the same, then the twist in the third and fourth lines must be nothing but pointless moaning. Moreover, a lovesick person is surely unique, especially to the poet. So why would such a unique individual share the same view as everyone else in the previous line? Wouldn't that make him just another face in the crowd? Tell me, doesn't that make the poem nonsensical?"

Lin Han explained this to Moo Lingfei with a chuckle. His interpretation made Moo Lingfei realize just how poorly crafted Young Master Bai's poem was, and his gaze towards Lin Han took on an intense glow.

Regrettably, Lin Han failed to notice that he was waiting for Moo Lingfei to respond. A monologue can't go on forever; it needs an audience to applaud. Sadly, despite waiting, Lin Han didn't hear a peep from Moo Lingfei. He lamented internally, wondering if Moo Lingfei was simple-minded. If this went on, he wouldn't be able to keep up his pretense.

"The gentleman's analysis is sound. I'm curious, how would the gentleman propose we resolve this issue..."

At that awkward moment, a melodious voice drifted in from outside the window. It was reminiscent of a meandering stream in the Jiangnan region, endlessly enchanting and refreshingly cool, like a gentle breeze under the moonlight that could penetrate to the marrow.

"The moon is the essence of the night. If so, consider this approach... The moon hangs in the cold sky, universally acknowledged by the four seas. Yet it remains tranquil a thousand miles away, untouched by rain or wind."

Lin Han momentarily lost his composure, but he was grateful for the timely intervention. He had indeed come across a similar poem in a collection at the library. How could an obscure Young Master Bai hope to rival a poem that has withstood the test of time? Lin Han changed just one word in the first line, infusing it with an ethereal quality. Yet, he left the second line untouched, which left those outside the boat, including Moo Lingfei, somewhat underwhelmed.

Lin Han seemed to grasp the mindset of those around him and promptly recited the next two lines, which conveyed a completely different mood from the one crafted by Young Master Bai.

Lin Han's poetry was more coherent and logical in comparison. It lacked the forced sentimentality and the exaggerated romanticism of the other poem, yet it carried an air of nonchalance and detachment that seemed otherworldly.

In that moment, the full poetic vision was realized...

"Young Master, your talent is admirable... If fate allows, we shall meet again, perhaps at the Mid-Autumn Festival poetry gathering..." she said.

Before Lin Han could respond, that memorable voice echoed once more, growing fainter and more elusive. When Lin Han regained his composure, he saw only a slender figure receding into the distance, like a dream from the water towns of Jiangnan, leaving him to wonder if it had been a dream or reality...

"Well, I've encountered my share of mysterious figures. Perhaps this was another," Lin Han mused, watching the vanishing silhouette from the boat. A trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes. He reached to fidget with something in his hand, only to find it empty, and with a resigned sigh, he withdrew his gaze.

Lin Han had expected Moo Lingfei to react, especially since it was clear he was after a place in the rankings. Despite the eagerness in the young man's eyes, he ultimately remained silent, leaving Lin Han genuinely frustrated. Earning money seemed an insurmountable task.

He didn't realize that in this era, wealth was considered extraneous, far less important than reputation. A person who could effortlessly compose such grand poetry wouldn't covet mere coin. Moo Lingfei might have thought of purchasing a poem, but he dared not voice it for fear of offending Lin Han, who might then disdainfully depart, leaving Moo Lingfei nowhere to turn for solace.

And so, Lin Han and Moo Lingfei made an odd pair as they entered the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion. For Lin Han, it was his first visit to such an establishment, and he promptly forgot about making money. He glanced around curiously, seemingly anxious to ensure that everyone knew it was his first time in such a place. Even the attendant who led them in received several scrutinizing looks from Lin Han, much to the chagrin of Moo Lingfei, who had accompanied him.

Why did Lin Han sometimes appear as an otherworldly sage, commanding awe and respect, and at other times resemble a country bumpkin, completely out of his element? He was the same person, yet the contrast was striking.

After finding a spot to sit, they ordered some snacks and began to take in the entertainment provided by the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion to while away the time.

Lin Han quickly grew bored with the spectacle and began to survey the room, wrestling with his thoughts. Observing the chubby boy who seemed utterly immersed in the song and dance, he was at a loss for how to broach the subject of business with Moo Lingfei. Should he pull the lad aside and whisper a clandestine offer to buy a poem?

The thought gave Lin Han a chill. He was merely selling poetry; why did it feel as if he were peddling something illicit?

Earning a living shouldn't be this hard... Lin Han lamented inwardly.

...

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the pleasure boat, a group of talented young men and women were engaged in lively conversation. Lau Mingzhu was among them, though the number of so-called scholars in her company had dwindled compared to previous gatherings. Among the gazes cast her way, one was laced with malice and envy. Zhao Yan, the son of the County Magistrate and one of her suitors, felt a surge of frustration every time he considered her preference for a poor scholar over himself. As for the others, well aware of their prospects, they refrained from pursuing her any further.

The exchanges that did occur were brief and to the point, a stark contrast to the bustling interactions of the past. The crowd was mostly composed of talented women, and for Xiaoqin, this was her first time at such an event. Her reticence gave way to curiosity as she took in her surroundings. Her gaze eventually drifted downstairs...

Xiaoqin's attention was captured by a table where a familiar figure sat. The sight of the young man, deep in thought and seemingly wrestling with a decision, was fascinating. His expressions shifted dramatically before settling on one of resignation.

For a moment, Xiaoqin was spellbound. What kind of man was her husband-to-be, capable of such a range of emotions? To her, Lin Han appeared out of sync with the bustling atmosphere, yet not conspicuously so. Little did she know that Lin Han's concerns were far from what she imagined; he was simply debating whether to compromise his dwindling integrity for money. Selling poetry in these times was as challenging as selling a movie, and Lin Han couldn't help feeling helpless.

"Xiaoqin... Xiaoqin!"

Lost in her thoughts, Xiaoqin was jolted back to reality by Lau Mingzhu's voice. Lau Mingzhu didn't dwell on it; after all, it was Xiaoqin's first outing, and a touch of excitement was only natural.

"Ah... Miss... I... I think I saw the Young Master... He's downstairs..."

Awakened by Lau Mingzhu, Xiaoqin was a mix of surprise and pride. She looked up at Lau Mingzhu with wide, innocent eyes and shared her discovery. The young girl knew only that the man was her Young Master; she hadn't considered anything beyond that.

"He's here? Well, if he's here, then so be it... If he managed to come in on his own, that's quite a feat..."

Lau Mingzhu's eyes sparkled briefly at Xiaoqin's news, then dimmed, settling back into her usual serene expression. Yet, she couldn't help but cast a discreet glance at the County Magistrate's son.

Which woman wouldn't want her man to seize such an opportunity? But Lau Mingzhu's wish for Lin Han was for his safety, even if he served merely as a decoy. She hoped Lin Han could endure. If certain individuals learned of Lin Han's presence, conflict was inevitable. Lin Han was but a humble scholar, and as the adage goes, commoners shouldn't challenge officials.

She hadn't anticipated that Xiaoqin would recognize Lin Han, and if someone as resentful as the official's son could, how could he possibly fail to do the same?