C13 Seeking Trouble!

As Lin Han neared the completion of his task, he was blissfully unaware of the two women on the second floor watching him intently, their gazes filled with anticipation. They were not alone in their scrutiny; Zhao Yan too kept his eyes fixed on Lin Han, eagerly hoping for him to slip up in such a setting. Yet, Lin Han was bound to let them down. From the moment the incense was lit, there was no indication that he had any intention of starting his work.

He was either savoring his meal or admiring the landscape, occasionally fiddling with a jade pendant he had acquired from somewhere, seemingly more interested in leisure than in literary pursuits.

"Alas, perhaps I've read too much into it? How could someone as light-hearted as he craft a poem so profound?"

Lau Mingzhu sighed deeply, her fingers unconsciously caressing the crumpled paper inscribed with "Thoughts on a Quiet Night." Beyond the sense of loss in her heart, she harbored a touch of resentment. How could Lin Han be the author of such an immortal verse? Each time she pondered this, Lau Mingzhu felt as though a serene corner of her soul had been sullied. Glancing down at the carefree Lin Han below, her elegant brows knit together in frustration.

Despite certain constraints on her actions and status, Su Xiaoxiao, as one of the five judges, still had a view of the poets at work. Whether it was the dignitaries on the first floor or the scholars on the second, all were engrossed in their efforts. Some were buried in thought, others exuded confidence, but none displayed the captivating self-assurance she sought.

Young Master Lin appeared to have abandoned this opportunity for fame, his lackluster performance leaving some feeling let down. The memorable scene witnessed on the boat failed to materialize once more. Su Xiaoxiao couldn't shake off a sense of disappointment.

The duration of three sticks of incense could feel both long and short, but soon enough, the fruits of the poets' labor were laid before the judges. The tense phase of selection and critique commenced.

Every poem that received the approval of two or more people was recited on the spot, and the next day, these poems would spread from the pleasure boat to the surrounding areas and even further afield.

It might be an exaggeration to say it would make one famous across the world, but it was certainly enough to make a name for oneself throughout Jiangnan Prefecture.

...

"Why don't you give it a try, Miss Lau?"

While everyone eagerly anticipated the recitation of their works, a flippant voice reached Lau Mingzhu's ears. She frowned slightly, a flash of discomfort and revulsion crossing her face. The speaker was none other than Zhao Yan, the County Magistrate's son. Lau Mingzhu hadn't expected this shameless man to approach her now of all times.

"Young Master Zhao, please conduct yourself with dignity. I am a married woman... Besides, I am not well-versed in poetry and would not wish to embarrass myself..."

Lau Mingzhu's intention was to dismiss this unwelcome suitor quickly, hence her lack of cordiality. What she really wanted was to bring Lin Han up from the first floor. But this thought vanished as quickly as it came; Zhao Yan clearly had ulterior motives, and calling Lin Han would only play into his hands.

"Hehe, Miss Lau, you're too modest. Who in Jiangnan Prefecture doesn't know of your prowess in both literary and martial arts? If you claim to have little knowledge, then the rest of us might as well drown ourselves in shame."

At this moment, a young man behind Zhao Yan chimed in. He was ostensibly complimenting Lau Mingzhu, but his demeanor and haughty gaze betrayed no genuine admiration.

"This gentleman is Bai Jingxuan, the Second Young Master of the Governor. He is a renowned scholar in Jiangnan Prefecture... Young Master Bai is well aware of Miss Lau's esteemed reputation. You should not sell yourself short. You might disregard my face, but surely you must consider Young Master Bai's..."

Zhao Yan's provocation was clearly calculated. His eyes glinted with a predatory coldness as he regarded Lau Mingzhu with a mix of animosity and covetous desire. A sinister thought took root in his mind: if Lin Han, that impoverished scholar, were to die, might his own fortunes be revived?

Lau Mingzhu found herself cornered by Zhao Yan's cunning move. It was painfully clear that her father, Lau Ming, had already fallen out of favor with County Magistrate Zhao Zhengkun, making their situation precarious. To compound their troubles by crossing the Governor's people was unthinkable. Lau Mingzhu's mind raced back to the last time she felt this trapped, which was during her father's misfortune. Could she ask Lin Han to step in now? The first image that came to her mind was Lin Han's face, marked by a detached calm.

"Hahaha, I've heard that Miss Lau's husband is quite the scholar, surely a man of considerable talent... He must have some impressive works. If Miss Lau can't come up with something herself, reciting one of your husband's masterpieces would suffice. It would reflect well on you... Surely, Miss Lau, you wouldn't deny Young Master Bai this courtesy, would you?"

Zhao Yan gave Lau Mingzhu a menacing look before his gaze swept past the pavilion. His true intention was to coerce her into bringing Lin Han forward, not just to embarrass her but to target Lin Han directly. After all, as the proverb goes, a wife's status is linked to her husband's honor. If Lin Han were to be humiliated, Lau Mingzhu's reputation would suffer as well.

Young Master Bai, meanwhile, maintained a neutral stance, clearly aligning himself with Zhao Yan. His passive acceptance of Zhao Yan's behavior suggested that he felt this was already quite accommodating to Lau Mingzhu. If she continued to demur, he wouldn't hesitate to disregard the Lau family's dignity. Even now, Bai Jingxuan remained haughtily detached...

Lau Mingzhu felt torn, her mind drifting to Lin Han. His presence seemed to make everything easier. She recalled the young man who had once confidently saved her father. If Lin Han were here, could there be a chance for things to turn around? Clutching the paper hidden in her sleeve, she wavered over whether to reveal the poem to the crowd. What if it turned out to be something Lin Han had merely copied? The embarrassment would be unbearable.

"Miss Lau, surely you're not suggesting that your husband has yet to produce a single piece of work? I would expect that a man of your discerning choice would not be so inadequate..."

Zhao Yan's eyes, sharp and angular, glinted with malice. He raised his voice intentionally, ensuring that every scholar and beauty on the second floor could hear him. The attention of the room shifted, moving from the judges' panel to where he stood. A cruel smirk briefly crossed Zhao Yan's face as he pondered just how long Lau Mingzhu could shield that young man.

Zhao Yan was well aware of Lau Mingzhu's capabilities. Renowned for her prowess in both literary and martial arts, Lau Mingzhu's fame was well-deserved, though her literary talents slightly paled in comparison to her martial skills. Zhao Yan doubted she could produce any noteworthy poetry, especially under such time constraints.

Should Lau Mingzhu fail, it would be a direct affront to Young Master Bai's honor, and by extension, to the Governor's. Failing to uphold their respect could spell doom for Lau Mingzhu, making it impossible for her to survive in any county. Furthermore, her inability to deliver would suggest that Lau Mingzhu had chosen an ineffectual spouse.

Essentially, Zhao Yan was using Lau Mingzhu to coerce Lin Han into revealing himself. If Lin Han stepped forward, Zhao Yan would relish the opportunity to shame him. If not, he would persist in his pressure, aiming to bring Lau Mingzhu down. Once the Lau family's reputation was tarnished, and with Lin Han out of the picture, nobody would dare speak up for them. Everyone would be too busy avoiding association. Ultimately, Lau Mingzhu would have no choice but to return to Zhao Yan's side.

"Who says my son-in-law doesn't have any presentable works?"

A crisp voice, tinged with defiance, rang out, challenging the assumptions of those gathered.

​