C14 Counterattack!

Xiaoqin was at a loss as to what was troubling her mistress, Lau Mingzhu. Yet, despite her innocence and cheerful disposition, Xiaoqin could see that these people were pressuring her mistress. The principle that a servant dies if their master is disgraced was something Xiaoqin couldn't stand for. Unable to contain herself, she cried out, and as she did, Lau Mingzhu's complexion grew deathly pale...

Zhao Yan's conviction only deepened. What sort of poem could Lin Han possibly compose? Only a maid who knew nothing could be so easily deceived. Lau Mingzhu's demeanor said it all. If Lau Mingzhu was prepared to debase herself, he was more than willing to engage in this battle of wills to the bitter end. The harsher he was, the sooner she would learn to yield!

Meanwhile, the panel of five judges had commenced their deliberations.

"The moon hangs full in the cold night sky, a symbol of unity across the seas. Far away, I sense another soul, lost in love just like me." Young Master Bai's "Ode to the Moon," though not a new piece, was still considered top-notch. And his latest, "Beauty of the Moon," might not rival "Ode to the Moon," but it was still deemed superior, especially considering it was crafted in the time it takes three incense sticks to burn. Given time, it's sure to match his earlier work...

One of the venerable scholars made this observation, stroking his lengthy beard with the air of a modern-day expert, a sentiment echoed by his colleagues.

"I must respectfully disagree with Elder Gao's assessment..."

Su Xiaoxiao spoke up, challenging the three scholars for the first time. The trio of elders fixed her with a stern gaze. They might have been indebted to the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, but that didn't mean they would bow to a young woman in their domain of expertise.

And this young woman was no ordinary lady, but a courtesan...

"What insights do you have, Miss Su?"

The scholar referred to as Elder Gao by Su Xiaoxiao asked, his face souring and his beard-stroking hand pausing. If Su Xiaoxiao couldn't sway them, walking away was not beneath him. For him, it was a matter of honor that could not be tarnished.

Su Xiaoxiao methodically recited Lin Han's critique, leaving the three scholars speechless. According to her, Bai Jingxuan's poem was riddled with illogical whining, far from being considered high quality—it wouldn't even pass as mediocre.

Yet, the scholars seemed unwilling to concede. Being silenced by a young woman would surely make them the butt of jokes if word got out.

"How should we regard this poem, Miss Diao Liu?" one scholar asked, his goatee bristling with a mix of shame and stubbornness. It was his last stand of defiance. Everyone knew it was easier to write a poem than to revise one. If Su Xiaoxiao could improve it, she wouldn't be in her current situation. By raising the issue, she had essentially won, as the three men were being unreasonably obstinate.

"Hehehe, Elder Hu, you've put me in a tough spot," Su Xiaoxiao giggled. "It's common knowledge that writing a poem is easier than revising one. This poem was evaluated by a reclusive expert. I couldn't possibly have that skill. Please, don't take your frustration out on me—it's not good for your health... If my mother blames me, I couldn't bear the responsibility..."

With a graceful smile and an apologetic gesture, Su Xiaoxiao playfully engaged the scholars, improving their mood. They were simply irked at losing to her, but losing to an expert was a different story.

"You're quite the charmer, aren't you?" one of the scholars conceded, his mood visibly lifted. "You've softened a bit... Fine, I'm not upset anymore. If there truly is an expert out there, he wouldn't allow this poem to be tarnished. If you can't reveal him, then you're just toying with us..."

Elder Gao's face brightened, though he was clearly reluctant to let the matter drop. Invoking an expert suggested there was something special at play. The scholars might have been offered an out, but they were not the type to step down easily. Known for their rigidity, it was their stubbornness that had earned them their status.

"Oh dear, it seems you've given Xiaoxiao quite the challenge. Nonetheless, the master did indeed make some revisions. Would you care to critique them? 'The moon hangs cold above, they say the world shares one sky. Peace lies a thousand miles away, untouched by rain or wind.'"

Su Xiaoxiao recited Lin Han's revised poem with a mix of humor and delight, then paused, taken aback. Upon hearing the poem, the three venerable scholars appeared as if they had been bewitched, muttering and savoring each word under their breath.

Eventually, the leading scholar, Elder Gao, heaved a long sigh. The trio exchanged wry smiles and shook their heads, acknowledging the stark contrast between the original and the revised poems. They could not deny the glaring difference; they had been humbled by the experience.

"Truly the work of a master. We concede our shortcomings. Such poetry, transcending the mundane, could only come from beyond the common fold. 'Peace lies a thousand miles away, untouched by rain or wind'... What a line, 'Peace lies a thousand miles away, untouched by rain or wind'..."

With another long sigh, Elder Gao shook his head, signaling their surrender. Young Master Bai had lost the first round.

...

Just then, Xiaoqin's voice chimed in, clear and bright, drawing the attention of Su Xiaoxiao and the others to Lau Mingzhu. Zhao Yan had his own reasons for discretion, but Xiaoqin, in her innocence and indignation, had none.

"Hehehe, Lau Mingzhu, have you come up with an amusing poem?"

Elder Gao looked at Lau Mingzhu with a hint of amusement rather than disdain. After all, Lau Mingzhu's status was not something Su Xiaoxiao could match, and her reputation as a renowned talent meant that any literary creation of hers would be of interest.

"It's not the young lady's work, but a poem by my young master..."

Xiaoqin spoke with full confidence and a touch of pride. As Lau Mingzhu's maid, she typically had little say, but the scholars were not so demanding of a young girl, treating her words as child's play. The Great Ning Dynasty was not as obsessively strict in these matters as later eras would be.

"Hahaha, your son-in-law and young lady are family, so it's all the same if you refer to her as 'Miss.' But what is this poem you speak of? Share it with me and enlighten this old man."

Elder Hu, usually so somber, couldn't help but crack a smile, charmed by Xiaoqin's innocence. Lau Mingzhu had a sinking feeling that trouble was brewing. Even if she wanted to intervene, it was too late.

The crowd below had grown restless from the long wait for a new poem to be recited. However, the stir upstairs brought a hush over them, and the pleasure boat fell into an eerie silence.

"The bright moon before my bed, I suspect it's frost upon the ground..." "I raise my head..." "I bow my head..." "What comes next after bowing my head..."

Xiaoqin, brimming with confidence, had eagerly begun to recite the poem. Yet, despite Lau Mingzhu's affection and encouragement, the young maid's learning couldn't match others. Midway through, a mix of nerves and excitement caused her to forget the lines.