When it rains, it pours. When I woke up last night, there was a power outage. I wrote a chapter on my laptop, but I only had one and a half chapters on hand. Since there was a power outage just now, I hurriedly got out of bed and wrote one chapter first. After I woke up, I would work on the other two chapters.
I have decided to turn over a new leaf and gradually speed up. All the interruptions recently should be unavoidable accidents …
*****
Yu Ho-chung's attitude was mysterious, but from his smile, it didn't seem like he had found some dishonorable secret passage. There was a bit of complacency and boasting in his smile. There was probably some interesting inside story. Ning Yi thought that Jin'er had probably dragged Yunzhu to Chen Luoyuan's house. If he could see something interesting, he could have something to talk about later. He immediately followed Yu Ho-chung to the other side of the forest.
On the way, Yu Ho-chung smiled and talked to Ning Yi about the outing.
"I think Xiaoning already knows about today's gathering. She said that she is going to attend Duke Chen's invitation, but in fact, there are probably more people who want to meet the girl from the capital. Oh, I just saw a lot of pleasure boats coming here. Oh, by the way, is Xiaoning familiar with any of the top courtesans in Jiangning? "
"Not really."
"Heh, I've heard people say that Miss Qilan likes poetry and has a scholarly air about her. She plays the zither well and Luo Miaomiao's dancing is like a fairy scattering flowers … Today, these people will probably be coming over. Everyone will be able to see a few good performances …"
Although he said so, there was a bit of sarcasm in his eyes. Ning Yi nodded with a smile. "Yes, there are a lot of people here. If we miss this opportunity, I'm afraid we'll have to wait until the annual Top Courtesan Competition to see them again. They'll perform, and we'll just watch."
"Is it possible that Xiaoning came here specifically for the performance?"
"Why else?"
"Oh." Yu Hezhong looked at him strangely, but then he revealed an expression of understanding and shook his head, "Actually... among the people who came this time, there were many who wanted to use this Wen Conference to make a name for themselves. Xiao Ning, you must have heard that before that girl from the capital came, someone used this news to mess up the situation and magnify it." They said that Miss Li came to challenge the top courtesan in Jiangning. Later, a bunch of scholars created a ruckus, saying that they would write good poems for the Jiangning girl to beat the people from the capital. Heh, it's a pity that they don't even know that they've been used by others. If it wasn't for the publicity, they wouldn't have planned to hold this gathering. I'm afraid they'll just show up this time. "
Yu Ho-chung's words had many meanings. Ning Yi thought. "Brother … you seem very familiar with Miss Li?"
"Oh, you'll know later. I'll keep you in suspense. It's definitely a big surprise."
What he said was no different from admitting it. The two continued to walk forward. Yu Ho-chung nagged, "Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi, and many famous scholars in Jiangning, or those who are nameless but want to be famous. They will write a few good poems and use this gathering to win favor. In the future, they will be sung by everyone. However, although they are talented, Zhou Bangyan, Tang Weiyan, and the others who accompanied Miss Li are also very talented. If we really compete, it will be very interesting. If Xiaoning has a few good poems, why don't you give it a try … "
Chen Luoyuan's garden was halfway up the mountain. As they talked, they walked up. Out of the small forest, their field of vision widened. This should be the side or back door of the garden. It was surrounded by a wall and there were servants guarding the door. Yu Ho-chung went over and said a few words. As expected, they were let in without an invitation.
After passing through a small courtyard with a bamboo forest, the two arrived in front of a small courtyard. Yu Ho-chung asked him to wait there and went straight into the courtyard. After a while, he came out with a slight frown, as if he hadn't found the person he was looking for.
He looked around awkwardly. It was obvious that he was not familiar with the garden. Then, he smiled and said a few words to Ning Yi before walking towards a door on the left. He only told Ning Yi not to wander around, lest he got lost and couldn't find his way. Ning Yi sat down on a stone bench nearby. After a while, he walked around and seemed to hear voices coming from the courtyard on the right.
"… You're thinking too much … Those people are all here to be famous. They talk about being refined. If they really want to be aggressive, will we really shrink back?"
"We'll have to accept it."
"But we don't even know how they're going to make things difficult for us. It's useless to think about it."
"Singing, poetry, in short, Shishi will take care of it. Don't worry about it. As for writing, don't you believe in Brother Zhou and Brother Tang's talents? Don't think about it. We'll deal with it when it comes. "
"These sisters in Jiangning also have amazing skills. Shishi may not be able to compete with them. Brother Xu, don't be too confident …"
"Haha, Shishi has always said that … I don't think they'll go overboard. They'll probably shut up after playing a few songs."
"It's hard to say. The ones stirring up trouble behind the scenes are those profit-seeking businessmen. They won't know what to do. Maybe Qi Lan will challenge Shishi, and then Luo Miaomiao will challenge Shishi. Even Tom, Dick, and Harry will have to ask Shishi to teach them. That'll be really tiring …"
"… Actually, there's not much to worry about. The poems of Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi, and Qi Yukang are just so-so. I met Li Pin in Bianjing last year. He's not in Jiangning anymore. Cao Guan's poems are standard. Although they're commendable, they can't compare to Bang Yan. Oh, I heard that they even found that Ning Liheng, but I don't know if it's true or not. This person keeps a low profile, but the poems he writes, such as' Shuidiao Getou 'and' Green Jade Case ', can be passed down for generations. "
"Why are you worried about him? It's just two or three poems, and he's being praised as the number one scholar in Jiangning. In my opinion, this matter is a bit exaggerated. His literary talent hasn't been verified yet. Who knows if he's just fishing for fame? "
"Oh, I heard that this person is low-key. He's not very enthusiastic about all kinds of poetry meetings. I've also heard that he's fishing for fame in the past. It's just that after a few coincidences, not many people doubt it anymore."
"If he's not that enthusiastic, then why did he come this time …"
"Who knows? In short, no matter what he says, we'll just take it. Who are we afraid of when it comes to these things? However, it's not good to always let them take the lead. I have a few questions here that we can take out to scare off some ignorant people. That way, even cats and dogs won't come over to make things difficult for us … "
The voices on the other side continued for a while, and then gradually came over. Hearing them mention him, Ning Yi also felt that it was interesting. He knew that his true talent in poetry couldn't compare to these people, so he didn't mind what they said about him. After a while, a voice sounded from behind him.
"Who are you? Outsiders aren't allowed in here."
The person who appeared behind him was a petite girl dressed like a maidservant. She furrowed her brows and was about to put on a fierce look. Ning Yi looked at her a few times and said, "Someone brought me in."
"If it's not Miss's instructions, people aren't allowed to enter. If Young Master has an invitation and has gone the wrong way, please follow Chun Mei back to the front."
The maidservant's attitude was firm. She immediately led Ning Yi away. Before Ning Yi could take out the invitation, someone from the other side of the courtyard came over quickly. He walked out of the courtyard and looked over. "Who's eavesdropping here?" Naturally, it was one of the people who had participated in the discussion just now.
"Young Master Tang, this Young Master must have gone the wrong way. Chun Mei is about to lead him back to the front."
Young Master Tang frowned. "Does he have an invitation? Don't tell me he sneaked in by climbing over the wall … "He probably thought that Ning Yi had overheard their problem and plan, so his attitude wasn't good.
Ning Yi pursed his lips. He thought that Yu Ho-chung had been gone for so long and still hadn't come back. It was a little unreliable. Just as he was about to take out the invitation, several figures came over from the courtyard. One of them said in a woman's voice, "Ah, wait. Brother Xiaoning, you're here too … Chun Mei, this is my guest."
There were a total of five figures coming out of the courtyard, including Young Master Tang who had spoken. There were four men and one woman. Among them, the woman was dressed in a beautiful spring dress. She wore an aquamarine dress, and her figure was light and graceful. Her long hair hung down from the back of her head and was tied up with two white headbands. Her hair was decorated with two white flowers. Her attire was neither too vulgar nor too refined. It was simple yet elegant. It was obvious that she had put some thought into it. She was Miss Wang, who had been with Yu Ho-chung the other day. After her bangs were down, her forehead didn't seem wide, and her chin was also moderate, revealing a little charm. Combined with the men's clothing that he had seen the other day, she was quite stunning in Ning Yi's eyes.
This girl spoke for Ning Yi. Her other identity was naturally the main character that everyone wanted to see today, the capital's number one beauty, Li Shishi.
From Yu Ho-chung's previous mysterious attitude, Ning Yi had already had a few guesses, but now that he had received confirmation, he still felt that this was truly a coincidence. In his last life, Ning Yi had experienced many trials and tribulations, and it was very rare for him to be stunned by anyone. Most of it came from the contrast when she was dressed as a man. Of course, her appearance was naturally outstanding, but in comparison to her appearance, one could sense that she had a graceful and easygoing demeanor, and that she always wore light and heavy makeup.
Perhaps considering that Ning Yi might really have entered without an invitation, the woman immediately stopped people from asking for an invitation, justifying Ning Yi's entry. At this moment, she was standing there smiling happily, and anyone who saw her would think that she was happy from the bottom of her heart for Ning Yi's arrival. The maid who had led Ning Yi away pursed her lips, weakly gave an 'oh', and stood to the side. Meanwhile, Young Master Tang smiled and cupped his hands in apology.
"So it's Shishi's acquaintance. I apologize for my earlier actions."
"It's fine." Ning Yi nodded, and then he turned to look at the smiling Li Shishi. "I met Brother Yu outside just now, and he brought me here. I don't know where he is right now." Although the other party didn't ask, she was definitely curious. Ning Yi felt that it was necessary to explain.
"So Brother Yu is also here. Chun Mei, have you seen Brother Yu?"
"He's with Mama Lee," the maid replied softly.
"Oh, bring him to us later."
"Yes, Young Miss."
After a simple conversation, Ning Yi felt a little strange. The maid named Chun Mei seemed to be a little guilty under Li Shishi's question. Although he could see it, he naturally couldn't guess the reason. Just now, when Yu Ho-chung went to look for Li Shishi, he naturally couldn't find her, but he found Mama Lee.
Mama Lee originally had some opinions about Yu Ho-chung. It wasn't that he couldn't afford to go to the brothel. Yu Ho-chung's family was quite well-off, but compared to other people who were in contact with Li Shishi, he was naturally a far cry. Moreover, because Shishi was an old acquaintance, she gave him all kinds of preferential treatment. This wasn't a good thing. After a conversation, she heard that he found another "old acquaintance". Mama Lee didn't want to fall out with him. She just restrained Yu Ho-chung there, and then informed the maid, Chun Mei, to quickly get this person out. This was also the reason why Chun Mei was a little anxious.
Ning Yi didn't know the reason, but the expressions of the people on the other side fell into his eyes. After he said Yu Ho-chung's name, the expressions of the four scholars changed from solemn to slightly disapproving. Obviously, they didn't have a very good impression of Yu Ho-chung.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Miss Shishi, who was in front, also instructed the maid to bring over some snacks and fruits. Then, she looked deeply at Ning Yi, slightly bowed, and said with a smile, "When we met that day, it was inconvenient for me to reveal my identity. Brother Xiaoning, I hope you don't blame me." Her tone was still as intimate as that of a girl next door.
Naturally, there was nothing to be angry about. Ning Yi smiled and said, "I was shocked."
"Heh." Shishi lowered her head and smiled. Then, she turned around and said, "Oh, Brother Xiaoning, come and sit with us. Let me introduce you …"
As she spoke, one of the young masters saw Li Shishi's expression and waved his hand in her direction. "Since you are Shishi's good friend, you are also my good friend. Why don't we come together and discuss today's strategy? This is the proper business."
The few of them then walked towards the courtyard. The four men walked in front, still lowering their heads to discuss today's challenges. Shishi accompanied Ning Yi and walked at the back. She stroked the hair beside her ear and said, "Isn't it a little abrupt to meet like this? Shishi was also shocked. Brother Yu, why didn't he tell us beforehand? " Then, she smiled and said, "The strategy they talked about was exaggerated. Although today's gathering is a grand event in the literary world, it has nothing to do with Shishi. If Brother Xiaoning is interested, you can also show your talents later. Shishi doesn't have to worry about anything."
She only knew that Ning Yi was still the bookworm from back then. It would be difficult for him to achieve anything in such a top literary gathering. She didn't want him to feel burdened. Of course, if he really wrote some poems later, she couldn't help but praise him.
Her words were heard by Mr. Tang, who was slightly behind her. He turned his head and said with a smile, "Hey, Shishi, you're wrong. We're not exaggerating. Your reputation as the number one beauty of the capital is at stake at the Wen Conference, and the reputation of us students from the capital is also at stake. We still have to take countermeasures. This young master seems to be a local and knows much more than us. Shishi, you can't fool him. "
The courtyard was a pavilion located halfway up the mountain. The scenery was beautiful and the view was vast. As they spoke, the three people at the front entered the pavilion and sat down at the round table. They smiled and nodded. One of them said, "That's right, that's right. The gathering is a small matter. Face is important. This time, even if Cao Guan and his gang take turns to fight, we can't lose."
"The wind is bleak, the water is cold …"
"Anyway, today we are going to fight the heroes of Jiangning. It will be a good story in the literary world in the future."
"So what if the most powerful Ning Liheng comes? I will take him on."
They laughed and laughed, showing a bit of open-mindedness. As they talked and laughed, Ning Yi and Shishi also sat down. Tang, who was the first to speak to Ning Yi, estimated that this joke had temporarily dispelled the ill feelings. He cupped his hands and said, "Oh yes, I haven't introduced myself. I am Tang Weiyan."
Ning Yi nodded. "It's an honor to meet you …" Another person cupped his hands and said, "Xu Dongmo."
"I am Fang Wenyang."
"I am Zhou Bangyan. And this little brother is …"
The oldest and most famous among them was probably Zhou Bangyan. After he introduced himself, he asked a question. Shishi said, "This is …"
Ning Yi also cupped his hands and said, "Ning Liheng."
"Oh, so it's Brother Ning … Let's first …"
The atmosphere was harmonious and harmonious. Everyone was laughing. Tang Weiyan was the first to speak. Until this point, he was slightly stunned. The others also sensed that something was wrong. A few seconds later, everyone's expression became a little strange. They looked at each other. Ning Yi also nodded and naturally looked at them. The girl named Shishi, who was sitting next to him, looked at him. Her lips slightly opened, and her eyes blinked a few times, and then a few times.
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