Chapter 13: The Poetry Recitation Gathering

Page 1 of 3

"Moreover, because the Azure Cloud Pavilion has always been too refined and exclusive, tonight is its last night of operation. Inns in Su City have been fully booked recently, so Miss Qinglian’s final evening here will surely spark a fierce contest among talented scholars. Whoever wins her favor will undoubtedly be a prodigy capable of ruling the world, truly deserving of such glory.

So, Fourth Brother, even if you don’t succeed, don’t lose heart. Let’s just join in the excitement. Once I arrive, I’ll secure two prime spots along the wall in the front row so we can at least catch the gist of it."

Meng Yuxi chatted a bit more with Fifth Brother Meng Xueqiao and learned that Meng Xueqiao’s usual activities consisted mostly of listening to tunes at the brothel, playing the zither there, or occasionally going out of the city to race horses with a few friends.

Meng Yuxi couldn’t help but smile wryly. The life of these wealthy young masters was truly simple and monotonous, unlike his own, which had been endlessly busy, serving one employer after another.

By the time the two returned to Su City, dusk had settled. Many shops hung lanterns at their doors, and the city, already steeped in antique charm, took on an even more enchanting atmosphere under the glowing lights. Meng Yuxi admired the scene with great interest.

“Fourth Brother, right ahead is the Azure Cloud Pavilion. Hah, there are even more people than I expected; the line stretches past the entrance.”

Following Meng Xueqiao’s pointing finger, Meng Yuxi saw a modest two-story gray building, quite unremarkable, yet two lines of people were queued outside, with more arriving every moment.

Among them were several with gray and white hair, clearly elderly. Despite their varied appearances, all were dressed in simple, elegant scholarly attire. If Meng Xueqiao hadn’t already told him this was the brothel Azure Cloud Pavilion, Meng Yuxi would have thought it was a provincial examination registration site.

Those leaning against the wall were dressed more diversely, but the closer to the front, the more splendid the clothing. These people knew they had little chance and had come early to save seats.

“Fourth Brother, you should try lining up. I’ll handle clearing out the front row. A Meng family son never settles for second best in Su City.”

Meng Xueqiao quickly bought two front-row spots with silver coins. The others were initially reluctant—only those with deep pockets could claim front-row seats—but as a seasoned regular in the brothel scene, Meng Xueqiao had his ways.

He then lifted his long robe and urinated against the wall. Meng Yuxi’s face instantly turned pale. He hastily dismounted and joined the queue further back. Tonight, he was determined to win Miss Qinglian’s favor, and even if it meant shamelessly borrowing the ancients’ literary style, he would not share a seat in such a filthy spot with the shameless Meng Xueqiao.

After Meng Xueqiao settled proudly in his seat, he turned around but found the saddle empty. Scanning the crowd, he finally spotted Meng Yuxi covering his mouth and nose, and called out, “Fourth Brother, just a formality. Our seats are great; come quickly!”

The scholars all turned to look, curious to see the face of the shameless Fourth Brother.

Meng Yuxi also looked back.

“Thank you, talented scholars, for honoring the Azure Cloud Pavilion with your presence today. Don’t mind the humble accommodations; we fear there might not even be enough wine to make you all joyful. But I believe none of you came here merely to drink, right?”

A middle-aged beauty stood at the center of the pavilion hall, bowing to the crowd. Her makeup was light, yet she carried an undeniable elegance.

“Madam Chang speaks wisely.”

“We are here to win the favor of Miss Qinglian.”

“Indeed, if my poems can be sung by her voice, even if not immortalized through the ages, I would die content.”

“Your sour verses only waste Miss Qinglian’s breath.”

“Damn it, Zhou Ping, if it weren’t for Miss Qinglian’s presence, I’d tear your mouth apart right now!”

Page 2 of 3

“Heh, Zhou Ye, I haven’t settled the matter of you plagiarizing my lines. Dare to duel me outside?”

“Your lousy poetry? Who would copy that? You’re just flattering yourself.”

The two nearly came to blows, neither willing to back down.

Meng Yuxi felt it inappropriate for them to brawl on the day of the city’s graduation banquet and moved forward to separate them.

‘Zheng, zheng, zheng zheng, zheng...’

Suddenly, the sound of a qin filled the air, progressing gracefully and soothing the soul, flowing gently through the Azure Cloud Pavilion. The lingering melody truly mesmerized everyone present.

Meng Yuxi felt the music was heavenly—rarely heard among mortals.

Compared to this, the music Qin Ming played earlier was like mud versus clouds.

As the qin’s notes faded, the crowd remained immersed in the lingering resonance, while outside the pavilion, applause broke out immediately.

Madam Chang said, “Talented scholars, please refrain from quarreling and spoiling this refined atmosphere. Now, please present your poems.”

One after another eagerly recited their verses, but none could touch Miss Qinglian’s heart. Some, even Meng Yuxi included, thought their pieces quite good, yet she remained unmoved. More and more bowed their heads, pondering, hoping to compose something exquisite in the brief time left.

“Any more scholars wish to recite? If not, please step aside and allow the next group to enter.”

Madam Chang called twice with no response. Some had already left to rejoin the queue, hoping for more time to craft better lines to seize the prize.

“Then, please...”

“I will!”

A white-haired old man raised his arm from the crowd. As he lifted his wide sleeves and withdrew, his plump white arm was revealed.

“Old man, at your age, why bother? Aren’t you afraid your heart might give out upon seeing Miss Qinglian and you’ll be gone?”

“Exactly, exactly,” the crowd jeered in unison.

“You’re old, you’re old, you, you, and you—all your families are old!”

The old man stroked his beard and pointed at them one by one, retorting without losing face.

Meng Yuxi pondered silently. He remembered every face in the queue except this old man. When and how had this person appeared among the crowd?

Page 3 of 3

“Hey, everyone, don’t quarrel. Miss Qinglian judges by talent alone. Regardless of wealth or status, everyone competes on merit. Isn’t that the fairest? We shouldn’t harbor prejudice based on age or appearance.”

Meng Yuxi pushed aside the crowd and spoke loudly beside the old man.

“Exactly, exactly. This young brother’s words please me most,” the old man said, stepping behind Meng Yuxi and warmly patting his shoulder.

“This gentleman is right. Then please, old... please you go first.”

Madam Chang spoke kindly and gestured politely to invite the elder.

The old man didn’t hesitate. Clearing his throat, he began loudly:

“Ahem, listen closely, here I come.”

“Leisurely strolling the streets is truly delightful, the qin’s refined melody even more so, hmm...”

“Determined to join the fun, wonderful, wonderful, one, two, three... wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!”

The moment he finished, laughter erupted throughout the hall. Many scholars bent over with laughter.

“Where did this old cat come from, a spirit cultivated to perfection? What’s with the meow meow meow?”

Even the usually stern Madam Chang couldn’t help but chuckle, showing the rare smile of someone professionally trained never to laugh unless unable to hold back.

The old man flicked his sleeves in confusion.

“What are you all laughing at? What’s so funny?”

To ease the old man’s embarrassment, Meng Yuxi stepped beside Madam Chang and said loudly:

“Inspired by the senior’s poetic mood, I shall also recite a poem for everyone.”

The crowd laughed even harder. Someone joked, “Inspired by him? What good poem could you have? Bark bark bark bark?”

“Hahaha, tonight the Azure Cloud Pavilion has me laughing till tears fall. What a duo—the old and the young!”

Page 3 of 3