16: Chapter 16 The Talented Scholar Chen

Chen Shanzhi lowered his voice and leaned into Tang Xiaowu's ear.

"Remember, no matter what happens later, just call me Chen San."

"Our current identities are students of Four Seas Academy, a pair of childhood sweethearts out for a spring outing."

"As for Madam Li, it's a completely chance encounter."

"Don't let my real name slip out."

"You know my reputation in the capital... ahem, it's a bit... you know."

"If that Madam Li, who is famous for her dignified manner, knew I was that lecherous playboy, she'd probably call the guards to chase me away from miles off."

Tang Xiaowu nodded with a serious expression; she naturally understood the stakes.

The Minister of Rites was a notorious old fogey. If his wife knew this man was the Heir of the Marquis of Zhenguo, forget helping—it would be a miracle if she didn't beat him with a broom.

Chen Shanzhi pulled a folding fan from his sleeve but didn't open it, just toyed with it in his hand as he continued his instructions.

"Madam Li loves poetry and song and prides herself on her elegance. To cater to her tastes, I spent a lot of money buying some good poems from a destitute scholar in the capital."

"When we walk over, we need to put on a show. Remember to ask me to compose a poem about this pond at the right time."

"Remember, it must be this pond. I didn't buy poems for any other subjects, and it would be embarrassing if I were exposed."

"Once Madam Li's attention is drawn, leave the rest to me. Don't say much; just focus on being as beautiful as a flower so our stories don't conflict."

Looking at Chen Shanzhi's solemn manner, Tang Xiaowu felt a strange sense of touched emotion.

It turned out that to help her save Brother Tang Liu, he had not only sacrificed his Cultivate time but also made such thorough preparations, even buying poems in advance.

"Okay, I remember everything." Tang Xiaowu took a deep breath and adjusted her expression.

When she looked up again, the dejection on her face had vanished, replaced by the sweet and naive look of a young girl in love.

She took Chen Shanzhi's arm, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"San-ge, look how clear the pond water is over there. Let's go take a look?"

Chen Shanzhi felt his bones soften by two ounces at that sweet "San-ge," thinking to himself that this girl got into character quite quickly.

He affectionately pinched her nose. "Alright, whatever you say."

The two leaned against each other, seemingly casual but moving purposefully toward Madam Li.

...

When they were about a dozen steps away from Madam Li's group.

Chen Shanzhi inconspicuously squeezed Tang Xiaowu's palm.

Tang Xiaowu immediately understood.

She suddenly stopped and pointed at the Lotus Pond nearby, a look of surprise on her face. Her voice was crisp and melodious, just loud enough to reach Madam Li's ears.

"San-ge, look! The lotuses in the middle of the pond are about to bloom."

"The water is so clear, and with these lotus leaves, it's simply beautiful."

Tang Xiaowu turned around, holding Chen Shanzhi's arm with both hands, her whole body practically pressed against him, shaking him as she acted spoiled.

"San-ge, don't you love writing poetry? Your literary talent is so good; can you compose a poem for this pond and the lotuses? I want to hear it~"

Hiss—

Feeling the incredible elasticity and softness from his arm, along with Tang Xiaowu's slightly babyish, spoiled tone.

Chen Shanzhi sucked in a breath of cold air, nearly losing his composure.

Did this little girl have some misunderstanding about her own lethality?

What kind of official could withstand this kind of test?

He quickly took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the agitation in his heart, and reached out to pat Tang Xiaowu's head, his gaze so gentle it could drip water.

"Alright, alright, since my Xiaowu wants to hear it, your San-ge will make a fool of himself."

After speaking, Chen Shanzhi let go of Tang Xiaowu, stepped forward twice, and stood with his hands behind his back.

He tilted his head slightly, brow furrowed, pacing back and forth by the pond as if in deep thought.

Meanwhile, not far away, Madam Li, who had been feeding the fish, had long since stopped her movements.

She held a handful of fish food, but her gaze was fixed intently on the young couple.

The man was tall and upright, with a face like carved jade; though dressed simply, he couldn't hide his refined temperament.

The woman was even more stunning, with bright eyes and white teeth and a graceful figure. When she smiled, even the spring scenery of the garden seemed to pale in comparison.

"What a perfect pair," Madam Li praised in her heart, but immediately after, an uncontrollable jealousy grew like a poisonous weed.

Why?

Why did this little girl get to have such a handsome and considerate lover?

The way that man looked at her was so full of affection it was overflowing.

Then she thought of her own Minister.

All day long he had a face like a dead man, full of "Confucius says" and "The Three Obediences and Four Virtues."

When he came home, he did nothing but eat and sleep, without a single intimate word, let alone accompanying her to a garden or writing poetry to make her happy.

"Hmph, lovey-dovey?"

Madam Li crushed the fish food in her hand, a cold smile curling her lips.

She hated seeing such affectionate couples most of all.

That twisted pleasure of wanting to tear apart beautiful things, wanting to steal that handsome young man, and watching the little girl cry, began to grow wildly in her heart.

"Writing poetry? I'll see what kind of flowery words you can come up with."

Madam Li was dismissive; youngsters like this could at most produce a few worthless doggerel verses.

Just then, Chen Shanzhi stopped his pacing.

He cleared his throat twice, and his clear voice carried on the wind.

"The spring's mouth is silent, cherishing its slender flow; the tree's shade reflects on the water, loving the clear, soft sunlight."

Hmm?

Madam Li's originally indifferent gaze instantly froze.

These two lines... the scenery was written exceptionally well!

The spring's mouth is silent, cherishing the slender flow; the tree's shade reflects on the water, loving the clear, soft sunlight.

That quiet, gentle Concept was established all at once.

Not only was the wording beautiful, but the choice of characters was extremely precise. The words "cherish" and "love" gave life to inanimate objects.

"Interesting."

The contempt in Madam Li's eyes lessened, replaced by a hint of anticipation.

The opening was so high; if the following lines couldn't keep up, it would be a disappointing finish.

Chen Shanzhi looked at the few lotus buds about to bloom in the middle of the river, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly as he continued to recite.

"The small lotus has just revealed its sharp tip; a dragonfly has already alighted upon it."

Boom!

Madam Li felt as if a firework had exploded in her mind.

Incredible!

Truly incredible!

The last two lines didn't continue to pile on ornate language but instead shifted the focus, seeing the big in the small.

That tender green lotus tip, that dragonfly perched upon it.

The sense of imagery rushed at her—fresh, natural, and full of vibrant life and charm.

This isn't just a poem; it's a painting!

"A good poem! Truly a great poem!"

Madam Li couldn't help but praise it in her heart.

This poem couldn't be written without decades of foundation and that kind of spirituality.

This person's literary talent was far beyond the level of doggerel.

It was simply many levels higher than those capital scholars who spent all day moaning about nothing at poetry gatherings!

When she looked at Chen Shanzhi again, the look in her eyes had changed.

If before it was just simple jealousy and a desire to destroy.

Now, it was naked desire.

Such a handsome, considerate, and brilliantly talented man...

If she could make him fall for her, if she could make him recite such poems to her...

Madam Li felt her legs go a bit weak, and an indescribable heat began to spread through her body.

Just like the poem said, "the spring's mouth is silent, cherishing its slender flow"... she felt like she was about to "flow" as well.

"San-ge, this poem of yours..."

Tang Xiaowu was also stunned.

Although she was the Saintess of the Witch Clan, she had been well-read in poetry and literature since childhood to integrate into the Great Jiang.

She could tell the quality of this poem as soon as she heard it.

This was really bought?

This was a masterpiece capable of being remembered for a thousand years!

In the current capital, which scholar could write such a poem?

And which scholar would be willing to sell such a timeless work to a playboy for a few pieces of silver?

None! Absolutely none!

Even that First Scholar of the Capital, known as the number one scholar in the capital, didn't have the soul to write such a poem!

"Could it be?"

Looking at the high-spirited man before her, a storm surged in Tang Xiaowu's heart.

Combining the things Chen Shanzhi had said before about his Family's endurance and the cause of his parents' deaths.

A shocking thought formed in her mind: Could he have written this poem himself?

So, he had been hiding his brilliance all along?

He used the exterior of a playboy to mask his peerless talent in both literature and martial arts?

"San-ge, this poem... from whom did you buy it?" Tang Xiaowu couldn't help but ask in a low, trembling voice.

Chen Shanzhi was taken aback.

Oops, he was so focused on acting cool that he forgot this poem was too high-end; it wasn't something some destitute scholar could write.

His eyes flickered, and he rubbed his nose, speaking vaguely.

"Ah... that, it was a Traveling Daoist."

"I saw him faint by the side of the road from hunger and gave him two steamed buns, so he gave me this poem."

"I don't know his name; he went off wandering long ago."

"A Traveling Daoist..."

Seeing his reluctant-to-speak manner, Tang Xiaowu became even more certain.

What Traveling Daoist? It was clearly an excuse!

He wouldn't admit it, likely to continue his disguise for safety.

Looking at Chen Shanzhi's profile, slightly awkward because of the lie, Tang Xiaowu felt a sudden pang in her heart.

To have such world-shaking talent yet be forced to play the fool before the world.

If it were her, could she do the same?

"Young Master, excuse me for the intrusion."

Just then, a voice as soft and seductive as honey came over.

Madam Li approached with a group of maids and older servants, her figure swaying.

She walked slowly, every step seemingly treading on one's heartstrings.

Her well-maintained hands rested gently on her waist, her gaze like water, locked tightly on Chen Shanzhi.

Chen Shanzhi looked up. He had to admit, Madam Li indeed had the assets.

Although she was over forty, time had not only failed to leave many marks on her face but had instead distilled a charm like that of a ripe peach.

That refined temperament of a lady from a great Family, mixed with the irrepressible passion in the corners of her eyes and brows, was indeed lethally attractive to men.

"Greetings, Madam."

Chen Shanzhi quickly cupped his hands in a polite bow, looking like a perfect gentleman.

"I was just chatting with my childhood friend on a whim; please don't mind us, Madam."

"Young Master is too modest."

Madam Li stopped only two steps away from Chen Shanzhi, a rich but not pungent fragrance wafting toward him.

Seeing Chen Shanzhi's elegant demeanor, truly a fine gentleman of the mundane world.

Madam Li felt an itch in her heart, like a cat scratching it.

But she knew that first impressions were very important; these men all liked the drama of leading a virtuous woman astray.

So she smiled slightly, displaying the air of a lady from a great Family.

"Young Master's poem just now is the best poem about lotuses I have ever encountered in my life."

"If such a poem is something to be laughed at, then the scholars of the capital should probably all jump into the river in shame."

"I am of the Li Family from the Minister of Rites' Mansion. May I ask for your name, Young Master?"

Chen Shanzhi laughed inwardly: She's hooked.

But on his face, he wore an expression of being overwhelmed by the favor, and he quickly bowed again.

"So it is the Minister's wife! My apologies for my lack of manners!"

"I am Chen San, and this is my childhood friend, Tang Wu."

"We are both students of Four Seas Academy, here today to visit Yiyuan Garden."

"I have long heard that the Minister's wife is brilliant in literature and is dignified and virtuous. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved. Meeting you here is truly an honor for both of us."

This flattery was very skillfully done.

It both praised Madam Li's talent and her reputation.

Madam Li was overjoyed to hear it.

If anyone else had said it, she would at most think it was sycophancy.

But coming from a great talent who could compose a peerless poem, the weight was different.

And, Chen San?

She hadn't heard of such a person in the capital.

It seemed he was a reclusive talent who was indifferent to fame and didn't like to show off.

Without much fame or power, such a person was easier to handle, and once handled, would be even more flavorful.

"Young Master overpraises me."

"I have always loved poetry. Having the honor of hearing your masterpiece today, I am truly filled with admiration."

"May I ask, Young Master, does this poem have a title?"

Chen Shanzhi looked at the pond and said:

"Since it was composed by this pond, let's call it 'little pond'."

"little pond..."

Madam Li murmured to herself, her eyes shining with brilliance.

"A great name! The Great Dao is simple, returning to the source."

"I thought of countless names just now, but none were as fitting as these two words."

"Young Master's talent is unmatched in the capital."

She looked at Chen Shanzhi, her desire now completely undisguised.

How could she let such a talent go?

"Mister," Madam Li's form of address changed.

Previously she called him Young Master, but now she changed it to Mister.

Naturally, she wanted Chen Shanzhi to know that she respected him greatly.

This would make it easier to suggest touring the garden together.

Thinking of this, Madam Li took a step forward, the distance between them becoming somewhat ambiguous.

She said softly, "Since our meeting is fate, I would like to take the liberty..."

"...of inviting Mister and... and this young lady to tour Yiyuan Garden together."

"I still have many doubts regarding poetry that I would like to ask Mister about. I wonder if Mister would do me the honor?"

Chen Shanzhi glanced at Tang Xiaowu beside him, and seeing her nod in agreement, he gave Madam Li a gentle smile.

"Madam's invitation is an elegant matter. How could I refuse?"

For the next period of time, the three of them traveled together.

Madam Li acted as if Tang Xiaowu wasn't even there, staying close to Chen Shanzhi the entire time.

Under the guise of asking about poetry, she constantly threw out questions, then listened with an expression of adoration as Chen Shanzhi bullsh—er, as Chen Shanzhi cited classics.

While passing through a narrow path in a rockery.

Madam Li's foot accidentally slipped, and she cried out as she fell toward Chen Shanzhi's arms.

" careful!"

Chen Shanzhi was quick and reached out to catch her by the waist.

She felt plump and as if she had no bones.

"Thank you, Mister..."

Madam Li took the opportunity to lean into Chen Shanzhi's embrace, not getting up immediately. Instead, she looked up at him with watery eyes, her breath like orchids.

Chen Shanzhi cursed her as a vixen in his heart but maintained the calm of a gentleman on his face.

He gently helped her stand straight and then quickly withdrew his hand without the slightest impropriety.

"The path is slippery; please be careful, Madam."

This move didn't disappoint Madam Li; instead, it made her heart itch even more.

If he had taken the chance to grope her, he would have just been a lecher, and she would only need a little seduction to get her way.

But his being so principled instead aroused Madam Li's competitiveness and desire for conquest.

What she wanted was to turn this gentleman into a beast who only knew how to pant over her body!

...

As evening approached, at the entrance of Yiyuan Garden.

"Communicating with Mister today has truly been better than ten years of study."

Madam Li looked at Chen Shanzhi with some reluctance to part.

This day of contact had made her completely infatuated with this young, talented, and restrained man.

She took an exquisite Waist Token from her sleeve and handed it to Chen Shanzhi.

"Mister, this is a Waist Token from the Ministers Mansion."

"If Mister has time, you may come to the mansion with this token whenever you wish."

"I have many rare ancient books hidden there that I hope to appreciate together with Mister."

She emphasized the words "appreciate together," her meaning profound.

Chen Shanzhi took the Waist Token with both hands and bowed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam. I will certainly pay a visit."

He then watched as Madam Li boarded her carriage.

Seeing Madam Li's carriage depart, Chen Shanzhi straightened up, the respect on his face instantly vanishing, replaced by a triumphant smile.

He shook the Waist Token in his hand, turned to Tang Xiaowu, who had been acting as a ghost the whole time, and said happily, "Xiaowu, the first step of our plan was a success."

"As long as we build a good relationship with Madam Li and then explain Tang San's matter as a misunderstanding, he'll be saved!"