9: Composing poems

The night was as dark as ink, and the lamps were just beginning to be lit. In the pavilion of the Liu Manor's inner courtyard, Liu Xuaner was facing a pond full of lotuses, softly reciting the poetry she had composed.

Dressed in a moon-white silk dress with hair like a cascading waterfall, her features revealed the coldness and arrogance unique to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Under the candlelight, she looked just like a Fairy from a painting.

At that moment, Situ Jun inadvertently cast a look of disdain toward her.

Although the look lasted only an instant, it was like a sharp thorn that accurately pierced into Liu Xuaner's perception.

She looked up abruptly, her beautiful eyes instantly frosting over and her willow-leaf brows arching as she shouted sternly,

"What are you doing?"

Situ Jun felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his entire body trembling violently.

Only then did he realize with a shock that Liu Xuaner had stopped reciting poetry at some point. Her frost-cold face was turned toward him, her eyes flashing with a cold light and a faint hint of killing intent.

His heart skipped a beat as he realized things were bad, and fine beads of cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead.

He was just a minor Body Refining Cultivator, yet he had been foolish enough to despise a Foundation Establishment expert. This was simply seeking death!

A total death-seeking act!

"You only just swore your loyalty to This Madam this morning, and yet by evening, you actually despise This Madam, your own master? Have you gone mad, or are you tired of living?"

Liu Xuaner's voice was bone-chillingly cold, every word carrying an invisible pressure. The surrounding air seemed to vibrate faintly from her anger.

A hint of fiery anger swirled around her, and her exquisite face was now covered in frost, making people tremble with fear.

Situ Jun's face twitched, and he immediately knelt down, fearing that if he were a second slower, he would be killed by her palm.

"Madam, please forgive me. Your subordinate also has a great love for and has studied poetry. Just now, hearing Madam recite, I had some insights. However, they were directed at the poem, not the person. I hope Madam can forgive me!"

"Your subordinate is loyal to Madam. Madam is the goddess in my heart..."

Situ Jun racked his brains, fearing that if he said one less good word, his life would be over.

"Fine, get up."

The killing intent in Liu Xuaner's eyes softened slightly, and the frost on her face dissipated a bit.

"Thank you, Madam! Thank you, Madam!"

Situ Jun felt as if he had been granted a great pardon and bowed repeatedly. After sighing in relief, he couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. Having only just Transmigrated two days ago, he was already spending his days fearing for his life. How was he supposed to live the days ahead?

However, Liu Xuaner did not intend to let him off so easily.

"Don't be so quick to thank me. You just said you've studied poetry and even looked down on This Madam's verses."

Liu Xuaner sized up Situ Jun and pointed at the poetry on the table.

"If you can't explain why, tomorrow you'll go carry manure to grow vegetables!"

Situ Jun was truly startled this time. As a grown man, if he really had to carry manure—regardless of whether he could even lift it—the loss of face would be real.

Left with no choice, he braced himself and walked toward the pavilion.

His gaze fell upon the poem Liu Xuaner had written, titled "Midsummer Night".

The content of the poem was mediocre. If he truly had to evaluate or appreciate it, it was a bit difficult for Situ Jun.

After all, there were really no highlights in this poem. But as Liu Xuaner was his master, even if there were no highlights, he had to force himself to find some to flatter her.

"Madam, this is a sentimental poem. The emotions are genuine, and true feelings are highlighted within the simplicity!"

Situ Jun racked his brains and fabricated a point of appreciation.

"Weren't you just full of disdain and contempt?"

Liu Xuaner didn't buy it at all and stared at Situ Jun, questioning him further.

Situ Jun was filled with internal struggle, nearly causing himself internal injuries from the stress.

He stammered,

"This... this... what I meant was that the poetry in my mind should be a bit better, so I couldn't help but let my emotions show, which is why I momentarily offended Madam Liu. That's it, that's it... heh."

As he spoke, he gripped his sleeve and nervously wiped the cold sweat that kept appearing on his forehead. The powerful aura Liu Xuaner emitted when angry made him almost unable to breathe.

"The poetry in your mind? You really dare to say that. Fine, if you can't compose a verse that I approve of today, you'll be conscripted into the army!"

A trace of mockery appeared on Liu Xuaner's beautiful face.

In her view, it was truly ridiculous for a minor Manor Soldier of the Body Refining Stage to speak so boastfully.

Situ Jun was terrified. His "Harem Plan" hadn't even started yet. If he were conscripted into the army, it would be completely over for him. What difference would there be from entering the palace to become a eunuch?

He hurriedly asked,

"Does Madam have any requirements for the theme of the poem?"

Liu Xuaner sat down elegantly, picked up her teacup, took a light sip, and said slowly,

"My poem is about summer, so a summer theme will do. Chun Hua, continue grinding the ink; Cui Zhu, help him spread out the rice paper."

Situ Jun frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, he picked up the brush and wrote with ease on the rice paper, composing "Mountain Pavilion Summer Day":

Green trees cast long shadows on summer days,

The tower's reflection sinks into the pond.

Crystal curtains ripple as a light breeze rises,

A trellis of roses fills the courtyard with fragrance.

Standing to the side, Liu Xuaner stared intently at the poem, reading it softly as she looked.

At first, her face was full of surprise, but by the time she finished reading, her eyes instantly brightened. Her eyes were like two clear springs, shimmering with waves of joy and admiration.

"Not bad. The poem is very beautiful, combining movement and stillness, vividly depicting the courtyard life of a young lady."

The frost on Liu Xuaner's face completely vanished, replaced by a smile as brilliant as peach blossoms. Her entire being instantly became gentle.

The gazes of Cui Zhu and Chun Hua toward Situ Jun also became soft and full of admiration.

"However, did you really write such feminine verses?"

Liu Xuaner was full of doubt, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Situ Jun grumbled inwardly. With the deep cultural heritage of thousands of years of poetry from the Blue Star, did he even need to write his own? He couldn't even finish reciting them all if he tried.

But on the surface, he maintained a respectful smile and cupped his hands.

"In reply to Madam, I wrote this poem based on some feelings I had in the past."

Liu Xuaner nodded slightly and continued to analyze the poem in detail.

The more she read, the more she felt the poem was exquisite beyond compare, far better than her own "Midsummer Night". It was as if it had been written specifically for the kind of courtyard life she was leading now.

She couldn't help but wonder how much real talent Situ Jun actually possessed. Thinking this, she looked up and said with burning eyes,

"Judging by your tone just now, it seems you have more than just this one summer poem. Go ahead and write out all the summer poems you've composed so This Madam can appreciate them."

Situ Jun sighed inwardly.

Since things had come to this, he might as well "act" the part to the end and let Huaxia's poetry shine in this different world.

Fortunately, after Cultivating, his mind had become much sharper. The once-vague textbook knowledge from his school days had become much clearer, and many forgotten poems reappeared in his mind one by one.

After a brief pause, Situ Jun continued to write with his brush—"Small Pond".

The spring flows silently, sparing its slender stream,

Tree shadows love the soft sunlight on the water.

Xiao He has just shown her sharp tip,

A dragonfly has already perched upon it.

As soon as this poem appeared, Liu Xuaner's eyes widened. Her gaze toward Situ Jun seemed to turn with a hundred tender feelings, as if it were about to overflow with water.

The two maids, Cui Zhu and Chun Hua, were also so shocked that their almond eyes rounded.

"You composed this poem as well? How... how is that possible..."

Liu Xuaner murmured to herself, her face full of disbelief.

Seeing this, Situ Jun thought that he had finally managed to bluff this enchantress.

Just then, a mechanical voice suddenly sounded in his mind:

["Ding! Liu Xuaner's favorability +10. Current favorability is 30. It is suggested that the Host record her into the hundred flowers diagram."]

"Record!"

Situ Jun thought to himself. Only a fool wouldn't record her. Such a stunning married woman could also provide him with heavenly luck value.

"You are very good, and your poetry is also excellent."

Liu Xuaner repeatedly examined the verses on the rice paper in her hand. Her heart was full of love for them, and she couldn't help but praise him.

She never would have imagined that such brilliant and stunning poetry could actually come from the hands of a minor Manor Soldier in the manor.

This greatly improved her perception of Situ Jun, and the more she looked at him, the more pleasing he seemed. This level of poetry could rival the famous poems that had been passed down for ages.

No wonder he dared to despise the poetry she wrote; he really does have some skill.

If this poem were to spread, the imperial court would likely gain another civil official.

"With such talent, I will recommend you to take the exam for a civil official position another day, bringing honor to your ancestors and enjoying all the world's wealth and glory."

Although Liu Xuaner felt a bit reluctant, her desire to cherish talent won out, as she didn't want to bury such a gifted man.

Hearing this, Situ Jun was startled. How was this matter starting to develop in a way that was backfiring? He quickly bowed and said with sincere words,

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but it's absolutely out of the question. Your subordinate only wants to serve by your side and be at your beck and call; I have no desire to enter the court as an official."

Liu Xuaner was quite surprised to hear Situ Jun say this, but she was also secretly delighted. She felt that she indeed hadn't misjudged him; Situ Jun was loyal to her.

Her gaze toward Situ Jun couldn't help but soften significantly.

"With such loyalty, my cultivation of you hasn't been in vain. When you run out of body tempering pills, ask Steward Wang for them until you Breakthrough to the Qi Refinement Stage."

Liu Xuaner put down the poetry in her hand and said with a smile.

"Thank you, Madam."

Situ Jun put on an act of being extremely excited, but he was secretly delighted.

"Is this the first time you've composed this poem? Does anyone else know about it?"

Liu Xuaner's red lips moved slightly as she looked at Situ Jun and asked.

Situ Jun's mind whirled, and he immediately replied,

"In reply to Madam, this is the first time Your subordinate has composed this poem, and I haven't had the chance to let outsiders appreciate it yet. If Madam likes it, Your subordinate would like to dedicate this poem to Madam."

He knew very well that most women loved music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Catering to their interests was always the right move.

"That's good. You may withdraw. From now on, when you are on guard duty in the inner courtyard, you can Cultivate here in peace. On rainy days, you may enter the side room to Cultivate."

Liu Xuaner nodded with satisfaction and waved her hand.

Afterward, she immersed herself in the wonderful Concepts of the two poems, savoring them carefully.

Situ Jun tactfully bowed and took his leave.

This time, the poetry not only allowed him to successfully resolve the crisis but also brought him closer to Liu Xuaner. He was one step closer to "winning over" this Foundation Establishment beauty...