In the back of Jinfeng Tower, Yuan Jiner's room, Kou'er was animatedly recounting the recent events at the Old Rain Tower:
"…And then, when Young Master Ning wrote this poem, everyone was dumbfounded. The one who originally wanted to make things difficult for him, Xue Jin, even asked: 'Didn't you say that "Shui Diao Ge Tou" was written by a Taoist?' And then Young Master Ning told him… hahaha… Young Master Ning said that Taoist, that day… ha ha ha ha…"
As Kou'er finished her sentence, Yuan Jiner, lying on the bed, burst into laughter, nearly rolling over. "Yun, Yun Zhu Jie, this person is so amusing…"
Yun Zhu held the poetry paper in her hands, and images of Kou'er's vivid storytelling sprang to mind. Remembering Ning Yi's unconventional character, she couldn't help but chuckle.
Kou'er had always been somewhat supportive of Young Master Cao, but now, as she recounted the story, her enthusiasm dimmed slightly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Miss, Sister Nie, is this poem really that good? Young Master Cao and the others looked quite strange… You've said before that there's no set rule in poetry competitions, and Young Master Cao is the strongest… Could it be he really can't compete?"
Yuan Jiner smiled, glancing at the poem before exchanging a knowing look with Nie Yunzhu. She then shook her head slightly. "From what you said, Kou'er, after tonight, the title of Jiangning's number one talent might just end up on Young Master Ning's head. But alas… he's a merchant's son-in-law." She furrowed her brow, pondering, "Why would someone like him marry into a family? Was he forced by the Su family?"
Given Ning Yi's status as a son-in-law, suspicions of plagiarism surrounding his poetry had lingered, but now, few would dare doubt his talent. That jest about the Taoist having written two pieces was sure to be taken lightly. Yuan Jiner wondered, while Kou'er, hesitating for a moment, tugged at Nie Yunzhu's sleeve and whispered, "Miss, could this Young Master Ning really be the one?"
Her voice was soft, but both Yuan Jiner and Kou'er heard her clearly, their eyes widening. "Yun Zhu Jie… do you know that Ning Yi?"
Nie Yunzhu thought for a moment and plucked a few strings on the guqin beside her, letting some notes dance into the air before answering, "What if I said he is the author of that song?"
"Ah…" Yuan Jiner froze, struggling to place the unusual yet delightful melody in her mind. The poetic imagery was striking, yet the lines about the pavilion and the ancient path felt utterly unconventional. "If what you say is true, then that really is… a bit odd…"
"Sister Nie, you really know that Young Master Ning? What kind of person is he? Please tell us!"
Kou'er leaned closer to Nie Yunzhu, who glanced down at the poetry paper, then looked up thoughtfully toward a corner of the room.
What kind of person was he, indeed?
Looking back, she found it hard to describe. Their first meeting had been chaotic; she had fallen into the river and pulled him down with her, and in the end, he had saved her and slapped her without any explanation. Their subsequent interactions had been casual; he'd stop by every morning for a chat. Despite having heard of his literary reputation, his demeanor was anything but studious. He seemed to care more about peculiarities in life.
"Just killing a chicken, no need to thank me."
"Charcoal pencil… for writing…"
"Just exercising… A scholar isn't good for anything."
"If I could learn some martial arts… the kind that lets you roam the rivers and lakes…"
"Garland rain… not something for high society, but I like to listen."
"Century eggs… you can call them noble eggs or jade eggs, whatever you like…"
If she were to mention these thoughts to others, they might perceive him as arrogant, but in her experience, she felt a sense of ease around him—an ease unlike that of all the other refined scholars. Arrogance stems from a deep pride in certain accomplishments, yet she sensed he didn't take pride in those things. He merely exuded a light-heartedness, seemingly indifferent to what others valued. While he didn't dislike what others cherished, he also didn't seem particularly fond of it.
Despite their interactions over the past few months, where he hadn't really shown off his literary talent in front of her, there was an undeniable expectation in her heart.
"How bright is the moon tonight? Pouring a drink, I ask the sky…" The talent of one who could compose such lines stirred a small hope within Nie Yunzhu. Even though she enjoyed the easy-going side of Ning Yi, she believed that might be the more genuine aspect of his character. Still, she longed to witness the literary side of him one day.
As she looked at the poem "Qing Yu An," her mind conjured an image of him writing those lines—facing the mockery, the obstacles, and the challenges of the crowd, all while maintaining that relaxed smile. How she wished she could have been there with him…
Listening to Kou'er's questions and gazing at the poetry paper, a strong desire suddenly surged within her. Outside, the lanterns lit up the night like day. He had mentioned an urgent matter at the tavern earlier, but she wondered what it could be. Where was he now? Suddenly, she wanted to know all of it…
A moment later, Nie Yunzhu suppressed those feelings.
After the midnight bell tolled, Ning Yi was walking back with Xiao Chan, who kept reciting lines from "Qing Yu An." She occasionally asked, "Master, what's that about golden threads?" To which Ning Yi would respond lightly.
He felt a bit bored; after writing the poem, he still felt somewhat disconnected.
When he was composing the lines, he had considered how fitting they were, especially since he had been tailing that female assassin. But perhaps because they resonated too closely with the moment—especially that last line, "Upon turning back, there she was at the lantern's dim light"—it might have caught the assassin's attention. After he and Xiao Chan followed her for a while and circled around, they discovered that she had completely vanished from his tracking.
It was ironic that a poem so perfectly suited to the occasion might have led him astray. He hadn't even thought about whether changing it to "Upon turning back, she wasn't at the lantern's dim light" might have worked better…
If the assassin had truly become wary of him, pursuing her would only be counterproductive. If nothing could be accomplished, it was better to let go. After strolling around with Xiao Chan for a bit longer, he decided to head back. During their walk, Xiao Chan remained excited about what had just happened, mimicking Xue Jin's startled expression, hands on her hips, boasting, "Now, no one will dare speak ill of Young Master anymore!"
Ning Yi chuckled, "Ah, even if they do, it won't matter…"
"Why not?"
"Because the Taoist only recited two pieces."
"Hehe…" Xiao Chan laughed.
In any case, the issue of others accusing him of plagiarism had essentially been resolved for now.
Some things—like tonight—seem accidental, but in reality, they might not be entirely unplanned. From the beginning, Ning Yi believed that the ideal resolution would be along similar lines. He wasn't someone with a cleanliness obsession; he viewed his poems as strategic resources that could be useful in the future. However, there was no pressing matter at hand, and it seemed pointless to flaunt them for vanity's sake. Since Xiao Chan had revealed the situation, he didn't see the need to deny it—there was no reason to bear the blame for something that could be resolved.
Interacting with that group of scholars, gaining some reputation was never on his mind. Since he had done it casually, it should remain simple. He had kept silent about it for five months, but he knew there would come a time to address it, so he might as well resolve the issue. Today, he genuinely wanted to pursue that female assassin; in his heart, the title of "talented scholar" was inconsequential, like something that could be picked up casually. The martial arts mattered much more. Who would have thought such an unexpected turn would occur? Given how Xue Jin, Su Chonghua, and others had put it, he figured he might as well go with the flow.
Perhaps these considerations weren't so concrete; he hadn't really planned them out. However, past experiences had become habits. During games or leisurely chats with people like Master Qin, Master Kang, and Nie Yunzhu, he could relax and be carefree. Yet, whenever he sensed a threat—no matter how small—those seemingly casual responses had likely been mentally rehearsed several times in his subconscious. He often found himself chuckling at how he could never escape calculations.
For the moment, there was little hope regarding martial arts, but resolving the poetry matter felt like a small gain. As they walked, Xiao Chan suddenly said, "Master, I don't like this poem…"
"Hmm?"
"'Searching for him amidst the crowd a thousand times'… Master, you just chased that female thief."
Ning Yi was taken aback and laughed. Xiao Chan pouted, "Master, if I tell the Young Mistress, you'll be in big trouble…"
"Alright, I get it." Ning Yi nodded, smiling as he walked ahead. Xiao Chan followed him closely, "Master, I really have to tell the Young Mistress…"
"I understand…"
Xiao Chan somewhat liked Ning Yi, but she couldn't keep this from Su Tan'er for his sake. She didn't want Ning Yi to harbor any misunderstandings with Su Tan'er either. Torn between being loyal to the Young Mistress and hiding this for family harmony, she felt conflicted. Seeing Ning Yi's nonchalant demeanor made her feel her distress was a bit excessive, and she almost wanted to bite him out of frustration.
"Master~…"
"I know, I know… the poem was written like this, but it wasn't specifically about searching for her, especially since he didn't find her in the end… Let's move, quickly…"
As the master and servant seemed to be joking and chasing each other in the street, in a nearby teahouse, Su Tan'er had received the poem "Qing Yu An" and learned about everything that had happened at the poetry gathering in Puyuan. She rested her chin on her hand, gazing calmly into the air, lost in thought. Seated beside her, Xi Junyu lightly touched the paper where the poem was written. His gaze was quiet, but those who knew him well might catch a hint of gloom in his eyes.
Having completed the business deal, Su Tan'er was still waiting for Ning Yi and Xiao Chan to return. He could discuss future business plans with her, especially since it was the Lantern Festival, and they could also touch upon some trivial matters. Regardless of how Ning Yi acted, he had been collaborating with Su Tan'er for several years, and some connections could not be easily severed. The atmosphere felt pleasant to him, but once the poem arrived and Xiao Juan shared the rumors she had heard, he realized everything had become disordered. Whatever he might say next, Su Tan'er would likely respond with a polite smile, but it would ultimately be meaningless.
Before long, Ning Yi and Xiao Chan returned. Su Tan'er smiled and nodded at him, "You've come, husband. If there are no other important matters, Master Xi can leave first. Thank you for your hard work today."
"Then I'll take my leave." Xi Junyu smiled, cupping his hands in salute. He exchanged greetings with Ning Yi and prepared to head downstairs. As he turned back, he saw Su Tan'er pressing her lips tightly together, pointing emphatically at the paper on the table in front of Ning Yi, her eyes filled with a warm smile, reminiscent of a knowing gesture between close friends. While he and Su Tan'er shared a certain understanding, it was primarily in the business context. Although she seemed delicate and graceful, she could often be incredibly serious. Their cooperation brought a sense of accomplishment, but he had never seen her smile like this.
Ning Yi picked up the paper, glanced at it, and smiled, beginning to explain something. He noticed that her robe was slightly disheveled, and Su Tan'er reached out to adjust the collar of his long robe…