Chapter 221: Dark Schemes

My name is Chen Luowu. Welcome, everyone, to my humble estate. As you know, several friends have come from out of town today. Among them are the top scholar from that year, the famous great talent of the capital, and…

It was almost time, and most of the guests had arrived. After greeting some of them, the middle-aged scholar named Chen Luoyuan was ready to invite everyone to ascend the hill for an outing. He had previously stated that he was holding this spring outing because of his good relationship with Zhou Bangyan, who was indeed worthy of the title 'renowned great talent of the capital.' However, his mention of a former top scholar surprised Ning Yi. Had Zhou Bangyan ever been the top scholar?

Generally, those renowned for their poetry and lyrics are not necessarily strong candidates in the imperial examinations. Though Li Bai, the 'Immortal Poet,' was favored by the emperor, he was often viewed as a mere jester in official circles. Du Fu, the 'Sage Poet,' spent decades in officialdom without ever holding a truly significant post, and Lu You's life was fraught with hardship, as he was repeatedly marginalized in his official career. To some extent, good artists often do not make good bureaucrats; thinkers, perhaps, might have a better chance. If Zhou Bangyan were truly someone capable of excelling in both, that would be truly remarkable. However, Ning Yi had heard he only held a minor official position of around seventh rank in the capital, which seemed somewhat inconsistent with the status of a top scholar.

However, after Ning Yi asked, Qin Shaoqian rolled his eyes in that direction. "Ah, my elder brother was the top scholar in the fourteenth year of Chengping," he said. "At that time, Father was already the Minister of Personnel. It's a wonder they even dared to choose him." The Wu Dynasty's reign title before Jinghan was Chengping. Qin Shaohe gave the impression of being quite low-key, seemingly even more reserved than his father, Qin Siyuan. Compared to a talent like Zhou Bangyan, Qin Shaohe didn't seem to have a widespread reputation for his abilities, nor did he appear to have risen through academic merit. Ning Yi hadn't paid him much mind, so it was a surprise to learn that he had once been the top scholar. This was likely because his steady and reliable approach to matters overshadowed any ostentation in literary pursuits. It was a style of doing things with great impact while keeping a low profile about his own achievements.

Aside from the beautiful women from various pleasure houses, nine out of ten attendees today were literati. While they typically enjoyed poetry, lyrics, and odes, ultimately, their studies and writings were geared towards passing imperial examinations and securing official positions. Zhou Bangyan had initially gained his official post by presenting the 'Rhapsody on Bianjing,' becoming renowned for his literary brilliance. However, the talent of a top scholar was, in popular folklore, even seen as a celestial literary star descending to Earth. In the flourishing literary culture of the Wu Dynasty, there could be thousands of officials, but only one top scholar each year. As soon as this title was announced, a ripple of excitement spread through the crowd. If Chen Luoyuan hadn't immediately followed up by revealing the person's identity as a prefect, people would likely have rushed to curry favor.

With this small interlude involving Qin Shaohe, attention briefly shifted away from Zhou Bangyan and the other distinguished guests. On the other hand, both the students of esteemed teachers and the Jiangning scholars present became more solemn, implicitly attaching greater importance to this spring outing. With a former top scholar in attendance, they naturally felt the need to perform exceptionally well when it came time to compose poetry and lyrics.

Following a round of introductions, the participants generally learned who had arrived from the capital. Zhou Bangyan and the others remained dressed as literati. Li Shishi, however, held an ancient zither and wore a veil, appearing quietly composed. This courtesan, hailed as the capital's most exquisite, did not opt for a flashy or attention-grabbing entrance. Yet, the gentle, composed smile visible through her light veil still left a profound impression. She didn't appear pitiful or vulnerable; it was just that…

"I actually feel that Miss Shishi has had a rather difficult path...," Jin'er whispered from beside him. Yunzhu simply smiled, and Ning Yi turned his head to ask, "You think so?"

"Yes, she probably just came to visit relatives and friends and never said she wanted to do anything grand. Yet, we're the ones who forced her into the spotlight, insisting she looked down on Jiangning and so on. In this line of work, no woman would be foolish enough to do such thankless and offensive things. It's all Pu Yangyi and his group..."

"She's doing it on purpose."

"Hmm?"

"Look around you. Qi Lan, Canmiao, and the others have their instruments carried by their maids. But she comes out holding the zither, her hands clasped in front, as if showing resistance. Her arms are crossed deeply, holding the zither with apparent force, subtly hinting at isolation. Her smile is natural, but from the moment she appeared, without uttering a word, her body language has been constantly suggesting: 'Although I am the capital's top courtesan, I was merely elevated by others. In truth, I'm just an ordinary woman, and you are bullying me.' See? With a beauty in their midst, a segment of these Jiangning scholars will be swayed. Later, when everyone focuses their ire on Zhou Bangyan and his group, they will ultimately be lenient with her."

As Ning Yi spoke, both Yunzhu and Jin'er looked at him intently. Yunzhu softly murmured, "Can such subtle gestures really hold so much hidden meaning? Li Heng, you truly are..."

Ning Yi chuckled. "It's not real. It's merely a case of inferring cause from effect. She might not have consciously planned any of it, but some people naturally know how to react in any given situation. Even if she didn't think about it, the desired effect was achieved. I'm just adding some arbitrary explanations to the outcome."

"No, no!" Jin'er's eyes sparkled, appearing greatly impressed by Ning Yi's analysis. "I think that makes a lot of sense!"

"See? I've successfully impressed someone."

As Ning Yi finished speaking, Yunzhu chuckled. Jin'er lightly snorted, "Look at Sister Yunzhu; she's smiling so subtly, and after she laughed, she even glanced at you. But on her face, there's no hint of disapproval. This means Sister Yunzhu believes what you said earlier and thinks your insight is truly unique. Hmph, can you always tell what someone is thinking just by looking at them once?"

"How could I be that amazing..."

As they conversed, Pu Yangyi approached. "Brother Ning, you've arrived," he said. He looked at Yunzhu and Jin'er, recognized them as women, and perhaps even Jin'er's identity. He simply assumed they were smitten with Ning Yi and had accompanied him. Though curious, he offered no verbal greeting, merely a slight bow.

"I was just over there meeting some people, so it wasn't convenient to come and greet you right away. Please forgive me, Brother Ning." He smiled, glancing around. "Many guests have arrived today; this will surely become a topic of pleasant conversation in the future. Brother Ning, concerning the world of literature, are you in the mood to try your hand today?"

Last year, during the handling of the Su family's affairs, those familiar with Ning Yi in the business world had given him the moniker 'Ten-Step Calculator.' This nickname had only circulated within a small circle, primarily because the few families who had suffered losses at Ning Yi's hands remained apprehensive. If such a name reached the ears of literati, they would likely dismiss it as a mere business trick. Having studied the sages, they believed their future lay in governing the world, and if they were to try their hand at such matters, they would likely perform just as well, thus finding the nickname an exaggeration. However, Pu Yangyi had witnessed the entire imperial merchant incident and understood the weight of that nickname. Without beating around the bush, he simply inquired about Ning Yi's decision. Ning Yi, however, shook his head.

"Today, with such an assembly of talents, I believe merely observing everyone's performance will suffice."

"Uh..."

"Miss Li and I know each other from the past."

"Oh?"

"When I was a child, my family lived in Sanlian Lane. At that time, Miss Li was likely learning the zither at a musician's house near the lane entrance. We happened to meet a few days ago, but I wasn't aware of her current status then. I only learned it this morning, upon arriving here."

Ning Yi was candid with Pu Yangyi. The latter paused for a moment, then offered a wry smile, cupping his hands. His demeanor was one of magnanimity. "Ah, so that's how it is. I understand, I understand. Since you are old acquaintances, Brother Ning, it would naturally be inappropriate for you to compose lyrics for Qi Lan. If I had known earlier... Haha, truly, I was being too worldly in this matter. Matters of poetry and elegance should not be approached with too many ulterior motives." He bowed in apology, then smiled and sighed. "Today, Zhou Bangyan is famous throughout the land. Without Brother Ning to provide the grand finale, it seems Qi Lan's position is quite precarious. I may have offended Miss Li, but I had no malicious intent. I hope Brother Ning might speak a good word for me later. However, we can set these practical matters aside. If you are truly inspired, Brother Ning, and compose something, you absolutely must share it. This literary gathering would feel significantly less vibrant without your verses. Though I may be a bit worldly, my respect for literary pursuits is profound. My request a few days ago was simply a hope that Brother Ning might also lend some support to Qi Lan while composing poetry. Let's consider those words unsaid today. Please, Brother Ning, bear no ill will." The Pu Yang family's enthusiasm for poetry and literature certainly involved many practical considerations. However, Pu Yangyi, influenced by his family's scholarly traditions, spoke at this moment with genuine, heartfelt respect for poetry. Poetry and literature were always considered the highest art forms in this era; good verses could evoke a sense of sagely wisdom, and this reverence colored the entire historical tapestry. When Pu Yangyi realized his initial plan was unfeasible, he set aside his calculations of profit, and his respect for the written word was truly sincere.

They chatted for a few more moments. After Pu Yangyi left, Yunzhu finally asked Ning Yi about his acquaintance with Li Shishi. Ning Yi then recounted the recent events in Sanlian Lane. Yunzhu asked, "So... Li Heng, you're not planning to participate in today's literary gathering?"

"I only came to watch the performances. Poetry and lyrics are meant for cultivating one's character and expressing genuine feelings; there's no real need for competition. Besides, they are seeking good reputations and public recognition. I don't have that need, so there's no reason to overshadow anyone else. It's enough to simply be a part of the audience. Moreover... it would honestly be a bit like bullying them, heh..."

Ning Yi, with numerous poems and literary works in his mind, and now further immersed in the era's spirit, possessed an ever-deepening understanding of poetry and a growing repository of recalled verses. His comment about "bullying them" was, in fact, the truth. Yet, upon hearing it, Jin'er instinctively gave him a sidelong glance. "Boasting," she mumbled, then added triumphantly, "But I've figured it out! That Pu Yangyi is retreating to advance. After learning you couldn't compose poetry for Miss Qi Lan, he settled for the next best thing: asking you to sow discord on Li Shishi's side. When he asked you to speak well of him, he was actually feigning weakness to the enemy. And his claim that he couldn't manage without your grand finale? That must be false, right?"

Ning Yi nodded. "Pu Yangyi is skilled at playing the long game. He didn't actually offer any significant help to me back then; he merely provided some superficial praises as a flattering embellishment. He's the type who plans meticulously before acting. Since I don't owe him any favors, he naturally wouldn't insist on my help. His request for me to write poetry was, at most, a backup plan. Besides, this spring outing only involves seventy or eighty people at most. As long as there are no major blunders, regardless of the poetry competition's outcome, the Pu Yang family will always be able to promote Qi Lan as a courtesan on par with Li Shishi. If Cao Guan wins, they win too. If Zhou Bangyan wins, Qi Lan will still have performed on the same stage as Li Shishi. In the future, people will only talk about this literary gathering. And when Li Shishi returns to the capital, they'll publicize her 'battle' with the Jiangning literati. In short, it's a situation of mutual support and promotion; as long as one isn't foolish, it's always a win-win."

"You businessmen are truly cunning," Jin'er said, pouting, then smiled. "But Pu Yangyi is actually quite nice. You said you knew Li Shishi, and he immediately understood and apologized so earnestly. I'd heard before that he was easy to talk to, and now it seems he's quite good. I... uh... I've met him several times before..."

The Pu Yang family had always championed Qi Lan, but Yuan Jin'er, as the top courtesan of Jinfeng Tower, had naturally met Pu Yangyi several times, albeit without much direct interaction. At that moment, she was recalling their past encounters. Ning Yi chuckled, "What? Are you smitten?"

"Of course not! I just think he's very clever, and I want to learn from him. I believe being able to understand others' predicaments is a great quality. When I was at Jinfeng Tower, there were always arguments. For example, I might have already agreed to attend the Chen family's banquet, but then Young Master Lü would arrive, insisting on Yuan Jin'er. It would always end in another big quarrel, and after it was over, I'd have to apologize to both sides. But if I took time off to go out, Young Master Chen would be unhappy. And if I didn't go, what if Young Master Lü stopped coming in the future? Mama would nag endlessly. No wonder none of them did as well in business as the Pu Yang family! Sister Yunzhu and I will make Zhuji even more successful than the Pu Yang family in the future..."

Jin'er didn't seem overly concerned with past events; her rambling was quite amusing, making Ning Yi chuckle. He then shook his head. "Don't underestimate Pu Yangyi."

"Huh? I wasn't..."

"That's not empathy; it's a matter of good manners and shrewdness. He knows I have my difficulties, and this matter isn't significant, so he's doing me a favor. If today's matter concerned the very survival of the Pu Yang family, his words would be the same. However, once he finished saying them, you'd know you were adversaries, and he would then turn around and deal with you. Of course, he might ask for your help one more time, but the outcome would still be the same. In the business world, true refinement can exist, but not true humility. Pu Yangyi distinguishes this very clearly. If you wish to learn from him, don't genuinely mistake him for a truly modest and humble gentleman."

Yunzhu wanted to go into business, but Ning Yi hadn't offered much detailed advice. Jin'er, on the other hand, was eager to learn, so he spontaneously lectured her, then immediately felt he had said too much. Jin'er had her own unique way of handling interpersonal relationships; she didn't possess much cunning herself, yet she could navigate and avoid many cunning schemes. This was what made her interesting, and he saw no need to expose her to the truly darker aspects of such interactions.

Ning Yi then deliberately 'demonized' Pu Yangyi, portraying him as a mad arch-villain from a cartoon. Once Jin'er perceived Pu Yangyi as utterly sinister, the subtle sense of hidden malice she had felt earlier was diluted. The group left the courtyard chatting and laughing, heading through the woods behind the estate towards the nearby hillside.

It was then approximately two quarters past the hour of Si, around ten in the morning. The sun had broken through the morning clouds. The mountain forest was dense but not vast, with two streams gurgling down from the mountainside, their rippling surfaces reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling, hazy shimmer. The group walked through the fresh forest. Occasionally, a woman plucked her pipa, the music pleasant to the ear, or silver-bell-like laughter echoed. At the edge of their view, a green patch appeared among the trees atop the small hill. The grass was verdant and lush, dotted with patches of wild flowers. On one side, the hillside and trees blocked the strong winds from the southeast, while the other offered an expansive vista of the Yangtze River and the distant Stone City. It was truly an excellent spot for a spring outing.