Understanding Flower Before Presenting A Wondrous Poem

The performance ended, the curtains parted, and thunderous applause erupted from the wine tower…

"Back then, I only knew of Yu Lou's dance; today, I finally understand Yu Lou's song! This piece by Miss Yu Lou should be the ultimate masterpiece of Farewell Tower! Next up should be 'Returning to a Virtuous Life,' right?" A noble young master opened his fan, filled with emotion.

It was customary for renowned courtesans to leave the tower and enter a respectable household. Both scholars and the immensely wealthy sought them, and even high-ranking officials couldn't always resist the allure. To take a renowned courtesan as a concubine, for someone once pursued by thousands, to become his sole plaything – what a prestigious accomplishment that was!

Therefore, Haining Tower was packed with celebrities today.

Everyone was vying for the former top courtesan.

That noble young master was the first to step forward: "This humble one, Xie Dong, is willing to offer a hundred taels of silver as betrothal gift to invite Miss to join my Xie family. I will treat her with sincerity."

As soon as he spoke, the entire hall erupted…

What did a hundred taels of silver mean? It could buy ten young unmarried girls! Such a high betrothal gift right from the start instantly shattered the dreams of ninety percent of the people.

A few people who were about to speak sat back down, veins bulging on their foreheads…

A man who looked like a merchant stood up: "I am willing to offer 300 taels of silver as a betrothal gift!"

300 taels! Damn!

Another person stood up: "I am the owner of Jin Lou on the east side of the city. My legitimate wife just passed away. If you join my Chen family, you will be my concubine in name, but in reality, you will be my principal wife. As for the betrothal gift, what if it's 500 taels?"

At these words, the merchant who had offered 300 taels turned ashen, and Xie Dong, who had bid earlier, had his eyes bulging to their sockets…

If it's about money, then it's about money. But you brought up 'my legitimate wife just passed away, so Yu Lou can enjoy the treatment of a principal wife.' How are others supposed to compete? You can't possibly kill your legitimate wife just to take a concubine, right?

The stalemate lasted only a moment before Zhang Xiu, seated at the head of the left row, gently opened his fan: "Nonsense! Miss Yu Lou is a generation's top courtesan, what kind of status does she have? How could she be something mere merchants can covet?… I offer a thousand taels as a betrothal gift, sincerely inviting Yu Lou to my Zhang mansion!"

He casually raised his hand, a silver note in his palm, with the amount of a thousand taels written on it.

The entire hall fell silent.

Several merchants exchanged glances and slowly sat down.

Xie Dong's expression shifted dramatically, and he too slowly sat down.

A scholar seated below Zhang Xiu smiled faintly: "Since Brother Zhang has this intention, how dare we brothers compete with you? Congratulations, Brother Zhang!"

"Congratulations, Young Master Zhang!"

"Qu Prefecture's number one scholar taking Haining's number one courtesan, this is truly a beautiful tale in the literary world…"

"Congratulations, Miss Yu Lou…"

In an instant, the mood of the entire hall shifted. Everyone congratulated Zhang Xiu and Yu Lou, including the merchants who had bid earlier and Xie Dong.

With Zhang Xiu stepping forward, they truly dared not compete. Who was Zhang Xiu? Qu Prefecture's number one scholar, a genuine genius of the Literary Way! His Zhang family was also a powerful official in the imperial court: the Minister of War. In terms of talent, status, and wealth, he was top-tier in every aspect.

Never mind the others in the hall, who were all utterly impressed. Behind the beaded curtain, several esteemed ladies of the brothel gazed with infatuated eyes. Such demeanor from Qu Prefecture's number one scholar, such extravagant generosity of a thousand taels on a whim – who could refuse?

The richly dressed woman smiled: "Yu Lou is fortunate to be favored by Young Master Zhang; it is truly Yu Lou's good fortune. Young Master Zhang, please personally lift the beaded curtain and present your token of affection to her…"

Zhang Xiu smiled and said, "Yu Lou has received much care from Madam in the past. This humble one will offer a substantial reward in the future."

The richly dressed woman beamed: "Then this old woman thanks you in advance. Young Master Zhang, please…"

Zhang Xiu reached out and lifted the beaded curtain.

This was the final step of leaving the tower and entering a virtuous life – lifting the beaded curtain and taking the top courtesan away…

Lin Su's gaze lifted, meeting Yu Lou's eyes. She was also looking in his direction.

What kind of eyes were those? Filled with sorrow and tenderness. His heart suddenly recalled the song she had just sung: My heart is like the moon, unattainable…

Yu Lou's gaze shifted from his face to Zhang Xiu, and she bowed gracefully: "I am grateful for Young Master Zhang's affection, but Yu Lou has a prior engagement with someone… I apologize, but I cannot serve you."

The smile on Zhang Xiu's face froze abruptly.

The entire hall fell silent, everyone exchanging bewildered glances. She refused!

She actually refused!

The Zhang family had fame, official position, and wealth. Zhang Xiu himself was Qu Prefecture's number one scholar… Did you know what you were refusing?

A moment later, the smile reappeared on Zhang Xiu's face: "Miss Yu Lou, you mentioned a prior engagement. May I ask who it is with?"

"This matter is of no concern to you, sir. I dare not trouble you with it. Yu Lou thanks you again for your affection and hopes for your understanding." Yu Lou bowed deeply and retreated to her original position.

The wine tower was deathly silent.

The crowd had also heard rumors that Yu Lou and the Lin family's young master had an unclear relationship. Could it be true?

But the Lin family today was in ruins.

The person with whom she had an unclear relationship hadn't even shown up today.

Under these circumstances, she had actually rejected Zhang Xiu, rejected the best possible outcome for any woman in the world…

The richly dressed woman's expression changed slightly. The program was becoming difficult to manage. She looked to Zhang Xiu for help, but he coldly ignored her.

Her gaze shifted to Yu Lou, who was now lowering her head, also not looking at her.

The air seemed to have completely solidified.

Finally, the richly dressed woman forced a smile: "The saying goes that everyone has their own aspirations. Since Miss Yu Lou has made her decision, then… let's move on to the next segment. We invite Miss Ban Ruo, the 'Jade Top Courtesan' of our Jade Fragrance Tower…" The Jade Top Courtesan, the number one courtesan of the brothel, was originally Yu Lou. Now that Yu Lou had retired, the new top courtesan was her successor.

The beaded curtain on the right was pulled aside, and the eyes of the crowd were greatly illuminated.

The beaded curtain on the right was denser. At first, everyone couldn't see clearly what was inside. Now, as it was pulled open, a wave of youthful vitality rushed towards them. Nine young girls knelt on the ground, framing a peerlessly beautiful woman in the center like the heart of a flower.

The beauty slowly raised her head, her beauty that could overthrow cities and nations immediately conquering the entire venue.

Her bright eyes flickered, filling the room with spring.

The nine young girls slowly raised their heads. At the same time, the beauty in the center gracefully rose. The entire process was like a blooming flower, full of aesthetic appeal.

She was Ban Ruo, sixteen years old, the most beautiful age in a woman's life.

She gracefully bowed to the crowd: "This humble girl, Ban Ruo, will perform a dance for all the talented scholars. This dance is called 'Light Garment.' I only hope the young masters will remember the appearance of Ban Ruo in her Light Garment..."

As she bowed, the nine girls behind her also curtsied gracefully, still resembling a blooming flower, except this flower now possessed boundless dynamism.

However, what she said...

The Light Garment dance?

Everyone was a little surprised...

Someone next to Lin Su whispered, "Isn't this Light Garment dance the signature dance of Miss Yu Lou from back then? Is she being a bit disrespectful by doing this?"

Today was the handover between the old and new courtesans. The new courtesan could perform her signature piece to conquer the audience, but she chose the signature work of the recently retired courtesan. This was getting interesting.

The signal being sent was: she was confident she could dance it better than the old courtesan! She wanted to step on the old courtesan to rise to power!

As the dance began, Ban Ruo's movements were graceful and unrestrained. Her entire body was as soft as boneless, yet flowed like silk. Accompanied by the ethereal guzheng, her lively eyes were sometimes resentful, sometimes joyful. While clearly not overtly provocative, she nonetheless conveyed a soul-stirring allure that gnawed at one's bones...

Lin Su listened to the discussions around him, felt a pang in his heart, and shifted his gaze to Yu Lou on the left. Yu Lou showed no sadness or joy, smiling calmly.

When the dance ended, the entire venue erupted.

The Ten Beauties of Qu Prefecture cheered particularly enthusiastically. Driven by them, the atmosphere in the tower reached a fever pitch, completely surpassing Yu Lou's "Farewell Tower Melody" from earlier.

Zhang Xiu stood up and walked to the right: "Miss Ban Ruo's dance is the true Light Garment dance. This humble scholar feels truly fortunate to have witnessed such a marvelous dance... Two thousand taels of silver, to express my humble appreciation."

He presented two thousand taels of silver notes with both hands.

The eight beauties of Qu Prefecture cheered in unison, and the restaurant was almost shaking...

Everyone below had unusual expressions on their faces. This signal was too obvious...

Zhang Xiu, having just been rejected by Miss Yu Lou, immediately retaliated. The force of this retaliation, the capital invested, was unparalleled. He said Ban Ruo's Light Garment dance was the true Light Garment dance. With one sentence, he negated Yu Lou's signature talent. For a renowned scholar of his status, his words basically defined the Light Garment dance.

He had given Yu Lou a thousand taels of silver notes, and now he doubled it for Ban Ruo. This was, of course, a slap in Yu Lou's face.

Although Yu Lou was serene and intellectual, her expression also changed slightly. Inside the beaded curtain, she found it difficult to remain seated.

Ban Ruo, however, was blushing profusely, her beautiful eyes dripping with sweetness. She thanked him in a delicate voice. The nine girls behind her simultaneously leaned back, their bodies supporting Ban Ruo as if boneless. Ban Ruo's opening performance today concluded perfectly...

The elegantly dressed woman burst into laughter and emerged with a group of beautiful young women: "Now is the final segment of the Farewell Tower Banquet. We invite all talented scholars to drink the wine in their cups, present poems to the two generations of courtesans, and offer a 'Understanding Flower' and a 'Wind and Moon Romance'..."

The beauties behind her turned sideways simultaneously. Each held several silk flowers. The silk flowers lay flat in their palms. Their figures were incomparably graceful, presenting a picture of "ready for plucking"...

The climax of the banquet had arrived.

The most crucial part of the Farewell Tower Banquet was the presentation of poems.

This was the moment for scholars to showcase themselves.

Various scholars raised their wine glasses before them and drank them down in one gulp...

Lin Su's gaze also shifted to the wine glass in front of him. He lifted it and took a sip...

As he swallowed, his cheeks bulged...

Holy crap! Is this wine?

It's not vinegar? Or plum juice?

Zhang Xiu was the first to stand up and walk to the right. He picked up a "Understanding Flower" and handed it to Ban Ruo...

"Young Master Zhang!" Ban Ruo's face was flushed with infinite redness as she accepted the "Understanding Flower." Her eyes were like wine-induced mist, and her face behind the flower was even more beautiful than the flower.

Zhang Xiu picked up a brush from the nearby tray and wrote a poem. The elegantly dressed beautiful woman next to him read it aloud: "Spring river, spring water, Haining Tower; A dance of Light Garment, half a day's rest. Do not believe true beauty exists in this world; Henceforth, Ban Ruo shall be crowned in Qu Prefecture... The young master has said Ban Ruo will be crowned in Qu Prefecture, so you must come and support her often from now on..."

The entire hall erupted in an uproar, with cheers all around...

Ban Ruo's face turned even redder, her eyes seeming to drip with honey...

Another person stepped forward, took a "Understanding Flower," and handed it to Ban Ruo. The crowd below egged him on: "Young Master Jin..."

This person was also one of the Ten Beauties of Qu Prefecture. His poem read:

"Light shadows dance upon the tower, Flower fragrance, flower understands..."

Brilliant! Countless people cheered again.

Yet another person, still presenting a "Understanding Flower" to Ban Ruo, accompanied by a poem...

In the blink of an eye, thirteen people had presented poems. Ban Ruo was holding a large armful of "Understanding Flowers," while Yu Lou's side received nothing. The five renowned courtesans behind Yu Lou exchanged glances and then successively stood up to leave. Yu Lou seemed oblivious, sitting quietly, maintaining her smile...

Half an hour passed. The flower presenters and poem reciters finally concluded. Ban Ruo's front was already an ocean of flowers, while Yu Lou's side still had not received a single flower. She was still smiling, but if one looked more closely, they might have seen a trace of loneliness hidden in the corners of her eyes.

A cruel smile flickered across Zhang Xiu's face. "You bitch, you don't know what's good for you. I'll let you know what the world is like!"

He gently opened his folding fan, revealing the words "This is the literary style." He slowly turned his head and looked at Lin Su: "Third Young Master Lin, are you truly just freeloading at this banquet?"

"Hmm?" The topic finally turned to him, and Lin Su tilted his head to look at him.

Beside him, Young Master Jin opened his folding fan. "Third Young Master Lin, although today is a Farewell Tower Banquet, the main focus is a poetry gathering for literati. All participants need to write a poem. You've eaten your fill, so you should head back and have your 'One Who Lets Illness Take Its Course' brother write a poem to join the fun."

As soon as the words "One Who Lets Illness Take Its Course" were spoken, the room erupted in laughter…

Lin Su also smiled. "Write a poem? No need to go back! My brother entrusted me to bring it over..."

Oh? Everyone in the hall fell silent. No one was foolish; they all knew that although Yu Lou was the main focus of today's banquet, there were two other hidden protagonists. One was Ban Ruo, heavily supported by the Prefect. The second was the Lin Family, whom the Zhang Family aimed to suppress.

The Lin Family sending out a useless third young master, everyone sighed that this was a good move, enough to make their accumulated strength, their fist ready to strike, land entirely on cotton.

Because he could simply refuse to engage, who would he, a good-for-nothing, be afraid of?

But who would have thought that this third young master would actually accept the challenge? Wasn't this like the sky about to dawn, and then someone peeing on the bed?

Lin Su slowly stood up, and all eyes turned to him…

Lin Su picked up an Understanding Flower. Ban Ruo was conflicted. She didn't know whether she should bow to this person. If she treated him with the same courtesy, would it anger Young Master Zhang?

If she didn't give him the necessary courtesy, it would somewhat damage her demeanor as the top courtesan…

Lin Su walked past her!

He walked past!

He went over to Yu Lou's si