Composing a Poem Won't Kill You

"It's fine, it's fine!" Shang Chaozong gave an awkward laugh.

Seeing that Shang Shuqing had no intention of taking a seat, Niu Youdao also quickly invited, "County Princess, please sit!"

Shang Shuqing chuckled and politely declined, "This humble girl's face is ugly, I fear it might affect the Daoist Master's appetite. I shall play the zither by the side to entertain you." With that, she walked to the zither and sat down, adjusting her posture and the instrument.

Niu Youdao had to admit that the woman's appearance was indeed quite frightening. To say it wasn't good-looking would be polite; in reality, it could genuinely affect one's appetite. If she were to sit down and eat, she would have to remove her veil, wouldn't that affect others' appetites?

However, on second thought, a woman who could laugh and frankly admit her own ugliness possessed a truly formidable inner strength. In two lifetimes, he had rarely encountered such a woman, and Shang Shuqing increasingly captured his attention.

Shang Chaozong, however, heard her words with a hint of dejection. If his sister had truly missed the opportunity to remove the blemishes when she last visited the Shangqing Sect, she might be delayed for a lifetime.

Seeing Shang Chaozong lost in thought, Lan Ruoting coughed lightly as a reminder.

Shang Chaozong snapped back to attention, raised his cup, and invited, "Daoist Master, your journey here was arduous, and we haven't been able to entertain you properly. I offer this cup as an apology. Please drink it dry!"

"Your Highness's words make me feel ashamed. I, Niu, toast Your Highness!" Niu Youdao raised his cup, intending to drink it first.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Gang suddenly placed a hand on his shoulder and reminded him, "Daoist Master!"

There was no need for further words. Not only Niu Youdao but even Shang Chaozong and Lan Ruoting understood. This was a reminder that the wine might be problematic, causing both of them to watch how Niu Youdao would react.

Niu Youdao said nothing, continuing to lift his head and drain the cup, showing the bottom to the two opposite him as a sign of his openness.

Seeing that he didn't listen, Yuan Gang moved his hand away from his shoulder and said nothing more. He had only needed to remind him sufficiently and fulfill his duty; he didn't need to elaborate further. He believed Daoist Master would make his own decisions.

As for Yuan Gang's actions, they could understand his lack of trust, as they weren't exactly familiar with each other. Suddenly offering wine so boldly, it wasn't unreasonable to be suspicious. However, what puzzled Shang Chaozong and the others was how Yuan Gang looked like Niu Youdao's subordinate or bodyguard, not a childhood friend. Moreover, judging by their appearances, Yuan Gang seemed to be a few years older than Niu Youdao.

What puzzled them even more was that throughout the journey, Yuan Gang had consistently addressed Niu Youdao as 'Daoist Master.' Did childhood friends need to add 'Master' when addressing each other? Niu Youdao was so young; using the term 'Daoist Master' seemed a bit excessive.

The gentle strumming of the zither began, ding-ding-dong-dong. Shang Shuqing moved her fingers across the strings, trying to produce a soft and slow melody, skillfully masking the disharmony in the current atmosphere.

The moonlight slanting through the pavilion poured like mercury onto Shang Shuqing, who sat upright playing the zither, her entire being faintly shrouded in the hazy moonlight. Her elegant and graceful posture as she played the zither caught Niu Youdao's eye, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This woman was truly ruined by her face. She didn't need to be stunningly beautiful, just normal and not frightening. With such inner qualities, she could likely attract many men. It was truly a pity; heaven was sometimes too unfair!

With the beautiful zither music to liven things up, the atmosphere had indeed become much more relaxed.

Seizing the good atmosphere, Lan Ruoting intended to probe for information with his words, asking about the situation at the Shangqing Sect, his dealings with Dongguo Haoran, or his cultivation level, all of which Niu Youdao deflected. It wasn't that Niu Youdao was being uncooperative; as he had said before, he genuinely didn't know the situation at the Shangqing Sect. Matters involving Dongguo Haoran were related to that bronze mirror, and he didn't wish to elaborate to outsiders. As for his own cultivation, his progress in just five years had been too rapid. If he were to speak, he could only lie, and if he didn't want to lie, he could only be evasive.

Seeing that this fellow still didn't utter a single reliable word, Shang Chaozong once again gave Niu Youdao a negative review in his heart!

Lan Ruoting, being experienced and steady, paid no mind to Niu Youdao's rambling. Seeing that the other party was intentionally avoiding these topics, he didn't want the conversation to fall flat. Thus, he switched to a lighter topic, "I heard from the County Princess that the Daoist Master is exceptionally talented and can compose poetry extemporaneously. I wonder if the Daoist Master would be willing to grace us with his refined skill?"

Niu Youdao still waved his hand vaguely, "The County Princess praises me too highly. It was merely casual rambling."

Lan Ruoting laughed heartily, "What if the Daoist Master rambles casually one more time?"

Niu Youdao still declined, "Poetry and literature are minor arts, not worthy of the stage. They cannot compare to Your Highness's cavalry sweeping across the land. It's best not to mention them!"

Lan Ruoting: "That's where you're mistaken. How can poetry and literature be minor arts? As the saying goes, martial prowess can pacify the world, and literary talent can stabilize the nation... perhaps that's speaking too grandly. To put it more practically, a good poem might just boost the morale of soldiers. To put it even more vulgarly, in the Capital City, a good poem is worth a thousand pieces of gold, enough to provide a common person with a lifetime of food and clothing. The vulgar and the refined can coexist; how can it not be worthy of the stage?"

Niu Youdao's eyes lit up, and he tentatively asked, "It's worth a thousand gold? That valuable?" He was already muttering to himself that if that were truly the case, he'd have a solution for his economic problems with Monkey. Having a background in 'archaeology,' he might not have many other things, but he certainly had a head full of ancient knowledge. He had tested the waters with Song Yanqing, and it seemed to be acceptable.

"Of course!" Lan Ruoting smiled and invited again, "The County Princess is personally playing the zither to entertain the Daoist Master, and it is such a beautiful night. I believe the Daoist Master won't disappoint us!"

"I truly don't know poetry," Niu Youdao still intended to conceal his abilities. However, seeing that they had presented a logical argument, he decided to reluctantly go along with it to avoid endless requests. After all, he had eaten their food, and he would need their help with some matters later. So, he pointed behind him at Yuan Gang, "However, my brother here is slightly skilled. Let him do it on my behalf!"

Yuan Gang, who had been quietly observing his surroundings and listening attentively while remaining vigilant, was stunned by this. He stared blankly at Niu Youdao, thinking he had misheard. You want me to compose poetry? Daoist Master, are you out of your mind?

Shang Chaozong, upon hearing this, became interested. His interest in Yuan Gang was clearly higher than in Niu Youdao. His eyes lit up. Could he be skilled in both literature and martial arts? He immediately raised his cup and invited, "I am eager to listen!"

Yuan Gang immediately shut him down with a single sentence, "I don't know how."

"..." Shang Chaozong was embarrassed again, unsure whether to put down his wine cup or not.

The atmosphere became awkward again. Niu Youdao immediately turned and reprimanded, "I say, Monkey, are you being difficult? Just compose a random one, and it'll be done!"

Yuan Gang glared at him, wanting to curse his ancestors. What the hell am I supposed to compose? I don't have that skill. Where do you expect me to get it from? Is this something that can be forced?

"Hurry up! Just come up with anything, quickly!" Niu Youdao urged, turning his head and giving Yuan Gang a meaningful glance.

The two of them had a relatively tacit understanding, often comprehending each other's thoughts with just a glance. Yuan Gang, seeing that meaningful look, immediately understood. Daoist Master must know I can't compose poetry. Forcing me like this, it means he's not asking me to compose, but to plagiarize one!

Yuan Gang cursed him inwardly, You're ruthless. He glanced around, his gaze pausing on the river outside, then turned back. With a blank expression, he raised his eyebrows and looked at Niu Youdao, his eyes full of unspoken meaning.

Niu Youdao felt a pang of unease from that look because he understood Yuan Gang too well. Monkey was no pushover; he was definitely someone who wouldn't hesitate to kill. He felt like Monkey was brewing something bad and regretted forcing him like this. Feeling a bit guilty, he turned his head and silently savored his wine.

Suddenly, Yuan Gang blurted out stiffly, "Rolling Yangtze River flows east, waves wash away heroes..."

With just this first line, "Hmm..." Niu Youdao couldn't help but let out a muffled cough, almost choking. He hadn't expected Monkey to come up with this poem.

"Right and wrong, success and failure, all turn to emptiness. Green mountains still remain, how many sunsets have been red. White-haired fisherman and woodcutter on the riverbank, accustomed to seeing autumn moon and spring breeze. A pot of rough wine, happy to meet. How many events from ancient to modern times, all are given to laughter and talk." Yuan Gang finished reciting stiffly and fell silent. The beautiful poem, uttered from his mouth, completely lacked any rhythm or beauty.

Despite this, Shang Chaozong and Lan Ruoting were still stunned. The poem was too fitting for the occasion, too fitting! Upon a little reflection, it stirred a myriad of emotions in both of them!

The zither music had also stopped. Midway through the recitation of the poem, Shang Shuqing, who had been playing, unconsciously stopped to listen carefully. She couldn't help but pause, tilting her head to look at the expressionless Yuan Gang. Her bright eyes, hidden beneath the veil, became dazed, then suddenly shone with amazed brilliance as she looked him up and down. She truly hadn't expected this!

"A great poem! We must all have a drink!" Shang Chaozong exclaimed loudly, standing up excitedly and raising his cup.

Lan Ruoting followed suit, raising his cup and standing up, shaking his head in admiration, "I never expected Brother Yuan to be so talented and hide it so well!"

"Heh heh! A great poem, a great poem!" Niu Youdao also stood up, holding his wine cup with a somewhat roguish grin.

Yuan Gang then said indifferently, "How could I possibly compose poetry? Daoist Master wrote this poem before, and I'm just reciting it."

Shang Chaozong, Lan Ruoting, and Shang Shuqing all stared blankly at Niu Youdao.

"Stop messing around. If you wrote it, you wrote it. Writing a poem won't kill you," Niu Youdao turned and nudged Yuan Gang, even glaring at him. It seemed this fellow had set a trap here. He then turned back to the three and smiled, "It is indeed a great poem. We must all have a drink. Let's drink!" He lowered his head and drank his wine.

Who knew Yuan Gang would then say coldly, "Not only did Daoist Master write this poem, but Daoist Master also composed a melody for it, and it sounds very good when sung! I am a straightforward person, lacking in social graces, and I never lie!"

"Pfft..." Niu Youdao couldn't hold back his mouthful of wine and spat it out. He coughed repeatedly, patting his chest, nearly choking to death. He thought the Monkey's pranks were over, but he didn't expect even crueler tricks were being held back. He regretted it immensely!

The three people opposite him stared blankly as the wine he spat out sprayed across the table. They were all a bit stunned. It was all this fellow's saliva, and the food and drink were probably ruined.

Relatively speaking, the three trusted Yuan Gang's words more and found Niu Youdao's words less reliable.

Lan Ruoting wiped the wine splashed on his face and asked tentatively, "Singing and playing? Does the pháp sư also play musical instruments?"

Yuan Gang continued to add insult to injury with a cold tone, "Not only does he know how, but there's no classical instrument he doesn't know. His specialty is playing the erhu!"

"Cough, cough..." Niu Youdao, still coughing, couldn't recover immediately. He repeatedly gestured for Yuan Gang to shut up.

"What is 'playing the erhu'?" Shang Shuqing asked curiously. There was no such thing as an 'erhu' here, so she mistakenly thought 'playing the erhu' was a musical instrument, not realizing 'playing' was a verb.

This was like another stab in the back. Niu Youdao coughed incessantly, almost suffocating. He quickly stabilized his emotions and circulated his energy to suppress it.

PS: Rolling on the floor, begging for recommendations and collections!