One place that was overweight

Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly and looked quietly at Purple Bamboo, his expression unchanged. "Let's hear it."

Purple Bamboo gave a soft snort. "Is the middle of the street any place to talk?"

Chen Shi'an glanced around, strode toward a dark alley, and walked straight in.

Purple Bamboo's breathing grew noticeably heavier. After roughly three breaths, she exhaled deeply and followed him into the alley.

"Chen Shi'an, you only picked up a manuscript of poems. What gives you the right to act so high and mighty..." Cui Zhu began angrily as soon as she entered the alley.

Chen Shi'an cut her off. "Tell me. What incredible reward is Pavilion Mistress Tao offering me?"

Cui Zhu snorted. "The mistress said you passed her test and could become a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion."

"A test?"

Confusion showed on Chen Shi'an's face.

Cui Zhu lifted her chin slightly. "I don't know exactly what the test was.

"The mistress only told me that if you could leave the Windrise Martial Academy unharmed, you would qualify to become a guest scholar."

After a brief silence, Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "Go back and thank Pavilion Mistress Tao for her favor.

"But a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion holds such an exalted position. Someone as lowly as me couldn't possibly aspire to it."

With that, he walked straight past Cui Zhu toward the mouth of the alley.

Surprise appeared on Cui Zhu's face. "Chen Shi'an, are you stupid? Becoming a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion would send you soaring into the heavens in a single step. Even Wang Tianye and Lu Chenyang would have to treat you with deference.

"An opportunity like this is a carp's chance to leap through the dragon gate. Are you really going to refuse?

"I'm telling you, stop playing hard to get. Opportunities lost don't come around twice!"

Without looking back, Chen Shi'an said, "Please also tell Pavilion Mistress Tao that I'll visit the Hundred Flowers Pavilion another day and personally deliver the remaining poem."

By the time he finished speaking, he had already left the alley.

He saw a carriage stopped at its entrance. A lovely face with a hint of allure appeared at the window. It was Tao Yaoyao.

"Young Master Chen, please come aboard for a chat," Tao Yaoyao said in a clear voice, smiling.

Chen Shi'an hesitated briefly, then quickly climbed into the carriage.

"Just as I expected. You're angry, Young Master Chen."

The corners of Tao Yaoyao's lips curved high as she offered him a steaming cup of fragrant tea.

Chen Shi'an's expression remained unchanged. "I was already planning to visit the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and deliver the remaining poem while I was there.

"Since we've met today, let's settle the matter now. Please provide me with brush and ink, Pavilion Mistress Tao."

"There's no hurry about the poem."

Tao Yaoyao's smile remained. "Please forgive what happened at the martial academy, Young Master Chen. The Hundred Flowers Pavilion has extremely high standards for its guest scholars.

"That was why I had to set you a test.

"Your ability to walk out of the Windrise Martial Academy proves you're fully capable of serving as a guest scholar..."

Chen Shi'an replied gravely, "I walked out of the Martial Academy not because I was particularly capable, but because Pavilion Mistress Tao showed me mercy. I should thank you for sparing my life!"

Mockery appeared on his face. "I remember perfectly well that you personally promised not to tell Lu Chenyang about this.

"May I offer you a saying, Pavilion Mistress Tao? 'Grow fat by swallowing your own promises.'"

"Fat? Look at me. Where, exactly, am I fat?"

Tao Yaoyao wore a warm smile as she spoke, even spreading her hands to give Chen Shi'an a better view of her slender figure.

There was, however, something she had not anticipated.

That unthinking gesture fully displayed a particularly ample part of her body before Chen Shi'an.

Tao Yaoyao was blatantly refusing to own up to her actions! And her arrogance and contempt showed as naturally as breathing!

Anger stirred in Chen Shi'an's heart, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Forgive my bluntness, Pavilion Mistress Tao, but you really do have one place that's overweight."

As he spoke, he made no effort to conceal his gaze, staring directly at Tao Yaoyao's swelling bosom.

She got one over on me, and there's nothing I can do about her right now. Then I'll take a few looks where I shouldn't!

"How dare you!"

Tao Yaoyao drew back, anger rising on her pretty face as it flushed red. "Chen Shi'an, you've got some nerve!"

Hurried footsteps immediately sounded outside the carriage. People were rapidly approaching, more than one of them.

Just as someone was about to push the door open, Tao Yaoyao suddenly said, "All of you, withdraw."

"Yes!"

After a chorus of respectful replies, the footsteps rapidly retreated from the carriage.

Tao Yaoyao's expression had returned to normal, and she smiled again. "Your courage really is extraordinary, Young Master Chen. And you're certainly frank.

"You've done what countless men wanted to do but never dared, and said things they wouldn't dare utter even in their dreams.

"Still, you seem rather too confident.

"Do you believe a manuscript of poems is enough to ensure I won't dare touch you?"

Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "Earlier, I did think that.

"But after meeting Lu Chenyang, I no longer dared entertain that idea.

"Had I said even half a word wrong today, I wouldn't have walked out of the Windrise Martial Academy."

A smile appeared on his face. "Perhaps a trip around the gates of hell made me bolder.

"Your beauty is unparalleled, Pavilion Mistress Tao. If I can savor a little more of your charms, even if I die, at least I'll be a pleasure-loving ghost."

Tao Yaoyao paused briefly, then smiled sweetly. "You may have misunderstood a little. I did tell Lu Chenyang that your niece was participating in the Spirit Medium selection, but I never revealed anything about the manuscript.

"And even if Lu Chenyang had actually attacked you today, I had a way to rescue you.

"Only then you wouldn't have passed my assessment, and couldn't have become a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion."

Chen Shi'an chuckled. "I've already left the Martial Academy. Let's dispense with moves made after the game is over."

"Pavilion Mistress Tao, if you'd offered me a position as a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion earlier, I would naturally have been delighted and accepted immediately.

"But now, I can only respectfully keep my distance."

Tao Yaoyao's smile faded. "Why?"

"After what happened today, you've lost my trust, Pavilion Mistress Tao."

Chen Shi'an looked straight into Tao Yaoyao's eyes. "I don't know which of your words are true and which are false. If I became a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, I suspect I'd end up counting the money for you after you'd sold me.

"Rather than that, I'd prefer to remain an ordinary citizen and enjoy a few peaceful days."

Tao Yaoyao lifted her eyelids slightly. "You want a peaceful life. Is that possible?

"Your niece will have to retire as a Spirit Medium when she turns thirteen. What will you do about Wang Tianye then?

"No matter how many poems the manuscript contains, they'll run out eventually. Will Lu Chenyang spare you when that happens?

"If you don't become a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, no one can protect you or the Chen Family."

"The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge. There's no need for you to trouble yourself, Pavilion Mistress Tao," Chen Shi'an replied calmly.

Tao Yaoyao frowned. "Chen Shi'an, it's understandable that you're angry because I put you in danger.

"But offering you a position as a guest scholar of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion compensates you several times over.

"If you still want more, you're a greedy snake trying to swallow an elephant. In the end, you'll be left with nothing.

"I'm giving you one last chance..."

Before she could finish, Chen Shi'an waved his hand. "Pavilion Mistress Tao, I can only decline your kind offer of a guest scholar's position.

"But even if we can't be mistress and servant, we can remain trading partners. I have poems, and you have influence. We can both benefit."

Tao Yaoyao stared straight at Chen Shi'an, her chest rising and falling noticeably more sharply.

Chen Shi'an remained composed. "Pavilion Mistress Tao, would you like the poem I promised you now, or in a couple of days?"

Tao Yaoyao took a deep breath. "Write it. Write it now! Cui Zhu!"

The carriage door opened, and Cui Zhu entered, delivered paper and a brush, then quickly withdrew.

Chen Shi'an spread out the yellow paper and swiftly began to write:

Lotus leaves and silken skirts were cut from the same green,

Lotus blooms opened beside faces on either side.

Lost amid the pond, they vanished from sight,

Only their song revealed someone was there.

Tao Yaoyao truly understood and loved poetry. As Chen Shi'an lifted his brush, the displeasure on her face immediately faded, replaced by delight, and she said:

"This describes a scene of gathering lotus.

"Lotus leaves and silken skirts were cut from the same green, lotus blooms opened beside faces on either side.

"Wonderful!

"With just those two lines, the scene springs right before your eyes."

Chen Shi'an put down the brush, rose, and cupped his hands slightly. "Pavilion Mistress Tao, the poem is finished. I'll take my leave."

"Wait!"

Tao Yaoyao hurriedly spoke. "What's this poem called?"

Chen Shi'an answered quietly, "'Song of Gathering Lotus.'"

Tao Yaoyao lifted her head slightly. "Why do I feel this poem is somewhat different from the ones you wrote before?"

Chen Shi'an was a little surprised. Tao Yaoyao had actually noticed the difference, which showed that she had attained a certain level of skill in appreciating poetry.

They weren't written by the same person. Of course there would be differences.

Chen Shi'an shook his head. "I've only memorized a few poems. I can't write them, so I can't answer that question."

Disappointment appeared on Tao Yaoyao's face. Then she asked gravely, "Does the manuscript contain any more poems like this?

"I'm willing to pay handsomely for them. Fifty taels, a hundred taels-you name the price, as long as the poem is good enough."

Chen Shi'an's eyes lit up. "I'll do my best to remember when I get home. If I recall any similar poems, I'll come straight to you to exchange them for silver."

Without waiting for Tao Yaoyao's reply, he climbed out of the carriage and strode away.

"Mistress, this Chen Shi'an doesn't appreciate your kindness at all. He simply has a death wish. Should we...?" Cui Zhu climbed into the carriage and spoke bitterly.

Tao Yaoyao waved her hand. "My attempt to be clever only backfired.

"Instead of uncovering his secrets, I let him seize my vulnerable spot.

"If I kill him, where will I find such world-shaking poems?"

She let out a long sigh. "Chen Shi'an, did you write these poems or not?"

Cui Zhu blinked. "Mistress, what's there to agonize over? Chen Shi'an might resist both soft and hard tactics, but doesn't he care about his niece?

"Couldn't we just kidnap her and force the answer out of him?"

Tao Yaoyao shook her head helplessly. "And after we've forced the answer out of him, what then?"

Cui Zhu scratched her head and had nothing more to say.

"When something happens, use that head of yours to think. It isn't just for decoration and eating."

Tao Yaoyao said irritably, "Whether Chen Shi'an wrote the poems or not, they're all in his head. To obtain them, we need his willing cooperation.

"Forcing him would only have the opposite effect.

"Besides, Chen Tiantian is now a Reserve Divination Medium, and she even brought forth a divine miracle. Wouldn't touching her now be asking for trouble?"

"Then what should we do?"

"Just let Chen Shi'an swagger around flaunting his might?"

Indignation appeared on Cui Zhu's face.

Tao Yaoyao exhaled softly. "It seems my judgment was slightly off. Chen Shi'an isn't like other men. He's more patient.

"I'd like to see just how long he can restrain himself.

"There isn't a man in Windrise Stronghold I can't win over."

Surprise appeared on Cui Zhu's face. "Mistress, is someone as lowly as Chen Shi'an worth taking so seriously?"

Tao Yaoyao suddenly recalled what had happened in the carriage earlier, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.

"His status may be low, but he's a little more interesting than other men. There's no harm in playing with him."

Chen Shi'an had originally intended to visit the slave market, but after Tao Yaoyao and Cui Zhu's interference, it was getting late. He was no longer in the mood either, so he headed straight home.

He was still ten paces from his door when he heard cheerful laughter from inside.

It was the laughter of two women. One was Su Qingrou, but the other sounded unfamiliar.

Puzzled, Chen Shi'an pushed open the door and entered.

He saw Su Qingrou sitting beside the stone table with a young woman whose voluptuous figure was ample enough to count as fat. They were chatting and laughing.

"You're back, Brother-in-law?"

Seeing Chen Shi'an enter, Su Qingrou hurriedly stood, smiling broadly. "Come over here, Brother-in-law. Let me introduce you."

The plump young woman also rose, her fleshy round face visibly reddening.

At the sight of this arrangement, Chen Shi'an immediately understood Su Qingrou's intentions.

Despite being utterly unwilling, he still walked briskly over.

"Qiaogu, this is my brother-in-law, Chen Shi'an."

"Brother-in-law, her name is Qiaogu. She's the daughter of Shopkeeper Cheng, who runs the steamed bun shop at the end of the street. She's sixteen, has pleasing features, and is extremely hardworking.

"She manages at least half the work in the Steamed Bun Shop..."

Su Qingrou made the introductions quickly.

"Greetings, Miss Chen."

Wearing a faint smile, Chen Shi'an cupped his hands slightly.

Cheng Qiaogu's cheeks grew noticeably redder. She lowered her head a little and replied shyly, "Greetings, Young Master Chen."

"The fire in the kitchen needs tending. You two chat for a while." With that, Su Qingrou hurried toward the kitchen.

Clearly, she meant to give Chen Shi'an and Cheng Qiaogu a chance to be alone.

"Sister-in-law, I have something to tell you."

Chen Shi'an hurriedly rose as well, looking apologetic. "Miss Cheng, please sit for a moment. This is very important."

With that, he quickly walked over to Su Qingrou and, without giving her a chance to object, took her by the arm and pulled her into the kitchen.

"Brother-in-law, what are you doing? I had to do a lot of persuading to get that young lady to come over.

"How rude of you to leave her sitting there all by herself!" Su Qingrou complained.

Chen Shi'an knew Su Qingrou was serious about this.

He had to hurry and put that idea out of her head, or he would have his hands full later.

"Sister-in-law, it would be truly rude of me to sit there," Chen Shi'an said, lowering his voice.

"Why?" Su Qingrou fluttered her long eyelashes.

Chen Shi'an cleared his throat. "She isn't my type."

"You don't like her?"

Surprise crossed Su Qingrou's face. "With Qiaogu's figure, you can tell at a glance she'd have no trouble bearing children. She's sure to give you a chubby little boy.

"More importantly, the Cheng Family's steamed bun shop is famous throughout Windrise Stronghold and beyond, and Qiaogu is their only daughter. Whoever marries her will save himself at least ten years of hard work!

"In just the past six months, all the people coming to propose marriage have trodden the Cheng Family's threshold to a shine..."