Chapter 031: Jealous Rivalry (Please recommend and add to your collection!)

In the end, the constables were nothing more than bullies who preyed on the weak and feared the strong. The capital was the emperor’s domain, and the area around Pingkang Lane was home to nobles and high officials, with people of status as numerous as ants. What significance did these lowly constables truly have? Their arrogance stemmed from the fact that the Zheng household’s strongmen reported trouble—territory disputes with Zhang Wan—and they assumed it was merely a ruffian youth stirring up trouble, so they swaggered over to flaunt their authority. Unexpectedly, their opponents paid them no heed, striking them down with ease and showing not a hint of fear in their words, even threatening their lives. Panic set in.

Whose son of a noble family was this?

Not only did the constables lose their nerve, even Wei Yingwu was startled. Li Zaixing was ruthless—he hadn’t bothered to distinguish right from wrong before beating the constables and threatening their lives. Yet recalling how Li Zaixing had killed three men outside the city, it seemed par for the course. Li Zaixing kept a low profile, but who could say which powerful family he belonged to? In the capital, anyone might be of significant background, with connections and influence; scions of the elite often played the role of knights-errant, committing crimes and murder, and Wei Yingwu himself was one such person.

At this moment, the madam of the Zheng household hurried over with a distressed expression, pleading with Wei Yingwu. He knew the constables’ arrival was due to his own actions and he had to resolve the matter. If Li Zaixing were to truly kill someone, the Zheng family would be implicated, and Wei Yingwu himself would not escape trouble. What frustrated him was that he had intended to step in only when Li Zaixing was cornered by the constables, so Li would owe him a favor. Then, he would ask Li to visit the Yang household and charm Yang Miaor. But Li Zaixing had struck out without hesitation, wounding people regardless of their status. Now, instead of earning a favor, Wei Yingwu had to clean up Li Zaixing’s mess.

“Who dares cause trouble here?” Wei Yingwu stepped out and called, “Don’t you know the young master and Brother Li are drinking and listening to music here?”

The constables didn’t know Li Zaixing, but they recognized Wei Yingwu. Seeing him, they became even more timid, scrambled to their feet, and slunk away without a word. Their arrival was fierce as tigers, their departure swift as mice, vanishing without a trace in moments.

“So you’re here, Third Young Master. Has the Yang family’s banquet ended?” Li Zaixing smiled, gesturing for him to sit. “Come, have a drink.”

“It just ended,” Wei Yingwu replied, accepting the invitation and sitting to Li Zaixing’s right. He glanced at Du Fu, who was writing, and laughed, “Brother Du’s poetry is excellent, but a bit too somber—not quite suited to this occasion.”

Du Fu paused. “Third Young Master, do you mean…”

Wei Yingwu replied lightly, “That’s not my own opinion, but the critique of Shen Zhongchang, a new graduate. He read the poem Brother Du composed at the banquet and said your verse is strict in form, which is fine, but too concerned with the state and people, heavy in mood—not suitable for recitation at a feast.”

Du Fu was silent for a while, then put down his brush and sighed.

Wei Yingwu turned to Li Zaixing and said, “Brother Li’s poetry is different—though plain, it is extraordinary.”

Li Zaixing laughed heartily to himself, thinking, “Of course, Su Dongpo’s poetry wouldn’t be mediocre.” He waved his hand, “Don’t tease me, Third Young Master. I told you already, I can’t write poetry. You forced me, so I cobbled together a few lines. If you say it’s extraordinary, why not just admit I was rambling nonsense?”

Wei Yingwu smiled wryly, thinking, “Would I dare say you’re rambling? The new graduates praised it, and you outshone a dozen self-important scholars. If I called it nonsense, it would be slapping my own face.” He cleared his throat, glanced outside, and whispered, “Brother Li, don’t be modest. Even the Yang family’s young lady said your poetry was superb. She’s still waiting for you to share wine and conversation. Surely you won’t break your promise?”

Li Zaixing understood. He was about to respond when Zheng Juju walked over, laughing sweetly, “Third Young Master, what favor did you take from the Yang family that you come here to stir trouble? Li is my guest; do you intend to drag him away?”

While Wei Yingwu and Li Zaixing spoke, the Zheng household madam had already called Zheng Juju over and explained the situation. Upon hearing it, Zheng Juju would never let Wei Yingwu have his way. This was a perfect opportunity to compete with the Yang family; if she could keep Li Zaixing tonight, tomorrow the Zheng family could claim superiority. If she let this chance slip, she wouldn’t be Zheng Juju. Originally, this was merely a rivalry between courtesan houses; she felt only apprehension, not affection for Li Zaixing. But after hearing Wei Yingwu say Li could compose poetry—and even Yang Miaor, proud as she was, praised it—her competitive spirit was piqued.

Blocking Wei Yingwu with words, Zheng Juju came to Li Zaixing’s side, leaned against him, half her body pressed to his, and laughed coquettishly, “Li, you are truly a man of hidden talents. I only knew you for your martial skills, but never thought you could compose poetry. I’ve sung all day, only old songs, which surely bore people. Why don’t you write a new poem for me? I’ll sing it for you. Would you like that?”

Li Zaixing was instantly embarrassed. Another poem?

He repeatedly declined, strongly recommending Du Fu instead. But Zheng Juju refused, clinging to Li Zaixing with playful affection, her soft, fragrant body twisting against him like syrup. Wei Yingwu watched with envy and excitement, heart pounding. Du Fu sighed in despair—he, famed for composing poetry since age seven, had visited the Zheng household many times but never had the chance to get close to Zheng Juju. Yet Li Zaixing, with a few careless lines, won her favor, intimate as lovers. It was truly enviable.

Li Zaixing, however, felt nothing romantic. Composing poetry was harder than killing for him. He racked his brains, thinking desperately, until finally he remembered a poem. Afraid of exposing himself, he quickly said, “I can compose if you don’t require rhyme. I don’t understand such things.”

Zheng Juju only wanted a poem to compete with the Yang family; rhyme didn’t matter. Seeing Li Zaixing relent, she eagerly agreed.

“Well… In the Southern Mountains, there is a small lake. Though small, its scenery is superb. Someone compared it to Xi Shi, so it’s called West Lake,” Li Zaixing said seriously. “I often stroll by its shore, but I especially love the landscape after rain, when the sun returns. I’ll write a poem about this for you, shall I?”

“Yes, yes!” Zheng Juju clapped with delight.

Li Zaixing chuckled, then recited slowly, “The water shimmers best under clear skies; the mountains are enchanting even in mist and rain. Should one compare West Lake to Xi Shi, whether adorned or plain, she is always lovely.” After finishing, he gently pinched Zheng Juju’s cheek. “Do you like it?”

In terms of poetry, Zheng Juju’s skill far surpassed Li Zaixing’s. She didn’t care much for his flirtation, but the last line made her blush. Li Zaixing had previously said she was naturally beautiful, suited to any makeup; now he had woven it into a poem. She naturally assumed it was written especially for her, and as for the so-called West Lake, she believed it must be a place of supreme beauty. She had no idea Li Zaixing had moved West Lake to Hengshan and called it a small lake simply because he wasn’t sure if Hangzhou had a West Lake in this era.

Zheng Juju was overjoyed, her gaze growing tender. With the final line, even if the first three were nonsense, her heart would have been stirred; but the first three were also excellent. She looked sidelong at Li Zaixing and said softly, “Li, it’s getting late, the gates are closed. If you don’t mind, why not stay here tonight?”

Wei Yingwu felt his scalp tingle. Zheng Juju was inviting him to stay—while Yang Miaor was waiting for Li Zaixing elsewhere!

Heavens, being able to write poetry truly made a difference. A few lines were worth more than lavish gifts.

For the first time, Wei Yingwu considered studying. But he quickly remembered his own task; his eyes darted, and without further ado, he grabbed Li Zaixing and hurried off, calling, “Young lady, Li and I have an engagement tonight. Next time, let him recite poems for you, stir your heart, and share a night of passion. Tonight’s wine is on me. I’m taking him with me.”

Seeing this, Zheng Juju jumped up, “Third Young Master, are you stealing my guest? Though the Yang family’s gates are high, my Zheng household is not to be trifled with. If you want to take someone from me, let’s see if you have the skill!” As she spoke, she rushed forward, clinging to Li Zaixing’s arm and shouting, “Madam, sisters, come help! Third Young Master is trying to steal my guest!”

The Zheng household madam was ready. Seeing Zheng Juju make her move, a dozen heavily made-up women surged forward, surrounding Li Zaixing and his companions. Some winked at Li Zaixing, others glared angrily at Wei Yingwu, as if ready to devour him.

Wei Yingwu managed to drag Li Zaixing to the door, but could move no further, growing frantic and shouting for his men to seek help from the Yang household. Yang Laier and her sister were waiting at the door; alarmed by the commotion at the Zheng household, they were stunned when Wei Yingwu’s followers explained.

Yang Miaor, hearing “Should one compare West Lake to Xi Shi, whether adorned or plain, she is always lovely,” and learning it was praise for Zheng Juju, ignored her own embarrassment, lifted her skirts, and rushed to the Zheng household. Yang Laier sighed and followed.

In moments, the entrance to the Zheng household was surrounded, layer upon layer. Li Zaixing, though skilled in martial arts and unafraid of Zhang Wan’s laughter, was overwhelmed by the cacophony of women. Had anyone attacked him now, he might have been unable to defend himself.

Yang Miaor bit her lip, pushed through the throng around Li Zaixing, grabbed his collar, and before she could speak, her eyes reddened.

“You heartless man, breaking your promise. I dressed and waited for you in my room, yet you never came. Instead, you flirt with other women and shame me. How cruel you are…” Before she finished, she burst into tears.

Seeing the tearful Yang Miaor, Li Zaixing was bewildered. Before he could respond, Zheng Juju seized the moment, laughing coldly, “Miaor, it’s not that I, your elder sister, wanted to steal your guest. It’s just that Li doesn’t fancy girls like you, so he left your house for mine. I never went to your door to take him, so your actions are rather unfair…”

—

Two matters:

1. Thanks to the following readers for their generous rewards: We Are AMD Fans, Luo Hui Zhi Jin, Tian Yu Ye, Bai Ze 12345, Dong Jing Family, nina2005a, Xia Qi, Lu Kang, Marquis of Jiangdu. No particular order, and regardless of the amount, your kindness is appreciated.

2. It’s Monday again, and the new book rankings reset. I hope readers with accounts log in before reading; it counts as a member’s click and makes it easier to vote and recommend. Those who haven’t bookmarked, please do so; these numbers are crucial for a new book.

Thank you!