Chapter 22: I Haven’t Heard Enough

With that, every man who had come to Pingkang Pavilion, drawn by reputation, lost their composure, their eyes shining brightly. Today, they had come to Pingkang Pavilion precisely to display their talents in hopes of winning the favor of Shangguan Yiren. Perhaps, if fortune smiled upon them, they might even have the chance to kiss her delicate cheek. Later, when chatting idly or boasting among friends, such an honor would surely be a source of pride.

Hence, countless men quieted their hearts, furrowing their brows and pondering the next line of the poem. Changsun Chong, Du Gou, and others were no exception. “Yesterday, a single plum branch stood proudly atop the snowy mountain. The imagery of the opening line is truly exquisite, but how should the second line respond to be equally clever?” Many murmured softly among themselves. Some paced back and forth with their hands clasped behind their backs; some folded their arms and frowned in deep thought; others rested their chins on their hands, blinking repeatedly.

At this moment, Pingkang Pavilion transformed, becoming a refined gathering for literary exchange. Meanwhile, serving girls quietly brought ink and brushes, then slipped away silently. On the dais, Shangguan Yiren did not idle; kneeling gracefully on a cushion, her slender fingers descended like scallion stalks, and she began to play a melodious tune that conjured the image of snowy mountains.

While countless men frowned in contemplation, only Li Yi sat with eyes closed, savoring the music. Yue’er, full of curiosity, whispered, “Master, aren’t you going to compose a matching line for the poem?”

Li Yi gave no answer, continuing to listen. Yue’er grew anxious, carefully preparing ink for him, and after a long moment, she reminded him, “Master, the ink and brush are ready.”

“No rush,” Li Yi shook his head, speaking softly, “Let’s enjoy the music first. This piece… hmm… is quite good.”

“Uh…” Yue’er was momentarily speechless, lowering her head with a wry smile, “Master, I don’t understand it.”

Li Yi rolled his eyes in silent exasperation. “If you don’t understand, then massage my shoulders.”

“Oh.” Yue’er nodded in grievance and began to knead his shoulders gently.

At last, the song ended, and Shangguan Yiren composed herself. Yet when she looked down and saw everyone still deep in thought, with not a single person putting brush to paper, her heart sank with disappointment.

She could not summon the energy to play another song; it would only be wasted. “Alas, is there truly no one in the world who can compose a matching line for this poem?” Shangguan Yiren shook her head with a bitter smile, sighing softly, “Just as my teacher said, a kindred spirit is worth a fortune and hard to find!”

For years, she had traveled across the Tang Empire and even beyond with her teacher, yet never found a true soulmate.

Now, as a courtesan of Pingkang Pavilion, she still hadn’t found one, and Shangguan Yiren felt utterly disheartened. “Perhaps I really should return to the temple with my teacher and devote myself to cultivation, abandoning this unrealistic hope…” She smiled bitterly to herself.

At that moment, a voice suddenly reached her ears.

“Miss Shangguan, please play another piece. Your music is quite lovely—I haven’t heard enough yet.”

Shangguan Yiren frowned slightly, narrowing her charming eyes and following the sound. She saw Li Yi smiling at her, with Yue’er massaging his shoulders beside him, looking completely content.

Yet, as she gazed at Li Yi, she found herself incapable of feeling any annoyance. “What a strange feeling!” she mused.

Hearing Li Yi’s audacious request, and with Changsun Chong still unable to compose the second line, Changsun Chong suddenly sneered, “Heh…”

With a wave of his sleeve and a cold stare at Li Yi, he mocked, “Li Yi, who do you think you are? You haven’t heard enough, so Miss Shangguan should play another piece just for you? What nonsense!”

But to everyone’s surprise, Shangguan Yiren actually listened to Li Yi.

“Since the gentleman is so interested and hasn’t had his fill, I shall play another piece for him.”

As she spoke, Shangguan Yiren’s hands gently rested on her lute, and the familiar melody echoed once more.

“What… Miss Shangguan is really playing another song for Master Li?!”

Everyone in the pavilion stared in disbelief, momentarily speechless. Even Fang Yizhi, Du Gou, and Yue’er behind Li Yi were stunned, unable to believe their eyes.

Changsun Chong felt as if he’d been slapped, his face burning hot. He gritted his teeth and muttered angrily, “Damn it, what is Li Yi’s merit, that Miss Shangguan would play another song just for him!”

No matter how furious he was, it was useless; aside from his two attendants, no one in the pavilion sided with him.

On the contrary, everyone else was delighted and excited. After all, even the emperor might not have the privilege to hear Miss Shangguan’s music twice! To them, this was an honor greater than gold.

As the graceful music resounded, Li Yi calmly closed his eyes, listening until the melody neared its end. Then, satisfied, he nodded.

“Yue’er, bring me the brush,” he instructed.

“Yes, Master.” Yue’er promptly handed him the brush, her face brimming with curiosity.

Li Yi took the brush and, with swift strokes like a fish swimming in the sea, wrote a line on the paper, then set the brush aside.

Just then, Shangguan Yiren finished her piece.

“Miss Shangguan, these words are for you—the payment for your music,” Li Yi said with a gentle smile.

Shangguan Yiren was momentarily stunned, her smile blooming like a flower. “Then I must thank you, Master.”

“No need for thanks. It was a mutual exchange—your music was indeed delightful!” Li Yi waved his hand, then turned to Du Gou and Fang Yizhi, seeing that they still hadn’t written anything worthwhile, and asked, “I’m heading back. Are you two coming?”

“Uh…” The two looked bewildered, then forced a smile and said, “Third Brother, Brother Du, safe travels!”

Li Yi rolled his eyes in silent despair, feeling wearied. He had hoped to leave with a flourish, “Depart in silence, hiding merit and fame,” but these two fools gave him no chance to show off…

Helpless, Li Yi glanced at Yue’er by his side. “Let’s go home.”

“Yes, Master,” Yue’er replied with a radiant smile, her cheeks blooming like flowers.

Li Yi’s mood finally improved a little. Master and servant left Pingkang Pavilion and headed straight home.

As Li Yi departed, those who remained were full of questions and a hint of disappointment.

“Ah, I had hoped to shamelessly ask Master Li to compose and have Miss Shangguan play another song, but he’s already gone!”

“Indeed, hearing Miss Shangguan’s music is worth more than countless silver!”

They whispered in reluctant tones.

Now, they realized how Changsun Chong’s earlier lavish hospitality paled in comparison to Li Yi—it was nothing but a joke.

Changsun Chong heard their words as well, his face growing ever hotter, and the atmosphere in the pavilion was unbearably awkward.