Chapter 23: How Could It Be Possible

“Hmph, a pack of ungrateful wretches!” Changsun Chong spat out his curse, suppressing the rage burning in his chest. His fierce glare swept over the crowd, making everyone bow their heads, pretending to converse with those nearby.

The more he looked at them, the more furious Changsun Chong became, his anger rising to the point of no forgiveness. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly.

On the other hand, Du Gou and Fang Yizhi, seeing Changsun Chong’s grim appearance, felt a wave of satisfaction and couldn’t help but let smug smiles creep across their faces. Yet, with Lady Shangguan present, they refrained from mocking him directly, unwilling to lose their gentlemanly composure.

But then, Changsun Chong suddenly spoke with a cold smile, “Lady Shangguan, since Young Master Li has already responded with the next line, why not let us admire it? It would be a pleasure to witness his wit.”

Changsun Chong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression dark and cold as he looked at Du Gou and Fang Yizhi. He knew well that Li Yi, like the rest of them, had grown up idle and undisciplined—a typical wastrel. How could he possibly come up with such a brilliant verse?

There were several talented scholars in the district, and even they had failed to match the verse given by Shangguan Yi Ren, let alone someone like Li Yi. For him to answer such a challenge was pure fantasy—a fool’s dream!

“Hmph, Li Yi, since you’ve already run off, I’ll take out my frustration on your two useless friends!” Changsun Chong sneered inwardly, eager to restore his lost dignity.

Du Gou and Fang Yizhi suddenly realized the predicament they were in. Regret overwhelmed them. Fang Yizhi glanced at Du Gou and sighed, “Damn it, Brother Du, if I’d known, I would have fled with Brother Li!”

“Exactly!” Du Gou’s face was full of despair. He moaned inwardly, “Third Brother, you’re truly sly!”

At this moment, neither dared confront Changsun Chong anymore. They knew Li Yi’s literary talent all too well—it wasn’t enough to make a show of.

They scanned the crowd, wishing desperately to slip away...

Soon, the others in the district agreed with Changsun Chong. “Indeed, Lady Shangguan, may we have the pleasure of admiring Young Master Li’s writing?”

Changsun Chong’s words had piqued Lady Shangguan’s curiosity as well. She was eager to see what Li Yi had written for her. Though she hadn’t yet looked at it, she felt a strange certainty in her heart: Young Master Li’s writing would not disappoint her.

Such deep trust in him—it was truly an odd feeling! Lady Shangguan was startled. In all these years, she had never felt anything like this.

By then, the maid Xiaotao had brought Li Yi’s writing to Lady Shangguan. As she read, her brows knitted in a slight frown, her heart stirred with a wave of astonishment.

The people in the district were puzzled. Du Gou and Fang Yizhi, seeing Lady Shangguan’s frown, felt their skin crawl. Changsun Chong, however, was delighted, his smile blooming like spring. “Well, Li Yi, prepare yourself for disgrace!”

The air in the district grew heavy with silence.

After a long pause, just as Changsun Chong was about to mock her, Lady Shangguan’s frown vanished, replaced by a radiant smile that could ensnare all who saw it. Her subtle glance and smile were enough to dazzle men and women alike.

The crowd erupted in astonished murmurs.

“Lady Shangguan is smiling!”

“Could it be that Young Master Li’s writing truly suits her?”

“Impossible! Is Young Master Li truly so talented?”

No one believed it—not the crowd, not Du Gou and Fang Yizhi, and least of all Changsun Chong, who was utterly incredulous. “How…how is this possible!”

At that moment, Lady Shangguan covered her mouth, her heart brimming with excitement, her cheeks blooming like peach blossoms. Ignoring the baffled looks around her, she quickly ordered Xiaotao, “Xiaotao, hurry and catch up with Young Master Li. Give him this token and tell him he is welcome to visit Longevity Temple and hear music anytime.”

“Of course, miss,” Xiaotao nodded with a smile and departed immediately.

Having served Lady Shangguan for many years, Xiaotao was genuinely happy to see her mistress find someone who understood her.

Soon, Xiaotao was gone from sight.

Lady Shangguan then glanced at the crowd below, her expression serene. “Gentlemen, please leave. I am tired and will retire now.”

With that, she turned and left, leaving the crowd stunned.

“Lady Shangguan…?”

“Why did she leave so suddenly?”

Despite their confusion, Lady Shangguan paid them no mind and disappeared from the stage.

The crowd was left speechless, bewildered. They only knew that Lady Shangguan’s attitude toward them had changed dramatically after seeing Li Yi’s writing, stirring their curiosity like a cat scratching at their hearts.

“What did Young Master Li write?”

“Yes, it’s maddening!”

“And who was this Li Wealthy that Young Master Li mentioned earlier? We still don’t know, and now Lady Shangguan has left because of his writing. Young Master Li, must you be so enigmatic?”

Sighs and regret swept through the crowd, but these unanswered questions stuck in their hearts like thorns, making them uncomfortable.

Even the desire to enjoy the company of courtesans vanished…

Du Gou and Fang Yizhi, at least, finally felt their hearts settle.

“Haha!” They burst into laughter.

Suddenly, they noticed Changsun Chong’s sour expression, like a puddle of stagnant water, and were immediately amused.

“Hey, Changsun Chong, what’s with the face? Disappointed?” Du Gou asked smugly, giving him a thumbs up with a mischievous grin. “You really thought you could embarrass our Third Brother? Well…true to the name Li Wealthy!”

Fang Yizhi felt a sense of triumph as he laughed along, “Li Wealthy, give us a smile! Haha…”

“Du Gou, Fang Yizhi!” Changsun Chong glared at them, his teeth clenched in fury. “Don’t get cocky!”

“I’m cocky—what can you do about it?” Du Gou and Fang Yizhi laughed without restraint.

“You… let’s go!” Changsun Chong flung his sleeve, gathered his two attendants, and left the district in disgrace.

Du Gou and Fang Yizhi laughed once more, feeling elated, and promptly sought the company of a few courtesans for merriment.