Indeed, that was the case. Although Ling Wushuang had a good figure and a good temperament, her face was veiled, so it couldn't be seen. To Qin Mu, not being able to see her face meant she was no different from anyone else; after all, in that other world, there were hardly any ugly women on the streets, even if they wore makeup. But these women were willing to show their faces! How else could they attract attention?

No matter how well-dressed one is, nothing beats a good bust. Even Qin Yao and his group couldn't help but glance at Hu Meiniang and the other beastmen.

It's a pity Qin Mu didn't know what she was thinking, otherwise he would definitely teach her properly. You don't even show your face. Only those young people who have never seen the world would be attracted by you with blushing cheeks.

"Young Master Qin is too modest. This is the first time I've ever seen such a fine article. I would love to learn from you sometime. I hope you will be so kind as to offer your guidance."

"No problem, no problem. Let's learn from each other."

"Then it's settled." Ling Wushuang said with a satisfied smile.

Qin Mu was taken aback. What was settled already? I was just being polite! This isn't how you usually do things. Luckily, Xiangli Yanran came to his rescue, otherwise he really wouldn't know how to continue the conversation.

"Brother Qin Mu, how did I read it? Did I make any mistakes?" Xiangli Yanran put down the Xuan paper and asked with a smile.

"Very good, much better than mine." Qin Mu gave a thumbs up and praised sincerely with a smile.

"Hehe! Good that you're right. Remember you owe me one... or two good meals." Xiangli Yanran stretched out one finger with her fair and delicate hand, then immediately turned it into two, and said with a grin.

"No problem," Qin Mu nodded in agreement.

With so many people coming, Qin Qiong was naturally worried. As soon as he arrived, they started chatting with him, showering him with praise.

"Congratulations, Duke Yi! Your son has truly broadened our horizons today!"

"Indeed! Young Master is a man of exceptional literary talent; the Duke's mansion certainly has a worthy successor!"

Some of the words Qin Mu heard gave him goosebumps. "Hey, brother, shouldn't the Duke's mansion have a military successor?"

"You've won. I'll have the top-quality jade delivered to your home in Chang'an," Dongfang Yu said calmly, seemingly unconcerned about winning or losing.

Of course, he was still a little heartbroken, but these jade essences and top-grade jade stones were all produced in his own mine. As a direct descendant, he could afford to lose them. Moreover, with so many people witnessing, it was not easy for him to renege on his debt.

"You flatter me!"

"It seems I am no match for you in poetry and prose. Let's compete in other areas next time," Dongfang Yu said.

"It was just a fluke. I'm not sure about other things. You should find someone else to compare yourself to," Qin Mu said, shaking his head.

Being in the limelight for a while is great, but if you keep being in the limelight, you'll easily become a target. Although he needs a reputation, Qin Mu doesn't want to climb to the top by stepping on others because of competitions. Although it's glamorous, it also offends people, and all the people he offends are powerful.

"If you think this is all just a fluke, then I'm afraid everyone wants to try their luck. As for this poem and essay, let alone me, even in Chang'an, you can't find many people who can do something similar," Dongfang Yu said, shaking his head.

"Don't talk nonsense. There are countless experts in Chang'an. They're just focused on taking a break from their studies, unlike you and me who love to show off. Not taking action doesn't mean they can't. You may look down on them, but I won't." Qin Mu quickly shook his head and said. He didn't want Dongfang Yu to stir up trouble for him.

Qin Mu's words drew silent nods of approval from those around him, who found the young man to be very humble and polite. In contrast, Dongfang Yu appeared somewhat arrogant.

Dongfang Yu was speechless upon hearing Qin Mu's words. He had only been stating the truth, and Qin Mu had dragged him into the conclusion that he looked down on the Confucian scholars of Chang'an. This was truly a trap.

Although Dongfang Yu didn't know whether Qin Mu had said those words intentionally or unintentionally, he was determined to avoid contact with Qin Mu as much as possible in the future. If Qin Mu had said it intentionally, it meant he was quick-witted and sharp-tongued, and dealing with such a person would be very disadvantageous.

If Qin Mu said that unintentionally, it shows that he speaks without thinking. Such a person is even more undesirable to associate with, otherwise, one could easily end up like now, implicated by him.

His lips twitched, but Dongfang Yu decided not to defend himself. His pride wouldn't allow him to explain, especially since the people around him only gave him a feeling of contempt, and no one spoke up. This made it even more impossible for him to defend himself. Turning away became his only way to vent his dissatisfaction.

After a lively half-day, the Qin family's lunch was served, with guards and maids coming and going in an endless stream, which finally calmed the onlookers down, and they returned to their seats.

Although they were of high status, the young people were still arranged to sit in the side hall. After all, there were too many important figures present, and this was only the front gate of Juyong Pass, not a grand hall like the Qin family's old residence for holding a banquet.

The young people were actually quite relaxed together, and what pleased Qin Mu the most was that there weren't many unfamiliar people to talk to.

This is actually a normal phenomenon. Young people, even if they know that Qin Mu's poems are very good, will still feel somewhat unconvinced, especially at their age, when they are in their rebellious phase. They think that heaven and earth are number one, and they are number three.

Of course, not everyone was jealous of Qin Mu; it was just that young people were too proud to admit their feelings. Most of them just nodded and acknowledged him.

"Brother Qin Mu, are you going back to Chang'an?" Xiangli Yanran asked from the table next to her.

"I don't know. I'll listen to my father and see how he arranges the itinerary," Qin Mu replied, shaking his head.

"Oh!" Xiangli Yanran replied weakly.

"Don't worry, even if you leave, I'll teach you a few delicious dishes. What about you? Miss Huang is going back to Sichuan, Yanran, what are you going to do next?" Qin Mu asked with a smile.

"What else can I do! When I get back, it'll just be endless martial arts practice. Who told me to be so clumsy and unable to learn anything else? I'll only be able to be a protector in the future." Xiangli Yanran didn't seem happy at the mention of food and said weakly.

"A protector?" Qin Mu looked at her curiously.

“Each family has protectors, or guardians, who are responsible for protecting important figures in their family or sect. Their main responsibility is to ensure the growth of the next generation of geniuses,” Huang Yuqi explained.

No wonder these young people were surrounded by experts. Qin Mu had a strange feeling about these people, and now he understood that they were all protectors with explosive martial arts skills. No wonder they didn't react much to the poems and essays he copied.

In another world, a work depicting an ancient battlefield, if not ranked in the top ten, would at least be within the top one hundred throughout thousands of years of history. "Spring River Flower Moon Night," hailed as a single masterpiece surpassing even the most brilliant Tang Dynasty work, wouldn't be so understated if one possessed high literary skill. Like Qin Yao, who would have already gone to transcribe it. If it weren't for the fact that this original work had the potential to evolve into a profound classic, Qin Yao would probably have taken it directly.