The tension between the two was already quite high; neither was willing to give in, a situation that gave Qiu Shui a bit of a headache.
"Both of you are people I can't afford to offend. I'm just a beautiful woman with a tragic fate. If there's anything wrong, can't we talk it out properly? Why do it like this?"
Xu Sanguan's expression softened a bit. "Qiushui, I've come today to redeem you from your servitude. Don't worry, I will definitely take you away today."
Qiu Shui's brows furrowed with reluctance, clearly indicating that she didn't particularly like Xu Sanguan, but was more interested in the Yellow River.
At this point, Ning Ye realized that Master Xu was probably just indulging in wishful thinking, or that Qiu Shui was simply looking for a better partner, and that Master Xu was, at best, just a backup option.
Huang He snorted and said, "Since you want to redeem Miss Qiushui, you should know her rules. If you can't come up with a poem that satisfies her, then there's nothing to discuss."
Qiu Shui chimed in, "Master Xu, you know I like talented men. If you can produce a poem that satisfies me, then we can discuss this matter today."
Xu Sanguan was speechless for a moment, because he had already tried and found that his poems could not satisfy Qiu Shui.
"Can't we really relax our standards a little? You've already missed out on so much of your prime. You won't be happy here in Yingchun Garden."
“Master Xu, you’re mistaken. How could our young lady be unhappy in Yingchun Garden?”
The commotion caused by these men had already woken up many of the girls, and even the madam had come dressed.
A group of people were gathered outside the room, but only the madam came in. "You two are disturbing everyone's peace and quiet so early in the morning. Even if you like girls, you should at least follow some rules."
Xu Sanguan said directly, "Today I am going to redeem this person. No matter what, this person must come with me."
The madam also lost her temper, "Master Xu, do you think I'm easy to bully? If you're going to think like that, things might not be so easy today."
Ning Ye grabbed Xu Sanguan's arm. "Master Xu, we have to follow the rules no matter what. It's unacceptable to do things outside of the rules."
Huang He also spoke up: "Master Xu, you are a scholar after all. If you present a poem that satisfies people and then act so forcefully, I'm afraid that's not a good idea."
All eyes were on Xu Sanguan, but he knew very well that he couldn't produce what the other party wanted.
"It seems that Master Xu is in a bit of a dilemma. Why don't I go first?"
Huang He, after taking only a few steps, turned around and began to recite a poem: "No beauty is unparalleled throughout the ages, a pleasing sight is a fair lady, her beauty is so stunning that it could topple kingdoms and cities, and she amazes the world."
Upon hearing this poem, everyone was amazed, and even the eyes of the Autumn Water Maiden seemed to hold more than just the beauty of autumn water.
Huang Heyi said with a self-satisfied air, "I will give this poem to Miss Qiushui. It is probably quite suitable for her."
Qiu Shui said with affection in her eyes, "Young Master Huang's poem is beyond the reach of ordinary people, and it is indeed very fitting for me."
Xu Sanguan's eyes were also filled with gloom, after all, he had to admit that the poem was indeed very good.
Xu Sanguan was able to become a secretary because he was naturally good at writing, but writing poetry had always been his weakness.
Ning Ye suddenly laughed out loud, "Miss Qiushui, I think it's a bit too early to say that. Perhaps someone can do it better?"
Qiu Shui shook her head and said, "Although I am just a courtesan, I have seen many talented young men. If I were to find someone who can compare to me, I would probably only be those great scholars who have been famous for a long time."
Ning Ye said confidently, "But today I can produce a poem that is even better than Young Master Huang's. I wonder if Miss Qiu Shui will acknowledge that?"
Qiu Shui hesitated slightly before saying, "If this young master is willing to write a poem for Master Xu, I have no objection, but the judgment should naturally be made by me."
The madam echoed, "Having a friend who can write good poetry is a skill in itself, so our girls naturally appreciate it."
Ning Ye cleared his throat. "Then please listen carefully, everyone. She is as beautiful as a peach blossom in spring and as pure as a chrysanthemum in autumn."
Although there were only two lines of poetry, those two lines struck Qiu Shui's heart, and she felt that those two lines were more suitable for her.
Huang He frowned, surprised that Ning Ye could compose a poem so quickly.
"I don't think I've ever seen this young master in Qingyuan County before. I wonder which family he belongs to?"
Ning Ye smiled faintly, "I am just an unknown nobody, no need for Young Master Huang to take it to heart. But I wonder what Young Master Huang thinks of these two lines of poetry?"
Huang He knew that what he was doing was nothing more than piling up fancy words and being somewhat frivolous, but Ning Ye's two lines were more in line with Qiu Shui himself.
If a comparison were to be made, Ningye would probably be the winner, but the power to decide lies with Qiushui.
Qiu Shui was quite hesitant, as she liked all of them.
Given the current situation, it would probably be somewhat unfavorable for me to agree to anything, no matter who I agree to it.
The madam noticed her young lady's predicament. "How about this? We all heard what you two said. I'll have everyone write down which side they think is better on a slip of paper, and that will determine the winner. I think neither of you has any objections."
Huang He nodded reluctantly, "I have no objection. I believe everyone will be able to make the right choice."
Xu Sanguan also said, "Everyone, you won't write your names on these slips of paper, so you can write them without worry. I will not hold you accountable for whatever the outcome may be."
Soon the madam handed out a slip of paper to everyone. Choosing Master Xu meant drawing a horizontal line, while choosing Yellow River meant doing nothing.
Ning Ye and the other three had to wait quietly in the room for the result. Unfortunately, the tension between the two hadn't subsided at all, and it looked like they might start fighting at any moment.
Qiu Shui said softly, "I know how much you two like me. No matter what the outcome is today, I hope you won't take it too seriously."
Unfortunately, Qiu Shui's words went unanswered. No one wanted to speak at this time; a conclusion could only be drawn after the results were in.
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