Everyone's expression immediately changed!
This guy is actually the son of Ma Shangtao, the Vice Minister of War.
That's a high-ranking official in the current government!
"Could he be Ma Biao?"
"It must be him! Sigh, he really does have the right to be so arrogant!"
Ma Biao, relying on the power and influence of his father Ma Shangtao, was used to acting arrogantly and domineeringly.
They drink, gamble, bully men and women, and commit all sorts of evil deeds! If anything displeases them, they immediately resort to violence.
Once, several wealthy young salt merchants won his money gambling, and on the spot, his legs were broken and his fingers were smashed!
However, fearing the immense authority of Ma Biao's father, the Vice Minister of War, no one dared to do anything to him and had no choice but to accept it!
When Ma Biao saw that everyone recognized him, he immediately raised his head proudly, his nostrils pointing to the sky.
He scanned the entire room and spoke arrogantly.
"Today I'm taking Bai Ruyan's virginity. Who dares to oppose me?"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. Even the most ruthless young master from the money exchange lowered his head in fear, not daring to meet his gaze.
Upon seeing this, Qin Yu, who was sitting at the table, frowned. He hadn't expected to run into Ma Shangtao's son here! Just by looking at his son's arrogant demeanor, one could tell how this corrupt official usually preyed on the people and acted lawlessly!
Anfu quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, Ma Shangtao had a son late in life, and he dotes on this Ma Biao. Ma Biao is arrogant and domineering, committing all sorts of evil deeds, but he is deeply favored by Ma Shangtao."
Qin Yu frowned even more deeply, and was even getting angry.
"Your Majesty, it is not a good time to cause trouble now, and you must not reveal your identity."
Anfu noticed Qin Yu's anger and quickly lowered his head to remind him.
He knew that Qin Yu couldn't stand such scoundrels who bullied men and women, but if he rushed in now, it might ruin things.
Qin Yu gritted his teeth, finally suppressing his anger and remaining silent.
He knew it was inappropriate for him to show his face.
Since the conference hasn't started yet, it's not too late to observe quietly for now.
As time went by, the news of the courtesan Bai Ruyan's marriage spread wider and wider, and the audience packed the entire Shuiyun Pavilion to watch the performance.
Even though everyone knows that Bai Ruyan's beautiful legs will probably be pried open by Ma Biao tonight, it might still be worth it to witness the face of this peerless beauty.
"I'm sure you've all heard the rules, young master. Whoever can perfectly recite Bai Ruyan's three absolutes will be able to enter her boudoir!"
Seeing that the time was right, the madam smiled and announced the start of the marriage ceremony.
Then, with a clap of her hands, a maid in a pink gauze dress came up on stage carrying a tray.
Three couplets were placed on the tray.
These are the three absolutes that Bai Ruyan came up with.
The madam waved her hand, and her men immediately picked up the first couplet to show everyone.
Bai Ruyan also softly recited from behind the gauze curtain: "Golden willows by the Jinshui River, this is my daughter's first couplet."
As soon as she finished speaking, all the镖客 (bodyguards/couriers) upstairs and downstairs gasped in astonishment. They never expected that this woman from the brothel would have such talent! Although the first line of the couplet looks simple, its meaning is very ingenious. The two golden characters represent different meanings and create a spring scene.
Immediately, everyone shook their heads and sighed.
But Ma Biao snorted coldly, his eyes full of contempt. He immediately glanced at a scholar beside him and asked with a smile, "Well, how should I respond to this first couplet?"
This man was none other than Pan An, the most talented scholar in the capital and the top scholar in the imperial examination! He was known for his vast knowledge and exceptional talent!
Pan An simply unfolded his folding fan, pondered for a moment, and then smiled slightly.
"Young Master Ma, you can try using this second line..."
Upon hearing this, Ma Biao's eyes lit up, and he slammed his hand on the table and stood up.
"I have a matching line!"
Everyone present was startled by his loud voice.
"What? Ma Biao actually has a second line? Isn't he notorious for being ignorant and incompetent, unable to even memorize the Three Character Classic?!"
Everyone stared at him in astonishment, their expressions varied.
Just as everyone was waiting to see a good show, Ma Biao smiled disdainfully and said loudly:
"Listen carefully, my second line is: 'Jade hairpins bloom outside the magnolia stem!'"
Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent; not a sound could be heard.
Everyone was stunned, speechless.
"This...this...this is a wonderful couplet!"
"Yes, Ma Biao actually has such literary talent?"
Everyone was stunned by Ma Biao's sudden display of literary talent, their faces filled with astonishment and disbelief!
"Oh my, Young Master Ma, you are truly a man of both literary and martial talents. No wonder you are a famous young master in the capital. You are a dragon among men."
The madam's praise made Ma Biao so happy he was practically beside himself.
But Qin Yu, standing to the side, merely sneered and slowly fixed his gaze on the scholar next to Ma Biao!
But Ma Biao laughed triumphantly, his fat face trembling. He glanced at Bai Ruyan on the stage with a wolfish look, his mouth watering.
Bai Ruyan's face was filled with disgust when she saw this, and she turned her head away and refused to look anymore.
"Hurry, hurry! My beauty, hehe, isn't it time for the second couplet? I can't wait!"
Ma Biao, impatient and eager, urged, "Come on, show us the second couplet."
The maid nodded and immediately picked up the second couplet and showed it to the world.
Bai Ruyan recited in a cold voice: "Wangjiang Tower, overlooking the river, overlooking the river from Wangjiang Tower; the tower is eternal, the river is eternal."
After hearing this, everyone was stunned for a long time!
This first line of the couplet is probably even more difficult than the first question!
Everyone shook their heads and sighed. They had thought that Bai Ruyan's so-called third deputy was just a gimmick, but who would have thought it would be so cunning.
At this moment, Ma Biao also started to sway. He quickly looked at Pan An and anxiously asked, "Do you have a second line?"
This second line of the couplet even made Pan An frown.
He waved his folding fan, his brows furrowed, and after a few breaths, he suddenly closed the fan.
"Got it!"
"Oh? Tell me quickly."
Ma Biao beamed and immediately leaned his ear closer.
After Pan An finished speaking in a low voice, Ma Biao immediately burst into laughter.
His smile drew the attention of others, who were all eager to see why he was laughing.
Seeing everyone staring at him, Ma Biao smiled faintly, calmly took a sip of tea, and then stood up with an air of arrogance.
He glanced around smugly, his gaze finally settling on Bai Ruyan, a lewd expression on his face.
"Bai Ruyan, I must sleep with you tonight!"
Bai Ruyan felt a pang of panic and secretly clenched her fists.
I just hope this guy doesn't actually say it.
"Listen up, everyone. My second line is: The well reflects the moon, the moon's reflection is in the well; the well is eternal, the moon's reflection is eternal."
"hiss!"
Everyone gasped upon hearing this.
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