The third page was a small portrait of himself. Judging from his attire and the background, it was clearly taken on New Year's Eve, in front of Madam Xie's pastry shop.
A half-finished poem was also mentioned beside it, seemingly written in haste:
"Fragrant shadows flutter in the wind and snow, a farewell song plays outside the building."
Her jade-like face was suddenly revealed as the red candle went out, wild geese flew away, and the bright moon shone on the moored boat.
I still remember the springtime scenery, the exquisite brushstrokes of painting, and the harmonious verses.
Shang Shaoyan: "..."
Elderly man looking at his phone on the subway. (Image)
Look, this strong sense of longing in a woman's boudoir, this sorrowful feeling of parting!
If she hadn't known that the author of this poem was Qiao Xiuyu, she would have surely pictured a beautiful young woman leaning against a high tower, gazing at the horizon.
But this was written by Qiao Xiuyu.
She was somewhat confused, not knowing what Qiao Xiuyu had gone through.
...
Qiao Xiuyu has been through too much these past few days.
After Shang Yunlan saw through Qiao Xiuyu's scheme, she drove him out of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion. Qiao Xiuyu went to the Yongle Marquis's Mansion that very night to seek some advice.
When Qiao Xiuyu arrived at the Yongle Marquis's residence, Li Langxuan was listening to someone read to him. He couldn't help but slow his pace, not wanting to disturb Li Langxuan.
However, Li Langxuan had already heard his commotion and quickly waved, "Xiuyu, come here quickly, let's listen together."
Qiao Xiuyu had no choice but to go over. He sat opposite Li Langxuan and asked, "What are you listening to?"
Li Langxuan said casually, "It's a book that the Duke of Zhenguo gave me the other day. He said that after you understand this book, you'll be able to win over your partner with ease."
Qiao Xiuyu stood there in shock: "Why didn't my brother give me such a good thing?!"
Li Langxuan: "..."
He silently "looked" at Qiao Xiuyu. Although Qiao Xiuyu knew that Li Langxuan could not see, she managed to read three words from his lifeless eyes: What do you think?
Qiao Xiuyu then remembered how much Shang Yunlan disliked her, and silently shut her mouth.
Li Langxuan then continued, "This book... the Duke of Zhenguo said it was passed down from the first head of the Shang family, and it was passed down to men but not women."
Qiao Xiuyu frowned: "Isn't this discrimination against women?"
Li Langxuan: "...Could you let me finish speaking all at once?"
Qiao Xiuyu gave an awkward smile: "Sorry, please continue."
Li Langxuan said helplessly, "Naturally, it's passed down to men, not women, because the name of this book is..."
Then, Qiao Xiuyu heard the four words that she was about to live by for the rest of her life, and these four words also became Shang Shaoyan's nightmare.
"...It's called 'Male Virtue with You'."
Qiao Xiuyu was stunned for a moment, somewhat puzzled: "What kind of storybook is this? It's rare to find one like this..."
Li Langxuan shook his head, clearly understanding that Qiao Xiuyu had misunderstood: "When I first heard it, I also thought it was rare, but actually, it is male virtue—the 'male' of man and the 'virtue' of morality."
Qiao Xiuyu humbly asked, "What is male virtue? Is it the morality that men should abide by?"
Li Langxuan waved his hand mysteriously: "You'll know once you listen."
Qiao Xiuyu nodded, and then looked at the young servant who was reading with an almost thirst for knowledge.
servant: "..."
He said it was ridiculous, but these two—one was the younger brother of Consort Zhao, who listened with rapt attention, sometimes looking like he had just suddenly understood; the other was a noble prince of Northern Zhou, who practically wanted to snatch the book from his hands.
He doesn't understand; he doesn't get it.
But he dared not say anything. Just as he was about to pick up the book and continue reading, he heard his lord say, "You read it to the Seventh Young Master again, and I will consider it a review and reinforcement."
servant: "..."
That's absolutely outrageous.
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