Chapter 17 Poetic Foundation
Before Chu Jiubian even got off the carriage, he could already feel the omnipresent gaze.
In a daze, he even thought he had returned to the modern era and was about to get out of the car and walk the red carpet.
He was greeted by excited cheers from fans and the blinding flashes of the media.
He lowered his eyes slightly, his face devoid of any extra expression, and even his demeanor became more aloof and distant.
He didn't forget his persona; he had to be aloof and cold.
The carriage slowly came to a stop, and Qin Chaoyang's voice rang out from outside: "Young Master, we have arrived at the Treasure Pavilion."
Chu Jiubian then stood up, and Qin Chaoyang lifted the sedan curtain at the opportune moment.
This time, the people around no longer hid their eyes and stared straight at them.
The black and gold sedan curtain was lifted, and a thin, pale hand reached out and gently rested on the door. Then came the hem of a robe with crimson cloud trim and black boots.
Long, silvery-white hair slid down his shoulders as the young man bent down and stepped out of the carriage.
Once he stood still, everyone noticed that he was slender and tall, even taller than Qin Chaoyang standing next to him.
Of course, what's most eye-catching is his strange hair and his face.
Lu Jinfeng crossed his arms and sized him up for a moment, then turned to look at Xiao Yao beside him and asked, "How does this Ninth Young Master's appearance compare to that of your Xiao family's daughters?"
“Each has its own merits.” Xiao Yao’s eyes shone brightly. “However, this Ninth Young Master’s outstanding qualities go far beyond just his appearance.”
After saying that, he walked towards Chu Jiubian.
Lu Jinfeng naturally followed suit, not wanting to fall behind.
Previously, everyone thought that Qin Xiao would come along and keep a close eye on Chu Jiubian to prevent others from taking advantage of the situation.
Therefore, many people, including Xiao Yao, racked their brains trying to figure out how to strike up a conversation with Chu Jiubian.
Unexpectedly, Qin Xiao released the person so openly. Did he really have confidence that Chu Jiubian would not be recruited by other forces, or did he have other preparations?
As for Qin Chaoyang, who followed Chu Jiubian, he was seen by everyone as nothing more than a servant.
When masters are talking, servants cannot interfere; their presence or absence makes no difference.
Chu Jiubian glanced indifferently at the crowd. From their positions and expressions, he could almost tell who had a higher status and who was just there to join in the fun.
He glanced at someone walking towards him without flinching.
The newcomers were a slender, effeminate man and a robust, cold man, but they were both dressed in top-quality materials, and the jade pendants and jadeite pendants hanging from their waists were obviously of high quality.
Moreover, as soon as they arrived, the others who wanted to get closer stopped in their tracks, and most of them went into the Treasure Pavilion first, leaving only a few people standing outside.
If anyone could see through Chu Jiubian's thoughts, they would be surprised to find that the people still remaining outside the Treasure Pavilion were those whom Chu Jiubian had just considered to be of high status.
In a private room on the second floor facing the street, Wang Huanzhi, the head of the Langya Wang clan, stood by the window dressed in white, his figure as straight as bamboo, looking down at the people below, gently fanning himself with a folding fan in his hand.
"But has the Ninth Young Master finally arrived?" An old man sitting at the table took a sip of tea, showing no sign of impatience.
Wang Huanzhi asked, "Sir, do you know who else is left downstairs?"
The old man, Wang Zhang, who was also Wang Huanzhi's strategist, said indifferently, "They are just some of the most powerful people in the capital."
“Three ministers, five vice ministers, two generals…” Wang Huanzhi chuckled, “They’ve all arrived almost here.”
"Isn't the patriarch going down to see that person?"
"Just some charlatan or eccentric." Wang Huanzhi turned and sat back down at the table. "My Wang family has been a family of upright officials for generations. To associate ourselves with such a person would surely make all the great scholars in the world laugh their heads off."
The Langya Wang clan was renowned for its literary tradition, producing many talented scholars and great Confucianists. Since the previous dynasty, they had been at the center of power, with several prime ministers and more than a dozen ministers and vice ministers. Their students and former officials were spread throughout the entire Da Ning Dynasty, and they enjoyed the best reputation among the people among the four great clans.
Whenever the Wang family members are mentioned, even the most ignorant people show them extra respect.
Therefore, the Wang family members are equivalent to the largest public opinion group in the Great Ning Dynasty. If they want to promote someone, they can promote even a pig.
Correspondingly, if they want to ruin someone, their spittle can drown them.
The so-called verbal and written attacks were the foundation of the Wang family's existence.
The Wang family, naturally, was also very concerned about their reputation. They always maintained a proper demeanor, appearing aloof and looking down on everyone.
The current head of the family, Wang Huanzhi, is no exception.
Wang Zhang poured him a cup of tea and said gently, "Master, have you forgotten those two poems?"
Wang Huanzhi paused.
“That Ninth Young Master is indeed a pretentious charlatan, but the poets behind him, Li Bai and Li Qingzhao, are two great talents.” Wang Zhang persuaded patiently, “No one but my Langya Wang clan can accept such people.”
Wang Huanzhi gently stroked the rim of the cup with his fingertips, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Sir, rest assured, my Wang family cannot be the kind of sycophants who curry favor with the powerful, but my good-for-nothing eldest son is someone who likes to join in the fun."
He himself was unwilling to stoop to the level of befriending Chu Jiubian, but his eldest son was.
Since that child has already gone astray and has embarrassed the Wang family more than once or twice, what harm is there in embarrassing them a few more times?
Seeing his reaction, Wang Zhang couldn't help but sigh, but he didn't try to persuade him further.
That young master had long since lost his loyalty to Wang Huanzhi, the head of the family. Even if he had really formed a relationship with Chu Jiubian, it was not certain that he would transfer that relationship to Wang Huanzhi.
But Wang Huanzhi was used to being arrogant and never took that child seriously.
Wang Zhang naturally didn't think that the young master would amount to much; he was only able to maintain a place in the family because of the old lady's favor.
However, the old lady is getting old, and once she passes away, the young master will have no one to rely on in this family, and she will not be able to influence Wang Huanzhi.
Thinking of this, Wang Zhang felt relieved. Since Wang Huanzhi was unwilling to befriend Chu Jiubian, they would first observe the outcome after other powerful figures took action.
Downstairs, Qin Chaoyang whispered to Chu Jiubian, "Those two are Xiao Yao, the head of the Xiao family, and Lu Jinfeng, the head of the Lu family."
So it was the head of one of the four great families. No wonder the others wisely left first.
Chu Jiubian gazed indifferently at the two people who walked up to him, as if he were truly an emotionless god looking down upon all living beings from a high place.
Lu Jinfeng's brows were furrowed, forming a deep frown over the years. His sharp eyes swept across Chu Jiubian's face, carrying an immense sense of pressure.
Xiao Yao smiled warmly and friendly, and bowed to Chu Jiubian, saying, "You must be Chu Jiubian, the Ninth Young Master? I am Xiao Yao, the current head of the Xiao family of Lin'an. I have long admired your name, and it is a pleasure to meet you today."
Lu Jinfeng then cupped his hands in return and said in a deep voice, "I am Lu Jinfeng, the current head of the Wuwei Lu Clan, courtesy name Liaoyuan. I have long admired you."
Chu Jiubian nodded to the two of them as if to acknowledge their greeting.
He is a god, and he has only been down to earth for a few days, so naturally he cannot act too much like a human.
However, if necessary later, he will learn these etiquettes so that he won't feel too awkward or embarrassed when attending the morning court session.
His attitude almost threw the two people opposite him off balance.
Lu Jinfeng frowned even more, while Xiao Yao, after a moment of surprise, regained his smile and said, "The auction must be about to begin, please, young master."
Chu Jiubian naturally stepped forward and walked ahead of the two.
Xiao Yao followed a step behind, walking beside Chu Jiubian.
Lu Jinfeng didn't follow, but stayed where he was, lost in thought.
Minister of Revenue Su Sheng, Minister of War Lu Youwei, and Vice Minister of Works Xiao Wendao were all watching. They had wanted to find an opportunity to go up and chat with Chu Jiubian, but seeing that the other party did not even give face to the two family heads, they did not want to make a fool of themselves.
"Gentlemen, why don't we stop standing here like idiots?" Xiao Wendao gestured to the group.
"Please, Minister Xiao." The group politely declined each other's invitations and entered the Treasure Pavilion.
They didn't stay on the first floor; they all went up to the second floor.
Chu Jiubian was also led by Qin Chaoyang into the private room that the host had prepared for Qin Xiao.
Xiao Yao's private room was right next door. He smiled and said, "If you get bored, young master, you can come and find me anytime."
Chu Jiubian nodded, his expression seemingly softening considerably.
Xiao Yao's smile deepened, and he only turned to leave after Chu Jiubian's private room door was closed.
"Young Master, the view from here is quite good; you can see directly the items up for auction on stage." Qin Chaoyang helped wipe the chair.
Chu Jiubian walked over and found that what was called a private box was actually just a railing about half a person's height on the side facing the stands.
It doesn't obstruct the view, but it also offers no privacy. Let alone having a conversation, even if you just flick your hair in the private room, the people in the opposite room can see everything clearly.
A pair of large mahogany chairs were placed in front of the railing, facing the stands, with a small table in the middle, on which were tea, snacks and fruit.
Chu Jiubian sat down on the left and looked at the private room directly opposite.
There sat two people: a middle-aged man in flowing white robes and an old man with a white beard, who looked more like a deity than Chu Jiubian.
"Those two are Wang Huanzhi, the head of the Langya Wang clan, and Wang Zhang, an elder and strategist of their clan."
Qin Chaoyang explained in a low voice.
Chu Jiubian nodded and then looked at the other private rooms.
The various noble families, officials, and ministers were almost all men, except for two adjacent private rooms where women were seated.
A dozen or so ladies and young women were dressed in fine clothes, but each of them wore a thin veil covering the lower half of their faces.
“Those are the young ladies and wives of various families, who are out playing with their masters and young masters.”
During the Great Ning Dynasty, Confucianism flourished, and the concepts of the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues, and male superiority over female, had long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.
In addition, with books such as "Rules for Women" and "Admonitions for Women" becoming mainstream, these young ladies and wives in their boudoirs were usually self-disciplined and kept to themselves, rarely going out. They would only attend flower-viewing banquets held by women and rarely showed their faces in public.
She could only go out with the men in her family on occasions such as auctions and the Qixi Festival, and even then, she had to wear a veil.
Chu Jiubian didn't stare at the girl for long, but he had good eyesight and was good at judging people.
Therefore, with just a quick glance, he remembered their eyebrows and figures, and through their lively or gentle eyes, he guessed their personalities pretty much.
"When will Qin Xiao arrive?" Chu Jiubian asked.
"One hour later."
This one hour is Qin Xiao's chance for everyone else, including Chu Jiubian, to see if he can be persuaded by others.
If Chu Jiubian had truly been persuaded by others, Qin Xiao wouldn't have made a move against him tonight, but that might not be the case in the future.
After all, no one knew Chu Jiubian's abilities better than Qin Xiao. If such a person could not be used by him, then he could not be kept alive.
Chu Jiubian was also very clear about this.
With most people present, the auction officially began.
This wasn't Chu Jiubian's first time participating in an auction. In order to play the role of an auctioneer well, he had even gone to learn how to do it and had observed dozens of auctions in person.
Looking at the process, which was almost identical to modern procedures, he showed absolutely no interest.
Of course, it's also because the items up for auction are either paintings by some master, exquisite and beautiful jewelry, and occasionally a few so-called martial arts manuals or precious swords that can cut through iron like mud...
Very few people participated in the bidding, and the selling prices were not very high. In just half an hour, more than twenty items had already been auctioned off.
Chu Jiubian was partly to blame. Most of the people who came here today were there for him, not to take pictures of anything, so they weren't in the mood to join in the fun.
However, these people all kept observing, and apart from the two family heads who were there initially, no one came to chat with them.
Chu Jiubian was feeling dejected. Since no one was coming to him, he figured he might as well go out and try his luck.
"I'm going out for a walk," he said to Qin Chaoyang as he stood up. "You don't need to come with me."
"Yes." Qin Chaoyang obediently stayed in the private room.
Just because someone isn't present in public doesn't mean they aren't involved in private.
Chu Jiubian knew very well that even if Qin Chaoyang wasn't with him, Qin Xiao's bodyguards were still with him, so even if someone else tried to attack him, he would be safe.
However, after Qin Chaoyang stopped following him, his goal of being alone became particularly obvious.
The first person to spot him was Xiao Yao, who had been keeping an eye on things next door.
Almost as soon as Chu Jiubian left the private room, Xiao Yao followed him out after only a few steps, looking surprised and saying, "What a coincidence, is Young Master also bored?"
"Mm," Chu Jiubian responded.
Xiao Yao walked beside him and said with a smile, "Young master, you probably haven't been upstairs yet. There are many scholars and literati up there, as well as courtesans performing. Would you like to go and take a look?"
It seems the head of the Xiao family has made his move.
Chu Jiubian readily agreed, "Let's go."
Xiao Yao's smile became more genuine as he led him up to the third floor.
The music began with the sounds of string and wind instruments, and the gentle curls of incense.
This third floor is different from the two floors below. It has more private rooms with closed doors. Sometimes you can hear the sound of piano strings, and sometimes you can hear loud talking. It's quite lively.
"I wonder if you have heard of Mr. Gongjin?" Xiao Yao asked.
"Is your surname Zhou?" Chu Jiubian asked subconsciously.
Xiao Yao shook his head: "His surname is Bai."
Chu Jiubian had just subconsciously thought of the "Zhou Gongjin" from the Three Kingdoms period, but now he went through it in his mind again and couldn't find the relevant person in the original text, so he said, "Never heard of him."
Xiao Yao glanced at him sideways, seemingly surprised that Chu Jiubian, such a refined and dignified young master, would speak so bluntly.
However, considering that the other party might be from a reclusive family or power, someone who rarely engages in worldly affairs, it also felt quite interesting.
In fact, Chu Jiubian was simply not used to the way ancient people spoke, and would always use some more modern expressions according to his habits.
However, since he didn't belong to this world, he simply didn't change his way of speaking and said whatever he wanted.
Xiao Yao led him forward, toward the largest and most central private room: "This Mr. Gongjin came from Jiangnan two years ago. Before he was even twenty, he was already a man of great literary talent. It is said that he could compose poetry at the age of three, debated classics with great scholars at the age of five, and was recommended for officialdom at the age of ten. However, he disliked the constraints of officialdom and resigned to wander around freely."
"He has been in the capital for two years now, and has been in charge of the Treasure Pavilion the whole time. When it comes to poetry, all the so-called talented scholars and literary giants in the capital are defeated by him. Everyone says that he is the treasure of this Treasure Pavilion."
Chu Jiubian nodded and said, "That is indeed impressive."
He knew what Xiao Yao was going to do.
This person wanted to see for himself whether this "immortal" really had investment value, and whether he was truly backed by the so-called "Poet Immortal" and "Li Qingzhao".
Other miracles are difficult to verify these days, but this one is quick and easy to do.
This was probably not just Xiao Yao's idea; the other powerful figures had been observing and not taking action, presumably waiting to see the results of their test.
These people are all incredibly shrewd.
But can we compare our poetic knowledge with his?
Chu Jiubian's eyes were deep and unfathomable.
Since that's the case, it's no wonder he's reaping another wave of faith points.
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