Yang Zhe was stunned when he heard the "excellent" rating.
He glanced at Du Yinyun, who sat upright, exuding a cool and beautiful aura, his face filled with disbelief.
However, Du Yinyun's expression was indifferent, as if giving a "superior" rating was a perfectly reasonable thing for her.
Seeing Du Huakui's composure, Yang Zhe became increasingly doubtful of his own literary abilities.
Is He Yunxiao's nonsensical poem really a masterpiece?
However, Yang Zhe was still not giving up. He turned his head and glanced at Jiang Huakui next to Du Huakui.
Jiang Wuyou was a renowned courtesan in Yinjing, and her achievement of performing a dance for the Empress Dowager alone was unmatched by any other courtesan.
Jiang Wuyou's literary cultivation cannot compare to that of Du Yinyun, a young lady from a prominent family who has been nurtured since childhood. However, judging solely from the education that Chunfeng Tower provides to its courtesans, her level already surpasses that of the vast majority.
Judging solely from his poetry, he is at least at the level of a Juren (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), if not on par with a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the provincial imperial examinations).
Unlike Du Yinyun, Jiang Wuyou was indifferent. After sensing Yang Zhe's gaze, she nodded and smiled in response.
Seeing that Jiang Wuyou also appeared normal, Yang Zhe's suspicions about himself deepened.
Why are they all so composed? Or perhaps I'm simply blind to good poetry?
Just then, He Yunxiao's voice came at the opportune moment.
"I thank Commander Yang for his help. I respectfully see you off. It's dark and the roads are slippery, so please go home soon."
Hearing this, Yang Zhe clenched his fists. It didn't matter when he went home, but he had lost the bet. Did he really have to give up on his sister Yin Yun?
Not long ago, he made a bet with He Yunxiao: whoever lost would have to leave Du Yinyun. The entire audience at Chunfeng Tower was there to witness this. If he went back on his word, he would lose all face. A person without integrity cannot stand; a person who doesn't keep their word will find it difficult to get anywhere. After that, he would no longer be able to stay in Yinjing City.
Not to mention that Yang Zhe is the commander of the Imperial Guards, a confidant of the Eldest Princess, and the hope of the Yang family of Hexi. If he were to go back on his word, the consequences would be too great.
Yang Zhe took one last deep look at Du Yinyun, then stood up.
He wasn't afraid of failure, but he felt disappointed because Du Yinyun didn't even look at him.
Yinyun, are you disappointed in me? Just a short while ago, you were looking at me and calling me Brother Yang.
After standing up, Yang Zhe tried to hide his disappointment and pretend to be nonchalant. But he could only manage an awkward smile, which looked quite comical.
A top scholar like Yang Zhe could never be this bad. He quickly seized the opportunity, feigning retreat to advance, and said:
"He Yunxiao, today I accept my defeat and will never see Yinyun again. But don't be too happy yet. Today I, Yang Zhe, swear that if you dare to use your power to coerce Yinyun, I, Yang Zhe, will fight you to the death!"
These words, full of lofty aspirations and deep emotions, truly moved many audience members at Chunfeng Tower.
However, He Yunxiao just wanted to laugh out loud.
"Commander Yang, stop being so self-righteous. My sister Du is the most proud and aloof. She knows what she should and shouldn't do. It's not up to you to define her as being 'coerced by power'. If she likes you, she'll like you even if you're a beggar. If she doesn't like you, she won't like you even if you're a prince."
He Yunxiao's words really struck a chord with Du Yinyun. She was just that kind of person, not pursuing so-called wealth and nobility, as long as "you like it" and "I like it".
Even though she was biting her lip and inwardly agreeing, this courtesan still remembered her mission.
In order to carry out the rebellion, it is necessary to keep a distance from He Yunxiao and not expose his fake playboy identity.
"Young Master He, you know exactly how Yin Yun works."
These distant words gave Yang Zhe a jolt. He knew that even if he lost the bet, He Yunxiao, who won, would have no chance of getting his hands on Du Yinyun.
As long as He Yunxiao couldn't get his hands on Du Yinyun, Yang Zhe always believed that he still had a chance.
He was confident that, in every respect, he had unique advantages over He Yunxiao or any other young talent like Yin Jing.
A talent who is highly sought after by both the Princess and Prime Minister Han speaks volumes about his worth.
There's still plenty of time. As long as Yinyun has a good impression of us, everything can be worked out gradually.
While we're not afraid of delays in our relationship, there's one thing that can't be put off any longer.
Yang Zhe knew he was out of the game, but he also knew that the Princess's power had not been completely defeated this time.
At least there's still Li Jin.
At least he's a teammate.
Yang Zhe outwardly bowed to everyone in farewell, but secretly sent a telepathic message to his "teammate" Li Jin.
"Li Jin, Du Yinyun is Du Lie's daughter. If we can bring her under the Princess's wing, she will surely help us gain the support of the Chu family's old troops. You must do your utmost to win this 'Falling Flowers' competition. After you win, discuss it with me before making a decision. I'll be waiting for you at the noodle shop opposite Chunfeng Tower."
After transmitting his message, Yang Zhe had no lingering feelings and strode to his feet.
In fact, Yang Zhe didn't have high hopes for Li Jin, but there's always a chance that Li Jin might win.
Of course, there was a deeper reason for this telepathic communication: to exchange messages with Li Jin.
Yang Zhe was concerned about the princess's health, so he naturally couldn't frequent brothels. However, unexpected situations could arise, such as this one. If he didn't try to win over Du Yinyun, he might miss the opportunity to contact the Chu family army.
Although Li Jin lacked talent, his loyalty to his aunt was so great that it could be described as "giving his life for her".
When the princess inquired about it, Li Jin testified for her, and no one could find fault with it.
Yang Zhe pondered all the way, then led his horse out of the stable and arrived at the noodle shop.
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