Chapter 17 The Depth of Poetry

Chapter 17: Poetic Profundity

Even before Chu Jiubian stepped out of the carriage, he could feel an omnipresent gaze.

For a fleeting moment, he almost imagined he had returned to modern times, about to alight and walk a red carpet, greeted by the excited cheers of fans and the blinding flashes of media cameras.

He lowered his eyelids slightly, his face devoid of any superfluous expression, his demeanor growing even colder and more aloof. He hadn't forgotten his divine persona: distant and unapproachable.

The carriage came to a gradual halt, and Qin Zhaoyang’s voice sounded from outside, “Young Master, we’ve arrived at the Precious Treasures Pavilion.”

Only then did Chu Jiubian rise, and Qin Zhaoyang promptly lifted the carriage curtain.

This time, the onlookers made no pretense of discretion, staring openly.

As the black-gold curtain was drawn aside, a pale, slender hand reached out, resting lightly on the doorframe, followed by the hem of a dark purple robe embroidered with auspicious clouds and a pair of black boots.

Silver-white hair cascaded over his shoulders as the young man leaned forward and stepped out of the carriage.

Once he stood upright, the crowd noticed his tall, slender frame, which appeared even taller than Qin Zhaoyang standing beside him.

But what truly captivated attention was his unusual hair and his face.

Lu Jinfeng crossed his arms, observing him for a moment before turning to Xiao Yao beside him. “How does this Ninth Young Master’s appearance compare to the women of your Xiao family?”

“Each has their own unique charm,” Xiao Yao replied, his eyes gleaming brightly. “But there’s more to this Ninth Young Master than just his looks.”

With that, he walked towards Chu Jiubian.

Lu Jinfeng naturally followed, unwilling to be left behind.

Previously, many had assumed Qin Xiao would accompany Chu Jiubian, keeping a constant watch to prevent others from exploiting any opportunity.

For this reason, Xiao Yao and many others had racked their brains trying to find a way to engage Chu Jiubian in conversation.

Yet, to their surprise, Qin Xiao had openly allowed him to appear like this. Was he truly confident that Chu Jiubian wouldn’t be swayed by other factions, or did he have other preparations in mind?

As for Qin Zhaoyang, who accompanied Chu Jiubian, he was seen as nothing more than a servant.

When their superiors conversed, servants had no right to interfere, so his presence or absence made little difference.

Chu Jiubian’s gaze swept coolly over the crowd. From their positions and expressions, he could almost immediately discern who held higher status and who was merely there to observe the spectacle.

Noticing someone approaching, he met their gaze without flinching.

One of the men was slender and effeminate, while the other was robust and stern. Yet both wore robes of the finest fabrics, with jade pendants at their waists that were clearly of superior quality.

As they approached, others who had intended to draw near stopped in their tracks. Most of the crowd had already entered the Precious Treasures Pavilion, leaving only a handful lingering outside.

Had anyone been able to read Chu Jiubian’s thoughts, they would have been surprised to discover that those remaining outside were precisely the individuals he had earlier identified as the most influential.

In a street-facing private booth on the second floor, Wang Huanzhi, head of the Langya Wang family, stood by the window in white robes, his figure as straight as bamboo. He gazed down at the scene below, lightly fanning himself with a folding fan.

“Has the Ninth Young Master finally arrived?” an elderly man seated at the table asked calmly, taking a sip of his tea without a trace of impatience.

Wang Huanzhi replied, “Do you know who remains downstairs, sir?”

The elderly man, Wang Zhang, Wang Huanzhi’s strategist, answered indifferently, “Merely the most powerful figures in the capital.”

“Three Ministers, five Vice Ministers, two generals…” Wang Huanzhi chuckled softly. “It seems almost everyone of importance is here.”

“Will you not go down to meet him, Family Head?”

“A charlatan claiming supernatural abilities, that’s all,” Wang Huanzhi said, turning away from the window and returning to the table. “The Wang family has always upheld scholarly integrity. Associating with such a person would only make us the laughingstock among scholars everywhere.”

The Langya Wang family was renowned for its literary excellence, producing many talented scholars. Since the previous dynasty, they had occupied the center of power, with several prime ministers and dozens of ministers and vice ministers among their ranks. Their disciples and protégés were spread throughout the Da Ning Dynasty, and their reputation among the common people was the highest among the Four Great Families.

Even the most ignorant commoners held the Wang family in high esteem.

Thus, the Wang family wielded the greatest influence over public opinion in the Da Ning Dynasty. If they wished to elevate someone, even a fool could be praised to greatness.

Conversely, if they sought to ruin someone, their words alone could bury the person in criticism.

The power of verbal and written condemnation was the foundation of the Wang family’s standing.

Naturally, the Wang family was also extremely concerned with saving face. They maintained an air of aloofness, acting as though they looked down on everyone.

The current Family Head, Wang Huanzhi, was especially so.

Wang Zhang poured him a cup of tea and said gently, “Family Head, have you forgotten those two poems?”

Wang Huanzhi paused.

“The Ninth Young Master may be a charlatan, but the Immortal Poet and Yi'an Jushi behind him are truly gifted,” Wang Zhang advised patiently. “Such talents can only be properly accommodated by our Langya Wang family.”

Wang Huanzhi rubbed the rim of his cup thoughtfully before replying, “Rest assured, sir. The Wang family cannot stoop to currying favor, but my disappointing eldest son has always been fond of spectacles.”

He himself was unwilling to lower himself to befriend Chu Jiubian, but his eldest son could.

Since the boy was already a disappointment and repeatedly embarrassed the Wang family, what harm would a few more incidents do?

Wang Zhang sighed inwardly but did not press further.

The young master had long been estranged from Wang Huanzhi. Even if he managed to establish a connection with Chu Jiubian, it was unlikely he would share it with Wang Huanzhi.

But Wang Huanzhi, accustomed to arrogance, had never taken the boy seriously.

Nor did Wang Zhang believe the young master had much promise—he owed his place in the family solely to the favor of the elderly matriarch.

Once she passed away, the young master would have no support left in the family and would pose no threat to Wang Huanzhi.

With this in mind, Wang Zhang let the matter drop. If Wang Huanzhi was unwilling to befriend Chu Jiubian, they would simply observe how the other nobles made their play.

Downstairs, Qin Zhaoyang whispered to Chu Jiubian, “Those two are the head of the Xiao family, Xiao Yao, and the head of the Lu family, Lu Jinfeng.”

So they were the heads of two of the Four Great Families—no wonder the others had made themselves scarce.

Chu Jiubian’s indifferent eyes rested on the two men approaching him, as though he were truly an emotionless deity looking down upon mortals.

Lu Jinfeng frowned deeply, the lines on his forehead forming a permanent crease. His sharp eyes scanned Chu Jiubian’s face with intense pressure.

Xiao Yao, however, wore a warm and friendly smile. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, “You must be Chu Jiubian, the Ninth Young Master? I am Xiao Yao, styled Zimei, the current head of the Lin’an Xiao family. I have long heard of your reputation and am delighted to finally meet you.”

Lu Jinfeng also cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, “I am Lu Jinfeng, styled Liaoyuan, the current head of the Wuwei Lu family. It’s an honor.”

Chu Jiubian nodded slightly to them in acknowledgment.

He was a god, and having only descended to the mortal realm a few days prior, he naturally couldn't act too human-like.

However, if necessary later on, he would learn these customs so that attending morning court wouldn’t feel too abrupt or awkward.

His attitude nearly left the two men across from him at a loss.

Lu Jinfeng furrowed his brows more deeply, while Xiao Yao, after a brief moment of surprise, his smile returned, and he said, “The auction is about to begin. Please, Young Master.”

Chu Jiubian stepped forward as a matter of course, walking ahead of the two.

Xiao Yao dropped back a step to follow, walking alongside Chu Jiubian.

Lu Jinfeng, however, did not follow but remained where he was, lost in thought.

The Minister of Revenue, Su Sheng; the Minister of War, Lu Youwei; and the Vice Minister of Works, Xiao Wendao, were all present, watching. They had initially intended to find an opportunity to speak with Chu Jiubian, but seeing how he had even disregarded the two clan leaders, they decided not to invite embarrassment.

“Gentlemen, shall we stop standing around here?” Xiao Wendao gestured politely to the others.

“After you, Vice Minister Xiao,” they exchanged courtesies before entering the Treasure Pavilion.

They did not linger on the first floor but went straight to the second.

Chu Jiubian was also led by Qin Zhaoyang into the box prepared by the host for Qin Xiao.

Xiao Yao’s box was next door. He smiled and said, “If you find yourself bored, Young Master, feel free to visit me anytime.”

Chu Jiubian nodded, his expression seeming to soften slightly.

Xiao Yao’s smile deepened. He only turned to leave after the door to Chu Jiubian’s box closed.

“Young Master, the view here is quite good; you can directly see the auction items on the auction block,” Qin Zhaoyang said as he wiped the chair.

Chu Jiubian walked over and noticed that, although it was called a box, the side facing the auction block was only a waist-high railing.

It did not obstruct the view, but there was little privacy. Even a simple gesture like brushing one’s hair would be clearly visible to those in the opposite box.

Two large rosewood chairs were placed in front of the railing, facing the auction block. A small table stood between them, set with tea and snacks.

Chu Jiubian took the seat on the left and glanced toward the box directly opposite.

Two men were seated there: one a middle-aged man in flowing white robes, the other an elderly man with a white beard. They exuded an air of transcendent grace, appearing even more godlike than Chu Jiubian.

“Those two are the head of the Langya Wang Clan, Wang Huanzhi, and their clan elder and strategist, Wang Zhang,” Qin Zhaoyang whispered by way of introduction.

Chu Jiubian nodded and then looked around at the other boxes.

Nobles and officials of various backgrounds, mostly men, filled the rooms. Only in two adjacent boxes were the occupants all women.

A dozen or so ladies and young women, dressed in luxurious attire, wore thin veils covering the lower halves of their faces.

“Those are the wives and daughters of various families, accompanying their husbands or sons for entertainment.”

In the Da Ning Dynasty, Confucianism prevailed, and the principles of social hierarchy and male dominance were deeply ingrained.

Moreover, with books like *Admonitions for Women* and *Women’s Precepts* becoming mainstream, these ladies and young women typically adhered to strict etiquette and led secluded lives. They only attended events like flower-viewing parties organized for women and rarely appeared in public.

It was only on occasions such as auctions or the Qixi Festival that they could accompany the men of their families, and even then, they had to wear veils.

Chu Jiubian did not stare at the young women, but his keen eyesight and sharp perception allowed him to quickly memorize their features and figures with just a glance. Through their lively or gentle eyes, he could also gauge their personalities fairly accurately.

“When will Qin Xiao arrive?” Chu Jiubian asked.

“In about two hours.”

These two hours were Qin Xiao’s way of giving others an opportunity—and also a test for Chu Jiubian, to see if he would be swayed by others.

If Chu Jiubian were indeed persuaded by someone else, Qin Xiao would not take action against him that night, though it might happen later.

After all, no one understood Chu Jiubian’s abilities better than Qin Xiao. If such a person could not be of use to him, he could not be allowed to remain.

Chu Jiubian was well aware of this.

With almost everyone present, the auction officially began.

Chu Jiubian was no stranger to auctions. Once, to prepare for a role as an auctioneer, he had studied the craft and observed dozens of live auctions.

Seeing the process, which was quite similar to modern auctions, failed to pique his interest.

Of course, it was also because the items up for auction were either paintings by renowned masters, exquisite jewelry, or occasionally a few so-called martial arts manuals and legendary sharp swords...

Very few people participated in the bidding, and the prices fetched were not particularly high. In just half an hour, over twenty items had already been sold.

This was partly due to Chu Jiubian’s presence. A majority of the attendees had come for him, not to acquire auction items, so they had little interest in the bidding.

However, these people remained cautious observers. Aside from the two clan leaders earlier, no one else had approached him.

Chu Jiubian grew bored. Since no one was taking the initiative to seek him out, he decided to try his luck elsewhere.

“I’m going out for a walk,” he said to Qin Zhaoyang as he stood up. “There’s no need for you to accompany me.”

“Understood,” Qin Zhaoyang obediently remained in the box.

Although he wasn’t accompanied openly, it didn’t mean there were no guards in the shadows.

Chu Jiubian knew very well that even if Qin Zhaoyang didn’t follow him, Qin Xiao’s hidden guards would. So, even if someone tried to harm him, he would be safe.

However, without Qin Zhaoyang by his side, he became a conspicuously solitary figure.

The first to notice him was Xiao Yao, who had been keeping an eye on the neighboring room.

Almost as soon as Chu Jiubian left his box and took a few steps, Xiao Yao emerged, feigning surprise. “What a coincidence, Young Master. Are you feeling bored as well?”

“Mm,” Chu Jiubian replied.

Xiao Yao walked alongside him and said with a smile, “You probably haven’t been upstairs yet. There are many scholars and artists there, and even a courtesan performing. Would you like to take a look?”

It seemed the head of the Xiao Clan was making his move.

Chu Jiubian went along with it. “Let’s go.”

Xiao Yao’s smile grew more genuine as he led the way to the third floor.

As they ascended, the sound of traditional instruments and the faint scent of incense filled the air.

The third floor was different from the two below. It featured more closed-door boxes, from which the strains of zither music and lively debates could be heard, creating a bustling atmosphere.

“Have you heard of Master Gongjin, Young Master?” Xiao Yao asked.

“Is his surname Zhou?” Chu Jiubian asked without thinking.

“No,” Xiao Yao shook his head. “His surname is Bai.”

Chu Jiubian had instinctively thought of the “Zhou Gongjin” from the Three Kingdoms period earlier, so he quickly scanned his memory again but couldn’t recall any matching figure from the original story. He then said, “I haven’t heard of him.”

Xiao Yao gave him a sidelong glance, seemingly surprised that someone with Chu Jiubian’s otherworldly, immortal-like aura would speak so bluntly.

However, considering that the other might belong to some reclusive family or faction and had rarely interacted with society, he found it rather charmingly unsophisticated.

In truth, Chu Jiubian was simply unaccustomed to the way ancient people spoke and often used more modern expressions out of habit.

But since his identity was already established as not belonging to this world, he saw no need to change his way of speaking and simply said whatever he pleased.

Xiao Yao led him forward, heading toward the largest and most central VIP booth. “Master Gongjin arrived from Jiangnan two years ago, not yet twenty but already exceptionally talented in literature. It is said he could compose poetry at three, debate Confucian classics with scholars at five, and was recommended for office at just ten years old based on his filial virtue. However, he found official life too confining and resigned to wander freely.”

“Now, having been in the capital for two years, he has been based at the Treasure Pavilion ever since. In terms of poetry, all the so-called talented scholars and literary giants in the capital have been bested by him. Many say he is the treasure that guards the Treasure Pavilion’s reputation.”

Chu Jiubian nodded. “That is indeed impressive.”

He understood what Xiao Yao intended to do.

He wanted to see for himself whether this “immortal” truly had investment value and whether there were indeed so-called Immortal Poets and Yi'an Jushi backing him.

Other divine feats were hard to verify at the moment, but this one was both time-saving and effort-efficient.

This likely wasn't just Xiao Yao's idea alone. The other nobles who had been watching without taking action earlier were probably waiting to see the outcome of this test as well.

These people were truly shrewd, each one sharper than the last.

But, competing with him in poetic depth?

Chu Jiubian's gaze deepened.

In that case, he wouldn't mind reaping another harvest of Faith Points.