Chapter 21: Shangguan Yiran

Du Gou laughed aloud like never before, his laughter rolling freely and endlessly. The thought that the so-called "Li Fugui" mentioned by Li Yi was actually that thing made Du Gou unable to hold back, his stomach aching from the mirth.

In the silence of the square, only Du Gou’s laughter echoed. The people nearby watched as Du Gou burst into such laughter by hearing just a single word from Yue’er, each one puzzled, their curiosity tormented.

"Who exactly is this Li Fugui that Young Master Li just mentioned?"

"And why is Young Master Du laughing so uncontrollably?"

Their hearts itched like monkeys scratching, wanting to ask, but the tense atmosphere between the two groups kept their questions bottled up.

By Du Gou’s side, Fang Yizhi could no longer contain his own curiosity. He pushed Du Gou several times, steadying him, and asked repeatedly, "Brother Du, who is this Li Fugui that Brother Li spoke of, to make you laugh so much?"

As Fang Yizhi finished speaking, everyone around perked up their ears, holding their breath, eager to hear Du Gou’s answer.

But to their disappointment, Du Gou did not answer aloud. Instead, he leaned close to Fang Yizhi’s ear and whispered the secret.

"Uh...hahaha!" Fang Yizhi’s expression mirrored Du Gou’s—he was stunned for a moment, then quickly joined the chorus of laughter.

The two laughed so hard they bent over, knocking over the teacups on the table. The entire Pingkang Square was filled with their laughter.

Li Yi, on the other hand, remained composed, unaffected by their antics, shaking his head and saying dryly, "Look at how ridiculous you two are—don’t say you know me in the future!"

"Ha...Third Brother," Du Gou clutched his stomach, his face contorted by laughter, "Let me laugh just a bit more...just a bit...haha..."

"Brother Li, I am humbled before you, haha!" Fang Yizhi paused his laughter, gave Li Yi a thumbs up in admiration, but couldn’t stop himself from laughing again.

The more they behaved this way, the more everyone else’s curiosity was ensnared by the name "Li Fugui."

As for Changsun Chong, who was dumbfounded by Du Gou and Fang Yizhi’s unrestrained hilarity, he instinctively knew it couldn’t be anything good.

Therefore, he decided not to embarrass himself by asking who Li Fugui was.

But damn it, who can tell me—who on earth is Li Fugui!!!

"Hmph, such pretentious fools!" Letting out a heavy breath, Changsun Chong gritted his teeth and muttered angrily, then sat down quietly, suppressing his curiosity.

He no longer looked at Li Yi and his friends, deciding that out of sight was out of mind.

Just then, someone called out, "Miss Shangguan is here!" Du Gou and Fang Yizhi slowly reined in their laughter.

Everyone’s gaze shifted to the small stage set up before them.

A beautiful woman, clad in a pure white dress, graceful and elegant, appeared accompanied by two maidservants.

Shangguan Yiren’s face was slender as an almond, her fair cheeks lightly powdered, her delicate features enhanced by a subtle touch of makeup. Her exquisite beauty, set off by the pure white dress, made her seem like a celestial maiden descended from heaven, breathtakingly stunning.

She appeared before them so casually, yet inspired a desire to protect her—without the slightest wish to profane.

"Gulp...so beautiful!" Many men below the stage swallowed hard, their eyes sparkling.

Du Gou, Fang Yizhi, and Changsun Chong, all set aside their previous grievances and exclaimed in unison, "Such a peerless beauty!"

Even Yue’er behind Li Yi could not help but whisper, "Young Master, Miss Shangguan is truly beautiful, like a fairy from heaven!"

Li Yi also saw Shangguan Yiren, and had to admit she lived up to her name.

Just as in the Book of Songs, every glance and smile of hers captivated the heart, making one fall under her spell.

"No wonder Miss Shangguan’s name is renowned in Chang’an—her beauty and aura alone could make one drunk with dreams, unwilling to leave," Li Yi thought to himself.

To say he felt nothing would be a lie, but his self-control was strong and he did not lose composure like the others.

Still, recalling the beauty of Yue’er behind him, if she shed her martial attire and was carefully dressed, she would surely be no less stunning than Shangguan Yiren. Li Yi felt a bit proud.

Thinking thus, Li Yi turned to look at Yue’er, "Have you ever seen a celestial maiden descend from heaven?"

"Uh..." Caught off guard by Li Yi’s question, Yue’er was momentarily speechless. Her big eyes blinked, and she replied honestly, "I haven’t..."

"That settles it," Li Yi said, seriously studying Yue’er before nodding in satisfaction. "If you were dressed up, you’d be even more like a celestial maiden!"

For a moment, Yue’er didn’t know how to respond, her cheeks flushed red.

Yet her heart was sweet as honey, and a joyful smile appeared on her lips.

"This is the first time Young Master has praised my beauty," she thought happily.

"Gentlemen, I offer my greetings," Shangguan Yiren stood poised, smiling softly as she bowed to the crowd, causing a flurry of applause and a wave of polite manners among the men.

Du Gou and the other noble scions were particularly refined in their behavior, each afraid to leave a poor impression before Shangguan Yiren.

The hall fell silent, leaving only Shangguan Yiren on stage.

She drew a white silk cloth from her sleeve, unfolding it gracefully. On it, elegant calligraphy appeared before everyone’s eyes—

Yesterday a lone plum branch, stood proud atop the snowy mountain.

Just this single line, and nothing more.

"Is this...an unfinished poem?" Many stared blankly, unsure what Shangguan Yiren intended.

Countless men in the square began to whisper to their neighbors.

At this moment, Changsun Chong stood up and bowed formally, "Miss Shangguan, may I ask—what does this mean?"

Shangguan Yiren smiled gently, bowing in reply, "Sir, this is a poem I composed. I have pondered long but cannot find the next line. Today, I am honored to have you all here. Thus, I boldly ask you to help me complete the verse. I hope you’ll indulge me!"

"If any of you cannot compose the next line, it doesn’t matter," she continued, smiling softly, "You may write the first line instead. If your calligraphy pleases me, I will agree to meet you."

After finishing, a faint smile lingered on her exquisite face.