I Have A Qi Fortune Altar

Chapter 76: Chapter 76 Listen to Music!
 

The poem no sooner had been uttered than silence descended on Yanyu Building.

It was as if time had stopped.

Then, the next moment, peals of laughter filled the hall.

The burly man stood with his neck stiff, unconcerned. Instead, he boomed out loud:

“Miss Xiaoyue, does my poem catch your eye?”

“Don’t disgrace yourself with such crude language.”

Just now, the scholar snorted lightly.

“Boy, what did you say?”

“Obviously, your poem is so poorly crafted that it doesn’t merit the name.”

“Then you try.” The muscular man stared intently at the scholar.

The scholar took a deep breath, fan in hand. He paced, shaking his head and recited aloud:

The land is rich with a hundred flowers vying in fragrance,

And the muted scent fills the deep aquamarine ponds.

They do not compete with peach and plum for the spring breeze,

July’s shooting stars bring a refreshing coolness.”

Chen Yuan nodded silently. Compared to the previous one, this indeed qualified as a poem, but the scholar’s arrogance was rather off-putting.

“I dedicate this poem to Miss Xiaoyue.”

The scholar’s gaze slowly swept over the crowd, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

“Brother Yuan, can you also come up with an impromptu poem to eclipse this young man’s limelight?” Wang Ping snorted softly and spoke in an undertone.

“I haven’t read as many books as you, how could I possibly write poetry?”

Chen Yuan glanced at Wang Ping.

He could copy a few poems, but there was no point in getting jealous over a courtesan. Although the lady was beautiful, Chen Yuan was not the kind of man who lost his path upon seeing a woman.

And there was no benefit worth him making a move, so why should he intervene?

His reason for coming here was to investigate whether Xiaoyue was somehow connected to Qi Fortune. Since she wasn’t, Chen Yuan did not wish to stir up trouble.

“That’s true…”

Wang Ping muttered to himself.

It was mainly because he was still dazzled by some of Chen Yuan’s previous remarks, subconsciously assuming Brother Yuan was knowledgeable.

“Is there anyone else here who can produce a better poem than this gentleman?”

The madam called out.

Xiaoyue’s eyes moved subtly, seduction flowing through them as she scanned the crowd, ultimately resting her gaze on Chen Yuan, contemplating something.

“I am willing to compete with all the gentlemen present.”

The scholar smiled lightly, looking down at the assorted crowd with a touch of contempt in his eyes.

Having studied poetry extensively for years, and having copied this poem from a friend recently, how could he lose in this mere county town?

“Boy, don’t get too arrogant.”

The burly man from before threatened.

“What, under the bright sky, are you planning to commit violence?” The scholar in green surveyed the crowd, fixing his gaze on Chen Yuan and Wang Ping, and called out loudly: “You two constables, this man intends to be violent, can you not arrest him?”

Chen Yuan gave him a glance:

“This constable’s eyesight isn’t good; I can’t see anyone being violent.”

“You…” The scholar’s voice faltered.

“Ha ha, brother, you speak to my taste. If you ever run into trouble in City East, just mention my name, Ma Dayuan.” The burly man stood up and laughed heartily.

“Sure.”

Chen Yuan smiled and nodded.

“Hang on, wait a second. Brother, is your surname Chen?” When Ma Dayuan caught sight of the official uniform on Chen Yuan, which was different from the one Wang Ping wore, he suddenly gasped.

He began to realize something.

“Hmm, Brother Ma, you recognize me?”

Chen Yuan picked up his cup and took a sip without a change in expression.

“Could it be Chen Yuan, Lord Chen?”

Ma Dayuan stared intently at the patterns on Chen Yuan’s clothing.

“Indeed, this is the new arrest officer of the County Government.”

Wang Ping announced loudly, throwing a glance at the youth in green robes who had spoken earlier.

“Ah, it turns out to be Lord Chen…truly, truly a case of not recognizing a great man, I was offensive in my words just now, I hope you can forgive me.” Ma Dayuan picked up his cup and walked quickly to Chen Yuan.

His expression was somewhat ingratiating.

“There’s no offense taken, Gang Leader Ma is too serious.”

Chen Yuan had heard of the name Ma Dayuan. He held some power in City East, had dozens of followers, and had never caused any trouble.

It was said his connections were not weak either.

“Officer Chen is indeed as forthright as the rumors suggest. Today, it was I, Old Ma, who didn’t recognize a great man. How about I offer Xiaoyue as compensation for my offense?” he said, then turned to the madam loudly:

“Tonight’s company with Xiaoyue, be it thirty or fifty taels, I’ll accept it. Name your price.”

The madam was tempted, looking at the youth in green robes and then at Xiaoyue not far off, unsure of what to do.

“You…how vulgar, how can Xiaoyue be measured by silver? This is a matter of elegant pleasures, you…” the youth in green robes said anxiously.

“You little wretch, still dreaming of romantic delights? Believe it or not, I can make it so you can’t leave the Yanyu Building?” Ma Dayuan’s eyes grew cold, and a dangerous aura enveloped him.

“You…you…” the youth in green robes was somewhat flustered.

This burly man looked like he really could prevent him from leaving the Yanyu Building, and besides, next to him was the county arrest officer; if he were to die, no one would claim his body.

“If you don’t want to die, then get lost.”

Ma Dayuan rebuked him coldly.

The youth in green robes looked at his fierce appearance, felt a surge of fear, snorted softly, and hurriedly covered his face as he retreated, eliciting a chorus of boos.

“How about it?”

Ma Dayuan turned his gaze back to the madam.

Xiaoyue smiled, draped in a red gauze, and walked slowly forward:

“I had long heard that the newly appointed Officer Chen is a young talent, and many a wealthy young lady in the city has secretly given her heart to him. How could Xiaoyue possibly accept silver with Officer Chen gracing the establishment today?”

As she spoke, coy glances were softly thrown his way.

Chen Yuan remained unfazed, smiling:

“How is it that I’m unaware of so many having secretly given their hearts to me? Xiaoyue is jesting. Just now, it was merely Brother Ma’s playful words; I only came to listen to a tune, with no other intentions.”

Xiaoyue tried to gauge from Chen Yuan’s gaze whether he was feigning or serious, but after a few breaths, Chen Yuan’s expression did not change at all.

She whispered:

“Does Officer Chen think of me as a wilting willow unworthy of his attention?”

“Although Xiaoyue may no longer be a young woman, her charm remains. However…due to my cultivation practice, I must refrain from the company of women, it’s not a matter of disdain,” Chen Yuan replied with a detached look in his eyes.

For some reason, Chen Yuan felt particularly uncomfortable when this woman approached him, so he was reluctant to get too close and risk other complications.

From the moment the Red Silk danced earlier, Chen Yuan had already determined that Xiaoyue was no ordinary character.

And he had no interest in dealing with such a person, wealthy household or not.

As he spoke, Chen Yuan glanced at the area three inches below Xiaoyue’s abdomen.

Wang Ping was somewhat stunned on the side; such a great opportunity and Brother Yuan was unmoved?

Could it be that he truly had no interest in feminine allure anymore?

Xiaoyue covered her mouth and chuckled lightly:

“So that’s how it is. Then would Officer Chen care to visit my boudoir to listen to a tune played by me?”

Chen Yuan gave Xiaoyue a quick assessment, pondering something, then after a moment he smiled and said:

“Very well.”

Wang Ping smiled knowingly. This was the Brother Yuan he knew well.