Chapter 2: To Win Over Shui Ling, to Earn Silver, Qu Jiangwen Clears His Name

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Seeing Ye Xun’s darkened face, Cao An’s heart sank, regretting his words. Wasn’t this a slap in Ye Xun’s face? If Ye Xun were truly a literary genius, widely learned and brimming with wisdom, how could he have fallen to such a lowly state, lacking even a single supporter?

Cao An knew Ye Xun’s true caliber all too well. Poetry? Being able to read poems was already commendable. He vaguely recalled that at last year’s poetry gathering, Ye Xun composed a crude doggerel. What was it called? “I am the Crown Prince, willing to beckon through the night…” In any case, it was vulgar beyond measure.

“The beckoning sleeve” referred to one of the three infamous dens of vice in the capital, the Scarlet Sleeve. The Scarlet Sleeve was famed throughout Greater Xia, especially for its top courtesan, Chen Yuanyuan, whose beauty was unparalleled. Each day, countless wealthy scions jockeyed for her favor, spending fortunes in jealousy and rivalry. It was said that last year, the Crown Prince of Dayu, on a diplomatic mission to Greater Xia, came expressly to witness Chen Yuanyuan’s breathtaking beauty.

However, the Xia court strictly forbade officials from frequenting such establishments. For Ye Xun to write like this was akin to lighting a lantern in a latrine—inviting disaster. After the Xia Emperor saw it, enraged beyond measure, he rushed to the Eastern Palace with a drawn sword, nearly castrating Ye Xun on the spot. Since then, Ye Xun declared he would never write poetry again, depriving the literary world of a supposed poetic sage.

The news was met with applause by the literati of Greater Xia. Therefore, Cao An felt there was no chance; he held no confidence in Ye Xun.

Yet Ye Xun himself remained unperturbed. Poetry? Wasn’t this tailor-made for time travelers? Wasn’t it a perfect excuse to win a beautiful wife and a purse of silver? For the sake of a charming wife and money, Ye Xun resolved to enter the literary contest.

He then stood, eyes firm and lips curling in a slight smile. “Very well, tomorrow we shall go to the literary contest and win both the silver and the wife.” The thought of having a beautiful and talented wife to warm his bed thrilled him immensely. Ye Xun was a man of simple pleasures, content to lie drunk beneath a beauty’s knees.

“Ah!?” Hearing this, Cao An was stunned. You? Don’t joke! At such a sensitive time, to produce another vulgar doggerel would surely earn the wrath of the Xia Emperor, who might well execute both master and servant. Even their loyal dog Wangcai might suffer.

“My lord… perhaps you’d better not go,” Cao An stammered. “Last year, didn’t you say you were done with poetry? Besides, the Emperor is still furious; it’s best not to draw attention…”

Despite his hesitation, Cao An dared not speak too bluntly, fearing to wound Ye Xun’s fragile pride.

“No matter,” Ye Xun waved his hand confidently. A beauty and silver offered on a silver platter—how could he refuse? Blessed by the spirits of poetic immortals, sages, demons, heroes, and ghosts alike, Ye Xun was ready to sweep the contest like a conquering hero.

Seeing Ye Xun so resolute, Cao An could only resign himself and agree.

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It seemed another beating was inevitable.

“When does the poetry contest start?” Ye Xun asked Cao An.

After a moment’s thought, Cao An replied, “It should be… around the hour of the dragon tomorrow.”

“The hour of the dragon tomorrow,” Ye Xun mused, then nodded. Whether he would thereafter enjoy a sumptuous life with a beautiful woman or remain a lonely man eating coarse food depended on tomorrow’s battle.

Thinking of the beautiful fiancée recently rejected, about to become another’s wife, anger surged within him. He wondered what the Xia Emperor was thinking—just yesterday, the Crown Prince’s favored consort was rejected, and today she was to be married off. Was this not a slap in his face?

Though Ye Xun was weak now, he would not allow another to lay hands on his charming betrothed.

The next day, the weather was clear and mild.

In the capital city, at the Qin Prince’s mansion, Ye Xun had finished bathing and dressing. He and Cao An prepared to depart for Qujiang Pavilion.

Just as they reached the courtyard, Cao An stopped and asked, “My lord, shall I bring Wangcai along?”

“Wangcai?” Ye Xun repeated, pausing, then said, “Bring him. Leaving Wangcai alone at the mansion would be too lonely.”

“Yes, my lord,” Cao An responded and went toward the side courtyard.

Ye Xun pondered his dismal situation—like a rat scurrying through the streets, despised by all. Though he was the Qin Prince, there were bound to be schemers plotting against him. It was safer to have Wangcai nearby.

With Wangcai at his side, no ordinary martial artist could approach him. Whoever dared throw rotten vegetables would first have to get past Wangcai’s approval.

A moment later, Cao An returned with Wangcai. Ye Xun turned and gaped in disbelief.

Good heavens… the name “Mad Dog Cao” was well-earned. Was that truly a dog? It looked more like a cross between a tiger and a bear! Wangcai was pitch black, his coat glossy, with triangular eyes, stretching over ten feet long and weighing perhaps six hundred pounds. Standing there, he radiated a fierce and terrifying aura.

No wonder he had battled a tiger fifty rounds. His physique was no less formidable.

“Woof! Woof! Woof!” Upon seeing Ye Xun, Wangcai’s eyes lit up as if in heat, and like a black lightning bolt, he charged at Ye Xun.

Cao An didn’t expect Wangcai to suddenly lunge forward; the leash slipped free and Cao An stumbled to the ground.

Ye Xun stared, alarmed. This was no mere dog—it was a black bear in disguise.

“Wangcai, stop!” Cao An shouted anxiously from the ground, extending his right hand.

Just as Ye Xun was about to flee, Wangcai, like a storm, tackled him to the ground, baring his massive jaws.

Ye Xun’s heart bled at the thought: if Wangcai mauled him now, how shameful would that be for a time traveler?

Just as he resigned himself to this fate, he felt something warm slowly wetting his face.

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It was over…

At that moment, Cao An scrambled over, yanking the leash and dragging Wangcai aside. He scolded fiercely, “You mangy beast, are you tired of living? How dare you knock down my lord?”

Then hurriedly he helped Ye Xun up. “My lord, are you alright? You’ve been locked in your room these days; Wangcai missed you terribly. Please don’t blame him.”

Ye Xun brushed off the dirt with a smile. “I’m fine. I know Wangcai was just playing; I wasn’t scared at all.”

He stood still, trying hard to keep his trembling legs steady.

Wangcai was terrifying indeed. But luckily, although Ye Xun was no great man, he had a good bond with the dog.

After a pause, Ye Xun felt his legs steady again and waved his hand. “Let’s go—off to Qujiang Pavilion.”

With Wangcai by his side, Ye Xun felt confident.

Soon, Ye Xun and Cao An, accompanied by Wangcai, left the Qin Prince’s mansion.

The capital, Greater Xia’s imperial metropolis, was bustling and prosperous.

Today was the day of the Qujiang Pavilion literary contest, and the city was livelier than ever.

Although the Xia Emperor’s selection of the first female talent, Shangguan Yunqing, as the Crown Prince’s favored consort was a major event, the scandal of Ye Xun’s fall from grace still captivated the public’s conversation.

Moreover, Shangguan Yunqing was the Emperor’s appointed Crown Prince’s consort, recently rejected and now searching for a husband.

Thus, rumors and gossip about Ye Xun filled teahouses, taverns, streets, and alleys throughout the capital.

As Ye Xun and Cao An strolled toward Qujiang Pavilion, Wangcai followed closely, drawing much attention.

“Who knows how many despicable acts that ‘Butt Demon’ Crown Prince committed to be deposed?”

“Serves him right. Luckily, Mu Lingshuang and Shangguan Yunqing escaped his clutches, or it would have been tragic.”

“I heard that ‘Butt Demon’ Crown Prince is a pervert who loves all kinds of dirty tricks… tsk tsk, the world’s gone to ruin.”

“People like him don’t deserve to be Crown Prince of Greater Xia.”

“Unbelievable—just days after being stripped of his title, he’s out wandering around shamelessly.”

Such talk was everywhere in the capital, countless and unflattering.

Ye Xun paid no mind; he had steeled himself before leaving. Besides, he cared little for others’ opinions. His only desire was to win the beauty’s hand and live a life of indulgence and leisure.

Though the crowd pointed fingers, none dared cause trouble, intimidated by Ye Xun’s status and Wangcai’s formidable presence.

Meanwhile, in front of Qujiang Pavilion, a platform had been erected, surrounded by a sea of people shoulder to shoulder.

The greatest female talent of Greater Xia, Shangguan Yunqing—personally chosen by the Emperor—was unmatched in both talent and beauty. Moreover, as the Crown Prince’s consort, and still pure, with her father the Minister of Revenue, countless scholars flocked to compete, eager to gain favor before the Emperor and win the beauty’s hand.

Inside Qujiang Pavilion, Emperor Ye Lantian was playing Go with Minister Wei Wuji of the Ministry of Personnel.

He had not wished to come today, but since Shangguan Yunqing was Shangguan Panshi’s eldest daughter, and he felt somewhat indebted to the father and daughter, he came to show support and give face to the Shangguan family.

“Your Majesty, who do you think will win today?” Wei Wuji asked as he placed a black stone.

Ye Lantian’s face darkened slightly, and he snorted softly, “Anyone but that traitorous son.”

Just then, noise came from outside—the arrival of Ye Xun.

Hearing Ye Xun’s name, Ye Lantian’s hand holding the white stones tensed visibly, veins bulging.