Encountering Rain at West Lake

As the saying goes, misfortunes never come singly. Last night, I got up and there was a power outage. I held my laptop in bed and managed to write a chapter. I only had one and a half chapters on hand. The power came back on just now, so I quickly got out of bed and posted one chapter first. After waking up, I'll try my best to write two more chapters. Search:\(Complete Book Station\) to read high-quality literature for free.

I have decided to turn over a new leaf and gradually speed up the pace. All the recent suspensions of updates should be unavoidable accidents...

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Yu Hezhong's attitude was mysterious, but judging from his smile, it didn't seem like he had found some disreputable secret passage. There was some self-satisfaction and showmanship in that smile, which probably meant there were some interesting inside stories. Ning Yi thought that Jin'er had probably already taken Yunzhu to Chen Luoyuan's residence. If he could see something interesting, he could have some topics to talk about later. So, he followed Yu Hezhong towards the other side of the woods.

On the way, Yu Hezhong smiled and started talking to Ning Yi about the spring outing.

"I'm sure Xiao Ning already knows about today's gathering. Although it's said that we're going to accept Duke Chen's invitation, I'm afraid many more people are planning to meet that lady from the capital. Heh, I saw a lot of pleasure boats coming over by the river just now. Oh, right, Xiao Ning, are you familiar with any of the courtesans in Jiangning?"

"Not really familiar."

"Heh, I've heard people talk about it these past few days. That Qilan girl is good at poetry and literature, and has quite the scholarly air. She plays a good zither. And Luo Miaomiao's dance is like a celestial maiden scattering flowers… I guess everyone will be here today, and we'll be able to see a few good performances…"

As he said this, there was a hint of mockery in his eyes. Ning Yi nodded with a smile: "Well, with so many people coming, if we miss this opportunity, we'll probably have to wait until the annual courtesan competition to have a chance to see them. They perform their performances, and we just watch."

"Xiao Ning, are you just here for the performances?"

"Otherwise, what else?"

"Heh." Yu Hezhong looked at him strangely, but then revealed a knowing look and shook his head. "Actually… Among the people who came this time, there are quite a few who want to make a name for themselves and stand out at this literary gathering. Xiao Ning must have heard that before the lady from the capital came, someone used this news to stir up trouble and amplify the situation. They said that Miss Li came to challenge the courtesans of Jiangning. Later, a large group of literati stirred up trouble, wanting to write good poems to let the girls of Jiangning overwhelm the people from the capital. Hey, it's a pity that they were all used without even knowing it. If it hadn't been promoted like this, that side wouldn't have planned to hold this gathering in the first place. This time, I'm afraid they're just showing their faces."

There were many meanings in Yu Hezhong's words. Ning Yi thought for a moment: "Brother Yu… seems to be very familiar with Miss Li?"

"Heh, you'll find out later. I'll keep you in suspense. It's definitely a big surprise."

What he said was practically an outright admission. The two continued walking forward, and Yu Hezhong kept chattering: "What Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi just now, and many famous literati in Jiangning today, or nameless ones who want to become famous. Write a few good poems and get favored at this literary gathering, and they will definitely be sung by everyone in the future. However, although they also have talent, Zhou Bangyan and Tang Weiyan, who came with Miss Li this time, are also quite outstanding in talent. If you really compare them, it will definitely be very exciting. If Xiao Ning happens to come up with a few good lines, you might as well take them out and try them…"

Chen Luoyuan's garden was located on the mountainside. As they spoke, the two went all the way up. Leaving this small patch of woods, the view opened up. This should be the side or back door of the garden. Walls surrounded it, and servants were guarding the door. Yu Hezhong went over and said a few words first, and they were let in without an invitation card.

Passing through a small courtyard planted with bamboo, the two arrived in front of a small courtyard. Yu Hezhong told him to wait here and went straight through the courtyard gate. After a while, he came out again, slightly frowning, as if he hadn't found the person he was looking for.

He looked around hesitantly, obviously not familiar with this garden either. Then he smiled and said a few words to Ning Yi, and went to a door on the left, just telling Ning Yi not to wander around, lest he get lost. Ning Yi sat on a nearby stone bench. After a moment, he walked around and heard sounds coming from the courtyard on the right.

"...thinking too well...those people are all here to make a name for themselves, what's the point of talking about being refined and courteous? If they really want to be aggressive, are we really going to shrink back?"

"We always have to accept it."

"But we don't even know how they plan to make things difficult, so it's useless to think about it."

"Singing, poetry, and literature, it's all these things. Shishi will naturally come forward in terms of music, so don't worry. In terms of testing writing, can't you trust the talents of Brother Zhou and Brother Tang? Don't think about it. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."

"These sisters in Jiangning also have amazing skills, and Shishi may not be able to win. Brother Xu, don't be too confident..."

"Haha, Shishi always says that... They shouldn't do too much, probably just sing a couple of songs, and these people should shut up."

"It's hard to say. The one stirring up trouble behind the scenes is the kind of profiteering

merchant, who wouldn't know the limits. Maybe that Qilan will challenge Shishi, Luo Miaomiao will challenge her, and even some Tom, Dick, and Harry will want Shishi to teach them, then she will really be exhausted..."

"...actually, there's not much to worry about. The poetry and prose of Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi, and Qi Yukang are just so-so. I met Li Pin in Bianjing last year, and he's not in Jiangning now. Cao Guan's poetry is well-regulated, and although it is also remarkable, it is ultimately not as good as Bangyan's. Oh, I heard that they also found that Ning Liheng, but I don't know if it's true. This person is low-key, but the poems and prose he writes, 'Shui Diao Ge Tou,' 'Qing Yu An,' are all masterpieces that can be passed down through the ages."

"What are you worried about him for? He's just a few lyrics, and he's been touted as the number one talent in Jiangning. In my opinion, this is a bit of an exaggeration. His literary talent hasn't been verified, who knows if he's just a fame-seeker."

"Heh, I heard that this person is low-key and not very enthusiastic about various poetry and prose gatherings. There have been rumors that he is seeking fame, but after a few coincidences, not many people doubt him anymore."

"Since he's not very enthusiastic, why is he coming this time..."

"Who knows, anyway, we'll just accept whatever he throws at us. Is everyone still afraid of anyone? However, it's not good to let them take the lead all the time. I have a few topics here that I can take out to scare off some ignorant people, and also prevent some Tom, Dick, and Harry from coming to make things difficult..."

The sounds from over there continued for a while, and then gradually came over. Hearing them mention himself, Ning Yi found it interesting. He knew that his true talent in poetry and prose was not as good as these people, so he didn't mind what they said about him. After listening for a while, a voice sounded from behind him.

"Who are you? Outsiders are not allowed in here."

Appearing behind him was a petite girl dressed as a maid, frowning and trying to look fierce. Ning Yi looked at her a few times and said, "Someone brought me in."

"If it's not someone Miss said in advance, you are not allowed in. If you have an invitation card and took the wrong path, please follow Chunmei back to the front."

The maid's attitude was firm, and she was about to lead Ning Yi away immediately. Before Ning Yi could take out his invitation card, someone had already strode over from the courtyard on the other side, came out of the courtyard gate, and looked this way: "Who is eavesdropping here?" Naturally, it was one of the people who had participated in the discussion just now.

"Young Master Tang, this young master must have taken the wrong place. Chunmei is about to take him back to the front."

Young Master Tang frowned: "Do you have an invitation card? Did you sneak in by climbing over the wall..." He probably felt that Ning Yi had heard their difficulties and plans, so his attitude was a bit bad.

Ning Yi curled his lips, thinking that Yu Hezhong hadn't come over for so long, which was a bit unreliable. Just as he was about to take out the invitation card from his body, a few more figures came over from the courtyard gate. One of the female voices said, "Ah, wait, Brother Xiao Ning, you're here too... Chunmei, this is a guest I invited."

There were a total of five figures coming out of that courtyard, including the Tang fellow who spoke. Four men and one woman, of which the woman was dressed in bright spring clothes, water-green clothes, a light and elegant figure, with long hair let down from the back of her head, tied up with two rounds of white hair hoops, and two white flowers studded on her hair. This dress was neither too vulgar nor too detached from the world, and her appearance was both accessible and elegant, and it was obvious that she had put some thought into it. She was Miss Wang, whom he had seen with Yu Hezhong that day. After putting down her bangs, her forehead did not appear wide, and her chin was moderate, revealing a little bit of flirtatiousness. Combined with the male attire she had seen that day, there was even a rather amazing feeling in Ning Yi's eyes.

This girl spoke for Ning Yi. Her other identity was naturally the protagonist that everyone wanted to see today, Li Shishi, the number one flower in the capital.

From Yu Hezhong's previous mysterious attitude, Ning Yi had some guesses, but when he was confirmed at this time, he still felt that this matter was really coincidental. Ning Yi had been tested for a long time in his previous life, and he rarely had an amazing impression of people. Most of them still came from the contrast of her radish-like head when she was dressed as a man. Of course, her appearance was naturally extremely outstanding, but compared to her appearance, what made people feel more was the temperament that combined elegance and accessibility, the impression of being suitable for both heavy and light makeup.

Probably considering that Ning Yi might really be uninvited, the woman stopped the speech to get an invitation card as soon as possible, and established the legitimacy of Ning Yi's entry. At this time, she stood there, smiling happily, and anyone who saw it would think that she felt heartfelt joy for the arrival of this person. The maid who had just led Ning Yi away pursed her lips, weakly said "Oh," and stood aside, and in front, that Tang fellow smiled, cupped his hands, and apologized:

"It turns out that Shishi knows him, the Great Flood washed the Dragon King Temple, I was really sorry just now."

"It doesn't matter." Ning Yi nodded, then looked at Li Shishi who walked over with a smile, "I met Brother Yu outside just now, he brought me here, but I don't know where he ran to at this time." Although the other party didn't ask, she must be curious in her heart, and Ning Yi felt that it was necessary to explain for a moment.

"It turns out that Brother Yu is here too, Chunmei, have you seen Brother Yu?"

"He's at Mother Li's

." The maid replied in a low voice.

"Oh, bring him to find us later."

"Yes, Miss."

In a simple conversation, Ning Yi felt a little strange. The maid next to her, called Chunmei, seemed a little timid under Li Shishi's questioning. Although he could see it, he naturally couldn't guess the reason. Yu Hezhong went to find Li Shishi just now, but naturally failed to find him, but found Mother Li over there.

Mother Li herself had some opinions on Yu Hezhong, not because the other party couldn't afford the expenses of going to a brothel. Yu Hezhong's family was still good, but compared to the others who interacted with Li Shishi, it was naturally far worse, and Shishi gave him various preferential treatment because of old knowledge, which was always not very good. After some conversation, she heard that he had found another "old acquaintance" to come, that was terrible. Mother Li did not show her face directly, but restrained Yu Hezhong there, and then informed the maid Chunmei to quickly get this person out, which is why Chunmei seemed a little anxious.

Ning Yi didn't know the reason, but the expressions of the others were also in his eyes. After he said Yu Hezhong's name, the expressions of the four scholar-gentry changed from solemn to slightly disapproving, and obviously they did not have a good impression of Yu Hezhong.

These thoughts flashed through his mind, and the Shishi girl in front of her also ordered the maid to get those snacks and fruits, and then glanced deeply at Ning Yi, bowed slightly, and smiled: "I couldn't tell you my identity when we met that day, Brother Xiao Ning, don't blame me." Her tone was still as close as a girl next door.

Naturally, there was nothing to be angry about, and Ning Yi smiled: "I was startled."

"Heh." Shishi lowered her head and smiled, then turned her head back, "Oh, Brother Xiao Ning, come and sit together, let me introduce you..."

As she said this, among the few gentry over there, one of them looked at Li Shishi's expression and waved his hand this way: "Since he is a friend of Shishi, he is a friend of us, why not come together and discuss today's countermeasures, that's the right thing to do."

The few people then went to the courtyard over there. The four men walked in front, still discussing in a low voice how to deal with the challenges from all sides today. Shishi accompanied Ning Yi and walked behind, smoothed the hair around her ears: "Will it be a bit abrupt to meet like this. Shishi was also startled, Brother Yu is really, he didn't inform me in advance." Then she smiled again: "What they said about countermeasures is exaggerated, although today's gathering is a grand event in the literary world, it has nothing to do with Shishi. If Brother Xiao Ning is interested later, he can also show his talent, but don't worry about Shishi."

She only thought that Ning Yi was the bookworm of the year, who always had difficulty making achievements at this kind of top literary gathering, and she didn't want him to have any burden. Of course, if he really wrote some poems later, she would inevitably have to praise him a few words.

The Tang fellow, who was slightly behind, heard the sound of her speech, and saw him turn his head and smile: "Hey, Shishi is wrong, this is not our exaggeration, at this literary gathering, your reputation as the number one beauty in the capital is in danger, and the face of us scholars in the capital is also in danger, countermeasures are still necessary. This young master seems to be a local, he knows much better than us, Shishi you can't fool him."

The courtyard here is a pavilion located on the mountainside, with beautiful scenery and a wide field of vision. As they spoke, the three people in the front had already entered the pavilion, sat down at the round table, nodded with a smile, and took over the conversation. One of them said: "That's right, that's right, the gathering is a small matter, face is a big matter, even if Cao Guan and his gang take turns to fight this time, everyone can't lose the battle."

"The wind is howling, the Yi River is cold..."

"In short, everyone's battle against the Jiangning heroes today will definitely be a good story in the literary world in the future."

"What if even the most powerful Ning Liheng comes, I will take it."

The few people laughed and joked, but they also had a bit of the open-minded style of famous scholars. While talking and laughing, Ning Yi and Shishi had already sat down. The Tang fellow who first spoke to Ning Yi estimated that this joke had temporarily eliminated the gap, and cupped his hands: "By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet, I am Tang Weiyan."

Ning Yi nodded: "I have long admired..." The person on the other side cupped his hands and said: "Xu Dongmo."

"I am Fang Wenyang."

"I am Zhou Bangyan, this little brother is..."

Among them, the oldest and most famous is probably Zhou Bangyan. After he introduced himself, he asked the question, and Shishi next to him said: "This is..."

Ning Yi also cupped his hands: "Ning Liheng."

"Heh, it turns out to be Brother Ning... we first..."

The atmosphere was harmonious, everyone was smiling, Tang Weiyan first spoke the words, until here, slightly stunned, the others also noticed something was wrong, after a few seconds, each person's expression became a little strange, you look at me, I look at you, Ning Yi also nodded, naturally and naturally looked at them, sitting next to him, the girl named Shishi looked over, her lips slightly opened, her eyes blinked a few times, and then blinked a few more times.

For a moment, Ning Yi spread his hands helplessly, he also knew that this would be the situation, but he couldn't not introduce himself, right... (To be continued.) Vote for recommendations and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)

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