Chapter 31: Our Identities Have Indeed Been Exposed!

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“The autumn wind of August is like a silken gown, the lady herself adorned in splendid crimson.”
“Girls through the ages are gentle as water, but today, this lady surpasses even the immortals!”
After reciting the poem with a cadence that rose and fell, the official from the Grand Herald’s Office finally turned to the crowd inside the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion, smiling faintly. “How is this poem? Does it outshine the last one, and take the prize?
Our Lord Bai’s literary talent is simply unmatched!”
At the same time, that official gracefully adjusted his robe and sat down, taking a refined sip of wine, then gave Chen Duolong a slight smile, conveying meaning with his gaze.
[Lord Duolong, was my performance just now satisfactory?]
[Excellent! You did exceptionally well!]
[It’s all thanks to your guidance, Lord Duolong!]
[No need for such modesty.]
Chen Duolong finally came to himself, looking at Bai Muge with shock written across his face. He raised a thumb in admiration, nodding repeatedly.
The other officials of the Grand Herald’s Office were also in awe, their praise pouring forth:
“With Lord Bai’s poem, no one can compare!”
“If the previous poem was shallow in meaning, our lord’s verses are like those of celestial beings—deep and profound!”
“Indeed, our lord embodies the very spirit of the scholar!”
“My reverence for our lord flows like the endless river, surging as uncontrollably as the flooded Yellow River…”
Listening to the flattery and adulation of the officials, Bai Muge was utterly dumbfounded.
[Honestly… what a bunch of useless teammates!]
[Such mediocre verse, and they still dare to boast about it?]
Without a doubt, the poem just recited must have been purchased by Chen Duolong from somewhere.
With his lack of literary skill and empty mind, how could he possibly compose such lines?
Yet before Bai Muge could speak, Lady Shangguan Yiren on the balcony suddenly revealed a charming smile.
She rose from her cushion, whispered something to her maid, and departed.
The maid grinned, then turned to address the audience in the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion, speaking serenely: “The poems composed by both gentlemen were superb.
My lady has witnessed your extraordinary talents.
She has also chosen the one she wishes to spend this fine evening with.”
At her words, everyone in the pavilion instantly held their breath, their eyes burning with anticipation as they stared at the maid.
The maid’s gaze shifted to the stupefied Bai Muge, and she bowed slightly, saying, “Would Master Bai kindly proceed to the second floor’s Fragrant Pavilion to meet my lady and enjoy the beautiful night together.”
“???” Bai Muge.
“???” Everyone in the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.
Especially Young Master Lin—upon hearing this news, he was filled with regret.
His gaze toward Bai Muge brimmed with jealousy.

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[If only I’d known, I’d have bought that ‘Ode to Autumn’s Lady’ poem!]
[Who would have thought that Bai Muge, notorious as a wastrel, would catch Lady Yiren’s favor!]
[Such a peerless beauty, and Bai Muge is the lucky one…]
“Ah… Heaven does not favor me…”
With a long, dejected sigh, the elegant Young Master Lin turned and left the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.
Many young scholars, their purses light, also departed in disappointment.
Remaining would only bring them heartache.
[So ashamed of my poverty—I couldn’t even afford to buy a poem…]
[Poverty makes one impotent and full of rage…]
...
As many left the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion, Madame Wang was not at all displeased; on the contrary, she was delighted.
With Bai Muge as her wealthy patron, she could easily outshine those penniless scholars.
“Master Bai, congratulations!”
Madame Wang came to Bai Muge’s side, smiling, “I knew that with your scholarly aura, you would certainly win Lady Yiren’s appreciation!
Master Bai, the Fragrant Pavilion on the second floor has been prepared just for you!”
As she spoke, Madame Wang winked at Bai Muge, her meaning unmistakable to any man.
Seeing this, Chen Duolong and the others immediately rose, giving Bai Muge a look that said, [Lord Bai, you’re busy, we won’t disturb you.]
Without further ado, Chen Duolong led the group to other private rooms to discuss life and ideals with the other ladies of the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.
Even Master Liu left in excellent spirits, giving Bai Muge a meaningful smile: “Rest assured! I have already arranged for discreet protection of the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion tonight—no one will interfere!”
Bai Muge’s mouth twitched, and he sighed in exasperation.
Only Cao Zhengchun remained at his side; Hai Dafu had wandered off somewhere unknown.
Looking up toward the second floor’s Fragrant Pavilion, where the maid waited, Bai Muge slowly came to himself.
Though Lady Shangguan Yiren was indeed strikingly beautiful, Bai Muge had come merely to listen to music and drink, with no intention of indulgence.
Moreover, the envoys from the Great Zhou were still outside the city gates—Bai Muge was waiting for their apology.
If Young Lord Tang learned he’d spent the night at the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion and reported it to Li Shixuan, things could get troublesome.
Women, Bai Muge knew well, are creatures of ‘small hearts’.
Besides, he already had his dear Shixuan.
He was no longer the lecher he once was!
So Bai Muge waved his hand and politely declined, “Madame Wang, please convey my thanks to Lady Yiren.
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I have important matters tonight and cannot share a beautiful evening with Lady Yiren.”
With these words, Bai Muge glanced at Cao Zhengchun and left the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.
“???”
Madame Wang was stunned—more than anything, incredulous.
[What is going on here?]
[With such a breathtaking beauty, Master Bai chooses not to stay?]
[Did the sun rise from the west today?]
Though perplexed, Bai Muge had already departed, so Madame Wang could only turn and head upstairs.
Second floor of the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion, outside the Fragrant Pavilion.
The maid listened to Madame Wang’s message, saw Bai Muge leave, and stood there in a daze before entering the room to report to Lady Shangguan Yiren.
Inside the Fragrant Pavilion.
Upon hearing the news, Shangguan Yiren frowned deeply, her willow-shaped eyes narrowed, her delicate fists clenched tight.
After a moment’s silence, she snorted coldly: “I never expected Bai Muge, that scoundrel of an official, to be so cautious.
Even when I, the leader, came in person to tempt him with beauty, he wasn’t fooled?”
The maid sighed heavily, hesitated, and said, “By the way, Leader. Bai Muge said he has urgent business tonight.
Could it be… our identities have been discovered?”
“Hmm?” Shangguan Yiren turned to her maid, her own vigilance rising, and immediately pushed open the window.
She saw that the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion was surrounded by men of the Tianlong Gang.
Though they tried not to be obvious, why were so many people lingering in the night?
“This is bad!” Shangguan Yiren muttered to herself.
She instinctively closed the window, leaving a narrow gap, and whispered to her maid, “Our identities have indeed been exposed! No wonder Bai Muge wasn’t fooled!”
“Ah…” The maid exclaimed, peering through the crack and spotting the Tianlong Gang encircling the pavilion.
“Leader, what should we do now…” she asked anxiously.
“We must leave at once!”
Shangguan Yiren furrowed her brows. “This is no longer a safe place. We must disguise ourselves and leave immediately!”
“Yes, Leader…”
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