TFSRITA Chapter 56

He was originally a scholar who enjoyed such things, so he wouldn’t be willing to promote this kind of atmosphere.

“Tang Bohu,” Yan Qing replied tersely, not wanting to speak much at the moment, so she kept her responses brief.

Upon hearing this, Song Chuan immediately ran off.

After this incident, Song Yu glanced at Yan Zhi, who was being fawned over by everyone, while many scholars were struggling to come up with the following lines and inviting her to critique their work. His gaze fell deeply on Yan Qing, taking in her tall, graceful figure, and he firmly committed the sight of her to memory with his gentle peach blossom eyes.

However, as he looked, he noticed a faint red mark peeking from beneath the silk scarf she was using to cover it. His gaze faltered, and he pinched his palm hard to regain his composure, pretending not to see it as he quickly walked away.

After he left, Yan Qing sat for a moment longer, waiting to see what would happen next before she departed.

Naturally, the subsequent events involved the truth being exposed in public. A middle-aged man who claimed to have read ancient texts directly recited the latter half of the poem and mentioned Tang Bohu’s name. Yan Zhi’s face instantly turned pale, and she stood there speechless, rigid with shock. At that moment, public opinion turned against her, and she became a figure of scorn and ridicule.

Fortunately, no one knew who she truly was.

Yan Zhi hadn’t anticipated the situation would develop this way. Many time-traveling women managed to pull off similar tricks; why was she the one to be exposed?

Initially, she hadn’t considered using this tactic. However, she has faced numerous setbacks lately. After being publicly humiliated at the Mid-Autumn Festival, her reputation had plummeted. Despite her efforts to restore her standing, she only ended up being mocked and indirectly criticized by various young ladies and their husbands.

Then she heard about a poetry gathering being held here, where many scholars soared to fame, and one even became a renowned dandy in Chang’an, reminiscent of Liu Yong. While she hadn’t intended to become a dandy herself, she saw how some people defended him for his talent and wanted to give it a try.

She hoped to restore her lost reputation through poetry. Then, highborn and handsome men would surely be drawn to her, especially Song Yu, who, she heard, also had a fondness for poetry. However, this was her first attempt, and she was soon accused of plagiarism. Yan Zhi couldn’t accept it and insisted, “I didn’t! I have other poems; I’ll recite them for you!”

“Enter my door of longing and know my sorrow of yearning…”

She didn’t remember much; apart from the Peach Blossom Temple, she could only recall a few simple verses, with only a couple of classic lines lingering in her mind.

Now, as she recited the few poems she remembered, the crowd had lost interest: “Who knows whose these are?”

“You’re just a teenager; what do you know about longing?”

“Exactly…”

“Young master, you’ve violated the shop’s rules; I’m afraid we cannot serve you.” The shopkeeper rushed over after realizing the situation had escalated, standing sternly before Yan Zhi and gesturing for her to leave.

Behind him stood several burly young men.

It was clear that if she didn’t leave, they would resort to force.

Yan Zhi’s teeth clenched in anger, and in her desperation, she was more afraid than anything else. With red-rimmed eyes, she ran away.

Now she could only convince herself that she was disguised as a man, and those people didn’t know who she was; there would be no consequences!

…

As Yan Zhi left, the teahouse buzzed with chatter once more. At this point, some discussions started to surface.

Yan Qing didn’t pay close attention, assuming they were talking about Yan Zhi. She took a sip of tea to soothe her throat and said, “Let’s go.”

“Yes,” replied Zhu Yin and Zhu Yin, nodding in agreement.

Just as Zhu Yin was about to open the door, a loud crash resounded, and the fragile wooden door was kicked open. A man in luxurious brocade clothing appeared his golden embroidered belt at his waist indicating his high status.

The accessories hanging from his belt were all equally extravagant.

However, the most striking aspect was his face.

With dark, brooding features, thick eyebrows, and peach-blossom eyes filled with a murderous aura that he didn’t bother to conceal, he stood at the doorway, his tall and broad frame imposing. His black boots resembled beasts ready to devour.

There was no wind in the teahouse, yet the man’s aura made the strands of his loose hair flutter.

Everyone fell silent, too afraid to speak.

The palace maids and guards knelt on the floor, yet none dared to utter a word.

Ji Yecheng’s dark gaze swept across the room. He saw only a soft couch and a round table; the quilt on the couch was neatly arranged, showing no signs of having been disturbed, which made him slightly calmer.

He spoke slowly, his voice like icy winter, cold and piercing: “Where is Song Yu?”

“He’s left,” Yan Qing replied.

As soon as she spoke, Zhu Yin’s legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground, her face ashen. “Your Majesty, it’s all my fault. If you wish to punish someone, let it be me!”

Upon hearing her words, Ji Yecheng’s icy gaze turned towards her, his thin lips moving as he retained his murderous intent. “Don’t worry; one by one!”

With that, he turned and left.

His primary target now was Song Yu!

Seeing this, Yan Qing panicked and rushed to the window, threatening, “If you touch him, I’ll jump right now!”

Ji Yecheng abruptly halted, looking at her in disbelief, his shock evident in his eyes.

Was she threatening him for Song Yu’s sake?

 

Now, although the Song family was powerful, they hadn’t declared any intention of rebellion.

If Ji Yecheng dealt with them now, the notion of rebellion would become meaningless.

Yan Qing wouldn’t allow that, and besides, Song Yu was destined to be a wise ruler who would usher in a prosperous era. In comparison to Ji Yecheng, he was far more important.

This action taken by Yan Qing was almost instinctive.