Bold Witch, Don’T Hurt My Husband

Chapter 7: Jin Yuan Poetry Gathering (Part 1)

At night, Xia Fan woke up from his hangover and struggled to sit up from Lou Qingxue's bed.

"Young Master is awake!" Cai Xia hurriedly approached.

"Mm, where is Miss?"

"Miss was called by Madam Yang to discuss the poetry gathering tomorrow night. I heard that this poetry gathering is organized by the Governor, and our Miss, as the most famous courtesan in Bright City, will naturally be invited to attend!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Fan couldn't help but nod in understanding. For scholars, reciting poetry and engaging in musical performances were elegant pursuits.

While they were talking, the door opened, and Lou Qingxue, dressed in a plain long dress, walked in.

"Xiao Fan, you're awake. How are you feeling? Still uncomfortable?"

As she spoke, she quickly approached, her fair hands cupping his face, examining him left and right. When she realized he was still sober, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"At such a young age, you've already learned to drink. I bet you're feeling terrible. Let's see if you dare to do it again in the future!" Lou Qingxue scolded while pointing at his forehead with her finger, her tone reproachful.

"I understand. By the way, I met a cultivator today, a teacher of sorts." Xia Fan then recounted the events of meeting the cultivator at Wangjiang Tower to Lou Qingxue, his words filled with excitement.

However, the expression on Lou Qingxue's face gradually changed from happiness to calm. After a long while, she said, "Xiao Fan, I know you're not an ordinary person. This small teaching district can't hold you. But no matter what, I support you!"

"Sister, I'm just a lowly servant in this teaching district. I have limited knowledge and don't understand the ways of cultivation. But if the other person is truly a master, you must seize this opportunity."

Although Xia Fan looked like a child, Lou Qingxue had come to realize over the past half month that this child was extraordinary. Not only was he talented in literature, but his thinking was also far beyond his age. Such a person would surely achieve great things in the future.

"Naturally. Moreover, Miss Lou, you are currently the most popular courtesan in Bright City. Many talented scholars wish to meet you, and your redemption is just around the corner!"

"What Miss? Call me sister!"

"I won't!"

"Cai Xia, help him take off his clothes and give him a bath!"

"Yes, Miss. Young Master, please excuse me. Hehehe~" Xia Fan: Σ(°△°)

"Here we go again~"

After all, in his previous life, he was a 25-year-old young man. No matter how old Lou Qingxue was, she was still a younger sister in his eyes.

The next day, the Bright City Poetry Gathering.

With the Governor leading the organization, the poetry gathering was naturally bustling. More than half of the unmarried scholars from all over the country rushed over, not to mention the attraction of the princess and her husband.

Among the attending scholars, many were from prestigious families, especially the ministers in the court. Almost every family with scholars had sent someone over.

Choosing a son-in-law for the royal family was not about whether they could be selected, but about making a statement. If your family had a young scholar with a good reputation but didn't attend, wouldn't that be disrespectful to the emperor?

As a result, the scale of this poetry gathering far surpassed previous ones, especially with the Governor leading the event.

Xia Fan slept until mid-morning.

"Where is your Miss?"

"Miss has already gone to Jin Yuan. I heard that many important figures will be returning from the poetry gathering tonight. Miss is too busy to pay attention to us. Young Master, where do you want to go for fun?" Cai Xia asked as she combed his hair.

Those who could attend the poetry gathering at Jin Yuan were either famous scholars or officials in Bright City, as well as some local wealthy merchants. People without status like them naturally couldn't go. Of course, if Xia Fan could reveal his identity as a talented scholar, he might be able to enter. However, at his age, he would attract too much attention. It was better not to join in the excitement. After all, he was about to embark on cultivation. Who would care about a husband?

"Did your Miss leave any money?"

"Yes, but Miss instructed that you are not allowed to drink anymore!"

Xia Fan: ...

What kind of trust was this between people?

In this world without smartphones or computers, the biggest form of entertainment was visiting brothels and watching performances. But the beginner's village he chose was located near a brothel. Where else could he go? Not being allowed to drink was clearly targeting him.

"Alright, bring some money. Today, I'll take you somewhere interesting!"

"Great!"

At the same time, people were coming and going in Bright City, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Look, that's Jiang Wen, the young master from the capital!"

"Let me see, which one?"

"Wow, it seems like Jiang Wen glanced at me!"

"Nonsense, he was clearly looking at me!"

At this moment, three young men dressed as young nobles walked past on the street. The one in the middle, dressed in white, held a folding fan and exuded an elegant demeanor. With a jade pendant at his waist, he gave off an air of a humble gentleman, attracting the attention of many women and unmarried girls on both sides of the street.

"I never expected Brother Jiang to have such fame even in Bright City. I am truly envious!"

"Naturally, Brother Jiang's literary talent is outstanding, and he is the legitimate son of Minister Jiang. Both in terms of status and appearance, he ranks high in the capital, let alone in this small Bright City!"

The two speakers were Zhang Chen, the son of Bright City's governor Zhang Wenshi, and Lu Zhixing, a famous local scholar in Bright City.

When the three of them traveled together, they naturally attracted the attention of the people around them.

"You two are too kind. Brother Jiang's talent is far superior to mine!" Jiang Wen modestly replied.

Upon hearing this, the two men shook their heads, and Zhang Chen even said, "In my opinion, Brother Jiang is undoubtedly the top scholar this time. When Brother Jiang rises to prominence, don't forget about me!"

"Yes, yes!"

Although they enjoyed such flattery, Jiang Wen remained modest and said, "It is not yet certain. Don't say such things, my two brothers!"

Although he said that, the expression on his face was quite confident, as if winning the top scholar title was already in his pocket, and he was about to become a high-ranking official and marry the princess, reaching the pinnacle of life.

Not far away, two women with veils watched quietly.

"Master, if this so-called top scholar is like this, disciple would rather not have this luck!" The young and quiet woman transmitted her voice.

Upon hearing this, the mature woman beside her frowned slightly. Since arriving in Bright City, the two of them had secretly observed many famous scholars, but most of them had returned disappointed.

Both of them were disciples of Celestial Fragrance Gate, and their cultivation could also help their future husbands. Most people in the cultivation world wanted to marry Celestial Fragrance Gate's disciples, so they were particularly cautious when choosing a man.

"Youthful arrogance can be understood, but this Jiang Wen is not bad!"

As the two women communicated through voice transmission, the quiet woman suddenly felt her thigh being bumped.

"Ouch!"

Xia Fan rubbed his forehead and sat on the ground, inadvertently attracting the attention of the two women.

"Young sir, are you alright?"

As she spoke, Cai Xia, carrying a bunch of bottles and jars, hurried over and asked.

"I'm fine!"

After speaking, Xia Fan quickly got up and looked up, but he couldn't see their faces. It is said that when a woman lowers her head, she becomes a rare beauty, but from a different angle, there is another scenery.

Taking a step back, Xia Fan clasped his fists and bowed, "I was reckless and bumped into the lady. Please forgive me!"

Seeing his appearance, the quiet woman couldn't help but find it amusing and burst into laughter, saying, "Miss is fine, did it hurt when you bumped into me?"

Xia Fan shook his head, but the lady beside him did notice something. She felt a strong righteousness from Xia Fan, which was the aura of Qi Xiuwen.

"Are you a disciple surnamed Qi?"

"Madam, you misunderstood. I don't have a master, but I did meet a Mr. Qi yesterday!"

Upon hearing this, the beautiful woman nodded. No wonder there was such a strong righteousness in him. It seemed that Qi Xiuwen wanted to take him as a disciple.

Seeing this, the beautiful woman became somewhat interested and placed her hand on Xia Fan's shoulder, saying, "Average aptitude, but there is a hint of spiritual energy. You are a material for studying. It's a pity you're a boy. If you were a girl, you could join our Celestial Fragrance Gate!"

To this, Xia Fan's mind raced. The amount of information was too great. It seemed that these two women knew the old man from yesterday, as long as they weren't enemies.

"Celestial Fragrance Gate? Red Sleeve Fragrance Gate?" Xia Fan curiously asked.

Upon hearing this, the quiet woman couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, then bent down and patted his head, saying, "What are you thinking at such a young age? Let's talk about Red Sleeve Fragrance Gate when you grow up!"

"Misunderstanding, I was talking about a website!" Xia Fan said.

The two women: ???

(End of this chapter)