Chapter 107: What Literary Elegance and Grace

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Regarding Zhao Hengyi’s near-surrender, Wei Linglan merely smiled and remarked, “At least you’ve got some sense,” then turned away, naturally unwilling to take advantage of him at such a critical moment.

Unaware, Zhao Hengyi, who had been away from Jiangling City for several days, did not know that the Magistrate of Xiangcheng County, his business partner along with Liu Xiaozi, had already laid the groundwork on his behalf.

Now, the pure, crystal-clear white sugar, granular like sand or snow, had long become all the rage among the wealthy households of Jiangling City. With the Magistrate of Xiangcheng’s reputation, it was only natural that the daughters’ militia would deliver the white sugar directly into the back chambers of the grand families.

The production of white sugar was straightforward, and Jiangling City was not short on raw materials, so the output was considerable. Had it not been deliberately controlled, it might have caused an even greater sensation.

As white sugar’s popularity soared, the Magistrate of Xiangcheng developed a close rapport with Zhao Caidong’s wife, the woman behind the celebrated poem “Jade Table·Eternal Autumn.” She even humbly accepted the woman as a sworn sister, and they partnered in this sugar business. Naturally, such matters spread quickly.

Whether Wei Linglan and Miao Xiaoyu truly hit it off or not, outsiders viewed Zhao Hengyi’s family as having secured the patronage of the Magistrate of Xiangcheng.

Behind Wei Linglan stood the Duke of Lu’s household, favored and cared for by the Empress Dowager. With such a powerful protector looming, Zhao Hengyi’s position in Jiangling City would normally be secure.

Yet times had changed. Underneath Jiangling’s surface, turbulent currents churned. Su Shenchang and Prince Qi eyed each other warily. Zhao Hengyi had to tread carefully, ensuring no major mistakes.

One misstep could mean the ruin of his family.

After all, Wei Linglan’s influence was enough to intimidate petty criminals, but against the vast smuggling network stretching toward the barbarians across the Great Yan Kingdom, it was insufficient.

Zhao Hengyi even speculated that with the death of Shadowless, Prince Qi might leverage it to join that network—or perhaps the deployment of an expert like Shadowless was the condition for Prince Qi’s entry.

Prince Qi, as Military Governor of the Ningwu Army, wielded considerable hidden power.

This covert struggle involved forces far beyond what Jiangling City should bear. The delicate balance amid this chaos was still maintained by the special envoy dispatched by Consort Chen.

Perhaps unwilling to anger Su Shenchang, who had sacrificed his reputation, or to reveal the network’s existence to Consort Chen’s faction and share the spoils, the overlord behind Su Shenchang would not move against Zhao Hengyi until after the envoy met him and before Zhao Hengyi proved himself a peerless literary talent.

At the upcoming Early Summer Moon Viewing Poetry Gathering, Zhao Hengyi would surely face repeated challenges. Without a poem rivaling “Jade Table·Eternal Autumn,” his reputation in Jiangling would be ruined—and his death might follow under mysterious circumstances.

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Such a scenario was beyond even the Magistrate of Xiangcheng’s expectations.

After a hard-won reunion with Miao Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaozi, Zhao Hengyi sent them away from Jiangling City early the next morning, dispatching half his guards to escort them back to Elm Tree Bay.

Parting so soon was not heartless, but necessary.

In Zhao Hengyi’s current understanding, Elm Tree Bay was one of the few places truly safe, especially while he remained in Jiangling City.

Miao Xiaoyu, aware of her husband’s peril, strengthened her resolve by focusing on caring for her sister, safeguarding the family estate, and serving as her husband’s steadfast support.

Though from a merchant family with limited worldly experience, Miao Xiaoyu understood the need for her husband to face all dangers with a clear mind.

Just Miao Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaozi returning to Elm Tree Bay would not attract ambushes. If Zhao Hengyi traveled with them, it would be another matter—after all, members of the Ningwu Army could easily disguise themselves as bandits or highwaymen.

Several daughters’ militia women had encountered Shadowless, and Zhao Hengyi’s interrogation did not conceal this; thus, the news that Prince Qi might also be involved did not escape Wei Linglan.

Unexpectedly, the Magistrate of Xiangcheng did not distance herself but instead informed Zhao Hengyi that after the Early Summer Moon Viewing Poetry Gathering, she had important matters to discuss with him.

This was a clear sign of her intent to offer him protection. Judging by the power plays at hand, Zhao Hengyi’s most dangerous period would be after the poetry gathering!

Consort Chen’s envoy’s presence in Jiangling City was no secret, and, fueled by those deliberately stoking the excitement, many had learned of it.

Not only in Jiangling City, but even literati from surrounding areas considered somewhat talented rushed to attend.

The Early Summer Moon Viewing Poetry Gathering was held at Lotus Garden. Entry was limited to the wealthy and noble or established literary figures.

But for those truly gifted enough to compose poems comparable to “Jade Table·Eternal Autumn,” even if barred from Lotus Garden, opportunities to gain fame would not be lacking.

For Jiangling’s literary circles, this event surpassed even the New Year’s gatherings in significance. The city’s numerous scholars filled every brothel and pleasure boat. Any reputable courtesan already had an engagement for the evening. All poetry societies had booked in advance upon hearing of Consort Chen’s envoy’s arrival.

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For the entire literary community, that night’s moon-viewing poetry gathering promised to be far livelier than the previous event held in honor of Consort Chen’s birthday from afar.

Though the world praised spontaneous literary genius, on such a momentous occasion, few would gamble solely on their innate talent.

Most scholars prepared poems in advance. The theme—moon viewing—was clear, akin to having the exam questions announced beforehand.

This was where family background proved advantageous. Noble households often received advance notice. Particularly those with relatives serving as officials in the capital had more time to prepare or could pay others to compose on their behalf.

As the sun set in the west, Jiangling City grew lively, the fervent desire of scholars to be recognized almost igniting the entire city.

Outside Lotus Garden, horse-drawn carriages bearing the crests of various households arrived endlessly. Any family with a young gentleman or some literary standing would not miss the moon-viewing poetry gathering tonight.

Few hoped merely to curry favor with Consort Chen, but none wished to offend the Empress Dowager who held her supreme favor.

“Sir Xi, this evening Jiangling’s literary brilliance converges, surely to become a celebrated story for the ages! Your presence at Lotus Garden truly adds countless splendors to this gathering!”

In a secluded flower hall, Su Shenchang lavished unrestrained flattery upon the eunuch sent by Consort Chen, while Prince Qi nodded in agreement, swaying his head.

“Lord Su is too generous with his praise,” the eunuch, though young, was adept at concealing his intentions. “I merely happened to be present and joined the festivities—I dare not steal the limelight from Lord Su and Prince Qi.”

“I simply admire Zhao Hengyi’s poetry. Relying on Lord Su’s favor, I beseech a favor to catch a glimpse of Zhao Caidong’s literary grace firsthand!”