Chapter Sixteen: The Clouds Envision Garments, the Flowers Dream of Beauty

From her perspective, Zuojincheng must have acquired more weapons than Xu Fengqiang did when he entered the Tianxiang Pavilion.

Xu Fengqiang said nothing further; there was no need to explain to the other party just how formidable the sword in his hand was or its origins—it would be meaningless.

He had long seen through this relationship and had no desire to argue with anyone about it.

“I’ll find you a fine sword another day. If you don’t like this one, just leave it at home. After all, your poetry is unparalleled, enough to make you stand proudly in the world.”

“Perhaps in the future, you’ll have the chance to earn a title through the imperial exams. Some scholars even reach the Mystical Realm through reading; maybe you can achieve it through your deeds.”

Xu Fengqiang was not surprised by Feng Yuzhi’s ridicule, but Feng Yumian’s consolation left him utterly astonished.

Since when did this girl know how to comfort others?

“What’s with that look? Did I get the consolation wrong?”

Feeling Xu Fengqiang’s steady gaze, Feng Yumian quickly noticed and bared her teeth playfully as she lunged at him—her nature hadn’t changed at all. He hadn’t paid attention before, but now he found her somewhat endearing.

At least, she was far more pleasant than Feng Yuzhi.

“It’s nothing. I really like this sword. The Armory indeed has many divine weapons, but I think what suits oneself best is what matters most.”

“Hmph, such empty boasts. Who knows if you even saw any of them?”

Feng Yuzhi steadfastly refused to admit that Xu Fengqiang was anything but useless.

After exchanging a few barbs, she fell silent and turned away alone.

“Don’t mind my sister’s words. To be honest, several of my sisters really admire your poetry. Tonight, I’ll take you to a banquet—you’d better make me proud, just like you did at the Tianxiang Pavilion.”

At her age, Feng Yumian was quite playful. Xu Fengqiang smiled and agreed; since she had brought him into the Tianxiang Pavilion, it was only fitting to help her hold the fort.

Had Feng Yumian not introduced him to the Tianxiang Pavilion, he wouldn’t have had the chance to obtain this sword, nor to meet Master Yan.

“Sure, but I need some rest first. I haven’t slept for days.”

“The banquet starts at night. Rest well first; I’ll come find you later.”

Seeing how much Xu Fengqiang was willing to accommodate her, the smile on Feng Yumian’s face was visibly radiant.

At some point, her impression of Xu Fengqiang had changed; perhaps she sensed his physique was comparable to the ghost-faced man’s, or maybe she simply disliked Zuojincheng’s smug demeanor.

She herself seemed unaware of this shift.

Xu Fengqiang indeed needed rest—there had been no chance to sleep at Master Yan’s place.

He barely had time to lie down before Feng Yumian’s voice sounded in his ear again. Opening his eyes, he found it was already evening.

---

“Had enough sleep? It’s been three hours. Get up quickly, or my sisters will wait impatiently.”

“Let me get ready first.”

Xu Fengqiang tidied his clothes and changed into a brand-new long robe. He then casually tied his loose hair at the back with a ribbon, adopting a carefree air.

When he turned around, he saw Feng Yumian staring at him without blinking.

Their eyes met, and Feng Yumian hurriedly looked away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Xu Fengqiang was tall and imposing. People called him useless more because of his lack of ability than his appearance—in fact, he could easily outshine Zuojincheng by a wide margin in looks.

“Am I really that good-looking?”

Xu Fengqiang teased Feng Yumian again, predictably eliciting a playful grimace from her.

“Let’s go quickly; we’re running late. No time for nonsense.”

Feng Yumian led Xu Fengqiang to a boat moored by West Lake. This boat was permanently docked and usually bustling with revelers.

But tonight, it appeared someone had reserved it exclusively.

Those who played with the second young lady of the Feng family naturally came from prominent backgrounds—scions of other great families in Gusu City.

“Yumian, you’re late. Take a penalty drink; you made your sisters wait so long for no reason.”

“By the way, has your brother-in-law, the unparalleled poet, arrived yet?”

The speaker was Miss Su Yanran of the Su family.

Feng Yumian pulled Xu Fengqiang to a seat and introduced him to the group.

Xu Fengqiang observed these so-called sisters silently. Feng Yumian acted carefree and without guile; she was completely unaware that these girls only regarded Xu Fengqiang as a source of amusement.

There was not a hint of genuine respect in their eyes. If he hadn’t promised Feng Yumian to save face, Xu Fengqiang would have already risen and left.

“Young Master Xu, the banquet is halfway through, and you just arrived. Yumian must take a penalty drink, but don’t you want to compose a poem to liven up the mood?”

“Better to comply than to be polite.”

At that moment, another voice spoke from the table.

“Wait. Though it’s a poem for entertainment, it can’t be composed carelessly. How about you write one for Yumian?”

Faced with the teasing from her friends, Feng Yumian’s face flushed deeply.

She didn’t stop them, seemingly eager to hear what kind of poem Xu Fengqiang would compose.

---

Besides Feng Yumian’s girlfriends egging him on, several young gentlemen present wore dark expressions.

Especially the white-clad swordsman with a sword at his side beside Su Yanran, who was likely resentful that Xu Fengqiang had stolen the limelight.

Xu Fengqiang paid no mind to their thoughts—if it weren’t to please Feng Yumian, he wouldn’t have appeared on this boat. What did their petty attitudes matter to him?

“Clothes like clouds, flowers like beauty…”

As Xu Fengqiang began, the room fell utterly silent.

Feng Yumian felt her heart pounding wildly.

“The spring breeze brushes the railing, dew glistening richly…”

Here, Xu Fengqiang deliberately paused and looked toward Feng Yumian. Usually bold and fearless, she dared not meet his gaze now, lowering her head and feigning ignorance.

A faint smile curled at the corners of Xu Fengqiang’s lips as he continued with a reflective tone.

“If not met atop the Mountain of Jade, we would meet beneath the moon at the Jade Terrace!”

Feng Yumian’s face flushed bright red, as if about to burst.

Most present came from scholarly families and immediately recognized the poem’s profound value.

Su Yanran bit her lip in regret—she should have had Xu Fengqiang compose a poem praising herself. Now, Feng Yumian was the one who reaped the benefit.

Without a doubt, the poem would spread widely, just as those at the Tianxiang Pavilion gathering had, and Feng Yumian’s name would become well-known.

It might even be recorded in history.

“Truly worthy of his reputation, Young Master Xu possesses astonishing talent.”

“Could you compose a few more? There are so many sisters here; you can’t just praise one and ignore the rest.”

Su Yanran’s intentions were clear.

If anyone else, they would likely be eager to display their literary flair. Xu Fengqiang, however, declined this opportunity to curry favor with the beauties.

“Sorry, I’m not in the mood to write more; this is all I have.”

Feng Yumian had regained her composure and spoke on his behalf.

“Poetry must come with the right moment; it can’t be forced. We should just enjoy the food and drink.”

---