Chapter Thirty-Seven: Lost Both the Lady and the Soldiers

It was precisely Jin Wanyu’s uncontrollable laughter that startled those downstairs, reminding the gathered scholars that, before the foremost literary lady of Jiangnan, Jin Wanyu, they were merely showing off their meager talents.

To be honest, the many renowned scholars who had come to support the event were mainly drawn by Jin Wanyu herself, the “First Talented Lady of Jiangnan.” Born into a prominent family, she possessed both intelligence and beauty, her appearance stunningly captivating, her learning unmatched throughout Jiangnan—she was the goddess in every man’s heart.

Seeing that no one was a worthy opponent, the crowd hurriedly suggested to Li Tiande that his fiancée should come down and compete with Xiao Fei.

Li Tiande thought to himself: That’s not a bad idea. My wife’s scholarship will surely surpass that brat Xiao Fei’s. Besides, my wife is extraordinarily beautiful—letting her show off would add to my prestige.

But Li Tiande was troubled. Since the last incident, Jin Wanyu had ignored him completely. He worried that if he went upstairs to invite her, he’d be met with a closed door. To be rejected in front of so many people would be humiliating.

“Ah, gentlemen, let’s forget it. We men can play among ourselves. My fiancée may not be interested in such things,” Li Tiande said, trying to save face.

“Who says I’m not interested?”

No sooner had Li Tiande finished speaking than Jin Wanyu descended the stairs, dressed in a pure white gown, as graceful as an immortal descending from the heavens—pure, flawless, noble, and elegant.

Jin Wanyu was eager to personally exchange wits with Xiao Fei, that enigmatic genius.

“Gentlemen, I offer my respects,” Jin Wanyu greeted them with cultured grace.

“Greetings, Miss Jin,” they replied quickly, all except Xiao Fei, who remained indifferent.

“Wanyu, you’re finally willing to see me?” Li Tiande shamelessly called out.

But Jin Wanyu glanced at him coldly, ignored him completely, and walked straight toward Xiao Fei.

Sensing trouble, Qin Tianxiang quickly pulled Xiao Fei aside, whispering, “Husband, you’re not allowed to flirt with Miss Jin!”

“Master Xiao, though I am but a humble woman, may I have the honor of exchanging wits with you—not for rivalry, but for the pleasure of refined discourse?” Jin Wanyu spoke, her breath fragrant as orchids, making others envious.

But Xiao Fei declined, “Forget it, I’m busy recruiting disciples. Where would I find time to spar with you?”

Jin Wanyu felt displeased—where did this young man get such nerve? Still, she kept her composure and said, “You’re right. I recall everyone had agreed with Master Xiao that the loser would become his disciple and pay respects.”

“Ah…well…” The crowd sighed.

Yet, as refined scholars—and with Jin Wanyu herself speaking—they had no choice but to accept, especially since they truly admired Xiao Fei’s talent.

One by one, they approached Xiao Fei, bowing deeply. Even Li Tiande, crestfallen, bent low and addressed him, “Master, please accept your disciple’s bow.”

“Wait, my husband isn’t ready yet,” Qin Tianxiang suddenly interrupted just as everyone was bowing, forcing them to stand again.

Qin Tianxiang brought over two cups of tea, handing one to Xiao Fei. The two sat in their chairs, and she said, “Alright, you may bow now. Don’t forget your Mistress—or rather, your future Mistress—should be included as well.”

Xiao Fei was stunned by this. Good heavens, this wife of mine is truly bold—she never misses a chance for self-promotion, even using the trendy term “future Mistress”!

Though unwilling, the crowd, having lost, bowed deeply to both Xiao Fei and Qin Tianxiang.

Jin Wanyu watched the scene with mixed feelings. She’d expected Xiao Fei, after accepting their bows, to speak to her, but he still ignored her, which made her furious.

Just as Jin Wanyu was about to react, Xiao Fei stood and spoke, “You people—I accept your formal bows, but I have no desire to take you as disciples. The imperial system has been overthrown, yet the fruits of the Xinhai Revolution have been stolen by thieves, and foreign powers eye our land hungrily. The international situation is complex. Do you realize the First World War has begun? Though the Beiyang Government announced neutrality, do you really think our country is free from war and turmoil? Our greatest tragedy is not poverty or backwardness, but ignorance and numb indifference. You indulge daily in music and wine, composing poetry, while countless compatriots suffer in misery! And you, you only argue over personal talent—a disgrace to the nation and the people!”

Xiao Fei spoke with passionate indignation, delivering a powerful rebuke.

Every word and sentence pierced their hearts.

Yes—the country is ruined, the mountains and rivers remain, and cities are overgrown with grass. Though these scholars claimed they wanted to serve the nation, when true danger arrived, what had they done?

Xiao Fei’s harshest words, “ignorance” and “indifference,” were the precise evaluation of the Chinese people by the world literary giant, thinker, critic, and revolutionary Mr. Lu Xun during the Republic era—though, at this time, Lu Xun had just returned from Japan and had yet to make his mark in literature.

Now, Xiao Fei had borrowed these words, reaching deep into the souls of the scholars.

They immediately pledged to abandon literature for martial arts, to follow Xiao Fei, learn the ways of combat, and serve the nation. Some even offered to donate their fortunes and follow him.

Xiao Fei felt gratified—these scholars did possess patriotic hearts. With their participation, the ranks and influence of Qinglong Mountain would be strengthened, and, most importantly, military funds would increase. After all, these sons of wealthy families were rich beyond measure.

Conveniently, Xiao Fei now possessed a military base. He planned to bring these men in for secret training—one day, they would be a formidable force.

Jin Wanyu was even more impressed by Xiao Fei’s words. She hadn’t expected someone so young to have such advanced insight—it was truly incredible.

Li Tiande, however, only grew more resentful of Xiao Fei. Not only had he failed to undermine Xiao Fei, but Xiao Fei had gained the advantage at every turn.

Everyone understood, and Li Tiande most of all, that the “thieves” Xiao Fei mentioned referred to Yuan Shikai, who had seized the fruits of the Xinhai Revolution. Li Tiande thought: Hmph, how dare he openly preach revolutionary ideas and oppose the President of the Republic of China—he must be tired of living. I’ll inform my uncle; this time, Xiao Fei is doomed.

Having gained so many soldiers and funds, Xiao Fei felt today’s harvest was immense.

Given the day’s bounty, he decided to show some generosity. Turning to Jin Wanyu, he said, “Miss Jin, what would you like to challenge me with?”

Hearing Xiao Fei finally address her, Jin Wanyu was thrilled. She replied modestly, “I dare not speak of a challenge, only to seek guidance. Since childhood, I’ve loved Chinese classical studies and hoped you might instruct me with a few couplets.”

Xiao Fei nodded slightly, not bothering with formalities.

“I have an opening line for a couplet: In the sky the moon is full, on earth the moon is half, month after month, the full moon meets the half-moon,” Jin Wanyu said.

Xiao Fei responded effortlessly, “On New Year’s Eve, the year ends; tomorrow, the year begins; year after year, the ending meets the beginning.”

The couplet matched perfectly, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

Qin Tianxiang seized the moment, hugging Xiao Fei tightly, “You’re not allowed to flirt with her!”

“I’m not,” Xiao Fei laughed.

Li Tiande took the opportunity to stand beside Jin Wanyu and tried to take her arm, but she shook him off.

Jin Wanyu glanced at the aquarium in the hall, envying the fish and shrimp swimming freely, and improvised, “Fish with fish, shrimp with shrimp.”

Xiao Fei, annoyed by Li Tiande’s proximity to Jin Wanyu—and recalling they were engaged—thought for a moment and replied, “Turtle with turtle, in-laws with in-laws.”

Jin Wanyu’s quick mind soon grasped Xiao Fei’s meaning. His couplet was clever but also insulted her father, hinting at the political marriage between General Jin and Hu Millionaire—a collusion.

Jin Wanyu wished to defend her father and herself, but under these circumstances, how could she? She knew Xiao Fei had misunderstood her relationship with Li Tiande, so she turned and shot Li Tiande an angry look, then recited to Xiao Fei, “There is a tree on the mountain, its branches grow; my heart is fond of you, but you do not know.”

With that, she hurried upstairs.

The scholars all understood her meaning, and Li Tiande most of all. He hadn’t expected his fiancée to declare her feelings for Xiao Fei in public, right before his eyes—what humiliation!

Li Tiande had intended to bring down Xiao Fei, but instead, he’d lost both his fiancée and the contest.

Xiao Fei also understood her meaning and thought, Ah, this isn’t quite right.

Qin Tianxiang, not versed in classical literature, didn’t understand Jin Wanyu’s couplet. “Husband, what does she mean?” But she guessed Jin Wanyu was probably interested in Xiao Fei. “Hmph, shameless little vixen, trying to seduce my husband!”

Just then, the men Li Tiande had sent to summon Hu Millionaire returned, bringing dozens of Hu’s guards to arrest Xiao Fei.

Even Li Tiande hadn’t expected that behind them followed Hu Millionaire himself, along with the envoys of several foreign nations.

“Xiao Fei, you rebellious scoundrel, today you won’t leave the Jin residence alive!” Li Tiande finally revealed his true colors.