Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Two, Part Two)

The Lady of Guo State slowly lowered the curtain of the carriage. The guards glared fiercely at Yu Wenzhi and Cen Qi, tying the two horses that had calmed down to the back of the convoy, along with the carriage, and dragging them away. Once the convoy had disappeared from the official road, everyone finally managed to catch their breath. Yu Wenzhi patted his chest and exclaimed, "I am dead, I am truly dead. Heaven, am I dead, with my soul wandering everywhere?"

Alright. Seeing us fighting and not stepping in to help, Brother Lei is really turning his elbow outward! Yu Wenzhi pouted, feigning anger as he scolded.

Brother Lei, you are truly ungrateful. If it were not for today's confusing battle, perhaps you would still be avoiding us!

It was as if the light clouds veiled the moon, drifting like the returning snow in the flowing wind! The foreigner, who had nearly matched Wang Xun, shook his head and sang loudly.

Well then, let's consider today's matters settled. It was merely a misunderstanding, and no one should hold a grudge. On another day, I, Old Lei, will host everyone at the Linfeng Tower in the city for a drink!" Lei Wanchun concluded with a smile, "Haha, look at my memory; Linfeng Tower is also under Brother Wang's ownership, so when everyone goes there, you can be assured that Old Lei won't be unable to cover the bill!

It is indeed I. The saying goes, "A hundred poems over a cup of wine," but that is merely the exaggerated praise of friends. Compared to Brother Lei's noble deeds of yesteryear, I, Li, can only be considered a literate drunkard!" Li Bai smiled and shook his head in modesty

Long before Yu Wen's provocations resurfaced, Wang Xun had already sensed that something was amiss with today's events. Upon learning that the middle-aged man with whom he had drawn was none other than the renowned poet Li Bai, he found the situation even more perplexing. Now that Lei Wanchun had stepped in as a mediator, he seized the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Nodding his head, he responded in a very magnanimous manner: "Since Brother Lei has spoken, how could I, as a younger brother, not comply? But when did you arrive in the capital? Why didn't you give us a heads-up beforehand?"

Wang Xun lost his biological parents at an early age. Although his stepmother, Aunt Yun, had arranged for him to have a concubine according to the customs of wealthy families, the relationship was still distant, and she could not inquire into his private life like a biological mother would. Therefore, despite being a notorious playboy, he was much more inexperienced in matters of love than his peers. At this moment, upon suddenly encountering an extraordinarily beautiful woman whose clothing was almost translucent, he felt his lips dry, his throat tighten, and a surge of forbidden desire rising within him. Looking at Yu Wenzhi, there was not a trace of fear in his eyes; he stared intently at every movement of the young girl, as if the moment he turned his head, the enchanting girl would transform into a butterfly and fly away.

The performances of others are not much better than his. This includes Wang Xun, who, despite claiming to have seen countless beauties, usually interacts with those songstresses and courtesans who cater to the prominent guests of Chang'an. They emphasize allure without lewdness, charm without being bewitching. No one would wear bedroom attire as formal wear like Lady Guo and her two maidservants, exuding complete seduction, utterly unpretentious and - pictorial. However, the same attire on Lady Guo appears entirely different from that on the two young maidservants. The earlier two maidservants only conveyed a sense of flirtation, temptation, and impulsiveness, making one want to draw close, caress, and hold them tenderly. Yet, when Lady Guo fully emerged from the carriage, she resembled a celestial being painted in a Buddhist temple, with temptation still present, subtly revealing a sense of dignified beauty.

Although it is already the Tianbao era, the courtesy name of Duke Hu, Qin Shubao, still proves to be somewhat useful. The woman inside the carriage chuckled softly and replied gently, "So it is Guomo and Guozhen. No wonder your voices sound so familiar. Are you here to apologize? Which child hasn't gotten into a few street fights? Hmm, what happened to this carriage? Is it really crushed? To the two strong men outside, could you please exert a bit more strength?" Which child hasn't gotten into a few street fights? Hmm, what happened to this carriage? Is it really crushed? To the two strong men outside, could you please exert a bit more strength?

It was never a matter of great significance. They no longer pursue me, which is something I could only wish for! Li Bai smiled lightly and nodded gently

This fellow is probably just acting out of a moment of desperation! Wang Xun pulled Yu Wenzhi closer to prevent him from dampening everyone's spirits again. "Has Xiao Zhang returned to the capital as well? That's truly rare. For the gathering in three days, why not invite him along, Brother Lei?"

In the blink of an eye, three different faces appear. One is charming, one is kind, and one is as cold as frost. Each observer feels a unique sensation rising within their hearts. The captivating Lady Guo, supported by her maid, enters the spare carriage and slowly leans out, smiling like an elder as she advises the Qin brothers, "When you get tired from playing later, remember to come visit my villa. I have just received a new batch of sugar from Lingnan; take a few jars back, as your mother will surely appreciate it. It was specially delivered by my own staff, much better than what you can buy outside."

But is this not the great hero Lei Wanchun, who once rescued an orphaned girl and pursued the villain for three thousand miles over a mere egg as a reward? Upon hearing the strong man's introduction, the outsider, whose every gesture exuded an otherworldly aura, was taken aback. "I am Li Bai, and I have long admired Brother Lei's esteemed name"

These two lines from the "Ode to the Goddess of Luo" were indeed quite fitting, causing everyone to shake their heads and laugh. Only the previously dazed Master Gao, who had been knocked unconscious by a brick thrown by Yu Wenzhi, missed a visual feast. Confused and disoriented, he got up from the ground in the distance and inexplicably shouted, "What are you all doing over there? Is the fight over? Or have you made peace? Oh dear, who is so heartless as to leave me with a head full of blood!"

Haha, haha, haha! The crowd laughed even more heartily. After they had laughed enough, Li Bai made a bow towards the Qin brothers and said softly, "Thanks to your cleverness just now, we managed to escape a calamity. We have no way to repay you, so let us cover the cost of this medicine ourselves!"

You did not intentionally set a trap to deceive Li. Would Li still take the initiative to come and provoke you? The outsider gently waved his hand, pushing Yuwen Zhi aside like a spinning top, then adjusted his attire and gracefully returned the greeting to the burly man with the surname Lei. "Dan Qiusheng is a close friend of Li. Years ago, at the foot of Songshan, he once guided me in a few techniques."

Is this the Lady of Guo State? The Qin brothers, along with a few friends, are here having fun, and we did not expect to disturb the lady's carriage. At this moment, it is getting late, and we dare not delay the lady on the road. We will certainly come to apologize another day!" It was still the two brothers of the Qin family who, being well-read and knowledgeable, cleared their throats and stepped forward to greet her in a loud voice

In strict compliance with the lady's orders! Wang Xun was greatly pleased, and with a slight increase in strength, he pulled down the deformed car door. Fearing to disturb the women inside the carriage, he quickly took a half step back and turned his face to the side

The old man just now... Master Gao furrowed his brow in recollection, clearly still not fully recovered from the shock. Suddenly, he clutched his head and exclaimed loudly, "Oh dear, I was actually knocked unconscious by a mischievous child with a brick. How shameful, how shameful, to have my half a lifetime of reputation tarnished like this! How can I possibly show my face to ask for money for medicine?"

Yuwen Zhi was completely stunned, utterly unaware of his surroundings. In the midst of it all, he felt as if flowers were falling from the sky like rain, and eight hundred Arhats were singing together. Amidst the solemn chanting, a barefoot, bare-waisted celestial being slowly approached him, gracefully offering a pair of red lips.

"Forget it!" Lady Guo of the State of Guo smiled gently, shaking her head with a face full of affection. "You two wild boys really do not let the adults rest easy. Next time you fight, remember to stay far away from the official road. Otherwise, if your mother hears about it, she will surely use family discipline on you again"

"Come down here!" Wang Xun hurriedly closed the distance in two steps, catching up before Yu Wenzhi could swing the reins, and pulled him away from the saddle like an eagle snatching a chick. "Now you still refuse to tell the truth; how long do you intend to deceive me?"

"Are you Li Bai? The Li Bai who wrote a hundred poems while drinking?" The astonishment on Lei Wanchun's face was no less than that of his counterpart. He took a small step back, his eyes wide open in shock.

Yuwen Zhi wanted to provoke further, but was stopped by Wang Xun, who placed a hand on his shoulder and gently pressed down, rendering him unable to move an inch. Meanwhile, the burly man with the surname Lei, having heard that the outsider had learned from his old acquaintance Dan Qiusheng, became increasingly inclined to mediate between the two parties. He clasped his fists and, with a hearty laugh, asked, "Old Dan Qiusheng has always been protective of his skills; I never expected him to be so generous in sharing! I am Lei Wanchun; may I ask your esteemed name, my friend?"

Lei Wanchun is a well-known figure in the martial world, whose influence among the street heroes of his time was comparable to that of Li Bai among the literati. Although he has kept a low profile for quite some time now, his reputation still commands respect. Everyone immediately agreed with a smile. Qin Guomo and Qin Guozhen are not petty individuals; despite having suffered a slight loss at the cockfighting arena earlier that afternoon, they decided not to hold a grudge now that both sides had turned enemies into friends. Instead, they proactively approached Master Gao, whose head had been injured by a brick, and inquired with concern, "That outsider, are you seriously injured? Do you need us to call a doctor for you?"

"Old Lei, what are you still dawdling for? Hurry up and open the carriage to see if the lady is injured!" At this critical moment, a calm voice emerged from behind the thicket of blades. Wang Xun turned his head upon hearing the voice and saw the Qin brothers, Qin Guomo and Qin Guozhen, approaching together, followed by more than twenty formidable bodyguards.

Heavens! At least today's battle is taking place by the Qujiang Pool, so not many people will witness it. If this gets spread, we will truly be 'recorded in history'! Hearing the names of a few outsiders, Wang Xun was secretly astonished. He cast a cold glance at Yuwen Zhi, only to see the latter's gaze flickering, unwilling to meet his own.

"I have seen the lady!" The dream was suddenly interrupted. Yu Wenzhi turned around in astonishment, only to see the two brothers of the Qin family leading the way, as everyone else was cupping their fists in salute towards the carriage

"Um, no, thank you for your help just now, brave warrior!" A soft gasp first echoed in the carriage, followed by the lazy voice of the female host. Although it still carried a hint of panic, it was charmingly alluring, causing Old Lei, who was closest to the carriage, to suddenly tense up, leaving his hands and feet without a suitable place to rest.

This courteous gesture elicited a soft laugh from the Lady of Guo. After laughing enough, a girl in green attire jumped out from the carriage, bent down, and slowly spread a scarlet carpet at the entrance of the carriage. The girl appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, yet her figure was exquisite and well-proportioned. As she bent her knees and lowered her body, two rounded curves were accentuated at the front and back. Her movements were slow and extremely graceful, with her fair arms lifting and lowering, her five fingers resembling spring onions contrasting beautifully with the scarlet carpet. The tips of her fingers were painted with an unusual shade of crimson, which, when illuminated by the setting sun, instantly captured countless gazes.

A crisp sound echoed in front of the carriage. Everyone was momentarily taken aback, and Ling Tai instantly regained clarity. As their gazes fell, they saw a pair of exquisitely crafted leather slippers adorned with countless pearls and beautiful jade resting on the red carpet at the carriage entrance, followed closely by another pair being placed down. The curtain of the carriage fluttered slightly, and another equally charming young lady gracefully descended, bending down to arrange the pair of slippers at the carriage door, then softly said: "Madam, the carpet is laid out. Please step forward, Madam"

The robust man with the surname Lei, who had knocked down two startled horses with two punches, had some prior acquaintance with Wang Xun. Not knowing the cause of today's conflict and seeing that everyone looked somewhat awkward, he took the initiative to engage in conversation with the outsider who had fought Wang Xun to a standstill: "Have you ever stayed in Luoyang, my friend? Those few grappling techniques look very familiar to me. May I ask what your relationship is with the old man Danqiu?"

Having said this, she was supported by two maidservants as she gracefully walked towards a carriage in the back row. As she walked, she whispered to her own guards, "What are you brandishing your knives for? What if you frighten someone? Quickly put them away! Drag the damaged carriage back to the courtyard, don't let it be a nuisance here. A bunch of useless people, if it weren't for someone risking their life to save me, I would have been dragged into the water by the startled horses long ago"

Is the sunlight outside really that harsh? In the presence of two stunning maidens, the sounds within the carriage became increasingly alluring. Although it felt somewhat impolite, Yu Wen Zhi and the visiting guests could not help but steal glances. They saw a red hue, reminiscent of five-pointed cardamom, slowly emerging from the carriage entrance, igniting the flames in the air. The feet, as white as jade, the smooth and rounded ankles, and the straight, sleek calves were captivating. The red hue continued to emerge from the carriage entrance, igniting the flames in the air. The feet, as white as jade, the smooth and rounded ankles, and the straight, sleek calves were captivating. Heaven, she was not wearing any footwear; her jade-like calves were merely covered by a layer of deep blue gauze! My goodness, Yu Wen Zhi's head buzzed, and in an instant, everything outside lost its color.

Hahaha! Upon seeing his dazed appearance, everyone burst into laughter. After laughing, they looked at each other and found that they had all lost the motivation to continue this fight.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone agreed on the specific time to meet for drinks at Lingfeng Tower three days later, and then they clasped their hands in farewell. Before Li Bai and the others could walk far, the Qin brothers and Wang Xun had already surrounded Lei Wanchun, bombarding him with questions: "Brother Lei, when did you arrive in the capital? Why aren't you staying at home?"

If you discover anything amiss in the future, you may come to the Qin residence at Yongjiafang to find us brothers. Just mention today's matter, and we brothers will certainly not go back on our word. Qin Guozhen smiled and returned the gesture with the courtesy appropriate for peers.

The man known as Old Lei was the burly figure who had just worked with Wang Xun to subdue the startled horse. Upon hearing the reminders from the Qin brothers, he quickly walked over to the side of the carriage, cupped his fists in a gesture of respect, and said very politely, "May I ask which lady is seated inside? I hope she has not been injured. I was rather hasty in my actions while trying to restrain the startled horse earlier, and I sincerely ask for the lady's forgiveness for my recklessness"

At present, both parties exchanged names. The middle-aged man who had been struck on the head by a brick from Yuwen Zhi was surnamed Gao, given name Shi, originally an official in Fengqiu County. Discontented with his superior's oppression of the common people, he resigned from his post and was currently visiting friends in the capital. The man pursuing Yuwen Zhi with a sword was named Cen Can, a successful candidate from the third year of the Tianbao era, who had not yet been appointed to an official position and was temporarily residing in the capital. Among the remaining outsiders, one was surnamed Cui and the other Wang, both of whom were also somewhat renowned scholars.

Madam?" Wang Xun was startled again. He widened his eyes to take a closer look. Goodness, how could this be a carriage adorned with white bronze? The carriage body and the shafts were clearly wrapped in pure silver. Eight carriages, all drawn by pairs of horses, were entirely covered in silver. In the entire city of Chang'an, there are probably no more than three individuals who would dare to flaunt such a grand display and be referred to as 'Madam.' And among these three, if even one were to lose a single hair, everyone would likely spend the rest of their lives in prison! In the entire city of Chang'an, there are probably no more than three individuals who would dare to flaunt such a grand display and be referred to as 'Madam.' And among these three, if even one were to lose a single hair, everyone would likely spend the rest of their lives in prison!

Hmph! The woman in the carriage let out a delicate snort from her nostrils, clearly dissatisfied with the conditions proposed by Wang Xun

Thank you, madam! The Qin brothers expressed their gratitude with a cupped-hand gesture

Brother Lei, what is there to discuss with him? It was this fellow who today brought people to raid Changle Square! Without waiting for a response, Yuwen Zhi rushed forward and threw a punch.

Upon realizing this, he did not dare to delay even a moment. He quickly stepped forward, personally grasping the deformed carriage door, "Madam, be careful, the door is broken. I will help you open it. You should take another carriage from the back; this one is likely unusable. I assure you, within three days, I will definitely compensate you with a new one"

A few outsiders heard him mention the three characters "Yongjiafang" and saw that his two brothers were bold and daring. Connecting this with the earlier scene of their conversation with the Lady of Guo, they realized that these two were not unreasonable ruffians. Thus, they abandoned any thoughts of revenge. With a smile, they all said: "We wouldn't dare, we wouldn't dare. A few minor injuries are not worth making such a big fuss over"

Brother Wang is challenging someone one-on-one; when would I have the chance to lend a hand? But you, young man, are becoming more and more promising, already knowing how to throw bricks! Remember next time, aim for the temple. A single brick could take the opponent down, and we could take the opportunity of visiting you to see what the capital's prison looks like

He will definitely come! Lei Wanchun nodded casually, saying, "Don’t be fooled by how my master treats others with indifference; he gets along very well with a few brothers. I still have several letters to deliver for him today, so I won’t disturb you all. Let’s meet at Linfeng Tower in three days!"

Brother Lei, take care! Look, the sun has already set below the battlements of the western city wall. Wang Xun and the others had no choice but to nod and let Lei Wanchun go. The Qin brothers were ordered by the Lady of Guo to visit the manor, so they did not dare to stay too late. Only Yu Wenzhi, without waiting for the Qin brothers to disappear from sight, immediately mounted his horse and said, "Er Lang, you take care of your business first; I will go check on the cockfighting arena, my young ones..."

My matters, I will explain them to you in detail when I have time later!" Lei Wanchun nodded apologetically at him, then turned his gaze to Li Bai and the others, "The renowned Li Qinglian, would you be willing to grant me, old Lei, a small favor?

Surrounded by the crowd and unable to escape, Lei Wanchun had no choice but to clasp his hands in a gesture of supplication, saying, "I dare not, I dare not. If several brothers say this, isn't it just slapping my old Lei's face? I am not a person of great importance; how could I possibly do something as absurd as passing through the capital three times without entering my own home? It truly was a matter of not having the time. My superior has returned to the Ministry of Personnel to report on his duties and just checked into the inn this noon. I was ordered to deliver a letter entrusted to my superior by someone in Qujiangfang, and I had not yet completed my task when, unexpectedly, I encountered a fight on the way. You all know that I, old Lei, am not a person who can remain idle; upon seeing someone engaging in combat, I couldn't help but want to take a closer look..."

Haha, haha, this battle has turned into a source of amusement! With your esteemed name, Li Taibai, I assume you would not engage with those scoundrels who come knocking to cause trouble and disrupt others!" Lei Wanchun laughed heartily, first bowing to Li Bai and the several outsiders beside him, then turning his head towards Wang Xun, "Brother, today, for the sake of my reputation, how about we let bygones be bygones regarding any misunderstandings between our two families and just laugh it off?"

Having said that, he did not look at the others, but fixed his piercing gaze solely on Wang Xun